{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"397. You\u2019ve Never Seen Me Sober \u2013 High-Functioning Alcohol in the Welding Industry w\/ Justin Merrill","description":"\u201cYou\u2019ve never seen me sober.\u201d For years, Justin built a respected name in the welding industry \u2014 sharp, disciplined, professional. But behind the scenes, there was something no one saw. In this raw and honest conversation, we talk about high-functioning alcohol use in the trades, what it looks like when success masks a problem, and the moment Justin realized he hadn\u2019t been truly clear-headed in nearly a decade. We cover:   What high-functioning drinking really looks like   The culture of alcohol in welding and blue-collar industries   Productivity after quitting drinking   Identity, reputation, and vulnerability   Financial literacy and long-term career planning in the trades   Why not hitting \u201crock bottom\u201d can be the most dangerous place to live   If you work in welding, fabrication, construction, or any skilled trade, this conversation may hit closer than you expect. This isn\u2019t about judgment. It\u2019s about ownership. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, help is available: Alcoholics Anonymous \u2013 aa.org SAMHSA National Helpline \u2013 1-800-662-4357 (24\/7 confidential support) This is Blue Collar Talk \u2014 the real version.   \ud83d\udd25  Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors   The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community.  Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent.   \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f  Arc Junkies Podcast    Website:  https:\/\/arcjunkies.com   Instagram:  @ArcJunkiesPodcast   YouTube:  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@arcjunkiespodcast9253   Email:  show@arcjunkies.com   LinkedIn (Jason Becker):  https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jason-becker-45407b72    \ud83e\udde2  Arc Junkies Merch:https:\/\/shop.threadmob.com\/arcjunkie\/shop\/home     \ud83c\udfed  Underground Metal Works   Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals    Website:  https:\/\/www.underground-metalworks.com      \ud83e\udd1d  Friends of the Show &amp;amp; Sponsors     \ud83e\uddf0  BattlBox   Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly    Website: https:\/\/alnk.to\/90Chh6D   Instagram:  @BattlBox   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox      \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f  American Welding Society \u2014 Conferences   Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership   AWS Inspection Expo &amp;amp; Conference    Event Info: https:\/\/www.aws.org\/community-and-events\/conferences-and-events\/inspection-expo-and-conference\/   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free gift at the event      \ud83e\udde4  Outlaw Leather LLC   Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last    Website:  https:\/\/outlawleather.com   Instagram:  @outlawleatherusa   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  15% off all in-stock leather goods      \u26a1  Everlast Welders   High-performance welding machines without the high price tag    Website:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/37xJstI   Instagram:  @everlastwelders   YouTube:  Everlast Welders   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases      \ud83c\udfa7  ISOtunes   Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication    Website:  https:\/\/shop.isotunes.com\/arcjunkies10   Instagram:  @isotunesaudio   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES10   Offer:  Save $10 on your purchase  &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Arc Junkies","author_url":"https:\/\/arcjunkies.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40210110\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40210110"}