In this episode of the Real Drug Talk Podcast, Jack Nagle sits down with Braden “Tonksy” Tonks to unpack his raw and powerful personal story of addiction, recovery, and transformation.
From growing up in Hobart, to becoming a well-known figure in the Tasmanian nightclub scene, Braden shares how early exposure to drugs, domestic violence, and the wrong crowd spiraled into a 10-year struggle with methamphetamine and intravenous drug use. His story takes you through the highs and devastating lows of drug abuse, including time in prison, brushes with death, losing family, and homelessness.
But this isn’t just a story about destruction—it’s about resilience, parenting, life lessons, and the power of support. Braden opens up about what finally pushed him to turn his life around, the role his children and partner played in his healing, and how he now channels his energy into fitness, podcasting, and helping others on their journey of mental health and recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, this conversation will give you a raw look at what recovery really takes—and how it’s possible to rebuild a meaningful life after losing everything.
✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:
The early signs of drug abuse and how quickly things can spiral
The impact of trauma and parenting on addiction pathways
How resilience and support systems play a role in long-term recovery
The mental health challenges of addiction, including psychosis
Life lessons Braden now lives by to stay clean and build a future
🎙️ Follow Braden:
Instagram: @Tonksymediapodcast
TikTok: @Tonksy
YouTube: Tonksy Media Productions
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations about drugs, alcohol, addiction, recovery, and everything in between
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