The RockStar SuperStar Project was founded by Kris Kancler and his twin brother Marc. Rock Star and Super Star are on a mission to teach teens that living a life without drugs and alcohol is the only way to achieve your dreams. Furthermore, Super Star tells his story and shares his message about the impact of substance use. He has been in recovery for the past five years, after a 15-year addiction to cocaine and crack.
I’m pleased to share my interview with Super Star!
What is the RockStar SuperStar Project and what inspired you to start it?
Super Star: It started out as a band consisting of my twin brother and me with the RockStarSuperStar Name. It was a project of musical sorts initially. That was a band that featured not only us, but other childhood rock star heroes that we had grown up with such as Kiss, Heart, and The Goo Goo Dolls.
We constantly got them together and wrote some songs alongside them to convey the sense of self-love, sobriety, charity, and self-respect. The band morphed into a project similar to D.A.R.E that you see in schools. It has more of a rock and roll flare.
Furthermore, I’ve incorporated it into a club base format which I believe instills values in teens about the importance of a great work ethic, creativity, and self-reliance. It encourages them to go out there and pursue their dreams.
Through these clubs, we give teens the tools on how to pursue their dreams responsibly. They are springing up in schools across the country and we’re really excited about that.
What can a school expect in your presentation? What do you hope teens come away with?
Super Star: What I like to bring into these schools is the message of prevention and my own story. The presentation lasts for approximately 45 to 90 minutes. I love doing questions and answers. I share with my kids through my story the dangers of going out there and getting involved with things that are destructive.
My story conveys the importance of sobriety and going out there and achieving your goals. I not only touch on substance abuse disorder but also bullying, self-mutilation, texting, and teen pregnancy.
The three focus points are substance abuse, responsibility, and dream catching/goal setting.
I tie in those things because while we’re out there being constructive, we’re not destructing our minds by doing things that we shouldn’t be doing. I want kids to walk away with a feeling of encouragement that they too can overcome their obstacles.
I’m trying to create opportunities for them to go out and express where there might be discontentment in their life to the closest adult that they trust. My hope is that they can find the answers to some of their most difficult and challenging questions. They can put some of those things behind them, learn how to deal with them, and then go out and pursue the things that are the most important to them.
A contribution is something that is extremely important, so I love to have kids walk away with the understanding that it is so valuable to give back to everyone in our community. Extend a hand to other people that might be struggling with a disorder or a problem, so if they see their friend is being bullied, they’ll know what to do about it.
Those are some of the tools that I want kids to be able to walk away with.
Why do you think you because addicted?
Super Star: The bullying that I endured during school led me to try to find other things that would quiet my mind because I didn’t understand how to deal with the bullying.
I didn’t understand why a girl would want to break up with me. I put so much emphasis on leaning on other people to make me feel better and when I was no longer able to find that, I became confused, my mind wandered a lot and it got rather loud inside.
Drugs were an option for me to quiet my mind. Something as little as a cigarette at that time was larger than life for me and I ran to that as a means to escape. I would be very uncomfortable with my thoughts.
I used drugs to deal with those feelings. The bullying, the breakup, the yelling between my mother and father at night when I got home after school was something I just couldn’t bear. I would close myself in my room and when my music became not enough for me to escape, I ran to those other self-destructive devices.
What gave you hope in your darkest hour?
Super Star: I did have a moment where I saw that other people are accomplishing their wildest, craziest dreams and making things their reality. I’m blessed to have my health. Why can’t I go out and do those things?
I gained some momentum and created some opportunities. People were responding in a positive way towards my initial work out there in the field. That was enough hope for me to try again the next day.
The hope was out there and came from the opportunities that I began creating for myself.
Tell us about your book, The First 30 days to Serenity: The Essential Guide to Staying Sober.
Super Star: It was a monster undertaking. I went to rehab three times. Every single rehab facility that I went to, there was somebody there nagging me and telling me to put down what I had in my head at the time.
That very first day when I finally did decide to get clean and sober, I began to write about my experiences.
Collectively 30 days in a row I wrote about my first 30 days in sobriety, my day-to-day account. It was extremely enjoyable and very therapeutic.
Those 30 days of writings turned into a book. I do recall vividly thinking many times that if this is going to be a book, this is going to be a fantastically received book. It ended up being just that. So many people, such as prevention and addiction specialists have embraced the book. I’m so very proud to have gone through that process.
It’s so important and I convey this to my students too, I didn’t have a dollar when I started all this.
Seventeen years of running and using drugs, I had spent everybody else’s money around me. I conjured up all these ideas with relationships, the book, and the CD. I didn’t have a dollar to my name to put towards these efforts.
When I finally did end up finishing it, I shopped it around to the 200 publishers and they all said, “No, thank you.” I wanted that book on the shelves bad enough where I learned that industry rather quickly and found a printer who would publish my book on credit. He believed in my story enough to print 1000 books for me.
I convinced the distributor at Barnes and Noble to pick up my books. They were on the store shelves, truly without a dollar to my name. However, I was able to pay that printer back. There they are now. I’m very proud of that.
This is that goal nugget that is so valuable that I do share with the students. Many of them are faced with financial challenges. Just because you don’t have the cash to do something, doesn’t mean that it can’t be accomplished. It’s about finding and working the angles, networking, and believing in yourself to find that next rainbow across that dark cloud.
What suggestions do you have for parents?
Super Star: Take the time to have a conversation with your child. It doesn’t need to be every single day, but consistency in their lives is so very valuable. With that comes a sense of comfort, belief, and trust. They feel that it might be OK to open up, dig a little bit deeper and share what might be going on in their life. Making yourself available for a conversation with your child so very valuable.
I’m in the suburbs of Chicago where baseball and softball with the kids are so rampant. These kids are outside on Sunday morning at 7 am playing soccer in the rain in a field. I don’t know how healthy that is for many of them, because I’m not sure what home life is like for a lot of these kids.
There could be a lot more balance with the teens today. whether it’s them being forced to do well academically and hence not having time at home to do something that they love or enjoy as a means to escape.
That could be a problem. Balance is about taking a look at life’s problems and figuring out ways to solve them and having time to do that is essential. Leave time for your teen to express themselves creatively and do whatever it is that brings them happiness.
I think it is very important for kids to have some time in a world that is so stressed.
What are kids doing to deal with stress? A lot of kids use drugs to escape the stress of peer influence. Kids need to find better mentors and influencers.
Peer pressure is a big one.
My mother expressed her discontent with some of my friends. At the time, I didn’t like it. One particular friend did make me look at that relationship during that time in my life. I did steer clear from hanging out with that person.
Just a couple of weeks ago, I learned that this one specific person is in jail for the rest of his life. It did make a difference when my mother spoke up with her discontent with this person.
The genetic predisposition to addiction is definitely a reality, right?
We have to pay attention, to what’s going on in our family. Our bloodline is something that has reared an ugly head with some of our family members.
In addition, our children need to know that the genetic predisposition is, in fact, a reality. They need to know what they might be up against. It doesn’t mean that we’re going to become addicted every single time. However, if our uncles or fathers were addicted, it certainly doesn’t help.
I wish that I would have known that. It may not have made a difference. However, I would imagine statistically it would make a difference to somebody out there. They might spend a little extra time and think twice.
Super Star, yes that’s his legal name, is a musician, author, and motivational speaker. He was a former owner of a successful, cutting-edge computer consulting firm and lost it to drug addiction.
Today he lives with a commitment geared toward anti-substance abuse campaigning. He encourages others to overcome obstacles with creative boldness and live with purpose just as he has.
He penned the critically acclaimed book, The First 30 Days to Serenity and co-created Serenity, a CD featuring musicians from the bands: KISS, Heart, The Goo Goo Dolls, Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Super Star shares his message to school assemblies and community groups speaking on Rebranding Sobriety, Personal Responsibility, and Dream Catching. Super Star also hosts a Rockin’ Recovery Tour for National Recovery Month. Each September at various venues across the country music from Serenity is performed along with an inspirational message.
What do you think about teen peer pressure, bullying and substance abuse? What can we do to help our kids during this critical time? Let us know in the comments.
If you liked this post, please share it on social media. Thank you!
Wow What a great post! I am a teacher so I really enjoy reading posts like this that can be very helpful to students! Ill have to check this program out more!
Welcome Erin! I’m so glad you found the post helpful. Definitely do check out the website for a presentation. The more we can educate kids about the dangers of substance abuse, the better. This, I believe, would be a unique presentation, and I believe teens would listen to what Super Star has to say for a variety of reasons, one being he is in the music business and kids would look up to him.
Cathy, thanks for sharing such an inspirational post. Getting this out there to children may open their eyes to substance abuse and the dangers. God bless you!
Thank you for the support Alexandra!
This is such an important topic Cathy! I am so glad you are bringing this helpful project to light.
As a mother…I can see myself being there for my little girl no matter what…
Thank you for this lovely interview.
Much Love,
Z~
Hi Zeenat,
Thanks for stopping by and for your support. I do feel that the more we discuss this topic, the better it is for all. Hopefully you will never have to experience this with your daughter, but I know you would be the best resource possible. Many parents try. What is hard is not knowing what will actually make a difference. There is hope for everyone, though!
What a great post! I think I will talk to my daughter about the genetic predisposition to alcoholism in our family. You’re right, it is real. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Angie,
It is so important to have that discussion with your daughter. It can make the difference in a child’s future life. Kids do get tempted to experiment, but those with the genetic legacy can more easily get caught in the trap of addiction. Prevention is the key. Take care.
What an inspirational story Cathy. Another little gem…I love Super Star’s encouraging attitude. A great reminder of what we can do, from wherever we are.
Love Elle
xoxo
Hi Elle,
Thanks so much. His presentations would be of great encouragement to teens who are struggling with a variety of issues. I agree with you, we all need to start from where we are. Take care, xoxo
Thanks for bringing us this interview, Cathy. His point about balance in kids’ lives is a really good one.
Hi Shari,
Some kids do get so over programmed this days that they don’t have time to find their inner creativity. Balance is so important for all of us.
How powerful a tool this kind of communication can be, Cathy, especially during the vulnerable formative years for kids.
Hi Sharon,
Kids need positive role models and this kind of presentation, I believe would have a lasting impact on teens. The more we can educate and spread awareness about teen substance abuse, the better.
What a fantastic interview! Anything that gets the attention of our children is a good thing. Sounds like a wonderful program that kids just might listen to! The DARE program was a failure. This sounds much more promising!
Hi Martha,
I agree that this would tend to hold the interest of kids, more than some of the programs from the past. Teens need this kind of inspiration in a world where there is so much peer pressure and stress.
Awesome post! Thank you for sharing this!
Hi MarVeena,
Thanks for your support and for stopping by.
Thank u so much for the kind words!:) Let me know if you have any questions regarding the presentation!
Hey Super Star,
Thank you for the interview! I appreciate your contribution to the blog. I know many will be interested in your presentations and what you have to offer to teens who are struggling to find their place in the world. Your work is so needed!
This is am amazing interview. I have had the opportunity to meet Super Star and talk with him at length. His message is so important in this day and age. He is a gem!
Hi Diane,
That is wonderful that you have met Super Star. I enjoyed my interview with him and could sense his genuine concern about the teens that he works with. He is doing great work that is so needed, especially in a time when schools are stretched to accommodate the needs of all of their students. Welcome and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
It is great that Super Star is sharing his story with kids and getting this wonderful message out there. Thank you for sharing his story.
Hi Kelly,
Welcome! Yes it is wonderful and I know he is helping many teens make healthy choices for their life. Thanks for stopping by!
Cathy, what an inspiring interview…and what great work this is. Children need to know that having a great work ethic, creativity and self reliance can lead to a great life.
Hi Sherie,
This is a great message for children that is so needed today with all the pressures that they are under. The more we support and share this type of information, the better.
Cathy, what an inspiring story! Super Star is a true hero. It takes a hero to stand up in front of people and admit to having a problem with addiction.
Hi Meryl,
It is amazing that he is sharing his story and doing this kind of work to help others. Many children will hopefully make better choices because of his presentation. It is truly wonderful and I hope more schools can take advantage of what he has to offer. It can make such a difference.
Cathy,
I really enjoyed hearing about this project. The idea I liked best is the suggestion to make sure you talk to your kids often, and go deeper and deeper as time goes on. That’s a great recommendation. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Hi VIctor,
Communication is the key to prevention. The more we discuss these issues, the better for our children and for all of us as well. Great message here and I’m glad you enjoyed hearing about the project.
I too have had the privilege of meeting Super Star! He is an amazing man doing great things with our youth getting his word out about “Rebranding Sobriety”! We need to get him into more of our schools to do his presentations, all of which he needs our help and support to make it happen. I would love for him to come to Fresno Ca. and do his presentation at my sons school along with all of the schools in the Fresno, Central and Clovis School Districts. This was a great article… Thank you for helping get the word out!
To learn more go to https://sobersuperstar.com
Hi Chris,
Welcome! The more students that can have Super Star’s presentation for their students, the better. So many kids are struggling these days and they need guidance and the beacon of hope that their life can be rewarding and have purpose. I hope you can get them into your school district. That would be great! Thanks for stopping by.
Cathy – I don’t even know where to begin responding to this interview. It’s awesome.
Superstar- Thanks for sharing your personal story, the creative process you went through to develop the program and the clarity of what you hope to achieve….
Dream catching/goal setting/and giving back to community are important values to instill in all kids.:)Fran
Hi Fran,
I love the values that he is presenting as well. They are so needed by all students. It is amazing that Super Star has made inspiring teens his life’s work. I know he is touching many lives. Take care!
What a great way to reach to young people… Wow! Love, love it.These guys are AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing…
Glad you liked the interview Norma. Thanks for stopping by!
Cathy,
What an amazing project and post. I know from my Wife’s students there is a real need for positive role models and an understanding that they will live past 30 years old. I recently met with a group of them and they all told me that they thought that they would be dead by age 30 from accident, drugs, gangs ect. I think the SuperStar program can help them see a different path and understand the impact of an early death.
Hi Tom,
How sad for your wife’s students that they have such a pessimistic outlook on life. Most students feel that they will live forever and have little regard for the consequences of their risky behavior. Super Star programs, I believe would do just that. They will give the kids a reason to hope that their life will be meaningful and that their life dreams could come true. That would be grand if your wife could get the school or PTA to sponsor this type of program for her students. It sounds like it is something that they need. Take care.
Thank you everyone! I am glad you got a sense of the sincerity with regards to my (our) work! We do indeed have something special and unique here and I am looking forward to connecting with all of you as we continue combating these issues!
-Super Star
http://www.sobersuperstar.com
I appreciate the interview and your contribution. I know your message will be helpful to so many teens. It is work that is so needed. Thanks for all that you are doing. You are making a difference!
Thanks so much for sharing this powerful interview! It sounds like a really worthwhile program – much needed to help build confidence for youth and teens!
Hi Moira,
You are welcome and I appreciate your support. Take care.
What a great post! I am an alternative education high school teacher and I have a lot of kids that wound up here because of drug use or they are currently using. This is an awesome program that I would love to share with them! Thank you so much for sharing:)
Hi Daniele,
This would be a great program for your students. I hope that you can arrange to have Super Star come to your school. He would be a great inspiration to your students who sound like they may be struggling with certain issues in their life. Thanks for stopping by.
Cathy,
What a great interview! The program and book look amazing! It’s great to know that there are people out there using their experience in such a positive way…including you.
Hi Betsy,
Thanks for your kind words. This is a very worthwhile project and one that I hope many schools take advantage of. Take care!
An amazing success story of encouragement. I really appreciate how Super Star is focusing on getting the word of hope and encouragement out to teens.. that is so important. They are using their talents, experiences, & tools for the greater good.
Hi Pat,
I so agree. It is so important to share stories of hope and to help guide teens into making good choices, so that they feel that their dreams can come true. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love your inspirational posts from those who have been there and recovered Cathy. It proves that there is always hope to overcome an addiction, whatever it is.
Great that SuperStar highlights the need to be aware of genetics. Other family need to be told of the problems to help them going down the same path.
Wonderful that SuperStar is so successful in sharing the hope of recovery with so many!
Hi Carolyn,
Super Star is definitely making a difference in the lives that he touches. His presentations can give students hope for the future. I know many will go on to make good choices and follow their dreams by his encouragement.
Oh my gosh – this is so powerful on so many fronts, Cathy and Super Star. The Bar Stool video and the role of genetics and how we need to help young people understand this and the other risk factors; the advice to parents and the importance of us doing what we can to find balance for teens, again – it’s so out of wack; and Super Star’s story of how he got into drugs in the first place. There’s so much here – an incredible interview. Thanks so much – I will definitely be passing it along!
I appreciate your support Lisa and thanks for sharing. Super Star had so much great information to share. I’m glad I was able to do the interview with him and my hope is that more schools will be able to take advantage of his presentations.
Wow…this is truly very inspirational!
Super Star certainly has a compelling story and message to share. I am so happy to hear that he turned his life around and is now doing much good with his life.
Thank you, Cathy, for publishing his story. It is nice that you are featuring stories from people who can help drive the same message home.
Hi Evelyn,
Glad you liked the interview. Super Star is making a difference in so many lives and his message is one that can make the difference for teens who are struggling and need to hear some encouragement. So many need role models these days that will explain the value of making good choices. Take care.
I am glad that he is on the past of health right now and I hope that he stays on it because as we know it is one day at a time. It is true that addiction comes because we can’t deal with our feelings, our life, and so forth, but the problem with drug addiction is that you never learn to deal with the feelings so the addiction will keep getting worse and you never mature emotionally.
Thanks for the post.