Episodes

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Matt jumps straight into a heartfelt and unflinching conversation with Shev, who reflects on the emotional weight of adult responsibilities placed on her from an early age - including becoming a mother at just 17.

Shev speaks candidly about the wounds of abandonment, the complexity of family relationships, and how alcohol use quietly escalated while working in the pub industry. She challenges the stigma that surrounds single mo...

Join Matt for a gripping and emotional conversation with Tom, a former talent agent whose high-flying lifestyle in central London masked a devastating struggle with cocaine addiction. Tom recounts the harrowing moment he realised he was using drugs while bringing his new-born daughter home - a wake-up call that forced him to confront the grip addiction had on his life. Reflecting on his own childhood, Tom explores the psychological toll of drug-induced psychosis, self-blame, and the destructive ...

Matt is joined by Ollie for a raw and introspective conversation tracing his journey from early childhood trauma to recovery. After losing his mother at just eight years old and navigating the fallout of his father’s 22-year prison sentence at fifteen, Ollie turned to cannabis as a coping mechanism - eventually becoming heavily dependent and identifying as a self-proclaimed “weed connoisseur.” He candidly reflects on how his rationalisation masked the deep mental health toll, including psychotic...

Join Matt for an extraordinary conversation with Andre, whose story spans over three decades in a Los Angeles prison following convictions for armed robbery and murder.

Opening with a raw account of the grief, addiction, and desperation that drove his actions, Andre offers a gripping exploration of life inside the U.S. prison system - marked by gang violence, racial segregation, and institutional corruption. What sets this episode apart is Andre’s profound introspection, as he reflects on the c...

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 grandmother’s role as a local drug dealer - Emma’s path quickly escalated from early experimentation to heroin and crack cocaine dependency by 23. She shares pivotal and harrowing moments, including a public overdose and being revived with naloxone, offering a stark portrait ...

Johnny Borrell - guitarist, singer, and frontman of Razorlight - joins Matt for an honest and introspective conversation about teenage heroin addiction, the road to recovery, and the stigma surrounding substance use in the music industry. Johnny shares the emotional fallout of being removed from his band due to drug use and how a combination of supportive relationships and the unlikely refuge of Championship Manager helped him begin to rebuild. Reflecting on the intense pressures of recording Ra...

Adam Maxted - professional wrestler and Love Island reality TV star - joins Matt for an unfiltered conversation about life in the spotlight, the pursuit of physical perfection, and the emotional complexities behind public success. From his early days navigating a limited wrestling scene in Ireland to the explosive fame that followed his appearance on Love Island, Adam shares the highs and lows of a career shaped by sudden recognition, body image pressures, and the creation of his larger-than-lif...

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 with a wide range of substances - including alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines, benzos, and heroin - initially used to cope with social anxiety and emotional discomfort. His story unfolds through a series of devastating lows, from incarceration and relationship brea...

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 father's alcoholism and her mother's involvement in abusive relationships. Whilst she was in primary school, her weekends involved consuming alcohol, reflecting a need to escape from the difficult circumstances at home.

Harriette describes the severe self-harm incidents t...

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 of narcotics on both individuals and communities. His story transcends survival; it's a narrative of redemption, where pride and agony intersect in the pursuit of healing. But amidst the tales of violence, incarceration, and loss, there lies an undercurrent of hope.

This ep...

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 raw realities of addiction and the transformative power of sustained sobriety, offering heartfelt reflections on balancing motherhood, self-care, and the ongoing work of personal growth. She shares her experience sponsoring others, navigating the ever-present risk of relap...

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. Amy Jo opens up about her decision to live alcohol-free, framing it not as a burden but as a liberating and life-affirming choice. She reflects on a childhood shaped by growing up in a religious cult and her father’s struggle with alcoholism, revealing how these formative e...

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 House scene and rising to global prominence as a DJ, Young masked a deepening substance dependency while navigating a double life as a drug smuggler and dealer. His story unravels the seductive illusion of control, revealing the cost of adrenaline-charged highs and the despair ...

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 recognises only the most exceptional and sustained service to the UK. Fewer than 80 women have received the honour and Dame Carol is the first female doctor to be made a Dame Grand Cross.

Celebrated for her instrumental role in shaping UK's drug policy, Dame Carol's efforts s...

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, detailing her use of alcohol diaries to unravel her triggers and pave the path towards recovery. Ruth's unwavering commitment to maintaining sobriety amidst the adversity of her illness serves as a profound source of inspiration. Her story illuminates the virtues of resil...

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 eating disorder.

Throughout the conversation, Matt and Claira candidly examine the influence of labels, trauma, and emotional triggers on mental well-being, while shedding light on the concerning trend of 'misogyny grifting.'

The discussion also delves into the gender-spec...

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 heroin addiction positions him as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar challenges.

As John bravely recounts his path to recovery, he not only shares his personal struggles but also provides a guiding light for those still grappling with addiction.

His story serves as...

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 humour and serious topics, as he fearlessly tackles subjects such as homelessness, addiction, suicide, and the pervasive stigmas surrounding them. Robin Ince is a multi-award winning comedian, writer and broadcaster. As well as spending decades as one the UK’s most resp...

In this episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, Matt is joined by Kevin Kennedy - actor and musician best known for playing Curly Watts for 20 years on ITV’s long-running soap Coronation Street, and now director of Kennedy Street recovery services.

Kevin reflects on his very public battle with alcohol addiction and how active recovery over the last 25 years has reshaped his life, identity and purpose. He talks about the strange reprieve of playing a much-loved character whil...

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 with addiction to substances and shares her experiences of living with Tourette's. She discusses the challenges of finding support and acceptance within both the transgender and neurodiversity communities and shares her insights on how to better support those living with To...

Matt is joined by Pete and they candidly discuss the journey throughout his addiction to heroin and his lifestyle in recovery,

They discuss the modern history of addiction, drug culture, heroin chic and how his personal experiences led to helping others and gaining employment in the sector.

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Matt is joined by Emmy and BRIT Award-winning singer Michelle Heaton, best known as a member of the pop group Liberty X. In April 2021, Michelle bravely entered rehab to confront her battle with addiction — a decision that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Now 21 months sober, she reflects on the realities of recovery and shares the tools that have helped her live a healthy, balanced life.

In this heartfelt episode, Michelle discusses the importance of setting boundaries in soci...

Matt talks to Darren about his journey from taking his first substance aged nine - right through to present day and his time with Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

NA offers recovery from the effects of addiction through working a twelve-step program, including regular attendance at group meetings. The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.

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Matt is joined by Mark Moody, CEO of the UK's largest Drug & Alcohol Charity, Change Grow Live. Mark candidly discusses his rise from an entry level position with only 40 people in the organisation all the way to being responsible for over 4,000 employees. Mark and Matt discuss: The impact of Dame Carol Black's independent review on drugs The public's perception of Change Grow LiveGrowing up in Scotland during the heroin epidemic Click here to text our host, Matt, directl...