
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
Matthew Butler
2024 British Podcast Award Winner & Radio Academy Award Nominated Podcast
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma with different people.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction then this podcast can help.
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Top 10 Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

#42 - Kirsty: Escaping Abuse, Overcoming Addiction, Building Self-Worth & Paying Her Lived Experience Forward
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
03/22/24 • 86 min
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 relationships. Kirsty shares her experiences with substance misuse and how it shaped her life, reflecting on her upbringing and family dynamics.
Kirsty courageously shares the weight of her previous relationships, shedding light on the impact of exploitation and multiple abusive partners who brought her to arrest and then reaching out for help. Kirsty delves into the psychological effects of trauma bonding, vividly illustrated through her first-hand experiences.
Kirsty's narrative is punctuated by victories, including marking her six-year sobriety milestone and embracing her role as a valued DWP Peer Mentor for the UK's leading third sector provider of drug and alcohol services, Change Grow Live.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#30 - Tommy Coyle: Life after Boxing, Family, Education, Adversity, Gym Junk Kitchen, Smokefree Hull & Madison Square Garden
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
10/26/23 • 41 min
In this episode, we're honoured to talk with former Commonwealth Lightweight Champion, Tommy Coyle, as he takes us on an extraordinary journey.
From his modest beginnings in Hull to stepping into the ring with Olympic Gold Medallist, Luke Campbell.
Tommy shares his post-fight insights and the adrenaline rush of competing at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
We'll also explore Tommy's post-boxing business ventures and, most importantly, delve into the profound impact of his father's smoking-related death on him and his family.
Get free advice and support to help you stop smoking at https://www.changegrowlive.org/smoke-free-hull

#22 - Braidey: Newly Qualified Nursing, Student Placements, Work-Life Balance, Professional Expectations & Nursing in the Community
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
05/11/23 • 35 min
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 time. Her work involves delivering an outreach nursing provision directly to homeless communities and addressing the unique healthcare needs of this vulnerable population.
As a student nurse, she faced numerous challenges, including navigating through numerous placements and managing industry expectations despite academic shortfalls. Braidey's story is a reminder that success is not always measured by academic achievements but by the effort and dedication she puts into her work and helping some of the hardest people to reach.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#61 - Paul Haley: Heroin Addiction, Lived Experience Catalyst, Challenging Stigma, Imposter Syndrome & Advocacy In Recovery Services
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
01/31/25 • 68 min
Paul Haley’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. Once caught in the grips of heroin and crack cocaine addiction, Paul reached a devastating rock bottom - an injecting injury that nearly cost him his arm. Faced with the harsh reality of where his addiction had taken him, he made the life-altering decision to turn things around.
With sheer determination, Paul rebuilt his life, channelling the same relentless drive that once fuelled his addiction into something positive. He pursued education, found purpose in helping others, and ultimately carved out a career in the very system that once supported his recovery. Now, with nearly two decades of sobriety, Paul serves as Change Grow Live’s National Service User Involvement Lead, using his lived experience to challenge stigma, empower service users, and advocate for meaningful change in drug and alcohol treatment services.
Paul’s story is not just about overcoming addiction - it’s about proving that recovery is more than just abstinence. It’s about rediscovering identity, reshaping perceptions, and demonstrating that those with lived experience are not defined by their past but by the strength they show in rebuilding their future.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#58 - Sarah Hicks (Part 2): Surviving Sexual Assault, Systemic Failures, Victim-Blaming Culture, Advocacy for Change, Violence Against Women and Girls & Societal Transformation
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
12/20/24 • 52 min
In the second part of this two-part episode, Matt continues his conversation with Sarah Hicks as she reflects on her journey through trauma, recovery, and advocacy.
Sarah shares the harrowing experience of surviving sexual assault, the long-term psychological impact, and her path to seeking justice. She candidly discusses the systemic challenges she faced during the investigation and legal proceedings, highlighting the critical need for change in how victims of sexual assault are treated.
The episode also delves into Sarah’s commitment to advocacy, exploring her work with the Violence Against Women and Girls Independent Advisory Group and her role as a lived experience coordinator.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#48 - Adam Maxted: Love Island, Professional Wrestling, Reality TV, Steroids & Image Enhancing Drugs, Instant Gratification Culture, WWE & Redefining Fame
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
07/26/24 • 83 min
Adam Maxted, professional wrestler and Love Island reality TV star joins Matt for a candid conversation about life in entertainment.
Adam shares his extraordinary journey, starting from the wrestling scene in Ireland, where opportunities were limited, to the transformative experience of participating in Love Island. He discusses how the show significantly boosted his career, leading to a dramatic increase in recognition and the birth of "Big Flex".
Adam addresses the mental and physical challenges he faced, including the toll of steroid use, the pressures of sudden fame, and the criticism from wrestling fans. The conversation covers the emotional highs and lows of his career, highlighting a missed WWE contract and a rigorous, yet unsuccessful, audition for UK Gladiators.
Matt explores Adam's reflections on instant gratification culture, particularly in bodybuilding, and the misconceptions surrounding steroid use. He shares personal experiences with fame and public perception, emphasising the unrealistic expectations placed on his lifestyle. The discussion underscores the importance of personal responsibility, showcasing Adam's efforts to redefine his identity beyond his reality TV persona.
Through honest discussions about maintaining a certain physique and the importance of post-cycle therapy for steroid users, Adam highlights the values of discipline, resilience, and self-acceptance. His story offers valuable insights into navigating personal trauma, breaking down stigmas associated with seeking help, and ultimately finding a path to personal growth and fulfilment.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#27 - Maizie Williams, Ongina, Tinchy Stryder & Ash Palmisciano: Mental Wellbeing, Challenging HIV Related Stigma, Pride in Hull, Boney M, Emmerdale, Black Mirror & Transgender Awareness
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
08/01/23 • 14 min
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 M's music in the recent episode of Black Mirror's sixth series.
Next, Matt engages in conversations with Tinchy Stryder and Ongina, a Filipino-American drag performer and HIV activist who came to international attention on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, who highlights the importance of challenging HIV stigma and embracing diversity in the LGBTQ+ community. Matt finally speaks with Emmerdale's Ash Palmisciano, known for his role as Matty Barton, discussing celebrity culture and trans awareness.
For more on Pride in Hull, visit: Pride in Hull.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#40 - Grand Dame Carol Black: UK Drug Policy, Recovery Pathways, Addiction Workforce Challenges, Mental Health Integration & Trauma Informed Care
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
03/08/24 • 38 min
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 secured record government funding of £780m to address drugs misuse. Her impactful reviews on drug abuse have catalysed a cross-government approach, reshaping strategies to tackle drug-related challenges.
Matt delves into her insights on the integration of mental health and addiction services, emphasising the crucial role of trauma support. He also explores Dame Carol's influential independent reviews on employment prospects, health, work, wellbeing, and sickness absence, all pivotal factors influencing productivity.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#53 - Tom: Drug Induced Paranoia, Psychosis, Cocaine Addiction, Disease of Alcoholism, Genetic Predispositions, Recovery Struggles, Suicide Battles & Only One Reason To Get Clean
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
11/15/24 • 64 min
Join Matt for a powerful conversation with Tom, a former talent agent whose life was drastically impacted by cocaine addiction.
Despite his high-earning lifestyle in central London, Tom shares his story of how addiction took control, culminating in the realisation that he was using drugs as he brought his new-born daughter home.
Tom reflects on his own childhood and his experience highlights addiction's damaging cycle, where moments of relief are overshadowed by drug induced psychosis, paranoia, and self-blame, driving further use.
As he details his recovery journey, Tom openly discusses his struggles with sobriety, periods of despair, and eventual intervention that led him to rehab and support.
His story illustrates the importance of support systems and the determination to rebuild, particularly in reconnecting with his daughter, underscoring the role of empathy and persistence in the path toward recovery.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.

#54 - Shev: Teenage Motherhood, Pub Industry Drinking, Generational Patterns, Recovery Journey & Sober Festivals
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
11/23/24 • 55 min
Matt jumps straight in at the deep end as Shev shares the profound impact of shouldering responsibilities far beyond her years, including becoming a mother at just 17.
In this deeply personal conversation, Shev delves into the emotional challenges of abandonment, the strain and strength of familial bonds, and the role addiction played in shaping her path.
Reflecting on her transition from occasional drinking to dependency within the pub industry, she candidly discusses the societal stereotypes she faced as a single mother and her determination to rewrite her story.
Together, they uncover the power of community, family interventions, and the growing sober movement, showcasing how recovery offers not just an escape from addiction but the chance for a vibrant and fulfilling new chapter in life.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.
For our full back catalogue you can visit our website ⬇️
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.comIf you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.
You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
We'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Christopher Tait of the band Belle Ghoul & Electric Six for allowing us to use the track Jonathan Tortoise. Thank you, Chris, for being a part of this journey with us.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma have?
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma currently has 65 episodes available.
What topics does Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma cover?
The podcast is about Addiction, Alcohol, Society & Culture, Podcasts, Education, Drinking, Recovery and Drugs.
What is the most popular episode on Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma?
The episode title '#19 - Nadine: Parenting, Partying, Autism, Methadone, TikTok, Trauma & A 17 Year Heroin Addiction' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma?
The average episode length on Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma is 58 minutes.
How often are episodes of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma released?
Episodes of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma are typically released every 15 days, 23 hours.
When was the first episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma?
The first episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma was released on Mar 11, 2022.
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