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

James partied for 25 years. Looking back now, he knows he was just a full-blown dopamine addict.

He had the life everyone dreams of; the beautiful family, the thriving business, the house. But beneath it all, James never felt loved.

Weekends were spent ignoring calls and disappearing into benders. When they ended, the shame hit so hard he’d stop by the bottle shop at 10am just to numb himself enough to face his wife and kids again.

In his darkest moments, he’d drive to work and catch himself wondering which tree he could crash into to end it all.

Eventually, when his drinking tore the family apart, his wife gave him an ultimatum: them or the substances.

The choice he made that day still haunts him.

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Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse and suicide.

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.

Would you recognise the early signs of domestic violence?

Kacey Jackson grew up in a lower socioeconomic town with an alcoholic father and was never shown what a healthy relationship or boundaries looked like.

After being love bombed by a new partner, she found herself trapped in a violent relationship just three months later. One night, after five hours of torture and threats to her life, Kacey fled barefoot into the dark and hid in the bush to survive.

Now, she’s rebuilding herself piece by piece and sharing her story so others don’t miss the warning signs she once did.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse 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.

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

Gordon Lownds didn’t try drugs until his 40s. By then, he was a celebrated Canadian entrepreneur who had built a business that sold for over $1.7 billion this year. On a business trip, he met a 27-year-old stripper, “the ultimate femme fatale,” as he called her, and what began as a fling soon turned into a relationship. What he didn’t realise was that she had been battling a serious drug addiction since her teens.

By 48, Gordon had become a high-functioning addict himself, excelling at work while living in constant fear that one mistake would expose his secret. A stint in rehab forced him to confront lifelong mental health struggles, including narcissism, and his relationship ended in a wild saga involving bikies, blackmail, and more than $300,000. His story proves that it’s never too late to get sober and start again.

BUY GORDON'S BOOK HERE

Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse, suicide and sex. 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.

⁠Conrad Tracey⁠ joins me again on the podcast, this time in the studio. He’s an addiction coach whose own story of transformation shapes the way he helps others break free from dependency.

We talked about what it takes to become an addiction coach, the emotional challenges of working with people in deep addiction, how families can support without enabling, setting boundaries without guilt, and staying connected through recovery.

We also touched on socialising sober, from handling events when everyone else is drinking to shutting down those relentless “just one drink” comments, plus the biggest misconceptions about addiction that frustrate him most.

For the next 30 days, the first 30 people who join The Circuit Breaker will get a reduced rate — just $97/week ex GST for the first 3 month (normally $149/week)

Use the promo code: 'SOBER' at checkout to lock in your discount ($52 off per week).This is strictly limited — once the 30 spots are gone, the offer closes.

https://pages.addictioncoachingaustralia.com.au/the-circuit-breaker

Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse. 

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

What’s the first thing you remember doing wrong to someone? Did it hurt them? And if it did, would you call that person now, 10, 20 or even 30 years later, to apologise?

That’s exactly what Liam has had to do in his recovery.

Liam, an executive chef, always told himself: I’ve got kids. I’ve got a family. I’m an award-winning chef. My career is thriving. I can’t be an addict.
But decades of drug and alcohol abuse proved otherwise.

His final wake up call came when his son found him in a k-hole, bleeding out on a concrete floor.

Now, Liam sits before me, willing to improve for his kids but more importantly for himself. And then comes the one question that stops him in his tracks and leaves him speechless.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse, suicide, domestic violence and graphic scenes of an overdose.
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.

For as long as she can remember, Justine Santowiak's OCD was the driving force behind her behaviour. But it wasn’t until she was 45 that she finally got a diagnosis.

One day, scrolling through social media, she came across a clip of someone describing their own OCD and emetophobia, and for the first time in her life, she felt seen. After 45 years, she realised she wasn’t alone.

For decades, alcohol had been her way of coping. At first it felt like self-medicating, but soon it spiralled into something darker. Friends and family lost trust, to the point where they didn’t feel safe leaving her alone with her own children.

At rock bottom, Justine made a promise to God. And through physical exercise and her commitment to sobriety, she has kept that promise. Today, she not only lives in recovery, but helps others find the same strength she once thought was impossible.

FOLLOW JUSTINE ON INSTAGRAM

Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse, OCD and self-harm.

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

If you’re drawn to the mystical, curious about manifestation, or just open to the idea of magic, this episode is for you. Sunshine, the pink-haired witch, is a psychic medium, Soul Healer, Reiki Master, and High Priestess. A recovering alcoholic, she guides witches in recovery to reclaim their magic and step fully into their highest purpose.

We explore the spiritual side of addiction, how dark entities are formed, how they attach to us, and what it’s like to live with them. Sunshine shares from experience, and it wasn’t until her partner gave her an ultimatum to attend 90 meetings in 90 days that she hit her own version of rock bottom.

Leave judgment at the door, open your heart and mind, and let a little magic weave its way into your world.
Trigger warnings: Suicide and substance abuse.

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.

Wayne lost everything to drugs, his home, his family, and almost his mind. Growing up as one of four boys, he prided himself on being the last man standing when it came to drink. But once drugs entered his life, everything changed.

He spiralled into psychosis for days, ran through national parks convinced people were after him, spent time in multiple rehabs, and lived on the streets with no support, no one to talk to, and invisible to all who crossed his path on their commute.

Wayne shares a powerful insight into what it really feels like to be lonely, exhausted, and afraid without a home, and challenges us to reflect on how society treats those experiencing homelessness.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse, suicide and self-harm.

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

Jessie grew up with a mother she calls a psycho. Her mum’s life was ruled by drugs and alcohol, and those same substances eventually claimed her. Jessie thought she would feel relief when her mum died, but instead she was hit with crushing guilt.  

Her grief does not stop there. Her sister, who endured the worst of their mother’s abuse, has now followed in the same destructive footsteps. Jessie also grieves for her niece and nephew, growing up robbed of the mother they deserved. Addiction’s ripple effects run deep in her family, from eating disorders to skin-picking, living proof that it does not just take one life, it devastates everyone in its orbit.

Trigger warnings: Eating disorders, suicide, substance abuse, skin-picking, sex work, child abuse.

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.

Today I’m joined by Vanessa Kredler, a Sydney-based Counsellor and Psychotherapist who specialises in helping adults recover from food and sugar addiction, disordered eating, trauma, and other addictive behaviours.

Vanessa combines her own lived experience with clinical expertise to guide people towards lasting recovery.

In this conversation, Vanessa answers all your burning questions about food addiction, including:

• What actually creates food addiction

• Why so many people switch to sugar after going sober

• How to stop the relentless food noise

Work with Vanessa here

Trigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuse.

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.