1d ago

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 23 - Feat FREDDIE WOODWARD (Former Team GB Diver)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, your weekly essential companion guide to recovery and well-being. We have recently been nominated for 3 Independent Podcast Awards and recommended by The Sunday Times. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. In this episode we bring you three more powerful and inspirational interviews. Former Team GB Olympic diver FREDDIE WOODWARD achieved the pinnacle of sport by competing in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Behind the scenes of his elite athletic success, Freddie secretly battled an escalating behavioural addiction to Problematic Pornography Use (PPU) that began at just 12 years old and eventually severely disrupted his daily life, training, and mental health. After a gruelling six-year struggle to break the cycle, he is now over two years clean and sharing his journey to smash the toxic taboos surrounding behavioural addictions, give other men permission to speak up about hidden compulsions, and prove that sustainable recovery is possible for anyone. We are also joined by the incredible recovery advocate CLARE KENNEDY. Clare is married to former Coronation Street legend Kevin Kennedy, who famously captured the hearts of millions playing the lovable Norman "Curly" Watts for 20 years (1983–2003). While Kevin was at the absolute height of his TV fame, the couple privately fought a destructive, mutual battle with alcohol addiction. Having survived that dark period together—and now celebrating nearly three decades of sobriety—they used their shared experience to launch the Kennedy Street Foundation. Driven by Clare's leadership, the charity does life-saving work through its peer-led national helpline, professional recovery coaching, and dedicated community hubs, helping hundreds of individuals and families navigate their own roads to long-term recovery. Finally, as usual, we are joined by a former resident of Ark House, and this week, JAMIE shares his raw and deeply inspiring journey. Having only recently completed his treatment, Jamie opens up about his intense battle with addiction, the realities of navigating early recovery, and how he is actively rebuilding his life step-by-step. His story is a powerful, firsthand reminder of the critical work done at Ark House and offers a beacon of hope to anyone just starting out on their own path to freedom. IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

Oct 19

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 Ep 22 - Criminal Justice Special Feat ANDY FLUTE (Former Professional Boxer)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, your weekly essential companion guide to recovery and well-being. We have recently been nominated for 3 Independent Podcast Awards. In this episode we bring you a Criminal Justice Special. With over 50 percent of people currently in prison in active addiction and 80 percent of crimes committed because of addiction, this is a vital episode. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. In this episode... ANDY FLUTE is a former British world-class professional boxer and England amateur team captain. He had a professional record of 15 wins, 6 losses and 1 draw and shared the ring with Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Joe Calzagne. But behind the scenes of his athletic success, he battled severe alcohol dependency and a crack cocaine addiction that resulted in prison sentences and destruction around him. He credits his sudden, complete liberation from drug and alcohol dependency to prayer and his newfound faith. Today, he travels across Europe sharing his story as a Christian evangelist, visiting prisons, rehabilitation clinics, and churches to support others facing addiction. KERRIE WHITEHEAD-BLAKEMORE from The Forward Trust, a social justice charity that supports people to recover from addiction or leave behind crime, helping them to move on with life. She is based at HMP Millsike, a Category C men's resettlement prison located in Full Sutton, East Riding of Yorkshire, near York. She is in recovery herself from addiction so offers valuable lived experience. PATRICK is a former resident of Ark House Rehab and spent 17 years in prison and 9 weeks in Rehab. He learnt more in those 9 weeks than in the past 17 years and has turned his life around. He has been clean and sober for over 10 months now and is volunteering and giving back to the community. IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

Oct 12 · Bonus

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 21 BONUS - Feat ORE ODUBA (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, where we are celebrating this week after being shortlisted for 3 Independent Podcast Awards. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. This is the third of several special bonus episodes where we bring you the full length interviews with some of our most popular guests. This week, hosts Sam and Richard are joined by someone who really resonated with our listeners when he appeared a few months ago. TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing champion ORE ODUBA joins host Richard for a powerful, candid conversation about his personal battle with online pornography addiction. During the episode, Oduba bravely confronts the heavy stigma and shame surrounding this specific dependency, outlining his personal journey toward recovery. By sharing his story openly on the platform, he emphasizes his desire to act as an advocate for change, highlighting the need for greater public awareness, open education, and accessible support systems to protect future generations from the pitfalls of digital explicit content IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

Oct 5 · Bonus

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 20 BONUS - Feat JOHN ROBINS (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, where we are celebrating this week after being shortlisted for 3 Independent Podcast Awards. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. This is the first of several special bonus episodes where we bring you the full length interviews with some of our most popular guests. This week, hosts Sam and Richard are joined by someone who really resonated with our listeners when he appeared at the start of Season Two. His incredible book THIRST tells the story of his life through the lens of alcohol. The drinks that made him and the drinks that broke him. It takes us to his last drink in 2022 and the journey into sobriety. JOHN ROBINS is a critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, Taskmaster champion and an award winning broadcaster. Richard picks some favourite quotes from the book and together - him and John talk honestly about addiction and life in recovery. IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

Sep 28 · Bonus

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 19 BONUS - Feat ULRIKA JONSSON (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, where we are celebrating this week after being shortlisted for 3 Independent Podcast Awards. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. This is the first of several special bonus episodes where we bring you the full length interviews with some of our most popular guests. This week, hosts Sam and Richard are joined by the person who kicked off Series 2 for us and has recently celebrated being 2 years clean and sober. She is one of the UK's most iconic presenters, having hosted shows such as The Gladiators and Shooting Stars. ULRIKA JONSSON choses to share her story of recovery with us on the podcast. Sharing back his own story this is a powerful, honest and emotional chat between Richard and Ulrika. A journey of where addiction took them and where recovery finds them now. You can also listen to Ulrika co-host a brand new series of Sober Awkward, a podcast with Victoria Vanstone. IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

Sep 21

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 18 - Feat JIMMY PRIESTLEY (SAS Who Dares Wins winner)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, where we are celebrating this week after being shortlisted for 3 Independent Podcast Awards. This is your weekly essential companion guide to recovery and well-being. This episode continues to celebrate National Recovery Month which takes place throughout September. This month is to educate the public on mental health and substance use disorders, celebrate individuals in long-term recovery, and honour the dedication of treatment providers. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. In this episode three more interviews with people who want to share their stories of hope, faith and courage as well as give game changing advice. This week, hosts Sam and Richard are joined by a truly remarkable guest whose story redefines what it means to go through "recovery." We are thrilled to welcome JIMMY PRIESTLEY, the civilian champion who pushed his mind and body to the absolute limits to emerge as the winner of Channel 4’s series SAS: Who Dares Wins. While our podcast typically features deeply personal stories focused on overcoming drug and alcohol dependencies, Jimmy’s journey is slightly different. He doesn't suffer from substance addiction—but his story is a masterclass in life transformation and mental recovery. Growing up in a turbulent environment surrounded by crime, Jimmy had to make a conscious, monumental choice to walk away from a pre-determined path and recover his own future. By completely rewriting his life narrative—studying law, building a highly successful business, and conquering the most brutal special forces selection process on television—he proved that anyone has the power to change their life, no matter where they start. To chat about accessing local drug and alcohol services and what people can expect when they walk through the doors, KEVIN MORRIS joins us. He is the Service Manager for 5Ways Recovery Academy in Leeds, which is the abstinence based hub for Forward Leeds, one of the leading services in the UK. Also joining us on this episode is former resident of Ark House, AMAR, who shares his story of addiction and his path to recovery. Sam as usual brings her lived experience to this honest and inspirational chat. IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

Sep 14

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 17 - Feat ALASDAIR GILL (Chef and Author)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, your weekly essential companion guide to recovery and well-being. This episode continues to celebrate National Recovery Month which takes place throughout September. This month is to educate the public on mental health and substance use disorders, celebrate individuals in long-term recovery, and honour the dedication of treatment providers. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. In this episode three more interviews with people who want to share their stories of hope, faith and courage as well as give game changing advice. ALASDAIR GILL is a London-based chef, writer, and author known for his raw and deeply personal commentary on food, kitchen culture, and addiction recovery. He is the son of the late, renowned British journalist and restaurant critic A.A. Gill and former Home Secretary Amber Rudd. After spending a decade working in the chaotic, high-pressure environments of some of London's most prestigious restaurants, Alasdair transitioned away from commercial kitchens. He now works successfully as an international private chef and caterer. Aside from cooking, he is a prolific freelance writer whose work has appeared in high-profile publications including The Sunday Times, Tatler, Vice, and ST Style He speaks to Richard about his incredible new book Knives and Spoons. Structured like a tasting menu—with each chapter titled after a specific dish—the memoir chronicles Gill’s rapid ascent from a kitchen porter to a head chef working in London’s most prestigious dining establishments. It heavily contrasts the glamour of preparing dishes for the ultra-wealthy and crossing paths with figures like Anthony Bourdain against the dark reality of drug-fuelled kitchen dens To chat about the brand new K-Hole film, MATTHEW BUTLER joins us from ReNew Drug and Alcohol Services and the Believe In People Podcast who was key in making this brand new Ketamine Awareness campaign, alongside Inspired Youth. The Message: It highlights the rapid transition from casual, social rave use to severe psychological and physical dependency.Lived Experiences: The film features powerful local stories, including that of Adam Kennedy, a 26-year-old ReNew recovery worker who became bedbound due to severe ketamine addiction before turning his life around.Where to Watch: The full documentary is free to stream online via the Believe in People K-Hole Page and YouTubeAlso joining us on this episode is former resident of Ark House, OLLIE, who shares his story of addiction alongside his Mum, SUE, who is also in recovery. Sam interviewed them separately but we have edited the two chats together. This is a powerful look at what can be very much a family disease. WATCH K-HOLE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCDrsMeCbuQ BUY KNIVES AND SPOONS https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knives-Spoons-Kitchens-Addictions-Mayhem/dp/1037401433 IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

Sep 7

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 16 - Feat JIMMY MULVILLE (Comedian and Founder of Hat Trick TV productions)

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST, your weekly essential companion guide to recovery and well-being. This episode celebrates National Recovery Month which takes place throughout September. This month is to educate the public on mental health and substance use disorders, celebrate individuals in long-term recovery, and honour the dedication of treatment providers. IN RECOVERY is a companion guide for those on their addiction recovery journey. We also want to offer advice and support for those still suffering and offer solutions for those who just want to know more. This is a well-being podcast produced and presented by people with lived experience who want to carry the message of recovery. In this episode three more interviews with people who want to share their stories of hope, faith and courage as well as give game changing advice. JIMMY MULVILLE is a prominent English comedian, actor, writer, and television producer best known for co-founding Hat Trick Productions, one of the UK's most successful independent production companies, producing shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway, Derry Girls, Father Ted and Whose Line is It Anyway. Jimmy is in recovery from a drug and alcohol addiction, something that took hold when he started out in his career. He talks about navigating the same career clean and sober. To celebrate National Recovery Month we we are joined by a ANNEMARIE WARD who is a prominent addiction recovery advocate and the CEO of Faces & Voices of Recovery UK. Drawing from over 25 years of professional experience and her own journey of long-term recovery, Annemarie has dedicated her life to fighting discrimination and campaigning for the rights of individuals affected by addiction. As a driving force behind the UK’s Recovery Month and the annual Recovery Walk, she is a powerful voice for trauma-informed care and accessible treatment. Also joining us on this episode is former resident of Ark House, SAMANTHA, who shares her journey with alcoholism, in the hope it can help others who may be suffering. RECOVERY WALK 2026 The flagship UK Recovery Walk 2026 takes place in Bradford, West Yorkshire, from September 11 to 13, 2026, with the main one-mile walk happening on Saturday, September 12. For more information please visit the Faces And Voices Of Recovery UK website https://www.facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org/ IN RECOVERY - THE ARK HOUSE PODCAST is thrilled to be named one of the Best Podcasts by The Sunday Times (June 2026) and is riding high in the charts (Number 10 in the global Mental Health charts), as we continue our second season. We are so grateful to everyone for their support. If you are listening on Apple or Spotify - we would love you to leave us a review. SAM AND RICHARD - THE HOSTS Are both in recovery themselves and so have lived experience of alcoholism and addiction. If you or a loved one need help from addiction, please know there is help. Reach out and speak to Ark House today.... PHONE 01723 371869 EMAIL info@arkhouserehab.co.uk ADDRESS 15 Valley Road, Scarborough, Y011 2LY WEBSITE www.arkhouserehab.co.uk FACEBOOK @arkhouserehabltd INSTAGRAM @in_recovery_podcast

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 23 - Feat FREDDIE WOODWARD (Former Team GB Diver)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 Ep 22 - Criminal Justice Special Feat ANDY FLUTE (Former Professional Boxer)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 21 BONUS - Feat ORE ODUBA (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 20 BONUS - Feat JOHN ROBINS (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 19 BONUS - Feat ULRIKA JONSSON (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 18 - Feat JIMMY PRIESTLEY (SAS Who Dares Wins winner)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 17 - Feat ALASDAIR GILL (Chef and Author)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 16 - Feat JIMMY MULVILLE (Comedian and Founder of Hat Trick TV productions)

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IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast

Episodes

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 23 - Feat FREDDIE WOODWARD (Former Team GB Diver)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 Ep 22 - Criminal Justice Special Feat ANDY FLUTE (Former Professional Boxer)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 21 BONUS - Feat ORE ODUBA (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 20 BONUS - Feat JOHN ROBINS (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 19 BONUS - Feat ULRIKA JONSSON (FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 18 - Feat JIMMY PRIESTLEY (SAS Who Dares Wins winner)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 17 - Feat ALASDAIR GILL (Chef and Author)

IN RECOVERY - The Ark House Podcast - S2 EP 16 - Feat JIMMY MULVILLE (Comedian and Founder of Hat Trick TV productions)

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