Podcasts about School of Rock

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. 6 in the UK charts and No. 4 in Australia, and became one of the first presenters on Sky Television and one of its first presenters of colour, hosting her own shows and performing Sky's 5th Anniversary song. From the outside, it looked like success in every direction. Behind the scenes, however, she was quietly battling addiction. At just 19, while performing in the West End production of Bubbling Brown Sugar, she was prescribed amphetamines by a private doctor who was later struck off. By her late twenties, nights began with champagne, continued with cocaine and ended with Night Nurse. At 29, she stopped. She hasn't had a drink or a drug since.Today, Anita is a trauma, addiction and DBT therapist with nearly four decades of sobriety. Qualified since 1998, she works in private practice, receiving referrals and working with organisations including the Priory, Steps Together and Castle Craig, specialising in addiction, trauma and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) with individuals, couples, families and groups. Anita explains why rock bottom rarely looks like the movies, why childhood trauma, shame and emotional pain so often drive addiction, and why recovery is about far more than simply putting down the drink or the drug.We explore the hidden links between trauma, ADHD, binge drinking, cocaine addiction, alcoholism, codependency, self-worth, mental health, emotional regulation and long-term recovery. Anita shares how recovery transformed not only her relationship with alcohol and drugs, but also the way she understands herself, her emotions and the world around her.The conversation also tackles some of the biggest debates in recovery today, including trauma therapy, 12-step fellowships, medication in recovery, antidepressants, ADHD medication, relapse prevention, addictive personality and why there is no single path that works for everyone. Nearly 40 years sober, Anita's humility, honesty and wisdom offer hope to anyone wondering whether lasting recovery from addiction and alcoholism is really possible.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.ukand use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro2:55 A rock bottom moment 5:25 Binge drinking & progression9:25 Childhood 12:45 ADHD and intrusive thoughts 14:30 Using performing arts as medicine 17:25 Access vs genetics 18:45 Dealing with denial 20:15 Recovery in 198825:35 Do all addicts have trauma?30:35 We are all different 33:35 How therapy helped Anita 38:25 WE ARE NOT DOCTORS!43:50 Still an addict after 38 years?48:20 Humility & labels 51:35 Addictive personality & escape?57:20 Boundaries Follow Anitahttps://www.instagram.com/anitachellamahFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/y5bwbcaySpotify - https://tinyurl.com/58jp2jyjApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#Addiction #Recovery #Sobriety

Earlier this year, I had a blast revisiting five of my favorite Joan Cusack performances for RogerEbert.com's Women Writers Week celebration. My friend, the prolific MovieMom.com critic Nell Minow, who also writes and edits for Ebert's site, was my editor for the article, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring her back to Watch With Jen to explore a handful of our favorite Cusack roles that I wasn't able to cover in the piece. Touching on almost her entire filmography in this briskly energetic conversation, we pay close attention to WORKING GIRL, TOY STORY 2 (& 5), SCHOOL OF ROCK, MY BLUE HEAVEN, ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES, and several others.Originally Posted on Patreon (7/8/26) here: https://www.patreon.com/FilmIntuition/posts/163253169Donate to the Pod via Ko-fi & PayPalShop Watch With Jen logo Merchandise in Logo Designer Kate Gabrielle's Threadless ShopTheme Music: Solo Acoustic Guitar by Jason Shaw, Free Music Archive

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 the language we use around alcohol addiction matters more than ever.For many people, the word "alcoholic" still conjures outdated stereotypes of what addiction looks like. But alcoholism doesn't discriminate. It affects people from every walk of life, regardless of age, profession or background.In this honest conversation, we talk about the freedom that can come from naming our struggles, why shame loses its power when we speak openly and whether moving away from words like "alcoholic" could unintentionally reinforce stigma. We also discuss sobriety, recovery, dating while sober, social situations and why open conversations about addiction may help younger generations recognise that they are not alone.This episode isn't about telling people what label they should use. If the word alcoholic is not for you that is totally fine. It's about exploring identity, honesty and the importance of finding language that supports recovery while keeping difficult conversations visible.A reminder that everyone is free to use the language that best safeguards and empowers their recovery.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/454m93u3Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/mw5btxfcApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow MKInstagram - www.instagram.com/marykatejoanharingtonTwitter - Mary-KateMKJHTimes article - https://tinyurl.com/5n98y4f3Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#AlcoholRecovery#GenZSobriety#SoberCurious

"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, after a three-day binge, she found her two-year-old daughter playing in the same room where drugs had been taken just hours before. That moment cut through the denial and planted a seed. Tash opens up about the reality of addiction, relapse and recovery. We talk about getting drunk for the first time at 13 and ending up in hospital, being arrested as a teenager, using amphetamine-based slimming tablets, seeking chaos and excitement, and why she believes undiagnosed ADHD played a huge role in her addiction. We also explore why some people can have one drink and stop while others can't, whether addiction is a choice, why recovery can feel like grief, and why the life she once thought would be boring became the best thing that ever happened to her. This isn't just a conversation about addiction. It's a conversation about self-hatred, identity, hope and what happens when you finally decide you don't want to live like this anymore. Tash talks about sobriety with a joy that is genuinely infectious. You'll leave this conversation feeling lighter, more hopeful and with a reminder that even the most chaotic lives can be rebuilt, one decision at a time. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.ukand use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro3:05 A rock bottom moment10:50 Do you REALLY decide to get sober?13:05 How Tash smashed her denial16:45 The moment Tash could no longer ignore the pain18:25 Are addicts weak?21:05 Nature vs nurture23:05 Addiction to slimming tablets26:45 Love addiction28:05 Alcohol to coke/speed31:20 Addiction link to ADHD36:25 Functioning vs non functioning38:50 Smuggling drugs inside yourself42:35 Severe cognitive decline44:35 How Tash got sober50:05 The Clear Head ClubFollow Tash Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theclearheadclub_ Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/2p24s75ySpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bdhvpmbkApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #addiction#recovery#sobriety

In the summer of 2021, School of Rock was a youth-oriented music education company with 291 franchise- and company-owned schools globally. Before Rob Price became CEO in 2017, School of Rock's nonconformist culture led to variability in teaching styles, educational outcomes, and risks for copyright violations. One of Price's major initiatives to aid better standardization was the Method App which provided a structure to empower and guide work at the school branches, featuring nearly 100 show programs and 1,000 copyright-compliant song choices tagged with the associated skill levels, musical concepts, and corresponding show programs. When the app launched in 2019, it struggled to gain traction. Some franchisees felt the functionality was flawed; others worried that the app threatened their pedagogical independence. Harvard Business School Professors Tatiana Sandino and Jeffrey Rayport joined host Brian Kenny and School of Rock leaders Stacey Ryan, President, and Rob Price, Former CEO for a live taping of Cold Call on the HBS campus. They discussed the case, “School of Rock: Tuning into Structured Empowerment,” and explored how they chose to drive adoption of the Method App across its franchisees without reigniting tensions with the corporate office.

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 socialising, why alcohol can become a placebo, and how it quietly convinces us we need it to relax. Understanding this one idea could change the way you experience every social occasion.Many people assume alcohol creates happiness, confidence and connection. But what if those feelings come from something much more natural? We explore the science behind endorphins, why social situations feel rewarding without alcohol, and how drinking can gradually convince us that we need it just to enjoy ourselves.We discuss why children naturally relax and have fun without alcohol, how regular drinking changes our expectations of social events, and why so many people believe they can't enjoy a party, holiday or night at the pub without a drink. We also talk about learning to feel comfortable again without chemical interference, the role of alcohol-free drinks in recovery, and why every recovery journey is different.Whether you're sober, sober curious, questioning your relationship with alcohol, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the biggest myths surrounding drinking.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yxkh2enySpotify - https://tinyurl.com/bdfj6568Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Williamhttps://www.alcoholexplained.coFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#Sobriety #AlcoholRecovery #SoberCurious

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 stone, and believed it was over. In 2007, he went into rehab. Today he is 19 years clean and sober. But this episode is not about that story. It is about what came after.Tony does not arrive with a polished redemption arc. He arrives with the version most people never tell — the rock bottom that happened six years into sobriety, when the substances were gone but the behaviour was not. Sex addiction. Drama. Ego. Homelessness again. The slow, humiliating realisation that getting clean is only the beginning.We go back to the beginning too. A Battersea council estate. A family soaked in addiction. A child who learned by age three that being ill got him attention, and built an entire survival strategy around chaos and crisis long before he ever touched a drink or a drug. Tony traces the through-line from that child to the man who, years into recovery, was still running the same patterns — performing in meetings, manipulating sponsors, using recovery itself as the newest addiction.What unfolds is a masterclass in the difference between sobriety and recovery. Tony breaks down powerlessness and what it actually means once you are no longer using it as an excuse. He talks about the 12 steps with the authority of someone who has both lived them and failed them. He is forensic about amends — why early apologies in recovery are almost always self-serving, why his own father told him to come back when he actually knew what he was apologising for, and why the only amends that count are the ones you live rather than speak.He also talks about sponsorship with a level of honesty that is rare. Picking sponsors to manipulate. Sponsoring people he was attracted to. The moment he finally got a sponsor who would not let him perform his way through the steps — and how that person changed everything.Tony's new book, Recover Me, is the book he had to write after his memoir I Don't Take Requests told the world a version of the story he had not yet been fully honest about. He talks about recording the audiobook and hearing himself read things he had previously suppressed. The shame versus embarrassment distinction that freed him. The moment he realised the more honest he became, the more free he felt.This conversation ends not in darkness but in something quieter and more powerful than just being drug free. Tony talks about the pinch-me moments that only become visible when chaos is no longer the baseline. From looking at his dog asleep in the morning to DJing to twenty thousand people and knowing the real success is simply waking up and being glad to be alive.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK, support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eSponsor -www.gavinsisters.co.ukpromo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Support the pod https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro4:10 A rock bottom moment7:00 Sex addiction8:30 Attention was my first drug!11:00 Addicted do drama?!13:30 Was Tony born an addict?16:50 Breaking the stigma20:30 Helping others23:45 Are war stories important?26:45 Is Tony powerless?32:30 Changing meetings34:15 Anonymous?!35:50 Recovery and self validation37:45 Shop around for recovery40:50 Tony gets really honest43:50 Guilt vs shame45:45 Making amends51:15 Sponsorship54:15 The 90/10 rule55:45 Pinch moments & recovery58:10 Turn anxiety into drive!Follow Tony Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dj_fattony_Tony's new book -https://geni.us/Recover_Me”Follow Oliverhttps://linktr.ee/olivermasonLinksYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/276aa99dApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

Note: "Act 2" is a separate audio podcast*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics:*EZ's face gets fried from excessive sun exposure.*Locks 4 Rock featured the School of Rock House Band*EZ skydiving awesomeness.*EZ power window repair part one, part two.*Truck loaded with fireworks blows up on Tennessee freeway.*Influencers getting dragged for announcing Downs Syndrome abortion; EZ thinks it's a missed opportunity.*Asshole of the DaySponsors:Lexi Marie Photography, West Michigan Whitecaps, Zalenski Outdoor Services, Impact Powersports, Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners,  Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Note: "Act 1" was a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics*EZ follow up on Abortion influencers.*Trump crashes out on Kristin Welker*Trump UFC event may not happen because of lawsuit.*Hero who killed daughter's rapist not being prosecuted after dash cam video mysteriously disappears.*Asshole of the DaySponsors:Please follow Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary on Facebook and InstagramLexi Marie Photography, West Michigan Whitecaps, Zalenski Outdoor Services, Impact Powersports, Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners,  Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Note: "Act 1" was a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics*EZ follow up on Abortion influencers.*Trump crashes out on Kristin Welker*Trump UFC event may not happen because of lawsuit.*Hero who killed daughter's rapist not being prosecuted after dash cam video mysteriously disappears.*Asshole of the DaySponsors:Please follow Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary on Facebook and InstagramLexi Marie Photography, West Michigan Whitecaps, Zalenski Outdoor Services, Impact Powersports, Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners,  Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 problem”. But what if that's not what's really going on?This conversation explores a more uncomfortable idea — that the trigger may not be external at all, but internal. Not the environment, but the interpretation. Not the situation, but the reaction. And if that's true, it completely changes how we think about relapse, responsibility, and control.We also go into cravings — what they actually are, when they're neurological and physical in early recovery, and how they're often mislabelled later on. At a certain point, is it still accurate to call it a craving, or is something else happening underneath it: obsession, emotional overload, or unresolved internal conflict?This is a conversation that challenges a lot of common language used in addiction recovery, and asks a simple but uncomfortable question: are we naming the problem correctly — or using the wrong language for what's actually happening inside us?Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://bit.ly/42vXUPfSpotify - https://bit.ly/4aBsmJUApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow PaxInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/paxhalaiFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#SobrietyStories #HopeInDarkness #AddictionRecovery

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, and the point where you're forced to choose between continuing the cycle or rebuilding everything from scratch.Sean's life moves through homelessness, early alcohol use, military service, the fitness industry, and a high-flying DJ career that gradually became dominated by cocaine and alcohol. What begins as escapism turns into dependency, shaped further by a nightlife culture where excess is normalised and boundaries slowly disappear.He breaks down the pivotal night in 2021 when a set in Nottingham, intended to mark a reset, spiralled into blackout, hospitalisation, and police involvement. That moment became the final breaking point with the music industry and the start of sobriety.From there, the conversation moves beyond the headline of addiction and into the mechanics of recovery itself. Sean challenges the usefulness of labels, questions whether traditional frameworks like AA work for everyone, and argues that long-term change is built less on willpower and more on structure, identity, and discipline.They also explore the often overlooked reality of early recovery: the substitution of one compulsion for another, the role of dopamine-driven behaviours, and the slow process of building stability without relying on extremes for regulation.At its core, this is a conversation about control. Not just stopping drugs and alcohol, but learning how to build a life that no longer requires them.Sean is now a high-performance life and wellness coach, working with people who look like they've got it all together on the outside but know something isn't right underneath, helping them get in shape, quit drinking, and take back control. He has worked with over 500 clients across 15 countries.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.ukand use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 2:45 A rock bottom moment6:00 Homeless at 158:15 Why Sean isn't a victim11:00 The gym helps Sean as a teenager12:40 Joining the army to straighten out15:30 Was trauma the reason addictions increased?17:00 DJ'ing and drugs20:15 Why alcohol and cocaine had to go together 21:30 Why Cocaethylene is dangerous23:45 Addicted to the coke persona25:00 Coke leads to heavy porn use30:00 Cross addiction32:00 How Sean got clean and sober35:45 Many paths to the top of them mountain42:00 Willpower is for weak men!44:00 Does moderation work?46:30 Playing the tape forward!49:45 Why Sean isn't perfect or doing it one day at a time52:45 Remove yourself from your triggersFollow SeanInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sean_willerscoachingFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/y3ez4ssuSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/3tjemyxxApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery#SobrietyJourney#Sober

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 around food, and the complicated comfort the illness can create. This is a conversation about survival, coping mechanisms, and what recovery really asks of someone when the illness has become part of how they navigate the world.We also explore the connection between anorexia and addiction, why eating disorders are often misunderstood, and how social media can influence vulnerability without being the full explanation. There's a powerful discussion around emotional neglect, safety, codependency, hospitalisation, and the way trauma can quietly shape behaviour long before anyone notices the symptoms. Rather than reducing anorexia to vanity or “control issues”, this episode looks at the complexity behind the condition and why simplistic narratives can stop people from truly understanding it.If you or someone you love has struggled with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, addiction, anxiety, or mental health challenges, this conversation offers insight, compassion, and a perspective rarely heard in mainstream discussions around eating disorders.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://bit.ly/4jbvZdoSpotify - https://bit.ly/4air4TLApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Sophie received support from:Eating Matters (Norwich), Cruise Bereavement (National) & The Bridge (Bristol).Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow SophieInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sophiee.andersonFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#AnorexiaRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #EatingDisordersHelp

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 identity, purpose and direction.This is the first time Dan has ever shared his story publicly and his first ever appearance on a podcast.Today, I speak with Dan Charles, a Manchester-born, London-based creative whose life on the surface looked like an extended celebration of youth culture, nightlife and connection. Beneath that, however, was escalating drug use, denial about addiction, and a pattern of increasingly risky behaviour that would eventually culminate in a near-fatal incident by a swimming pool in Ibiza. Dan describes the moment he was found unresponsive, the severity of his condition, and the chain of events and people that ultimately saved his life.What makes this conversation compelling is not just what happened in Ibiza, but the honesty about what led up to it. Dan reflects on a 10-year period of recreational drug use that escalated within the context of club culture and electronic music scenes in Manchester and beyond. He challenges the conventional framing of addiction, explaining that although he never used substances daily, he still experienced repeated negative consequences and patterns of loss of control in specific environments.The discussion moves beyond the incident itself into the psychological aftermath. Dan speaks candidly about survivor's guilt, particularly in relation to his family, who received a call while on holiday informing them that he might not survive the night. He also reflects on the complexity of regret, acknowledging deep remorse for the impact on his family while also recognising the formative role those experiences played in shaping who he is today.A central theme of the conversation is identity reconstruction. Dan explains how early recovery was not initially a conscious decision, but something imposed by circumstance and family intervention. Over time, however, that shifted into a voluntary and internalised commitment to sobriety, driven by changes in lifestyle, physical health, and mental wellbeing practices. He discusses how structured routines around sleep, exercise, nutrition, sauna, cold exposure, meditation and mindfulness replaced the chaotic rhythm of his previous life, alongside a growing sense of emotional stability and self-awareness.This is ultimately a story about consequence, survival and the redefinition of identity after a life that could have ended very differently. It raises difficult but important questions about addiction, pleasure, denial, responsibility and whether lasting change comes from punishment or perspective. Through his platform Second Chance Dan, he speaks openly about his journey — the real challenges, the choices, and what it takes to start over. Dan is drug and alcohol free nearly 8 years!SPONSOR www.gavinsisters.co.ukSCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!SUPPORT THE PODhttps://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro2:00 A rock bottom moment8:00 Raving and hard drugs9:40 Is there always trauma?13:00 Drug use escalates in clubs16:40 Is Dan an addict?19:40 Other rock bottoms24:40 Coming out of the coma25:40 Dealing with guilt & shame28:10 No regrets?!29:40 Dan can't forgive himself33:55 Recovery felt non negotiable36:40 Dan's hospital records38:00 Resisting urges and cravings40:40 Moving energy into wellness43:40 Spirituality & gratitudeFollow Dan Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/secondchance.danFollow Oliverhttps://linktr.ee/olivermasonYouTube - https://tinyurl.com/3b5c4wy2Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery#SobrietyJourney#SecondChance

Who has never seen School of Rock?! Well David hasn't and that's a war crime! We take a deep dive into the movie that Jack Black says was his magnum opus and we tend to agree! This podcast is about to rock! And we salute you for listening! Enjoy!   Music: https://jessejacethomas.bandcamp.com/album/want Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

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 struggled with addiction, obsessive thinking, workaholism, online shopping, ADHD traits or the feeling of constantly chasing something to feel okay, this conversation will hit hard.Dave speaks openly about the emotional side of recovery, the idea of being a “dry drunk”, and why many people replace alcohol with other compulsive behaviours without even realising it. We talk about dopamine addiction, ADHD, self-worth, identity after alcohol, and why getting sober can feel like stepping out of prison into a life you no longer recognise.This episode also explores the hidden side of recovery that people rarely discuss publicly. From compulsive online shopping and addiction transfer to work addiction and validation seeking, we explain how the “ism” of alcoholism can quietly appear in other parts of life long after the drinking stops.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://bit.ly/3VSPOw9Spotify - https://bit.ly/402S5HsApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver & Dave are ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Sober DaveInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/soberdaveWebsite - https://www.soberdave.co.ukPodcast - Search "One For The Road" on all platformsFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth

This is the afternoon All Local update for Friday, May 8th 2026.

School of Rock founder Matt Ross guests on the Fake Show with host Jim Tofte...enjoy!!!

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 recovery and how change actually happens.Hattie shares the moment everything shifted - a quiet realisation there was nowhere left to hide. What follows is a story many people will recognise but rarely say out loud. The routines, the denial, the belief that things are still “under control” while everything underneath says otherwise. This episode breaks down the role of Dry January, relapse, and why temporary sobriety often isn't enough without a deeper shift. There's a clear distinction here between stopping and actually letting go — and why that difference matters if you're stuck in the cycle.We also go deeper into the psychology behind addiction. ADHD, dopamine, anxiety, eating disorders — the patterns that existed long before alcohol, and why substances can feel like the solution before they become the problem.Recovery isn't presented as perfect or instant. It's practical. Community, 12-step fellowship, structure, honesty — and learning how to live without constantly needing to escape your own mind.If you're questioning your relationship with alcohol, or even just curious whether things could feel different, this conversation gives you something real to work with. More about Hattie -Hattie is the face behind Sober Happy Free - a fast growing social media platform on Instagram and TikTok that's built a community of more than 38,000 people in just 18 months.Using her own experience of addiction, Hattie shares honestly about what helped her get sober - and, just as importantly, what's helped her stay sober - with the aim of helping others who might be struggling.She's a passionate advocate for removing the stigma around addiction and believes real change is possible and is 5 years sober. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro3:00 A rock bottom moment6:15 Dry January turns into 4 months10:00 Returning to drinking and cocaine12:00 The benefits of Dry January14:30 Did Hattie really relapse?17:00 OCD before addiction18:30 Bulimia20:20 Undiagnosed ADHD22:30 Alcohol and messaging boys24:00 Using sex for self esteem25:45 Cocaine addiction34:45 Drug addiction escalates38:15 Addiction stronger than love for children?44:15 Rock bottoms, orgasms and a cure for addiction?51:00 How Hattie stays sober56:00 Suggestions for those stubborn to changeFollow HattieInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/soberhappyfreeFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - Spotify - Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #AlcoholFree

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 the feeling that comes after. This episode looks at why social drinkers experience alcohol differently, why chasing “normal” can keep people stuck, and the uncomfortable truth that can help set people free.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODESpotify - https://bit.ly/3RmMvu8YouTube - https://bit.ly/3NuVwzUApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth

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 of addiction, from early coping mechanisms like bulimia to a life dominated by alcohol, cocaine and dependency on anything that could either elevate or sedate her mind. Diagnosed later in life with ADHD, she explains how substances became both escape and survival, creating a cycle that felt impossible to break. What emerges is not a neat narrative, but a deeply human one—messy, confronting and recognisable.At the centre of this episode is a moment that changes everything. An attempt on her life that becomes the turning point. Not because everything suddenly gets better, but because it forces a decision. Stay or go. Live or die. From that point, recovery begins...not as a single choice, but as a daily commitment.The conversation moves into territory many avoid. Motherhood in addiction. Raising a child through over 100 medical procedures while battling alcohol dependence. The guilt, the denial, the rationalisation, and the quiet moments no one sees. Leanne doesn't sanitise any of it. She articulates something many people feel but rarely admit: the internal conflict between love for your child and the pull of addiction.There's also a clear, grounded discussion about sobriety itself. Labels like “alcoholic”, the role of trauma, and the uncomfortable truth that there is no single path to recovery. Both Oliver and Leanne challenge rigid thinking in the recovery space, making it clear that what matters is not how you get sober, but that you do.They explore the neurological side too. ADHD, dopamine regulation, and why substances like alcohol and cocaine can feel like solutions rather than problems—until they aren't. It's a nuanced look at addiction that goes beyond willpower and into wiring, environment and lived experience.They talk about risk. The idea that you might have another drink in you, but not another recovery. This isn't a journey wrapped in clichés or easy answers. It's about responsibility, awareness, and doing the work - especially when no one is watching. Leanne is the author of the upcoming books From Cocaine to Rice Cakes and Single Mom Syndrome, where she shares unfiltered truths about sobriety, motherhood, and choosing yourself. Leanne is 5 years clean and sober. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK, support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Sponsor -www.gavinsisters.co.uk promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Support the podcast -https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro2:55 A rock bottom moment4:25 Navigating multiple challenges6:25 Addiction would have killed me 8:40 Using everything to feel better12:40 Why alcohol stopped bulimia15:15 Why Leanne wanted to use drugs and alcohol 16:45 Gaining insight along the bumpy road to recovery18:55 Wanting to destroy rather than fix20:15 Alcoholic at 16?23:55 Use recovery labels to empower you!26:40 Are you really powerless?28:25 Be careful where you get your advice30:55 Cocaine, alcohol & ADHD35:10 Being a sober mum is better39:40 We love taking hostages41:10 Being triggered by morning drinking43:10 Can I control my drinking now?45:30 Helping those who are depressed50:40 How Leanne got clean and sober53:55 Why recovery is different for everyone57:55 Why helping others helps you59:55 From cocaine to rice cakesFollow Leanne Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/soberlittlemotherredFollow Oliver https://linktr.ee/olivermasonWATCH on YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/32r6ppecApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery#AlcoholRecovery#RecoveryPodcast

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,” this conversation will hit hard. Because underneath it all, addiction is addiction—and the cost is always the same.We explore the striking parallels between gambling addiction and substance addiction, breaking down the myth that behavioural addictions are somehow less serious. From the early days of harmless fun to the slow creep into obsession, the conversation reveals how quickly things escalate—and how difficult it becomes to step back. The chase to break even, the illusion of control, and the belief that one more hit, one more bet, might fix everything.There's a raw honesty here about the mental gymnastics addicts perform. The idea that the problem isn't the behaviour itself, but the losses. The belief that a “miracle” is just one more gamble away. And the terrifying moment when logic disappears, even in the face of clear consequences. Whether it's sitting in a clinic or hearing a doctor's warning, the pull to go back remains just as strong.We also touch on the neuroscience—dopamine, anticipation, and why gambling can be even more addictive than substances. The unpredictability, the constant cycle of hope and loss, and how the brain becomes wired to chase both. It's not just about winning. In many cases, it's the losing that hooks you deeper.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://bit.ly/4fbqqZeSpotify - https://bit.ly/41yG9OJApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. For further support Gab recommends the following -National Problem Gambling Clinic -https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/addictions/national-gambling-clinicGamCare -https://www.gamcare.org.ukOliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Gab Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gabstone9Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#GamblingRecovery #BreakingTheStigma #AddictionAwareness

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 kids.” That quiet disconnection, and the inability to express who he really was, became the foundation for everything that followed.What starts as food, pornography, and alcohol slowly escalates into something far darker, as he searches for identity, confidence, and escape in all the wrong places.We break down the progression most people never see. How drinking turns into drugs. How curiosity becomes dependency. And how, step by step, he ends up in a world of chemsex, isolation, and eventually injecting crystal meth—not as one reckless decision, but as a series of small ones that compound over time.From there, things unravel fast. Days without sleep. Paranoia. Hallucinations. A complete break from reality where he believes people are coming to kill him. And even then, the instinct is still the same—to drink, to use, to escape.But even at rock bottom, there are moments that cut through.One of them happens in an Uber, when a driver says something he never forgets: “You never finish alcohol. Alcohol finishes you.”Kyle speaks openly about eight years of trying to get sober and failing, and what finally changed when it stuck. Not a new method. Not a new environment. But a moment of complete surrender—and a decision to actually live the recovery he'd been around for years.We also explore the shift into spirituality. From rejecting faith completely to finding Jesus that gave him forgiveness, direction, and a way to rebuild.By the end, this isn't a clean redemption story. It's something more honest. A life rebuilt from chaos—now channelled into The Spiritual Pharmacy & Late Night Sober Cafe, sober community spaces designed to give people what he never had: connection, purpose, and somewhere to belong.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 3:00 A rock bottom moment that lasted months 6:45 A drug induced psychosis 16:45 Using food and cigarettes before drugs 20:20 Porn obsession 22:30 Falling in love with alcohol 24:45 Struggling with sexuality 27:00 From alcohol to injecting crystal meth 32:20 Breaking the relapse cycle 36:45 Doing The 12 Steps 39:15 Finding a spiritual solution?42:15 Kyle's sober events & spaces Follow Kyle Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kylehallartisthttps://www.instagram.com/spiritualpharmaBuy tickets https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theenergyxchangecicFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://youtu.be/3XD8otGW9pMSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/yv6f57w8Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery#RockBottom#SobrietyJourney

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 things will be different — offering comfort, care, even hope — only for the cycle of harm to return later, often worse than before. Like someone who broke your nose, then has the audacity to say, “I'll make you feel better.”Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODESpotify - https://bit.ly/3RmMvu8YouTube - https://bit.ly/3NuVwzUApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth

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 thriving sober community, this is a conversation about what it really takes to change your life. Emily is a former teacher, single mum, and psychology student who is now three years sober and helping others find connection beyond alcohol. Emily opens up about the slow burn of addiction, describing her rock bottom not as one explosive moment but as years spent “crawling along the bottom,” culminating in a terrifying blackout where she couldn't remember putting her children to bed. It's a stark reminder that suffering doesn't always look dramatic from the outside.We explore the dangerous myths around what an “alcoholic” looks like, and why so many people delay getting help because their lives appear functional. Emily shares how societal drinking culture, particularly in her twenties, normalised behaviours that would later become deeply destructive, and how an abusive relationship compounded her loss of identity and self-worth.The conversation moves into recovery, beginning with one message that changed everything. Emily reflects on reaching out for help, attending her first meeting, and why desperation became the turning point. From 12-step programmes to online communities, sober curiosity, and building her own support networks, this episode highlights that there is no single path to recovery, only the one that works for you.They also speak candidly about relapse, the “yet” concept, and how quickly addiction can take hold again. Emily's description of returning to drinking after 18 months sober is a sobering insight into the reality of addiction, and why ongoing connection and self-awareness are essential.Beyond sobriety, this episode is about growth. Emily shares how recovery has reshaped her identity, challenging long-held beliefs about who she was and uncovering a deeper sense of self. They discuss post-traumatic growth, the power of connection, and why building a meaningful life is about more than just removing alcohol.Emily also talks about creating Sober Walkers, a growing community built on connection and accountability, and her new project, The Connection Couch, which brings people together for real, honest conversations about recovery and growth in an increasingly disconnected world.If you've ever thought your drinking “isn't bad enough,” this episode is a reminder that you don't need to wait for things to fall apart. Change is possible, and it starts with being curious enough to ask the question.Support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e https://womensaid.org.ukhttps://refuge.org.ukThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 3:15 A rock bottom moment 5:15 My rock bottom wasn't dramatic 9:20 Drink, coke, fun and chaos 12:20 An abusive relationship drives addiction 15:15 What are the 'YETS' in recovery?19:30 What Emily tried first to get sober 22:20 What lies did addiction tell you?25:45 Only functioning on the outside27:45 How many meetings should you try?30:40 AA IS NOT THE ONLY WAY!35:15 Finding a sponsor and being of service 37:30 I couldn't accept I am alcoholic & relapse41:40 Quick fire questions!49:45 Sober Walkers & The Connection Couch54:30 Is my drinking bad enough yet!?Follow Emily Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stepping_on_the_sober_trainhttps://www.instagram.com/theconnectioncouchFollow Oliver https://linktr.ee/olivermasonWatch or listen here -YouTube - https://youtu.be/QGfL-OZDV5QApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #Sober

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 themselves it's harmless, and the hard truth about what cocaine actually brings into people's lives.This is not about preaching or judging. It's about lived experience. What starts as a “cheeky” line on a Friday night can slowly grow into something far bigger, often without the person realising it's happening. Over time, the occasional gram becomes a weekly habit, the money disappears faster, and the consequences begin to show up in relationships, finances and mental health.The conversation also explores the uncomfortable gap between how people see themselves when they're using and what is actually happening around them. Many users still believe they are in control, still believe they are successful, still believe nothing has really changed. Yet behind the scenes the reality can look very different: missed payments, strained families, lies, secrecy and a growing dependence that quietly takes hold.One of the most striking parts of this reflection is the blunt question: what does cocaine actually bring to the table? The answer offered here is simple. Nothing. No long-term gain, no real progress, and no success story that ends well for the user. Instead, the pattern often leads to the same place — confusion, loneliness and consequences that many never expected when they first started.The clip also touches on the difficult role of honesty in recovery. When people finally reach out for help, sometimes what they need most is not sympathy but clarity. A direct conversation. A moment where the illusion breaks and the reality of the situation becomes impossible to ignore. For some people, that moment can become the turning point.Recovery is possible. But the real work begins after the decision to stop. Maintaining change, rebuilding a life and staying honest with yourself is where the long-term challenge lies. That's where support, community and purpose become essential.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://bit.ly/3UUTRHLSpotify - https://bit.ly/48Skd2IApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Martin John Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/martinjohngetcleanTik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@martinjohngetcleanWebsite -https://www.martinjohngetclean.comBook - https://amzn.to/3OfmcVsFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#AddictionRecovery#CocaineAddiction#SchoolOfRockBottom

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 since he was twelve, and by his late thirties, it had taken away everything it once gave him.What followed was a complete shift in how he saw himself, addiction, and the world around him. He came to believe that the voice in his head - his ego - was at the root of his drinking, and that freedom came from learning to live beyond it.Nigel has been sober for over 30 years, but his recovery was never just about stopping drinking. For him, it became a profound shift in how he experiences life, identity, and connection. He describes alcoholism as an extreme form of ego, rooted in separation, self-hatred, and what he calls “suicide by instalments.” Looking back, Nigel recognises that much of his drinking arose from an early sense that life had no intrinsic meaning, a feeling he began noticing even as a child.In this conversation, Nigel takes us beyond conventional recovery talk. He explains how ego and alcoholism are intertwined, why active drinking is a slow form of self-destruction, and how the mind can construct bleak narratives to justify addictive behaviour. He explores the difference between illusion and reality, revealing why joy is always present even beneath fear. Viewing recovery through a spiritual lens, Nigel shows how seeing ourselves as connected to God - or a higher source - can reshape how we live, how we relate to others, and how we understand ourselves. He introduces a non-dual perspective, highlighting our inherent divinity, equality, and connection to all, and he challenges common fears around death, suggesting that embracing the eternal present can bring lasting peace.Whether or not you share his spiritual perspective, this episode offers a profound and thought-provoking look at what it takes to recover, find meaning, and stay sober long-term. It's an episode that will make you rethink fear, joy, and the true nature of connection.Today you will learn of what happens when you stop chasing happiness out there… and start looking for it within. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 2:50 A rock bottom moment 5:10 What was the emptiness inside?6:15 Why did Nigel start drinking at age 12?8:30 Alcoholic at 15?9:30 Using the label as a reason to drink more 10:30 High Functioning alcoholism?14:20 Why did Nigel stop drinking?15:00 Chronic/terminal uniqueness 16:40 How Nigel got sober 21:45 Inverted narcissism?22:30 Is Nigel cured?23:45 Removing EGO and become ONE 30:10 A "God shaped" hole?34:15 Does Nigel need a spiritual solution?37:30 A Course In Miracles 39:00 EGO VS ALCOHOLISM41:00 Why fear isn't real!43:00 Joy is always available 44:45 Why Nigel isn't scared of death47:30 Why Nigel needs God to be sober Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Watch or listen here -YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/mrxhpkr3Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/2p8hhtfApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #Sober

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 misconception to reveal what really happens when someone commits to change.This explores the moment many people get stuck: recognising there is a problem but believing it will never go away. Oliver reframes addiction not as an unbeatable enemy but as something that loses power when recovery is properly supported. From therapy and structured programmes to peer fellowship communities we examine why connection - not willpower - changes outcomes.Using vivid storytelling, Oliver dismantles the fantasy many people secretly hope for: that addiction can simply be eliminated overnight, metaphorically dragged down an alleyway and thrown into the River Thames forever. Instead, he explains how long-term recovery works in reality. The obsession doesn't vanish dramatically; it becomes distant, contained and manageable. For those early in sobriety who feel overwhelmed, this perspective offers reassurance that the intensity of the early days does not last forever.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODESpotify - https://bit.ly/3RmMvu8YouTube - https://bit.ly/3NuVwzUApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#podcast #recovery #alcoholaddiction

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 addiction, drinking culture and the hidden loneliness of high-masking depression. From working in pubs while drinking heavily to climbing a mountains during withdrawal, this is a raw exploration of what happens when escape stops working and honesty begins.Together they explore why alcohol can feel like medicine before it becomes a prison, how depression can quietly shape behaviour from teenage years onwards, and why many people suffer in silence long before anyone notices. Harrison speaks openly about peer pressure, shame, identity and the fear of speaking honestly about mental health, especially growing up in environments where vulnerability felt impossible.Harrison explains how sobriety allowed him to rediscover purpose through food, nature and creativity, cooking restaurant-quality meals on remote mountainsides and sharing hope with thousands online. Oliver and Harrison also discuss cravings, withdrawal, rebuilding self-worth, going public about sobriety and the practical options available for anyone struggling with alcohol or depression today. If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation offers honesty without judgement and hope without clichés.Now, over 9 years sober, Harrison has fused his love of food with the healing power of the outdoors. He's hiking the fells of Cumbria and cooking restaurant quality meals on a simple camp stove in the mountains, and sharing his story to show others that recovery is possible.He's been featured on the BBC with Mary Berry, Channel 5's ‘Winter on the Farm', Countryfile Magazine, Men's Fitness, and more. He's a bestselling author, a keynote speaker, and a brand ambassador. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! T-Shirt from The Recovery Cartel -www.therecoverycartel.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/therecoverycartelPodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 3:30 A rock bottom moment 5:20 Using alcohol to escape 7:30 Depression as a teenager 10:30 Mental health was not talked about before 11:45 Drinking 20 pints a day!16:40 Was Harrison a high functioning alcoholic?19:00 Is high functioning addiction worse?22:50 The moment I decided to stop drinking 28:30 Moderation and doing a geographical 36:00 Withdrawal and depression 40:00 Climbing a mountain in withdrawal!45:20 From hurting to healing 47:40 Dealing with cravings & peer pressure 51:45 Finding passion for cooking 54:00 Going public about sobriety 56:45 Options for help to go sober and fighting depression Follow HarrisonWebsite - https://www.fellfoodie.co.ukInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/fellfoodie Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fellfoodie/YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/FellFoodieTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fellfoodieTwitter - https://twitter.com/FellFoodieFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Watch/Listen -YouTube - https://youtu.be/7UW29Hp7rBYSpotify - https://tinyurl.com/djmdvpjrApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #MentalHealth

On the 504th episode of Piecing It Together, Joe Black joins me to talk about Song Sung Blue. This story, not of Neil Diamond, but of a Neil Diamond impersonator will make you feel alive... Plus it's got some great tunes. Puzzle pieces include Saving Silverman, School Of Rock, Walk The LIne and Hustle & Flow.As always, SPOILER ALERT for Song Sung Blue and the movies we discuss!Written by Craig BrewerDirected by Craig BrewerStarring Hugh Jackman, Kate HudsonFocus FeaturesJoe Black is a filmmaker and has recently completed work on his latest, Natasha Hall: Suffrage.Check out Joe's website at https://www.bluemeanspregnantfilms.com/And Follow Blue Means Pregnant Films on Instagram @bluemeanspregnantfilmsMy latest David Rosen album MISSING PIECES: 2018-2024 is a compilation album that fills in the gaps in unreleased music made during the sessions for 2018's A Different Kind Of Dream, 2020's David Rosen, 2022's MORE CONTENT and 2025's upcoming And Other Unexplained Phenomena. Find it on Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify and everywhere else you can find music.You can also find more about all of my music on my website https://www.bydavidrosen.comMy latest music video is “Shaking" which you can watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzm8s4nuqlAThe song at the end of the episode is "Rainbow Bridge" by The Pup Pups!Make sure to “Like” Piecing It Together on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PiecingPodAnd “Follow” us on Twitter @PiecingPodAnd Join the Conversation in our Facebook Group, Piecing It Together – A Movie Discussion Group.And check out https://www.piecingpod.com for more about our show!And if you want to SUPPORT THE SHOW, you can now sign up for our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/bydavidrosenYou can also support the show by checking out our Dashery store to buy shirts and more featuring Piecing It Together logos, movie designs, and artwork for my various music projects at https://bydavidrosen.dashery.com/Share the episode, comment and give us feedback! And of course, SUBSCRIBE!And of course, don't forget to leave us a 5 star review on Goodpods, Apple Podcasts,

LET'S GET ROCKING School is back in session for 2026. When it comes to school lessons, none of them rock as hard as the lessons taught by Jack Black in School of Rock. We're covering the original recordings, so get ready to learn. Songs we're discussing: "Fight" and "Heal me, I'm Heartsick" by No Vacancy. "In the Ancient Times", "Ticked Off", "The Math Song", "Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock n Roll)" and, obviously, the titular "School of Rock" by the School of Rock band. Dietrich brings up Dappy from N-Dubz, Alex bestows the movie with a huge accolade and Ben is really testing people's knowledge.Find us on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram & Threads: @TSFTMpodLike, snare-drum and subscribeDid you enjoy the episode? Then please consider leaving a FIVE STAR review wherever you are listening. It means a great deal to us and makes it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Want to support us further? You can do this on Patreon from £1 ($1.50) a month: https://Patreon.com/TSFTM or via our merch store: https://TeePublic.com/user/TSFTMThank you!Timestamps:02:00 - What Have We Been Watching?05:51 - History07:38 - Movie Discussion15:57 - Quick Led Zeppelin Discussion17:39 - "Fight" Discussion21:55 - "In the Ancient Time" Discussion26:20 - "Ticked Off" Discussion28:37 - "The Math Song" Discussion30:53 - "Heal Me, I'm Heartsick" Discussion33:52 - "School of Rock" Discussion38:36 - "Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock n Roll)" Discussion42:31 - Awards Season43:40 - Game Time

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 one. A journey marked by chaos, embarrassment, failed attempts, and a deep resistance to the very thing that ultimately worked. From celebrating sobriety milestones with a drink to being kicked out of meetings for turning up drunk, this conversation strips away the romance and speaks plainly about addiction as illness, not weakness. It also challenges the idea that you can think or muscle your way out of something that thrives on isolation. At its core, this clip is about connection. Why trying to recover alone can quietly keep you stuck, how helping others can drain the power out of a drinking thought, and why the word “we” can be the difference between staying sober and sliding back. If you're questioning whether there's a way out, or if you recognise yourself in any part of this story, this is one to sit with.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODESpotify - https://bit.ly/4cFvnIyYouTube - https://bit.ly/3Ts8npRApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow IssyTik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@issyhawkins_Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/issyhawkins_Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#podcast #recovery #alcoholaddiction

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 confronting his abusive father as an adult, the moment he realised the abuse was not his to carry, and why walking away became an act of self-preservation rather than bitterness. What follows is an honest conversation about emotional responsibility, identity and the cost of waiting for people to change when they are incapable of doing so.Johnny explains why trying to “process the past” often keeps people trapped, and why accepting emotions, rather than events, became the turning point in his recovery. He challenges common narratives around forgiveness, making a clear distinction between accepting how something made you feel and excusing what was done to you. This episode explores how anger, guilt, and helplessness often replace one another, and how alcohol can become a way to survive emotions that feel unbearable at the time.The conversation also reframes addiction in a way many people have never heard before. Johnny speaks openly about being grateful to alcohol, not as something to glorify, but as an honest acknowledgement that it once served a purpose. Together, we discuss why substances are often solutions before they become problems, why sobriety is about freedom rather than restriction, and how focusing on what you want instead of what you're avoiding can change everything.This episode is essential listening for anyone struggling with trauma, addiction, or the pressure to forgive before they are ready. It offers a grounded, compassionate perspective on recovery, accountability, and what it really means to let go of what was never yours to begin with.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! T-Shirt from The Recovery Cartel -www.therecoverycartel.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/therecoverycartelPodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 3:20 A rock bottom moment 10:20 Escaping violence as a child 13:35 The brain learns it needs alcohol to survive 15:20 Dyslexia & being mixed race shapes Johnny's experience 20:20 Trying alcohol for the first time 25:20 Alcohol becomes a replacement for life 28:35 Making peace with the abuse 33:05 Processing the emotional imprints & acceptance 34:50 Stop focusing on not drinking alcohol!36:20 What about forgiveness?42:05 Why I'm grateful to alcohol 46:0l20 Alcohol becomes the solution 47:50 People will tell you you don't have a problem!49:35 How did Johnny get sober?52:05 Dealing with alcohol cravings 57:05 The sober journey Follow Johnny The Slavery of Addiction - https://youtu.be/8j3Nq_lcFlY?feature=shared Website - https://www.johnnylawrence.co.ukInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/theselfdevelopmentcoachFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - Spotify - Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #Sobriety#Recovery#MentalHealth

Stacey Ryan of School of Rock joins Alan and Steve to unpack a new social-impact study showing how ensemble music-making boosts students' happiness, confidence, and teamwork over time. They discuss data on mental health and motivation, strategies for building belonging in K–12 music programs, the All Stars touring model, and why partnerships between school music programs and School of Rock can be mutually beneficial. Stacey also shares lightning-round favorites from Boston restaurants to Paul McCartney memories and a powerful book recommendation.

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 frontline recovery experience, this conversation explores the many forms rock bottom can take — and why it's often an internal turning point rather than a public collapse.We also tackle a common myth: that rehab is only for a certain “type” of person. Addiction doesn't discriminate — and getting help is not weakness, it's courage.You don't need to lose everything or wait to hit a stereotypical 'rock bottom' to change — recovery begins when you can no longer ignore the pain.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODESpotify - https://bit.ly/3YMYyWCYouTube - https://bit.ly/3X0RJzqApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow RaffaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/creative_recovery_workshopsFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#rehab #addiction #recovery

My guest this week is comedian/writer/actor Jon Gabrus (High & Mighty, 101 Places To Party Before You Die TV Series & Staying Alive podcast w/ Adam Pally), who chose to discuss the Mike White/Richard Linklater/Jack Black force of nature School Of Rock.We discuss Jon's surprising new health show with Adam Pally (his partner in debauchery), Jon and Adam visiting Portland for their TV series 101 Places To Party Before You Die, the best health advice he's gotten so far, the music action films Miami Connection and Stunt Rock, the never ending inspiration that is American Movie, how easy it is to forget that School Of Rock was written by Mike White (The White Lotus) and directed by Richard Linkletter (Dazed & Confused), Jon being a stunt double for Jack Black, our first memories of seeing Jack Black, the Jack Black backlash in the 2010s, Mike White as an actor, how musicians, comedians and athletes all pine for each others' careers, when did musicians start doing stage banter, Pulp, did either of us have cool teachers growing up, the experience of performing in front of your parents, long form improv, Jack Black begging Led Zepplin to use "Immigrant Song" in the movie, selling out as an artist, how Jack Black was originally going to write the music for the film, pre-show rituals and much more!So let's raise our goblets to the gods of rock on this week's episode of Revolutions Per Movie!JON GABRUS: gabrus.comREVOLUTIONS PER MOVIE:Host Chris Slusarenko (Eyelids, Guided By Voices, owner of Clinton Street Video rental store) is joined by actors, musicians, comedians, writers & directors who each week pick out their favorite music documentary, musical, music-themed fiction film or music videos to discuss. Fun, weird, and insightful, Revolutions Per Movie is your deep dive into our life-long obsessions where music and film collide.Revolutions Per Movie releases new episodes every Thursday on any podcast app, and additional, exclusive bonus episodes every Sunday on our Patreon. If you like the show, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing it on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!PATREON:The show is also a completely independent affair, so the best way to support it is through our Patreon at patreon.com/revolutionspermovie. By joining, you can get weekly bonus episodes, physical goods such as Flexidiscs, and other exclusive goods. It helps the show to keep going and is greatly appreciated!TIP JAR:ko-fi.com/revolutionspermovieSOCIALS:@revolutionspermovieBlueSky: @revpermovieTHEME by Eyelids 'My Caved In Mind'www.musicofeyelids.bandcamp.com ARTWORK by Jeff T. Owenshttps://linktr.ee/mymetalhand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They'll definitely crack you up.You don't want to miss Dave's Bad Jokes!

In this episode, Zac and Jay sit down with Rivkah Reyes – actor, musician, and the bass player from School of Rock – for a candid, nuanced conversation about growing up in the spotlight, addiction at a young age, and finding sobriety.Together, they walk through Rivkah's journey from child stardom into substance use, the role drugs and alcohol played in coping with pressure and identity, and how getting sober transformed her relationship with herself, her emotions, and her life.Rivkah opens up about the realities of addiction behind the scenes, and reflects on the stigma, shame, and courage involved in getting sober while still figuring out who you are – including coming out and embracing her sexuality.This is an honest, grounded exploration of what it means to heal, grow, and build a life in recovery.Connect with Zac:https://www.instagram.com/zwclark/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-c-746b96254/https://www.tiktok.com/@zacwclarkhttps://www.strava.com/athletes/55697553https://twitter.com/zacwclarkIf you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release Recovery: (914) 588-6564releaserecovery.com@releaserecovery

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 his story like no one else can. From the chaos of Fleet Street tabloids to the highs of punk rock and the life-threatening lows of addiction, Garry shares the moments that nearly ended him—and how he survived them all.We explore the drug-fuelled confidence that once drove his creativity, the trauma that shaped his choices, and the health crises that should have stopped him. Garry talks honestly about losing his daughter, why caffeine now acts as a trigger, and the hard truth about why addiction rarely ends when the body starts screaming for change.Since quitting, Garry has transformed his life: seven books published, albums released, screenplays written, and stage performances performed sober. He reflects on creativity without drugs, lessons learnedand what he would tell his grandchildren about drugs. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 2:30 A rock bottom moment 5:00 Speed helps him become a writer6:45 Abuse in children's home & Borstal 7:45 Using speed & creativity to deal with anger12:00 Coke and speed gave me confidence 13:30 Why speed was my favourite 16:00 Dependancy starts 21:15 Cocaine calmed me down and helped me survive?22:45 Garry has his first heart attack 24:30 Paranoia & anxiety 28:15 Nearly dying was the wake up call30:30 Now I don't even drink coffee!32:00 I kept using in between heart attacks 34:30 Getting clean and career takes off 36:00 Do drugs make you more creative?39:00 Garry discovered The Stone Roses?41:00 A true story about Ozzy Osbourne!42:30 Now a story about Robbie Williams!45:15 Would Garry change the past if he could?Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/bkcdz6b6Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/yevxvc36Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery #CocaineAddiction #SchoolOfRockBottom

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 questioned your relationship with sex, porn, or compulsive behaviours, this is an honest, grounded reflection that may challenge how you think about addiction and recovery.This conversation looks at pornography not as a moral issue, but as a powerful neurological and emotional stimulus. We discuss how constant access can distort expectations around sex, intimacy, and body image, particularly for young people still forming a sense of self. The episode explores how porn can act as an entry point into more compulsive behaviours, how tolerance builds over time, and why the brain often cannot distinguish between digital stimulation and real human connection.There is also a candid discussion about objectification, shame, and validation. How the pursuit of approval through sex can feel like relief in the moment, yet leave deeper emptiness afterwards. How dopamine highs mirror other addictions, followed by anxiety, depression, and regret. And how blurred boundaries between fantasy and reality can escalate behaviour in ways people never expected or planned.Importantly, this episode does not stay in the problem. It speaks openly about recovery, meetings, and the quiet power of sharing honestly with others who understand. It reflects on love addiction, emotional attachment, and the difference between intimacy and intensity. It also highlights how meaning and stability can slowly replace compulsive coping mechanisms through connection, service, and telling the truth about our experiences.This is not a sensational story. It is a human one. A reminder that addiction often begins as an attempt to soothe pain, that many people are walking similar paths behind closed doors, and that help exists long before things fall apart completely. If this resonates, you are not alone, and you do not have to work it out by yourself.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODESpotify - https://bit.ly/3WCXK5sYouTube - https://bit.ly/3Ytj4f7Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eFor anyone struggling with these topics Mark suggests reaching out to -SLAA - https://slaauk.orgPodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow MarkX - https://x.com/ShentonStageInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/shentonstageFollow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#pornaddiction #slaa #recovery

Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce KickStart! A seven piece band of Minneapolis teenagers that are making a difference. Eddie (13, bass) and Sebastian (14, guitar) stop by to tell us all about the band's School Of Rock origins, their commitment to the Rock Code and the big benefit gig they have coming up this Saturday. Rock and Roll is alive and well, friends. The kids are alright. Cheers!

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 addiction and the possibility of recovery when all hope feels lost. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, trauma, or relapse, this conversation may be the one that unlocks a door. Charlotte was born into a loving home, yet by the age of 11 she was already using drugs and being arrested. At 13, following a sexual assault, her life escalated rapidly into violence, incarceration, and heavy substance use. What followed was an 18-year descent through crack, heroin, injecting, snowballing, repeated prison sentences, homelessness, and eventually a full psychotic breakdown. This episode shows what it really looks like when drugs take everything.Together, Oliver and Charlotte explore the link between childhood trauma and self-medication, how addiction progresses when left untreated, and why mixing stimulants and depressants can become so compelling and so dangerous. Charlotte speaks openly about using heroin then methodone during pregnancy under medical supervision, smoking spice in prison, living on the streets, and the shame and guilt that followed her for years. This is an honest conversation about accountability, consequences, and forgiveness in recovery.Most importantly, this episode is about how Charlotte finally got clean and sober, the role recovery programmes played in saving her life, and what it means to rebuild after nearly two decades lost to addiction. Now over a year clean, Charlotte has become a recovery advocate with more than 100,000 followers online and has been recognised with a High Sheriff Award for turning her life around. Her story challenges stereotypes and offers hope to those who feel they have gone too far to ever come back.This is a difficult but deeply hopeful episode about responsibility and redemption without clichés. If you believe addiction is a moral failing, this conversation may change your mind. If you're struggling right now, it may remind you that recovery is possible — even after everything has fallen apart. Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK, support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773e Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Topics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 4:00 A rock bottom moment5:10 Alcohol and drugs from 117:45 Not feeling good enough 8:45 Charlotte goes off the rails 10:30 The aftermath of sexual assault 11:30 Charlotte goes to prison 12:35 Why did Charlotte commit assault and self-forgiveness?16:30 Smoking spice in prison18:00 Escalation to snowballs 20:00 Living on the streets 22:00 Using methadone during pregnancy 25:15 Methadone & Heroin withdrawal 28:30 Unmanageable & powerless 30:30 The internal snap33:00 Addiction leaves me vulnerable 34:00 Why sharing rock bottom moments saves lives!36:15 How Charlotte found recovery 39:00 Are you in recovery if you take Methadone?41:50 The 12 steps saved my life 43:00 Recovery is more powerful than addiction 44:15 Can ANYONE addicted to drugs make it back?!46:30 Abstince from EVERYTHING?!48:15 TikTok is Step 12?49:15 Charlotte wins The Sheriff Award51:45 An emotional but hopeful end Follow Charlotte Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@charlottesrecoveringInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/charlotteseaman11Follow Oliverhttps://linktr.ee/olivermasonWatch/listen here YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yb54peseApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

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, Dave was invited into a three-month break from drinking. Not as an intervention. Not as a warning. Simply as support. What followed wasn't just sobriety, but clarity, momentum and the first glimpse of a different future.Dry January works because it removes judgement. It gives people permission to pause without having to explain themselves. In this conversation, we explore why Dry January creates that rare psychological space, why stopping “just for a month” can unlock deeper questions, and why curiosity is far more powerful than willpower. This episode speaks directly to anyone who has tried Dry January before, anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol, or anyone who has wondered what might happen if they didn't go back to drinking at the end of the month.This clip goes beyond counting days. It looks at what actually helps people stay stopped: community, education, self-investment and honest reflection. From weight loss and better sleep to rebuilding self-worth and identity, this is a reminder that meaningful change rarely comes from pressure or shame. It starts when someone feels invited rather than told.If Dry January has ever made you quietly ask, “What would my life look like if I kept going?”, this episode is for you.Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODEYouTube - https://bit.ly/3VSPOw9Spotify - https://bit.ly/402S5HsApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQAbout the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I'll bring you a quick ‘thought'—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Oliver & Dave are ambassadors for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773ePodcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalFollow Sober DaveInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/soberdaveWebsite - https://www.soberdave.co.ukPodcast - Search "One For The Road" on all platforms Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds#SoberLiving #DryJanuary #AlcoholRecovery

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 wake-up call that ended the secrecy and forced honesty to begin. We talk openly about addiction, cocaine recovery, relapse, accountability and what happens when denial finally breaks.Ryan is a recovery and wellness advocate and the founder of The Deep End, a community offering therapy, coaching, yoga, meditation and breathwork. With a background in the music industry, he speaks candidly about cocaine addiction, dry sniffing, ADHD, fantasy as escapism, and the slow, uneven reality of getting clean. He reflects on growing up using imagination as refuge, moving from weed to cocaine, and how addiction tightens its grip quietly rather than all at once.We explore the myth of the dramatic turning point, the cycle of stopping and starting, and why willpower alone never worked. Ryan explains how speaking the truth out loud became the real shift, how NA, CBT and therapy each played different roles, and why sharing publicly on TikTok helps him stay clean. We also discuss whether relapse is part of recovery, why counting days and chips can sometimes do more harm than good, and how to navigate New Year's Eve without cocaine.This is not a story about instant change or neat endings. It is a grounded conversation about patience, responsibility and learning to live without escape. If you are questioning your relationship with drugs, wondering whether cocaine has started to control you, or trying to understand what recovery actually looks like day to day, this episode will meet you where you are.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 3:00 A rock bottom moment 12:00 The loop of being in and out of recovery13:45 Using fantasy as a child to escape 17:00 Moving from weed to coke 19:30 Cocaine starts to get it's claws in 21:45 Will everyone who takes coke get addicted? 25:00 ADHD & dry sniffing?26:45 Ryan's recovery journey 32:00 NA, CBT & Therapy34:15 Why TikTok helps Ryan stay clean 36:10 Sponsor37:10 Does Ryan use old videos as reminders?38:45 What do the public want from Ryan?42:15 What is The Deep End?46:00 Is relapse part of recovery?48:15 Counting days & chips arent useful?!50:00 How do you stay away from drugs on New Years Eve?52:15 New Years Eve/Day is just another day?54:00 Patience & gratitude 57:15 Recovery or recovered?58:15 What do you want written on your gravestone?Follow RyanWebsite -https://www.wearethedeepend.comTikTok -https://www.tiktok.com/@ryaninrecoveryInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ryan_thedeependFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsPlease subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yc7zr7t9Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/4j6hy2wfApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#CocaineRecovery#AddictionRecovery#RecoveryPodcast

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 explore late ADHD diagnosis, the link between neurodiversity and alcohol misuse. Behind the titles, she was privately battling a late ADHD diagnosis, escalating drinking, and cycles of alcoholic psychosis. Today she's 2 years sober, deeply grounded in the work of recovery, and helping individuals and organisations understand neurodiversity, addiction, and human potential in a far more honest way.We walk through the earlier years too: the roots of self-medication, the dopamine-seeking patterns that began with sugar and the early risk-taking. Serena explains how ADHD can push high performers into dangerous coping mechanisms and why adults diagnosed later in life are statistically far more vulnerable to addiction. Here's the reality: adults with ADHD are three times more likely to develop addiction, and if they're diagnosed later in life, up to 60% are already battling substance issues. Among high achievers, 1 in 10 hides an addiction behind their success and around 1 in 4 will battle it at some point in their lives. We also discuss the end of an eighteen-year relationship, the impact of redundancy, the pressures of corporate travel, and the ways high achievers can hide addiction in plain sight. Serena brings clarity to how these dynamics fuel dependence and why some of the most capable, driven people can find themselves on the edge without ever realising how far they've fallen.Before we close, Serena shares clear, practical advice for anyone trying to stay clean and sober through Christmas and offers insight for anyone who looks successful on the outside but feels like they're collapsing internally. This is a conversation about reality, responsibility, hope and the possibility of change—delivered with truth, depth and humanity.If you've ever battled addiction, questioned your relationship with alcohol, lived with ADHD, or struggled to square your internal world with the life people assume you're living, this episode will stay with you.Oliver is an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK and you can access support here - https://tinyurl.com/5dt5773eThank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypalTopics -0:00 Trailer & Intro 4:00 A rock bottom moment 10:30 Would you rewrite history if you could?14:00 Why Serena needed pain to stop drinking 15:00 Enabling, toxic relationships & masking 18:30 Self medicating undiagnosed ADHD 22:00 Emotional dysregulation & RSD26:00 Nicotine, smoking and ADHD28:00 Daydreaming and fantasy 31:30 Workaholism?33:00 Rehab and coming out of denial 39:00 Getting excited about recovery 41:50 Using hyperfocus in recovery 44:30 Cocaine Anonymous 48:20 Sponsor49:20 Are you born with ADHD?50:20 How addiction and ADHD interact 53:30 Tips to stay sober at XmasFollow SerenaWebsite -https://www.serena.consultingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thereal_hrcoachSTRAIGHT OUTTA REHABhttps://amzn.eu/d/fmvl89UMY TWO BRAINS AND MEhttps://amzn.eu/d/6p88BoMFollow OliverIG - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFB - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsAlso WATCH here YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/229ndvfk#AddictionRecovery#AlcoholFree#SobrietyJourney

Send us a textWhat do a classroom of kid rockers, a surfing penguin, and a keyblade have to do with a modern pop-rock band? We invited Arrows In Action to walk us through the five influences that actually shaped their sound and the world around their new record, “I Think I've Been Here Before.” The through-line isn't random; it's a map of how community, big melodies, and vivid, even unlikely, references can turn into songs that feel immediate and alive.We start with School of Rock as the north star for band life—joyful, scrappy, and possible—then move through first shows and first loves: Mayday Parade in a Florida parking lot and the earnest, high-voltage writing that stuck. Fall Out Boy anchors a craft lesson: melody first, lyrics bent to fit with conviction, and a fearless approach to range and runs learned on early morning walks. The conversation swerves to Surfs Up, a surprising but perfect fit; its sun-faded soundtrack and underdog heart seeped into the album's front half, right down to a track that syncs to the film's final surf sequence. And Kingdom Hearts adds scale and stakes—cinematic intros, friendship-as-compass themes, and little glints of “video game” texture that give their arrangements lift.We dig into how the band rebuilt in 2018, moved in together, wrote relentlessly, and designed this release as two cohesive halves with their own tones. They talk intentional choices—synth colors, vocal stacks, and tempos—that keep the record tight without losing contrast. There are tour stories, a drum kit disaster turned crowd moment, closer debates, and practical advice for any band trying to “do it for real”: keep improving the music, copy what works and make it yours, persist when numbers dip, and make sure it stays fun.If you love pop-punk, emo-adjacent hooks, and big-hearted songwriting, this one's for you. Hit play, stream “I Think I've Been Here Before,” and tell us which influence you hear first. And if you enjoyed the show, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your support helps more listeners find the music and the stories behind it.Follow My Pop Five: @mypopfive on all platforms We'll see you next time. But until then, what's your Pop Five?

Legendary drummer and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Frank Zummo joins the show to talk about his powerful new book, Unbreakable Rhythm: My Journey Through Music, Wellness, and Mental Strength. Known for his work with Sum 41, Street Drum Corps, Mötley Crüe, and Linkin Park, Frank opens up about his path through music and how his workshops have evolved into a mission of mental wellness and resilience. We dig into the inspiration behind the book, the companion EP Feels, and how he continues to channel rhythm into healing and purpose. This isn't just a conversation about music — it's about finding balance, staying grounded, and staying unbreakable.

School Of Rock, Living In A Small Town, Door Cam Batteries and GinSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Richard Linklater is one of the most admired directors working today, and yet moviegoers may admire him for very different things. There are early comedies such as “Slacker” and “Dazed and Confused”; there's the romance trilogy that started with “Before Sunrise,” starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy; and the crowd-pleasers like “School of Rock” and “Hit Man.” Linklater's “Boyhood,” a coming-of-age story shot in the course of twelve years as its protagonist grew from child to young adult, is almost without precedent. This month, Linklater has two new movies releasing almost simultaneously, both dramatizing historical moments in the lives of creative geniuses. In “Blue Moon,” Hawke plays the Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart at the moment his career is being eclipsed by a rival, Oscar Hammerstein II. “My tagline for this movie, that they're not going to use on any posters, but it's my tagline: ‘Forgotten, but not gone,' ” Linklater tells our film critic Justin Chang. “It's so heartbreaking . . . to do a film about the end of someone's career.” In “Nouvelle Vague,” which is almost entirely in French, Linklater depicts the unconventional filming of Jean-Luc Godard's “Breathless,” his triumphant 1959 début. “The most important film,” Linklater says, “is the one you make in your head.” Justin Chang's article about Richard Linklater was published on September 27, 2025.

Miranda Cosgrove began her journey in film and television as a Nickelodeon mainstay, and now she's busy carving out a similar space for herself over at Netflix as she celebrates the release of her second romantic comedy for the streamer. Just last year she starred in Mother of the Bride opposite Brooke Shields, Benjamin Bratt, and Chad Michael Murray, and now she headlines and executive produces The Wrong Paris.In the film, Cosgrove plays Dawn, a young woman eager to study art in Paris, France. While she does manage to get into a prestigious program there, she can't quite afford it. That's where her reality TV-loving sister swoops in. Turns out, one of her favorite shows is doing a season set in Paris, so all Dawn has to do is get on the show, get eliminated fast, and then she's free to study. Trouble is, after Dawn is indeed selected as a contestant, the producers reveal that the season will actually take place in Paris ... Texas.With The Wrong Paris now available to watch on Netflix, Cosgrove visited the Collider Ladies Night studio for a chat about making the movie, and her journey to the streamer. While we did dig into her time on Drake & Josh and iCarly, Cosgrove also made a point to emphasize what a wonderful time she had on the set of her very first feature film. That movie? The 2003 smash hit, School of Rock starring Jack Black. After that, she discusses her experience serving as an executive producer on the iCarly revival, and shares memories from the set of The Wrong Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.