“this little tingly thing that started to feel like happiness” – Michael Brown

My story is one that proves you should never judge a book by its cover

On the outside, I had built a full, exciting life — a career that took me around the world, hundreds of new friends each year, and endless nights of partying like a rock star.But inside, I was unhappy. Truly unhappy.Let’s go back to where it started.

How it all started

I’ve always been a performer — charismatic under the spotlight, but shy in real life. As a kid and teenager, I craved popularity and acceptance. At 12 or 13, I got drunk for the first time and suddenly I was funny, confident, and welcomed by older kids. I was hooked.

Through high school and college, I became the party kid. Honestly, I’m still shocked I survived those years without ending up in real trouble.

When I became an actor and singer, my world revolved around meeting new people — and there was always a reason to drink. It didn’t matter if it was cheap vodka in my early twenties or fine wine in my thirties.Every meal, every gathering, every night… alcohol was a constant. I wasn’t a weekend drinker — I drank every day.

Finding OYNB

The last few years forced me to confront the consequences:

• “Skinny fat” and deeply self-conscious

• Ashamed to take my shirt off

• Avoiding intimacy

• Failing diets on day three

• Spitting blood from dehydration — terrifying for a singer

• Abandoning projects

• Feeling like I was coasting through life in a constant hungover fog

A binge left me particularly ill over the holidays. I’d had enough.

I discovered OYNB and decided — as a Christmas gift to myself — to sign up for the 90-day challenge. My honest thought?“I’ll fail by New Year’s Eve.”I was so wrong.

Challenging myself

On the morning after joining, alone in a hotel room, I received my first daily OYNB email. It encouraged me to set a goal. So I did:I signed up for a half-marathon in England.

I told my coworkers — shock, support, encouragement.That motivation carried me through my first week effortlessly.

Then I went home.Told my family and closest friends — they supported me, but I could see the skepticism. My reputation preceded me.

But day after day, something shifted:

• No more hangovers

• I slept deeply for the first time in years

• From 5–6 hours a night to a solid 7–8

My body was finally healing.

The change

Then came the weight loss.For the first time ever, my lifelong workouts were actually working.I felt lighter, happier — like something inside me had switched back on.

At 30 days, I took the before-and-after photos.Jaw-dropping.And being a performer who loves attention, I posted them everywhere — the response was explosive.

The next day I flew to England to join 11 new colleagues for eight months.I told them straight away:“I don’t drink.”And that was that.

By 60 days, something miraculous happened:I stopped thinking about alcohol entirely. No craving, no reward-system attachment. It simply disappeared.

Now at day 80, I’ve upgraded to the full 365-day challenge — and beyond.I feel joyful, light, ambitious, grateful.I’m training hard for the half-marathon and getting close to the full distance already.

Reflecting on my journey

If this were easy, everyone would be doing it.I’ve had to peel away almost 20 years of identity — my drinking persona.

I’m still shy.I’m still figuring out who I am socially without the liquid confidence.

There are moments of FOMO:Seeing friends order craft cocktails or champagne.Days when I’m sick, stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed.

But I now know:I can get through anything without drinking.

The daily OYNB emails and videos anchor me.And the Facebook group?A revelation.

It’s the most honest, generous, supportive, brave online community I’ve ever seen.We cheer every win.We support every low.And I’ve never felt so understood.

I would not be where I am without OYNB.

I’m excited for the future — truly excited.The last 80 days have woken me up, and the road ahead is filled with possibility.

Thank you.