For ⁠Ash Butterss⁠, addiction was a constant pursuit of more: more thrill, more chaos, more ways to avoid the emptiness. It started with sugar in childhood, then alcohol at 12, and drugs by 14.

She moved from one addiction to another, telling herself she didn’t have a problem as long as she had periods of sobriety.

On the outside, her life looked impressive. She owned a home in Bondi, did early-morning HIIT classes, managed a team, and kept getting promoted. It wasn't until she hit what she calls "the gift of desperation" that she became willing to get sober.

Giving up alcohol meant facing painful truths, including the reality that her marriage was built around shared addiction.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses themes of substance abuse and suicide.⁠Follow Ash Butterss on Instagram⁠

Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠

Creator & Host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠

Video & Audio- ⁠Stitch Up Studios⁠

Image & Logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Andrew Moses⁠ grew up as a closeted Jewish gay boy, feeling immense pressure to be academically successful, marry a Jewish woman, and have Jewish children, all while battling the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him.

To fit in, he started using party drugs, masking his true identity and trying to convince everyone, including himself, that he was straight. Over time, his opioid use evolved into a secret crystal meth addiction. It wasn’t until a trip to Costa Rica for his birthday, where he used ayahuasca, that everything changed.

Today, Andrew helps other gay men struggling to come off drugs and chem sex, and when asked what advice he would give to a closeted queer person struggling with addiction, his response is not only beautiful but deeply moving.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sex, substance abuse, internalised homophobia, and the emotional impact of being closeted. Please take care while listening.

⁠Follow Andrew Moses on Instagram⁠

Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠

Creator & Host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠

Video & Audio- ⁠Stitch Up Studios

⁠Image & Logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule

⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

The holiday season can be especially triggering when it comes to food and eating. In this episode, I’m joined by Vanessa Kredler to talk about food addiction, food noise, and why so many people feel stuck in the same cycle year after year.

We explore why willpower isn’t the problem and what “food sobriety” really means. Vanessa shares how recovery is possible, what support can look like and how to approach 2026 with compassion rather than punishment.

Links mentioned in this episode:
Food Sober Fundamentals (8-week program):
https://www.vanessakredler.com/courses/food-sober-fundamentals-group-program-for-food-addiction-and-binge-eating

Website:
https://www.vanessakredler.com/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/vanessakredler/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/vanessakredler.foodaddictioncounsellor

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking 

Julia Vogl ⁠never identified with having a drinking problem, but she realised alcohol was holding her back and capping her potential. It’s a story so many can relate to, knowing something isn’t good for you, not being addicted to, yet continuously crawling back to it.

Growing up confused about her sexuality and living with internalised homophobia, she would kiss girls while drunk, only to spiral into shame afterward, keeping her stuck in a cycle of self-hatred. 

Taking a six-month break from drinking turned into a year, then a lifestyle. She found purpose, saved a small fortune, and witnessed how one person quitting drinking can lift up those around them.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse.

⁠Follow Julia Vogl on Instagram⁠

Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015⁠

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠

Creator & Host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠

Video & Audio- ⁠Stitch Up Studios⁠

Image & Logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠

⁠Glen’s⁠⁠ childhood was something no one should ever have to experience. His father was a predator, and his mother a heroin addict who later turned to alcohol.

Throughout this two part interview you'll hear Glen be abused by many people- the first was being raped by a close family friend at just nine years old.  one year later, he was already trying to escape the abuse, running away from home, institutions, and boys' homes, where he faced further sexual assault and bullying.

Glen's dad then went on to abandon him on Oxford Street in Sydney, leaving him homeless at just 13. With nowhere to go, he became a street kid of Kings Cross. 

Trigger Warning: This episode contains themes of child abuse, child sexual abuse, substance abuse and violence. Please please listen with care 

⁠⁠Follow Glen Fisher on Instagram⁠⁠

Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015⁠⁠⁠

⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠

Creator & host- ⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠

⁠⁠⁠Video producer- ⁠⁠Beaudene Perussich⁠⁠

Image & logo- ⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking

Glen’s⁠ childhood was something no one should ever have to experience. His father was a predator, and his mother a heroin addict who later turned to alcohol.

Throughout this two part interview you'll hear Glen be abused by many people- the first was being raped by a close family friend at just nine years old.  one year later, he was already trying to escape the abuse, running away from home, institutions, and boys' homes, where he faced further sexual assault and bullying.

Glen's dad then went on to abandon him on Oxford Street in Sydney, leaving him homeless at just 13. With nowhere to go, he became a street kid of Kings Cross. 

Trigger Warning: This episode contains themes of child abuse, child sexual abuse, substance abuse and violence. Please please listen with care 

⁠Follow Glen Fisher on Instagram⁠

Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015⁠

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠

Creator & host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea

⁠Video producer- ⁠Beaudene Perussich⁠

Image & logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE PATREON: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking

By the age of 10, Nicole was already weighing drugs for bikies at clubhouses. She experienced child abuse from a young age and had no family or friends surrounding her. This led Nicole to put her trust in the wrong hands, becoming the victim of a horrific crime in high school. 

Years later, she married her ex-husband, entering an abusive relationship so violently destructive that she knew staying would eventually cost her life. Fleeing with nothing but the clothes on her back, Nicole found herself once again immersed in the world of drugs and sex work. It wasn’t until a motel room overdose that everything change...

Ready to share your story? Email [email protected] 

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse. Please listen with care and prioritise your well-being. Help is listed below; 

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠Call 1800 737 732 for the 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy. 

Creator & host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠ 

Video producer- ⁠Beaudene Perussich⁠ 

Image & logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠ 

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, substance abuse, postnatal depression, and birth trauma.

"I was just an average mum from Byron Bay" were the words that Ninny wrote to me in despair. After her second child, postnatal depression, lack of support and two traumatic birth experiences led her down an unexpected path: prescription drug dependence.

Ninny shares her journey through overprescribing, the systemic failures that left her struggling and how she is now reclaiming her life while helping others. This is a vital conversation around mental health, postpartum care and the hidden dangers of prescription medication.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking

Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠
Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠
Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠
Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠
In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking

Yasmine grew up in a loving home in New Zealand and never really encountered drugs. But even in a great childhood, trauma can exist. In high school, Yasmine was sexually assaulted, an experience that shaped her early choices.

In her early to mid-twenties, she moved to Australia with a new partner and, from the airport, drove straight to a trap house. She spent years as a high-functioning addict, working retail jobs while slowly losing her mind to psychosis.

Back in New Zealand, after two pregnancies, she could no longer stay clean. Social services watched her every move. Multiple suicide attempts followed. At one point, police, including SWAT, surrounded her with lasers aimed at her.

And yet, it wasn’t all of that that made her stop. It was looking at her baby and realising, suddenly there were baby teeth, first words being spoken. Yasmine was missing the crucial years of her child’s life because of her addiction.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses vivid scenes of sexual assault and suicide. If you are not feeling mentally well, or if these topics are too close to home, I recommend skipping this one.

Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

⁠⁠⁠⁠
Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

⁠⁠⁠⁠
Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠
Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Have you ever asked yourself what was really at the core of your addiction? Trauma specialist and co-dependency coach Drew Wild joins me to ask the questions we often avoid.What was my addiction helping me cope with?What came before the substance?How do we start to heal the root cause, not just the behaviour?Many people believe that if they don’t have trauma, they can’t have an addiction. Drew helps us see that addiction often comes from unmet needs as a child and can be shaped by all kinds of trauma, not just the obvious or extreme experiences.

Follow Drew on Instagram hereTrigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuseReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.