Slaying Sober

James Date
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Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.

  1. Ep 29 - Part 2 - Joe - Taming the Monster: From Bouncing & Bashings to Balance

    1 DAY AGO

    Ep 29 - Part 2 - Joe - Taming the Monster: From Bouncing & Bashings to Balance

    PART 2: The Power of Change and The Power of Forgiveness From Rage to Redemption: Addiction Recovery Story Melbourne dad Joe shares his raw journey from childhood sexual abuse, bullying, and bikie violence to sobriety. Hiding trauma as a teen, he turned to booze, drugs, and bouncing—until a rage-filled night destroying his home terrified his daughter. Discover AA, monastery rehab in Italy, martial arts mastery, and forgiving his abuser. Now an AOD teacher and coach, Joe proves change is possible. Key topics: Italian-Aussie identity and school racism Suicidal thoughts and brutal violence Bikie life costs on family "Warrior" discipline for self-control Grandfather life changing lives If you're battling addiction or trauma, this hits hard #podcast #spotify #podcasting #healingjourney #addictionrecovery #slayingsober #mentalgrowth #martialartslife #resilience #identitytransformation #selfcontrol#warriorspath

    24 min
  2. Ep 29 - Part 1 - Joe - Taming the Monster: From Bouncing & Bashings to Balance

    1 DAY AGO

    Ep 29 - Part 1 - Joe - Taming the Monster: From Bouncing & Bashings to Balance

    From Rage to Redemption: Addiction Recovery Story Melbourne dad Joe shares his raw journey from childhood sexual abuse, bullying, and bikie violence to sobriety. Hiding trauma as a teen, he turned to booze, drugs, and bouncing—until a rage-filled night destroying his home terrified his daughter. Discover AA, monastery rehab in Italy, martial arts mastery, and forgiving his abuser. Now an AOD teacher and coach, Joe proves change is possible. Key topics: Italian-Aussie identity and school racism Suicidal thoughts and brutal violence Bikie life costs on family "Warrior" discipline for self-control Grandfather life changing lives If you're battling addiction or trauma, this hits hard #podcast #spotify #podcasting #healingjourney #addictionrecovery #slayingsober #mentalgrowth #martialartslife #resilience #identitytransformation #selfcontrol#warriorspath

    49 min
  3. Ep. 28 - John - A Professional Drug Addict for 33 years. And 4 Golden Rules for Recovery

    2 FEB

    Ep. 28 - John - A Professional Drug Addict for 33 years. And 4 Golden Rules for Recovery

    Ep. 28 - John - A Professional Drug Addict for 33 years. And 4 Golden Rules for Recovery John – A Professional Drug Addict for 33 YearsA 33-Year Addiction, Rock Bottom & Real Recovery What does rock bottom really look like after three decades of addiction? In this unfiltered episode of Slaying Sober, host James Date sits down with John, a recovering addict who tells it exactly as it was — no masks, no excuses. From gang life and violence to jail time, suicide attempts, and the insanity of addiction, nothing is off limits. John reminds us that addiction isn’t a moral weakness — it’s an emotional response — and that real recovery demands relentless honesty and total commitment. This isn’t a “feel-good” recovery story. It’s a real one. A 33-year addiction told with brutal honesty — no filters, no fluff Real talk on the 12 steps, sponsors, and true fellowship Addiction unpacked beyond drugs — it’s about behavior, thought, and identity A grounded take on spirituality without labels or dogma Recovery described like a football game — every quarter, every play counts “Addiction is an emotional response — not a moral failure.” “If I’m serious, I have to give it everything I’ve got.” “Rock bottom for an addict is death.” Recovery begins with honesty, awareness, and connection Gratitude for hard times is spiritual mastery You don’t have to call it God — just learn to understand yourself 00:00 – John’s story begins00:57 – Childhood, bullying & belonging04:44 – Addiction takes over08:27 – Jail, chaos & consequences13:51 – What rock bottom really is18:52 – Relapse, pain & truth29:59 – Hardcore recovery explained35:15 – Spirituality without labels44:18 – Words, perception & reality55:45 – Growth, service & rebuilding life Anyone struggling with addiction or relapse People curious about 12-step recovery and community Listeners interested in mental health, spirituality & self-awareness Anyone who needs hope — without the hype #SlayingSober #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #12StepProgram #Sobriety #MentalHealthAwareness #RockBottom #LifeAfterAddiction #HealingJourney #PersonalTransformation

    59 min
  4. Suzie Browne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63.

    19 JAN

    Suzie Browne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63.

    Suzie Browne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63. She drank for 45 years.She got sober at 63. And she’s telling the kind of truth most people spend a lifetime avoiding. In this raw, no‑filters chat, Suzie opens up about hermemoir The Hole in the Soul: From Chaos to Clarity — a storybuilt on addiction, jail time, broken relationships, spiritual bankruptcy… and the long road to redemption. We talk about what it’s really like when: Alcohol feels like the love of your life — until it turns on you. You drink against your own will. Relapse knocks you flat after years of “doing so well.” The shame is quiet, but it’s everywhere. And one moment in a bar changes everything. This isn’t a shiny recovery story. It’s real — messy, confronting, and deeply human. Why this conversation hits different: Most stories about addiction tidy up the truth. Suzie doesn’t. She doesn’t sell hope — she lives it, one day, one choice at a time. If you’ve ever felt: Stuck in habits you hate Afraid you’ve gone too far to come back Tired of pretending everything’s fine This conversation’s for you. 🎧 Listen now: SuzieBrowne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63. Follow Slaying Sober for more real, honest stories that cut through the noise. And if someone you love needs to hear this… send it their way. Because sometimes, the path to clarity really doesbegin in chaos. #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyStories #NeverTooLate#HealingJourney #RealTalk #FromChaosToClarity #SlayingSober Suzie Browne – A Hole in the Soul Available here: www.amazon.com.au/Hole-Soul-Suzie-Browne/dp/1764350502

    54 min

  5. 13 JAN

    Dale - Boys Do Cry: You Get What You Earn

    This is not just a sobriety story — it’s a fatherhood, identity, and transformation story. In this deeply honest episode of Slaying Sober, James sits down with Dale, a husband, father, musician, powerlifter, and recovering alcoholic, to unpack how casual drinking quietly turned into isolation, shame, and dependency — and how choosing sobriety gave him the life he never thought possible. From hiding cans and drinking alone… to journaling, setting boundaries, and becoming the dad his kids have never seenwith a drink in his hand — this conversation hits where ithurts and where it heals. • A real story of functional alcoholism that manyrelate to but rarely admit• The emotional moment that made him say: “I have a problem”• How fatherhood became the non-negotiable reason to quit• Sobriety without AA — journaling, honesty, and community instead• Why strength training, routine, and kindness became survival tools• A powerful reminder: you don’t miss what alcohol took from you until it’s gone Drinking alone, shame, and hiding in plain sightEmotional regulation through alcohol — and what happens when it stops workingCrying, masculinity, and learning to feel againMarriage, boundaries, and outgrowing old friendshipsWhy sobriety didn’t make life smaller — it made it meaningful   00:01 What truly brings joy after addiction04:33 When weekend drinking became daily drinking06:02 Drinking alone, shame, and isolation12:22 What “rock bottom” actually looked like18:25 “I think I have a problem” — the turning point21:42 Choosing sobriety without an end date24:26 Tattoos, mantras, and earning your life back26:40 Crying, kids, and emotional presence29:00 Fatherhood as the ultimate why32:45 Journaling, talking, and staying sober36:14 Helping others and receiving it back42:12 “I hope I never drink again” If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode is for you.If you’re sober-curious, struggling quietly, or supporting someone who is — this episode matters. Like to support real recovery storiesSubscribe to Slaying Sober for honest conversations about addiction,healing, and growth #SlayingSober #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #Fatherhood#MentalHealthMatters#RecoveryPodcast #RealStories #TraumaHealing #AlcoholFreeLife

    53 min

  6. 5 JAN

    Part 2 - Amber - From Ice House Hell to Clean at 19

    She was using ice through needles, selling her body at 17, and disappearing from herself—until one moment of surrender changed everything Amber’s story on the Slaying Sober podcast is raw, confronting, and deeply hopeful.From growing up in Australia’s heavy drinking culture to teenage substance use, sex work, and intravenous ice addiction, Amber takes us through the unfiltered reality of addiction—and the quiet power of recovery. Now three years sober through a 12-step program, Amber shares how detox, ninemonths of rehab, daily sponsor calls, and relentless honesty helped her rebuild a life she never thought she deserved. This episode dives into youth mental health, neurodivergence, codependency, and what it really means to surrender when you’ve tried everything else. She also opens up about her 20-hour silence challenge for youth mental health—transforming loneliness into peace—and how recovery taught her authenticity after years of masking, bullying, and emotional neglect. This is not a glamorized recovery story. It’s real, uncomfortable, and proof that sobriety works—even when you’re young, broken, and convinced you’re too far gone.   •From first drink at 14 to drug-induced psychosis •Losing 30kg in one month during active addiction •Ice addiction through pipes and needles •Sex work, court bonds, and criminal survival •The moment of rock bottom that sparked change •Why surrender isn’t weakness—it’s freedom •“Find better meetings like you found better drugs”    Sobriety Milestones: Clean since November 21, 2022 | Detox + 9-month rehab | 4–5meetings weekly   Recovery Tools: 12-step fellowship, sponsor accountability, grounding practices, service work  Personal Growth: From people-pleasing and masking to self-acceptance and advocacy   Challenges Overcome: Ice addiction, sex work from age 17, psychosis, emotional abandonment   00:01:19– Silence challenge: boredom vs peace 02:11:00– Alcohol normalized in childhood 07:20:00– Drugs used to quiet the mind (neurodivergence) 19:10:00– Rock bottom and mirror moment 26:53:00– Detox, rehab, surrender 41:28:00– Three years sober & life today   Why This Episode Matters: This is a 22-year-old’s unfiltered truth—no recovery clichés, no sugar-coating. A rare youth perspective on ice addiction, sex work, and sobriety within Australian culture, offering practical tools and real hope for anyone who thinks they’re “too young” or “too far gone.”     If you’re questioning your relationship with substances, supporting someone in recovery, or searching for real hope—listen now. Share this episode with someone who needs proof that change is possible.

    46 min

  7. 4 JAN

    Part 1 - Amber -From Ice House Hell to Clean at 19

    She was using ice through needles, selling her body at 17, and disappearing from herself—until one moment of surrender changed everything   Amber’s story on the Slaying Sober podcast is raw, confronting, and deeply hopeful.From growing up in Australia’s heavy drinking culture to teenage substance use, sex work, and intravenous ice addiction, Amber takes us through the unfiltered reality of addiction—and the quiet power of recovery. Now three years sober through a 12-step program, Amber shares how detox, nine months of rehab, daily sponsor calls, and relentless honesty helped her rebuild a life she never thought she deserved. This episode dives into youth mentalhealth, neurodivergence, codependency, and what it really means to surrender when you’ve tried everything else. She also opens up about her 20-hour silence challenge for youth mental health—transforming loneliness into peace—and how recovery taught her authenticity after years of masking, bullying, and emotional neglect. This is not a glamorized recovery story. It’s real, uncomfortable, and proof thatsobriety works—even when you’re young, broken, and convinced you’re too far gone.   •From first drink at 14 to drug-induced psychosis •Losing 30kg in one month during active addiction •Ice addiction through pipes and needles •Sex work, court bonds, and criminal survival •The moment of rock bottom that sparked change •Why surrender isn’t weakness—it’s freedom •“Find better meetings like you found better drugs”    Sobriety Milestones: Clean since November 21, 2022 | Detox + 9-month rehab | 4–5 meetings weekly Recovery Tools: 12-step fellowship, sponsor accountability, grounding practices, servicework Personal Growth: From people-pleasing and masking to self-acceptance and advocacy Challenges Overcome: Ice addiction, sex work from age 17, psychosis, emotional abandonment     00:01:19– Silence challenge: boredom vs peace 02:11:00– Alcohol normalized in childhood 07:20:00– Drugs used to quiet the mind (neurodivergence) 19:10:00– Rock bottom and mirror moment 26:53:00– Detox, rehab, surrender 41:28:00– Three years sober & life today   Why This Episode Matters: This is a 22-year-old’s unfiltered truth—no recovery clichés, no sugar-coating. A rare youth perspective on ice addiction, sex work, and sobriety within Australian culture, offering practical tools and real hope for anyone who thinks they’re “too young” or “too far gone.” If you’re questioning your relationship with substances, supporting someone in recovery, or searching for real hope—listen now. Share this episode with someone who needs proof that change is possible.

    36 min
  8. Jasmine - So close to help, but still drowning

    29/12/2025

    Jasmine - So close to help, but still drowning

    Jasmine shares her raw journey from childhood trauma and weekend partying in Melbourne to a devastating Mother's Day crisis that sparked her path to recovery on Slaying Sober. Her story challenges addiction stereotypes, proving anyone can get clean—no matter the mold. Discover tools like NA meetings, boundaries, andsober love that fueled her transformation. Childhood Roots: Single mum's sacrifices amid poverty, absent dad, family losses like stillborn sibling. Teen Beginnings: First sips at 9-10, binge drinking by 16, daily weed with best friend worsening anxiety/depression. Trauma Spiral: Family violence, assaults, abusive partner; drugs as escape, escalating to pills, speed, coke, ketamine post-breakup. Rock Bottom: Mother's Day 2025—manipulating friends for drugs, suicidal thoughts, dad/step-mum rescue; feeling trapped despite knowing resources. Recovery Wins: First NA meeting shatters loneliness, sober partner via Hinge, therapy, gym/nature, selective social drinking; boundaries with using dad.   01:51– Mum's sacrifices, pure love despite poverty. 03:21– Fond memories: free activities, quality time. 06:50– First alcohol at 9, weed/partying escalation. 09:59– Trauma unpacked: dad's absence, assaults, violence. 14:44– Post-18 drug rampage, controlling ex's ultimatum. 21:42– Mother's Day breakdown, suicide contemplation. 29:15– NA breakthrough, meeting sober partner. 33:55– Tools: boundaries, gym, nature, community. 40:59– Advice: Go all-in on recovery, no mold required.   Sobriety journey, addiction recovery Melbourne, trauma healing, party girl clean, NA meetings beginners, Mother's Day rock bottom, sober dating Hinge, setting boundaries dad, weekend warrior sober, mental health drugs anxiety.     "Party girl ends up in carpark with strangers on Mother's Day—her suicide scare that saved her [Listen Now]"     Slaying Sober delivers unfiltered Aussie recovery tales—like Jasmine's—that shatter "hardcore addict only" myths, blending trauma truths, practical tools (NA, boundaries, nature), and hope for weekend warriors. Perfect for Melbourne party scene survivors seeking real, relatable paths to freedom without total booze bans.

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.

Information

  • Creator
    James Date
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © James Date
  • Show Website
    Slaying Sober