Welcome to Slaying Sober. Today, James speaks with Gary, whose early life was inspired by the gangster lifestyle and led him to time in max security prison. Gary’s journey of breaking free from addiction and crime in Perth proves that no cycle is unbreakable, and hope is always within reach.
Takeaways:
Gary shares his journey of addiction and recovery.
He emphasizes the importance of self-love in overcoming addiction.
The role of environment and relationships in addiction is crucial.
Gary discusses the challenges of staying sober after recovery.
He highlights the significance of community support in recovery.
Nature and mindfulness are key tools for healing.
Gary's story illustrates the impact of trauma on addiction.
He believes in the power of personal stories to inspire others.
Gary's relationship with his partner has been a source of strength.
He stresses the need for internal work to achieve lasting sobriety.
Summary
In this conversation, Gary shares his profound journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-love, community support, and the role of nature in healing. He discusses the challenges faced during his addiction, the impact of his environment, and the significance of relationships in his recovery process. Gary's story serves as an inspiration for those struggling with addiction, highlighting the internal work required to achieve lasting sobriety.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Reflections
07:51 Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
10:51 Life After Prison
13:32 The Turning Point: Finding Love
22:26 Self-Love and Recovery
23:57 Articulation and Connection in Recovery
24:37 The Journey to Sobriety: Personal Experiences
25:40 Changing Environments for Recovery
26:25 Building Community in Recovery
27:23 Strength Through Overcoming Addiction
28:12 Daily Practices for Recovery
29:11 Celebrating Progress in Recovery
30:04 The Role of Social Media in Recovery
31:48 Expectations of Praise in Sobriety
32:55 Facing Criticism and Naysayers
34:09 The Reality of Addiction Recovery
37:04 Nature as a Healing Tool
38:42 Childhood Joys and Their Role in Recovery
41:56 The Importance of Community Support
42:52 Gratitude for Supportive Relationships
44:24 OUTRO SS.wav
Summary
In this conversation, Nicki shares her inspiring journey of overcoming alcohol addiction, detailing her experiences from childhood through to her current nine months of sobriety.
She discusses the early signs of her drinking habits, the escalation into dependency, the impact on her marriage, and the pivotal moment that led her to seek help.
Nicki emphasizes the importance of community support, self-love, and the ongoing nature of recovery, highlighting the positive changes in her life since becoming sober.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Early Sobriety Journey
04:34 First Experiences with Alcohol
06:07 Escalation into Substance Use
07:43 Motherhood and Alcohol's Role
09:15 Anxiety and Reliance on Alcohol
11:27 Social Drinking and Community Expectations
12:48 Realization of Drinking Problems
13:28 Marriage Breakdown and Alcohol's Impact
14:23 Attempts to Seek Help
16:36 Understanding Addiction and Its Progression
18:38 The Turning Point to Sobriety
22:50 Final Steps to Recovery
23:58 The Decision to Seek Help
25:48 Experiences in Rehab
27:55 The Importance of Support
30:54 Overcoming Guilt and Embracing Recovery
33:03 Role Modeling for Children
35:51 Finding Happiness in Sobriety
37:52 Tools for Ongoing Recovery
41:40 The Power of Vulnerability and Community
45:52 OUTRO SS.wav
We discuss the downside of a bikie lifestyle, drugs in prison, psychosis, guns, suicide and desperation.
As well as some witty insights from Sam.
Summary
In this conversation, Sam shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal stories in helping others.
He discusses the glamorization of gang life and the harsh realities of addiction, highlighting the need for a more effective rehabilitation system.
The conversation also touches on generational trauma and the impact of societal perceptions on individuals struggling with addiction.
Summary
In this conversation, Sam shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of healing past traumas and the role of mentorship in helping others.
He discusses his early experiences with drugs, the escalation of his addiction, and the realization that true peace comes from within rather than from external sources.
Sam reflects on the sense of belonging he found in unhealthy environments and the turning point that led him to seek help in rehab. In this conversation, Sam shares his profound journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the importance of compassion, support, and understanding the roots of addiction.
He discusses the role of somatic therapy in emotional healing and the significance of establishing a daily routine to maintain sobriety. Sam highlights the transformative power of relationships, particularly with his mother and wife, and reflects on the importance of self-love and positive self-talk in the recovery process.
The conversation culminates in a celebration of personal growth and the impact of recovery on family dynamics.
Takeaways
Unbreakable means healing past traumas and fears.
Helping others transition from broken to unbreakable.
Service to others is crucial in recovery.
Childhood experiences shape our future behaviors.
Drugs initially provided a sense of peace.
Chasing happiness can lead to disappointment.
Finding true connection is essential for recovery.
Addiction manifests in various forms beyond drugs.
Belonging can be found in unhealthy environments.
Trust and compassion can spark change. Sam's journey of recovery involved breaking trust with his mother.
Compassion from others helped Sam learn to be compassionate to himself.
Understanding the root causes of addiction is crucial for recovery.
Somatic therapy can help release trauma stored in the body.
Establishing a daily routine is essential for maintaining sobriety.
Self-love and positive self-talk are powerful tools in recovery.
Compassionate relationships can significantly aid in the healing process.
Recovery is about more than just meetings; it's about daily actions.
Sam emphasizes the importance of being present for his children.
The gifts of recovery include deeper connections with loved ones.
Chapters
00:00 From Broken to Unbreakable: Sam's Journey
08:08 First Encounters with Drugs and Alcohol
13:06 Escalation into Drug Culture
19:05 The Cycle of Addiction and Seeking Acceptance
22:43 The Brotherhood and Comradery of the Bike Club
28:06 The Turning Point: Compassion and Trust in Recovery
32:15 The Struggles of Rehabilitation and Self-Discovery
36:11 The Role of Family Support in Recovery
41:14 Navigating Recovery: Justifications and Challenges
46:22 Reframing Childhood Trauma
51:44 Establishing a Healing Routine
52:12 Practicing Gratitude and Self-Love
54:27 Mindfulness and Presence in Daily Life
56:47 Compassion and Understanding in Recovery
57:10 The Role of Family in Recovery
01:02:09 Celebrating Growth and Connection
01:04:48 Reflections on School and Early Life
01:05:28 The Business of Drug Dealing
01:06:12 OUTRO SS.wav
Summary
In this conversation, Andrew shares his profound journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, community, and the role of golf in his life. He reflects on his early experiences, the challenges he faced, and how he found solace and purpose through therapy and vulnerability. Andrew discusses the significance of surrendering to life's challenges and the opportunities that arise in recovery, ultimately leading to a fulfilling life as a professional golfer.
Takeaways
Golf is a metaphor for life and self-discovery.
Serenity enhances performance in challenging activities.
Addiction often stems from unresolved trauma.
Community support is crucial in recovery.
Therapy plays a vital role in healing past wounds.
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
Surrendering to circumstances opens up new opportunities.
Recovery is about taking responsibility for one's life.
Building a new life requires effort and commitment.
Finding passion can lead to personal fulfillment.
Chapters
00:00 The Challenge of Golf and Mindfulness
03:02 Navigating Life and Sobriety
05:54 Reflections on Early Sobriety
08:40 Childhood and Adoption
12:03 The Impact of Trauma
15:00 The Journey into Alcohol and Drugs
17:47 The First Experience with Alcohol
20:35 Consequences of Addiction
23:58 Life in the Cycle of Addiction
26:49 Incarceration and Its Lessons
29:31 The Turning Point to Recovery
37:40 The Journey to Rehab
40:36 Life in Rehab: Structure and Community
44:48 Transitioning to Life After Rehab
48:02 The Role of Responsibility in Recovery
55:43 Surrender and Acceptance in Recovery
01:00:56 Finding Freedom Through Vulnerability
01:08:28 The Power of Therapy and Community
01:12:56 Pursuing Passions: Golf and Personal Growth
In this conversation, Dolly shares her journey from loneliness and addiction to recovery and empowerment.
She discusses the creation of SOS Melbourne, a community aimed at supporting women in sobriety, and reflects on the impact of her upbringing and relationships on her drinking habits.
Dolly emphasizes the importance of faith in her recovery, the rewards of being a present parent, and the need for social spaces that do not revolve around alcohol.
The discussion highlights the growing movement against the normalization of drinking culture, particularly among mothers.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
03:06 Creating a Supportive Community for Women in Sobriety
06:08 Personal Journey: Growing Up with Alcoholism
09:00 The Role of Alcohol in Social Life
11:53 Recognizing the Problem: A Turning Point
14:25 Navigating Recovery: AA and Beyond
15:46 Navigating Recovery and Support Systems
16:31 The Role of Faith in Personal Transformation
18:22 Finding Peace Through Faith
20:13 The Journey of Recovery and Relapse
21:49 Rediscovering Self and Purpose
23:14 The Impact of Sobriety on Parenting
25:43 Challenging Societal Norms Around Alcohol
27:33 Building a Supportive Community
29:22 Creating Meaningful Connections Without Alcohol
30:53 OUTRO SS.wav
In this conversation, Simon shares his profound journey through addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to sobriety, the importance of spirituality, and the role of literature in his life.
Simon discusses his early experiences with substances, the escalation of his addiction, and the impact on his relationships, particularly with his children and their mother. He emphasizes the significance of community, the 12-step program, and the ongoing process of making amends and finding balance in recovery.
Ultimately, Simon highlights the gift of recovery as a pathway to love, connection, and a fulfilling life.
Take Aways:
"I just wanted the head to stop."
"I was a narcissistic asshole."
"I just didn't want to die."
Chapters
00:00The Journey to Fitness and Recovery
02:09Navigating AA and NA: A Personal Perspective
04:40Spirituality and Connection: The Role of Faith
11:20First Encounters with Substance: A Path to Addiction
21:29The Descent into Addiction: A Personal Story
28:38Family Life and Addiction: The Struggle Within
32:41Struggles with Promises and Self-Realization
35:37Escaping Reality: The Downward Spiral
40:14The First Attempt at Recovery
45:32Lessons from Rehab: Listening and Learning
50:05Navigating Early Recovery: Meetings and Support
56:15The Role of the Steps in Recovery
01:01:26Making Amends and Building Relationships
01:14:46Finding Love and Acceptance in Recovery
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01:16:00Slaying Sober Disclaimer.wav
In this conversation, Jess Kennedy shares her profound journey through addiction, beginning with her early experiences with alcohol at the age of 12, linked to trauma.
She discusses her struggles with ADHD, feeling out of place, and how she became a high functioning addict, masking her issues while maintaining a successful career.
Jess recounts a pivotal moment when she overdosed at work, leading to a turning point in her life.
Throughout her recovery, she faced the challenges of detoxing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stigma surrounding addiction.
Jess emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health, as she was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD, which stemmed from her experiences.
Her story is one of resilience, highlighting the complexities of addiction and the journey towards healing.
In this conversation, Jess Kennedy shares her journey through mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and complex PTSD.
She discusses the importance of receiving a proper diagnosis, the role of medication in managing her conditions, and the significance of building a supportive network during recovery.
Jess emphasizes the need for advocacy in mental health awareness, the impact of language on perceptions of mental health, and the correlation between ADHD and addiction.
Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of setting boundaries, celebrating milestones, and finding purpose in helping others navigate their mental health journeys.
In this raw and heartfelt conversation, we follow Michaels powerful journey through addiction, rock bottom, and the road to recovery.
From the early influences of family, sports like footy, and the rebellious spirit of punk rock—to the dark periods of COVID isolation, 8am bottle shop runs, and car crashes.
With unflinching honesty, our guest opens up about the pain, the pivotal moments of change, and the small victories that led to lasting transformation.
This episode is more than just a story — it’s a message of hope.
Listeners will discover how vulnerability, community, and self-awareness can become lifelines in the darkest moments, and how recovery is both a daily challenge and a deeply rewarding gift.
If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, loved someone who has, or simply want to understand the human side of recovery, this conversation will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Addiction can grow from a mix of life experiences — including family dynamics, early passions, and personal struggles.
Every “rock bottom” is unique — there is no one-size-fits-all turning point.
True recovery thrives on connection, community, and support.
Vulnerability and honesty are powerful tools for lasting change.
Substance use often hides deeper pain or unresolved emotional wounds.
Recovery is not a destination — it’s an ongoing journey that requires daily commitment.
Awareness of addiction’s consequences can be a catalyst for transformation.
Music and sports can be vital sources of identity and healing.
Our upbringing and family environment shape how we relate to substances.
Finding meaning, purpose, and hope in recovery can inspire others and spark change.
Part Two of Caths Amazing Story
She shares candid reflections on codependency, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her struggles with mental health and substance use. Listeners will hear how moments of comfort—like her bond with her dog—provided hope amidst chaos, and how her lowest points led to criminal behavior and difficult choices.
Cath describes the pivotal moment of discovering her pregnancy, which inspired her to turn her life around. She takes us through the challenging yet transformative experience of asking for help, the importance of family support, and the invaluable lessons learned in rehab.
This episode highlights the lifelong commitment that recovery requires, the importance of building new, healthy relationships, and the strength found in spirituality and self-care. Cath’s journey is a testament to the healing power of community, vulnerability, and never giving up.
Tune in to Slaying Sober for an honest, relatable, and ultimately inspiring episode about overcoming addiction, reclaiming purpose, and the daily dedication needed to slay sober.
She shares candid reflections on codependency, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her struggles with mental health and substance use. Listeners will hear how moments of comfort—like her bond with her dog—provided hope amidst chaos, and how her lowest points led to criminal behavior and difficult choices.
Cath describes the pivotal moment of discovering her pregnancy, which inspired her to turn her life around. She takes us through the challenging yet transformative experience of asking for help, the importance of family support, and the invaluable lessons learned in rehab.
This episode highlights the lifelong commitment that recovery requires, the importance of building new, healthy relationships, and the strength found in spirituality and self-care. Cath’s journey is a testament to the healing power of community, vulnerability, and never giving up.
Tune in to Slaying Sober for an honest, relatable, and ultimately inspiring episode about overcoming addiction, reclaiming purpose, and the daily dedication needed to slay sober.
In this conversation, Tom shares his experiences growing up in Benella, the drinking culture in country footy, and his transition to playing in the AFL.
He discusses the challenges he faced after retiring from football, including mental health struggles and the impact of alcohol on his life.
Tom reflects on his journey to sobriety, the benefits he has experienced, and the importance of giving back through coaching.
He encourages others to consider sobriety and shares insights on the cultural significance of drinking in Australia.
In this conversation, Emmzz shares her journey from a troubled childhood in Melbourne to a life marked by substance abuse, motherhood, and ultimately recovery.
She reflects on her early experiences with substances, the challenges of teenage years, and the impact of becoming a young mother.
Emmzz discusses the downward spiral of addiction, hitting rock bottom, and the pivotal moment that led her to seek help through rehab.
Now, as a grandmother and a woman in recovery, she emphasizes the importance of family relationships, personal growth, and her aspirations to help others facing similar struggles
Emma shares her tumultuous journey from a chaotic childhood filled with abuse and bullying to a life of addiction and eventual recovery.
Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of family, faith, and community support in overcoming addiction.
Emma's story is one of resilience, showcasing how she found hope and purpose in her life after hitting rock bottom. She emphasizes the significance of mental health advocacy and the need for support systems for those struggling with addiction.
In this conversation, Macarena shares her profound journey from a traumatic childhood in Chile to her struggles with addiction and eventual recovery.
She reflects on her early exposure to substance use, the impact of domestic violence, and the challenges she faced as a teenager.
Macarena's story highlights the complexities of addiction, the importance of community support, and her transformative journey towards healing and sobriety.
In this conversation, Macarena shares her journey of recovery from addiction, emphasizing the importance of community, nurturing her inner child, and the transformative power of prayer and meditation.
She discusses her role as a sponsor, helping others navigate their recovery, and offers valuable advice for newcomers, highlighting the significance of self-love and learning from mistakes.takeaways
In this conversation, Adam shares his profound journey through addiction, beginning with his early exposure to substance abuse in a family environment.
He recounts the struggles of recognizing his addiction, the pivotal moment during a boxing match that led him to commit to rehab, and the transformative experiences that followed.
Adam emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and cultural identity in his recovery, highlighting how these elements have shaped his new life and relationships with his family and children.
In this conversation, Andrea shares his journey of addiction and recovery, detailing his experiences with substance use, particularly opiates, and the impact it had on his life and family.
He discusses the challenges he faced, including multiple overdoses and the loss of friends, and how these experiences led him to seek help.
Andrea emphasizes the importance of support systems, spirituality, and personal growth in his recovery journey, as well as his aspirations to give back to the community by studying alcohol and other drugs.
In this reflective conversation, James shares his journey of addiction and recovery, marking 18 months of sobriety.
He recounts the pivotal moment of entering rehab, the struggles he faced with addiction, and the transformative power of community and support.
Through the 12-step program, he learned to confront his flaws, build a new life, and embrace self-love, ultimately celebrating his progress and looking forward to the future.
Takeaways:
In this powerful episode, Conan shares his raw and inspiring story of overcoming a 25-year battle with heroin addiction.
From his mother’s spiritual journey to India and running drugs for his father, to his first experience with heroin and time behind bars at Pentridge, Conan holds nothing back.
We explore how family support, holistic healing, and art have shaped his path to recovery, and have an honest conversation about rehabilitation, spirituality, and the deep need for belonging and connection.
Discover how Conan’s journey of giving back and personal growth has transformed his life-and how recovery is a continuous journey of hope and healing. Whether you’re on your own path or supporting someone you love, this episode offers real inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone touched by addiction.
Follow now to join our community and never miss a story of resilience and transformation.
This conversation explores the journey of recovery fromaddiction, focusing on Kaylars personal experiences with drug abuse, the impactof relationships, and the challenges of motherhood.
Losing custody of here children, and how she turned her lifearound.
It highlights the struggles faced during active addiction,the turning point that led to seeking help, and the ongoing journey of recoveryand parenting.
Kaylar emphasizes the importance of self-love, supportsystems, and the gradual process of rebuilding life after addiction.