Jim Wahlberg

Jim Wahlberg is an American film producer, writer, director, author, and advocate for addiction recovery. As the founder and CEO of Wahl St. Productions, Wahlberg has more than two decades of experience in media production, focusing on storytelling that addresses addiction, recovery, and faith. His projects include "If Only" and "A Different Kind of Tears," films that highlight the opioid crisis in the United States. Wahlberg also served as executive producer on "The Lookalike" and "Wahl Street," a docu-series on HBO Max centered on Mark Wahlberg's business ventures.

During his youth, Wahlberg experienced periods of homelessness and was in and out of juvenile detention centers. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, resulting in multiple arrests and two jail sentences before age 22. While incarcerated for armed robbery, Wahlberg began his recovery journey and reconnected with his faith, influenced by prison chaplain Father Jim Fratus. In an interview with Raymond Arroyo for Eternal Word Television Network, Wahlberg discussed his history with crime and addiction, as well as meeting Mother Teresa during his time in prison.

Wahlberg is the author of the memoir "The Big Hustle: A Boston Street Kid's Story of Addiction and Redemption," which details his experiences with addiction and recovery. He is also the executive producer of the documentary "Mother Teresa: No Greater Love" and hosts "The Bottom Line," a podcast focused on stories of addiction and recovery.

Wahlberg serves as executive director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which partners with organizations to improve the quality of life for inner-city youth. He has worked in addiction recovery for nearly 30 years and has advocated for expanded recovery and 12-step options, including writing an opinion piece for USA Today about the challenges of addiction and isolation. Wahlberg is recognized for his public speaking on addiction, recovery, and faith, and has appeared on the A&E show "Wahlburgers," including episodes featuring the Boston Marathon and a meeting with Pope Francis at the Festival of Families celebration in Philadelphia.