Soberly Speaking

It feels like an injustice to Stony's story to try and capture her life in one single interview. From as early as she can remember, Stony's witnessed and been victim to violence and struggled with the presence of addiction in her family. Today In part 1, Stony talks about being sexually assaulted as a child from someone known to her, running a trap house and selling a commercial supply of drugs. Along the way, she faced domestic violence, an unwanted pregnancy and watched the beheading of someone.

The common thread that ties all of these horrific events together, is drugs and alcohol.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of trauma, violence, substance abuse, assault and abortion. Please listen with care.

Follow Stony on Instagram
Ready to share your story? Email [email protected]
Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea
Video producer- Beaudene Perussich
Image & logo- Jasmine Rule
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

What happens to the children of addicts who can no longer care for them?

For many children, the effects of a parent's addiction are profound, far-reaching, and often invisible. Tony, also known as Tony Vlogs, now in his late twenties, is one of those children. His mother struggled with addiction and mental health issues, while his stepfather subjected him to both physical and emotional abuse. At the age of six, Tony was placed into the state’s care, moving between foster homes.

Despite the weight of these struggles, Tony has found a way to share his story. Through his platform, he speaks openly about his ongoing mental health journey, shedding light on the impact of his past and the long, difficult process of healing.
Follow Tony on TikTok
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Want to share your story? Email [email protected]
Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea
Video producer- Beaudene Perussich
Image & logo- Jasmine Rule
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Jasmine's story is unique among my interviews. She grew up witnessing the impact of addiction first hand on not one, but two of her older siblings. From visiting them in juvenile correctional facilities as teenagers to ultimately taking custody of their children, Jas' loyalty has never wavered.

This is a powerful story of resilience, tenacity, and love. This is part 2 of 2.
Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea
Video producer- Beaudene Perussich
Image & logo- Jasmine Rule
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Jasmine's story is unique among my interviews. She grew up witnessing the impact of addiction first hand on not one, but two of her older siblings. From visiting them in juvenile correctional facilities as teenagers to ultimately taking custody of their children, Jas' loyalty has never wavered.

We connected through a Facebook group called "Māori in Sydney," and out of all the responses, she was the only one who not only agreed to the interview but was also willing to be filmed. In the Polynesian culture, discussing addiction is often taboo, so I’m incredibly grateful for her openness.

This is a powerful story of resilience, tenacity, and love. This is part 1 of 2.
Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea
Video producer- Beaudene Perussich
Image & logo- Jasmine Rule
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Ivy Sardi was still out on bail when we recorded this episode. A former drug dealer, Ivy was awaiting sentencing for commercial drug supply.

In our conversation, Ivy shares how he never touched drugs until his mid-twenties. From then, it was a rapid decline, leading to suicidal ideations, jail time, run-ins with the Raptor Squad, and waking up in hospital not knowing if he had killed someone.
I'm incredibly grateful to Ivy for being so authentic in his storytelling, particularly regarding his mental health struggles.
I hope you love this chat with Ivy Sardi x

Trigger warning: suicide and heavy substance abuse.
Guest- Ivy Sardi
Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea
Video producer- Beaudene Perussich
Image & logo- Jasmine Rule
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015
https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.