2024 British Podcast Award Winner & Radio Academy Award Nominated Podcast

Alcohol Episodes

Alcohol, one of the most socially accepted substances, often blurs the line between casual use and dependency. This category examines the unique challenges posed by alcohol addiction, exploring the societal normalisation of binge drinking, the physical and mental health impacts of excessive use, and the cultural narratives that influence drinking behaviours. Featuring personal stories, expert insights, and discussions about treatment options, these episodes provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on alcohol-related issues and the paths to recovery for those affected.
March 18, 2025

#64 - Chris De Banks: Not Saints, Music & Recovery, 90s Drug Culture, Alcohol Dependency, The Creativity Myth, The Stigma of Addiction & Building a Sober Music Community

In this episode, Matt speaks with Chris De Banks , the founder of Not Saints , the UK’s only not-for-profit record label dedicated to supporting musicians in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Chris shares his personal...

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Feb. 16, 2025

#62 - John Levesley: Hull And Yorkshire Daily, Binge Drinking, Strength in Solitude, Social Media Impact on Connection, Cosmetic Transformation & Authenticity in a Digital World

John’s story is one of transformation, self-awareness, and the pursuit of authenticity. Once caught in the cycle of binge drinking and substance-fuelled nights, he reached a turning point—a moment of realisation at five in th...

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Jan. 14, 2025

#59 - Tom Fitzsimons: 3,073 Miles in a 100 Day Ultramarathon Across America, Alcoholism Redemption, National Day of Sobriety, Free Wi-Fi in McDonalds & A Cowboy Pastor on a White Horse

Matt sits down with Tom Fitzsimons, an ultramarathon runner whose awe-inspiring story of resilience and recovery has touched lives worldwide. From battling stigma and enduring unimaginable physical challenges to running 3,073...

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Dec. 20, 2024

#58 - Sarah Hicks (Part 2): Surviving Sexual Assault, Systemic Failures, Victim-Blaming Culture, Advocacy for Change, Violence Against Women and Girls & Societal Transformation

In the second part of this two-part episode, Matt continues his conversation with Sarah Hicks as she reflects on her journey through trauma, recovery, and advocacy. Sarah shares the harrowing experience of surviving sexual as...

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Dec. 19, 2024

#56 - Zoe: Self Sabotage, Toxic Relationships, Normalising Substances, British Teenage Expectations, ADHD Challenges, Hospitality Industry Pressures, Addiction & The Journey to Recovery

In this episode, Matt speaks with Zoe about her journey through substance misuse, mental health struggles, and recovery. Zoe candidly shares her experiences of growing up in an environment where substance use was normalized, ...

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Nov. 28, 2024

#55 - Chris Tait: Electric Six, Alcoholism, Passenger Recovery, Detroit Music Scene, Sobriety Transformation & Metropolis Records: A Call To Action

What happens when the highs of the music industry intersect with the lows of addiction? Join Matt as he speaks to Chris Tait , keyboard player for Electric Six and founder of Passenger Recovery , about his journey through add...

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Nov. 23, 2024

#54 - Shev: Teenage Motherhood, Pub Industry Drinking, Generational Patterns, Recovery Journey & Sober Festivals

Matt jumps straight in at the deep end as Shev shares the profound impact of shouldering responsibilities far beyond her years, including becoming a mother at just 17. In this deeply personal conversation, Shev delves into th...

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Nov. 15, 2024

#53 - Tom: Drug Induced Paranoia, Psychosis, Cocaine Addiction, Disease of Alcoholism, Genetic Predispositions, Recovery Struggles, Suicide Battles & Only One Reason To Get Clean

Join Matt for a powerful conversation with Tom, a former talent agent whose life was drastically impacted by cocaine addiction. Despite his high-earning lifestyle in central London, Tom shares his story of how addiction took ...

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July 1, 2024

#46 - Harriette: Alcohol Aged 10, Self-Harm Survival, Sexual Abuse, Discovering Autism, Overcoming Trauma & A Future In Conservation

WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, including graphic descriptions of violence and trauma. Starting to drink at just 10 years old, Harriette bravely recounts her youth in a household shattered by her...

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May 3, 2024

#44 - Michelle Heaton: Addiction, Balance, Celebrity Mastermind, Body Shaming, Threat Of Relapse, Sobriety Milestones & Reality Show Realities

Emmy & BRIT award-winning singer Michelle Heaton returns to the Believe in People Podcast. With three years of sobriety achieved, Michelle shares her incredible journey from addiction to empowerment, revealing the raw truths ...

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April 11, 2024

#43 - Amy Jo Johnson: Alcohol Free & Loving Life

Matt is in conversation with Amy Jo Johnson ; actress, singer, writer and filmmaker best known for her role as the original Pink Ranger, in the worldwide hit 90's television series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Together, they...

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March 7, 2024

#39 - Ian: Developing Alcohol Dependence In Retirement, Relationship Strains, The Physical Battle With Addiction & The Path To Recovery

Discover Ian's post-retirement journey in our latest episode. Dive into the challenges of newfound freedom and the silent battle against alcohol dependency. Join us as we uncover the layers of functioning alcoholism and the t...

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March 7, 2024

#38 - Hannah: Sober Butterfly Collective, British Drinking Culture, Authentic Friendships & Healing Homes

Ever found yourself caught in the relentless cycle of social binge drinking and wondered if there's another way to live? That's the very crossroad our guest, Hannah from the Sober Butterfly Collective, encountered before tran...

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Jan. 26, 2024

#36 - Ruth: Alcohol Dependency, Cancer, Triggers, Drinking Behaviours & Exclusive Access To Her Personal Alcohol Diary

Matt delves into Ruth's courageous journey battling alcohol dependency while facing the formidable challenge of a cancer diagnosis. From the casual indulgence to the grip of addiction, Ruth candidly shares her experiences, de...

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Dec. 8, 2023

#35 - Claira Hermet: Social Anxiety, Sober Nights Out, Misogyny Grifting, Eating Disorders, The Orgasm Gap & Her Role as a Social Media Influencer

Matt and Claira embark on a profound exploration of the human experience in this episode, delving into the intricate dynamics of social anxiety, navigating sober nights out, and grappling with a decade-long battle against an ...

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