Editor’s Note: The National Press Club Journalism Institute is committed to providing journalists resources and connections that support their personal and professional lives. Continuing in 2026, we are collaborating with several groups to widen those networks of support.
When I was a young reporter covering the state legislature nearly two decades ago, I found myself in a dive bar in South Dakota’s state capital throwing back beers with legislators. A lawmaker plopped his cooler bag on the bar, unzipped it to reveal his famous recipe of tiger meat —raw ground beef with onions. One might call it a distant step-cousin to steak tartare. He spread it on a saltine cracker and insisted I try it. I did.
From that day forward I swore off tiger meat but lied to myself that the bar was a source-building exercise. Today, six years sober, I cringe. For journalists who struggle with substances, the bar is not an ideal setting. But sometimes a source is insistent, balking at our suggestion of a coffeehouse or diner.
Today I’d feel comfortable telling most sources I’m in recovery. I have not — to my knowledge — been punished for sharing. Quite the opposite. I find sources tend to let their guard down knowing a fact of my life that many keep secret.
Not every journalist feels able to be that open, which is probably the norm. If you must meet a source in a bar, here are some suggestions:
Arrive early. Order a drink before your source gets there. My go-to is soda water and lime — it looks legit and I’m rarely asked what I’m drinking. Pre-tip the server, letting them know you will always have another round if your source does too.
If they ask. If you order a non-alcoholic drink and the source asks why, be honest. But you don’t have to tell them your entire story. Some responses I’ve used:
- “I’m allergic.”
- “It doesn’t sit well with me.”
- “I enjoy drinking a little too much.” We laugh and the person usually moves on.
Mind your own business. No one wants to be judged for their drinking habits. If a source chooses to have more than one drink, I remind myself that I am the one with the problem. Plus, I have enough on my plate. I don’t need to waste time worrying about someone else’s drinking.
Leave. No source or scoop is worth losing your sobriety over. If you are feeling uncomfortable or triggered, excuse yourself, say, “I’m not feeling well,” and reschedule.
If you are in recovery, or just curious, reach out to the Journalists Recovery Network — a free resource to educate and empower journalists interested in sobriety. I serve as a mentor and I’m happy to listen or offer advice on how to navigate being a reporter while in recovery.
And if a source offers you tiger meat, just say no.
Tags: Self-care
A great article, Megan. Everyone’s journey is their own. If one wants to share it, when wants to share it and to whom they want to share it is an individual choice.