Podcast episode · 9 July 2026

We're Talking The Cost of Alcoholism

For Alcohol Awareness Week, Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean, and performer Louie Spence, open up about the impact alcohol addiction has had on their lives…

We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson podcast cover
25 min

For Alcohol Awareness Week, Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean, and performer Louie Spence, open up about the impact alcohol addiction has had on their lives and families.

In this shorter cut from We Need To Talk, AJ reflects on his own journey with alcohol addiction, recovery and the turning point that forced him to confront the double life he was living. Louie shares the heartbreaking reality of growing up with a mother who struggled with alcoholism, the impact her death had on him and his family, and the grief that followed.

(00:00) Intro

(00:39) What's the Difference Between Alex and AJ?

(05:07) AJ Recounts His Rock Bottom Moment With Alcohol

(11:00) Louie Talks About His Mother's Alcoholism and the Impact of Her Death on Him and His Family

Notes from Paul

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