
From a Bottle of Vodka a Weekend to BBC Radio 1: Dean McCullough's Story
About this episode
Dean McCullough was drinking a litre of vodka in a weekend during lockdown. He was hosting a breakfast show, presenting Manchester Pride on TV, and falling apart on the inside. A year later, he was sober and behind the desk at BBC Radio 1.
This is the recovery story of a Belfast boy who got the Radio 1 job he had wanted his entire life, but had to quit drinking first. Dean tells Sober Dave about lockdown despair, the entertainment industry drinking culture, the dark thoughts that crept in during the pandemic, and the visit from his late mum that he believes guided him into sobriety.
You'll hear about: the pandemic breakfast show that nearly broke him; drinking through grief and pressure as a young presenter; the night he opened a bottle of vodka and knew he was in trouble; one year sober at 29; and what your soul really wants from you.
If you're sober curious, this one's for you.
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Provided below are links for services offering additional help and advice, and links for Dean.
https://www.instagram.com/thedeanlife/
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/alcohol-support-services
Show producer- Daniella Attanasio-Martinez
https://www.grownuphustle.com/
Instagram - @GrownupHustle
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