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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
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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. -
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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/
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In this week's episode, we're joined by Lewis Vines, host of the popular The Everyman Podcast. Lewis opens up about the struggles that led him into a gambling addiction, sharing his journey of highs and lows. From moments of achievement to times when everything felt like it was falling apart, Lewis experienced the kind of rollercoaster many people can relate to. We dive into the power of experiencing genuine connection and how Lewis’ need to be accepted left him feeling isolated when he couldn’t find his tribe — people he could truly open up to. Eventually, he sought help and is now on the road to recovery, using his platform to support other people who might be struggling in silence. His podcast tackles the often-unspoken challenges many men face in today’s world. Tune in for an honest, raw conversation about mental health, recovery from gambling harm, and the importance of speaking up. Follow Lewis on TikTok @lewisvines6 and @theeverymanpodListen to The Everyman Podcast here https://shows.acast.com/the-everyman/episodes or watch on YouTube https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaG9NpDPLBb6JoUAD2_yOIM8Q-ll0YUgC&si=NaBzQYyS77T0-lE-
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IIn today's episode Philip Price joins Richie. Philip talks about how his 20-year battle with food, bulimia, and anorexia manifested into a gambling addiction which lasted a further seven years.
Philip talks about his time in Gordon Moody and how it helped him deal with grief and trauma. After leaving Gordon Moody, Philip joined EPIC Restart and worked with his recovery coach to set some goals for his future. Philip started with a vision board which allowed him to start working towards a new life.
He talks about the life changing events he attended and how those events have started a ripple effect leading to being part of new communities, using cold water therapy, and meeting new people. Listen now to hear what other tools make up Philip's toolbox.
Philip's Instagram is here and his Facebook is here.
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This week, we're joined by the incredible Jenny Bryson, a shining light in the recovery space in the North East and the Deputy CEO of Recovery Connections. 🌟
Jenny shares her remarkable journey, which has been anything but straightforward, yet it offers hope to anyone in active addiction or recovery. We dive into discussions on parenthood, helping others, and finding purpose through lived experience—key elements that drive the meaningful work Jenny does today. In this episode, we explore leaning into the unknown and facing courage. Highlighting how this approach is vital for progress in both recovery and life, but also stressing the importance of having the right support in place to feel safe. We hope you enjoy Jenny’s inspiring story and learn how to embrace the unknown with confidence.
#RecoveryToolkit #Podcast #RecoveryJourney #Courage #LivedExperience
Epic Restart Website: https://www.epicrestartfoundation.org
Recovery Connections Website: https://www.recoveryconnections.org.uk/
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This week, host Richie Paxton is joined by Nathan Pollard, an active member of AA who has been sober for over six years. In this inspiring conversation, Nathan shares how he's created a life far beyond his wildest dreams and is soon to be married to the love of his life.
His story is one of commitment and a deep willingness to change. Nathan also reflects on how he manages his recovery and life now, compared to the early days of his journey. His insights offer valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and the power of perseverance. Tune in now to hear Nathan’s story and discover how you, too, can build a life beyond your wildest dreams.
#RecoveryToolkit #Podcast #Sobriety #Commitment #Inspiration
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In today's episode Richie talks to Chris who has been in recovery since 2012. He is still an active member of Gambler's Anonymous and still does service to help and support others. Here, Chris talks about his journey in recovery and how Karate allowed him to find a purpose and build a new bond with his daughter.
Chris is always looking for the next challenge in his life so he can keep moving forward. Celebrating success is a major talking point in today's podcast and how hard it can be - but also how important it is as part of the journey of recovery.
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On this week's podcast Richie is joined by Ross who talks about how he was obsessed with football from a young age. Ross had an incredible football career, captaining his country for the under 20 squad, but explains how that obsession moved from football to gambling.
For Ross, this led to multiple suicide attempts until he found support from Sporting Chance Clinic. His addiction then manifested in abusing drink and drugs. Ross joins us today multiple years into his recovery and shares his story in the hope that it can help someone else.
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This week our host is Stacey Goodwin who flips the roles to have Richie Paxton in the hot seat. Richie talks about his journey and how he now gets to redefine what success looks like for him.
Richie discusses the never ending journey of self awareness and self improvement that is a pillar of his recovery.
Living a life that aligns with his values is of utmost importance to Richie although he of course has times when life isn't always plain sailing.
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Today Richie talks to Jo Mustafa. Jo has had an incredible journey through recovery and is now a Recovery Coach at EPIC Restart Foundation.
Jo is a wonderful example of what is possible if you ask for help, do the work, and focus on yourself. Here, the discussion covers how Jo built her confidence, showed courage, and overcame her challenges.
Jo has been involved in national campaigns on stigma, has spoken on numerous other podcasts, and is thriving in her recovery.
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Richie is joined by Iceguy’s founder Chris Nicholas.
Chris talks about the struggles he had in his 20’s due to acne that affected his confidence and self-esteem. Those struggles lead to a keen interest in men's mental health.
Chris has had a few sliding doors moments in his life that has led him to where he is today. He talks about how buying a road bike was a big catalyst to unlocking a new passion in Triathlon, changing his career and getting into coaching. Find out more about Iceguys by following their social channels @iceguyscic
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In this episode Mark talks about the challenges he faced when he started to take responsibility for his actions. He also talks about how his life changed for the better when he engaged with and took responsibility for his own recovery.
Mark's recovery journey has been far from straightforward but in this episode you will hear how he has faced adversity and still been able to use his experiences to help other people
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Dot Smith is the CEO of Recovery Connections, a lived experience organisation based in the North East of England.This organisation - and Dot herself - has had a massive impact on the North East recovery scene and has helped thousands of people across the region.
Here, Dot explains that she has been able to create a culture of recovery that is threaded through the whole organisation; one which gives hope and opportunity to all those that are involved. Dot is also candid about her recovery journey and how that sits alongside the growth of the organisation.
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