Soberly Speaking

• Michael Lappin: The Comeback After Relapse

  I've been following Michael Lappin on social media for a while now and even reached out to him when Soberly Speaking first launched, hoping to have him on as one of my guests. Weeks passed without a reply—until I came across a video where he shared he had relapsed.Michael's story, and this interview, really show how messy and non-linear addiction can be: time in and out of jail, broken promises, and having to start over again—sometimes more than once.What makes this conversation even more important is who Michael is. He's this big, burly guy—when I hugged him at the interview, I even joked about how big his muscles were. And yet here he is, openly sharing his struggles. It’s so important for other men to see someone like him being vulnerable and reaching out for external help.Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of substance abuse, violence, and criminal offences, including attempted murder. Follow Michael Lappin on InstagramReady to share your story? Email [email protected]: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & Host- Julia RangiheueaImage & Logo- Jasmine RuleIn the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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• Psychosis, Violence & Homelessness: Tara Bentley

  JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeakingThe first time Tara tried Ice, it gave her a euphoria she’d never known. Coming from a violent household — a pattern that would repeat throughout her life — she was desperate to escape her reality from a young age.During active addiction, Tara was found jumping on a car in full-blown psychosis. She woke up in psych wards, witnessed crimes most of us couldn’t begin to imagine, and lived with an extremely dangerous drug dealer.Tara and I have an eye-opening conversation about why she doesn’t call herself an addict — and why she doesn’t identify as being in recovery either.This chat has my head spinning. It’s made me seriously reconsider the way I talk about myself and my own journey.I’d love to hear your thoughts too.Trigger warning: we discuss themes of domestic violence, substance abuse, psychosis, and graphic scenes of violence. Please take care before listening.Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & Host- Julia RangiheueaImage & Logo- Jasmine RuleIn the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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• How One Year Without Alcohol Changed Julia Vogl’s Life

  Julia Vogl never identified with having a drinking problem, but she realised alcohol was holding her back and capping her potential. It’s a story so many can relate to, knowing something isn’t good for you, not being addicted to, yet continuously crawling back to it.Growing up confused about her sexuality and living with internalised homophobia, she would kiss girls while drunk, only to spiral into shame afterward, keeping her stuck in a cycle of self-hatred. Taking a six-month break from drinking turned into a year, then a lifestyle. She found purpose, saved a small fortune, and witnessed how one person quitting drinking can lift up those around them.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse.Follow Julia Vogl on InstagramReady to share your story? Email [email protected]: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & Host- Julia RangiheueaVideo & Audio- Stitch Up StudiosImage & Logo- Jasmine RuleIn the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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  46:46
• The Mother of Two Addicted Sons

  JOIN THE UNSPOKEN: https://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeakingJo is a mother to four boys, her first two have both suffered with addiction. Two very different personalities: one the awkward, gentle kid; the other, the popular party boy.Only two and a half years apart, their addictions ruled the family — from smashing each other’s belongings to being maced by police in the front yard. At one point, one of the brothers even shot the other. The chaos led to countless court cases and eventually cost Jo her marriage.This episode is a powerful wake-up call to how devastating addiction can be for the people around it. Jo has lost everything; her career, finances, and friendships, to her sons’ addictions.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse and violence.Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & Host- Julia RangiheueaImage & Logo- Jasmine RuleIn the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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  2:40
• Fearing Sobriety More Than Death with Patrick Kennedy

  Patrick’s struggle wasn’t just with alcohol and drugs, they were symptoms of a much deeper issue: his inability to sit with discomfort. For years, he convinced himself that, “Once my mental health is under control, I’ll stop drinking.” A lie I’m sure we’ve all told ourselves at some point.In the beginning, alcohol seemed like the solution, the only way to do the things he felt he couldn’t do on his own. But as his addiction spiralled, he suddenly realised where it was inevitably leading; death.His parents dropped him off at rehab, and it was there that a counsellor spoke three simple words that changed everything for him.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse.Follow Patrick Kennedy on InstagramReady to share your story? Email [email protected]: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotlineCreator & Host- Julia RangiheueaVideo & Audio- Stitch Up StudiosImage & Logo- Jasmine RuleIn the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

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