SLAYINGSOBERPOD

She broke her neck. Lost her career. Lost relationships. Lost friends.

And still… she couldn’t stop drinking.

In this deeply honest episode of Slaying Sober, Ash shares the story of how childhood abandonment, family trauma, addiction, and years of denial led her from becoming a qualified criminal lawyer to drinking herself into complete destruction.

She drank at work. She drank before work. She drank in recovery meetings. She drank while trying to detox in mental health hospitals.

Then, after drinking two bottles of wine in just ten minutes, she fell down the stairs and fractured her neck in two places.

Even that wasn't enough to stop her.

This is a raw and powerful conversation about addiction, denial, trauma, mental health, family relationships, rock bottom, and the moment Ash finally found a path toward recovery.

From being told she was unwanted as a child… to rebuilding her relationship with her father… to finding recovery and a new sense of purpose in Bali Ash's story proves that even when you think you've reached rock bottom, there can still be a way back.

Watch the full conversation and hear Ash's incredible journey from addiction to recovery.

What part of Ash's story resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments.

Subscribe to Slaying Sober for honest conversations about addiction, recovery, trauma, healing, and the stories that remind us that recovery is possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, please seek support from a qualified professional or a trusted recovery organisation.

#SlayingSober #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryStory #AlcoholAddiction #Sobriety #SoberLife #MentalHealth #AddictionAwareness #TraumaRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible #Alcoholism #SoberJourney #Healing #MentalHealthAwareness #PersonalGrowth

From Revolver to Recovery.

Jims amazing recovery story.

An autistic kid who never fit in, a rave scene that promised connection, and an ice habit that nearly killed him – Jim’s story is a masterclass in how “freedom” can turn into a prison.

Jim grew up bullied, misunderstood and late-diagnosed autistic, always feeling on the outside of school, family and friendships. When he found MDMA and the Melbourne rave scene, it felt like magic: confidence, connection, endless love and the sense of belonging he’d been missing his whole life. But that glow didn’t last. Party drugs gave way to dealing, meth and ice, lost jobs, family breakdown and years spent in a garage, completely isolated and shackled to his addiction.

In this raw and honest episode of Slaying Sober, Jim and James unpack autism, ecstasy, meth, family violence, shame and the brutal realities of long-term addiction – and then trace the turning point into rehab, accountability and a new life in recovery. Jim shares how he rebuilt from nothing into a role as a peer worker in the AOD space, what “freedom” really means to him now, and why he’ll “walk with” anyone who is willing to take the first step.

If you’ve ever chased connection in all the wrong places, struggled with neurodivergence and addiction, or wondered whether recovery can work for someone like you, this conversation will hit home.

What does the first 100 days without alcohol really look like?

In this powerful mini episode of Slaying Sober, Faye Louise Hughes shares the life-changing decision that started on Valentine's Day and became one of the greatest acts of self-love she has ever given herself.

From crippling hangxiety, blackouts, and waking up terrified of what happened the night before, to discovering confidence, clarity, healthier relationships, and genuine self-respect, Faye opens up about the reality of life before and after alcohol.

You'll hear why 30 days isn't always enough, how the first 100 days can completely transform your mind and body, and why so many people find freedom when they stop counting the days and start rebuilding their lives.

If you've ever questioned your relationship with alcohol, struggled with anxiety after drinking, or wondered whether sobriety could actually improve your life, this conversation is for you.

In this episode:

• The truth about the first 100 days alcohol-free

• How hangxiety impacts mental health

• Why self-love and sobriety go hand in hand

• The emotional and physical glow-up of recovery

• Breaking free from blackout drinking

• Building a life you no longer want to escape from

If this story resonates with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it today.

#SlayingSober #SobrietyJourney #AlcoholFree #RecoveryPodcast #Hangxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #SoberLife #SelfLove #AddictionRecovery #PodcastClips

From 6 Liters of Wine a Day to Lasting Sobriety | Kerry's Powerful Recovery Story

What happens when childhood trauma, addiction, abuse, and heartbreak collide?

In this deeply moving episode of Slaying Sober, Kerry shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood surrounded by death and chaos in South Africa to battling severe alcoholism, trauma, abusive relationships, and ultimately finding freedom through recovery.

At her lowest point, Kerry was drinking up to 6 liters of wine every day, experiencing withdrawal seizures, hospitalizations, and multiple relapses. But through resilience, honesty, and the support of a recovery community, she transformed her life and discovered purpose beyond addiction.

This conversation is raw, emotional, and filled with powerful lessons about healing, forgiveness, recovery, and hope.

• Childhood trauma and growing up in a mortuary family
• Alcoholism and addiction progression
• Recovery, relapses, and Alcoholics Anonymous
• Domestic abuse and coercive control
• Mental health, healing, and personal growth
• Finding purpose and helping others through recovery

If you're struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or looking for hope, this episode is proof that recovery is possible.

Subscribe for more inspiring recovery stories
Like this video to help spread hope
Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it

#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #AlcoholismRecovery #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealth #HealingTrauma #AARecovery #SoberLife #RecoveryPodcast #Inspiration #PersonalGrowth #AlcoholAddiction #TraumaHealing #SlayingSober #RecoveryStories #HopeInRecovery #SelfImprovement #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #SobrietyJourney

She lost $12,000 chasing one machine.
Months later, she nearly lost her life.

In this deeply emotional episode of Slaying Sober, Kate Seselja shares the devastating reality of gambling addiction, shame, suicidal thoughts, recovery, and hope.

Kate opens up about:
• Losing everything to gambling addiction
• The emotional impact on her family
• The night she almost took her life
• The powerful moment her son changed her perspective forever
• Why she founded The Hope Project
• How the gambling industry manipulates people by design
• Rebuilding identity, dignity, and hope after addiction

This is one of the most raw and honest conversations about addiction, mental health, recovery, and healing you’ll hear.

Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussions around suicide, addiction, gambling harm, and mental health struggles.

00:00 – Introduction to Part 2
00:46 – Trigger Warning
01:04 – Irrational behaviour during gambling addiction
01:19 – Losing $12,000 chasing one machine
03:10 – Sitting in the car after losing everything
04:07 – Family impact of gambling addiction
05:51 – “Addiction by design” explained
06:17 – Kate’s rock bottom moment
06:55 – The night she almost took her life
08:23 – What kept her alive
09:17 – Living with shame and self-hatred
10:30 – The counsellor who changed everything
11:30 – Reconnecting with her identity and humanity
12:00 – The “plastic bag of shame” analogy
12:48 – James shares his addiction experience
14:42 – Compassion from loved ones during recovery
17:23 – Gratitude for family and survival
19:00 – The moment her son saved her life
20:33 – “Everyone makes mistakes”
21:51 – Hopelessness and suicide
22:22 – Why Kate founded The Hope Project
24:42 – Addiction and isolation
25:28 – Gambling harm in Australia
27:11 – Fighting the gambling industry
28:47 – How gambling apps manipulate users
31:21 – Betting apps and psychological targeting
34:10 – “Gambling almost took everything from me”
35:00 – Helping one million people find hope
36:17 – Final reflections on recovery and healing
37:05 – Closing message

If this conversation impacted you:

• Like the video
• Share your thoughts in the comments
• Subscribe for more real conversations about addiction, recovery, healing, and hope.

#GamblingAddiction #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #SuicidePrevention #Podcast #HealingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryPodcast #EmotionalStory #HopeProject #TraumaHealing #SelfWorth #GamblingHarm #InspirationalStories #SlayingSober #AddictionAwareness #PodcastClips #Healing #Hope

What if the thing destroying your life was designed to feel like entertainment?

In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Kate Seselja shares the devastating reality of gambling addiction and how poker machines are engineered to hijack the human brain through psychological manipulation, dopamine triggers, near misses, and “losses disguised as wins.”

For 15 years, Kate was trapped in a cycle that nearly cost her everything:
her money, marriage, health, identity, and almost her life.

This episode is not just about gambling.
It’s about shame, addiction, trauma, recovery, and how predatory systems profit from human vulnerability.

Kate now uses her voice to fight for gambling reform in Australia and help others understand the truth behind addiction by design.

Timestamps:
00:00 – The hidden psychology behind poker machines
02:20 – Kate Seselja’s introduction
03:14 – “Addiction by design” explained
04:42 – Why Kate never identified as “an addict”
07:41 – Australia’s gambling culture and normalization
11:18 – Kate’s first experience with poker machines
14:21 – The dopamine rush of winning
16:20 – Gambling addiction and suicide risk
17:57 – Addiction beyond drugs
20:56 – Gambling harm in Australia
23:08 – How the addiction escalated
26:02 – “Losses disguised as wins” explained
27:31 – How poker machines manipulate the brain
29:12 – The machine overrides human instincts
30:53 – The “zone” and psychological hijacking
32:58 – Government funding and gambling industry research
34:34 – Final reflections and hope

If this conversation resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it.

Subscribe for more honest conversations around addiction, recovery, mental health, and hope.

#GamblingAddiction #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #PokerMachines #RecoveryJourney #CasinoAddiction #Psychology #TraumaRecovery #Hope #SuicidePrevention #Podcast #SlayingSober #MentalHealthAwareness #HumanBehavior #RecoveryPodcast

She survived 20 years of heroin addiction, multiple overdoses, prison, and parole. Then she picked up a barbell — and everything changed.

Chrissoula D'Orsogna went from injecting heroin at 14 after a high-speed police chase left her with a fractured pelvis, to becoming a certified personal trainer empowering women to build strong, sober lives.

In this raw and deeply moving episode of Slaying Sober, Chrissoula opens up about:

• The car accident that sparked her 20-year heroin addiction
• Surviving multiple overdoses and years in and out of prison
• The moment in rehab when strength training saved her life
• How she built a thriving fitness career — 10+ years clean
• Why moving your body is the #1 cure for depression and anxiety
• Her message to women in their 40s who think it's too late to start

This is not just a recovery story. This is proof that anything is possible — no matter how far you've fallen.

Subscribe + hit the bell so you never miss a story like this. Follow Us on Instagram → @slayingsoberpod

Trigger Warning: This episode contains honest discussion of drug use, overdose, incarceration, and suicide. Please listen only if it's safe for you to do so.

CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction: Chrissoula's Story

01:50 – How to Support Slaying Sober

02:19 – Trigger Warning

02:38 – Interview Begins

03:29 – What Chrissoula Does Now as a Personal Trainer 04:42 – The Mind-Body Connection in Recovery

05:39 – 10+ Years Clean & Sober

06:44 – Growing Up Lonely on a Farm

07:38 – First Experiences with Drugs

09:32 – The Car Accident That Changed Everything

37:43 – What's Next for Chrissoula

41:38 – Message to Her Younger Self

#SlayingSober #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #HeroinRecovery #StrengthTraining #SoberFitness #RecoveryIsPossible #MentalHealthAwareness #WomenWhoLift #SoberCommunity #FitnessMotivation #PersonalTrainer #OvercomeAddiction #RecoveryPodcast #SoberLiving #CleanAndSober #FitnessJourney #WomenEmpowerment #MindBodyConnection #TransformationStory #RecoveryStories #BreakingFree #SoberStrong #AddictionAwareness #HopeInRecovery #PodcastForWomen #FitnessOver40 #SoberAF #YouAreWorthy #NeverGiveUp

At 19, Mark Porter trusted an older mentor he met through a support line.

What happened next would shape the next 25 years of his life.

In this deeply emotional episode of Slaying Sober, Mark shares his story of grooming, sexual assault, addiction, overdose, depression, and the long journey toward healing and recovery.

The man he says assaulted him would later become a nationally known football personality — while Mark suffered in silence.

This episode is raw, confronting, and ultimately hopeful.

Topics discussed:

• Childhood & identity struggles

• Grooming & abuse trauma

• Addiction & overdose

• Mental health battles

• Silence, shame & survival

• Recovery & healing

Trigger Warning: Sexual abuse, addiction, overdose, depression, suicide, and trauma.

If this conversation moved you, please subscribe, like, and share to help more people feel less alone.

Follow Slaying Sober for more powerful stories of recovery and resilience.

#SlayingSober #MarkPorter #Podcast #TraumaRecovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #SurvivorStory #HealingJourney #RecoveryPodcast #TrueStory #EmotionalInterview #MentalHealthMatters #OverdoseAwareness #SpeakYourTruth #PodcastEpisode #LifeStory #RecoveryJourney #YouAreNotAlone #AustralianPodcast #Storytelling

Alright—here’s a more high-impact, “top YouTuber style” description (think storytelling + hooks + retention + SEO):

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YouTube Description:

What if the life everyone envies… is the one quietly breaking you?

In this episode of Slaying Sober, magician, illusionist, and media personality Ben Murphy reveals the truth behind the spotlight—where sold-out shows, red carpets, and celebrity status collide with loneliness, addiction, and inner chaos.

From being a bullied kid searching for belonging…

to becoming a global performer living the “rockstar lifestyle”…

Ben shares how alcohol slowly became his escape—and his prison.

But here’s the turning point:

After hitting rock bottom, Ben chose a different path. Today, he’s over 6 years sober—and his perspective will challenge everything you think you know about happiness, success, and control.

💬 “Even my worst day sober is better than my best day drunk.”

This conversation is raw, funny, emotional—and real. If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle you can’t break… this one’s for you.

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⚡ Why You Should Watch: • The dark side of fame no one talks about

• How addiction rewires your thinking

• The truth about loneliness and identity

• A real, honest sobriety journey (no filters)

• Practical mindset shifts that can change your life

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📢 If this hits you… Subscribe for more real stories. Share it with someone who needs it. You might change a life.

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🔍 Keywords (SEO):

addiction recovery story, sobriety motivation, mental health podcast, inspirational life story, alcohol addiction help, self improvement mindset, emotional storytelling, success vs happiness

#AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealth #Motivation #PodcastClips #SelfImprovement #Inspiration #LifeStory #Healing #StayStrong

Now I have a thorough understanding of the full episode. Here's the SEO-optimised YouTube description with timestamps:

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**She Was Stabbed, Bled Out, and Saw the White Light — Then She Chose Recovery | Caitlin's Story**

Caitlin spent 17 years buried in addiction, crime, and survival mode — dealing to get by, using to cope, and convinced her life would end in a jail cell or a coffin. Then one night, it almost did.

Set up by her supposed best friend, Caitlin found herself in a fight that ended with a knife. Her arm was slashed open, her shoes were filling with her own blood, and as a former first responder, she knew exactly how close to death she was. In the back of an ambulance, high and bleeding out, she saw the white light — and heard her dad's voice.

She came back. But recovery didn't start there. That came later, after more chaos, more pain, and a courtroom that gave her one final chance.

Today, Caitlin is one year clean. She's building Caitlin 2.0 — a woman who's found real connection, fellowship, serenity, and a reason to actually want to be alive.

This is one of the most raw, real, and redemptive stories we've ever shared on Slaying Sober.

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⚠️ *Trigger Warning: This episode contains honest discussion of drug use, violence, self-harm ideation, and addiction. Please take care of yourself.*

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**⏱️ Timestamps**

00:00 – Introduction & Caitlin's story teaser

02:20 – Trigger warning

02:38 – Meet Caitlin — where it all began

03:17 – A chaotic childhood: an addicted father & constant fear

04:16 – First drink, first drugs — and dealing at school in Year 8

07:00 – Biological dad's influence and early criminal exposure

18:37 – The night she was set up — and the knife

20:22 – The fight, the stabbing, and bleeding out in her shoes

21:41 – "I knew I had minutes to live" — a former first responder saves herself

22:09 – Blood in her shoes, guiding others to save her life

29:30 – Mixing heroin, ice, and GHB to cope with the trauma

30:38 – Waking up in the ambulance and begging them not to resuscitate her

31:07 – Seeing the other side — and not wanting to come back

31:51 – Rehab, the pink cloud, and choosing life

32:21 – What sobriety has given her: connection, belonging, identity

38:43 – "If I can do it, anyone can" — 17 years of crime and chaos to 1 year clean

39:23 – The court case: trafficking charges, a CCO, and her last chance

41:33 – Sharing your story IS recovery — one person, one life changed

42:22 – What would you say to little Caitlin?

43:07 – Closing thoughts & thank you

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🎙️ **Subscribe to Slaying Sober** so you never miss a story that could change someone's life.

📲 Follow us on Instagram: [@SlayingSoberpod](https://instagram.com)

🔔 Hit the bell so these stories find the people who need them most.

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\#SlayingSober #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #RecoveryStory #DrugAddiction #TrueStory #SoberCommunity #PutTheShovelDown #NarcoticsAnonymous #RecoveryPodcast #AddictionAwareness #CleanAndSober #SoberInspiration #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible