2024 British Podcast Award Winner & 2025 Radio Academy Award Nominated Podcast

Prison Episodes

Addiction and the criminal justice system are often intertwined, with many individuals navigating incarceration or probation alongside recovery. This category explores the systemic issues that contribute to addiction-related offenses and examines alternatives to incarceration, such as drug courts and treatment programs. Featuring stories of recovery from those involved in the justice system, these episodes highlight the importance of restorative justice, post-incarceration support, and advocacy for policy reform. The podcast provides a critical lens on the intersection of addiction, crime, and societal inequality.
Carole Boss Watson: TikTok Sober Queen, 45 Years in Addiction, Gangster Dad and Sobriety
30
June 9, 2026

Carole Boss Watson: TikTok Sober Queen, 45 Years in Addiction, Gangster Dad and Sobriety

The TikTok sensation known to millions as "Sober Queen" joins us on Believe in People. Carole Watson's story is unlike anything we've featured before. Her addiction began at just ten years old and continued for more than 45 years through drugs, alcohol, crime, prison, abusive relationships, health scares and repeated brushes with death. Known online for her brutally honest recovery content, humour and storytelling, Carole has built a huge following on TikTok as @carolebosswatson, inspiring pe...
Chiedu Oraka: Drugs, Prison & Fame - From Street Culture to Supporting Coldplay
9
Jan. 15, 2026

Chiedu Oraka: Drugs, Prison & Fame - From Street Culture to Supporting Coldplay

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma , Chiedu Oraka, one of the UK’s most distinctive emerging voices in rap, also known as The Black Yorkshireman, joins Matt to discuss dual identity, stigma, and the turning points that reshaped his life. Born and raised on a Hull council estate in a Nigerian household, Chiedu grew up balancing two worlds: cultural expectations at home and the pressure to fit in outside - while carrying the weight of how others perceived him. We ex...
Taz Hussain: Racism, Culture & Addiction - Recovery as a British-Pakistani Muslim
2
Nov. 13, 2025

Taz Hussain: Racism, Culture & Addiction - Recovery as a British-Pakistani Muslim

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma , we are privileged to sit down with Taz , whose life story spans racism, identity conflict, culture, trauma, addiction, and the long path to redemption. Born in Britain to Pakistani parents, Taz grew up between cultures – navigating violence, racism, and confusion around faith, masculinity, and belonging. Forced into an arranged marriage, his life spiralled into addiction, offending, and prison before honesty, therapy, and self-...