A Colourful Past Podcast

Danny Shannon

Colourful Past is a raw, honest podcast hosted by Danny Shannon, exploring the moments that shape us, the turning points, the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the courage it takes to change. Through powerful conversations with people from all walks of life, the podcast dives into transformation, identity, resilience, mental health, addiction, recovery, purpose, and what it really means to rebuild and thrive. These are stories of people who have lived a colourful past, and are now creating meaningful, fulfilling futures.

  1. 2D AGO

    "Clinically Insane" to Healing: Zach's Incredible 9D Breathwork Recovery Journey

    In this episode of the podcast, host Danny Shannon interviews Zach Wackett about his intense life journey. Zach shares his experiences growing up as a "troubled" middle child, facing an early fear of death due to multiple family losses, and being heavily medicated from as young as five years old. He discusses his 14-year battle with substance abuse, which began with smoking bongs at age eight and escalated to harder drugs like speed by age 14. A central part of the video focuses on the devastating loss of Zach’s mother to CJD, a rare brain disease, and the subsequent "clinically insane" diagnosis he received from medical professionals. Zach describes his unique spiritual experiences, such as seeing visions of his mother and playing with a child spirit as a young boy, which he differentiates from the labels of psychosis given to him. Now, six weeks clean from both substances and heavy psychiatric medications like depot injections, Zach explains how he has substituted traditional medicine with 9D breathwork. He currently works as a qualified breathwork facilitator with the Hope Cartel, using his story to provide natural healing alternatives for others.  00:00 – Intro: Zach describes his mother’s rare brain disease (CJD).  00:50 – Welcome to the podcast with host Danny Shannon.  01:06 – Introducing Zach Wacket and his connection to Gaz and Hope Cartel.  02:46 – Zach’s recent milestone: 6 weeks clean from substances and medication.  03:02 – Childhood reflections: Growing up as the "troubled" middle child.  04:51 – The impact of CJD: Losing his mother in just four months.  06:12 – Early medication: Panic attacks at age five and the "zombie" effect of tablets.  09:28 – School life: Coping with bullying and "old school" fatherly advice.  12:56 – Passion for dirt bikes: Racing, local sponsors, and early success.  16:13 – The start of addiction: Smoking bongs at age eight and nine.  17:31 – Escalating use: Moving to ecstasy, speed, and solo drug taking by age 14.  21:31 – The "Clinically Insane" label and the reality of 1,000mg medication doses.  23:17 – Spiritual visions: Seeing things others don't and the label of "psychosis".  27:54 – Connection beyond death: Zach describes visits from his late mother.  32:14 – Life-changing meeting: Joining Gaz and the Hope Cartel movement.  35:31 – Going viral: The impact of social media and the "mega viral" dance trend.  37:10 – Choosing natural healing: Stopping depot injections for 9D Breathwork.  39:56 – The downside of fame: Handling unwanted attention and maintaining professionalism.  43:08 – Recovery warnings: The dangers of trauma bonds and early relationships.  45:40 – Closing thoughts: Replacing traditional medication with breathwork. SEO Keywords Mental Health Recovery 9D Breathwork Addiction Recovery CJD Disease Hope Cartel Danny Shannon Zach Wackett Psychosis vs Spirituality Natural Healing Overcoming Trauma ✅ Important Links:  👉 Explore Rewire and Realign Rehab: https://rewirerehab.com.au/ 👉 Visit Encapsulator. A safe video journal space for growth, reflection, and honest self expression: https://encapsulator.io/ ✅  Stay Connected With Me:  👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acolourfulpastpodcast 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2rFHNtDa/?mibextid=wwXIfr 👉 Facebook (Danny Shannon): https://www.facebook.com/share/14N3vG76yA3/ 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colourfulpastpodcast 📩 For business inquiries: Danny@encapsulator.io #MentalHealth #Recovery #Breathwork #HopeCartel #Healing #Sobriety #Spirituality #OvercomingAddiction #AColourfulPast #9DBreathwork "Clinically Insane" to Healing: Zach's Incredible 9D Breathwork Recovery Journey

    46 min
  2. APR 28

    Why They Can Not Hide The Truth Anymore | The Real Story Finally Revealed | A Colourful Past Podcast

    Why They Can Not Hide The Truth Anymore | The Real Story Finally Revealed | Podcast #podcast #relationshiptalk #healingjourney In this episode of A Colourful Past Podcast, the truth finally comes out. After months of speculation, social media reactions, and growing attention, Gaz and Renee sit down to share what is really going on behind the scenes. This is not just about a relationship. It is about a 15 year history, real struggles, addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. From past lives in crime and addiction to building something meaningful, this conversation goes deep into trust, healing, and growth. You will hear how social media narratives were created, how attention changed everything, and what actually happened behind the camera. The chemistry people saw online was real, but the full story is more complex than it seemed. This episode also explores deeper topics like self work, emotional healing, and why you need to fix yourself before showing up for someone else. It shows how past trauma, addiction, and life experiences shape relationships. If you are interested in real conversations, transformation stories, and honest discussions about life, relationships, and recovery, this episode gives you a raw and unfiltered perspective. ✅ Subscribe To The Channel For More Videos:  https://www.youtube.com/@AColourfulPastPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links:  👉 Explore Rewire and Realign Rehab: https://rewirerehab.com.au/ 👉 Visit Encapsulator. A safe video journal space for growth, reflection, and honest self-expression: https://encapsulator.io/ ✅  Stay Connected With Me:  👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acolourfulpastpodcast 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2rFHNtDa/?mibextid=wwXIfr 👉 Facebook (Danny Shannon): https://www.facebook.com/share/14N3vG76yA3/ 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colourfulpastpodcast 📩 For business inquiries: Danny@encapsulator.io ============================= #podcast #relationshiptalk #healingjourney #personalgrowth #recovery #transformation Why They Can’t Hide The Truth Anymore | The Real Story Finally Revealed | Podcast

    52 min
  3. APR 20

    HE LOST EVERYTHING: One Man’s Survival Through Murder, Suicide, and Extreme Trauma

    In this powerful episode of A Colourful Past Podcast, host Danny Shannon sits down with Caleb (known in the music world as Belac BTD), a rap artist who has survived a life of unimaginable tragedy. From losing his father in a freak accident at age six to the heartbreaking loss of all three of his brothers to murder, suicide, and cancer, Caleb’s story is a testament to the sheer will to survive. Caleb opens up about his battle with addiction, starting from his first "cone" at just eight years old, his time in foster care, and the harrowing experience of having his best friend die in his arms. Now five years sober from ice and working to better himself for his four children, Caleb shares how he uses his music as a vital outlet for his pain and PTSD. This is an raw, unfiltered look at grief, resilience, and the journey toward healing from the heaviest of pasts.   * Overcoming Trauma   * Grief and Loss Recovery   * A Colourful Past Podcast   * Belac BTD Interview   * Sobriety Success Story   * Ice Addiction Recovery   * Foster Care Experience   * PTSD and Healing   * Australian Rap Artist   * Resilience and Survival ✅ Important Links:  👉 Explore Rewire and Realign Rehab: https://rewirerehab.com.au/ 👉 Visit Encapsulator. A safe video journal space for growth, reflection, and honest self expression: https://encapsulator.io/ ✅  Stay Connected With Me:  👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acolourfulpastpodcast 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2rFHNtDa/?mibextid=wwXIfr 👉 Facebook (Danny Shannon): https://www.facebook.com/share/14N3vG76yA3/ 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colourfulpastpodcast 📩 For business inquiries: Danny@encapsulator.io #AColourfulPast #TraumaRecovery #SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #BellacBTD #GriefAndLoss #OvercomingAdversity #HealingJourney #RecoveryIsPossible #truestories

    44 min
  4. APR 12

    Locked Down but Leveling Up: 4 Months on an Ankle Monitor - Leigh Stewart

    In this powerful episode of A Colourful Past, host Danny Shannon sits down with Lee Stewart, the founder of the "Let’s Get Grounded" Facebook community. Leigh’s story is a masterclass in radical accountability and turning a negative situation into a positive empire. Leigh opens up about his recent "wake-up call"—a drink-driving charge that landed him on four and a half months of home detention with an ankle monitor. Instead of letting the restriction break him, he used the time to launch three businesses, begin a diploma in mental health counseling, and commit to a life of total sobriety. We dive deep into Leigh’s "colourful past," exploring: Early Roots: His introduction to substance abuse at age nine and the impact of the foster care system.The Height of Addiction: Surviving an $1,800-a-day meth habit, heavy gambling, and the dark reality of drug-induced psychosis.The Turning Point: A near-fatal rock bottom that led to rehab and a spiritual encounter that saved his life.Business as Therapy: How Lee applies a "solution-focused" mindset to both entrepreneurship and personal healing.The "Better Better" Philosophy: Why creating new, positive memories is the only way to kill the bad ones from the past.Lee is now dedicated to mentoring others through "Let’s Get Grounded," aiming to become an NDIS-registered recovery coach to help people navigate their own paths out of the "hood" and into greatness. Key Quote: "Don’t hold on to what’s behind, as that will not lead you into the future. Create new memories to kill the bad ones that hold you backwards." — Lee Stewart. About Our Guest: Leigh Stewart is an entrepreneur, qualified chef, and mental health advocate. Through his Facebook page, "Let’s Get Grounded," he provides a space for connection, guidance, and raw honesty for those struggling with addiction and mental health. Connect with the Show: Host: Danny ShannonSponsor: Rewire and RealignTheme: Your past does not define your future.If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You don't have to do it alone.

    44 min
  5. MAR 29

    Raised by the Underworld: The Brutal Redemption of Ron Isherwood

    From being raised in the brutal world of the Melbourne Painters and Dockers to becoming a multi-millionaire property developer while leading a double life, Ron Isherwood has seen it all. In this gripping episode of A Colourful Past, Ron joins host Danny Shannon to share the raw, unfiltered truth about his journey through the Australian criminal landscape. Ron details his incredible 1977 escape from Milson Island prison where he swam seven miles against the tide, his time locked up with infamous figures like Chopper Read, and the moment he realized the brotherhood of crime was nothing but a lie. Now 40 years clean, Ron discusses his complete transformation from a schizophrenic psychopath diagnosis at 17 to a published author and dedicated recovery mentor. This is a story of extreme violence, addiction, and ultimate redemption. Learn how Ron turned his life around to help thousands of others find their way out of the darkness and why he believes your past does not have to define your future. Timeline of Episode Scenes: 00:00 - 01:26: Introduction: Losing a $5 million fortune and a family to a drug conspiracy.01:27 - 02:54: Growing up in Victoria: The violent motto of the Painters and Dockers.02:55 - 05:25: Principles of the underworld and finding a new high in helping others.05:26 - 07:44: 40 years of sobriety and the cycle of prison detoxing.07:45 - 10:24: First major shooting at age 16 and a father's brutal reaction.10:25 - 13:48: Life inside Pentridge Prison with Chopper Read and surviving at age 17.13:49 - 15:43: Moving to Sydney and falling into heroin addiction.15:44 - 17:22: The 7-mile swim: Escape from Milson Island prison.17:23 - 21:00: Becoming a street junkie and the first 12-step intervention.21:01 - 25:10: Relapses, the "Pied Piper" of recovery, and leading a double life.25:11 - 28:27: The 2002 arrest and the true cost of arrogant criminal choices.28:28 - 34:33: Starting an autonomous rehab unit (C12) inside the prison system.34:34 - 37:35: Release in 2012 and the realization that crime does not pay spiritually.37:36 - 42:55: Ron today: Running recovery companies and building a legacy of gratitude.42:56 - 45:54: The ultimate self-contract story: When life meant nothing.45:55 - 47:35: Closing remarks and honoring those lost to addiction.Keywords: True Crime Australia, Prison Escape, Recovery Story, Underworld History, Addiction Redemption, Melbourne Gang Wars, Chopper Read, 12 Step Program, Transformation, Motivational Story #TrueCrime #PrisonEscape #Recovery #AustraliaUnderworld #Transformation #AColourfulPast #Inspiration #Redemption #AddictionRecovery #MelbourneCrime

    48 min
  6. MAR 22

    Cold Turkey at 9 Weeks Pregnant: Kimmie’s Story of Survival | A Colourful Past Podcast

    In this powerful episode, Kimmie Jeans shares her incredible journey from a childhood of severe physical abuse to celebrating over 21 years of sobriety. Kimmie discusses the traumatic "discipline" she faced growing up and how she began using drugs at age 13 to mask her pain. She details the harrowing experience of losing her best friend to a drug-induced heart attack at age 16 and her subsequent time in prison. The ultimate turning point came at nine weeks pregnant, when Kimmie made a vow to go cold turkey to ensure a better life for her daughter. Now a proud mother and advocate, Kimmie has earned a Bachelor of Business and dedicated herself to volunteer work, including literacy programs for children. Her story is a testament to the fact that the only person who can stop you from being the best version of yourself is you. Sobriety, Recovery Journey, Overcoming Addiction, Childhood Trauma, Domestic Abuse Survivor, 21 Years Sober, Cold Turkey, Parenting in Recovery, Volunteerism, Mental Health Awareness.  Listen to the inspiring story of Kimmie Jeans, who broke the cycle of abuse and addiction to build a successful life for her daughters. Discover how a life-changing realisation during pregnancy led to over two decades of sobriety and a passion for community advocacy. ✅ Subscribe To The Channel For More Videos:  https://www.youtube.com/@AColourfulPastPodcast/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links:  👉 Explore Rewire and Realign Rehab: https://rewirerehab.com.au/ 👉 Visit Encapsulator. A safe video journal space for growth, reflection, and honest self expression: https://encapsulator.io/ ✅  Stay Connected With Me:  👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acolourfulpastpodcast 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2rFHNtDa/?mibextid=wwXIfr 👉 Facebook (Danny Shannon): https://www.facebook.com/share/14N3vG76yA3/ 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colourfulpastpodcast 📩 For business inquiries: Danny@encapsulator.io   ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching:  👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JVIC2lYAk0 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6P2uZU3os4 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgkdcs1gVrU 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5DR5e0JdYY 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVhEtFty4tg 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4W-MdFwsaM  #AColourfulPastPodcast #RecoveryStories #Sobriety #OvercomingTrauma #Inspiration #AddictionRecovery #CleanAndSober #Parenting #MentalHealthMatters #SuccessStories

    54 min
  7. MAR 15

    From the Brink of Death to Reconnecting Lives: Lucas Forbes’ Incredible Recovery Journey

    In this moving episode, Lucas Forbes shares his powerful transition from a high-functioning addict in the entertainment industry to the founder of a community-focused recovery movement. Lucas opens up about his darkest moments, including a near-suicidal night in a high-rise apartment where a desperate call to a helpline saved his life. He details the boozy lunch culture of Sydney's media world, where cocaine and alcohol were normalised in the workplace, leading to a decade of frequent rehab miles and eventual homelessness. Now nearly seven years sober, Lucas discusses how he finally cracked the nut through an intensive three-month program in Thailand—funded by accessing his superannuation—and the unwavering support of his wife, Stephanie. Today, Lucas is dedicated to helping others find connection without the war stories of traditional fellowships through his organisation, Reconnect Movement. Key Topics and Highlights   - The High-Functioning Trap: How Lucas managed a successful media career for decades while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol.   - A Life-Saving Call: The critical role of emergency services and helplines like Beyond Blue during a mental health crisis.   - The Cycle of Rehab: A candid look at completing over 14 rehab stints and why traditional methods did not initially stick.   - Financial Resources for Recovery: Discovering the option to use superannuation to fund life-saving treatment.   - Building Community: Introducing the Reconnect Movement, a family-focused initiative designed to foster social connection through simple fun like backyard cricket and picnics. ✅ Important Links:  👉 Explore Rewire and Realign Rehab: https://rewirerehab.com.au/ 👉 Visit Encapsulator. A safe video journal space for growth, reflection, and honest self expression: https://encapsulator.io/ ✅  Stay Connected With Me:  👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acolourfulpastpodcast 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C2rFHNtDa/?mibextid=wwXIfr 👉 Facebook (Danny Shannon): https://www.facebook.com/share/14N3vG76yA3/ 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colourfulpastpodcast 📩 For business inquiries: Danny@encapsulator.io #RecoveryJourney #AddictionAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #LucasForbes #Sobriety #ReconnectMovement #BeyondBlue #HighFunctioningAddict #EntertainmentIndustry #SuccessInSobriety

    44 min

About

Colourful Past is a raw, honest podcast hosted by Danny Shannon, exploring the moments that shape us, the turning points, the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the courage it takes to change. Through powerful conversations with people from all walks of life, the podcast dives into transformation, identity, resilience, mental health, addiction, recovery, purpose, and what it really means to rebuild and thrive. These are stories of people who have lived a colourful past, and are now creating meaningful, fulfilling futures.

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