Drink driving is one of the biggest regrets for nearly every guest I’ve had, but for Chris, the consequences were brutal and lasting.

Blacked out and riding on the back of a dirt bike with another intoxicated friend, they slammed head-on into traffic at 90km/h. Chris’s mate went to jail. The woman in the other car, simply driving to her next destination, will carry the trauma of that night forever. And Chris? He still lives with the physical pain.

Trigger warning: we discuss themes of substance abuse and drink driving in this episode. 

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.

Taylor started sleeping with men when she was just 16 years old. From a young age, she was hanging around older boys for drugs and what began as one man to fund her addiction quickly escalated to posting herself on a sugar baby website.

Taylor lives with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and currently has two parents in recovery. She hopes sharing her story sheds light on the glamorised version of sex work young girls are seeing on platforms like TikTok. It’s not the full picture, and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. 

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, suicide, substance abuse, domestic violence, and includes graphic descriptions of certain events. Please take care while listening.

Follow Taylor 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

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

Caitlin grew up in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household, where her voice and individuality were suppressed. As soon as she was old enough, she sought out any form of escape — anything to avoid being at home.

Caitlin shares her ongoing battle with mental illness – one that reached a breaking point when she found herself screaming at strangers in a grocery store, eventually having to be restrained and sedated.

Ironically, it wasn’t a psychiatrist or psychologist who finally helped her – it was a sleep specialist.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse, mental illness, and psychotic episodes.

Follow Caitlin Carter 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

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.

I've been following Michael Lappin on social media for a while now and even reached out to him when Soberly Speaking first launched, hoping to have him on as one of my guests. Weeks passed without a reply—until I came across a video where he shared he had relapsed.

Michael's story, and this interview, really show how messy and non-linear addiction can be: time in and out of jail, broken promises, and having to start over again—sometimes more than once.

What makes this conversation even more important is who Michael is. He's this big, burly guy—when I hugged him at the interview, I even joked about how big his muscles were. And yet here he is, openly sharing his struggles. It’s so important for other men to see someone like him being vulnerable and reaching out for external help.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of substance abuse, violence, and criminal offences, including attempted murder. 

Follow Michael Lappin 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

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://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeaking

The first time Tara tried Ice, it gave her a euphoria she’d never known. Coming from a violent household — a pattern that would repeat throughout her life — she was desperate to escape her reality from a young age.

During active addiction, Tara was found jumping on a car in full-blown psychosis. She woke up in psych wards, witnessed crimes most of us couldn’t begin to imagine, and lived with an extremely dangerous drug dealer.

Tara and I have an eye-opening conversation about why she doesn’t call herself an addict — and why she doesn’t identify as being in recovery either.

This chat has my head spinning. It’s made me seriously reconsider the way I talk about myself and my own journey.

I’d love to hear your thoughts too.

Trigger warning: we discuss themes of domestic violence, substance abuse, psychosis, and graphic scenes of violence. Please take care before listening.

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.

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://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeaking

Jo is a mother to four boys, her first two have both suffered with addiction.
Two very different personalities: one the awkward, gentle kid; the other, the popular party boy.

Only two and a half years apart, their addictions ruled the family — from smashing each other’s belongings to being maced by police in the front yard. At one point, one of the brothers even shot the other. The chaos led to countless court cases and eventually cost Jo her marriage.

This episode is a powerful wake-up call to how devastating addiction can be for the people around it. Jo has lost everything; her career, finances, and friendships, to her sons’ addictions.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse and violence.

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.

Patrick’s struggle wasn’t just with alcohol and drugs, they were symptoms of a much deeper issue: his inability to sit with discomfort. For years, he convinced himself that, “Once my mental health is under control, I’ll stop drinking.” A lie I’m sure we’ve all told ourselves at some point.

In the beginning, alcohol seemed like the solution, the only way to do the things he felt he couldn’t do on his own. But as his addiction spiralled, he suddenly realised where it was inevitably leading; death.

His parents dropped him off at rehab, and it was there that a counsellor spoke three simple words that changed everything for him.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse.

Follow Patrick Kennedy 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 HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeaking

This is my most controversial episode to date — and it’s now live on The Unspoken, Soberly Speaking’s new membership on Patreon.

After being abused by a family member as a child, Zoe’s life was chaos from early childhood. She fell into addiction young and remained trapped in a cycle of substance abuse and extreme domestic violence. Her first son was removed by Child Protective Services which then led to her using ice daily throughout her next pregnamncy. she was being beaten frequently even when she was full term with bub and"didn't care if the baby lived or died- due to the addiction and DV, Her second child was born- with both physical and cognitive disabilities. 

Zoe is sober now and trying to live a good, clean life so if her kids ever come looking for her. she'll be there. 

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence and harm toward an unborn child. 

If you're currently pregnant, please consider whether this episode is right for you at this time.

Follow Zoe May 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.