School of Rock Bottom
A recovery coach and actor shares his 11 years of sobriety experience, exploring addiction, alcoholism, recovery, and mental health. He interviews people who've overcome adversity to show that rock bottom can be a springboard for change. The podcast was featured in The Week's Ultimate Podcast List of 2024. It emphasizes that recovery starts when you can no longer ignore the pain.
Episodes
"I Didn't Drink Every Day - But I Was Still An Alcoholic!" School of Rock Bottom 89: Anita Chellamah
What if addiction isn't the problem, but the solution to pain you never knew you were carrying? Anita Chellamah looked like she had everything. She appeared on Top of the Pops with Legs & Co, fronted and co-wrote The Cherry Bombz, supported Poison on tour in America, performed at the legendary CBGB in New York and on the Reading Festival Main Stage, was a member of Toto Coelo, who reached No.
Is Alcoholic a Dirty Word? School of Rock Bottom Thought #45: Mary-Kate Harrington
What does it really mean to call yourself an alcoholic? Why is that word still so difficult to say out loud? In this next quick thought, I revist a conversation with Mary-Kate Harrington as we explore whether embracing the word "alcoholic" can actually reduce shame, break denial and help normalise conversations around addiction and recovery. We discuss stigma, identity, sobriety and why
"I Was Living With Addiction and My Children!" School of Rock Bottom Ep 88: Tash Peacock
"I was smuggling drugs inside my body. I was passing out most nights. I hated my life." Eight years ago, Tash Peacock was a mum of two battling alcohol, cocaine and speed addiction. She was depressed, anxious, isolated and trapped in a cycle she couldn't escape. Addiction had taken her further than she ever imagined, leading her to take huge risks just to keep going. Then one morning
Do You Really Need Alcohol to Socialise? School of Rock Bottom Thought #44: William Porter
If you've ever believed alcohol is what makes nights out, parties or social events enjoyable, this conversation may completely change the way you think about drinking. What if the confidence, laughter and connection you've been giving credit to alcohol were actually there all along? In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with William porter and the surprising psychology behind social
DJ Fat Tony: “I Was Sober… But Still Addicted!” - Addiction Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 87
DJ Fat Tony has spent over four decades at the centre of British nightlife. He has DJed for Madonna, Prince and Elton John. He has played Glastonbury, Ibiza, and everywhere in between. He is one of the most recognisable figures in the global party scene. And for nearly three decades, he was also dying.By the time he reached his breaking point, he had almost no teeth left, weighed barely seven ston
Are Triggers and Cravings Real? School of Rock Bottom Thought #43: Pax
Are triggers and cravings real, or have we misunderstood what’s actually happening in addiction and recovery?In this next thought, I revisit a brilliant conversation with Pax as we challenge one of the most commonly used ideas in recovery: that external triggers cause relapse. For many people early in sobriety, it feels obvious. Certain places, people, stress, even cities become labelled as “the p
"Why I Don’t Call Myself an Addict!" Addiction Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 86: Sean Willers
Sean Willers was homeless as a teenager, served in Afghanistan, became an international DJ playing some of the biggest clubs in the world, and then woke up in a hospital bed with no memory of how he got there. That moment didn’t just end a night out, it ended an entire identity. In this episode of School of Rock Bottom, we explore what happens when success and self-destruction start to overlap, an
Is Anorexia an Addiction? School of Rock Bottom Thought #43: Sophie Anderson
Anorexia isn’t just about food, weight, or body image. In this next thought clip, I revisit a conversation with Sophie Anderson about the deeper reality behind eating disorders, trauma, control, anxiety, family dynamics, and the hidden emotional pain that so often sits underneath them. My guest speaks with remarkable honesty about living with anorexia, the dopamine cycle of restriction, the terror
"I Nearly Died in Ibiza!" Addiction Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 85: Dan Charles
If you can imagine a life built around music, parties, friendship and a sense of total freedom, you start to understand the world Dan Charles lived in for over a decade. But that world came to a sudden stop in Ibiza in 2018 when a life-threatening medical emergency left him in a coma after a series of critical complications. What followed was not only survival, but a complete rebuilding of identit
What Does Sober Really Mean? School of Rock Bottom Thought #42: Sober Dave
What does sobriety actually mean once the alcohol is gone? In this next thought, I revisit a moment with Sober Dave for a discussion about addiction, identity, dopamine and emotional sobriety. Dave opens up about drinking from the age of 14, reaching 21 stone, hating the person staring back at him in the mirror, and the moment he realised quitting alcohol was only the beginning. If you’ve ever str
"Suddenly I Was Drinking in the Morning!" Addiction Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 84: Hattie
If you think you enjoy drinking too much to ever stop, this episode will challenge you. Today I'm joined by Hattie Underwood from Sober Happy Free to talk addiction, sobriety, cocaine use, ADHD, anxiety, and what really happens when drinking stops working. From secretly drinking on Christmas morning with a newborn baby to nearly five years sober, this is a raw, honest look at alcohol addiction
Do You Really Want to Drink Normally? School of Rock Bottom Thought #40: Oliver Mason
Many people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction dream of one day being able to drink or use normally again — to have one or two, enjoy it, and stop there. But what if that fantasy is part of the trap? In this next quick thought, Oliver Mason explores relapse thinking, cravings, sobriety, moderation myths, and why many problem drinkers do not truly want one or two drinks at all. They want th
Alcohol, Cocaine to Rice Cakes: Addiction Recovery & ADHD. School of Rock Bottom 83: Leanne Bayliss
If you think you’re in control of your drinking, listen to this. Today I sit down with Leanne Bayliss, who went from cocaine and alcohol addiction to raising a disabled child alone while rebuilding her life sober. This is not a journey about one period of struggle. It’s about what happens when you hit bottom repeatedly, and the moment you realise it’s live or die. Leanne speaks about the reality o
Is Gambling Addiction the Same as Alcohol & Drugs? School of Rock Bottom Thought #39: Gab Stone
Addiction doesn’t care what the substance is. In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with Gab Stone, as we strip back the illusion that gambling is somehow different to alcohol or drugs. What you’ll hear might challenge everything you think you know. The same patterns, the same brain chemistry, the same spiral. If you’ve ever told yourself “this isn’t as bad” or “I can control it,” t
"Drug Addiction Took Over My Life!" School of Rock Bottom 82: Kyle Hall
What if addiction isn’t really about drugs - but about the feeling that you never truly belonged anywhere? Today, I sit down with Kyle Hall, whose story moves from growing up in an alcoholic home to crystal meth addiction, psychosis, and eight years of relapse before finally finding a way out.Kyle describes being a kid who didn’t fit in anywhere—not with the popular crowd, not even with the “weird
Will a Drink or Drug Make You Feel Better? School of Rock Bottom Thought #38: Oliver Mason
Addiction is a liar. It convinces you that a drink or a drug will make you feel better — but that promise is one of the most dangerous lies in recovery.In this week’s quick thought, Oliver Mason explores why “feeling better now” is addiction’s most powerful trick, how relapse works, and why short-term relief always comes at a long-term cost.It’s a bit like a toxic ex who comes back promising thing
"I Didn't Think I Was An Alcoholic!" Addiction Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 81: Emily Horwood
The rock bottom myth can be dangerous because it sells the idea that everyone has to to wait for one dramatic, Hollywood moment. But what if it’s actually a slow burn… gradually losing yourself without even realising? Today I sit down with Emily Horwood to look at the reality of alcohol addiction, sobriety, relapse, and recovery. From blackouts as a parent, mixing alcohol and coke, to building a t
Is Cocaine Harmless Fun? School of Rock Bottom Thought #37: Martin John
In this next thought, I revisit a previous conversation with Martin John about cocaine addiction, denial and the reality of where the road can lead. After nearly four decades around cocaine, Martin estimates spending close to £2 million on drugs and the lifestyle that came with it. What follows is a brutally honest reflection on how casual use can quietly escalate, why so many people convince them
"I Was Dead Inside From Alcohol at 38!" Recovery & Spirituality. School of Rock Bottom 80: Nigel M
What role does spirituality play in recovery, and is it possible to stay sober for decades without it? Today, I sit down with Nigel to explore alcoholism, ego, fear, and the deeper search for meaning that often lies beneath addiction.At 38, Nigel had everything most people would call success - a family, a good job, a comfortable life. But inside, he was empty. Alcohol had been part of his life sin
Does Addiction Ever Go Away? School of Rock Bottom Thought #36: Oliver Mason
Addiction tells one of its most convincing lies long before recovery even begins: that the problem will never leave you. In this next thought, Oliver Mason challenges the fear that sobriety means a lifetime of daily battle. If you’ve ever wondered whether recovery actually gets easier - or whether the voice in your head ever quietens - this conversation cuts straight through myth, shame and miscon
From 20 Pints a Day to Sober! Alcohol Addiction Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 79: Harrison Ward
Harrison Ward, also known as Fell Foodie, drank more than 20 pints a day, smoked like a chimney, battled clinical depression in silence and reached a moment where he believed there were only two ways out. Today I sit down with the man behind the outdoor cooking phenomenon to unpack addiction, withdrawal, mental health and the decision that saved his life. Harrison shares the reality behind addicti
Can I Stay Sober on My Own? School of Rock Bottom Thought #35: Oliver Mason
This episode is for anyone who has tried to stop drinking and found themselves right back where they started. In this next quick thought, I -Oliver Mason - revisit a conversation with Issy Hawkins on what relapse actually looked like for me, why “relapse is part of recovery” never rang true for me, and the moment when the fight finally stopped. What unfolds is not a neat recovery story but a real
Sober and Finally at Peace! School of Rock Bottom 78: Johnny Lawrence
When I first saw Johnny Lawrence’s documentary The Slavery of Addiction, I knew I had to speak with him. Johnny grew up in fear - beaten by his father, bullied for his skin colour and convinced he’d never be enough. Alcohol seemed to be the perfect medicine. Together we explore one of the most misunderstood aspects of trauma and addiction: acceptance. Johnny shares a deeply personal account of con
What Does Rock Bottom Look Like? School of Rock Bottom Thought #34: Raffa
In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with rehab manager Raffa as we challenge the stereotype of what “rock bottom” really means.It’s not always losing your job, your home, or your relationships. Sometimes it’s quieter — a loss of self-respect, a look of disappointment from someone you love, or the moment you realise you can’t keep living the way you are.Drawing on decades of frontl
Addiction Caused 5 Heart Attacks! Speed & Cocaine Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 77: Garry Johnson
He technically died twice. He survived Borstal, homelessness, decades of speed and cocaine, five heart attacks, and 29 days in a coma after a triple heart bypass went wrong. His life was saved by Dr Hasnat Khan, who was close to Princess Diana, and he came back sober, creative, and unstoppable. This is Garry Johnson, the punk poet, street journalist, and man who discovered the Stone Roses, telling
Is Porn Rewiring Us? School of Rock Bottom Thought #33: Mark Shenton
In this next thought, I revisit a simply amazing conversation with Mark Shenton as we explore the essential conversation around pornography, sex addiction, dopamine, and the search for validation. Drawing from lived experience, this episode examines how early exposure to porn can quietly shape identity, self-worth, and behaviour, and why so many people struggle in silence. If you’ve ever questione
Homeless, Addicted & Almost Dead : Crack & Heroin Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 76: Charlotte Seamen
Have you ever walked past someone sleeping rough, visibly unwell, clearly addicted to drugs, and written them off without a second thought? Today, I'm joined by Charlotte Seaman to explore one of most confronting addiction stories you will hear. From heroin and crack addiction to prison, psychosis, sex work, assault and homelessness, Charlotte’s journey shows the brutal reality of severe drug
Is Dry January Worth It? School of Rock Bottom Thought #32: Sober Dave
Dry January is often framed as a health reset, but for many people it becomes something far bigger. In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with Sober Dave recorded at the most emotionally charged point of the year, we hear how one message on the 7th of January changed the direction of an entire life. Hungover, grieving, overweight and stuck in a cycle that felt impossible to escape,
"COKE SLOWLY TOOK EVERYTHING!" Cocaine Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 75: Ryan Phillips
Ryan Phillips shares his recovery from cocaine addiction with over 65,000 followers on TikTok. In this conversation, he describes the moment his cocaine use finally collapsed under the weight of truth. After days awake on coke, surrounded by smashed glass and blood, Ryan was found by his sister while his young niece waited outside. Hearing that his niece had become frightened of him became the wak
The Number 1 Cause of Relapse! School of Rock Bottom Thought #31: Oliver Mason
Staying sober through the festive season can feel like walking a tightrope with no safety net, especially when the mind starts whispering those familiar lies that have dragged so many people back to day one. In this next quick thought, I revisit an old episode and the most dangerous relapse lie “just one won’t hurt". If you’re trying to stay clean and sober one day at a time, this short episode wi
Alcohol Turned Me Into a Nightmare! Addiction, ADHD & Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 74: Serena Palmer
Today's conversation with Serena Palmer goes straight to the heart of addiction, ADHD, success and collapse, and the hidden world of high-achieving professionals who are fighting battles no one can see. If you’ve ever wondered how someone can lead global teams, excel in a corporate role, appear entirely in control, and still be unravelling behind the scenes, this episode will speak to you. We
Why Hair of The Dog Causes Alcohol Addiction! School of Rock Bottom Thought #30: Rupert Hill
In this next quick thought, I revisit a moment with Rupert Hill as we explore one of the most misunderstood drivers of alcohol dependence: the moment your brain learns that “hair of the dog” removes discomfort. It feels harmless, even cultural, but for many it is the point where drinking shifts from enjoyment to compulsion. In this clip, we break down how the cycle begins, why it escalates so quic
"Alcohol & Heroin Nearly Killed Me!" School of Rock Bottom 73: Terry Devine
There are some stories that force you to rethink everything you believe about addiction. This is one of them. Terry Devine was five years old when a teacher humiliated him in front of a class — a single moment that buried him in shame so deep he carried it for decades. That shame became the soil everything else grew from: the drinking, the chaos, the emotional collapse, and eventually heroin. Not
What Is a Sex & Love Addict? School of Rock Bottom Thought #29: Livvie May
What happens when love turns into obsession and connection becomes dependency? In this next quick thought, I revisit one of the most revealing moments from the podcast with Livvie May. This is an honest conversation about sex and love addiction, fear of abandonment, obsessive attachment, and the emotional patterns that quietly shape who we choose and why. If you have ever lost yourself in someone
"I couldn't get sober for my kids!" Addiction & Motherhood. School of Rock Bottom 72: Kaitlin
Kaitlin never spoke about her addiction because she thought she would lose her kids. So, what happens when alcohol, coke and weed stop being fun and start taking over your life and threaten everything you hold most sacred and precious? What happens when addiction changes from keeping you safe to making you vulnerable to assault? We explore what life and motherhood really looks like in the haze of
Why Going Sober Changed Everything! School of Rock Bottom Thought #28: Issy Hawkins
When you stop drinking, what do you really gain? In this next quick thought, I revisit my first conversation with Issy Hawkins about what happens when alcohol is no longer in control — and how sobriety isn’t just about quitting, but about finally getting to know yourself. Issy opens up about losing weekends to binge drinking, the shame spiral that followed, and the freedom that came with getting s
"My Binge Drinking Spiralled During Lockdown!" School of Rock Bottom 71: Henry Beercock
For anyone sober curious or identifies more as a binge drinker rather than an alcoholic - this episode is for you! Most people think rock bottom is dramatic — losing everything, waking up in a hospital, or worse. But what if it’s quieter? What if it’s your partner saying, “I can’t do this anymore”? This week, I’m joined by Henry Beercock, who spent 17 years stuck in a cycle of binge drinking, bing
Will I Recover From OCD? School of Rock Bottom Thought #27: Oliver Newton
What if the thing that saves your life is something you’ve always hated?In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with Oliver Newton who opens up about years of living with crippling OCD — waking up paralysed by intrusive thoughts, trapped inside his mind, and feeling like life had become impossible. Then one morning, everything changed. A pair of old trainers, a desperate decision to r
Can You Have a Rock Bottom in Recovery? Addiction & ADHD. School of Rock Bottom 70: Issy Hawkins
Can you have rock bottom moments when sober and IN recovery? Today, I sit down with actor and content creator Issy Hawkins, who has been sober for a decade, to talk about burnout, identity, and the side of recovery no one likes to admit. We explore what it’s really like being diagnosed as an adult with ADHD in sobriety, the truth behind the “addict voice,” and why even years into recovery, the min
Loneliness & Love Addiction. School of Rock Bottom Thought #26: Darren
What if loneliness wasn’t just an emotion — but a symptom of something deeper? In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with Darren - a powerful and painfully honest moment about loneliness, love addiction, and why so many of us confuse validation with connection. This clip explores what it really means to feel lonely, even when surrounded by people, and how learning to sit with that f
From Zero Drugs to Crack Den! Drugs & Gambling Recovery. School of Rock Bottom 69: Charlotte Jackson
What happens when a woman who never touched a drug until the age of 29 ends up addicted to crystal meth, gambling and living in a crack den? This is not the story you expect — but it’s the one you need to hear. Today, I sit down with Charlotte Jackson, a holistic coach and healer who has rebuilt her life after years of chaos, addiction, and near-death moments. Five years clean, she speaks with bru
Can You Get Through Anything Sober? School of Rock Bottom Thought #25: Tom Clarke-Hill
How do you stay sober through unimaginable pain? In this next quick thought, I revisit my conversation with actor Tom Clarke-Hill who lived through the devastating loss of his wife after 28 years together — and still didn’t pick up a drink.This powerful clip isn’t just about recovery, it’s about what it really means to live one day at a time, to face pain without numbing it, and to discover streng
How I Survived Cocaine & Alcohol From Age 15. School of Rock Bottom 68: Tihane
Do you really need to hit rock bottom to get clean and sober, or is that just a myth? Today’s guest is living proof that the story isn’t so simple. At 15 years old, Tihani was already using cocaine, experimenting with ADHD meds from the street, blacking out and carving tattoos into her own skin in drug-fuelled hazes. By her twenties she was on benders, remembering the days of the week by counting
Can You Help Someone Who Is Suicidal? School of Rock Bottom Thought #24: Jon Salmon
When someone you love is suicidal, what do you say?In this next quick thought, I revisit a conversation with Jon Salmon exploring the truth of reaching the edge — and the power of direct questions that can save a life. Suicide remains one of the hardest subjects to talk about, but silence can be deadly. Here, we uncover how asking the right question at the right time could change everything, and w
Addiction Made Me Lose My Mind. School of Rock Bottom 67: Taner Hassan
My guest today is someone who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the conversation around addiction and recovery. Today I sit down with Taner Hassan, an actor, psychotherapist, and addiction specialist who is 18 years sober, to explore the darkest and most transformative moments of his life. Taner opens up about terrifying drug-induced psychosis, drinking and using cocaine and w
Walking Away From Crack. School of Rock Bottom Thought #23: Jennifer Joseph
What does it really take to walk away from crack cocaine after 15 years? In this next quick thought, I go back to an incredible conversation with Jennifer Joseph - you’ll hear the truth of someone who not only used but was deeply embedded in that world—making it, distributing it, and living in constant danger. And yet, one life-changing choice set them free.WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON
Lethal Mix: Work, Alcohol & Drug Addiction. School of Rock Bottom 66: Dorothy Herson
What happens when success comes at the cost of your sanity? At 24, Dorothy Herson had achieved the dream: a training contract at one of London’s most elite law firms. But behind the polished exterior was an insecure overachiever battling bipolar disorder, addicted to validation, fuelled by long hours, and quietly self-medicating with Adderall, Xanax, and alcohol. That path led her to a psychiatric
Binge Drinking Nearly Cost Me Everything! School of Rock Bottom Thought #22: John Pickard
One binge almost cost actor John Pickard everything — his relationship, his child, and his future.WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON Youtube - https://bit.ly/49LHNNOApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQSpotify - https://bit.ly/42S8puBIn this next quick thought, we explore how a single night of heavy drinking and drug use became the turning point. What started as “just a night out” spiralled into
The Truth About Alcoholism, The Mental Load & ADHD. School of Rock Bottom 65: Cat Sims
Cat thought she was just about managing. The undiagnosed ADHD, the mental load, the drinking. Cat wasn’t drinking in the mornings, she hadn’t lost her job or her kids, so how could she be an alcoholic? But the truth is, the mental gymnastics of planning every drink, hiding the chaos, and pretending to cope led to complete burnout. In this incredible conversation, Cat Sims sits down with me to shar
Why Thoughts Are Not Facts! School of Rock Bottom Thought #21: Georgia Lock
Your Thoughts Are Not The Truth – How To Stop Believing Every Intrusive ThoughtWATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE - https://tinyurl.com/rudcwcuvSpotify - https://bit.ly/4bxJxMFApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQWhat if the thoughts you fear the most… meant nothing at all? I revisit a conversation with actor Georgina Lock, as we uncover the truth about intrusive thoughts, OCD, and why le
Alcohol Always Leads to Cocaine! School of Rock Bottom 64: Jack Cotterill
What happens when you hit your lowest point and realise you’re living a life that’s not your own?In this episode, I’m joined by Jack Cotterill — a jazz drummer, creative entrepreneur and performance coach — who once lived the wild rock star life, caught in addiction and self-sabotage, before flipping his story entirely. Jack quit alcohol and cocaine, lost over 10 stone, rebuilt his confidence, and
Forgiving Myself After Binge Eating. School of Rock Bottom Thought #20: Danny Kirrane
Binge Eating, Shame & Self-Hate | Why We Use Food to Numb with actor Danny Kirrane. WATCH OR LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE - https://bit.ly/3RQ2RvsSpotify - https://bit.ly/3ROsEEhApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQEmotional eating. Body shame. The guilt spiral. If you’ve ever binged on food, hated yourself after, and promised to “be good tomorrow,” this conversation will hit hard. We ta
Why I Went Sober at 18! School of Rock Bottom 63: Scarlett Alice
What happens when you’re raised in chaos, start drinking heavily at 13 whilst navigating autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD & PTSD, plus wanting to get sober before you’re legally allowed to drink then stopping at 18?! I sit down with actress, dancer and reiki healer Scarlett Alice, who opens up about growing up with two parents addicted to alcohol and drugs, the trauma that shaped her and the m
Escape Addiction & Fill The Void. School of Rock Bottom Thought #19: Malin Andersson
“I want to fill my soul up, not my void up!”Former Love Island star, speaker, author and all-round amazing human Malin Andersson opens up about the darkest corners of her life — from losing a parent, surviving an abusive relationship, and losing her daughter — to discovering an inner strength that can’t be explained but is undeniably real. We talk about what happens when the distractions & add
Surviving Silence: Healing from Childhood Trauma & Shame. School of Rock Bottom 62: Madeleine Black
[TW: sexual violence & child sexual abuse – discussed from the start] I sit down with a survivor of sexual violence Madeleine Black, who shares her extraordinary journey — from the silence she held for years, to the shame that followed her through school and the deep impact it had on her sense of identity. She speaks openly about the PTSD she didn’t know she had, the physical toll it took on h
Is Relapse Part of Recovery? School of Rock Bottom Thought #18: Maddie Kitchen
In this deeply personal thought, I revisit my conversation with Filmmaker Maddie Kitchen as we explore the reality of relapse in recovery — not as a failure, but as something many people experience on the path to long-term sobriety. My personal view is that relapse is part of addiction - not recovery, as it nearly killed me on many occasions. Relapse is not without severe risk and many people die
"Connection is the opposite of addiction!" School of Rock Bottom 61: Jessica Wilde
Singer and spoken word artist Jessica Wilde opens up about her journey through addiction, heartbreak and early sobriety — and how connection, creativity and community helped her rebuild from the ground up.From a brief but intense relationship that shattered her sense of self, to finding clarity in nature, yoga studios, and unexpected friendships - Jessica shares her truth of what recovery really l
How I Quit Heroin. School of Rock Bottom Thought #17: Carl Scott
In this next quick thought, I return to a powerful conversation with Carl Scott as we document the real turning point from heroin addiction to a purpose-driven life. We go through all the tools that helped Carl get clean. From methadone clinics, therapy, SMART, Intuitive Recovery to running recovery programmes, to finding identity in service – this is a story of action over talk, grit over glamour
Relapse Prevention: Self-Pity, Fear & Anger. School of Rock Bottom 60: Oliver Mason
Self-Pity, Fear & Anger! Addiction loves these themes to convince us that it's lies are real. Addiction doesn’t just lie—it uses your own voice to do it. And the worst part? It makes you believe it's all your fault and the only way out is a drink or a drug. In this solo episode, I go deeper than the obvious narratives. We break down the three hidden vehicles addiction uses to keep us s
What is OCD? School of Rock Bottom Thought #16:: Ria Fay
What if your own mind told you the worst possible things—and then punished you for thinking them? In this quick thought, I revisit my episode with actress Ria Fay who has suffered OCD symptoms since aged 5 and today she provides a poignant and powerful account of what it is like to live with untreated OCD. But what EXACTLY is OCD? We unpack all the elements of OCD and frame it around Ria's experie
"Just one drink turns to chaos!" School of Rock Bottom 59: Molly McBride
Today, award winning stand-up comic Molly McBride opens up about her harrowing descent into addiction and the moment she found herself locked in a psychiatric hospital 4 days after having just 'one' glass of wine. She documents a battle with alcohol that spiralled into years of chaos, blackouts, and a never-ending craving for more. Molly also sheds light on the horrors of drinking, how alc
How Addiction Changes The Brain. School of Rock Bottom Thought #15: Oliver Mason
If you feel overwhelmed and confused after reading endless articles and books about addiction - you’re not alone. In this episode, I break down why understanding addiction is actually simple — and how knowing just TWO key parts of your brain could change everything. This isn’t about overcomplicating your recovery. It’s about cutting through the noise, empowering you with real knowledge, and showin
Life After X Factor Almost Ruined Me! School of Rock Bottom 58: Raquelle Gracie
Today I welcome a powerhouse and all round lovely human Raquelle Gracie – an artist, entrepreneur, and former X Factor finalist who has worked with music legends like Pharrell Williams and Babyface. But it’s not all glitter and glam. Raquelle shares her unfiltered story of hitting an emotional 'bottom' in the ruthless world of the music industry.At just 23, Raquelle found herself rejected by Babyf
Thirteen Years No Crack! School of Rock Bottom Thought #13: Eddy Queens
In this next quick thought, I revisit my conversation with Eddy Queens who is a star in the music industry—until addiction took everything.Dropped by her label, she spiralled into crack cocaine addiction. Within 2 years, she was homeless, trapped in a dangerous crack den, doing sex work to survive, stealing from family, and estranged from her son. Her life was ruled by a 24/7 drug habit.Now over 1
Addiction Beyond The Media Storm! School of Rock Bottom 57: Georgina Baillie
Georgina Baillie found herself thrown into the centre of a media storm by Russel Brand & Jonathan Ross so explosive it forced the BBC to change its broadcasting rules forever. But she is not a scandal—she’s a fighter & a woman who refused to be defined by a moment she never chose. The horrific media onslaught that followed sent Georgina spiralling into a world of addiction to drugs, alcoho
How To Rise After Tragedy. School of Rock Bottom Thought #13: Justin Govender
Too many of us wait. For change. For hope. For a miracle. But what if the miracle you're waiting for... is you?In this next thought, I revisit a moment spent with Justin Govender who was shot in the back by police and went on to represent South Africa in two Paralympics as we explore the idea that the lowest moments in his life—disability, depression, hopelessness—can be the very soil where new st
"There was never enough cocaine!" School of Rock Bottom 56: Joe Sealey
“I hear people say cocaine isn’t addictive—I couldn’t function without it.”Joe Sealey’s life was set for footballing greatness, following in the footsteps of his father, legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Les Sealey. But in the space of a week, his career was over due to injury and his father had passed away.What followed was a downward spiral of chronic cocaine and alcohol addiction— benders
Sex Addiction Unmasked! School of Rock Bottom Thought #12: Michael Emmett
Sex Addiction: The Truth No One Tells You!Sex addiction isn’t about pleasure—it’s about pain. In this next thought, Michael Emmett breaks down the reality of sex addiction, it's links to cocaine and revealing the devastating impact it had on his life. From childhood trauma to destructive relationships, he exposes the cycle of secrecy, dishonesty, and self-destruction. Can true healing ever happen?
How I Stopped 35 Years of Drinking! School of Rock Bottom 55: Nigel Jones
Sober Curious? Tired of drinking? This episode is for you!After 35 years of drinking, Nigel Jones realised that his one bottle of wine a day added up to nearly a litre of pure alcohol a week. He wasn’t in a hospital bed. He wasn’t unable to function. But the panic attacks, anxiety, and sleepless nights were taking over.On 8th December 2020, he made a choice—quit or risk never making it to 60, losi
How I Quit Crystal Meth! School of Rock Bottom Thought #11: Robert Hands
In the next "thought", actor Robert Hands shares his journey of quitting crystal meth. There was no sudden epiphany, no grand moment of realisation—just a simple conversation that shifted everything. Through the haze of addiction, he heard someone say, "I'm stopping," and, somehow, that gave them permission to try too. But this wasn’t a story of instant success. The cravings remained, the struggle
"I'm a Gen Z Alcoholic!" School of Rock Bottom 54: Mary-Kate Harrington
Today, I’m joined by Mary Kate, an acclaimed writer whose brutally honest account of addiction went viral, reaching over 4 million people with the title 'I'm a Gen Z Alcoholic' (link below).She opens up about what it truly takes to break free from alcohol—when you can’t live with it, but you can’t live without it.In this episode, you’ll learn why alcoholism is progressive, why blackout
Is Food Addiction Real? School of Rock Bottom Thought #10: Jenny McDonald
Is Food Addiction Real? Is food addiction just a lack of willpower, or is it as real as drug and alcohol dependency? Shocking studies reveal that rats overcame cocaine addiction faster than their junk food cravings. In this next quick 'thought', we uncover the science behind ultra-processed foods, how they hijack your brain's dopamine system, and why secret eating and using food to self soothe mir
Alcohol & Nicotine Explained: William Porter. School of Rock Bottom 53
Is alcohol really relaxing you—or trapping you?Today, I sit down with William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained, ex-paratrooper, and solicitor, to uncover the truth about addiction. William has completely redefined how we understand alcohol, smoking, and vaping—stripping away the myths that keep us hooked.In this episode, William shares his rock bottom moment, the shocking science behind alcohol
Is There Joy In Addiction? School of Rock Bottom Thought #9: Sebastian Wocker
Is there joy in addiction? In this next quick thought, Sebastian Wocker (author of the best selling book The Joy of Addiction) shares how realising he was an addict became the best thing that ever happened to him. He breaks down the difference between being a suffering addict and a recovering one, how surrendering can lead to freedom, and why clarity in sobriety changes everything. If you're s
Going Alcohol-Free Changed Our Lives! Sisters Rise Above Illness & Betrayal. School of Rock Bottom 52: Gavin Sisters
Today, I’m joined by Sharon and Lauretta – better known as The Gavin Sisters – an acclaimed comedy duo who’ve graced TV and stage, written sitcoms for television, and penned plays for the West End.But behind the laughter, their lives took a devastating turn. Sharon was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that left her unable to walk, losing her hair, and trapped in a toxic relationship. At th
You Can Escape Depression! School of Rock Bottom Thought #8: David Sayers
In this next thought, we explore a pivotal realisation—how recognising that you're not alone can be a game-changer in mental health recovery & depression. David Sayers, a highly successful Managing Director, shares his personal turning point: sitting in a group therapy session, hearing someone else articulate their feelings with uncanny accuracy, and realising, this isn't just me. That moment
"I only got sober when I lost my legs!" School of Rock Bottom 51: Pax
What if losing everything was the beginning of truly living?
In this awe-inspiring episode, I sit down with one of my recovery heroes, Pax—a man who believes that losing his legs was the divine intervention that saved his life. Once living the high life, Pax’s descent into alcoholism left him homeless and battling life-threatening frostbite. But at rock bottom, he discovered a deeper purpose and
Can I Stop Worrying & Live In The Moment?! School of Rock Bottom Thought #7: Jonathan Goodwin
Is Happiness a Choice?! Can you stop overthinking and just live in the now?! Today's quick thought is with Jonathan Goodwin, "The Daredevil," as he shares his incredible journey. A world-renowned escape artist and stunt performer, Jonathan survived life-threatening stunts before a 2021 accident left him paralysed. Despite this, his resilience and positive mindset have been truly inspiring.Jonathan
How Anorexia Starts & Ends. School of Rock Bottom 50: Sophie Anderson
Anorexia isn't just about body image, social media and even control. Today, I welcome anorexia survivor Sophie Anderson who was hospitalised for months aged 12 for anorexia and is now 15 years in recovery! Today we uncover the hidden truths, damaging myths & misconceptions about anorexia and find recovery in the connections to addiction, trauma, family dynamics, genetics, emotional pain and fi
Can You Be Happy AND Sober? School of Rock Bottom Thought #6: Kai Owen
Can you be happy & sober? In this powerful conversation with actor and Torchwood star Kai Owen, we delve into his journey of breaking free from alcohol and discovering true happiness without drinking. On this quick thought, Kai shares how he overcame binge drinking, found joy in sobriety, and learned to be present for his family, friends, and career. This clip is perfect for anyone questioning
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