Slaying Sober

James Date
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.

  1. Behind the Smile x Slaying Sober - James is Interviewed by Ash Butterss

    4 MAR

    Behind the Smile x Slaying Sober - James is Interviewed by Ash Butterss

    Husband, father, business owner and Slaying Sober podcast host James Date joins Ash Butterss on Behind the Smile to share his journey from blackout drinking, drugs and party culture to rehab, 12‑step recovery and a life grounded in service, spirituality and genuine contentment on the Mornington Peninsula. A former “life of the party”, James opens up about high‑functioning addiction, suicidal ideation, ego, stigma, outpatient rehab at Arrow Health, sponsorship, gratitude and learning how to become a truly present dad, partner and leader in recovery. Connect with Ash: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashbutterss/​ TEDx Talk – What School Doesn’t Teach You About Happiness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfclluaXT4Q​Website: https://www.ashbutterss.com

    1h 9m

  2. 26 FEB

    Ep. 31 -Part 2 - Ty -from Psychosis & CTOs to Kindness & Clarity

    PART 2 - More nuggets of wisdom from Ty Ty goes from bullied kid in Ferntree Gully to 450 charges, homelessness, psych wards, and multiple stints in jail – and is now rebuilding his life with six months clean, off all meds, and deeply connected to NA and spirituality.​ From 450 Charges to Spiritual Awakening: Ty’s Story In this raw and unfiltered episode of Slaying Sober, Ty shares how early bullying, weed at 12 and party drugs as a teen spiralled into meth addiction, crime, homelessness, psychosis and multiple prison sentences –and how a suicide attempt, a peer worker named Jo, NA, and tough love from his family pulled him into recovery.​ In this episode, we talk about:​ Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt “too far gone” or stuckin the system and needs proof that recovery – deep, spiritual, connected recovery – is possible.

    28 min

  3. 24 FEB

    Ep. 31 -Part 1 - Ty -from Psychosis & CTOs to Kindness & Clarity

    Ty goes from bullied kid in Ferntree Gully to 450 charges,homelessness, psych wards, and multiple stints in jail – and is now rebuilding his life with six months clean, off all meds, and deeply connected to NA and spirituality.​ From 450 Charges to Spiritual Awakening: Ty’s Story In this raw and unfiltered episode of Slaying Sober, Ty shares how early bullying, weed at 12 and party drugs as a teen spiralled into meth addiction, crime, homelessness, psychosis and multiple prison sentences –and how a suicide attempt, a peer worker named Jo, NA, and tough love from his family pulled him into recovery.​ In this episode, we talk about:​ Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt “too far gone” or stuckin the system and needs proof that recovery – deep, spiritual, connected recovery – is possible.

    41 min

  4. 16 FEB

    Ep. 30 - Kate Rowe – Drug Smuggler, Author, Queer History Maker - How the Fck would I know?

    From £10 Pom to heroin haze in 1970s Bali — speed psychosis, queer activism, jail time, and 48 years sober. Kate Rowe’s raw memoir How the Fck Would I Know? proves recovery miracles happen — but only with brutal honesty and hard work. 🎧 Listen if you want hope that “geographical cures” fail, fragments can reform, and life past 75 sober can feel like the fourth dimension. Raw recovery talk for addicts, LGBTQ+ history buffs, and anyone chasing that humility glow-up. Guest Bio – Kate Rowe🏳️‍🌈 78er: Arrested at Sydney’s first Mardi Gras (1978); bashed and jailed for shouting “Up the lezzos!” — paving the way for today’s Pride.📚 Author: How the Fck Would I Know? (2025) — a no-BS memoir of addiction, near-death from hepatitis, smuggling fails, suicide bids, and a full sobriety rebuild.🏊 Ironwoman: Competed in brutal ocean swims post-recovery.🎶 Ukulele player: Her sober-life hack — “you can have fun!”🌐 Connect: katerowe.net | Buy book on Booktopia Timestamped Highlights (Recovery Gold)00:40 – Book meaning: “What the f*ck would I know?” = Stay teachable at 75. No ego, just growth.01:52 – £10 Pom escape: Fled UK booze/pills/anorexia; landed in Australia’s 70s drug scene.06:39 – Bali 1970s drug fest: Heroin smoke (no needles = “not addict” delusion). Smuggling, hepatitis, chaos.12:37 – UK welfare job turned coke-dealing den; bosses, guns, paranoia.17:13 – Speed psychosis, suicide attempts, Mogadon OD — AA at Rozelle saves her.21:55 – Therapist: “You’re fragmented.” The long road to wholeness — now 48 years sober.26:45 – Lesbian awakening, Mardi Gras fightback, queer denial around addiction.36:43 – Sober at 75: “Miracles take years and brutal work.” Talks to the sky for guidance. 4 Brutal Takeaways You take you everywhere: “Geographical cures” are myths. Addict logic: “Doc said no booze, not no drugs.” Madness. Fragment fix: Honesty + work rebuilds you (took 20 years). Sober joy: Ukulele, Ironwoman events, Pride hugs from Gen Z.

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

    9 FEB

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

    9 FEB

    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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.

Information

  • Creator
    James Date
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © James Date
  • Show Website
    Slaying Sober

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