Episodes
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From the horrors of addiction and personal turmoil to a beacon of hope and change, my journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. Over two decades the grip of substance
abuse dictated and destroyed my world; resulting in life-altering encounters with tragedy. This forced me into a crossroads: throw the towel in, or fight till the death for a better life. Choosing the latter, I embarked on a path of recovery and renewal.
Seven years removed from rehab and six years with my children by my side, I've not only reclaimed my life but have also completed a law degree. Now, I find joy in the simple pleasures, like taking my family out on the boat, and the normalcy of life. Yet, beneath this tranquility lies a fierce determination to advocate for people navigating the complexities of addiction, institutionalization, and the legal system.
With a unique perspective forged through personal trials and a legal education, I'm dedicated to infiltrate the legal world and force change. My lived experiences, unteachable in any university, equip me to bring a new voice to the legal world; the voice of a girl from the hood whoās hopeful to sit on the High Court.
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Iām 60 years old. I believe I was born an addict, that itās a genetic disorder that runs in families. I started drinking to excess from my very first drink at about age 15 and kept it up for decades. At 48 (believe it or not) I was given my first shot of gear and thought Iād finally discovered god. From the very beginning I did anything and everything to maintain my using. I ended up at 53, totally broken and begging for help. After many false starts, Iām finally clean and sober. Have been since April 2017.
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Missing episodes?
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Kerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/Worldwide and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Health First Aid Training Presenter, Event Host and Trauma and Addictions Recovery Counsellor. After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie walked through the doors of a 12-step program and since that day 41 years ago, has remained clean and sober. Over the past 30 years, Kerrie has worked in the business and community sector helping those who are struggling with trauma and the issues of life find Hope. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast QLD 20 years ago she has worked in a voluntary capacity in the community as well as private practice as a trauma and addictions coach/counsellor and mentor building connection and supporting people from all walks of life. In addition, she has worked with many young people in crisis at different schools on the Sunshine Coast. Along with her husband she founded a charity called āStreetlightā which ran for six years supporting the homeless and disadvantaged. Six years ago, Kerrie founded āStories of HOPE Australiaā a platform which runs monthly events bringing HOPE to the community and became a published author releasing her first book in 2019 and releasing the second book in her, āStories of HOPE Australiaā series āResilient People, Remarkable Storiesā the week the world went into lockdown. Kerrie then founded āStories of HOPE Worldwideā an online platform sharing stories of HOPE around the world resulting in the recent release of her third book which is in support of menās mental health, LIGHTBULB MOMENTS Through The Eyes Of Men. Kerrie a āMental Health First Aidā trainer, equips people with the skills to recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis and how to assist them. In everything she does, her passion is to help prevent suicide and hopelessness and to bring connection and HOPE to people in times of uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.
www.storiesofhope.com.au
www.empowerlifesolutions.com.au
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My name is Braiden Tonks aka "TONKSY"
16months ago I relocated to the Gold Coast from Tasmania to escape a deep 7 year addiction to the evil drug "ICE".
My addiction started with occasionally smoking the pipe around the age of 22, I then quickly became an every day IV user and before I knew it I was deep into the world of drug dealing, crime and eventually prison.
After multiple relationship breakdowns with my partner and attempts and finding recovery I decided to leave my home town of Hobart Tasmania where I had a disgraceful reputation as a junkie and was well know by the justice system and settle down on the beautiful Gold Coast.
Since moving here 16months ago, I have started my own podcast (Tonksy Media Podcast), founded my videography buissness (Tonksy Media Productions) and I can proudly say that I have found recovery, regained 50% custody of my children and recently brought another beautiful baby girl into this world with my beautiful, living and supportive wife to be
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Welcome to the "Kick the Sh!t" podcast, where we tackle the gritty, real-life stories head-on. In today's episode, we're joined by none other than Jimmy "Big Jimz" James. A beacon of resilience, Big Jimz delved into the world of drugs at just 10 years old. From there, he faced the harrowing trials of addiction, amassed over six years in recovery, relapsed in a heart-wrenching setback, but today, he stands tall celebrating six triumphant months clean. Beyond his personal battles, Big Jimz is making waves as a hip-hop artist, pouring his life's experiences into powerful lyrics and beats. With a legion of fans who adore and respect him, we're genuinely honored to have Big Jimz on the show, sharing his journey, his music, and marking his six-month milestone. Dive into an episode filled with raw truth, redemption, and the testament of a man who has truly kicked the sh!t out of life's challenges.
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SarahJane is not just a guest on our podcast; she is a living, breathing testament to the transformative power of sobriety and second chances. On October 20th, 2023, she marked an incredible milestoneāthree years of sober living. But the path to this point was anything but easy.
In the throes of her alcohol abuse, SarahJane faced dire, life-threatening situations that led her to multiple near-death experiences. Her struggles with addiction were not only her own; they were shared by her family, who painfully watched her on what they feared would be her deathbed.
However, something extraordinary happened on October 20th, 2020. Call it fate, destiny, or a miracle, but SarahJane received a second chance at life. From that day, she has not touched a drop of alcohol. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, living proof that even the most desperate circumstances can be turned around.
SarahJaneās story is one that needs to be heard, a narrative filled with setbacks but ultimately leading to redemption and renewal.
To hear her incredible journey, tune into today's episode. SarahJane not only shares her story but also offers insights and advice for anyone struggling with addiction, providing that much-needed light at the end of the tunnel.
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I came to the states from France at age 4. I was raised by a single mother who married into an abusive domestic violence and substance abuse relationship. I was sexually abused by my neighbors from ages 5-7 and bc I was the foreign kid I was often bullied and ignored. I craved some stability and security but felt empty and alone most of my childhood. Especially when my older brother got deported for selling drugs and gta. I discovered opiates after a shoulder surgery and found relief from the torment in my head. My rock bottoms were about as bad as it can get. From home invasions and robbery, to selling my body and helping women sell their bodies for me. In 2011 I was heavily into my addiction and had to go into surgery for some complications in my groin ( a testicular torsion) I ended up blowing out my coronary artery and going into cardiac arrest. I was in a coma for 5 days. The doctors told my family to come say good bye bc I wasnāt going to make it. I woke from that coma on 11/11/11 and they said Iād be dead in 6 months. Iāve tried various forms of recovery and found that I took the pieces that worked for me. Everyoneās recovery is as unique to them as their fingerprints. I tried abstinence and it didnāt work for me in the beginning bc I had ptsd, anxiety, depression, adhd, and the list goes on. Once I stopped using, I realized I had a lot of healing to do but I didnāt know how. I came across some articles on ibogaine and ayahuasca and the benefits of microdosing ketamine and psilocybin. I did some research on how they helped my specific mental health conditions and decided I wanted to explore this world of plant medicine for addiction treatment. Iām no longer on traditional Medical assisted treatment such as methadone but I do use medical marijuana for my mental health at times which is better for me personally instead of being on the list of pharmaceutical medications they want me taking. I want to tell people itās ok to recover with Mat or through plant medicine if the goal is actually sobriety and we truly want a life better than what we know. I donāt have all the answers, I just know what works for me. I think showing people that we can recover differently and still help lift each other is a message a truly support.
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Jordan's Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Hope
Meet Jordan, a determined young woman who's faced her fair share of obstacles but emerged stronger than ever. She was born with cerebral palsy, but from day one, she never let it define her.
Growing up, Jordan was surrounded by a loving circle of friends and supportive parents, especially her dad, who encouraged her to be independent and confident. Despite her physical condition, she always felt like any other kid.
However, when she turned 18, her world was shattered as she lost both her parents, just five weeks apart. Overwhelmed with grief, Jordan struggled to cope. She went through a tough period, even attempting suicide, which led to a year-long stay in a mental health ward. During this time, addiction became a looming problem.
After this challenging period, Jordan reconnected with her uncle, finding comfort in their bond. Tragically, she faced another loss when her beloved uncle passed away suddenly three years later. Overwhelmed by grief, Jordan turned to drugs, leading to a six-year battle with meth addiction that nearly consumed her life.
But Jordan's story takes a remarkable turn. After eight months of determined effort, she chose the path to recovery. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, showing that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can find the strength to overcome adversity and addiction. Jordan's story is about resilience, redemption, and the unwavering ability to rebuild a life that once seemed lost
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WhatsUp I am Dan, I was born with sedc (spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia) which is basically a rare form of dwarfism. Including complications such as scoliosis, along with hip dysplasia. Due to these physical complications, primarily the hip dysplasia it caused alot of difficulty with mobility in my youth and lead me to resort to using a wheelchair. I got surgery on my spine at age of 16 to straighten that out. I also experienced sexual abuse in my youth. Partly due to these complications, it made me feel quite isolated and introverted. Due to my disability, indifference and abuse, I also struggled with finding my sense of self, including sexual identity. My mental health took a downard spiral and had lead me into a drug addiction of 10 years, 5 of them which I attempted to recover. During my addiction it showed the dark realities of the negative concequences of drugs. My addiction went from pot smoking, party drugs and fun but towards the end I resorted to meth and heroin. Through the 5 years of attempts of recovery, I tried several different ways to recover including abstinence which didn't work. The consequences of my addiction included more sexual abuse and trauma, suicide attempts and ods. End of 2020 is when I had a serious car crash under the influence, this crash made me realise if I don't get my life together it ain't going to get together. At the age of 25 I tried to get serious about getting help from the NDIS, unfortunately I fell through the cracks. After 9 months of sobriety I ended up relapsing and even though I was trying to do the right thing, it felt that no system had my back as I felt labelled as just a junkie. Took 2 years to navigate and get accepted into the NDIS, unfortunately it made me realise that even though I was trying to do the right thing, there was some people that didn't have the right intentions for their support. It took me 27 years to just receive the DSP and be recognised as "disabled". Been a tough road, but found a real blessing out of it all, Koahani. They believed in me and actually cared for me and other clients, I am now 6months off ice and have trying to be consistent with eating healthy, fitness and slowly minimising my prescribed drugs. Everything that's happened to me has shaped who I am today and I am keen to share my story.
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Social media influencer It's ya boy Jarrod, shares his story, raw and unguarded with the hopes that he can inspire others to turn their lives around. Heres Jarrod:
"Iām a tiktoker from Wollongong near Sydney and I am around 2 years clean from MDMA. About a year clean from Valium abuse and 8 months clean from weed." -
Jess Gaddes is a 34-year-old woman born and raised in western Sydney and is a Co-Founder of Encapsulator.
Homelessness, mental health issues and incarceration. Jess spent her twenties in and out of the system, struggling with addiction and an undiagnosed mental health disorder, it was during this time she found herself spiralling out of control.
For the next six years Jess found herself in court rooms and correctional centres across Sydney, supporting her drug habit through petty crime.
At 27, Jess qualified for the Drug Court Program and through the support of the Drug Court Program and long-term rehabilitation, Jess is now able to give back to her community through lived experience.
Jess dedicates herself to helping others battling addiction and is a strong advocate for alternative education and support systems just like Encapsulator. Jess holds a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs, and is completing a Diploma in Mental Health.
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My name is Georgia, Iām 22 years old with a bit over 4 and a half years clean.
I first picked up alcohol when I was 12 years old. Growing up with an alcoholic father, I never knew drinking every day wasnāt normal or the risks associated. My father was amazing until he drank, which turned him into a monster. My addiction quickly took off, and by 14 I was deep in poly using, taking just about anything I could get my hands on- weed, pills, uppers, downers, as long as I was high it didnāt matter. I also fell deep into amphetamine addiction and by 15 I was in serious trouble, I had multiple arrests, I was known by police, I got expelled from school and my father started getting violent. I was too scared to tell my mum or anyone for that matter that my dad was hitting me because I didnāt want him to get into trouble with the law, so when my dad gave me the ultimatum to fight him or leave the house, I left. I was homeless, couch surfing and sleeping in a park, I had one dirty adidas tracksuit that I would wear every day, I vividly remember it being soaking wet on the rainy nights, Iād sit there shaking while it rained on me with my pipe in hand. By 16 I had serious health issues, I was vomitting blood, coughing up black and couldnāt breathe. I finally went to the doctor who after running tests told me If I made it to my 20th birthday with the lifestyle I was living Iād be a miracle. I was in a deep psychosis and became a regular at the psychiatric unit of my local hospital, I was that severe they placed me in the adult unit at 15!
I came into NA at 16 and found recovery at 17. My father found recovery with me, we reached 6 months clean together when he suffered a brain aneurism. I was able to find forgiveness for him through this program and Cherish the 6 months I got with him. I now use music as a platform to share my story and my journey on recovery and aim to send a positive message to todays youth.
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Hey, I'm Shannon.
I grew up in Shellharbour on the South Coast of NSW.
I have a family history of drug and alcohol addiction.
After suffering the tragic loss of my nan at age 12, I was constantly chasing a feeling and picked up my first drug at 15.
Going through alot of trauma and struggling through highschool, the peak of my addiction hit at age 19.
Enduring more trauma and using on and off for years, I eventually hit rock bottom at age 27 and ended up in an institution to do a detox program in 2016.
When I got out, I still found myself in active addiction because I was still using but not my drug of choice until I found out I was pregnant at the end of 2018.
I stopped using during this time and became a mum for the first time in mid 2019.
After dealing with more trauma and the struggles of parenting for the first time, I picked back up in 2020 and hit rock bottom again in 2022.
I was introduced to recovery by my cousin who is also in recovery and made the decision to go back into the same detox program a couple of months later.
It's been a hard climb back up, but I am truly grateful for my journey and the way I can be present in my life today at 12 months clean.
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In 2012 Renz had an serious motor viechele accident on her way home from work, if it wasnāt for her guardian angel Lex who turned around and came back to save here life.
Renz ended up getting addicted to prescription medication after a long horrific journey with serious injury, she is now 3 years free from opiates and finally has 9 months clean from Xanax.
She has been through hell, this episode is a beautiful story about kindness, guardian angels and recovery from prescription drugs that were so freely given to Renz on a daily basis.
Join us for this episode to hear the beautiful bond and friendship that these 2 have build from such a horrific event.
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So excited to Kick off Season 2 of the KICK THE SH!T PODCAST With these incredible legends Callum, Michael and Campbell. Itās going to be a breath taking start to the season. Check it out
ADDICTION IS A FAMILY DISEASE!
2 brothers and a cousin reunite after a long time stuck in addiction to recover together, itās a beautiful and heartbreaking story
Campbell and Callum both grew up in Leeton, their cousin Michael grew up in Penrith.
All their family were addicted to drugs and alcohol as they grew up, the three of them began using alcohol and pot at a young age.
Michael lost both his parent around the same time All the boys were close, but they lost contact not long after as a result of the drug and alcohol lifestyle.
Campbells addiction lead him to jails and institutions and at the end of his using days his family was falling apart, Michael had more tragedy in his life when the death of his brother came about, as a result both Campbell and Michael found themselves in rehab at the end of 2021.
Callum's addiction costed him the loss of his children and many relationships fell apart, coming off the back of a breakup he was also admitted into rehab early in 2022
Guess what? They are all in recovery together now!
Join us on Saturday for the first episode of KICK THE SH!T PODCAST Season 2 to dive into this incredible family tale of addiction to recovery!
Hit the link to be reminded of the live broadcast, you will also find it on all your favorite podcasts platforms by Monday. Letās go!
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Hello legends
Please Meet Ronald Isherwood and his work!
The Truth About Addiction was founded by our Director Ron Isherwood in 2020, after Ron had to regrettably shut down his very successful business, Sugarman Classics, where he restored prestigious classic show cars. Ron went through a number of medical procedures that prevented him from performing physical works.
At the time, he was already running group support at a private rehabilitation centre in Queensland.
After 42 years working with recovering addicts and various rehabilitation clinics, Ron found that there was a profound lack of understanding of the disease of addiction. Hence, he wrote his own program, based on his own experience, belief and passion.
Ron started The Truth About Addiction and has since passed on his information to a team of superbly passionate counsellors.
Ronās background is extraordinarily uncommon to many that you may find in the same industry. Growing up in a family associated with the Painters and Dockers in Melbourne, his upbringing was filled with violence, aggression and abuse. At 16 years old, Ron shot his first man. By 17 years old, Ron was charged with multiple attempted murders and was in and out of prison in the decade after. He had never had a drug until he was put into prison at 17 years of age. But one thing we know, Ron Isherwood was a criminal before he was a drug addict.
Ron was free from all drugs from the 3rd of March 1986. However, he couldnāt free himself from his crime addiction. In 2002 Ron was sentenced to 18 years for conspiracy to import prohibited substance. He did a lot of thinking during his incarceration. He studied, he wrote a biography. Ron also wrote the process and procedures for a successful drug rehabilitation program inside Berallon Correctional Centre, where he ran the programs with the help of the prison director, resulting in many prisoners getting clean, staying clean and achieving a better life post release. Since then, Ron hasnāt stopped helping others in active addiction and played a huge part in their recovery journeys. Ron Isherwood is the addiction specialist.
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TRIGGER WARNING ā
This episode made me cry during the show a few times, Korenne is an amazing strong women who has been to hell and on her way back. A massive congratulation to this legend!
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"My name is Korenne and Iāve been in recovery now for 12months. After living a life stuck in the chaos of addiction, my parents met in rehab and both battled addiction. Growing up I spent my earlier years with my mum who also suffered sever mental illness which led to the removal of my sister and I. I was 9. I started drinking. But it wasnāt until addiction took my mums life (39) that I picked up drugs at 15. ā¦." -
Shuv Homsi believes in the ability to "Change".
Most often scrutinized for his "Street Appeal" His forward and holistic approach to "BECOME THE BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF" has motivated and captivated audiences in doing what he loves, Drug and Alcohol Addiction.
Shuv Homsi comes from a diverse background of Business, Social Services, Community Services and Mental Health. His ability to foster social change enlightens a broad range of professional industries across Australia.
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It was my absolute please to have Gary Jubelin come to my studio for this epic interview where the table have been turned and i get to ask all the questions. I did lots of research and i feel this interview is my best ever, i hope you guys enjoy.
Did you know;
Gary Jubelin was one of Australiaās most celebrated detectives. He joined the NSW Police Force in 1985 and retired in 2019 as a Detective Chief Inspector.During his 34-year policing career he led some of the countryās biggest murder investigations including the serial killing of three Aboriginal children in Bowraville. The brutal gangland murder of Terry Falconer and seven other murders, which was featured in the Underbelly Television Series āBadnessā. He also ran the crime scene following the Lindt CafĆ© Siege.
He was leading the investigation into the abduction of 3-year-old William Tyrrell when he was controversially removed and charged by his own organisation for recording a conversation with a suspect in the Tyrrell investigation. This is something he makes no apologies for other than the impact it had on the investigation due to his forced removal.
His vast experience as a detective in major crime includes performing duties in the Armed Hold Up Squad, Organised Crime Squad and Gangs Squad.
He also was heavily involved in tactical policing performing duties in the Tactical Response Group, State Protection Support Unit and Close Personal Protection.Since leaving the police he has been employed as an investigative journalist with News Corp, writing for The Sunday Telegraph. Co-authored two top selling No.1 True Crime Books his memoire āI Catch Killersā and āBadnessā. Hosts one of the countryās top rating podcasts āI Catch Killersā. Is a contributor to television programs including 60 Minutes and Under Investigation for the Nine Network. He has also toured Australia with the āI Catch Killers Live Eventā stage show.
He is still passionate about justice for victims of crime, strongly supports restorative justice and is continuing to assist victims where he can in his new role.
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