ABC 7’s Spencer Christian with Dan Ashley: Surviving Jim Crow Racism, Hurricane Chasing and Gambling

Come hear a gripping tales that will amuse, shock and inspire. Growing up poor and black in the rigidly segregated South, Spencer Christian relied on his family’s strong values to overcome adversity. On "Good Morning America" from 1986 to 1999, he was a daily presence in the homes of millions of Americans. By every conventional standard, he had it all—a loving wife and two wonderful children, a beautiful home, and a rewarding and remarkable career. Yet, he was living a double life that was largely unknown to the TV-viewing public. For nearly 30 years, he was a compulsive gambler — and fully addicted to the high-roller lifestyle. By the time he found the courage to confront his dependence, he had lost over $3 million, his home, his job—and most important—his family. Spencer reveals his roller-coaster rise to success and crash to rock bottom. He also details his rebounding, rebuilding, and recovery of hope and happiness. 

Spencer Christian is an Emmy Award-winning reporter best known for his 13 years on "Good Morning America," where he covered the national weather reports in addition to traveling throughout the United States and abroad reporting on a wide range of topics. Since 1999, Spencer has been the weather forecaster on San Francisco’s ABC7 News team.

Speakers
Image - Spencer Christian

Spencer Christian

Weather Anchor, ABC 7 Television, San Francisco; Author, You Bet Your Life: How I Survived Jim Crow Racism, Hurricane Chasing, and Gambling

Image - Dan Ashley

In conversation with Dan Ashley

ABC 7 Television Anchor; Member, Commonwealth Club Board of Governors