Mel Watkins was the first sober account I ever followed. A retired party girl, she's now an alcohol and love addiction therapist, which is why I wanted to have her on early in the season.

In today’s episode, we discuss how drinking and heavy drug use were encouraged and praised throughout her career, infidelity under the influence, her missed diagnosis of bipolar disorder and her partner refusing to marry her during active addiction.

Guest- Mel Watkins

Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video producer- Beaudene Perussich

Image & logo- Jasmine Rule

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

It wouldn’t be right to start this new series without baring my soul first. In this debut episode, I share the 14 years I spent consumed by alcohol and partying. From taking pills in high school to living as a high-functioning alcoholic in Sydney. Drinking was so deeply intertwined with my false identity, I didn’t want to know who I was without it.

Joining me for the second half of the podcast is my partner Beau, we openly discuss almost losing our relationship to alcohol, going to couples therapy, getting sober together and the biggest regret he’s ever faced due to substances.

Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video producer- Beaudene Perussich

Image & logo- Jasmine Rule

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

COMING TUESDAY OCTOBER 1ST

Welcome to Soberly Speaking, stories from everyday people sharing their darkest moments that lead to sobriety. Shedding light on our struggles to help those still finding their way out. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday morning.

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Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video producer- Beaudene Perussich

Image & logo- Jasmine Rule