KICK THE SH!T PODCAST Danny Shannon

From the horrors of addiction and personal turmoil to a beacon of hope and change, my journey is a testament to resilience and transformation. Over two decades the grip of substance
 abuse dictated and destroyed my world; resulting in life-altering encounters with tragedy. This forced me into a crossroads: throw the towel in, or fight till the death for a better life. Choosing the latter, I embarked on a path of recovery and renewal.
Seven years removed from rehab and six years with my children by my side, I've not only reclaimed my life but have also completed a law degree. Now, I find joy in the simple pleasures, like taking my family out on the boat, and the normalcy of life. Yet, beneath this tranquility lies a fierce determination to advocate for people navigating the complexities of addiction, institutionalization, and the legal system.
With a unique perspective forged through personal trials and a legal education, I'm dedicated to infiltrate the legal world and force change. My lived experiences, unteachable in any university, equip me to bring a new voice to the legal world; the voice of a girl from the hood who’s hopeful to sit on the High Court.

I’m 60 years old. I believe I was born an addict, that it’s a genetic disorder that runs in families. I started drinking to excess from my very first drink at about age 15 and kept it up for decades. At 48 (believe it or not) I was given my first shot of gear and thought I’d finally discovered god. From the very beginning I did anything and everything to maintain my using. I ended up at 53, totally broken and begging for help. After many false starts, I’m finally clean and sober. Have been since April 2017.

Kerrie Atherton Founder of Stories of HOPE Australia/Worldwide and EMPOWER Life Solutions is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Mental Health First Aid Training Presenter, Event Host and Trauma and Addictions Recovery Counsellor. After planning suicide at 18, Kerrie walked through the doors of a 12-step program and since that day 41 years ago, has remained clean and sober. Over the past 30 years, Kerrie has worked in the business and community sector helping those who are struggling with trauma and the issues of life find Hope. Since moving to the Sunshine Coast QLD 20 years ago she has worked in a voluntary capacity in the community as well as private practice as a trauma and addictions coach/counsellor and mentor building connection and supporting people from all walks of life. In addition, she has worked with many young people in crisis at different schools on the Sunshine Coast. Along with her husband she founded a charity called “Streetlight” which ran for six years supporting the homeless and disadvantaged. Six years ago, Kerrie founded “Stories of HOPE Australia” a platform which runs monthly events bringing HOPE to the community and became a published author releasing her first book in 2019 and releasing the second book in her, “Stories of HOPE Australia” series ‘Resilient People, Remarkable Stories’ the week the world went into lockdown. Kerrie then founded “Stories of HOPE Worldwide” an online platform sharing stories of HOPE around the world resulting in the recent release of her third book which is in support of men’s mental health, LIGHTBULB MOMENTS Through The Eyes Of Men. Kerrie a “Mental Health First Aid” trainer, equips people with the skills to recognise the signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis and how to assist them.  In everything she does, her passion is to help prevent suicide and hopelessness and to bring connection and HOPE to people in times of uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.
www.storiesofhope.com.au
www.empowerlifesolutions.com.au

My name is Braiden Tonks aka "TONKSY" 
16months ago I relocated to the Gold Coast from Tasmania to escape a deep 7 year addiction to the evil drug "ICE".
My addiction started with occasionally smoking the pipe around the age of 22, I then quickly became an every day IV user and before I knew it I was deep into the world of drug dealing, crime and eventually prison. 
After multiple relationship breakdowns with my partner and attempts and finding recovery I decided to leave my home town of Hobart Tasmania where I had a disgraceful reputation as a junkie and was well know by the justice system and settle down on the beautiful Gold Coast. 
Since moving here 16months ago, I have started my own podcast (Tonksy Media Podcast), founded my videography buissness (Tonksy Media Productions) and I can proudly say that I have found recovery, regained 50% custody of my children and recently brought another beautiful baby girl into this world with my beautiful, living and supportive wife to be 

Welcome to the "Kick the Sh!t" podcast, where we tackle the gritty, real-life stories head-on. In today's episode, we're joined by none other than Jimmy "Big Jimz" James. A beacon of resilience, Big Jimz delved into the world of drugs at just 10 years old. From there, he faced the harrowing trials of addiction, amassed over six years in recovery, relapsed in a heart-wrenching setback, but today, he stands tall celebrating six triumphant months clean. Beyond his personal battles, Big Jimz is making waves as a hip-hop artist, pouring his life's experiences into powerful lyrics and beats. With a legion of fans who adore and respect him, we're genuinely honored to have Big Jimz on the show, sharing his journey, his music, and marking his six-month milestone. Dive into an episode filled with raw truth, redemption, and the testament of a man who has truly kicked the sh!t out of life's challenges.

SarahJane is not just a guest on our podcast; she is a living, breathing testament to the transformative power of sobriety and second chances. On October 20th, 2023, she marked an incredible milestone—three years of sober living. But the path to this point was anything but easy.
In the throes of her alcohol abuse, SarahJane faced dire, life-threatening situations that led her to multiple near-death experiences. Her struggles with addiction were not only her own; they were shared by her family, who painfully watched her on what they feared would be her deathbed.
However, something extraordinary happened on October 20th, 2020. Call it fate, destiny, or a miracle, but SarahJane received a second chance at life. From that day, she has not touched a drop of alcohol. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, living proof that even the most desperate circumstances can be turned around.
SarahJane’s story is one that needs to be heard, a narrative filled with setbacks but ultimately leading to redemption and renewal.
To hear her incredible journey, tune into today's episode. SarahJane not only shares her story but also offers insights and advice for anyone struggling with addiction, providing that much-needed light at the end of the tunnel.