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

Women Episodes

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

The experiences of women navigating addiction, recovery, and societal stigma are deeply personal and often shaped by unique challenges. This category also focuses on the lived realities of women, including those engaged in sex work and those who have survived sexual violence. Episodes provide a platform for women to share their stories, highlighting the resilience and strength required to heal. Discussions explore the intersection of trauma, exploitation, and addiction, while also addressing the systemic barriers women face in accessing support. With a focus on empathy and advocacy, this category aims to empower women and promote understanding of the gendered dimensions of addiction and recovery.
Dec. 20, 2024

57 | Sarah Hicks: Gaslighting, Grief & Generational Pain – Surviving Trauma & Reclaiming Life

In this in-depth two-part episode, Matt sits down with Sarah Hicks for a raw and reflective conversation that spans addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, grief, and recovery. Sarah opens up about her early experiences wit...

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Dec. 20, 2024

58 | Sarah Hicks: Assault, Advocacy & The Fight To Change Systems – Violence Against Women

In the second part of this powerful two-part episode, Matt continues his conversation with Sarah Hicks as she reflects on her journey through trauma, justice, and recovery. Sarah shares her experience of surviving sexual assa...

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Dec. 19, 2024

56 | Zoe: Substances, Sabotage & ADHD – British Youth, Hospitality Culture & the Road to Recovery

Matt speaks with Zoe, whose powerful story charts a path through substance misuse, undiagnosed ADHD, and trauma toward recovery and renewal. Growing up in an environment where drug use was normalised, Zoe began using cannabis...

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Nov. 23, 2024

54 | Shev Nuttall: Pints, Parenthood & Patterns – Pub Culture & the Rise of Sober Festivals

Matt jumps straight in at the deep end as Shev opens up about the weight of adult responsibilities thrust upon her from a young age, including becoming a mother at just 17. In this heartfelt and unflinching conversation, Shev...

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Sept. 27, 2024

50 | Emma Plant: Ecstasy to Overdose – Heroin, Maternal Struggles & Naloxone Awakening

Join Matt as he sits down with Emma, whose powerful and unflinching account traces a journey through addiction that began at just 11 years old. Growing up in a family shaped by substance use - her father’s addiction and her g...

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July 1, 2024

#46 - Harriette: Alcohol Aged 10, Self-Harm Survival, Sexual Abuse, Discovering Autism, Overcoming Trauma & A Future In Conservation

WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, including graphic descriptions of violence and trauma. Starting to drink at just 10 years old, Harriette bravely recounts her youth in a household shattered by her...

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May 2, 2024

44 | Michelle Heaton: Fame, Fear & Fighting Back – Addiction, Body Shaming & Sobriety Survival

Emmy and BRIT award-winning singer Michelle Heaton returns to Believe in People to mark three years of sobriety with a candid and inspiring conversation about recovery, resilience, and reinvention. Michelle opens up about the...

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April 11, 2024

43 | Amy Jo Johnson: Alcohol Free & Loving Life – Pink Power Ranger To Wellness Advocate

Matt is joined by Amy Jo Johnson - actress, singer, writer, and filmmaker best known as the original Pink Ranger from the 90s phenomenon Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation....

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March 22, 2024

#42 - Kirsty: Escaping Abuse, Overcoming Addiction, Building Self-Worth & Paying Her Lived Experience Forward

WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault including graphic descriptions of violence, trauma & abuse Matt explores Kirsty's journey through amphetamine addiction and the challenges of navigating complex rel...

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March 8, 2024

#40 - Grand Dame Carol Black: UK Drug Policy, Recovery Pathways, Addiction Workforce Challenges, Mental Health Integration & Trauma Informed Care

Matt welcomes back Professor Dame Carol Black for her second appearance on the Believe in People Podcast. Dame Carol, recently awarded the prestigious Grand Cross, the highest level in the order, and is awarded rarely and rec...

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March 7, 2024

#38 - Hannah: Sober Butterfly Collective, British Drinking Culture, Authentic Friendships & Healing Homes

Ever found yourself caught in the relentless cycle of social binge drinking and wondered if there's another way to live? That's the very crossroad our guest, Hannah from the Sober Butterfly Collective, encountered before tran...

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Dec. 8, 2023

#35 - Claira Hermet: Social Anxiety, Sober Nights Out, Misogyny Grifting, Eating Disorders, The Orgasm Gap & Her Role as a Social Media Influencer

Matt and Claira embark on a profound exploration of the human experience in this episode, delving into the intricate dynamics of social anxiety, navigating sober nights out, and grappling with a decade-long battle against an ...

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Oct. 17, 2023

#29 - Mariana: Menopause, Perimenopause, Drug & Alcohol Training, Argentina, Methadone, Injecting Lemons & Pouring Milk On Her Cat Food

Matt engages in conversation with Mariana, a respected figure in Drug and Alcohol Awareness Community Training. Mariana brings forth a wealth of insights, blending personal anecdotes, cultural perspectives, and crucial topics...

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Aug. 1, 2023

#27 - Maizie Williams, Ongina, Tinchy Stryder & Ash Palmisciano: Mental Wellbeing, Challenging HIV Related Stigma, Pride in Hull, Boney M, Emmerdale, Black Mirror & Transgender Awareness

Matt is backstage at Pride in Hull 2023. With over 50 years in the industry and an original member of Boney M, Maizie shares insights into her career with Matt as well as maintaining her mental well-being, and discusses Boney...

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May 11, 2023

#22 - Braidey: Newly Qualified Nursing, Student Placements, Work-Life Balance, Professional Expectations & Nursing in the Community

Matt is joined by Braidey, a newly qualified nurse in addiction services. Braidey gives a compelling and honest account of becoming a nurse and gives practical advice for those looking to enter this profession for the first t...

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April 4, 2023

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

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

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Feb. 24, 2023

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

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

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Jan. 31, 2023

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

Matt is joined by Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle. Emma candidly discusses her background in teaching to becoming politically active in 2011 and using her profile and influence to tackle stigma. Emma and Matt discuss: Stigma, addiction, recovery and education in Hull.The RE:Uniform campaign, reverse advent calendar and poverty premium.Emma's involvement with Endometriosis and Menopaus'ull.Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episo…

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Jan. 24, 2023

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

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

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Dec. 23, 2022

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

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

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Oct. 18, 2022

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

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

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Oct. 11, 2022

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

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

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Sept. 5, 2022

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

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

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Aug. 11, 2022

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

In Episode 9 Matt talks to Professor Dame Carol Black. In 2019 Dame Carol was commissioned by the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care to undertake a 2-part independent review of drugs, to inform the government’s thinking on what more can be done to tackle the harm that drugs cause. Part one was published on 27 February 2020 and provides a detailed analysis of the challenges posed by drug supply and demand, including the ways in which drugs fuel serious violence. Part tw.…

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