2024 British Podcast Award Winner & Radio Academy Award Nominated Podcast

Women Episodes

Addiction and recovery often intersect with the broader issues of violence against women and girls, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in these situations. This category explores the systemic, societal, and personal factors that link gender-based violence and substance use, offering a space for dialogue and understanding. Episodes feature stories of survivors who have navigated addiction while overcoming the trauma of abuse, along with expert insights into the role of trauma-informed care in recovery. By addressing these sensitive but vital topics, the podcast shines a light on the importance of tailored support for women affected by violence, breaking the cycle of stigma and silence.

The experiences of women navigating addiction, recovery, and societal stigma are deeply personal and often shaped by unique challenges. This category also focuses on the lived realities of women, including those engaged in sex work and those who have survived sexual violence. Episodes provide a platform for women to share their stories, highlighting the resilience and strength required to heal. Discussions explore the intersection of trauma, exploitation, and addiction, while also addressing the systemic barriers women face in accessing support. With a focus on empathy and advocacy, this category aims to empower women and promote understanding of the gendered dimensions of addiction and recovery.
April 4, 2023

#21 - Bea: Transgender, Neurodiversity, Addiction, Recovery, Wheelchair & Living with Tourette's

Matt is joined by Bea, a Transgender woman, former Miss Transgender UK, and activist for Trans, neurodiversity, and disability rights. In this candid conversation, Bea opens up publicly for the first time about her struggles ...

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Feb. 24, 2023

#19 - Nadine: Parenting, Partying, Autism, Methadone, TikTok, Trauma & A 17 Year Heroin Addiction

Matt is joined by Nadine and they candidly discuss the journey throughout her addiction to heroin and her lifestyle in recovery, including; becoming a new parent, understanding her autism and sharing her lived experiences wit...

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Jan. 31, 2023

#18: Emma Hardy MP: Stigma, Addiction, Education, Parliament, Endometriosis & Poverty Premium

Matt is joined by Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle . Emma candidly discusses her background in teaching to becoming politically active in 2011 and using her profile and influence to tackle stigma....

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Jan. 24, 2023

#17: Michelle Heaton: Addiction, Recovery, Trauma, Boundaries, Stigma, Menopause, Liberty X & Dancing on Ice

Matt is joined by Emmy & Brit Award winning singer, Michelle Heaton, member of the pop group Liberty X. In April 2021, Michelle bravely checked into rehab to fight her battle with addiction and today, 21 months sober, Michell...

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Dec. 23, 2022

#15 - Dr Helen Hawes GP: Opiates, Addiction, Religion, Abortion, Primary Care, Pain Management & Being a GP in Hull

Matt talks to Dr Helen Hawes GP about her route into the profession, managing pain for a person with an opiate addiction, life choices, religion, abortion, diversifying the workforce and a holistic approach to patient care. H...

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Oct. 18, 2022

#13 - Millie Gooch: Sober Girl Society, Addiction, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Sober Dating, Sober Sex, Boozeless Brunches, Mental Health, Sober Curiosity & Being Millie

Matt talks to Sober Girl Society 's founder, Millie Gooch, about why she quit drinking - and how it's changed her life. They discuss; binge drinking, labels, alcohol temptations, therapy, mental health, how to deal with sobri...

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Oct. 11, 2022

#12 - Di: Service Management, Hull, Hostels, Community, Addiction, Recovery & Stigma

Matt talks to Di, Hull's Drug & Alcohol Service Manager. Di gives a candid account of managing Hull's Drug & Alcohol Service and talks about her 35 years in the sector and a multi-disciplinary approach to care. Click here to ...

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Sept. 5, 2022

#10 - Elly: Harm Reduction, Commercial Sex Work & The History of Hull's Needle Exchange

Elly has nearly three decades of experience in the Drug & Alcohol sector and Matt talks to her about addiction & recovery in the 80s and 90s, commercial sex work, the history of Hull's needle exchange & the importance of effe...

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Aug. 11, 2022

#09 - Professor Dame Carol Black: An Independent Review of Drugs, Stigma, Treatment & Recovery

In Episode 9 Matt talks to Professor Dame Carol Black. In 2019 Dame Carol was commissioned by the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care to undertake a 2-part independent review of drugs, to inform the gover...

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June 15, 2022

#06 - Chelsey: Addiction, Detox, Bereavement & Breast Cancer

In episode 6 Matt talks to Chelsey about her mum's journey through addiction, detox, recovery, breast cancer discovery and bereavement. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! Believe in People explores addiction, recove...

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June 12, 2022

#05 - Rachel: Nursing, Cancer, Mistletoe & Me

Matt talks to Rachel about; working as a nurse in the third sector, her recent cancer diagnosis, the decision to reject the treatment pathway offered in favour of an alternative approach and Mistletoe and Vitamin C therapy Yo...

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March 11, 2022

#01 - Lindsey: Addiction, Recovery, Safeguarding & Stigma

Matt talks to Lindsey about addiction, recovery, safeguarding, stigma and harm minimisation. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma. For our full back catalogue ...

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