Soberly Speaking

Growing up as a second-generation Chinese Australian in Canberra, Alex spent much of his childhood wanting to be anything but himself. At just eight years old, he made a quiet but powerful connection: success, titles and money equals love.That belief followed him into adulthood and when COVID hit, the pressure, boredom and loss of identity converged into a gambling addiction that quietly took over his life. He was placing sports bets in the middle of the night, lying to his partner about missed bills and rent, borrowing money from friends and slowly losing the relationships that mattered most to him.Then came the moment everything unravelled. He had been stealing funds from his employer and one ordinary day, he was called into an office and told he was under internal investigation. As frightening as that moment was for Alex, it was also the first day of the rest of his life. Gambling Help Online  gamblinghelponline.org.auOnline counselling available 24/7, including live chat and email supportCreator & Host: ⁠⁠@JuliaRangiheueaReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of sexual assault.Raj's earliest memory is of his father leaving him on the side of the road to teach him a lesson. It was the first of many moments that taught him emotions weren't safe to show.By his teens, he was selling and using. What began at parties didn't stay there and one line led to another until he was moving large amounts of drugs and dealing weapons. Two stints in jail later, the reality of that life had nothing left to romanticise.Now in his twenties, Raj is starting over. In this episode, he talks about how he got in, what it cost him and why he's adamant about one thing: there's nothing gangster about it.Follow Raj on Instagram: @Emceerajj_Creator & Host: ⁠⁠Julia RangiheueaReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Trigger warning: this episode contains detailed discussion of sexual assault. Stacey was 14 years old when two strangers assaulted her. One night. A warehouse. An experience no child should ever survive. She did. And then she did something even harder. She took them to court as a child, and won. She has never spoken publicly about it. Until now.Melissa Beaton is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist who works with high-performing women who hold everything together are ready to take back control over their lives.She specialises in spotting the moment a woman overrides herself. For example, when anger turns into anxiety, when responsibility becomes control, and when “being capable” becomes self-abandonment.Her work combines intensive psychodynamic therapy and physiology-based breathwork to help women build boundaries, regulate their nervous systems and stop shrinking to keep the peace.She is the founder of Zenso House, a premium breathwork and retreat studio on the Gold Coast.www.zensohouse.comFollow Melissa Beaton on Instagram: @melissabeaton.psychologistFollow Stacey on Instagram: @Staasi_Creator & Host: ⁠⁠Julia RangiheueaReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

“Comedy is a hotbed of mental illness" Sian Smyth is a stand-up comedian whose past includes domestic violence, drug abuse, sex addiction, and sex work. After leaving an almost decade-long violent relationship in which she saw the devil himself, Sian finally felt free to take control of her body and experiment with every drug imaginable.Her addiction cost her every friend, derailed her career, and led to psychotic episodes overseas. After hearing a voice telling her to go to a meeting, Sian is now almost a year clean and making comedy again.Trigger warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, substance use disorder and mental health including psychosis.Buy tickets to Sian's show HEREFollow Sian on Instagram: @siansmythcomicCreator & Host: ⁠⁠Julia RangiheueaReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, substance use disorder and mental health including psychosis.Have you ever been in psychosis? You hear the horror stories of people staying in it for days, weeks or months, but Nikki lived with it for five years. During that time she became someone she didn’t recognise: erratic, paranoid and eventually lashing out at a family member. Nikki believed her only way to escape the addiction and chaos she had known for most of her life was either to end her life or end up in jail. For Nikki, reconnecting with her Māori heritage has genuinely saved her life, helping her find identity, purpose and healing in ways she never expected.Follow Nikki on Instagram: @saladgirl___Creator & Host: ⁠⁠Julia RangiheueaReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

At 26, Henry Brayshaw was drowning in hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from his gambling addiction.Gambling had felt normal since childhood. Some of his earliest memories were placing bets on the Melbourne Cup and slipping into the TAB. What started as something familiar slowly became uncontrollable.As the debt piled up, so did the shame. He self-harmed and isolated himself in a dark room for days.The turning point wasn’t dramatic. It was honest. He told his best friend at the time, Annie, and that was the moment he stopped running.Now, he urges anyone struggling to register with BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion scheme. Register yourself with BetStop HEREFollow Henry on Instagram: @henry.brayshawTrigger warning: This episode discusses childhood sexual abuse in detail.Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

What really goes on inside the world of selling sex online? I was invited into the home of Australia’s most sexually active woman, Annie Knight, one of the country’s top OnlyFans creators. From the boundaries she sets with her fiancé to exactly how she pulls in millions each year, Annie lifts the curtain on a world most of us only glimpse from the outside.Follow Annie Knight on Instagram: @anniekknightContent warning: This episode contains discussions of sex and adult themesReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Soberly Speaking is back with a brand new season starting Monday February 16th.This season marks an evolution of the podcast. Once a month, you'll receive a documentary-style episode. These episodes take you inside the homes, lives and hidden worlds of my guests and are designed to be watched like a TV show, not just listened to.You can watch the documentary episodes for free on YouTube by searching Soberly Speaking, or on Spotify if you use Spotify. Patreon members can also watch inside the app.Each month you'll receive:• One documentary-style episode• Three classic one-on-one interviews, filmed in different destinations around AustraliaThe interview episodes are still designed to be easy to listen to, but they are also being filmed so you can watch them too. All documentary episodes will be clearly labelled [DOCUMENTARY] at the start, so you know which ones are designed to be watched.Follow Soberly Speaking on Instagram to keep up to date!With love,J x

For ⁠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 sober.Giving up alcohol meant facing painful truths, including the reality that her marriage was built around shared addiction.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses themes of substance abuse and suicide.⁠Follow Ash Butterss on Instagram⁠Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auDisclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠Creator & Host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠Video & Audio- ⁠Stitch Up Studios⁠Image & Logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Andrew 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 gay men struggling to come off drugs and chem sex, and when asked what advice he would give to a closeted queer person struggling with addiction, his response is not only beautiful but deeply moving.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sex, substance abuse, internalised homophobia, and the emotional impact of being closeted. Please take care while listening.⁠Follow Andrew Moses on Instagram⁠Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auDisclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠Creator & Host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠Video & Audio- ⁠Stitch Up Studios⁠Image & Logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

The holiday season can be especially triggering when it comes to food and eating. In this episode, I’m joined by Vanessa Kredler to talk about food addiction, food noise, and why so many people feel stuck in the same cycle year after year.We explore why willpower isn’t the problem and what “food sobriety” really means. Vanessa shares how recovery is possible, what support can look like and how to approach 2026 with compassion rather than punishment.Links mentioned in this episode:Food Sober Fundamentals (8-week program):https://www.vanessakredler.com/courses/food-sober-fundamentals-group-program-for-food-addiction-and-binge-eatingWebsite:https://www.vanessakredler.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/vanessakredler/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/vanessakredler.foodaddictioncounsellorDisclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking Julia 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 small fortune, and witnessed how one person quitting drinking can lift up those around them.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse.⁠Follow Julia Vogl on Instagram⁠Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auDisclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠Creator & Host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠Video & Audio- ⁠Stitch Up Studios⁠Image & Logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠⁠Glen’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 homeless at just 13. With nowhere to go, he became a street kid of Kings Cross. Trigger Warning: This episode contains themes of child abuse, child sexual abuse, substance abuse and violence. Please please listen with care ⁠⁠Follow Glen Fisher on Instagram⁠⁠Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auThe 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-hotline⁠⁠Creator & host- ⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠Video producer- ⁠⁠Beaudene Perussich⁠⁠Image & logo- ⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingGlen’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 homeless at just 13. With nowhere to go, he became a street kid of Kings Cross. Trigger Warning: This episode contains themes of child abuse, child sexual abuse, substance abuse and violence. Please please listen with care ⁠Follow Glen Fisher on Instagram⁠Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.auThe 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-hotline⁠Creator & host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠Video producer- ⁠Beaudene Perussich⁠Image & logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE PATREON: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingBy 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 motel room overdose that everything change...Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and animal abuse. Please listen with care and prioritise your well-being. Help is listed below; 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-hotline⁠Call 1800 737 732 for the 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy. Creator & host- ⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠ Video producer- ⁠Beaudene Perussich⁠ Image & logo- ⁠Jasmine Rule⁠ In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, substance abuse, postnatal depression, and birth trauma."I was just an average mum from Byron Bay" were the words that Ninny wrote to me in despair. After her second child, postnatal depression, lack of support and two traumatic birth experiences led her down an unexpected path: prescription drug dependence.Ninny shares her journey through overprescribing, the systemic failures that left her struggling and how she is now reclaiming her life while helping others. This is a vital conversation around mental health, postpartum care and the hidden dangers of prescription medication.JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: ⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeakingYasmine grew up in a loving home in New Zealand and never really encountered drugs. But even in a great childhood, trauma can exist. In high school, Yasmine was sexually assaulted, an experience that shaped her early choices.In her early to mid-twenties, she moved to Australia with a new partner and, from the airport, drove straight to a trap house. She spent years as a high-functioning addict, working retail jobs while slowly losing her mind to psychosis.Back in New Zealand, after two pregnancies, she could no longer stay clean. Social services watched her every move. Multiple suicide attempts followed. At one point, police, including SWAT, surrounded her with lasers aimed at her.And yet, it wasn’t all of that that made her stop. It was looking at her baby and realising, suddenly there were baby teeth, first words being spoken. Yasmine was missing the crucial years of her child’s life because of her addiction.Trigger warning: This episode discusses vivid scenes of sexual assault and suicide. If you are not feeling mentally well, or if these topics are too close to home, I recommend skipping this one.Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Have you ever asked yourself what was really at the core of your addiction? Trauma specialist and co-dependency coach Drew Wild joins me to ask the questions we often avoid.What was my addiction helping me cope with?What came before the substance?How do we start to heal the root cause, not just the behaviour?Many people believe that if they don’t have trauma, they can’t have an addiction. Drew helps us see that addiction often comes from unmet needs as a child and can be shaped by all kinds of trauma, not just the obvious or extreme experiences.Follow Drew on Instagram hereTrigger warning: This episode discusses substance abuseReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Tyson was abused by his mother and her partner when he was just 12 months old. The abuse was so severe he had to be resuscitated. After that, he was placed in the care of his maternal grandmother with his older brother, but soon after, child protection separated them. When Tyson was seven, he found his grandmother dead and was once again passed to another family member.What followed was a difficult path through crime, addiction, juvenile detention and an unexpected teen pregnancy.Trigger warning: This episode discusses child abuse, substance abuse, and graphic violence.Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, substance abuse, domestic violence and pregnancy loss.Bianca is a full-service sex worker addicted to feeling good. When she works, the urge for alcohol and drugs disappears, but for as long as she can remember, she has been chasing dopamine through binge eating, ice addiction, or sex. In this episode, we dive into how one addiction can replace another, her abusive past with men, and her accidental involvement with a Russian sex cult.Follow Bianca on TikTokReady to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.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-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.