Episodes
#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...
#63 - Daniel Ramson: Talk2BigDan, Addiction Accountability, Pervert Powder, Drug-Induced Psychosis, The Power of Discipline, Personal Responsibility & Why Rehab Isn’t His Answer
In this controversial and unfiltered episode of Believe in People , Matt sits down with Daniel Ramson - better known as TalkToBigDan to explore his unconventional approach to recovery. Unlike traditional services, Dan skips w...
#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...
#61 - Paul Haley: Heroin Addiction, Lived Experience Catalyst, Challenging Stigma, Imposter Syndrome & Advocacy In Recovery Services
Paul Haley’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. Once caught in the grips of heroin and crack cocaine addiction, Paul reached a devastating rock bottom - an injecting injury that nearly cost him his arm...
#60 - Matthew Butler: Believe in People Collaboration, Amy Goldberg, Caitlin Morrison, Stigma, Rock Bottom Threshold & The Matthew Perry Foundation
🎙️ Believe in People: A Special Collaboration Episode 🌟 In this special transatlantic collaboration, Amy Goldberg , host of Believe in People America , welcomes Matt Butler , host of the UK’s Believe in People podcast, into t...
#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...
#57 - Sarah Hicks (Part 1): Emotional Manipulation, Coercion, Self-Worth, Societal Stigma, Domestic Violence, Addiction, Trauma, Abuse, Codependency, Gaslighting, Generational Influences, Parenthood, Abandonment and Overcoming Adversity
In this comprehensive two-part episode, Matt sits down with Sarah Hicks to explore her life story, touching on a wide range of themes that include addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, grief, and recovery. Sarah reflects ...
#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...
#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, ...
#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...
#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...
#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 ...
#52 - Ollie: Cannabis Addiction, Emotional Isolation, Manchester Roots & The Power of Recovery
Matt is joined by Ollie, who shares his journey from early childhood trauma to recovery, revealing how the loss of his mother at age eight and his father’s 22-year prison sentence at 15 shaped his formative years and led him ...
#51 - Andre Edmund: Murder, 31 Years in a Los Angeles Prison, Addiction, Redemption, Gang Violence, Racism, Corruption & Redefining Freedom
Join Matt as he talks with Andre, who spent 31 years in a Los Angeles prison following convictions for armed robbery and murder. Andre reflects on his path through incarceration, sharing insights into the harsh realities of p...
#50 - Emma: Ecstasy Aged 13, Heroin, Amphetamines, Crack Cocaine, Snowballing, Maternal Conflicts, Parental Addiction, Multiple Overdoses & Naloxone Awareness
Join Matt as he sits down with Emma, who candidly shares her journey through addiction, beginning with her exposure to drugs at the age of 11. Influenced by her father’s addiction and her grandmother’s role as a local drug de...
#49 - Johnny Borrell: Razorlight, Teenage Heroin Addiction, Rock Star Stigma, Belfast Recovery, Landfill Indie & A Prescription Of Championship Manager
Johnny Borrell, guitarist, singer, and frontman of Razorlight, sits down with Matt for an in-depth discussion about his teenage heroin addiction, his journey to recovery, and the stigma that surrounds these experiences. Johnn...
#48 - Adam Maxted: Love Island, Professional Wrestling, Reality TV, Steroids & Image Enhancing Drugs, Instant Gratification Culture, WWE & Redefining Fame
Adam Maxted, professional wrestler and Love Island reality TV star joins Matt for a candid conversation about life in entertainment. Adam shares his extraordinary journey, starting from the wrestling scene in Ireland, where o...
#47 - Ambrose - Hepatitis C, Prison, Heroin, Stigma, Peer Support, Recovery Advocacy & Micro-Elimination
Matt sits down with Ambrose, a prominent figure in the recovery community, to explore his remarkable journey from severe substance misuse to recovery and advocacy. Ambrose shares his harrowing experience with various substanc...
#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...
#45 - Chris Sylvester - Heroin Aged 12, Crime, Trauma, Accountability, Hepatitis C, Cocaine, Manipulation, Homelessness, Drug Dealing, Working the 12 Steps & The Power of Second Chances
Matt is in conversation with former child heroin addict and Getting Clean founder, Chris Sylvester, whose descent into addiction began at just 12 years old. Chris shares his candid experiences, revealing the allure and grip o...
#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 ...
#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...
#42 - Kirsty: Escaping Abuse, Overcoming Addiction, Building Self-Worth & Paying Her Lived Experience Forward
WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault including graphic descriptions of violence, trauma & abuse Matt explores Kirsty's journey through amphetamine addiction and the challenges of navigating complex rel...
#41 - Young: Heroin, Crack, Smuggling, Dealing, Addiction, Acid House, Redemption & A 12-Step Introspection With Profound Spiritual Change
Matt is in conversation with Young, whose turbulent journey with substance abuse commenced at the tender age of 11, thrusting him into a life ruled by crack, cocaine, and alcohol. Deep within a chaotic lifestyle, he was drawn...