show episodes
 
Storyteller Caitlin Hicks, (playwright, performer, author, actor) describes the stories in these podcasts that explore the grief of life as well as the meaning, the humour, the redemption. The series features a variety of first-person character stories in a number of episodes from her international theatrical touring shows: Mother Love, Next of Kin, The Trouble of Christmas, The Life We Lived. Hicks will also share chapters from her novel," A Theory of Expanded Love". But here, she shares a ...
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Believe in People explores the realities of addiction, recovery, and stigma through conversations with those who’ve lived it. Featuring voices from across the recovery community - individuals with lived experience, frontline professionals, public figures, and policymakers - offering unfiltered insight into the personal and societal challenges surrounding substance use. Hosted by Matthew Butler and produced by Robbie Lawson, this award-winning series is a trusted platform for dialogue, empath ...
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In this gripping return to Believe in People, Young Lee opens up about what happens after the chaos of addiction — when the drugs are gone, the dust has settled, and the real work begins. Once a rising star in the music scene, Young shares how losing everything forced him to rebuild from scratch — not just a life, but a self. Through daily spiritua…
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Ross joins the podcast to share his powerful journey from personal tragedy to public advocacy, following the suicide of his father - a traumatic event that profoundly shaped his mental health. We explore how Ross turned to alcohol and cocaine to suppress overwhelming grief, endured multiple suicide attempts, and reached a pivotal moment of clarity …
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Matt speaks with Woody, the National Connecting Communities Lead at Change Grow Live, who shares a candid account of his journey through addiction, recovery, and professional development. Woody reflects on the early signs of substance use in his teens and the emotional undercurrents that led him to rely on substances as a coping mechanism. He discu…
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Matt speaks with Chris De Banks, founder of Not Saints - the UK’s only not-for-profit record label supporting musicians in recovery - to explore the powerful intersection of music and sobriety. From navigating the drug-fuelled 90s music scene to building a sober creative community, Chris shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and the found…
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In this raw and controversial episode, Matt sits down with TalkToBigDan - aka Daniel Ramson - to explore his unapologetic, tough-love approach to recovery. Rejecting conventional services, Dan shares how he went from partying with rock stars and being sectioned to becoming one of Europe’s most in-demand addiction coaches. Drawing from lived experie…
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John’s story is one of quiet transformation - trading binge drinking and chaotic nights for clarity, creativity, and connection. After a 5am moment of reckoning, he chose sobriety not because he identified as an alcoholic, but because alcohol no longer served the life he wanted to build. In its place, he discovered a passion for photography and lau…
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Paul Haley’s journey from the depths of heroin and crack cocaine addiction to national leadership is a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and purpose. After a near-fatal injecting injury became his rock bottom, Paul made the courageous decision to rebuild his life. Nearly two decades later, he now serves as Change Grow Live’s Nationa…
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In this powerful transatlantic collaboration, Believe in People host Amy Goldberg welcomes our UK counterpart Matt Butler into the guest seat alongside special guest host Caitlin Morrison - sister of the late Matthew Perry and driving force behind the Matthew Perry Foundation - for a deeply personal conversation on recovery, resilience, and legacy.…
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Matt sits down with ultramarathon runner Tom Fitzsimons, whose extraordinary journey from alcohol addiction to running 3,073 miles across the U.S. in 100 days is a powerful testament to human resilience. Through candid storytelling, Tom shares how running became his lifeline—a way to reclaim identity, process trauma, and inspire others. From traini…
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In this in-depth two-part episode, Matt sits down with Sarah Hicks for a raw and reflective conversation that spans addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, grief, and recovery. Sarah opens up about her early experiences with substance use, the damaging effects of coercive control, and the emotional toll of loss and abandonment. Together, they exp…
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In the second part of this powerful two-part episode, Matt continues his conversation with Sarah Hicks as she reflects on her journey through trauma, justice, and recovery. Sarah shares her experience of surviving sexual assault and the lasting psychological impact it had on her life, speaking with unflinching honesty about the systemic barriers sh…
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Matt speaks with Zoe, whose powerful story charts a path through substance misuse, undiagnosed ADHD, and trauma toward recovery and renewal. Growing up in an environment where drug use was normalised, Zoe began using cannabis at 12, later turning to alcohol, pills, and toxic relationships as coping mechanisms. She reflects on the pressures of worki…
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What happens when the highs of the music industry collide with the depths of addiction? In this compelling episode, Matt speaks with Chris Tait - keyboardist for Electric Six and founder of Passenger Recovery - about his journey from self-destruction to community-driven transformation. Chris reflects on his teenage use of alcohol as a coping tool, …
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Matt jumps straight in at the deep end as Shev opens up about the weight of adult responsibilities thrust upon her from a young age, including becoming a mother at just 17. In this heartfelt and unflinching conversation, Shev reflects on the emotional wounds of abandonment, the complexity of family relationships, and how addiction quietly took hold…
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Join Matt for a gripping and emotional conversation with Tom, a former talent agent whose high-flying lifestyle in central London masked a devastating struggle with cocaine addiction. Tom recounts the harrowing moment he realised he was using drugs while bringing his new-born daughter home - a wake-up call that forced him to confront the grip addic…
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Matt is joined by Ollie for a raw and introspective conversation tracing his journey from early childhood trauma to recovery. After losing his mother at just eight years old and navigating the fallout of his father’s 22-year prison sentence at fifteen, Ollie turned to cannabis as a coping mechanism - eventually becoming heavily dependent and identi…
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Join Matt for an extraordinary conversation with Andre, whose story spans over three decades in a Los Angeles prison following convictions for armed robbery and murder. Opening with a raw account of the grief, addiction, and desperation that drove his actions, Andre offers a gripping exploration of life inside the U.S. prison system—marked by gang …
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Join Matt as he sits down with Emma, whose powerful and unflinching account traces a journey through addiction that began at just 11 years old. Growing up in a family shaped by substance use - her father’s addiction and her grandmother’s role as a local drug dealer - Emma’s path quickly escalated from early experimentation to heroin and crack cocai…
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Johnny Borrell - guitarist, singer, and frontman of Razorlight - joins Matt for an honest and introspective conversation about teenage heroin addiction, the road to recovery, and the stigma surrounding substance use in the music industry. Johnny shares the emotional fallout of being removed from his band due to drug use and how a combination of sup…
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Adam Maxted - professional wrestler and Love Island reality TV star - joins Matt for an unfiltered conversation about life in the spotlight, the pursuit of physical perfection, and the emotional complexities behind public success. From his early days navigating a limited wrestling scene in Ireland to the explosive fame that followed his appearance …
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Matt sits down with Ambrose, a leading voice in the recovery community, for a powerful conversation tracing his journey from severe substance misuse to health, purpose, and advocacy. Ambrose candidly shares his experience with a wide range of substances - including alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines, benzos, and heroin - initially used t…
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WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, including graphic descriptions of violence and trauma. Starting to drink at just 10 years old, Harriette bravely recounts her youth in a household shattered by her father's alcoholism and her mother's involvement in abusive relationships. Whilst she was in primary school, her weekends in…
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Matt is in conversation with former child heroin addict and Getting Clean founder, Chris Sylvester, whose descent into addiction began at just 12 years old. Chris shares his candid experiences, revealing the allure and grip of narcotics on both individuals and communities. His story transcends survival; it's a narrative of redemption, where pride a…
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Emmy and BRIT award-winning singer Michelle Heaton returns to Believe in People to mark three years of sobriety with a candid and inspiring conversation about recovery, resilience, and reinvention. Michelle opens up about the raw realities of addiction and the transformative power of sustained sobriety, offering heartfelt reflections on balancing m…
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Matt is joined by Amy Jo Johnson - actress, singer, writer, and filmmaker best known as the original Pink Ranger from the 90s phenomenon Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - for a deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation. Amy Jo opens up about her decision to live alcohol-free, framing it not as a burden but as a liberating and life-affirming c…
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Matt is in conversation with Young, whose powerful and chaotic journey through addiction began at just 11 years old and spiralled into a life fuelled by crack, cocaine, alcohol, and eventually heroin. Immersed in the Acid House scene and rising to global prominence as a DJ, Young masked a deepening substance dependency while navigating a double lif…
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Matt welcomes back Professor Dame Carol Black for her second appearance on the Believe in People Podcast. Dame Carol, recently awarded the prestigious Grand Cross, the highest level in the order, and is awarded rarely and recognises only the most exceptional and sustained service to the UK. Fewer than 80 women have received the honour and Dame Caro…
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Discover Ian's post-retirement journey in our latest episode. Dive into the challenges of newfound freedom and the silent battle against alcohol dependency. Join us as we uncover the layers of functioning alcoholism and the toll it takes on relationships. Ian's story isn't just his own; it reflects a broader cultural struggle often overlooked in re…
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Ever found yourself caught in the relentless cycle of social binge drinking and wondered if there's another way to live? That's the very crossroad our guest, Hannah from the Sober Butterfly Collective, encountered before transforming her life. Our latest episode offers an intimate look into Hannah's journey from numbing emotional voids with alcohol…
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Matt delves into the remarkable journey of Joe Cator, navigating the highs and lows of professional rugby while grappling with the intricacies of men's mental health and responsible drinking. Joe's resilience shines through as he bravely shares his story of overcoming adversity, including the daunting challenge of twice rupturing his Achilles tendo…
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Matt delves into Ruth's courageous journey battling alcohol dependency while facing the formidable challenge of a cancer diagnosis. From the casual indulgence to the grip of addiction, Ruth candidly shares her experiences, detailing her use of alcohol diaries to unravel her triggers and pave the path towards recovery. Ruth's unwavering commitment t…
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Matt and Claira embark on a profound exploration of the human experience in this episode, delving into the intricate dynamics of social anxiety, navigating sober nights out, and grappling with a decade-long battle against an eating disorder. Throughout the conversation, Matt and Claira candidly examine the influence of labels, trauma, and emotional…
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Matt engages in a dynamic discussion with Hull's esteemed community artist, Andy Pea. Together, they embark on a journey through Andy's remarkable artistic evolution, peeling back the layers of his murals that have transformed town centres into vibrant canvases for collective expression. From his roots as a fashion designer to his ventures as a mur…
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Matt delves into a heartfelt conversation with John, a resilient Hull native whose journey transcends addiction to embody the essence of resilience. Now serving as a Harm Reduction worker, John's decade-long battle with heroin addiction positions him as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar challenges. As John bravely recounts his path to …
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Matt delves into Robin's remarkable talent for blending comedy with science, all while championing rational inquiry through candid discussions on pressing societal issues. Robin's unique approach bridges the gap between humour and serious topics, as he fearlessly tackles subjects such as homelessness, addiction, suicide, and the pervasive stigmas s…
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Matt engages in a profound conversation with Matt Downie MBE, Chief Executive of Crisis, the national charity for homeless people. Together, they delve into Matt's role as a dedicated advocate for change, exploring how his diverse experiences across prominent organisations have deepened his understanding of the multifaceted issues surrounding homel…
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Matt engages in conversation with Mariana, a respected figure in Drug and Alcohol Awareness Community Training. Mariana brings forth a wealth of insights, blending personal anecdotes, cultural perspectives, and crucial topics such as community training, substance effects, and the often overlooked issue of menopause, emphasising its relevance in wor…
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Matt and Elly embark on an exploration into the realm of harm reduction. With nearly three decades of invaluable experience in the Drug & Alcohol sector, Elly provides insightful perspectives that shed light on the complexities of the subject. Listeners are treated to Elly's discussion on her new bitesize training sessions, where she demystifies cr…
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Matt is backstage at Pride in Hull 2023. With over 50 years in the industry and an original member of Boney M, Maizie shares insights into her career with Matt as well as maintaining her mental well-being, and discusses Boney M's music in the recent episode of Black Mirror's sixth series. Next, Matt engages in conversations with Tinchy Stryder and …
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Matt talks to Andy Train, Creative Director & Vice Chair of Pride in Hull, an InterPride Global Advisory Council Member for the British Isles, Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man and the current The Living Statue World Champion. In a thought-provoking conversation, Andy delves into a diverse array of intriguing topics, ranging from the crucial…
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Matt delves into Jill's profound journey of overcoming alcohol addiction, surviving suicide attempts, navigating relapse, and finding renewal through recovery. In this deeply personal and transformative podcast episode, Jill courageously shares her own lived experiences, recounting the challenges she faced on her path to healing. Matt and Jill also…
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Matt is joined by Kevin Kennedy, actor and musician, best known for playing the character Curly Watts for 20 years in ITV's long-running television soap opera Coronation Street. Kevin serves as director of Kennedy Street recovery services, a peer-led, registered charity that offers support and signposting to people who want to recover from addictio…
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Matt is joined by Braidey, a newly qualified nurse in addiction services. Braidey gives a compelling and honest account of becoming a nurse and gives practical advice for those looking to enter this profession for the first time. Her work involves delivering an outreach nursing provision directly to homeless communities and addressing the unique he…
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Matt is joined by Connor Gregory, commonly known as British Wrestling stand out and current BWR Cruiserweight Champion, Scotty Rawk. Connor’s journey as an indie wrestler is not just about his physical abilities as a high-flying, risk-taking daredevil of an entertainer, but also his mental fortitude and how he has overcome personal struggles with a…
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Matt is joined by Bea, a Transgender woman, former Miss Transgender UK, and activist for Trans, neurodiversity, and disability rights. In this candid conversation, Bea opens up publicly for the first time about her struggles with addiction to substances and shares her experiences of living with Tourette's. She discusses the challenges of finding su…
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Matt is joined by Pete and they candidly discuss the journey throughout his addiction to heroin and his lifestyle in recovery, They discuss the modern history of addiction, drug culture, heroin chic and how his personal experiences led to helping others and gaining employment in the sector. Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed thi…
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Matt is joined by Nadine and they candidly discuss the journey throughout her addiction to heroin and her lifestyle in recovery, including; becoming a new parent, understanding her autism and sharing her lived experiences with Methadone through TikTok Click here to text our host, Matt, directly! 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave…
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Matt is joined by Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle. Emma candidly discusses her background in teaching to becoming politically active in 2011 and using her profile and influence to tackle stigma. Emma and Matt discuss: Stigma, addiction, recovery and education in Hull. The RE:Uniform campaign, reverse advent calendar and…
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Matt is joined by Emmy and BRIT Award-winning singer Michelle Heaton, best known as a member of the pop group Liberty X. In April 2021, Michelle bravely entered rehab to confront her battle with addiction — a decision that marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Now 21 months sober, she reflects on the realities of recovery and shares the…
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