Slaying Sober

James Date

Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.

  1. Jun 2

    Kerry - Father Wounds & Six Litres a Night

    Kerry grew up in a morgue, survived alcoholism, abuse and domestic violence, and found recovery, compassion and purpose. A raw, hopeful story for anyone who feels broken. Kerry grew up surrounded by death in rural South Africa, with parents who were morticians and a home marked by alcoholism, witch doctors and chaos no child should ever see. At her worst, she was drinking up to six litres of wine a day and using alcohol and food to numb deep trauma, abuse and profound loneliness. Today, she is sober, healing and helping others find hope in the darkest places. In this powerful episode of Slaying Sober, Kerry shares: What it was like being raised in a morgue, desensitized to death and violence from an early age The impact of an alcoholic father, childhood sexual abuse and betrayal by people who were meant to protect her How her drinking escalated to six litres of wine a day, withdrawal seizures, hospital visits and dangerous blackouts The moment her partner’s mum found her “Hoarders: Alcoholic Edition” lounge room and how that confrontation became the turning point Why she calls herself the “relapse queen” and what finally made Step One click after years in and out of the rooms of AA How sobriety gave her boundaries, self-respect and the courage to leave a coercively controlling relationship Navigating love, betrayal and guilt in recovery, including supporting a suicidal partner without picking up a drink The role of therapy, sponsorship and a tight recovery circle (including her 82‑year‑old best friend) in keeping her sane and sober How she is reclaiming her story through her platform a note from an addict, a sobriety journal and a recovery card deck If you’ve ever felt broken beyond repair, Kerry’s story proves that you can survive the unsurvivable, build real safety and find a life that is not just substance‑free, but full of compassion, service and quiet joy. Find Kerry at: https://www.instagram.com/anotefromanaddict/

    Kerry - Father Wounds & Six Litres a Night
  2. May 27

    Kate Seselja - Addiction by Design -Blow Up the Pokies

    What happens when a “bit of fun on the pokies” quietly turns into a fifteen‑year battle that almost costs you your life? In this powerful episode, mum of six and gambling‑harm advocate Kate Seselja shares how an ordinary visit to a club spiralled into years of dark, clockless rooms, mounting debts and crushing shame – including the day she fed $12,000 into a single pokie machine and walked out wondering if she could keep going. Kate opens up about: How pokies and online gambling are addiction by design, not “just entertainment” – and why losses go way beyond money. The mental load of secrecy, debt and self‑hate, and the night she almost took her life. The tiny threads that kept her here: her kids, her husband’s compassion, and her son’s simple words – “Mum, everyone makes mistakes.” Reclaiming her humanness, finding recovery, and turning unbearable shame into The Hope Project, a social enterprise helping people move from just surviving to thriving. Why Australia is a global hotspot for gambling harm, and what really needs to change. If you’ve ever wondered whether your gambling – or someone else’s – is “getting a bit out of hand”, this conversation will help you see you’re not weak, broken or alone. The problem isn’t who you are; it’s what these products are designed to do. Hit play to hear how Kate went from losing almost everything… to finding hope and a voice loud enough to change lives. Connect and get support Learn more about The Hope Project and Kate’s work: The Hope Project Australia Follow Kate on Instagram: @the.hope.project If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help. In Australia, you can contact Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for free, confidential support 24/7.

    Kate Seselja - Addiction by Design -Blow Up the Pokies

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Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.

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