Privilege to Prison to Purpose: How Jackie Schatz Survived Addiction and Found Recovery

Jackie Schatz grew up in privilege in Singapore—fluent in two languages, on TV from thirteen, and modelling by her teens. But behind the polish were hidden battles with an eating disorder, a sexual assault at twenty-three, and the grief of losing her father. What followed was a long descent into drug addiction, culminating in homelessness, violent encounters, and a prison sentence. Jackie also shares the heartbreak of being forced to leave her little boy in Papua New Guinea, and the years of shame and loneliness that followed.And yet, this is a story of hope. In prison, Jackie found faith, dignity, and a fierce decision to live. She rebuilt, stumbled, and then, on a Mother’s Day five years ago, put the drugs down for good. Today she holds a Bachelor of Theology, serves others through prison chaplaincy, and is using her voice to help people change their mindset around addiction. Best of all, her son is home and thriving, studying to become a paramedic.In this conversation, we talk about recovery that sticks, practical self-care (the simple, boring things that save us), and why kindness can move mountains. If you’ve ever felt too far gone, Jackie’s courage will remind you that a recovered life is worth living, and that second chances are real.Get in touch with Jackie Schatz:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackie.schatz/Chapters:(00:00) Introduction & Meet Jackie Schatz(02:00) Childhood in Singapore & Early Fame(05:31) Sexual Assault, Loss, and Addiction Begins(10:43) Motherhood, Marriage Breakdown & Losing Her Son(16:04) Meth Addiction, Homelessness & Kidnapping(33:17) Prison, Finding Faith & a Turning Point(44:03) Relapse, Recovery & Five Years Clean(49:45) A Recovered Life Worth Living & The Power of Kindness***Thank you for listening to Stories of HOPE: Inspiring Humans with Kerrie Atherton.Kerrie Atherton is an Inspiring Speaker, Professional Counsellor and Mental Health Coach. To find out more about "Stories of Hope: Worldwide", head to https://storiesofhope.com.au/.Purchase books in the "Stories of Hope" series, written by Kerrie: https://storiesofhope.com.au/product/stories-of-hope-australia-books/.With thanks to:Music: "Pilgrims" by Daniel Pratt (artlist.io)Editing & Production: Matthew Bliss (https://www.mbpod.com)Mentioned in this episode:Kerrie Atherton Offers Counselling Sessions to Support YouIf the topics discussed in this episode resonate with you and you'd like to talk to someone, Kerrie Atherton is available for counselling sessions. Click the link to book a session with Kerrie today.Book a Session with Kerrie Today