))
65 | Woody Albrow: Butane, Breakdown & Belief – A Journey Through Trauma & Transformation
Manage episode 476337124 series 3327478
Content provided by ReNew. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by ReNew or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
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 discusses his progression through various drugs, including butane gas, cannabis, hallucinogens, and ultimately alcohol, which became his most destructive dependency.
Woody describes the personal impact of addiction on his life, including strained family relationships, disconnection from his children, and the loss of his physical and emotional wellbeing. He talks about hitting rock bottom, including a significant turning point involving arrest and hospitalisation, which prompted him to seek detox and begin a new phase of recovery. Woody speaks with honesty about the shame, isolation, and denial that often accompany substance misuse.
A significant part of Woody’s recovery has been grounded in spirituality, nature, and meaningful connection with others. He shares how his introduction to a spiritual philosophy helped replace his dependency on substances with a sense of purpose and guidance. He also emphasises the vital role of the recovery community and the importance of peer support in sustaining long-term wellbeing.
Now in a leadership position, Woody explores the challenges and opportunities of being open about lived experience within professional settings. He reflects on stigma, disclosure, and the need to shift organisational cultures to recognise the value of lived experience as an asset. This episode offers insight into personal growth, systemic change, and the power of recovery to transform lives.
Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!
🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps others find us.
🔗 Then share this episode with someone you know who could benefit from it.
Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com
This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone.
📩 Contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” by Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)
🔗 Listen & Subscribe
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4Cr4wzZ6bxku1cRcoYKbGK
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/believe-in-people/id1617239923
🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler
🎛️ Producer: Robbie Lawson
🏢 Network: ReNew
Chapters
1. Introduction to Woody's Journey (00:00:00)
2. Early Substance Use and Hidden Emotions (00:05:56)
3. Rock Bottom Moments and Life Turning Points (00:10:26)
4. Spirituality as a Recovery Foundation (00:18:07)
5. From Volunteer to National Lead (00:28:43)
6. Community Connection and Reducing Stigma (00:40:55)
7. Rapid-Fire Personal Questions (00:57:54)
65 episodes
Share
