Melissa Rice
Melissa is a proud alcoholic in recovery who is determined to challenge the stigma and stereotype attached to addiction. Having gone from primary school teacher to rehab, Melissa knew that her experiences were that of many and so, set out to write the pitch for award winning podcast BBC 5live podcast Hooked: The Unexpected Addicts.
Melissa is currently writing a book as well as forging a new career in policy as she is committed to being a part of wider change.
Hooked – The Unexpected Addicts
Hooked – The Unexpected Addicts is a broadcasting first. The first time the BBC have commissioned a podcast series on all things addiction and recovery. The first time that two professional women, Melissa and Jade, have had a platform to openly and honestly, discuss the negative consequences of active addiction. Their journey from ‘rock-bottom’, their meeting at Clouds House treatment centre, and the courageous story of their recovery journey. Originally 6 episodes were commissioned and the end by the second season 26 episodes had been broadcast! The first BBC podcast to be awarded radio (not podcast!) programme of the year by the Broadcasting Press Guild and win silver at the British podcast awards. Melissa, Jade and Michael (Clouds) will be exploring what is was about Hooked that made it connect with its audiences, and why. Also, some production insights to creating and presenting a double award-winning BBC podcast.
Presentation audio:
‘Hooked’ – The Unexpected Addicts
(Apologies for the occasionally poor quality audio.)