Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.