Shows
Soberly SpeakingForced to Inhale Glen 20 Spray While Pregnant: Tracey-LeeTracey-Lee was only four years old when a male family member abused her. Throughout her childhood, the trauma was compounded by denial: She was told a version of events that didn’t match the truth she felt in her body. This rewriting of her reality left a deep and lasting fracture in her sense of self. By the time she reached adulthood, this broken trust in herself made her vulnerable, almost a target. She met a man on an internet forum who would become the father of her child. What followed was a devastating chapter marked by re...2025-07-2755 min
Soberly SpeakingShelley Was Brutally Attacked by a Stranger (Part 1)JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingI don’t say this lightly, but this is one of those stories that stays with you for days, maybe even weeks.We begin with Shelley as a child, witnessing her older brother accidentally take his own life while they were playing. But somehow, that’s not the most traumatic part of her story.Shelley grew up in Housing Commission while both her parents battled addiction. She was exposed to, and a victim of, domestic violence. She started running away from home — and it was during one of...2025-07-2328 min
Soberly SpeakingBreaking the Cycle of Alcoholic Fathers: Zac SwantonAll Zac ever wanted was to be his dad’s best friend.As a kid, he longed for the kind of closeness he saw between his friends and their own fathers, but his own reality couldn’t have been more different.Zac was known as the outgoing, loveable party boy — traits that gave his addiction a nod of approval to continue. After eight overdoses, toxic relationships, and a moment of deep embarrassment in front of his new partner, he knew he was heading down the exact same path as his father…In this episode...2025-07-2037 min
Soberly SpeakingHow ‘P’ Took Hold of This Wahine MāoriJOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingSkye tried P, also known as methamphetamine, once — out of spite, to get back at her partner who was already using. She had no idea it would cost her everything.Skye and her partner enabled each other in their addiction. They isolated themselves and went from living in the hood, as Skye called it, to emergency housing, and eventually to living in their car, spending the little money they had from benefits solely on drugs.Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of su...2025-07-1614 min
Soberly SpeakingAmber Luke Is Leaving Escorting BehindAmber Luke is known as Australia’s most tattooed woman, 98% of her body is covered in ink. But that’s not why she’s sitting down with me today.Amber is 10 months clean from meth. And she’s walking away from the longest job she’s ever held: sex work.She’s felt lost for as long as she can remember. As a teenager, she spiraled into addiction, deep depression, and even turned to Satanism in a desperate attempt to escape her reality.Today, in our chat, she’s doing something she’s never done befor...2025-07-1347 min
Soberly SpeakingIntergenerational Abuse: Manda’s StoryJOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingChild sexual abuse has been touched on in a few of my past episodes, but in Manda’s story, it stretches across generations.For Manda, she was sexually abused at just five years old, at the hands of someone known to the family. Years later, she would face the unimaginable: walking in on her own daughter being violated. And in a cruel twist, Manda unknowingly fell in love with a pedophile.The trauma Manda experienced as a child shaped so much of her adult life. She fo...2025-07-0927 min
Soberly SpeakingTegan De Vil: Loving Your Partner in AddictionWhen I sit across from my guests, they often share the darkest chapters of their past. But for Tegan, she’s living through it right now — in real time.Tegan and Jax are widely known for their hilarious, comedic videos that have earned them hundreds of thousands of followers across social media. So when Tegan posted a raw, emotional video — alone and visibly shaken — revealing that Jax had relapsed, my heart sank.In our chat, Tegan opens up about the heartbreaking realities of loving someone who is struggling with addiction, while trying to protect her own well...2025-07-0654 min
Your Safe SpaceRecovered Party Girl with Julia RangiheueaIs the party girl lifestyle all it’s cracked up to be? Julia Rangiheuea gets real about sobriety, social media, and what happens when you walk away from the chaos. From wild nights and benders to quiet, uncomfortable moments of self-discovery, Julia shares how she rebuilt her identity, self-worth, and life without drugs or alcohol. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or feeling stuck in a lifestyle that doesn’t feel like you anymore, this is a raw, powerful conversation you don’t want to miss.Support and keep up to date with Julia on IG, TikTok & her podcast Soberl...2025-07-0533 min
Soberly SpeakingChris’s Drunk Ride Into Oncoming TrafficDrink driving is one of the biggest regrets for nearly every guest I’ve had, but for Chris, the consequences were brutal and lasting.Blacked out and riding on the back of a dirt bike with another intoxicated friend, they slammed head-on into traffic at 90km/h. Chris’s mate went to jail. The woman in the other car, simply driving to her next destination, will carry the trauma of that night forever. And Chris? He still lives with the physical pain.Trigger warning: we discuss themes of substance abuse and drink driving in this epis...2025-07-0202 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Sugar BabyTaylor started sleeping with men when she was just 16 years old. From a young age, she was hanging around older boys for drugs and what began as one man to fund her addiction quickly escalated to posting herself on a sugar baby website.Taylor lives with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and currently has two parents in recovery. She hopes sharing her story sheds light on the glamorised version of sex work young girls are seeing on platforms like TikTok. It’s not the full picture, and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Tr...2025-06-2939 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Jehovah’s WitnessJOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingCaitlin grew up in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household, where her voice and individuality were suppressed. As soon as she was old enough, she sought out any form of escape — anything to avoid being at home.Caitlin shares her ongoing battle with mental illness – one that reached a breaking point when she found herself screaming at strangers in a grocery store, eventually having to be restrained and sedated.Ironically, it wasn’t a psychiatrist or psychologist who finally helped her – it was a sleep specialist.Trigg...2025-06-2603 min
Soberly SpeakingMichael Lappin: The Comeback After RelapseI've been following Michael Lappin on social media for a while now and even reached out to him when Soberly Speaking first launched, hoping to have him on as one of my guests. Weeks passed without a reply—until I came across a video where he shared he had relapsed.Michael's story, and this interview, really show how messy and non-linear addiction can be: time in and out of jail, broken promises, and having to start over again—sometimes more than once.What makes this conversation even more important is who Michael is. He's this big...2025-06-2237 min
Soberly SpeakingPsychosis, Violence & Homelessness: Tara BentleyJOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeakingThe first time Tara tried Ice, it gave her a euphoria she’d never known. Coming from a violent household — a pattern that would repeat throughout her life — she was desperate to escape her reality from a young age.During active addiction, Tara was found jumping on a car in full-blown psychosis. She woke up in psych wards, witnessed crimes most of us couldn’t begin to imagine, and lived with an extremely dangerous drug dealer.Tara and I have an eye-opening conversation about why she...2025-06-1904 min
Soberly SpeakingHow One Year Without Alcohol Changed Julia Vogl’s LifeJulia Vogl never identified with having a drinking problem, but she realised alcohol was holding her back and capping her potential. It’s a story so many can relate to, knowing something isn’t good for you, not being addicted to, yet continuously crawling back to it.Growing up confused about her sexuality and living with internalised homophobia, she would kiss girls while drunk, only to spiral into shame afterward, keeping her stuck in a cycle of self-hatred. Taking a six-month break from drinking turned into a year, then a lifestyle. She found purpose, saved a sma...2025-06-1546 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Mother of Two Addicted SonsJOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeakingJo is a mother to four boys, her first two have both suffered with addiction. Two very different personalities: one the awkward, gentle kid; the other, the popular party boy.Only two and a half years apart, their addictions ruled the family — from smashing each other’s belongings to being maced by police in the front yard. At one point, one of the brothers even shot the other. The chaos led to countless court cases and eventually cost Jo her marriage.This episode is a...2025-06-1102 min
Soberly SpeakingFearing Sobriety More Than Death with Patrick KennedyPatrick’s struggle wasn’t just with alcohol and drugs, they were symptoms of a much deeper issue: his inability to sit with discomfort. For years, he convinced himself that, “Once my mental health is under control, I’ll stop drinking.” A lie I’m sure we’ve all told ourselves at some point.In the beginning, alcohol seemed like the solution, the only way to do the things he felt he couldn’t do on his own. But as his addiction spiralled, he suddenly realised where it was inevitably leading; death.His parents dropped him off at rehab...2025-06-0841 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Unspoken: Giving Birth on a GHB BenderJoin The Unspoken HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeakingThis is my most controversial episode to date — and it’s now live on The Unspoken, Soberly Speaking’s new membership on Patreon.After being abused by a family member as a child, Zoe’s life was chaos from early childhood. She fell into addiction young and remained trapped in a cycle of substance abuse and extreme domestic violence. Her first son was removed by Child Protective Services which then led to her using ice daily throughout her next pregnamncy. she was being beaten frequently even whe...2025-06-0402 min
Soberly SpeakingCloseted, Queer and Jewish: Andrew MosesAndrew Moses grew up as a closeted Jewish gay boy, feeling immense pressure to be academically successful, marry a Jewish woman, and have Jewish children, all while battling the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him. To fit in, he started using party drugs, masking his true identity and trying to convince everyone, including himself, that he was straight. Over time, his opioid use evolved into a secret crystal meth addiction. It wasn’t until a trip to Costa Rica for his birthday, where he used ayahuasca, that everything changed. Today, Andrew helps other ga...2025-06-0150 min
Soberly SpeakingIntroducing 'The Unspoken’These are the stories people don’t believe until they hear them. The unimaginable lives. Told with courage, by some of the most resilient humans I’ve ever sat across from. This is The Unspoken.Starting this Thursday, 5th June, Thursday episodes become The Unspoken — and will live on Patreon.This isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about survival. It’s about giving the stories people try to silence a safe place to exist, without fear, without dilution.For $4.99 a month, you’ll get:A weekly exclusive epis...2025-06-0102 min
Soberly SpeakingHooked at Just 12 Years OldLast week, we heard from Tiana Wadsworth, and throughout her story, there was one name that kept coming up. Today, we meet him.As a kid, Klayton was infatuated with the drug addicts who hung around his local train station. While other kids looked away, Klayton felt drawn in. To him, they looked like his people.Mirroring someone close to him, Klayton tried drugs at just 12 years old,and quickly became hooked, using every single day.What came next? homelessness, crime sprees, and one devastating choice: taking custody from his own mum without...2025-05-2832 min
Soberly SpeakingJacintha Survived 15 Years of DV, Now She Heals FamiliesJacintha Field spent 15 years in a violent relationship, an experience that shaped her into the healer she is today.Her story is one so many can relate to, growing up feeling unseen and unheard, carrying deep-seated low self-worth into adulthood, and seeking escape in toxic relationships and substances. A recovering people-pleaser, she once tried to return to drinking after a period of sobriety, only to end up sick over a toilet bowl, realising this wasn’t the mother she wanted to be.Today, she helps families heal, guiding parents and children toward deeper connection and un...2025-05-2533 min
Soberly SpeakingKidnapped and Alone: Tiana WadsworthRaised in and out of foster care and born into a family battling addiction, Tiana Wadsworth moved through nearly 150 homes before she turned 16. By 18, she had survived more than most do in a lifetime; homelessness, daily grooming on the streets, and multiple sexual assaults by people she trusted. She was even kidnapped by a subscriber to her OnlyFans account. The trauma she’s endured is unimaginable. But it was one hospital visit that would ultimately shift the trajectory of her life.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of trauma, including sexual assault and substance use.2025-05-2134 min
Soberly SpeakingAddicted to Pleasure with Dean BeattieFor Dean, addiction has always been about seeking pleasure, whether through sex, drugs, or alcohol. But it wasn’t until he quit alcohol and drugs that he and his therapist realised that sex was his primary addiction all along. His journey has been about breaking free from the need to constantly feel good, and today, he’s found peace in genuinely liking the person he is.His approach is simple yet powerful: "Just get through today." TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses themes of substance abuse and sex.Follow Dean on In...2025-05-1830 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Young Sex WorkerAt just twenty years old, Molly is the youngest guest I’ve had on the show. She grew up in a stable home, surrounded by a loving family and parents who adored her. But everything shifted in high school; she started having sex, smoking weed daily, and taking Xanax regularly.On her 17th birthday, Molly urgently needed money to fund her new habit. A call to the local massage parlour and she officially entered the sex industry...For the next two years, Molly lived a life most people couldn’t even imagine.2025-05-1441 min
Soberly SpeakingAsh Butterss Burnt Her Dream Life DownFor Ash Butterss, addiction was a constant pursuit of more: more thrill, more chaos, more ways to avoid the emptiness. It started with sugar in childhood, then alcohol at 12, and drugs by 14. She moved from one addiction to another, telling herself she didn’t have a problem as long as she had periods of sobriety.On the outside, her life looked impressive. She owned a home in Bondi, did early-morning HIIT classes, managed a team, and kept getting promoted. It wasn't until she hit what she calls "the gift of desperation" that she became willing to get so...2025-05-1140 min
Soberly SpeakingEscaping Prison Through a Skylight: Kyle QuilausingOnce dubbed Hawaii’s most wanted criminal, Kyle Quilausing was a golf prodigy by age 10, competing on the PGA World Tours alongside Tiger Woods. He had a full ride to America’s most prestigious colleges.But one split-second decision changed the course of his life.Addiction. Crime. A high-profile prison escape.Then, three years alone in solitary confinement. No human contact. No conversation. Just silence.This isn’t my normal style of interview. Kyle has a story to tell the world- a raw, unfiltered account of how fast life can unravel when d...2025-05-0743 min
Soberly SpeakingKate Forster on Losing a Parent to AlcoholismYou might know Kate Forster for her sharp TikTok opinions, but who was she before becoming a popular author and our favourite fashion critic?In this episode, we revisit Kate’s childhood, growing up with a father battling severe alcoholism. She shares how his struggles led to a suicide attempt, one she witnessed firsthand, and how alcohol ultimately took his life just 11 weeks after his diagnosis.This is a conversation about love, loss, and the lasting impact of addiction, told with the raw honesty Kate is known for.TRIGGER WARNING: This ep...2025-05-0444 min
Seriously PodcastJulia Rangiheuea on Alcoholism, Recovery and SobrietyJoining us today is Julia Rangiheuea, host of the Soberly Speaking podcast and creator of the popular TikTok Recovering Party Girl. With over 48,000 followers, Julia shares her honest journey through addiction, sobriety, and self-discovery. We're excited to dive into her story and the lessons she's learned along the way.Julia Rangiheuea (@juliarangiheuea) • Instagram photos and videosJulia Rangiheuea (@juliarangiheuea) • Instagram photos and videosAnnaliese Gann (@annaliesegann) • Instagram photos and videos2025-04-1432 min
Soberly SpeakingGlen Fisher Was Abused and Abandoned (Part 2)Welcome back to part two of Glen’s story. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, go back and catch up now.In today’s episode, we follow Glen as his girlfriend’s murder sends him spiralling into a 35-year heroin addiction. He tries to end his life—twice— and hear how jail, against all odds, became the best thing that ever happened to him.Today, Glens charity, The Leg Up Project, is helping others who are doing it tough on the streets.Follow Glen Fisher on InstagramReady to share you...2025-03-1927 min
SelfdomDeep Dive Into Sobriety with Julia Rangiheuea from Soberly SpeakingI am constantly being asked about my sobriety journey, so I wanted to share this special episode with Julia Rangiheuea from Soberly Speaking. Enjoy! 2025-03-1635 min
Soberly SpeakingGlen Fisher Was Abused and Abandoned (Part 1)Glen’s childhood was something no one should ever have to experience. His father was a predator, and his mother a heroin addict who later turned to alcohol. Throughout this two part interview you'll hear Glen be abused by many people- the first was being raped by a close family friend at just nine years old. one year later, he was already trying to escape the abuse, running away from home, institutions, and boys' homes, where he faced further sexual assault and bullying.Glen's dad then went on to abandon him on Oxford Street in Sydney, leaving him...2025-03-1631 min
Soberly SpeakingAffairs, Debt & Losing Her Home: Dionne’s StoryDionne’s life was shaped by chaos from the start. She grew up with a father who drank heavily and cheated on her mother, and she was forced to move schools after relentless bullying. She was desperate to be loved by the time she met her ex-husband, He battled his own addictions, and together, their lives unraveled. Dionne lost her home in a fire, drowned in debt, and discovered her husband was having affairs even whilst she was pregnant.Her drinking escalated, even her children were begging her to stop. “You’re an alcoholic, you’re disgusting,” they would...2025-03-0941 min
Soberly SpeakingJane Left Her Unhappy Marriage After SobrietyJane had the picture-perfect life—married, two kids, a white picket fence, and a home in a nice suburb. But behind closed doors, she was stuck in an unhappy marriage and secretly drowning in alcohol addiction, blacking out every night after finishing breastfeeding her youngest. Despite seeking help through therapy and AA, the cravings were relentless. It took a family intervention, a breaking point, and the right doctor to finally push her toward sobriety.Just four weeks of not drinking and with newfound clarity, she found the courage to walk away from her old life.Fo...2025-03-0529 min
Soberly SpeakingDavid’s Manic Episode Led to $3 Million in DamagesI came across David on TikTok, where he’s known as Bipolarguylovinglife and he instantly caught my attention. Sitting in his car, talking to the camera about his ex-cocaine dealer, who he moved into his spare bedroom in hopes of getting a discount. I was hooked.For the first 27 years of his life, David’s world looked very different. He didn’t drink, didn’t touch drugs, went to Bible college, and married the girl he had promised himself to at 21.But at 27, his bipolar disorder could no longer be contained. Mania took over, and the fallo...2025-03-0241 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Night Kara Was Left for DeadKara’s earliest memory is of her father’s addiction and the police at their home, trying to restore order. As she grew older, she found herself caught in a similar cycle; Xanax consuming her life, self-harm becoming routine, and her mother quietly preparing for her funeral. But everything changed the night she was sexually assaulted on a beach and woke up in a random hotel room, where a kind stranger was bathing her.In that moment, Kara realised she didn’t want to die. She wanted to live—desperately.Follow Kara on InstagramRead...2025-02-2636 min
Soberly SpeakingDominique Elissa Plans to Be a Sober BrideIf you’ve been sitting on the fence about giving up alcohol, or even just taking an extended break, then this is the episode for you. Dominique Ellisa is going alcohol-free for 2025, and trust me, her energy around it is contagious.Going into this interview, I knew two things—Dom is a stunning model, and she’s committing to a year without alcohol. But what I didn’t expect was just how electrifying her perspective would be. Her excitement about sobriety is magnetic, and the way she talks about feeling truly aligned will have you rethinking everything.Pur...2025-02-2335 min
Soberly SpeakingAlcohol Kept Casey in a Codependent RelationshipCasey, a proud Aboriginal woman, used alcohol to mask her ADHD and autism, hiding her creative and quirky side for years. In this episode, she opens up about how alcohol became the foundation of her long-term, codependent relationship, which began to fall apart after a traumatic assault.She also shares a mind-blowing rule she set for herself around drinking last year, could you stick to it? Now fully sober, Casey is navigating the world of dating and friendships as a non-drinker. Follow Casey on InstagramReady to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.c...2025-02-1941 min
Soberly SpeakingSurviving Skid Row with Richard GalvanRichard Galvan grew up in LA, born into a world of substance abuse, violence, selling drugs and gangs.He became an alcoholic at just 12 years old, which quickly spiralled into a heroin addiction before he understood the gravity of his situation. Richard experienced a sliding doors moment on Skid Row whilst doing crack cocaine, he chose to detox in jail and got someone pregnant in rehab. Despite generational trauma and the chaotic influences around him, Richard now celebrates nearly two decades of sobriety. He’s also the author of 'The Addict' purchase to read below;2025-02-1643 min
Soberly SpeakingMaxi Shield is a Sober Drag Queen: The Untold StoryMaxi Shield has been a drag queen since the 90s, a true Sydney icon. You might’ve seen him perform on Oxford Street or caught him on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under. But in today’s episode, I want to introduce you to the unknown Maxi, the one who grew up with 12 siblings, lost his mum at just 10 years old, and endured regular beatings from a step-parent.We chat about performing drag multiple nights a week completely sober and the resurgence of homophobia in 2025.Maxi reminds us how essential it is to step into the wo...2025-02-1241 min
Soberly SpeakingAlice Stole from Work to Fund Her DrinkingAlice openly shares her experience of applying for bankruptcy at just 20 years old, drowning in debt, and stealing from multiple jobs to fund her party lifestyle. After an abusive relationship and an unplanned pregnancy from a one-night stand, she then went on to meet her now partner, who gave her a final ultimatum. It was then that she finally began to reevaluate her drinking. Alice considers herself sober curious, admitting she’s never been able to reach the one-year sober mark. Her story is one so many can relate to—knowing the damage alcohol causes but st...2025-02-0932 min
Soberly SpeakingGrieving a Daughter Still Alive: Mima’s Heartbreak (Part 2)In this final chapter, Mima opens up about the extreme lengths she went to in order to protect her other children from harm, following professional recommendations. She shares the challenges of trying to be a mum after relinquishing care to the state and reveals a disturbing text message that has left her fearing her daughter could seriously harm another living creature.Follow Mima on InstagramReady to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auTRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of suicide, violence, self harm, and animal cruelty. Please listen...2025-02-0534 min
Soberly SpeakingGrieving a Daughter Still Alive: Mima’s Heartbreak (Part 1)When you're expecting a child, you hope for a healthy baby, maybe even secretly wish for a specific gender. But no one ever prepares for the possibility that you might give birth to a sociopath. A sociopath you fear will harm themselves and others.Mima has spent her life trying to break the cycle of generational trauma. But her second-born daughter has struggled with severe mental illness since childhood. The warning signs were there early, but nothing could have prepared Mima for what was to come.In Part 1, we look into Mima’s world; born to...2025-02-0241 min
Soberly SpeakingLiam Doesn’t Want to Be Judged AnymoreWorking in construction can come with a heavy drinking culture, but for Liam, the pressure to drink was just one layer of his young life so far. In this episode, he opens up about his complicated relationship with his mother, experiencing homelessness, struggling with body image issues, and how he's finally found a sense of belonging at the gym. Above all, this conversation is about Liam’s unwavering commitment to breaking generational trauma and forging a new path.Follow Liam on InstagramReady to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auTR...2025-01-2926 min
Soberly SpeakingWho Am I Without Drinking? with Addiction Coach Conrad TraceyI can't express how important this episode with Conrad Tracey is, an addiction coach, consultant, and mentor. But most importantly, Conrad is a former drug addict who speaks from experience.I ask Conrad some of the big questions around addiction and sobriety: Who am I without drinking? How can you approach a loved one struggling with drug or alcohol abuse? What practical tools can help you push through cravings when they hit hardest? And so much more.At the end of this episode, Conrad has a special gift exclusively for Soberly Speaking listeners. This is...2025-01-2746 min
Soberly SpeakingJade Was 21 When She Slipped into Drug-Induced PsychosisImagine this: you're 21 years old at kick-ons, surrounded by friends, music, and drinks. You're offered a line of white powder, which you snort, only to accidentally slip into drug-induced psychosis. You hear voices, can't leave your house, can't go to work and are overwhelmed by an unbearable urge to tear your skin off. This was Jade's real-life nightmare. What started as binge drinking and clubbing soon escalated to aggressive behaviour and a night of being so badly injured it was enough to scare her into sobriety.Follow Jade on InstagramReady to share your story...2025-01-2241 min
Soberly SpeakingZeak Hid His Sexuality Until He Tried MDMA...Zeak grew up on a tiny island in the South Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Australia: Norfolk Island. Life in small, rural communities often has its own unique rhythm, and Zeak's story is no exception. Raised by parents who openly used drugs, he learned early on how to navigate a world that was anything but conventional. Adding to this complexity was the secret he carried, his sexuality.When Zeak kissed a boy for the first time and experienced the rush of MDMA on the same night, it sparked an unforgettable high. That euphoric moment became...2025-01-1926 min
Soberly SpeakingNatasha Ended Up in Detox After Her Doctor Prescribed OxyWhat if your drug dealer was your doctor? After giving birth to her daughter, Natasha was prescribed Oxy to manage the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis, something that had been dormant her entire life until childbirth. In this episode, Natasha opens up about her struggles; begging her street dealer to stop answering her calls, pleading with doctors to take her seriously and ultimately turning to her family for help to get into detox. That decision saved her life.Follow Natasha on InstagramReady to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auTRIGGER...2025-01-1549 min
Soberly SpeakingBikies, Domestic Violence and Sex Work: How Nicole Escaped DeathBy the age of 10, Nicole was already weighing drugs for bikies at clubhouses. She experienced child abuse from a young age and had no family or friends surrounding her. This led Nicole to put her trust in the wrong hands, becoming the victim of a horrific crime in high school. Years later, she married her ex-husband, entering an abusive relationship so violently destructive that she knew staying would eventually cost her life. Fleeing with nothing but the clothes on her back, Nicole found herself once again immersed in the world of drugs and sex work. It wasn’t until a...2025-01-1250 min
Soberly SpeakingSophie Was 3 Years Sober, Until Her Wedding Day...Sophie was over 3 years sober when she thought she could moderate her drinking. What started as a few drinks spiralled, with her wedding becoming the catalyst for falling back into old habits. Going into this episode, I assumed we’d focus on that turning point, but as I spoke to Sophie, I realised her story ran so much deeper.An eating disorder that began in her teenage years. Postnatal depression that led to multiple suicide attempts. A lingering sense of shame and resentment towards herself.Trigger warning: This episode discusses postnatal depression, suicide, ea...2025-01-0846 min
Soberly SpeakingShould We Go Back to Therapy? with BeauTo kick off a brand new season I bring boyfriend Beau back on the podcast to talk about how year two of sobriety felt compared to our first year. We’re owning up to our downfalls, navigating intimacy as a sober couple and answering your questions on addiction. 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 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineReady to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auCr...2025-01-0522 min
Soberly SpeakingHow Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 2)This is Part 2 and the final chapter of Stony's whirlwind journey—using meth with people in power, battling a relapse that threatened her sobriety, and learning how to heal and forgive after such a tumultuous life. This is the last episode of Season 1, I’ll be taking a very short break, returning on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025. Please take care of yourselves during this time, the National Drug and Alcohol Hotline is available if you need support. The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for...2024-12-1620 min
Soberly SpeakingHow Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 1)It feels like an injustice to Stony's story to try and capture her life in one single interview. From as early as she can remember, Stony's witnessed and been victim to violence and struggled with the presence of addiction in her family. Today In part 1, Stony talks about being sexually assaulted as a child from someone known to her, running a trap house and selling a commercial supply of drugs. Along the way, she faced domestic violence, an unwanted pregnancy and watched the beheading of someone. The common thread that ties all of these horrific events together, is...2024-12-0928 min
Soberly SpeakingDrunk with a Newborn: How Lizzy Became the ZeroProofMumI’ve never heard a new mum be as open and honest as Lizzy is in this episode.From breastfeeding while drunk and passing out, to grappling with postnatal depression and feeling resentful towards her son in those early days.Lizzy is now sober after years of struggling with alcohol abuse. Growing up in Perth, her energy feels so familiar to me. I was able to open up about my own experiences, and I’m deeply grateful that Lizzy did the same. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sexual assault. Please listen with care...2024-12-0237 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Dad Who Needed to EscapeMick is a 'classic' Aussie dad with three daughters. He enjoys going to the gym and spending time with his wife, Katie. Mick is also a recovering alcohol and gambling addict.Mick shares the powerful story of the day he walked out of his family home, his partner calling after him to come back, as he made his way to a wharf with plans to end his own life.What’s striking about Mick’s journey is that he didn’t experience mental health issues before his addiction. It was the substance abuse that led him do...2024-11-2533 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Lost Boy with Tony VlogsWhat happens to the children of addicts who can no longer care for them?For many children, the effects of a parent's addiction are profound, far-reaching, and often invisible. Tony, also known as Tony Vlogs, now in his late twenties, is one of those children. His mother struggled with addiction and mental health issues, while his stepfather subjected him to both physical and emotional abuse. At the age of six, Tony was placed into the state’s care, moving between foster homes.Despite the weight of these struggles, Tony has found a way to share hi...2024-11-1828 min
Soberly SpeakingCan We Moderate Our Drug Use? with Nick BlairThis might be my most controversial episode yet.Nick Blair is the founder of Mind Health Bender, an early intervention initiative dedicated to enhancing mental health and promoting a balanced approach to alcohol and recreational drug use.Nick is here to help those people who can usually moderate their alcohol intake but find themselves slipping up every now and then. They want to learn how to be more accountable, stick to the plans they made while sober and say no to bags when it get's to that point in the night.Follow Nick...2024-11-1140 min
Soberly SpeakingFaye Louise Forgives HerselfFaye is a twenty-something Brit living in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. I initially wanted to chat to Faye about making friends in a new country while being sober, but as soon as we met, it felt like I was catching up with an old friend. Being a recovering party girl herself, we effortlessly started swapping stories whilst (playfully) cringing at our past behaviour.In this episode we dive into the selfishness of our drinking, the heartache we brought to our families, and what learning to forgive ourselves looks like today.Follow Faye on Instagram2024-11-0438 min
Soberly SpeakingThe Young Gambling AddictKarim was a master at concealing his addictions while working a high-profile fashion job in the heart of Sydney. From the outside, it seemed like he was living the dream. However, beneath that façade was a raging gambling addiction that began at just 17 years of age.In our conversation, Karim shares the pain of being disowned by his father and recounts a shocking sting operation that brought him to his knees, ultimately leading him to confront his issues with alcohol and drugs.Want to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auC...2024-10-2838 minSoberly SpeakingA Sister's Fight to Keep the Family Together (Part 2)Jasmine's story is unique among my interviews. She grew up witnessing the impact of addiction first hand on not one, but two of her older siblings. From visiting them in juvenile correctional facilities as teenagers to ultimately taking custody of their children, Jas' loyalty has never wavered.This is a powerful story of resilience, tenacity, and love. This is part 2 of 2.Creator & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine RuleThe National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling...2024-10-2431 minSoberly SpeakingA Sister's Fight to Keep the Family Together (Part 1)Jasmine's story is unique among my interviews. She grew up witnessing the impact of addiction first hand on not one, but two of her older siblings. From visiting them in juvenile correctional facilities as teenagers to ultimately taking custody of their children, Jas' loyalty has never wavered.We connected through a Facebook group called "Māori in Sydney," and out of all the responses, she was the only one who not only agreed to the interview but was also willing to be filmed. In the Polynesian culture, discussing addiction is often taboo, so I’m incredibly grateful for...2024-10-2135 minSoberly SpeakingIvy Sardi: Arrested by the Raptor SquadIvy Sardi was still out on bail when we recorded this episode. A former drug dealer, Ivy was awaiting sentencing for commercial drug supply.In our conversation, Ivy shares how he never touched drugs until his mid-twenties. From then, it was a rapid decline, leading to suicidal ideations, jail time, run-ins with the Raptor Squad, and waking up in hospital not knowing if he had killed someone.I'm incredibly grateful to Ivy for being so authentic in his storytelling, particularly regarding his mental health struggles.I hope you love this chat with Ivy...2024-10-1432 minSoberly SpeakingCocaine-Fuelled Career with Therapist Mel WatkinsMel Watkins was the first sober account I ever followed. A retired party girl, she's now an alcohol and love addiction therapist, which is why I wanted to have her on early in the season.In today’s episode, we discuss how drinking and heavy drug use were encouraged and praised throughout her career, infidelity under the influence, her missed diagnosis of bipolar disorder and her partner refusing to marry her during active addiction. Guest- Mel WatkinsCreator & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine Rule2024-10-0732 minSoberly SpeakingThe Life and Death of a Party GirlIt wouldn’t be right to start this new series without baring my soul first. In this debut episode, I share the 14 years I spent consumed by alcohol and partying. From taking pills in high school to living as a high-functioning alcoholic in Sydney. Drinking was so deeply intertwined with my false identity, I didn’t want to know who I was without it.Joining me for the second half of the podcast is my partner Beau, we openly discuss almost losing our relationship to alcohol, going to couples therapy, getting sober together and the biggest regret he’s...2024-09-3022 minSoberly SpeakingTrailerCOMING TUESDAY OCTOBER 1STWelcome to Soberly Speaking, stories from everyday people sharing their darkest moments that lead to sobriety. Shedding light on our struggles to help those still finding their way out. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday morning.SHOW NOTES:Creator & host- Julia RangiheueaVideo producer- Beaudene PerussichImage & logo- Jasmine Rule2024-09-2600 min
Is It Just Me?#232: Woo-Woo with Jules RangiheueaTikTok's "Recovering Party Girl" Jules Rangiheuea chats to us about her sobriety journey. Check her out on TikTok & Insta: @julesrangi Also in this episode: Slagging off bakers (05:37) Is the word ‘lunchtime’ cute as fuck? (07:24) What happened to ‘out of bounds’? (10:54) Julia Rangiheuea talks sobriety (14:52) Are weddings kinda cringe? (33:39) Is clubbing kinda dead? (41:33) Our “Secret Segment” ADDebrief (51:23) Check out our merch shop! coupleofmitches.com.au 🛍️ Join our Facebook group 'Endurant Idiots' facebook.com/groups/477062186470271 Hit us up: @cou...2024-09-0359 min