In this unmissable episode, Ben returns, this time with his partner, Anthony, for a raw and deeply honest conversation about love, recovery, and resilience. Together, they open up about navigating the criminal justice system, the uncertainty of a looming prison sentence, and the unique challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to gambling harm and recovery. Anthony shares the reality of meeting someone already in recovery: the questions, the fears, and the surreal possibility of losing Ben to prison. Ben reflects on the difficulty of opening up, the fear of burdening Anthony, and the struggle to let go of control. What shines through is their choice to live fully despite the unknown. They talk about the grief of life before prison, the strength they found in community, and the lessons they learned about communication, kindness, and finding support that truly fits. If you’ve ever wondered how love survives hardship, or how connection can carry you through even the darkest times, you won’t want to miss this episode.

In this episode of the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Howard for the first of two conversations about his recovery journey. Ben shares how his turning point came when he met others who had been through similar struggles and were now smiling, laughing and living life again. It gave him hope that there could be a way through.   With support from his family, Ben began to take small but meaningful steps. Getting dressed each morning, eating three meals a day and finding gratitude in simple routines. He reached out for help through the gambling harms sector, including joining an EPIC Restart programme, and learned that recovery is never straightforward. It takes self-awareness and a willingness to work on yourself first.   Ben also talks about the importance of purpose. How becoming a Peer Support made him feel seen for the first time in a long time, and how he focused on learning, growing and building towards a better future. But his progress was shadowed as he awaited a court date, which eventually led to a prison sentence. Here, Ben speaks honestly about the challenges of serving time, the lack of support for people with gambling harm, and how tools like journaling and gratitude helped him keep moving forward.   This is part one of Ben’s powerful story of recovery, resilience and the need for change in the system.

In this week’s Recovery Toolkit podcast, Richie is joined by Andy Greenwell to talk about goals, resilience, and what it really takes to build a life you can thrive in.   Andy shares the highs and lows of his fitness journey, from hitting the wall during his first marathon, to taking on nine huge challenges across the world. He talks honestly about discipline, setbacks, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, Richie and Andy explore how setting goals, pushing yourself, and embracing challenges can help create a life you don’t want to escape from.   They also discuss the role of family, support, and self-belief in staying on track. This is a conversation full of honesty, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone on their own journey towards living a fulfilled life.

In this powerful episode of the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Richie is joined by Nicola Jaques, who shares her honest and emotional story of being affected by a loved one’s gambling addiction. Nicola opens up about the moment she discovered the addiction, the shock that followed, and the long road to finding support, not just for her partner, but for herself and her children too. We talk about the challenges faced by affected family members, the importance of self-care, and the emotional and financial costs that often go unseen. There’s also thoughtful advice about building financial awareness, breaking harmful cycles, and the value of small but important mindset shifts – like turning “budgeting” into a positive conversation. This episode highlights why wider community support and early intervention matter so much, and how recovery is a journey not only for the person who gambled, but for everyone around them. Brought to you by EPIC Restart Foundation, a national charity supporting people to rebuild their lives after gambling harm.

This week on the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Richie is joined by Cheryl, a trauma-informed practitioner who works closely with people affected by gambling harm. With years of experience supporting others through recovery, Cheryl shares how trauma, unmet needs and early life experiences can often lie at the heart of addiction. In this thought-provoking conversation, Richie and Cheryl explore the power of asking the right questions. Cheryl describes how, in just a few moments of honest dialogue, people can experience powerful realisations about their own journey. These moments of clarity can become the first step towards healing. Together, they reflect on the importance of self-awareness in recovery and how tools such as reflection, connection and curiosity can help build a life beyond addiction. Whether you are navigating your own recovery or supporting someone else, this episode offers insight, encouragement and new ways of thinking about what drives addiction and what helps to heal it. If something in this episode resonates with you, subscribe for more. You can also join the EPIC Community.

This week on the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Richie is joined by Charlie, who shares his powerful story of survival, hope and lasting change.   After a difficult childhood, drink and drugs became Charlie’s escape. What followed was 30 years of chaos, where dying young felt like the only outcome. But Charlie reached a turning point. With the support of others and the help of AA, he slowly found his people and his path.   In this honest and inspiring chat, Charlie and Richie explore the difference between simply stopping and truly recovering. It’s not just abstinence, it’s about slowing down, knowing yourself, finding peace of mind, and building a life you want to live.   Charlie talks about the joy in life’s small wins, like waking up clear-headed and moving his body. He shares how becoming a Recovery Coach helped him discover a new purpose: breaking the stigma of addiction and showing others that recovery is possible, and personal.   Through We Do Recover, Charlie helps people try different tools like meditation, Tai Chi and breathwork, alongside one-to-one support. He believes recovery should be about more than just getting sober; it should be about finding what works for you.   Whether you’re in recovery yourself, supporting someone who is, or just curious about what real recovery looks like, this episode is full of heart, insight and hope.

In this powerful and moving episode of The Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Richie Paxton sits down with Malcolm, who shares his long and complex journey through recovery after alcohol misuse and gambling harm.With nearly 20 years of lived experience, Malcolm speaks honestly about relapse, avoidance, and the challenges of facing deep-rooted trauma. He reflects on how external success never fixed the internal pain, and how real change only came when he stopped running and started doing the work on himself. From managing serious health issues and using a sleep apnoea machine for the first time, to finding strength through Parkrun and community support, Malcolm’s story is one of persistence, honesty and gradual transformation.He talks about the difference between showing up and truly engaging in recovery, and how his understanding of what recovery means has evolved over time. This episode is a reminder that starting over is not failure - it’s part of the process.Tune in for a raw and inspiring conversation about taking responsibility, letting go of shame, and finding connection in the recovery journey.

This week, we bring you a slightly different and very important episode. We're joined once again by Jo from EPIC Restart Foundation, who bravely opens up about an experience that’s rarely talked about: lapse and relapse in recovery. Jo shares her personal journey of having a lapse, and the fear that came with it – fear of losing her job, her identity, and everything she had built. But rather than hiding away, Jo showed incredible courage by speaking out and reaching out to her colleagues. Her story is a powerful reminder that a lapse doesn’t mean failure, and it certainly doesn’t mean the end of the road. She talks about the warning signs; not getting dressed, avoiding exercise, neglecting self-care. Things came to a head when Jo found herself on the verge of breaking one of her core values: honesty. That moment became a turning point. Jo made the brave choice to talk, and in doing so, took the first step towards getting back on track. Having relapsed earlier in her recovery, Jo reflects on how much she’s learned. This time, she knew how vital it was to communicate how she was feeling to those closest to her. In doing so she was able to take control and avoid a full relapse. Jo also speaks honestly about the added pressure of working in the gambling harms sector. She worried how being honest would affect her work, her colleagues, and those she supports. But the response she received was nothing but supportive – a real lesson in the importance of planning ahead and having a strong support system. By focusing on the things that keep her well, like going for walks, singing, and making space for self-care, Jo feels like herself again. She also highlights how vital it is for organisations employing people in recovery to have clear, compassionate policies in place. EPIC Restart’s person-centred approach made all the difference. Jo wanted to share her experience so that anyone feeling isolated or ashamed knows they are not alone. Her message is clear: prioritising recovery isn’t just about staying well – it’s what makes it possible to keep doing the work you love and supporting others along the way. We’re incredibly proud to have Jo back on the podcast. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 

In this powerful and honest episode of The Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Richie Paxton sits down with Craig Tampin, the newest member of the Recovery Coaching team at EPIC Restart Foundation.   Craig opens up about his journey through gambling addiction and how it took more than one go to truly find his path in recovery. Now four years in, Craig reflects on the difference between simply stopping and actually doing the hard work on himself – the kind that leads to real, lasting change.   From volunteering and fundraising to completely changing careers, Craig shares how he proved to himself that recovery was more than possible – it was life-changing. He talks about learning to protect his own energy, being more than his story, and why sharing his experience is helping him move forward while breaking the shame and stigma that surrounds gambling harm.   Craig also speaks about what it means to lead with purpose, support others in their own recovery, and be truly present in life. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “not enough,” this episode is a reminder that change is possible, and that you are enough.   Tune in for an inspiring chat about overcoming fear, staying accountable, and building a culture of recovery.

In this powerful and moving episode, we sit down with Poppy, a woman whose journey through addiction, chaos, and healing offers hope and inspiration, especially for young women. Growing up surrounded by addiction and dysfunction in Middlesbrough, Poppy was drawn to the chaos she knew so well. Abuse and domestic violence became a normal part of her life, and alcohol and drugs were her way to cope. She travelled far and wide trying to escape her pain, only to realise she couldn’t outrun herself. Poppy opens up about how chaos once felt safe, how she built stories to survive, and how hard it is to break old patterns. But she’s committed to growth and continues working on herself every day, especially as she strives to become an emotionally available mum for her daughter. Now living in recovery, Poppy reminds us that it’s not all “pink fluffy clouds.” Life still throws challenges, but today she faces them in a far better place. She’s found safety in connection, healing in community, and joy in the small things - like starting her day at the gym and working in a place where she can be herself. Poppy’s recovery has not only changed her life, but also sparked healing in her family. She’s rebuilding her relationship with her dad, and her brother has entered recovery too. Most powerfully, she’s learning to connect with her daughter in a whole new way. This episode is a testament to the power of recovery, the importance of connection, and the resilience of the human spirit. We offer free support across the UK, meeting people wherever they are in their recovery journey - whether reaching out for the first time or seeking continued support with long-term recovery. Our programmes, which include a range of online support and face-to-face events, are shaped and driven by lived experiences of gambling harm. https://www.epicrestartfoundation.org/pages/our-programmes

In this inspiring episode of the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, we’re joined by Professor David Best – the world’s first Professor of Addiction Recovery. David shares his groundbreaking work in building recovery capital around the globe and reflects on setting up the Recovery Academy back in 2010. We explore the powerful CHIME model – Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment – and how these five pillars help people thrive in recovery. David reminds us that recovery is never a solo journey; it happens through connection with others and the support of strong communities. Together, we dig into key topics like harm reduction, peer support, CBT, and the NICE guidelines, questioning how much of what we rely on is truly effective versus wishful thinking. David highlights the importance of early and community-led interventions, and how recovery isn’t about fixing people – it’s about helping them find purpose and meaning. We also look at what the gambling recovery space can learn from decades of experience in drugs and alcohol. From Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs) to the rise of the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (CLEROs), we talk about the ripple effect of recovery that can transform entire communities. David shares evidence-backed insights – like how men benefit from changing their social circles, and women from building self-belief – and the crucial role of somewhere to live, someone to love, and something to do in a successful recovery. We round off with a powerful message: multiple pathways, strong networks, and a sense of forward direction are the real tools of lasting recovery. Tune in for an honest, hopeful and deeply human conversation about what truly helps people rebuild their lives.  

In this heartfelt episode of the Recovery Toolkit Podcast, host Richie sits down with Chris Sylvester, a passionate advocate for addiction recovery and personal empowerment. Chris shares his journey of helping individuals overcome addiction, focusing on identifying and addressing their unmet needs and barriers. By connecting people with the right resources and partners, Chris ensures that progress is maintained and recovery remains sustainable.   Through his unique approach, Chris highlights the importance of autonomy in recovery, allowing individuals to take control of their own journey and define what success looks like for them. He reflects on the rewarding experience of seeing people who once struggled now thriving, with some even finding employment through the opportunities created by his team.   Chris also opens up about the growth of his organisation, from employing four people in just 18 months to winning a prestigious Gold Owl Award, cementing their reputation as leaders in the recovery community. His passion for Leeds and its people shines through as he talks about the community's involvement in tackling addiction head-on, with his team acting as a powerful, dedicated "army" in the fight against addiction.   This episode is packed with inspiring messages about resilience, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of giving back. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on how one person's dedication can create lasting change for others.   Find out more about Chris's work at http://www.gettingclean.co.uk   

In this deeply personal episode of The Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Richie sits down with Susan Mosley to explore the profound impact addiction can have on loved ones. As an "affected other," Susan shares her experiences of being in a relationship with someone struggling with addiction, the challenges she faced, and the strength it took to rebuild her life.   Susan’s story is one of resilience, healing, and growth. She reflects on how addiction not only affected her confidence and self-worth but also shaped her career in drug and alcohol services. Through her work, Susan found purpose and healing, using her experiences to support others on their recovery journeys.   This conversation delves into the courage it takes to move forward, the importance of embracing new challenges, and Susan’s own journey of self-discovery—culminating in transformative moments like completing the Three Peaks Challenge and finding peace in solo walks and holidays.   Susan’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn’t just for those directly battling addiction—it’s a journey of discovery and growth for everyone impacted.

In this episode, we’re joined by Graeme, who shares his inspiring journey of achieving two years of abstinence from alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Graeme reflects on his multiple attempts at recovery, explaining how he found lasting change only when he addressed all three challenges together.   He opens up about how addiction stripped away his confidence, self-worth, and mental and spiritual health. With the support of non-judgmental friends and a caring community, he began rebuilding his life. Graeme’s recovery journey included discovering a love for exercise, helping him shed 40kg—from 120kg to 80kg—and reclaim his sense of self-worth. Along the way, he took on numerous challenges, including completing the Great North Run and the Edinburgh Marathon, which became milestones in his transformation.   Graeme also shares how recovery allowed him to rediscover who he truly is and channel his energy into positive pursuits. This includes ConnectTOON, a social inclusion football team, that EPIC Restart has recently partnered with, which uses football as a platform to raise awareness about recovery pathways. With EPIC Restart featured on their kit, the team sparks meaningful conversations about recovery—both within their squad and with their Sunday League opponents. Tune in to hear Graeme’s honest and hopeful story of resilience, community, and self-discovery.

In this episode, Richie is joined by David McCormack, whose powerful story of resilience and recovery will inspire listeners facing their own struggles. With raw honesty and vulnerability, David shares his journey from a childhood in the care system to battling addiction, as he navigated a chaotic and difficult environment. In 2011, David reached a breaking point and found the courage to seek help. However, the road to recovery was not without setbacks. After a short reprieve, he was pulled back into old habits, but eventually, he found lasting change through a six-month residential rehab, which became a pivotal moment in his life. David reflects on his life post-rehab, including the challenges of early recovery, the decline of his mental health, and the strength it took to keep moving forward. Proving that it's never too late to turn things around, David returned to education after leaving school at 12 years old, ultimately earning two degrees. In addition to his personal achievements, David has been instrumental in creating a social inclusion football league in Merseyside, offering people who’ve faced adversity a chance to rebuild their lives through sport. What started with one league has now expanded into two leagues and over 20 teams, helping countless individuals reclaim their confidence and sense of community. Despite ongoing challenges in his recovery, including addressing unhealthy behaviours like gambling, David has developed the tools to navigate life’s hurdles. Today, he works to support those leaving the care system, becoming a role model for anyone striving to overcome their past and create a brighter future. David’s story is one of hope, transformation, and the power of never giving up.

In this episode, Richie sits down with Karen Slater, who shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and self-discovery. From an early age, Karen turned to substances as an escape, hoping they would fill the hole she felt in her soul. Her path led her through various attempts to find fulfilment until she discovered that abstinence was the only sustainable solution for her.   Karen felt a sense of belonging in Alcoholics Anonymous, where the 12-step program gave her the structure, community, and moral guidance she needed to rebuild her life. Through this journey, she began to understand her worth and develop a renewed sense of confidence.   Early in her recovery, Karen dedicated herself to helping others, including her children. However, she realised the importance of setting boundaries, focusing on her own growth and being an example to others. Karen has learned to forgive herself, realising the choices she made, were made so she could survive and led her to where she is today.   Karen’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. After struggling with relapse and resentment, she worked to return to recovery, ultimately channelling her experiences into writing and becoming an author. Her story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the strength it takes to reclaim your life.   Tune in to hear Karen's inspiring story of finding hope, purpose, and the tools that sustain her recovery.

This week, we are honoured to welcome Peter Da Silver, who bravely shares his powerful story of resilience and transformation. Peter opens up about his challenging early years in Middlesbrough, marked by a turbulent childhood, devastating loss, and struggles with substance use. This path led to years of crime and repeated spells in prison, trapping him in a cycle that seemed impossible to break.   But an encounter with an old friend sparked a turning point, showing him that there was another way. Peter began a journey of recovery, supported by rehab and a dedicated lived-experience coach. He speaks candidly about the humbling realisation that he had much to learn if he was going to survive and break free.   Refusing to give up, Peter enrolled in college, earned a degree, secured meaningful work, and even became a published author. His story is a testament to the power of commitment and hard work.   This episode is an inspiring listen for anyone facing their own battles with addiction, recovery, or personal growth, showing that change is possible when you’re ready to embrace it.

This week, we’re joined by Sam Starsmore as he shares his journey to recovery, revealing how unresolved trauma from his teenage years impacted his life. Sam reflects on how children and adults often experience the same events in profoundly different ways, and he emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces for young people to process difficult experiences. Sam’s story challenges common perceptions of recovery. While he first reached out for help after hitting rock bottom on New Year’s Eve and attended local Gamblers Anonymous meetings regularly for two years, he views this period as abstinence rather than true recovery. Only after relapsing twice did Sam begin to understand the deeper work required for sustainable recovery, including building resilience, engaging actively in the 12-step program, and finding support through a sponsor. In this honest conversation, Sam discusses how he developed his own toolkit to navigate the challenges of recovery and life’s ups and downs. Tune in to learn about the importance of creating personal strategies to sustain recovery and move forward. Join our community of those in gambling harm recovery online and free for coaching sessions, community connection and events here: https://lamplight.online/in/8UmMO/ff1d0d29a136c2b1b7b2348c7c6ba3cdc2223b8729996a7ace3f9fb3b2e8be20

In this week's episode, we're joined by Ali Barfield, founder of Deflect and Protect CIC, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the unique risks the online world poses to the autistic community.   We dive deep into the challenges neurodiverse individuals face when it comes to online gaming and gambling, and why they may be more vulnerable to developing addictions, particularly gambling addiction.   Ali sheds light on how the internet—while a powerful tool for good—has also become a growing threat as people spend more time online. One of the most significant dangers we discuss is the rise of streaming platforms, influencers, and cryptocurrency casinos—areas that many may not even realise pose a risk.   We also explore the impact of an "aspirational culture" driven by constant exposure to content and marketing, especially on younger generations who are growing up almost entirely online. The long-term effects of this exposure remain uncertain, but the potential for harm is clear.   Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or work with young people, this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the online world and its hidden dangers.  

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Tony Barrett, who shares a powerful and candid story of his battle with alcoholism and how a turbulent childhood shaped his drive for success and purpose. Tony opens up about his early struggles, the pressures that led him to alcoholism, and the ongoing challenge of finding his path to recovery.   We delve into Tony’s transformative journey, from his initial steps with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to the ups and downs of maintaining sobriety, including his moments of relapse. Tony reveals the pivotal turning point in his recovery: discovering the Sinclair Method (TSM) and the life-changing experience of becoming a grandparent.   Today, Tony is committed to investing in his personal growth, embracing practices like mindfulness, cold-water therapy, and connecting with nature. He shares the tools that have helped him rebuild his life and strengthen his recovery.   Whether you're recovering from alcoholism, or gambling harm, or looking for inspiration to develop your own recovery toolkit, Tony’s story offers valuable insights and encouragement. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with hope, resilience, and practical tips for navigating recovery.   Join our community of those in gambling harm recovery online and free for coaching sessions, community connection and events here: https://lamplight.online/in/8UmMO/ff1d0d29a136c2b1b7b2348c7c6ba3cdc2223b8729996a7ace3f9fb3b2e8be20   Further information: Website: https://www.epicrestartfoundation.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicRestartFoundation/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/epicrestart TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@epicrestartfoundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicrestart/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71554633/