From daily ice and heroin use, ram raids and guns, to walking his kids into school and working in rehab – Jordan’s story is a slow, gritty rebuild from the ground up. He grew up in domestic violence, started drinking and using in high school, and by 20 was a daily ice user whose life revolved around crime, jail, and chasing the next hit.

In this episode we unpack:

• How losing his dad during COVID sent his using into psychosis, homelessness and another stint inside

• Detoxing cold-turkey in jail and why drug court, meetings and a sponsor finally made recovery stick

• The brutal reality of starting again with no job, no career, broken trust and zero “normal adult” skills

• How he kept building slowly: doing what was suggested, taking guidance, rebuilding relationships and finding purpose in AOD work

• The routines that keep him clean today – being a present dad, simple daily structure, and staying connected to the rooms

You’ll also hear how Jordan discovered recovery content on TikTok, why he now shares his own story there, and how “TikTok Jordan” is helping people in early recovery believe that a fulfilling, substance‑free life is possible.

This episode is for you if:

• You feel stuck in the cycle of relapse, jail, courts or chaos

• You’re scared of starting again from nothing

• You’re a parent in addiction wondering if you can ever show up for your kids

• You’re in early recovery and need proof that slow change still works

Hit play to hear how one bloke went from ram raids to recovery TikTok – and why he says the slow, suggested path is the one that finally set him free.

Husband, father, business owner and Slaying Sober podcast host James Date joins Ash Butterss on Behind the Smile to share his journey from blackout drinking, drugs and party culture to rehab, 12‑step recovery and a life grounded in service, spirituality and genuine contentment on the Mornington Peninsula.

A former “life of the party”, James opens up about high‑functioning addiction, suicidal ideation, ego, stigma, outpatient rehab at Arrow Health, sponsorship, gratitude and learning how to become a truly present dad, partner and leader in recovery.

Connect with Ash:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/​

TEDx Talk – What School Doesn’t Teach You About Happiness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfclluaXT4Q​Website: https://www.ashbutterss.com

PART 2 - More nuggets of wisdom from Ty

Ty goes from bullied kid in Ferntree Gully to 450 charges, homelessness, psych wards, and multiple stints in jail – and is now rebuilding his life with six months clean, off all meds, and deeply connected to NA and spirituality.​

From 450 Charges to Spiritual Awakening: Ty’s Story

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Slaying Sober, Ty shares how early bullying, weed at 12 and party drugs as a teen spiralled into meth addiction, crime, homelessness, psychosis and multiple prison sentences –and how a suicide attempt, a peer worker named Jo, NA, and tough love from his family pulled him into recovery.​

In this episode, we talk about:​

Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt “too far gone” or stuckin the system and needs proof that recovery – deep, spiritual, connected recovery – is possible.

Ty goes from bullied kid in Ferntree Gully to 450 charges,homelessness, psych wards, and multiple stints in jail – and is now rebuilding his life with six months clean, off all meds, and deeply connected to NA and spirituality.​

From 450 Charges to Spiritual Awakening: Ty’s Story

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Slaying Sober, Ty shares how early bullying, weed at 12 and party drugs as a teen spiralled into meth addiction, crime, homelessness, psychosis and multiple prison sentences –and how a suicide attempt, a peer worker named Jo, NA, and tough love from his family pulled him into recovery.​

In this episode, we talk about:​

Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt “too far gone” or stuckin the system and needs proof that recovery – deep, spiritual, connected recovery – is possible.

From £10 Pom to heroin haze in 1970s Bali — speed psychosis, queer activism, jail time, and 48 years sober.

Kate Rowe’s raw memoir How the Fck Would I Know? proves recovery miracles happen — but only with brutal honesty and hard work.

🎧 Listen if you want hope that “geographical cures” fail, fragments can reform, and life past 75 sober can feel like the fourth dimension. Raw recovery talk for addicts, LGBTQ+ history buffs, and anyone chasing that humility glow-up.

Guest Bio – Kate Rowe
🏳️‍🌈 78er: Arrested at Sydney’s first Mardi Gras (1978); bashed and jailed for shouting “Up the lezzos!” — paving the way for today’s Pride.
📚 Author: How the Fck Would I Know? (2025) — a no-BS memoir of addiction, near-death from hepatitis, smuggling fails, suicide bids, and a full sobriety rebuild.
🏊 Ironwoman: Competed in brutal ocean swims post-recovery.
🎶 Ukulele player: Her sober-life hack — “you can have fun!”
🌐 Connect: katerowe.net | Buy book on Booktopia

Timestamped Highlights (Recovery Gold)
00:40 – Book meaning: “What the f*ck would I know?” = Stay teachable at 75. No ego, just growth.
01:52 – £10 Pom escape: Fled UK booze/pills/anorexia; landed in Australia’s 70s drug scene.
06:39 – Bali 1970s drug fest: Heroin smoke (no needles = “not addict” delusion). Smuggling, hepatitis, chaos.
12:37 – UK welfare job turned coke-dealing den; bosses, guns, paranoia.
17:13 – Speed psychosis, suicide attempts, Mogadon OD — AA at Rozelle saves her.
21:55 – Therapist: “You’re fragmented.” The long road to wholeness — now 48 years sober.
26:45 – Lesbian awakening, Mardi Gras fightback, queer denial around addiction.
36:43 – Sober at 75: “Miracles take years and brutal work.” Talks to the sky for guidance.

4 Brutal Takeaways

• You take you everywhere: “Geographical cures” are myths.

• Addict logic: “Doc said no booze, not no drugs.” Madness.

• Fragment fix: Honesty + work rebuilds you (took 20 years).

• Sober joy: Ukulele, Ironwoman events, Pride hugs from Gen Z.

PART 2:

The Power of Change and The Power of Forgiveness

From Rage to Redemption: Addiction Recovery Story

Melbourne dad Joe shares his raw journey from childhood sexual abuse, bullying, and bikie violence to sobriety.

Hiding trauma as a teen, he turned to booze, drugs, and bouncing—until a rage-filled night destroying his home terrified his daughter.

Discover AA, monastery rehab in Italy, martial arts mastery, and forgiving his abuser.

Now an AOD teacher and coach, Joe proves change is possible.

Key topics:

• Italian-Aussie identity and school racism

• Suicidal thoughts and brutal violence

• Bikie life costs on family

• "Warrior" discipline for self-control

• Grandfather life changing lives

If you're battling addiction or trauma, this hits hard

#podcast #spotify #podcasting #healingjourney #addictionrecovery #slayingsober #mentalgrowth #martialartslife #resilience #identitytransformation #selfcontrol#warriorspath

From Rage to Redemption: Addiction Recovery Story

Melbourne dad Joe shares his raw journey from childhood sexual abuse, bullying, and bikie violence to sobriety.

Hiding trauma as a teen, he turned to booze, drugs, and bouncing—until a rage-filled night destroying his home terrified his daughter.

Discover AA, monastery rehab in Italy, martial arts mastery, and forgiving his abuser.

Now an AOD teacher and coach, Joe proves change is possible.

Key topics:

• Italian-Aussie identity and school racism

• Suicidal thoughts and brutal violence

• Bikie life costs on family

• "Warrior" discipline for self-control

• Grandfather life changing lives

If you're battling addiction or trauma, this hits hard

#podcast #spotify #podcasting #healingjourney #addictionrecovery #slayingsober #mentalgrowth #martialartslife #resilience #identitytransformation #selfcontrol#warriorspath

Ep. 28 - John - A Professional Drug Addict for 33 years. And 4 Golden Rules for Recovery

John – A Professional Drug Addict for 33 Years
A 33-Year Addiction, Rock Bottom & Real Recovery

What does rock bottom really look like after three decades of addiction?

In this unfiltered episode of Slaying Sober, host James Date sits down with John, a recovering addict who tells it exactly as it was — no masks, no excuses. From gang life and violence to jail time, suicide attempts, and the insanity of addiction, nothing is off limits.

John reminds us that addiction isn’t a moral weakness — it’s an emotional response — and that real recovery demands relentless honesty and total commitment.

This isn’t a “feel-good” recovery story. It’s a real one.

• A 33-year addiction told with brutal honesty — no filters, no fluff

• Real talk on the 12 steps, sponsors, and true fellowship

• Addiction unpacked beyond drugs — it’s about behavior, thought, and identity

• A grounded take on spirituality without labels or dogma

• Recovery described like a football game — every quarter, every play counts

• “Addiction is an emotional response — not a moral failure.”

• “If I’m serious, I have to give it everything I’ve got.”

• “Rock bottom for an addict is death.”

• Recovery begins with honesty, awareness, and connection

• Gratitude for hard times is spiritual mastery

• You don’t have to call it God — just learn to understand yourself

00:00 – John’s story begins
00:57 – Childhood, bullying & belonging
04:44 – Addiction takes over
08:27 – Jail, chaos & consequences
13:51 – What rock bottom really is
18:52 – Relapse, pain & truth
29:59 – Hardcore recovery explained
35:15 – Spirituality without labels
44:18 – Words, perception & reality
55:45 – Growth, service & rebuilding life

• Anyone struggling with addiction or relapse

• People curious about 12-step recovery and community

• Listeners interested in mental health, spirituality & self-awareness

• Anyone who needs hope — without the hype

#SlayingSober #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #12StepProgram #Sobriety #MentalHealthAwareness #RockBottom #LifeAfterAddiction #HealingJourney #PersonalTransformation

Suzie Browne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63.

She drank for 45 years.She got sober at 63.
And she’s telling the kind of truth most people spend a lifetime avoiding.

In this raw, no‑filters chat, Suzie opens up about hermemoir The Hole in the Soul: From Chaos to Clarity — a storybuilt on addiction, jail time, broken relationships, spiritual bankruptcy… and the long road to redemption.

We talk about what it’s really like when:

Alcohol feels like the love of your life — until it turns on you.

You drink against your own will.

Relapse knocks you flat after years of “doing so well.”

The shame is quiet, but it’s everywhere.

And one moment in a bar changes everything.

This isn’t a shiny recovery story.
It’s real — messy, confronting, and deeply human.

Why this conversation hits different:
Most stories about addiction tidy up the truth. Suzie doesn’t. She doesn’t sell hope — she lives it, one day, one choice at a time.

If you’ve ever felt:

Stuck in habits you hate

Afraid you’ve gone too far to come back

Tired of pretending everything’s fine

This conversation’s for you.

🎧 Listen now: SuzieBrowne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63.
Follow Slaying Sober for more real, honest stories that cut through the noise.
And if someone you love needs to hear this… send it their way.

Because sometimes, the path to clarity really doesbegin in chaos.

#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #NeverTooLate#HealingJourney #RealTalk #FromChaosToClarity #SlayingSober

Suzie Browne – A Hole in the Soul

Available here: www.amazon.com.au/Hole-Soul-Suzie-Browne/dp/1764350502

This is not just a sobriety story — it’s a fatherhood, identity, and transformation story.

In this deeply honest episode of Slaying Sober, James sits down with Dale, a husband, father, musician, powerlifter, and recovering alcoholic, to unpack how casual drinking quietly turned into isolation, shame, and dependency — and how choosing sobriety gave him the life he never thought possible.

From hiding cans and drinking alone… to journaling, setting boundaries, and becoming the dad his kids have never seenwith a drink in his hand — this conversation hits where ithurts and where it heals.

• A real story of functional alcoholism that manyrelate to but rarely admit
• The emotional moment that made him say: “I have a problem”
• How fatherhood became the non-negotiable reason to quit
• Sobriety without AA — journaling, honesty, and community instead
• Why strength training, routine, and kindness became survival tools
• A powerful reminder: you don’t miss what alcohol took from you until it’s gone

Drinking alone, shame, and hiding in plain sight
Emotional regulation through alcohol — and what happens when it stops working
Crying, masculinity, and learning to feel again
Marriage, boundaries, and outgrowing old friendships
Why sobriety didn’t make life smaller — it made it meaningful

00:01 What truly brings joy after addiction
04:33 When weekend drinking became daily drinking
06:02 Drinking alone, shame, and isolation
12:22 What “rock bottom” actually looked like
18:25 “I think I have a problem” — the turning point
21:42 Choosing sobriety without an end date
24:26 Tattoos, mantras, and earning your life back
26:40 Crying, kids, and emotional presence
29:00 Fatherhood as the ultimate why
32:45 Journaling, talking, and staying sober
36:14 Helping others and receiving it back
42:12 “I hope I never drink again”

If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode is for you.
If you’re sober-curious, struggling quietly, or supporting someone who is — this episode matters.

Like to support real recovery stories
Subscribe to Slaying Sober for honest conversations about addiction,healing, and growth

#SlayingSober #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #Fatherhood#MentalHealthMatters
#RecoveryPodcast #RealStories #TraumaHealing #AlcoholFreeLife