School of Rock Bottom

By Oliver Mason

11 years sober, I bring my experience as an in-rehab recovery coach & actor to explore addiction, alcoholism, recovery & mental health. You don’t need to lose everything or wait to hit a stere... more

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How many episodes does School of Rock Bottom have?

The podcast currently has 140 episodes available.

School of Rock Bottom episodes:

November 07, 2023 A Stress-Addicted Workaholic To A Champion of Balance & High Performance! School of Rock Bottom 19
[TW//Anaphylactic Shock, Near Death, Hospitalisation, Stress]
Matt Follows was a workaholic, addicted to stress, adrenaline, cortisol and an unhealthy lifestyle. Matt worked in advertising and was obsessed with winning awards and nothing else. Eventually he paid the price when he had a massive anaphylactic shock on the set of a Diet Coke shoot.
Luckily for Matt, they were filming opposite Middlesex Hospital and thanks to the high speed driving of the line producer on the job he was rushed into the ICU and pumped full of weapon-grade adrenaline to stop his blood pressure crashing through the floor and stopping his heart.
He was in the prime of his life but the toxic stress and alcohol had battered his immune system and opened up a sea of rage.
That brush with death happened on a Friday afternoon and by Sunday morning he was back at his desk.
Matt is about to take you on an incredible journey of how to positively manage work, stress, adrenaline & cortisol. Matt will show you how to keep stress levels low and have sustainable high performance. Matt shares ground breaking new science around sleep and even how to win, learn and optimize your life before bedtime! Not only that you will become pressure positive, boost your self esteem and eliminate imposter syndrome for good! These topics only scratch the surface of a thoroughly entertaining and informative hour spent with the lovely Matt.
For over 28 years Matt has worked with, led and now coaches some of the most well-known and highly-respected leaders in the world, including Chief Creative Officers, CEO’s, boards of directors, 7-figure-founders, corporate presidents and Hollywood A-listers.
Prior to pressure proofing brains and eliminating the subconscious bullshit holding people back, he was an Executive Creative Director in London and Sydney where he helped build and run creative departments for some of the biggest and most influential brands on the planet, including Nike, Virgin, Apple and Google.
Today, as well as being a Peak Performance Psychologist and executive coach for some of the sharpest, smartest, most prolific creative brains in the business, he trains leaders and teams at Fox, National Geographic, Toyota, Lexus, Universal, Maxis, and Westfield, where he upskills everyone from the sharpest CEO to the greenest grad.
In addition to gaining a raft of traditional coaching qualifications Matt graduated from King’s College London with a first in Clinical Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy and is a Master Practitioner of NLP as well a CBT therapist, an EMDR practitioner, an advanced EFT coach and a Master Trainer in Advanced Conversation Hypnosis.
After more than 30,000 hours of 1:1 and group coaching sessions he’s created a completely unique approach to coaching and therapy that he calls the Magic Bullet Method®.
Topics -
0:00 Intro
3:11 Matt's rock bottom
4:38 Stress, adrenaline & cortisol addiction
9:37 The effects of long term stress
12:52 Workaholism & alcohol misuse
18:56 How to keep stress levels low and have sustainable high performance
24:18 How to get a good night's sleep
30:06 Win, learn optimise before bedtime
33:00 Being pressure positive
38:04 Why are creative brains more likely to have poor mental health?
40:09 How do you separate sense of worth from your job?
53:24 How to boost your self esteem
56:57 Being able to wear different 'hats'. 58:13 Why are creatives more prone to Imposter Syndrome?
01:02:17 How to stop comparing yourself negatively with other people
01:03:30 How to reach out for help
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
You can get immediate access to over 300 of these videos when you follow or connect with Matt on
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattfollows
Newsletter - https://leadingleft.com/newsletter
Listen or watch on:
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ
YouTube - https://bit.ly/45N8EqJ
...more
1h 11min
October 24, 2023 Shot & Paralysed Then A Paralympics Superstar! School of Rock Bottom 18: Justin Govender
[TW//Near Death Shooting, Serious Injury]
South African Justin Govender was shot in the back by the police and he became a paraplegic at 17 years of age. What was a tragic moment at the time was to become one the most remarkable journeys of a lifetime.
Justin hurtled into the abyss of feelings of hopelessness and despair waiting for a miracle to happen - only to hit rock bottom and realise he had to be the miracle. He went on to find himself through wheelchair basketball and it breathed new life into him.
Justin had the absolute honour of representing his country South Africa at the World Champs in 2006 and two Paralympics, Beijing 2008 and London in 2012. His team became continental champions at the Inaugral All African Games held in Algeria in 2007.
They also became the first team from Africa to win a game at the Paralympics in Beijing 2008 and went on to qualify for the Paralympics in London 2012.
Justin is a beacon of hope, gratitude and boundless optimism! You absolutely do not want to miss this!
In collaboration with East Coast Radio, South Africa.
Topics -
0:00 Intro
4:07 Justin's rock bottom
14:25 Dealing with the physical shock of losing your mobility
16:10 The immediate mental heath challenges after the injury
18:08 The role of acceptance in moving forward
19:53 Using rock bottom as a springboard to move forward
23:23 How does the light get back in?
27:52 Finding your tribe
29:18 Discovering wheelchair basketball
30:53 Representing South Africa in The Olympics
34:30 Where does Justin's positive mindset come from?
36:54 The story we tell ourselves
39:53 Disability & discrimination
42:00 Dating with a disability
44:15 Maintaing a good mental outlook
48:20 Advice for anyone feeling stuck in their life
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3Q5Q9Jq
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mn8MX5
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.

...more
53min
October 09, 2023 Cathy Tyson: Misery, Isolation, Shame To Finding Joy & Winning a BAFTA! School of Rock Bottom 17
[TW//Divorce, anxiety, depression]
Today I welcome acting royalty - the incredible BAFTA award-winning Cathy Tyson!
Following the breakdown of her marriage in her 20s, Cathy suffered from anxiety and her self-esteem plummeted. She branded herself a 'failure' which resulted in bouts of extreme misery, loneliness, isolation, the breakdown of relationships and feelings of shame which lasted years. Cathy strongly felt (back then) that admitting her struggles would be more evidence that she was a 'failure'. She kept throwing herself into acting roles to distract herself from her declining mental health which only got worse with time. Over 20 years ago, she reached out for help, community and therapy and so found great happiness, joy and peace of mind. A huge thank you for sharing in great detail what you learned in your dark years to bring anyone struggling back into the light! Cathy also shares the struggles of coming up in the 1980s and beyond as a black actress - many years before diversity and inclusion was taken seriously by the industry.
And what a career she is having!...
Cathy has worked on a broad range of projects for screen and stage. Her performance as Polly in Help (Channel 4) was recognised last year when she won the BAFTA for ‘Supporting Actress’. Other television work includes Maternal (ITV), The Canterville Ghost (BBC) and Band of Gold (ITV). Upcoming television projects include Kaos (Netflix), Criminal Record (AppleTV+), Death in Paradise (BBC) and Boiling Point (BBC).
Cathy’s break-out performance as Simone in Mona Lisa earned her multiple nominations (Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress; Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress and BAFTA nomination for Best Actress). She can be seen playing
Maureen in the recent Netflix feature Bank of Dave, and will be playing Sam in Luna Carmoon’s upcoming debut feature Hoard. For stage, Cathy has performed across the UK in a variety of productions. Recent credits include
Rockets & Blue Lights (National Theatre, Manchester Royal Exchange); My Beautiful Laundrette (Leicester Curve) and Talking Heads (Octagon Theatre Bolton).
Topics -
0:00 Intro
3:10 Cathy's first rock bottom
8:25 Seeking help, acceptance & making amends
13:45 Isolation, rumination & loneliness
18:00 The pain of divorce
21:15 Using work as a distraction and for self-esteem
26:30 Protecting your body and mind in the performing arts industry
32:45 Trying to be true to yourself
34:40 Worrying about what other people think
39:40 Do you have to suffer for your art?
41:22 How does Cathy remain happy?
46:41 Diversity & Inclusion
55:25 Self honesty & worry
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
Follow Cathy
Instagram - https://instagram.com/cathytyson1
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cathy.tyson.10
Twitter - https://twitter.com/CathyElizaTyson
Brown Girl Films - https://www.cathytyson.com
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3L9S2ll
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Z43V1S
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.
...more
1h 3min
September 25, 2023 Recovery From Sex, Crime, Prison & Drug Addiction! School of Rock Bottom 16: Michael Emmett
[TW//Sexual abuse, sex addiction, criminal acts, drug and alcohol use]
In 1993, author Michael Emmett found his name in the headlines when he was
nicked for a £13million drug bust and sentanced to 12-and-a-half years in prison. Today we are going on a journey of recovery from crime, prison, drugs, the love of money and sex addiction. Discover the shocking and hugely inspiring life of Michael Emmett whose dad was connected to The Krays, Freddie Foreman, Frankie Frasier, The Richardson's Gang & The Great Train Robbers.
While in prison, with his father in the same cell, he happened to find God, hope, and a new lease of life.
A transformed and loving family man, Michael is sowing seeds of hope around the world through speaking events, podcasts and through his charity work helping to reform offenders in prison around the world. He hopes sharing his story of desperation and darkness will encourage others to step into the light. I really, really enjoyed spending time with Michael and his transformation is extremely powerful - I felt nothing but intense love and hope coming from the soul of this man. A huge thank you.
Topics
0:00 Intro
3:30 Michael's rock bottom
8:10 Darkness vs light
18:17 Sexual abuse
24:09 What is sex addiction?
27:17 Can you be addicted to crime?
30:45 What prison taught Michael
40:54 What does 'holy sprit' mean to Michael?
46:45 Can Michael forgive himself?
49:55 Michael's incredible charity work and helping others
52:30 Rock bottom gives hard learned lessons
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
Follow Michael
Instagram - https://instagram.com/michaelemmettofficial
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelemmettofficial
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MichaelEmmettUK
Facebook - https://facebook.com/MichaelEmmettOfficial
YouTube -https://youtube.com@/MichaelEmmettOfficial
Buy Michael's book- https://amzn.to/3qTGgEO
Michael's LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/michaelemmett
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Ej2WkQ
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3OWUr3R
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.
About this podcast -
Welcome to the School Of Rock Bottom Podcast with Oliver Mason. I work as an actor, voice-over artist, Performing Arts School Principal and a Mental Health Coach. It's these careers and passions combined that have inspired this podcast!
People working in the entertainment and performing arts industry are twice as likely to experience depression, are up to 15x more likely to suffer from anxiety and those working across all the creative industries are 3x more likely to suffer a mental health problem.
In this podcast, we invite creatives who have lived through a rock bottom but have survived! These stories need to be heard to help others realise that no matter how bad things seem there is hope and always a way out!
...more
1h 1min
September 12, 2023 Postnatal Depression - How To Come Back Stronger! School of Rock Bottom 15: Carryl Thomas
[TW//Postnatal Depression, Suicidal Thoughts]
80% of mothers experience "baby blues" but 10% have a dramatic increase in symptoms that lasts beyond the usual 1-3 weeks and can develop into postnatal depression. These symptoms were horrific for my next guest, actor Carryl Thomas, who experienced suicidal thoughts and a breakdown. She found the strength to ask for help and is now a hugely positive voice on helping other parents with baby blues, postnatal depression and finding a sense of the individual self as well as being a parent. Carryl is also mother to successful young performers and she discusses how to manage other parents and children pressures and expectations in an exciting and challenging acting industry.
Carryl is an English actress who grew up in South London. Carryl studied Musical Theatre at Mountview and enjoyed a few years in West End Musicals performing in Olivier Award winning shows, such as, My Fair Lady (directed by Sir Trevor Nunn) and Our House (directed by Matthew Warchus) and then made a smooth transition into Television joining Channel 5's original soap Family Affairs as troubled teen Kelly Boulter for 3 years, where she received British Soap and Screen Nation Award Nominations. Carryl subsequently joined the cast of The Sarah Jane Adventures and made a guest appearances in Holby City.
Carryl created the role of Keisha in the world Premiere Flashdance directed by Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. Other work includes filming a new crime series from the producers of CSI and Law and Order, Silent Witness, Emmerdale and Royal Variety performances.
As a busy Mother of 4 boys, Carryl continues working as an actress and combines acting with running the Foundation course at Mountview. Carryl's sons seem to be following closely in her footsteps. Her eldest son made his acting debut at the National Theatre in Patrick Marber's adaptation of Three Days in the Country, her second son Oscar made his acting debut in Bridgerton for Netflix, her third son Eiden-River made his debut in Silent Witness for BBC 1 and her youngest, Lake is only 4 but is surrounded by the arts and it won’t be long before he decide to join in or indeed run for the hills!
Topics
0:00 Intro
3:05 Carryl's rock bottom
6:17 Baby blues vs postnatal depression
13:35 Depression vs PND
31:00 Why did Carryl have suicidal thoughts?
32:43 How did Carryl start to get better?
36:45 The individual self vs being a parent
41:22 Being a performer vs being a parent
46:13 Advice for parents who have children in the industry
51:33 How do you maintain good mental health?
54:00 Working at Mountview
56:05 Advice for anyone connected to PND who is suffering
If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode Carryl recommends visiting:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
Follow Carryl
Instagram - https://instagram.com/carrylthomas
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3YrPEff
Spotify - https://bit.ly/446C0zt
Apple - https://apple.co/41IrJt4
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.
https://bit.ly/3YrPEff
...more
1h
August 29, 2023 From Injecting Crystal Meth To The Olivier Awards! School Of Rock Bottom 14: Robert Hands
[TW//Crystal Meth, Intravenous Drug Use]
Today I welcome Olivier Award nominated actor Robert Hands who trained at Bristol Old Vic and has been an actor for 35 years appearing in leading roles in film, theatre, television and West End musicals.
Robert quit alcohol in his late 20's but many years after was offered to smoke methamphetamine and within three months he was injecting crystal meth. Robert lost absolutely everything but he then went on an incredible journey of recovery and getting his career and life back on track. Robert now has a happy and healthy life and he is a hero for telling his story today to help others.
Robert was recently nominated for an Olivier Award for his role in 'Come From Away' in The West End at The Phoenix Theatre and has a huge body of theatre work at all the top venues. He also played Sir Robin in the original London cast of 'Spamalot!' and is a a member of Edward Hall's world-renowned all male Shakespeare company 'Propeller.'
He also played the lead in the cult horror film 'The Lesson', as well as appearing regularly on the tv in Endeavour, Berlin Station, Noughts and Crosses, Tom Jones and the yet to be screened 'Masters of the Air” for Apple TV. He is probably best known for his television roles in Sharpe's Battle, Doctor Who and The House of Eliott, as well as the films Charlotte Gray, Anna and The King, and the Academy Award-winning (Best Picture) Shine.
0:00 Intro
3:29 Robert's rock bottom
18:27 What is crystal meth?
20:08 Robert's progression to injecting
30:48 The dangers of methamphetamine
32:45 Breaking down the stereotypes of a drug addict
35:58 Low self esteem, addiction and performing
40:15 How do you balance challenges of the performing arts industry and relapse?
46:58 Chem sex
48:28 How Robert became a survivor
53:28 Inspiration for those that feel hopeless
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode we recommend contacting the following organisations:
SMART Recovery - https://smartrecovery.org.uk/
Narcotics Anonymous - https://ukna.org/
Follow Robert
Instagram - https://instagram.com/rob.hands
Twitter - https://twitter.com/RobertHands7
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
YouTube - https://youtu.be/2qlhqijv3hI
Spotify - https://bit.ly/46Om6fl
Apple - https://apple.co/41IrJt4
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.
About this podcast -
Welcome to the School Of Rock Bottom Podcast with Oliver Mason. I work as an actor, voice-over artist, Performing Arts School Principal and a Mental Health Coach. It's these careers and passions combined that have inspired this podcast!
People working in the entertainment and performing arts industry are twice as likely to experience depression, are up to 15x more likely to suffer from anxiety and those working across all the creative industries are 3x more likely to suffer a mental health problem.
In this podcast, we invite creatives who have lived through a rock bottom but have survived! These stories need to be heard to help others realise that no matter how bad things seem there is hope and always a way out.
...more
57min
August 15, 2023 Transforming Grief: Navigating Loss Through the Power of Creativity. School of Rock Bottom 13: T.M/O
[TW//Sudden death of a parent and grief]
8 million people suffered from the sudden death of someone close to them last year. Since the pandemic, 1 in 8 have experienced bereavement and 10-20% will go on to suffer from complex grief or prolonged grief.
Today I welcome T.M/O who is a multidisciplinary artist, notorious wordsmith, and an exceptionally inspirational character! UK based T has been performing her hard hitting spoken word since 2017, on stages nationwide from Edinburgh to Weymouth.
Most guests on the podcast have been in recovery a long time from their rock bottom and have the benefit of time and, often, much therapy and support to get them where they are today. This episode is quite different as T messaged me on social media wanting support for herself AND to share her story - however, she is still very much in the process and somewhat raw, only looking now to seek therapy and further healing. This lens will speak to many in the same boat and I congratulate T for her bravery and generosity to come and speak with us all.
During the pandemic, T's mum was in Italy and suddenly and, completely without warning, died in her sleep leaving her having to deal with the pain and grief of her passing whilst in and out of lockdown. Broke and isolated, T had to start a fundraising campaign to arrange a flight to Italy and also rescue her mum's dog. Estranged from her father, who told her they was transgender aged 16, T's mental health spiralled into a grief triggered depression that led to suicidal thoughts. Today, T is in a much, much stronger place but is open to starting therapy and suspects she may be suffering from complex grief. With the help of her friends and her creativity T has found herself in a position where she wants to tell her story to help others know they are not alone in their pain.
Delving deeply into the human psyche and back out again, T writes in faith that she can change the world, belly by belly. She speaks of political hypocrisies that we sit on so comfortably, she talks of the relationship to ego, to art, to the process, and to each other. She is also a visual artist, and held her debut solo exhibition in 2022 for Leeds Poetry Festival. T is both the poetry and the painting, the words and the vision, the chaos and the calm - nunaced and authentic, this artist will change the world, belly by belly if it’s the last thing she does. Currently working on various collaborative projects under the name Finding T.M/O - and performing at various festivals over 2023 including Rosa Festival.
Topics
0:00 Intro
2:24 T's rock Bottom
9:50 Family relationships
12:50 Funding strength in oneself
16:38 Are there 5 stages of grief?
24:09 Complicated/complex/prolonged grief
28:06 What things have helped you in your grieving process?
32:40 T's parent coming out as transgender
36:15 Advice for those starting out working in the creative arts
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode we recommend contacting the following organisations:
https://www.meetup.com/bereavement-support-group/
Follow T
Instagram -
https://instagram.com/t.m___o
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TM0nterisi
Twitter - https://twitter.com/T_monterisi
Website - https://shineliketmo.com
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
Spotify -
https://bit.ly/44P1fHe
YouTube -
https://youtu.be/Z7arhSYC10s
Apple -
https://apple.co/41IrJt4
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.
...more
40min
August 01, 2023 A Way Out Of Cocaine & Drug Addiction! School of Rock Bottom 12: Sebastian Wocker
[TW//Drug Misuse, Suicidal Thoughts]
Today I welcome singer, songwriter and author of the Amazon bestseller The Joy of Addiction, Sebastian Wocker.
Aged 17, Wocker landed the principal part of Woof in the 1983 European tour of the musical Hair where, suffering teenage angst, low self-worth and low self-esteem, he went into a deep depression and had to throw in the towel after two months. He returned to his safe haven of drugs and alcohol in London, where he auditioned for and got into LAMDA (London Academy of Dramatic Arts), only to drop out after two days because he 'couldn't stand all those happy clappy prima donnas'. The real reason? He was an addict, hopelessly hooked on drugs and alcohol and didn't want to be found out.
Sebastian takes us on a compelling journey down the abyss of alcohol, cocaine, speed, cannabis, hallucinogen and prescribed drug addiction, leading him to various rock bottoms and 'dark nights of the soul'. Then, aged 21, a moment of inspiration: a seed planted by his long suffering mother finally got him into the 12-step programme, offering him the life-changing gift of recovery. For anyone struggling with addiction, he shares how he got himself out and continues to live life, a day at a time — a free man.
Having found recovery in 1987, Sebastian formed indie-rock band Yeah in 1990, playing the London, Hamburg and Berlin club circuits. After a five-page interview with Die Zeit Magazine in 1992, Yeah appeared on various radio and TV shows and in 1993 was awarded The John Lennon Talent Award in Hamburg. In 1998 he wrote and produced World Cup Crescendo for TV impressionist Alistair McGowan. In 2002 he signed as a songwriter for Global Chrysalis Publishing, writing numerous songs for Cherry Red Records and Universal Records and released his solo album: Don Sebastiano, The Spaghetti Tree.
In 2007 Wocker recorded the soundtrack of German movie Pornorama with Mousse T and, in 2010, was the singing voice for Tobias Menzies in the award winning independent motion picture Forget Me Not.
Sebastian has written as a journalist for The Independent, Mr Partner Magazine (Japan), Camden New Journal and Ham and High Express. He is currently journalist and editor of the Hampstead Village Voice and has interviewed various household names including Emma Thompson, Russell Brand, George Graham, Giles Coren and Martin Bell.
Wocker is currently recording an audiobook for his best selling book The Joy of Addiction, out on Audible from February 2024 and is writing the sequel: The Joy of Relapse.
He is currently the lead singer/song writer of indie band Ridiculous with Jon Moss, Erran Baron-Cohen and Peter Noone. Ridiculous has just recorded their debut single Everybody Loves That Girl at Abbey Road Studios.
Topics -
0:00 Intro
4:30 Sebastian's many rock bottoms and finding recovery
18:40 Why Sebastian used drugs as a teenager
24:30 Drug use in young people in 2023
27:15 Cocaine
29:42 Using drugs to escape
31:45 The walk of shame
36:30 What is the 'joy of addiction'?
38:30 The joy of being in recovery
42:50 Advice for teenagers and parents who are struggling with drug misuse
If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode Sebastian recommends the following services:
https://ukna.org/
www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk/
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
https://familiesanonymous.org/
https://al-anonuk.org.uk/
https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. Please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
Buy 'The Joy Of Addiction'
https://amzn.to/3N2fXTY
Follow Sebastian
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3Pdwl6V
Twitter - https://bit.ly/46baXVU
Facebook - https://bit.ly/3NoLpgx
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
YouTube - https://bit.ly/43uN4pJ
...more
47min
July 18, 2023 Break Free From Food Addiction & Regain A Positive Body Image! School of Rock Bottom 11
[TW//Food Addiction, Bullying]
At least 5% of the world's population are addicted to foods full of fat and sugar which can supercharge the brain’s reward system similarly to the way addictive drugs do leading to a multitude of health problems, including: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, depression, osteoarthritis, cancer, reproductive problems and gallstones.
By age 12, former actress and theatre maker Jenny McDonald was a size 16. She picked up unhelpful messages about food being good and bad, which led to 'secret eating' and shame and guilt around food. Jenny went on to Birmingham Theatre School and worked for many years in touring theatre. Jenny went on to set up several Youth Theatres and, in 2004, landed what she thought was her dream job in her local theatre. It was this job and other circumstances that led to her rock bottom and triggered some huge life changes.
In 2004, she was a size 24 with a BMI of 43 and battling an uncontrollable food addiction leaving her depressed and feeling hopeless. Jenny started to repair her relationship with food and lost over 40kg. Elated at her transformation, Jenny left her career in theatre to work in the dieting industry.
Fast forward to 2023! Jenny is now called The Food Freedom Fairy! She empowers serial dieters and emotional eaters to break free from the dieting cycle and find peace with food and most importantly with themselves.
Like many, Jenny struggled with food and weight from an early age.
In 2020, Jenny released The Power Over Food Podcast and founded The Becoming You Academy®. The Academy teaches women how to nourish their minds, body and soul and enjoy cake without guilt. Most importantly, how to love yourself and be unapologetically you! Jenny is a certified and accredited Health and Life Coach trained in CBT and energy healing modalities, The Helix Method® and Theta Healing®.
I can't wait for you to hear Jenny's incredible journey!
Topics -
0:00 Intro
03:43 Jenny's rock bottom
08:45 Must you 'clear your plate'?
11:19 Childhood experiences
13:34 The family culture around food
18:06 Food as a reward turning into an addiction
22:43 Jenny's 6 months abstinence from food
23:48 Can food have a similar power to drugs?
27:43 Teenage bullying
30:17 Using performing as a way to cope with negative body image
32:23 The catalyst for change and embracing a weight loss journey
39:48 Weight loss counselling - exploring your relationship to food
43:50 How do you maintain your healthy relationship to food?
47:30 Body positivity vs being healthy
52:18 Advice for parents
If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode Jenny welcomes contacting her via social media! The book "Body Happy Kids" that Jenny refers to can be found here -
https://www.bodyhappyorg.com/shop/body-happy-kids-book
Follow Jenny
Podcast - https://bit.ly/42RC70X
Website - https://foodfreedomfairy.com/
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3NHog92
Facebook - https://bit.ly/46hdjmc
YouTube - https://bit.ly/46cWIjk
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3XhoiI4
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3PnuyfE
Apple - https://apple.co/41IrJt4
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.
...more
58min
July 03, 2023 How A Managing Director Manages Depression. School of Rock Bottom 10: David Sayers
[TW//Clinical Depression, Suicidal Thoughts]
5% globally have depression or a depressive illness.
Depression/anxiety has become a leading cause of disability. By 2030, the World Health Organization predicts the disorder to be the main contributor to the global burden of disease.
In The UK, in March 2020 prevalence was 10% rising to 21% during the pandemic and now sits at round 16% or 1 in 6.
Today, to mark the 10th episode, I welcome a guest who works outside of the creative industries to add another lens to the wealth of experience I've had on the show thus far.
Twelve years ago, David found himself in a rehabilitation facility following a suicide attempt after suffering from a major depressive episode. This intervention saved his life and he went on to continue to build a successful career.
David is a campaigner for diversity and inclusion and is passionate about mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Until recently, David was the Vice Chair of Mind (Croydon).
David generously shares how he found himself in the depths of depression, how he got out of it, the warning signs of depression 'coming back' and how he maintains his mental health. We also discuss the warning signs of depression and why mental health is a priority in the workplace and how this is achieved. David is a powerhouse of tools and tips on how to prevent and manage depression and also has advice on how to look out for your friends.
More about David:
David is the Managing Director of Compass Executives and a Board member of Compass Recruitment Solutions (CRS). CRS are an award-winning recruitment solutions business focussed on private companies and investors across the health, care, education and life sciences markets in the UK and internationally. CRS are winners of Health Investor’s Recruiter of the Year Award 2021, 2019 and 2017.
In 2022, executive search specialist brand Compass Executives was awarded Health Investor’s inaugural search firm of the year award.
Topics -
0:00 Intro
5:13 David's Rock Bottom
07:44 Childhood and Genetics
10:35 The signs of depression
30:38 What helped you come out of your depression?
38:38 Mental health at work
44:50 Depression and medication
48:48 Warning signs to look out for
53:45 Main advice for those that are struggling
If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed on today's episode David suggests the following services:
Mind: 0300 123 3393
Samaritans: 116 123
Campaign Against Living Miserably:
0800 58 58 58
CALL (Wales): 0800 132 737
The Mix (Under 25): 0808 808 4994
This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!
https://bit.ly/3kSucAs
Follow David
Linkdn - www.linkedin.com/in/davidsayers1965
Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY
Twitter - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l
Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx
LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC
TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm
Listen or watch on:
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3MKkU3u
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3N5aXPq
Apple - https://apple.co/41IrJt4
or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.
About this podcast –
Welcome to the School Of Rock Bottom Podcast with Oliver Mason. I work as an actor, voice-over artist, Performing Arts School Principal and a Mental Health Coach. It's these careers and passions combined that have inspired this podcast!
People working in the entertainment and performing arts industry are twice as likely to experience depression, are up to 15x more likely to suffer from anxiety and those working across all the creative industries are 3x more likely to suffer a mental health problem.
In this podcast, we invite creatives who have lived through a rock bottom but have survived! These stories need to be heard to help others realise that no matter how bad things seem there is hope and always a way out.
...more
58min

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The podcast currently has 140 episodes available.

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