THE UNSPOKEN

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Soberly Speaking

Julia Rangiheuea

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. 

  1. From Sexuality to Addiction: Jay Learned to Mask Who He Was

    1d ago

    From Sexuality to Addiction: Jay Learned to Mask Who He Was

    Jay grew up in Geelong as a young gay dancer, supported at home but often made to feel different outside of it. His early experiences of bullying, trauma and assault shaped the way he saw himself, and how drinking and substances became a way to feel confident and finally accepted. After moving to Melbourne to study dance professionally, Jay found himself deep in the party scene, but what began as partying eventually escalated into harder substance use and reached a point where his family feared for his life. Jay speaks openly about hospitalisations, rehab, the moment he saw his dad cry for the first time and the long process of rebuilding his life. Now three and a half years sober, Jay works in the same detox facility he once went through himself. Jay’s Instagram: @jxytaylor 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 Thumbnail- Jake Abernethy 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 min
  2. Taylah Smelt Rotting Flesh in Psychosis. Now She Dances Sober in the Streets (Subscriber Exclusive)

    6d ago • Subscribers Only

    Taylah Smelt Rotting Flesh in Psychosis. Now She Dances Sober in the Streets (Subscriber Exclusive)

    I first came across Taylah King online. It was a video of her dancing in broad daylight, completely sober, in front of a crowd of strangers. There was no stage, no performance, no alcohol, just Taylah twirling, spinning, and throwing her body around whilst a hillside of onlookers watched her. I could not stop thinking about that moment. How on earth could someone be that carefree, confident, and unrestrained without substances? Before becoming the vibrant person she is today, Taylah spent years in deep psychosis. At her lowest point, she was suicidal and wanting to end her life. She shares the journey that took her from the depths of mental illness, spiritual psychosis, and addiction to the life she lives today. Above all, I think this is a story about knowing something is hard, knowing something is embarrassing, but doing it anyway for your soul. Doing it because nothing has to make sense to anyone but yourself. Just doing the thing. Follow Taylah King on Instagram: @taylahkingmovement Work with Taylah King here: https://linktr.ee/taylahkingmovement Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. 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 Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

    1h 1m
  3. How to Spot a Predator with Victim-Survivor Louise Edmonds

    Jun 7

    How to Spot a Predator with Victim-Survivor Louise Edmonds

    Louise Edmonds was a small child when her experience of abuse by her grandfather began in her family home, a place that should have been safe, but wasn’t. Louise shares her story and how that experience continued over five years, shaping not only her childhood but the course of her life. Today, she's a passionate advocate working to help others recognise harmful behaviour patterns and understand how abuse can occur within trusted environments, often in ways that are difficult to see in the moment. Follow Louise on Instagram: @louise.edmonds.media Louise’s work: https://groomingrecognition.com/about-me/ Bravehearts: https://bravehearts.org.au Marc Caleb: https://www.essencework.com.au/about.html Sign the petition: https://c.org/7FWnbrZyyc 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. 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 Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

    1h 10m
  4. Susan Left Her Body During a Violent Attack. Now She Uses Art to Help Others Heal (Subscriber Exclusive)

    Jun 2 • Subscribers Only

    Susan Left Her Body During a Violent Attack. Now She Uses Art to Help Others Heal (Subscriber Exclusive)

    Today I’m at Susan’s home to take part in an art therapy session, what she calls healing through art, a practice she is self taught in. After surviving a horrific group assault in her teens Susan learned to cope by dissociating from her body and above all focusing on forgiveness. A year later another incident led to a profound spiritual experience which she describes as meeting God. Today Susan works as a psychic medium guiding others toward healing through art. Susan Jane – Intuitive Psychic & Flowermancy Reader Susan Jane is an intuitive psychic and mentor who helps people gain clarity about their next step in life. Blending psychic insight with practical life coaching, she guides you to discover the direction that feels right for you, whether in relationships, career, or personal growth. Her readings are designed to bring both clarity and confidence so you can move forward with trust in yourself and your decisions. Alongside psychic readings, Susan offers the unique practice of flower readings. Using the symbolism of flowers, these readings highlight your emotional goals and reveal the inner healing needed to achieve them. Together, her psychic and flower readings open a pathway to self-trust, emotional balance, and empowered action. What is your strongest Intuitive Nature? Find out through the free quiz www.intuitivenature.com.au where you can discover how your intuition is visually guiding you toward your purpose and goals. Follow Susan Jane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamsusanjane/ Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. 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 Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

    42 min
  5. Adoption, Gangs and Terror: Donna’s Second Chance at Life

    May 31

    Adoption, Gangs and Terror: Donna’s Second Chance at Life

    CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic and extreme depictions of violence. Listener discretion is advised. From the moment she was born, Donna was already in withdrawal. Her biological parents were both experiencing addiction and she was adopted soon after birth. Donna was then raised in a strict, hardworking family and given a stable home. But by high school, she found herself drawn into the orbit of people connected to a bikie gang and began working with them. What followed was a life marked by extreme violence, death and experiences no one should have to endure, including a relationship that ended in a police siege. Donna knew she had to change her environment to stop using. She moved states, cut ties and started again from nothing. A testament to her sobriety, Donna went on to become a main character in Housos, with more acting work now on the horizon. Follow Donna on TikTok: @tatts_n_pits Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. 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 Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In 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.

    45 min
  6. While His Newborn Son Was in ICU, Mark Couldn’t Stop Gambling (Subscriber Exclusive)

    May 26 • Subscribers Only

    While His Newborn Son Was in ICU, Mark Couldn’t Stop Gambling (Subscriber Exclusive)

    Mark Kempster doesn’t remember the final two years of his ten-year battle with gambling harm. Not just because he was constantly consumed by betting, but because he was physically and mentally locked into his phone, chasing the next bet. Even during monumental life moments, like the birth of his premature son, who was in ICU, he was still gambling from the hospital. What really kept him trapped wasn’t just the betting, it was the secrecy, the lies and the shame. Mark has now made it his life’s mission to advocate for change. It’s important to note that people who advocate in this space are often working within a deeply thankless system. Gambling harm advocacy is one of the only sectors where funding is either non-existent or extremely limited, meaning many of these voices are self-funded and driven purely by a desire to help others. Follow Mark Kempster on Instagram: @mark_kempster Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. 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 Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

    40 min
  7. Masking ADHD and Drinking Through Grief: Jasmine's Story

    May 24

    Masking ADHD and Drinking Through Grief: Jasmine's Story

    Jasmine grew up knowing something didn’t feel right in her home. The good days with her father felt like everything. The bad days felt unbearable. At 15, she witnessed him attempt to take his own life in front of her and her siblings, and from that moment she began using alcohol to cope with what she couldn’t process. Years later, she was still carrying it all. Moving through her twenties and early thirties with low self-worth, drinking to regulate emotions she never learned how to sit with, until one moment, bottles of wine deep, sitting on the floor after a breakup, forced her to question everything. Jasmine opens up about receiving a diagnosis of ADHD and OCD in her thirties, masking for years without knowing why, the loneliness that can come with sobriety and what it has taken to slowly rebuild her sense of self. Instagram: @jasminelisciotto Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. 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 Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Image & Logo- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jasmine Rule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In 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.

    36 min
  8. Laura Was Doing Cocaine Daily, Then Her Nose Started to Collapse (Subscriber Exclusive)

    May 19 • Subscribers Only

    Laura Was Doing Cocaine Daily, Then Her Nose Started to Collapse (Subscriber Exclusive)

    Laura never fell head over heels for alcohol like many of us who listen to this podcast did, but she absolutely took to drugs. From MDMA to cocaine, substance use became tied to a toxic relationship and eventually survival itself. After leaving that relationship with nothing, Laura found herself drug dealing to get by. Alongside police scares, the real wake-up call came when years of cocaine use severely damaged her septum, leaving a hole in her nose that she became deeply self-conscious about. Today, through sobriety, Laura is a personal trainer helping people struggling with addiction create healthier habits and routines. I wanted to ask her about the small habits that actually matter in those first few months of sobriety, and how you start rebuilding from the ground up. Follow Laura on Instagram: @laurabarker210 Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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. 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 Creator & Host- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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. 

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