In Listen UP Episode 9, Gayle Brannigan of The St Mirren Charitable Foundation shares the simple anchors that keep recovery on track, highlighting a morning reset that steadies emotions, and the power of hearing lived experience weekly. Gayle unveils a stadium‑based hub plus weekly speakers that transforms isolation into steady, face‑to‑face support: --Use a 60‑second “just for today” check to stop spiralling and choose the next right step --How two pocket‑sized readings cool anger, lift g...
In Listen UP Episode 8, bestselling 12‑step author and Somerton Lodge founder John Elford shares the exact turning points that moved him from homelessness and hospital detoxes to 22 years sober, highlighting the two‑word decision that stopped his next drink, and a step‑by‑step way to face everyday triggers without panic. John Elford unveils no-nonsense, practical strategies that transforms urge spikes at the door into calm action: -Name the problem out loud to lower cravings in the next fiv...
In Listen UP Episode 7, Alcohol Focus Scotland’s Marc Buchanan shares a simple, stackable approach to reducing alcohol harm in Scotland, highlighting how pricing, outlet density, and marketing limits work together, and why personal routines still matter. Marc unveils a combined‑measures insight that transforms fragile early days into a steadier, lower‑risk rhythm: --Pair policies with habits: plan your shop, route, and time; remove surprises, remove urges --Use structure: morning check‑ins,...
In Listen UP Episode 6, Marie McGuire, a seasoned therapist, dives into the universal truths of addiction, highlighting the critical role of trauma-informed therapy and community-based support in recovery, all while sharing a message of hope. Marie unveils how understanding addiction's indiscriminate nature transforms feelings of isolation into empowerment: - Why addiction doesn’t discriminate—and why that matters - Practical ways to personalise your recovery journey - The connection betwe...
In Listen UP Episode 5, discover recovery strategies that saved broadcaster and presenter Iain Lee's life, and how he understood lasting sobriety is possible, even after devastating relapses and career destruction. Iain unveils four crucial strategies that shift the focus from despair to hope: --The role of honest conversations in healing --How to break the cycle of shame and fear --Unlocking the true benefits of community support --The importance of accountability in recovery ...all sh...
Start Small, Aim Big — Recovery Is Possible | Listen UP Episode 4 - Paul Donnelly In Listen UP Episode 4, Paul Donnelly, founder of The Max Kolbe Recovery Movement, shares practical steps to navigate recovery, highlighting the power of small, consistent changes and the courage to seek connection. Paul unveils how embracing vulnerability can turn fear into strength, making recovery not just possible but sustainable: How to find the courage to take the first step Why small, consistent actio...
In Listen UP Episode 3, The Recovery Collective, the minds behind Scotland’s first alcohol-free music festival, dive into how they create safe, stigma-free events, highlighting the role of music in recovery and the value of community support. Shaun Kenny and Derek Watt of The Recovery Collective unveil how creating alcohol-free music events transforms isolation into connection and stigma into empowerment. - How their love of music inspired a movement - The surprising role ...
In Listen UP Episode 2, Darren McGarvey unpacks how trauma - and overcoming it - influences addiction recovery. Darren opens up: - Recovery isn't a straight line...we need to confront uncomfortable truths - Public sharing of trauma is both healing AND risky - Genuine healing .v. using trauma as a commodity - Both supportive and challenging relationships are required in recovery - One specific truth about trauma that most recovery programmes never talk about ...and shares insights from his n...
Join us for the inspiring inaugural episode of the Listen Up recovery podcast hosted by Eddie Clarke, and featuring our first guest, comedian Darren Connell. In this episode, Darren shares his experiences with addiction, recovery, and comedy. He emphasises the importance of seeking help, accepting self, and the supportive role of therapy, and community. He opens up about how recovery has influenced his career in comedy, and the role of therapy in that transformation: - How he embraced sobr...