Amber Luke is known as Australia’s most tattooed woman, 98% of her body is covered in ink. But that’s not why she’s sitting down with me today.

Amber is 10 months clean from meth. And she’s walking away from the longest job she’s ever held: sex work.

She’s felt lost for as long as she can remember. As a teenager, she spiraled into addiction, deep depression, and even turned to Satanism in a desperate attempt to escape her reality.

Today, in our chat, she’s doing something she’s never done before: opening up about a moment from her childhood that still lives with her. Something she’s never spoken about publicly. And she’s asking the question that haunts so many of us: If that one thing hadn’t happened, how different could my life have been?

Trigger Warning: we discuss themes of sexual assault, child sexual abuse and substance abuse. Please take care while listening.

Follow Amber Luke 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

Child sexual abuse has been touched on in a few of my past episodes, but in Manda’s story, it stretches across generations.

For Manda, she was sexually abused at just five years old, at the hands of someone known to the family. Years later, she would face the unimaginable: walking in on her own daughter being violated. And in a cruel twist, Manda unknowingly fell in love with a pedophile.

The trauma Manda experienced as a child shaped so much of her adult life. She found herself in violent relationships and When we spoke, Manda was calling me from a hotel room, where she had been living with her children after being homeless.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, substance use, pedophilia and domestic 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.

When I sit across from my guests, they often share the darkest chapters of their past. But for Tegan, she’s living through it right now — in real time.

Tegan and Jax are widely known for their hilarious, comedic videos that have earned them hundreds of thousands of followers across social media. So when Tegan posted a raw, emotional video — alone and visibly shaken — revealing that Jax had relapsed, my heart sank.

In our chat, Tegan opens up about the heartbreaking realities of loving someone who is struggling with addiction, while trying to protect her own wellbeing. It’s a layered, deeply human story of love and the hard lines we sometimes have to draw.

Before we get into it, I want to acknowledge how delicate it is to speak about someone who is still in the midst of their struggle. Jax dropped Tegan off and picked her up from this interview, and I shared the full audio with both of them before release. This conversation wasn’t taken lightly. It was approached with care, respect, and a deep belief that stories like Tegan’s — those living through the ripple effects — deserve to be heard too.

Trigger Warning: This content discusses themes of substance abuse, including graphic details of an overdose. Please take care while listening.

Follow Tegan 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.

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.