Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Wiger
Hi Carolyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was the kid who couldn’t stop talking. For as long as I can remember I’ve had people telling me to sit still or shut up. I’ve always been the quirky one, the weird one. I started experimenting with drugs and alcohol and later became addicted. I ended up transferring to 5 different schools when I was in college. My hope was that I could “start fresh” in each new location, but there’s this saying, “everywhere you go, there you are.” I got sober when I was 22 and was determined to do the internal work needed so I could heal, accept myself and stay sober. Soon after getting sober I went back to school and became a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. This past May I celebrated 15 years sober.
In June of 2022 I flew to Fiji to film Season 44 of Survivor. Survivor is a game where people typically try to conceal their emotions and who they truly are. I didn’t do that. I shared about my life, my addiction, my struggles. I cried. A LOT. I was my weird, authentic self and I didn’t hold back. When the season aired in March 2023, I honestly just expected to be made fun of because I know how some people can perceive me. Instead, I was flooded with support. I was able to connect with thousands of people who were inspired by my story. I was able to reach people who struggled with addiction, fitting in and accepting themselves. In July of 2023 I quit my 9-5 job so I could pursue my own business. It was a huge risk, but I knew I would regret it the rest of my life if I didn’t try.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After the Survivor season ended I was flooded with so many messages and emails and I just couldn’t keep up. I knew I wanted to do something so I could continue to reach and help people, but I didn’t have a clue where to start or how to put my ideas into action. I am not a business savvy person and I didn’t know what I was doing early on. I’m still learning, but thankfully I have the most supportive friend, who is also a genius.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and I do one on one zoom sessions as a life coach. I do public speaking, countless Cameos and I run my website (carolynwiger.com). I was on Season 44 of Survivor (CBS) and I recently filmed Season 3 of The Traitors (Peacock). I’m known for being unapologetically myself. Most of the people I meet with over zoom can relate to my story, either through addiction or not being accepted. My entire life I’ve been told I’m too much, too weird, too emotional. Every time I tried to change myself for others I ended up depressed. More than anything, I want people to know that everything different about them… every quirk, every flaw is beautiful.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Vulnerability and authenticity. I share ALL of myself, every struggle from the past and every struggle now. I don’t ever try to appear that I have it all together or that I’m perfect. I’m not. I think people can relate to that and I think it makes it easier for people to open up to me because they know they aren’t being judged.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carolynwiger.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/Car0lynR0se
- Twitter: /Carolynwiger
- Other: https://www.cameo.com/carolynwiger
