Wellington Paranormal’s Karen O’Leary on going from ‘avid beer-drinker’ to Dry July

Kiwi comedian Karen O’Leary is embarking on Dry July to raise funds in memory of her late father.

But O’Leary, a self-described “avid beer-drinker”, understands the next four weeks will be especially challenging.

“It’s a big undertaking for me, as someone who is very much passionate about beer, and has always been,” she told Stuff.

“[My dad] is one of the reasons I love beer, because that’s one of the things we loved together; going to the pub, and having a pint.”

She views the challenge as both a reset of her own drinking habits, and as a loving nod to her relationship and traditions with her dad.

“We went to most of the bars around Wellington together. So if I can do this and raise any money to go towards other families that are having to go through having someone with cancer, then it seems like a no-brainer for me. And ultimately it’ll probably be quite good for me to be honest.”

O’Leary is engaged to her longtime partner saxophonist Eilish Wilson, and theyare taking on the challenge together.

Thankfully, O’Leary explains, she has the distraction of a new puppy to take her mind off of the next pint.

“I’ll probably get really buff, taking the dogs out for lots of walks. I’ll probably be looking amazing come August!”

She said having a certain profile can help, as the public will be both rooting for her – and holding her accountable.

“Like I said, I’m certainly not perfect – people that know me know I love a beer. Publicly talking about it will help me feel supported.”

O’Leary thinks the annual fundraiser is a great way to reflect on your personal relationship with alcohol – and for Aotearoa at large to do the same.

“I do think we need to think about the level of harm that alcohol does in our society. It’s very easy and very clear to be able to link that to alcohol.

“We do have a binge-drinking culture and I think alcohol does lots of harm in our communities. I think that [Dry July]… sends out the message that having a break could be very good for you.”

She has a message for other participants, or those thinking of putting down the pints this month.

“It’s only 9.30am on July 1, so I’d be really worried if I was thinking I can’t do it! At the moment, I’m feeling really confident and totally pumped.

“Give it a whirl, and get support from those around you.”

O’Leary lives with her son Melvyn in Wellington and features on the ThreeNow current affairs show Paddy Gower Has Issues.

She was recently announced as one of the upcoming contestants in the next season of Taskmaster NZ.