Too many of us wait. For change. For hope. For a miracle. But what if the miracle you're waiting for... is you?

In this next thought, I revisit a moment spent with Justin Govender who was shot in the back by police and went on to represent South Africa in two Paralympics as we explore the idea that the lowest moments in his life—disability, depression, hopelessness—can be the very soil where new strength grows. It’s not about waiting for something to happen to you. It’s about becoming the force that changes everything.

We discuss the shift from victim to survivor to hero, why rock bottom can be the springboard to growth and the power of choosing movement over stagnation. He also shares how helping others can help heal yourself. If you’re in a dark place right now, this one’s for you. You’re not alone. Just take one step forward.

About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 18)

Listen or watch on:

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3Q5Q9Jq

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mn8MX5

or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.

#BeTheMiracle

#DisabilityAwareness

#MentalHealth

“I hear people say cocaine isn’t addictive—I couldn’t function without it.”

Joe Sealey’s life was set for footballing greatness, following in the footsteps of his father, legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Les Sealey. But in the space of a week, his career was over due to injury and his father had passed away.

What followed was a downward spiral of chronic cocaine and alcohol addiction— benders lasted for days, seizures, and regret so deep he wished he could go back and warn his younger self.

But this is not where Joe’s story ends. He fought his way back, rebuilt his life, and emerged in full recovery and as a thriving entrepreneur, author of the critically acclaimed On Days Like These, and a familiar face from The Real Housewives of Cheshire on TV.

Over three million people die every year from addiction and Joe is on a mission to help get those stats down. Huge thanks, Joe!

Thank you, too, to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -

0:00 Intro

03:10 Joe's rock bottom

04:25 Cocaine at the beginning saved my life

06:15 Coke escalates and gets painful

10:15 Do you have to stop drinking if in recovery from coke?

14:00 Alcohol mixed with cocaine makes a more dangerous drug!

16:15 The stereotypes of addiction

18:40 The impact of losing his Dad & using cocaine

21:40 What would you say to your Dad now?

26:10 Coming out of the shadow of Dad's legacy

27:30 Validation addiction?

29:00 Is your wife your higher power?

32:30 Should you avoid new relationships in early recovery?

34:50 Do you need to only date people in recovery?

36:15 Trying to stop and relapses

39:20 Dry sniffing & ADHD

41:30 How Joe gets dopamine hits now!

43:30 Overcoming anhedonia

44:50 Using social media, the gym & talking

47:45 Is FAITH always about spiritual matters?

49:00 Just be yourself!

52:45 We must get the message out of recovery!

53:50 It's not just about YOU!

55:00 It gets better!

56:15 What would you like written on your gravestone?

Follow Joe

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joesealey

Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@joesealey1

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!

YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/s76869cw

Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/mw5btxfc

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#CocaineAddiction

#JoeSealey

#AddictionRecovery

Sex Addiction: The Truth No One Tells You!

Sex addiction isn’t about pleasure—it’s about pain. In this next thought, Michael Emmett breaks down the reality of sex addiction, it's links to cocaine and revealing the devastating impact it had on his life. From childhood trauma to destructive relationships, he exposes the cycle of secrecy, dishonesty, and self-destruction. Can true healing ever happen? And what finally saved him from rock bottom? This is a conversation you won’t forget.

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

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

Michael's book - https://amzn.to/3qTGgEO

Michael's LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/michaelemmett

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 16)

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Ej2WkQ

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3OWUr3R

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#SexAddiction

#Recovery

#Addiction

Sober Curious? Tired of drinking? This episode is for you!

After 35 years of drinking, Nigel Jones realised that his one bottle of wine a day added up to nearly a litre of pure alcohol a week. He wasn’t in a hospital bed. He wasn’t unable to function. But the panic attacks, anxiety, and sleepless nights were taking over.

On 8th December 2020, he made a choice—quit or risk never making it to 60, losing time with his family forever.

Nigel is now a best-selling author, life coach, and hypnotherapist, helping thousands break free from alcohol and rebuild their lives. His book, Walking Back to Happiness: The Secret to Alcohol-Free Living & Well-Being, has inspired countless people to take back control.

In this episode, he shares the strategies that changed everything—from harnessing Positive Psychology to mastering Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). This is an unfiltered conversation about choice, change, purpose and the power of rewriting your story.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -

0:00 Intro

2:45 Nigel's rock bottom

4:35 How much alcohol are you REALLY drinking?

9:25 The endless benefits of being alcohol free

13:25 The conspiracy of drinking

17:45 Find your tribe!

19:10 Rewrite the story you tell yourself

27:05 What about willpower or...NLP?!

29:25 The benefits of hypnotherapy for mental health

40:25 Past life regression hypnotherapy?!

41:55 How to find purpose in sobriety

44:45 What do you want written on your gravestone?

Follow Nigel

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/9kmby9am

Website -https://www.9kmby9am.com

Nigel's book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLPH36R3/

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!

YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/msrrwcn6

Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/y8kmhm62

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#Sobriety #AlcoholFree #SoberCurious

In the next "thought", actor Robert Hands shares his journey of quitting crystal meth. There was no sudden epiphany, no grand moment of realisation—just a simple conversation that shifted everything. Through the haze of addiction, he heard someone say, "I'm stopping," and, somehow, that gave them permission to try too. But this wasn’t a story of instant success. The cravings remained, the struggle felt endless, and hope was nowhere to be found.

The early days of sobriety were brutal. Sleep was almost impossible, and the urge to use never truly disappeared but one simple strategy that kept him going: just make it to bedtime without using. It wasn’t about long-term recovery or a bigger goal—just surviving the next few hours. Each clean day became a small victory. Fourteen days turned into fifteen, then sixteen. Without even realising it, he had moved beyond his usual relapse point and entered unfamiliar territory.

If you are struggling with addiction or feeling completely hopeless, this short clip is for you. My guest has a message for anyone in that place of darkness: just focus on getting through today. Get to bed tonight without using. Hope will come, even if you don’t believe it yet. Recovery isn’t always about feeling strong or inspired—it’s about taking it one day at a time.

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

Follow Robert

Instagram - https://instagram.com/rob.hands

Twitter - https://twitter.com/RobertHands7

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 14)

YouTube - https://youtu.be/2qlhqijv3hI

Spotify - https://bit.ly/46Om6fl

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#AddictionRecovery

#SobrietyJourney

#CrystalMethRecovery

Today, I’m joined by Mary Kate, an acclaimed writer whose brutally honest account of addiction went viral, reaching over 4 million people with the title 'I'm a Gen Z Alcoholic' (link below).

She opens up about what it truly takes to break free from alcohol—when you can’t live with it, but you can’t live without it.

In this episode, you’ll learn why alcoholism is progressive, why blackouts happen and how to stop them, as well as the moment drinking crosses the invisible line into something far more dangerous. MK explains why 0% booze has no place in her recovery and how she let go of the idea that normal drinkers have something to be jealous of. She also talks about why she proudly calls herself an alcoholic, using the word as a tool for empowerment rather than shame.

Getting sober in your twenties comes with its own challenges, from navigating dating to tackling ADHD in recovery, and Mary Kate lays out exactly what that journey looked like for her. She shares what worked, what didn’t, and the solution that finally set her free. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and a roadmap to freedom.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -
www.gavinsisters.co.uk
and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1
Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -
0:00 Intro
4:15 MK's rock bottom
7:30 Can't live with alcohol and can't live without it?
10:25 Alcoholism is progressive?
12:15 Blackouts
14:30 Is the word alcoholic dirty?
26:35 Why 0% booze has no place in MK's recovery
28:45 What is the invisible line?
30:30 Hospitalisation from alcohol
32:15 Why there is no need to be jealous of 'normal' drinkers'
35:45 Getting sober IN YOUR 20'S!?
39:15 Putting in boundaries
41:15 First year sober vibes
45:45 MK's solution to her alcoholism
47:15 What is a pink cloud?
50:40 ADHD and addiction

Follow MK
Instagram - www.instagram.com/marykatejoanharington
Twitter - Mary-KateMKJH
Times article - https://tinyurl.com/5n98y4f3

Follow Oliver
Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv
Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r
TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9
LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7
Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah
X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!
YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/454m93u3
Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/mw5btxfc
Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#AlcoholRecovery
#GenZSobriety
#SoberCurious

Is Food Addiction Real?

Is food addiction just a lack of willpower, or is it as real as drug and alcohol dependency? Shocking studies reveal that rats overcame cocaine addiction faster than their junk food cravings. In this next quick 'thought', we uncover the science behind ultra-processed foods, how they hijack your brain's dopamine system, and why secret eating and using food to self soothe mirrors substance abuse. If you've ever struggled with emotional eating, binge eating, or feeling out of control around food, this might explain why—and what you can do about it.

Today I'm joined by the incredible Jenny McDonald who empowers serial dieters and emotional eaters to break free from the dieting cycle and find peace with food and most importantly with themselves.Jenny is a certified and accredited Health and Life Coach trained in CBT and energy healing modalities, The Helix Method® and Theta Healing®.

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 11):

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3XhoiI4

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3PnuyfE

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#FoodAddiction

#EmotionalEating

#AddictionRecovery

Is alcohol really relaxing you—or trapping you?

Today, I sit down with William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained, ex-paratrooper, and solicitor, to uncover the truth about addiction. William has completely redefined how we understand alcohol, smoking, and vaping—stripping away the myths that keep us hooked.

In this episode, William shares his rock bottom moment, the shocking science behind alcohol dependency, and why we’ve been misled about booze for years. We break down:

The hidden role of stress hormones—and why alcohol creates anxiety, not relieves it.

The dangerous cycle of "hair of the dog"—and why "just one more" keeps you trapped.

Nicotine and vaping—why quitting is so hard, and how to finally break free

Synthetic alcohol, legalisation, and addiction psychology—are we replacing one problem with another?

How to quit smoking if you still drink—and why it’s harder than you think.

This isn’t just about stopping drinking or smoking—it’s about reclaiming control over your life. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or just questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode could change everything.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -

0:00 Intro

3:40 William's rock bottom

6:10 Binge drinking

7:40 Why hair of the dog is so dangerous

10:55 Alcohol causes stress and tolerance?

12:25 Any positives to alcohol?

14:25 1 in 8 Americans addicted to alcohol?

16:50 0% booze?!

18:40 What about alco-synth & socialising?

25:25 Overcoming social anxiety without booze

28:10 CBD drinks?

29:30 Therapy for alcohol addiction?

34:10 Why nicotine/smoking/vaping is addictive

40:40 Is cigarettes or vaping better for you?

45:40 What is the best way to quit smoking

48:10 How do you stop smoking when you like to drink?!

53:40 Why every cigarette is a hair of the dog!

55:10 The phenomenan of craving

58:10 Should all drugs be legal?

Follow William

https://www.alcoholexplained.com

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!

YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yxkh2eny

Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bdfj6568

Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

#AlcoholExplained

#QuitSmoking

#AddictionRecovery

Is there joy in addiction?

In this next quick thought, Sebastian Wocker (author of the best selling book The Joy of Addiction) shares how realising he was an addict became the best thing that ever happened to him. He breaks down the difference between being a suffering addict and a recovering one, how surrendering can lead to freedom, and why clarity in sobriety changes everything. If you're struggling or know someone who is, this conversation offers powerful insights into recovery, mindset shifts, and how support networks like 12-step fellowships can make all the difference.

About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

Buy 'The Joy Of Addiction'https://amzn.to/3N2fXTY

Follow Sebastian

Instagram -https://bit.ly/3Pdwl6V

Facebook - https://bit.ly/3NoLpgx

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep10)

YouTube - https://bit.ly/43uN4pJ

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3oGa86A

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#AddictionRecovery#SoberLife#MentalHealthAwarenes

Today, I’m joined by Sharon and Lauretta – better known as The Gavin Sisters – an acclaimed comedy duo who’ve graced TV and stage, written sitcoms for television, and penned plays for the West End.

But behind the laughter, their lives took a devastating turn. Sharon was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that left her unable to walk, losing her hair, and trapped in a toxic relationship. At the same time, Lauretta’s world fell apart when she discovered her husband was living a double life—while she was six months pregnant. Together, they hit rock bottom. But instead of breaking, they rebuilt.

In this powerful conversation, the Gavin Sisters share how they turned their darkest moments into a new beginning. They broke free from drinking and takeaways, embraced radical lifestyle changes, and supported each other as single mums. Doctors told Sharon she’d be unwell and on medication for life—but they couldn’t have been more wrong.

Determined to take control of her health, the sisters overhauled their lives. Lauretta retrained as a natural vegan chef, and together, they swapped red wine, sugar, and processed food for nutrient-packed meals. Sharon’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable.

Now, they run The Detox Barn wellness retreat, host a hit podcast, and have even launched their own product, Funki Coffee. This is their story of survival, healing, and resilience.

Thank you to the Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

Topics -

0:00 Intro

4:15 Sharon's rock bottom

7:30 Lauretta's rock botttom

12:00 Living in chronic stress & fight or flight

15:00 Why did Sharon get an auto immune disease?

16:15 Hedonism vs wellness?

19:00 Healing from an autoimmune disease

24:45 Lauretta joins Sharon on her wellness journey

28:15 Dealing with the early stages of divorce

29:45 What is grey area drinking?

41:30 Fully embracing a healthy lifestyle

46:00 Medication vs diet?

Follow Gavin Sisters

All links - https://linktr.ee/gavinsisters

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!

YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/ye2yy2da

Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/32dk7ewz

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

#WellnessJourney

#HealingThroughAdversity

#GavinSisters