Soberly Speaking

Julia Rangiheuea

5.0 (5)
Mental Health
Updated Weekly

Stories from everyday people sharing their darkest moments that led to sobriety. Shedding light on our struggles to help those still finding their way out.

8 hrs ago

Debt, Multiple Relapses & Going All In on AA: Alex’s Story

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ “I was a horizontal drinker” Alex’s relationship with alcohol and substances had always been extreme, but when a business partner left him tens of thousands of dollars in debt, the financial pressure catapulted his drinking and coke use to another level. Before long, he was hiding whiskey under his pillow so he could wake up, drink, and pass out again. Alex’s journey with sobriety has been anything but linear. After becoming physically dependent on alcohol, he suffered a seizure while trying to go cold turkey and relapsed multiple times. Even after finally quitting alcohol, Alex admits he wasn’t happy in sobriety. After travelling to Colombia for an ayahuasca ceremony, Alex relapsed and brought his drinking back to the UK. When he eventually sought help, he made the decision to go all in on AA, something he had never truly done before. Follow Alex on Instagram: @recoveringalkialex Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.
9 Aug

When the Perpetrator Is Family: Aunee’s Story (Part 2)

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ This is the second and final part of Aunee’s two-part interview. We continue our conversation as Aunee opens up about the depths of her alcohol dependence, including constantly blacking out and reaching a point where she had no care for her children. She reflects on the neglect her children experienced, and how her eldest two never really got to have a childhood. Aunee was eventually tapered off alcohol by her father before entering detox and then spending months in rehab. She finishes this two-part series by reflecting on how she went from being a victim of abuse to becoming an abuser herself, and the trail of destruction that followed. Follow Aunee on Instagram: @Brown_Girl_In_a_Bottle Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.
3 Aug • Subscribers Only

From Meth Addiction to Motherhood: The Relapse Sam Never Saw Coming (Subscriber Exclusive)

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ How do you go from dealing meth, to getting sober for 12 years, only to have alcohol come in and destroy everything? That’s exactly what happened to Samantha. Growing up, Sam always felt like she had a racing mind. Alcohol was the first thing that made her anxiety disappear, but when meth and GHB entered her life, it felt like she had finally found something powerful enough to quiet the noise. What started as weekend partying quickly escalated into something much darker. Samantha went from using drugs to buying and selling large quantities, until a SWAT raid changed everything and she found herself facing federal charges and serving time in prison. But Samantha survived. She rebuilt her life, overcame her meth addiction, and spent the next 12 years sharing her story through inspirational talks and supporting others on their own recovery journeys. Then she became a mother. And during that season of her life, Samantha found herself facing her deepest battle yet. Follow Samantha on Instagram: @seefitliving Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.
3 Aug • Subscribers Only

How His Son’s Autism Diagnosis Saved Joby’s Life (Subscriber Exclusive)

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ Most people have a certain image of someone addicted to crack cocaine. Someone earning almost a million dollars a year probably isn't it. Joby was building a successful career in a high-pressure industry, and to keep up, snorting cocaine became part of the job. It made him feel awake, sharp and unstoppable. But cocaine wasn't enough forever. It became crack cocaine. Then meth to keep him going. Then heroin just so he could sleep. Everything changed when his son was born. At five years old, Joby's son was diagnosed with autism, and in that moment, Joby realised he had a choice to make. If he wanted to be the father his son deserved, his addiction couldn't come first anymore. Today, Joby is sober and dedicates his life to giving back. He's a passionate advocate for the autism community and the Special Olympics. Follow Joby on Instagram here: @JobySanchezOfficial RPSAPPAREL.com donates 10% of all profits to Autism Society of Texas. Every purchase helps support autism advocacy, awareness and resources for the community. Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.
2 Aug

When the Perpetrator Is Family: Aunee’s Story (PART 1)

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ Aunee still remembers the nightie she was wearing as a little five-year-old girl when her uncle first introduced her to the “tickle game”. What was presented to her as a fun game she could play with someone she trusted was something much more sinister. This continued for years, and the ripple effects have been lifelong. Aunee’s story explores the devastating impact of generational trauma, complex mental health challenges and alcohol dependence, and how the pain of her own childhood trauma impacted not only her life, but also the lives of her three children. In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Aunee reflects on the painful reality of how unresolved trauma can shape the lives of those around us, sharing how she went from being a victim of abuse to recognising the ways her own trauma eventually led her to cause harm to others. Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.
28 July • Subscribers Only

How Verna Escaped 20 Years of Domestic Abuse (Subscriber Exclusive)

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ Violence is all Verna has ever known. Growing up, she never witnessed a healthy relationship. Her parents were abusive towards each other and towards her. So when she met her former partner as a teenager, the warning signs didn’t seem unusual. Even scraps of his affection felt like enough. What followed was 20 years of domestic abuse. It began with emotional abuse and coercive control before escalating to physical and sexual violence. For years, Verna didn’t realise she was living in an abusive relationship. Everything changed when she attended a women’s community group and learned about DV. For the first time, she recognised what had been happening behind closed doors. Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.
26 July

How Millie Gooch Built a Sober Empire After Years of Hangxiety

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ She's the most recognisable name in the sober scene: the woman behind Sober Girl Society. But Millie Gooch won't call herself an alcoholic. For years she lived in the 'messy middle' nobody talks about, while alcohol quietly wrecked her health, her relationships and her sense of self. In this episode, Millie talks about hangxiety, blackouts and the uncomfortable truth about alcohol's role in family violence and sexual assault: the elephant in every room that no one wants to name. She also opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, and how that reframed everything she thought she knew about herself. Millie isn't here to kill the party. She's on a mission to prove you can ditch the drink and keep every ounce of the fun, and she wants every woman listening to know it's possible. Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.
21 July • Subscribers Only

“You’ll Die If You Don’t Stop Drinking”: A Head Chef’s Reality Check (Subscriber Exclusive)

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠ Tim has always felt like he didn’t quite fit in. At school, he struggled in a traditional classroom environment, Undiagnosed ADHD combined with bullying led Tim to self-harm for the first time, a behaviour he would return to at different points throughout his life. Post-school Tim thrived in the fast-paced world of hospitality, rising through the ranks and becoming a head chef in his early twenties. But behind the success was a growing dependence on alcohol. The culture of the hospitality industry normalised heavy drinking, and what started as a way to cope with the busy kitchens eventually became something that threatened his life. It wasn’t until a health professional looked him in the eye and told him he would die if he didn’t stop drinking that Tim truly understood how serious his addiction had become. Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised. This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area. 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 Lifeline Australia provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 ⁠https://www.lifeline.org.au⁠ 1800RESPECT provides support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 ⁠https://www.1800respect.org.au⁠ Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea Creative Director - Beaudene Perussich Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule 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.

Trailer

The Next Chapter Starts Feb 16

Join our Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/SoberlySpeaking⁠⁠ Soberly Speaking is back with a brand new season starting Monday February 16th. This season marks an evolution of the podcast. Once a month, you'll receive a documentary-style episode. These episodes take you inside the homes, lives and hidden worlds of my guests and are designed to be watched like a TV show, not just listened to. You can watch the documentary episodes for free on YouTube by searching Soberly Speaking, or on Spotify if you use Spotify. Patreon members can also watch inside the app. Each month you'll receive:• One documentary-style episode• Three classic one-on-one interviews, filmed in different destinations around Australia The interview episodes are still designed to be easy to listen to, but they are also being filmed so you can watch them too. All documentary episodes will be clearly labelled [DOCUMENTARY] at the start, so you know which ones are designed to be watched.Follow Soberly Speaking on Instagram to keep up to date! With love,J x

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Stories from everyday people sharing their darkest moments that led to sobriety. Shedding light on our struggles to help those still finding their way out.

Creator

Julia Rangiheuea
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

164
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Julia Rangiheuea
Show Website

Soberly Speaking
Provider

Julia Rangiheuea