Alexis Ffrench & Matthew Butler: Trauma, Apple Music & Hope - The Story Behind “Believe”

In this special episode of Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma, we present a unique collaboration with Apple Music and the Radio Academy Award-winning podcast Classical Connections, hosted by world-renowned pianist and composer Alexis Ffrench.Originally broadcast as part of the celebrated 60-Second Sonata segment, Alexis invited host Matthew Butler to share a deeply personal reflection on trauma, addiction, stigma, and the origins of the Believe in People podcast. In response, Alexis composed an original piano piece titled “Believe” - a bespoke composition that captures the emotional gravity, hope, and humanity within Butler’s story.The conversation explores how speaking with hundreds of people in recovery transformed Butler’s understanding of addiction, what leads individuals to substance use, the deeply personal nature of “rock bottom,” and why non-judgemental listening remains one of the most powerful tools in harm reduction and recovery.In an extraordinary gesture of support for the recovery community, Apple Music has donated both the composition “Believe” and the full interview audio for wider public use, helping bring conversations about stigma, compassion, and addiction recovery to new audiences.In this episode:Trauma, hope and the origins of Believe in PeopleHow hundreds of lived experience stories shaped Butler’s understanding of addictionThe emotional and musical process behind Alexis Ffrench's composition “Believe”Stigma, rock bottoms and the human side of substance useThe importance of listening without judgementApple Music’s support for recovery conversations and community outreachSearch terms: addiction recovery podcast UK, trauma and recovery, Alexis Ffrench, Apple Music collaboration, lived experience stories, stigma and addiction, mental health, recovery community.Click here to text our host, Matt, directly!🎧  If this episode connected with you, please subscribe and review. It directly helps us reach more people affected by addiction, trauma and stigma. 🔗 Then share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!Browse the full archive at 👉 www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com Believe in People is a platform for lived experience, recovery insight and honest conversation. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or working on the frontline, this podcast exists to inform, challenge stigma and inspire change.If you or someone you know needs support with drugs, alcohol, housing, domestic abuse, or mental and physical wellbeing, free and confidential help is available via Change Grow Live:📩 Contact: [email protected]🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” - Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)Listen & Subscribe:Spotify | Apple Podcasts🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler 🎛️ Producer: Robbie Lawson 🏢 Network: ReNew