TOMU: The Open Mic: Unfiltered

In this powerful episode, Marvin shares his raw and honest journey through 22 years of drug addiction, prison sentences, and the long road to recovery. From heroin and prescription dependency to completing replacement therapy, Marvin opens up about what finally caused a profound shift in his mindset—and why recovery truly begins with self-reflection and self-acceptance.

We talk about the reality of addiction recovery, the emotional challenges of getting sober, rebuilding relationships, and learning how to live again after decades lost to substance abuse. Marvin also discusses being featured on the controversial Scottish TV show The Scheme, the impact it had on his life, and how he’s now using his platform to help others find life after drugs.

This episode explores:

• Drug addiction and long-term substance abuse

• Recovery after decades of addiction

• Replacement therapy and sobriety

• Mental health, self-reflection, and healing

• Prison, stigma, and second chances

• Why support systems are vital in recovery

• Proof that transformation is possible at any stage of life

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, recovery, or mental health, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and real-world insight from someone who’s lived it.

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January has a way of stripping everything back.

In this episode of TOMU – The Open Mic Unfiltered, I talk honestly about the January slump, low motivation, self-doubt, anxiety, and the uncomfortable questions that tend to show up when the noise dies down.

From the crash after Christmas, to feeling lost, questioning your direction, doubting your work, and sitting with uncertainty instead of rushing to fix it — this episode is a quiet, unfiltered reflection on a heavy time of year.

We talk about burnout, comparison, procrastination, sobriety, pressure, and what “enough” actually looks like when energy is low and expectations feel high.

There’s no motivational talk and no quick fixes — just an honest conversation for anyone feeling flat, restless, or unsure of themselves right now.

If January has left you questioning everything, this one’s for you.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Baker for an honest and grounding conversation about mental health, parenting, authenticity, and navigating self-worth in a social media-driven world.

Amanda shares her journey from working as a mental health therapist to integrating yoga, creativity, and community into her approach to healing. We explore how ego, comparison, and societal expectations can impact our mental health, and why trusting your intuition is essential for personal growth and self-discovery.

We talk openly about anxiety, attachment, generational trauma, and the non-linear nature of healing, as well as the role of medication, self-exploration, and compassion in finding fulfillment. Amanda also shares how poetry became a powerful form of self-expression, the healing impact of nature, and why embracing uncertainty can lead to deeper meaning and connection.

This episode is for anyone feeling stuck in comparison, questioning their path, or seeking a more authentic and fulfilling way of living — whether you’re navigating parenting, mental health challenges, or simply trying to reconnect with yourself.

Topics include:
mental health, parenting, authenticity, social media and self-esteem, anxiety, attachment, generational trauma, self-discovery, intuition, fulfillment, creativity, poetry, nature, and healing.

In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on the year that completely changed my life.

This episode is an honest conversation about addiction recovery, sobriety, mental health, ADHD, therapy, survivors guilt, and finding purpose.

I open up about seeking help for alcohol and substance abuse, being diagnosed with ADHD, navigating medication, and learning how to feel again without running from my emotions. I talk about the growth of this podcast, becoming a Top 10% show listened to in 34 countries, and how sobriety has allowed me to rebuild my relationships, health, and sense of self.

I also share deeply personal experiences around spina bifida, losing two siblings, and the survivor’s guilt that has followed me throughout my life. These experiences have inspired my plan to cycle from Copenhagen to Athens to raise awareness and money for mental health and spina bifida.

This episode is for anyone struggling with addiction, feeling lost, navigating ADHD, grieving, or trying to rebuild their life. It’s about starting again, believing in yourself, and learning that nothing changes unless you change.

 Topics covered:

• Sobriety & addiction recovery

• Alcohol and substance abuse

• ADHD diagnosis & medication

• Mental health & therapy

• Survivor’s guilt & grief

• Spina bifida awareness

• Personal growth & self-discovery

• Finding purpose after addiction

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and follow the podcast — it really helps the show grow and reach more people we can help.
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We’re just getting started.

Christmas can be a difficult time — especially if you’re sober, trying to stay sober, or questioning your relationship with alcohol.

In this episode, I talk honestly about heading into Christmas without drinking — the triggers, the pressure, the memories, and the temptation — but also the unexpected peace that comes with being present.

I reflect on what sobriety has given me this year: clarity, gratitude, deeper connections, and the ability to actually remember the moments that matter.

This episode is for anyone navigating addiction recovery, mental health challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the holidays.

You’re not alone. You don’t need to escape this life — you’re allowed to live it.

 TOMU – The Open Mic: Unfiltered

Real conversations about sobriety, recovery, mental health, personal growth and life.

If this episode resonates, follow the show, leave a rating, or share it with someone who might need it this Christmas

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In this episode Jason Dobbie shares his transformative journey from being a professional chef to becoming a sober life coach.

He discusses the challenges of sobriety, including the struggles with relapse and navigating social situations without alcohol.

Jason emphasizes the importance of inner work, intuition, and meditation in personal growth and recovery. He also highlights the power of gratitude and daily intentions in fostering a positive mindset.

Through his experiences, he encourages others to trust their intuition and embrace their journey towards self-discovery and fulfillment.

Jason and I delve into various meditation techniques, the benefits of silent retreats, and the importance of practicing gratitude in daily life.

We discuss the challenges of navigating the holiday season, especially for those in recovery, and the significance of building a supportive community for personal growth and sobriety.

The dialogue emphasizes the ripple effect of kindness and the transformative power of mindfulness and gratitude.

If you are enjoying the podcast please leave us a rating and follow the show. It really helps the show grow.

If you are REALLY enjoying the show then you can buy me a coffee. This helps support the show and allows us to grow and give more time to the show and helping others. https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast⁠ 

Remember to follow us on our socials @tomupodcast.

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To join Jason and his community over at Stress Free Sobriety click the link below...

https://www.skool.com/stress-free-sobriety/about

You can also follow him on his socials @jason.dobbie

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Chapters

00:00 - Journey to Sobriety and Self Discovery

02:44 - The Struggles of Relapse and Recovery

05:43 - Navigating Social Situations as a Sober Individual

08:32 - Understanding Intuition and Its Role in Life Changes

11:19 - The Impact of Meditation on Sobriety and Self-Awareness

36:32 - The Journey to Meditation and Spiritual Awakening

37:55 - Breath Awareness Meditation: A Practical Approach

40:11 - Daily Meditation: Building a Consistent Practice

42:19 - The Importance of Awareness in Meditation

43:39 - Starting a Meditation Group: Sharing the Practice

46:49 - Creating a Mindfulness Community and Resources

48:02 - Gratitude Practice: Transforming Daily Life

49:05 - The Impact of Meditation on Emotional Regulation

51:24 - Mindfulness in Daily Activities: Slowing Down

54:09 - Exploring Different Meditation Techniques

58:04 - The Benefits of Silent Retreats

01:02:39 - The Power of Gratitude in Daily Life

01:07:51 - The Power of Journaling and Reflection

01:08:45 - Navigating the Holiday Season Sober

01:11:34 - Understanding Cravings and Emotional Triggers

01:14:01 - The 'Alcohol Sucks' Movement

01:18:40 - Building a Supportive Community for Sobriety

01:25:10 - Creating a Movement for Change

Here it is part two of this two part episode with The Anxiety Expert Shane Murphy.

We wrap all this up by diving into the complexities of mental health, discussing the balance between therapy and medication, the importance of emotional processing, and the societal stigma surrounding mental health treatment.

We explore the current mental health crisis in Europe, the role of government in mental health care, and the need for accessible and diverse therapeutic options.

The discussion emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, grounding techniques, and the power of community support in fostering mental well-being.

f you are enjoying the podcast leave a follow and rating. It really helps the show grow and reach more people we can potentially help.

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More importantly, if you feel this episode could help someone, please send it to them.

Be good to yourself.

Follow on socials @tomupodcast

In this episode Shane Murphy and I dive into the complexities of anxiety, emotions, and men's mental health.

Shane shares his personal journey from struggling with anxiety for over two decades to becoming an anxiety expert.

The discussion emphasises the importance of living in the present, understanding the difference between feelings and emotions, and the impact of social media on mental health.

Shane advocates for authenticity in therapy and challenges societal norms surrounding masculinity, highlighting the need for men to express their feelings and embrace self-love. 

If you are enjoying the podcast leave a follow and rating. It really helps the show grow and reach more people we can potentially help.

Double legend status if you buy me a coffee...

https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast

More importantly, if you feel this episode could help someone, please send it to them.

Be good to yourself.

Men are dying in silence — and the world barely talks about it.
In this powerful and emotional episode of TOMU – The Open Mic Unfiltered, we dive deep into the hidden mental health crisis affecting men everywhere. We break down the stigma, the expectations, the pressure to “man up,” and the dangerous mask so many men are forced to wear.

We talk about why men struggle to open up, the signs we often miss, the reality of depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and the silent pain men carry behind closed doors.
We also explore what real strength looks like, how healing actually happens, and why vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s survival.

This episode also includes a deeply personal message about losing someone close… someone who might still be here today if he’d been able to ask for help, if we had understood sooner, or if society hadn’t taught men to stay silent. His story is one of the reasons this entire journey began.

If you care about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, brotherhood, masculinity, vulnerability, or emotional healing — this is an episode you need to hear.

 Listen, follow, and share this episode to help spread awareness and save lives.
Your share could be the reason a man reaches out instead of giving up.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please reach out. You’re not alone, and there is help available:

 United Kingdom — Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free, confidential)
 United States — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (24/7)
 Denmark — Livslinien: 70 20 12 01 (daily 11:00–05:00)

Wherever you are in the world:
Search “suicide hotline + your country” — support exists, and someone will listen.

In this second part of my 52 Weeks Sober story, I dive into the deep work, facing myself, rebuilding my life, and finding peace after years of chaos.

From therapy breakthroughs to sober firsts, from loneliness to gratitude, this episode explores what the second half of a year without alcohol really feels like.

I talk honestly about recovery, ADHD, mental health, and how sobriety changes everything, your relationships, your mindset, and your sense of self.

Whether you’re six months sober, thinking about quitting, or just trying to understand the process, this one’s for you.

If you are enjoying the show and want to help to keep it going and grow, you can buy me a coffee. Link Below. Alternatively, its just as huge following and leaving a rating. Appreciate you.

https://buymeacoffee.com/tomupodcast