LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Beth McDonough

From Breaking News to Breaking Free

Beth McDonough’s career was built on intensity. As a former TV crime reporter, she spent decades covering some of the nation’s most gripping stories—terrorist attacks, kidnappings, government scandals, even the tragic overdose death of Prince. Her work took her to the front lines of crises like the 9/11 aftermath, the Minneapolis bridge collapse, and the abduction of Jamie Closs. Yet behind the camera lights and headlines, Beth faced a darker personal battle: alcoholism. What began as high-profile reporting eventually led to professional setbacks, public rock bottom, and the fight of her life to reclaim sobriety.

Witness to Tragedy and Resilience

In this conversation with Dr. Allen Lycka, Beth reflects on the raw realities of her reporting career. She recalls the horror of 9/11 families welcoming news crews into their homes during moments of unspeakable loss, the chaos of mass casualty events, and the chilling details of interviewing prosecutors in child abduction cases. But just as important, she highlights the extraordinary resilience she witnessed—families who turned grief into advocacy, communities that opened their homes to strangers, and survivors who showed remarkable strength. These stories reminded Beth that journalism wasn’t only about exposing darkness; it was also about shining a light on humanity’s capacity to endure.

The Personal Cost of Addiction

While she chronicled survival stories, Beth was fighting her own demons. Alcoholism quietly tightened its grip, leading to DUIs, lost jobs, and painful consequences. Even a serious accident that left her hospitalized couldn’t stop her drinking. Ultimately, being fired from the job she loved forced her to confront reality. With support, Beth entered Hazelden Betty Ford for treatment, began attending AA meetings, and committed to rebuilding her life one day at a time. Sobriety, she explains, became not just a second chance but the foundation for everything that followed.

The Cost of Transformation

Beth describes her recovery as paying “the cost of transformation.” The journey required facing her mistakes, embracing vulnerability, and asking for help—something she once believed showed weakness but now sees as a true sign of strength. In her book Standby, she shares unfiltered accounts of blackout nights, time in jail, and the painful unraveling of her former life, all to illustrate that growth is possible. Her mantra, learned in childhood—don’t be afraid to try—became her guiding principle in sobriety, reinvention, and service to others.

Reinvention and Purpose

Today, Beth McDonough has found peace in storytelling on her own terms. Through her website, BethMCDmedia.com, and her new book, she offers readers both a behind-the-scenes look at true crime reporting and an intimate portrait of recovery. Her mission is to help others facing regret, addiction, or midlife reinvention recognize that no experience—no matter how painful—has to be wasted. Transformation is possible, and Beth’s life is living proof.

Resources & Links

• Visit Beth McDonough: www.BethMCDmedia.com
• Book: Standby (available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major retailers)