Episodes
47 | Ambrose Brown: Hep C, Heroin & Hope – Prison, Peer Support & The Micro-Elimination Mission
Matt sits down with Ambrose, a leading voice in the recovery community, for a powerful conversation tracing his journey from severe substance misuse to health, purpose, and advocacy. Ambrose candidly shares his experience wit...
#46 - Harriette: Alcohol Aged 10, Self-Harm Survival, Sexual Abuse, Discovering Autism, Overcoming Trauma & A Future In Conservation
WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, including graphic descriptions of violence and trauma. Starting to drink at just 10 years old, Harriette bravely recounts her youth in a household shattered by her...
#45 - Chris Sylvester - Heroin Aged 12, Crime, Trauma, Accountability, Hepatitis C, Cocaine, Manipulation, Homelessness, Drug Dealing, Working the 12 Steps & The Power of Second Chances
Matt is in conversation with former child heroin addict and Getting Clean founder, Chris Sylvester, whose descent into addiction began at just 12 years old. Chris shares his candid experiences, revealing the allure and grip o...
44 | Michelle Heaton: 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...
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....
#42 - Kirsty: Escaping Abuse, Overcoming Addiction, Building Self-Worth & Paying Her Lived Experience Forward
WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault including graphic descriptions of violence, trauma & abuse Matt explores Kirsty's journey through amphetamine addiction and the challenges of navigating complex rel...
41 | Young: Heroin, House Music & Healing – Smuggling, Acid House & Spiritual Surrender
Matt is in conversation with Young, whose powerful and chaotic journey through addiction began at just 11 years old and spiralled into a life fuelled by crack, cocaine, alcohol, and eventually heroin. Immersed in the Acid Hou...
#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...
#39 - Ian: Developing Alcohol Dependence In Retirement, Relationship Strains, The Physical Battle With Addiction & The Path To Recovery
Discover Ian's post-retirement journey in our latest episode. Dive into the challenges of newfound freedom and the silent battle against alcohol dependency. Join us as we uncover the layers of functioning alcoholism and the t...
#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...
#37 - Joe Cator: Hull FC, Hull KR, Men's Mental Health, Responsible Drinking & Life After Rugby
Matt delves into the remarkable journey of Joe Cator, navigating the highs and lows of professional rugby while grappling with the intricacies of men's mental health and responsible drinking. Joe's resilience shines through a...
#36 - Ruth: Alcohol Dependency, Cancer, Triggers, Drinking Behaviours & Exclusive Access To Her Personal Alcohol Diary
Matt delves into Ruth's courageous journey battling alcohol dependency while facing the formidable challenge of a cancer diagnosis. From the casual indulgence to the grip of addiction, Ruth candidly shares her experiences, de...
#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 ...
#34 - Andy Pea: Imposter Syndrome, Community Murals, Co-Production, Representing Hidden Voices & 10 Million People A Year Seeing His Artwork
Matt engages in a dynamic discussion with Hull's esteemed community artist, Andy Pea. Together, they embark on a journey through Andy's remarkable artistic evolution, peeling back the layers of his murals that have transforme...
#33- John: Heroin Addiction, Trauma, Stigma, Prison, Withdrawal, Harm Reduction & Injecting Heroin Into His Penis
Matt delves into a heartfelt conversation with John, a resilient Hull native whose journey transcends addiction to embody the essence of resilience. Now serving as a Harm Reduction worker, John's decade-long battle with heroi...
#32 - Robin Ince: Bibliomaniac, Moomins, ADHD, Writing Comedy, Anxiety, Neurodiversity, Ricky Gervais, Octopus Sex Arms & Talking About Suicide Openly
Matt delves into Robin's remarkable talent for blending comedy with science, all while championing rational inquiry through candid discussions on pressing societal issues. Robin's unique approach bridges the gap between humou...
#31 - Matt Downie MBE: Crisis, Ending Homelessness, Rough Sleeping, Sex Work, Hostels, Affordable Housing, Rogue Landlords & The 1824 Vagrancy Act
Matt engages in a profound conversation with Matt Downie MBE, Chief Executive of Crisis, the national charity for homeless people. Together, they delve into Matt's role as a dedicated advocate for change, exploring how his di...
#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...
#28 - Elly: Harm Reduction, Crack Use, Snowballing, Safer Injecting, Cannabis, Ketamine & Drug Myth Busting
Matt and Elly embark on an exploration into the realm of harm reduction. With nearly three decades of invaluable experience in the Drug & Alcohol sector, Elly provides insightful perspectives that shed light on the complexiti...
#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...
#26 - Andy Train: Embracing Body Image, Catfishing, FOMO, Addiction, The Living Statue World Championships, InterPride & Pride in Hull
Matt talks to Andy Train , Creative Director & Vice Chair of Pride in Hull, an InterPride Global Advisory Council Member for the British Isles, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man and the current The Living Statue World ...
#25 - Jill: Alcohol Addiction, Suicide Attempts, Relapse, Rehabilitation, Recovery, Aftercare, Family Strength, The Forward Trust & Empty Nest Syndrome
Matt delves into Jill's profound journey of overcoming alcohol addiction, surviving suicide attempts, navigating relapse, and finding renewal through recovery. In this deeply personal and transformative podcast episode, Jill ...
#24 - Kevin Kennedy: Alcohol Culture, Addiction, Coronation Street, The West End & 25 Years in Recovery
Matt is joined by Kevin Kennedy, actor and musician, best known for playing the character Curly Watts for 20 years in ITV's long-running television soap opera Coronation Street. Kevin serves as director of Kennedy Street reco...
#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...