PODCAST · education
Break The Chain Podcast
by James Dear
What would it feel like to be free? Do you try to make changes in your life but constantly slip back into your old ways? I know that I did and found myself constantly frustrated by my lack of willpower. What I never knew is that there was a reason why I could not control myself and that there are processes that you can follow to regain your freedom. I interview some of the greatest, relatable, and compassionate minds; talking about breaking all varieties of bad habits and how to actually live a joyful and fulfilling life. Listen now to free yourself from the shackles of the mind.
Episodes
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#48 - Harnessing the Power of Communication Workshop with James Dear live @ NZ Spirit Fest 2025
In this insightful episode, James Dear, founder of the Break the Chain movement, delves into the transformative power of communication in overcoming addiction and enhancing overall happiness. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights as a drug and alcohol counsellor, James...
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#47 - Ketamine Education Services with Founder Finlay Worthington
In this episode, Finley Worthington shares his personal journey through ketamine addiction, detailing the struggles he faced and the eventual decision to seek help. He discusses the stigma surrounding ketamine, the unique challenges it presents in rehab, and the importance of community support....
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#46 - Breaking the Cycle of Addiction & Crime with Mark Cowan
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mark Cowan, a former inmate who spent 20 years in and out of prison due to his struggles with addiction. Today, Mark is on the other side of the prison walls as an addictions counsellor, using his personal experiences to help…
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#45 - Discussing Young & Addicted: Generation Ketamine with BBC Documentary Producer Rachel Stonehouse
In this episode, I speak with Rachel Stonehouse, an Investigative Reporter and documentary producer for BBC News and formerly for BBC NewsBeat. She recently produced and presented the documentary ‘Young and Addicted: Generation Ketamine” which took a graphic look at the impacts of recreational...
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#44 - BBC Radio 5 - The Impact of the Recreation Use of Ketamine with Rachel Stonehouse & James Dear
In this interview, Rachel Stonehouse & James Dear were featured on BBC 5 Live with Stephen Nolan, following the release of the documentary 'Young & Addicted: Generation Ketamine. James was asked to share his experience as a ketamine addict as well as give some brief advice for anyone who may be...
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#43 - Running Against All the Odds with Joe Ramsden
In this episode, I speak with Joe Ramsden, Two years ago, on the very day of this year's London Marathon, Joe found himself hospitalized for the first time amidst a series of visits, gripped by the debilitating symptoms of MS. Struggling to walk or see, and plagued by relentless bouts of vomiting...
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#42 - Forgiveness: The Cure for Anger with Stephanie Crean
In this episode, I speak to a truly inspiring woman, Stephanie Crean. We do not speak much about the devastating events that shaped her life due to their heinous nature and the effects that they have left on her family and community. When Stephanie was just 2 years old, 4 men were ordered to…
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#41- Pathways to Sobriety (UK Edition) with Marek Hyde
Are you addicted to alcohol or substances and finally ready to do something about it but don't know where to start? Then this episode is for you. I talk to Marek Hyde a recovering addict who has worked in the addiction field for 6 years. We are aware that the path to sobriety can be an…
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#40 - Being a Man with Muay Thai Champion and Mental Health Advocate Richie Hardcore
What does it mean to be a man? Where do we get ideas about what that means? In this episode, I was joined by retired muay Thai champion and mental health advocate Richie hardcore to explore this idea amongst some other topics such as mental health and addiction. Richie is also an educator and...
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#39 - 27 Years of Addiction & Suicidal Thoughts - Sober & Grateful with Tim Lodgen
In this episode, I talk to ex US marine and MMA fighter Tim Lodgen about his 27 year battle with alcoholism and other substances. Tim tells us that he doesn't remember his 20s and his drinking got really bad whilst during the Marine core. He suspects that it got worse due to trauma from the…
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#38 Why we Need to Talk About Porn with Jo Robertson
In this episode, we talk to sex therapist and porn researcher Jo Robertson. We talk about navigating the new porn landscape and the effects that it is having on children, teenagers, and adults. We also talk about the dynamics between sex life and living a happy and fulfilling life. Some of the...
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#37 Consequences of Ketamine Addiction with Josh Rhodes
In this episode, I talk to my friend Josh Rhodes about ketamine addiction, its consequences, harm reduction, and the journey to sobriety. As many people will know ketamine has some heavy consequences when paired up with addiction and excessive usage. If you are interested in this then skip to the...
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#36 - Family Disputes (Parenting Through Adversity) with Frank Hicks
In this episode, Frank Hicks joins us to talk about handling family disputes after spending years in the courts over the custody of his children. He is the founder of Guardians of Our Children (GOOC) which is a charitable trust who works to protect children by helping their parents through the...
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#35 - Saving the Planet with Kate Parker
Kate Parker is well known for her ocean activism with Sea Shepherd and other organisations. In this episode, we talk about the real problems that the planet is facing and it is not what you would expect. Kate took to a life of activism after watching the Cowspiracy documentary which highlighted…
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#34 - Taking Back Your Life - PTSD with Richard Margesson
Richard shares his journey of healing from P.T.S.D. from the perspectives of an ex-psychologist, hypnotherapist, and war veteran. We take a comprehensive look at post-traumatic stress disorder starting with: what it is, its symptoms, and the functions that it plays. We talk about getting…
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#33 - A Spiritual Perspective on Mental Health with Acharya das
We were very fortunate to have Acharya Das on the podcast again. We talk about some of the fundamental problems that society is facing such as addiction, anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction, suicide, and mental illness as well as the underlying factors that are causing them. Acharya Das is a...
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#32 - Building Resilience in Recovery with Maddie Kitchen from Sobriety Film
Maddie Kitchen has been in recovery from alcohol addiction for 15 years. She joins us to discuss a wide range of topics including adverse childhood experiences and trauma, depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia; how she got sober and recovered from two relapses, and about her film-making company.…
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#31 - The Truth Set Me Free from Alcohol & Drug Addiction with Alika Gambill
In this episode, Alika from Pro Recover Power tells us how he managed to get free from a 20-year addiction to alcohol, drugs, and lying. He told us at one point he was going to church because he knew it would be good for him but he was still doing lines in church and he couldn't stop telling…
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#30 - SHOT BRO - Confessions of a Depressed Bullet with Rob Mokaraka
Rob kindly joins James to discuss his gripping near-death experience and recovery from depression and trauma. In 2009 Rob had a mental and spiritual breakdown in Auckland and provoked the police to shoot him dead. He was shot at close range in the chest by a Glock 9mm bullet. After multiple...
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#29 Body-Image, Eating Disorders & Self-Harm with Louise Ratcliffe
This is a valuable episode for anyone struggling to find self-worth. Louise Ratcliffe is a friend and fellow classmate who is training to be a counselor. She has come on the show today to talk about eating disorders, body image, and self-harm. She herself has suffered from these issues as I'm…
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#28 - Preventing Suicide with Michael Hempseed
This is hands down one of the most important episodes to date! Michael is the author of the book "Being a True Hero: Understanding & Preventing Suicide in Your Community". The website for the book is www.beingatruehero.com. The book is being used by the New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New...
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#27 - The Science of Alcoholism & Why You Can't Stop with Gill Tietz
Gill Tietz is the host and creator of the fabulous Sober Powered Podcast. She is a recovering alcoholic and has a BS in chemistry and an MS in biology which gives an incredible platform for the foundation of this conversation. She got sober in 2019 because alcohol caused the complete destruction…
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#26 Addiction in the Punk Scene with Alex from Wonk Unit
In this episode, I speak to Alex Wonk from the legendary Wonk Unit who are key players on the UK punk scene. Alex battled Alcoholism and drug addiction from a young age. He realised that his relationship with booze was different from his friends and that he was an alcoholic by the age of 15. By…
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#25 - How I Overcame My Mental & Physical Health Problems with Samantha Doyle
Break The Chain Podcast #25 In this episode, I speak to real-life Wonder Woman Samantha Doyle, Samantha talks to us about she overcame an eating disorder, self-harm, and her physical health problems. She was told that she would never be able to conceive children but with some changes to her…
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#24 - Life After Being Shot in the Neck with Eric Patrick Thomas
Beak The Chain Podcast #24 This podcast is one not to be missed. I had the great honour of interviewing Eric Patrick Thomas. (a.k.a. Mr. inspire) is a Flint, MI, native and entrepreneur who is passionate about changing the way people view disabilities. This passion came after a fateful night in...
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#23 - Healing Trauma, Overcoming Anger, Addiction, & Sexual Abuse with Trevor Tacey
Trevor discussed childhood trauma, how to overcoming uncontrollable anger, drug addiction, including blaming himself for the death of his brother and processing sexual and domestic abuse. Trevor talks about recovery and tells us about his journey to emotional freedom after suffering from serious...
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#22 The War Within with Undefeated Professional Fighter Nathan Decastro
This is an incredibly special episode because Nathan is the closest person in the world that I've ever had as an enemy. Years later we are able to sit and speak as friends. We discuss the dynamics of growing up, his boxing career and his struggles with his mental health. Nathan is a retired...
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#21 - Addiction, the 12 Steps and Grief with Brooke Robichaud
In today's podcast, I talk with the co-founder of Seek Purpose Brooke Robichaud. Brooke is a recovering addict, author, student of the 12 steps and mother. In this podcast, she discusses these topics as well as the recent overdose of her beloved brother and her grieving process. Brooke is one of…
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#20 - Dealing with Grief on Special Occasions with Eddie Jury
This is a special podcast that I did with my good friend Eddie Jury who is the owner of the clothing brand rude awakenings. We discussed dealing with grief on special occasions, which we know is an incredibly difficult part of so many people's lives. Ed lost his Mum, Dad, Auntie and Nan all…
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#19 - What are the benefits of yoga? With Carrie Burns
Carrie from Inspire Yoga Whangamata has kindly come on the show today to discuss Yoga with us. She explains to us what yoga actually is and what the benefits of practicing it can be. You can find Carrie Facebook @inspireyoganz Find out more about Break The Chain below linktr.ee/breakthechain
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#18 - Behind Closed Doors: Living with Bi-Polar, BPD & PTSD with Tina Dickinson
This is a really interesting episode, partly because Tina and I used to be in a relationship, and also because of how diverse the range of subjects are that we discuss. This podcast has been two years in the making because it has taken that long for her to get the courage and functionality to do...
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#17 - Guns, gangs, meth & homelessness to C.E.O. with Matthew K.
In this week's podcast, I speak to Mathew Kratiuk. To say that Mathew has had a roller coaster of a life would be an understatement. Despite having been raised in a loving middle-class family and gone to a good school, his struggles with ADHD, parents divorce, alcoholism in the family, and other...
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#16 - Change to Surrender: Escaping from Hell with Zowie-Sky
BTC Podcast #16 This weeks episode is with Zowie-Sky Zowie is the founder of the change to surrender movement. In this episode, she tells us her story. She was born to a heroin-addicted mother in a community that was immersed in poverty, crime, domestic violence, prostitution, addiction, and…
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#15 - Great Leaders Live Like Drug addicts with Michael Brody-Waite
Break The Chain Podcast 15 Great Leaders Live Like Drug addicts with Michael Brody-Waite He went from being a homeless drug addict to the founder of a Fortune 500 company. He started the first online self-scheduling service. He won the healthcare entrepreneur of the year award. He won the most...
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#14 - Surviving Sexual Abuse with Katelyn Townsend
This is Break the Chain podcast episode 14 This week's podcast was a super heavy one but sheds some light on some topics that desperately need talking about. Katelyn is - The founder of Abraham's Fortune Wellness center - A life coach practitioner - Qualified in psychology & sociology - A student...
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#13 - Ketamine Addiction & The Road to Recovery with Harry McGill
This is a particularly special podcast because I got to talk to my best friend of over 12 years. We talk about our journey, which documents our struggles with drug addiction, suicidal thoughts, and the loss of friends. We then go on to discuss how we escaped and have been slowly turning our lives...
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#12 - High Performance and Finding Fulfilment with Callum Keen
BTC#12 In this episode, I talk to Callum Keen from Plant Calisthenics. He is a calisthenics coach, movement specialist, and bird enthusiast. We talk about some of the incredible feats that he has completed including a Murph and a weighted marathon that he did for his 21st birthday. This was very...
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#11 Finding your self-worth with Alyssa Sulli
In this episode, I speak to Alyssa Sulli. Alyssa is an absolute powerhouse! She has managed a fortune 500 company, been a fund-raising event coordinator, a fitness coach, business owner and she is a public speaker. Today she talks to us about her journey, her battle with eating disorders…
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#10 The healing journey - with Laura Chamberlain
This episode is with Laura Chamberlain Laura is a qualified journalist and trainee yoga therapist. She discussed her healing journey and the various modalities and practises that she uses including hatha yoga, yoga Nidra and kirtan mantra meditation. She is also an advocate for fempowerment and...
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#9 - James Dear on Word of the bird podcast with comedian Jaydon Bird
This week I went on comedian Jaydon Birds Word of the bird podcast. We spoke mainly about addiction and mental health. Jaydon does some hilarious comedy skits. Find him @wordofthebird
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#8 - Why did I started a mental health movement? with James Dear (on Grey Mental health podcast)
In this episode, I was on the Grey Mental Health podcast with Greyson Sarginson, I discuss my own life and the events that brought about the decision to start a mental health movement. We discuss a huge range of topics from addiction to spirituality. Enjoy
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# 7 - Why Do We Suffer? with Spiritual Teacher Acharya Das
I was very fortunate to be able to talk to Acharya Das. Acharya Das is a teacher of the Vedic and Yoga philosophy, meditation and Kirtan. He has been teaching meditation all over the world for over 45 years including in prison systems. We go through a small amount of his background and then cover...
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#6 - Life After Heroin with Marek Hyde
In this podcast, I talk to my childhood friend Marek Hyde about his battle with drug addiction. We have been friends since we were 6 years old so we have both been able to observe each other's downfall and battles with addiction. It has been incredibly refreshing to meet up on the other side of...
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#4 - Addiction, recovery, exercise and diet with Serge from Power Serge Wellness
Serge is a personal trainer, health and wellness enthusiast, animal rights activist and an advocate of the plant-based diet Find him on facebook and Instagram @powersergewellness He talks about his battles with alcoholism and the steps he has taken to overcome his addiction. We both discuss our...
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#3 - The Truth About Addiction with Koorosh Rassekh
It was such a privilege to interview Koorosh Rassekh, one of the leading experts in addiction. He is the founder of Evo health and wellness and a student and colleague of Gabor Maté. One of the world's most forward-thinking experts in addiction. We discussed the root causes of addiction and ways…
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#2 - Overcoming Trauma with Kyle Walker
I interview Kyle Walker from positive connections about overcoming trauma. He discusses his own journey including healing from the trauma and abandonment that he experienced through being abandoned by his mother and put up for adoption. We discuss radical self-responsibility and how we deal with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What would it feel like to be free? Do you try to make changes in your life but constantly slip back into your old ways? I know that I did and found myself constantly frustrated by my lack of willpower. What I never knew is that there was a reason why I could not control myself and that there are processes that you can follow to regain your freedom. I interview some of the greatest, relatable, and compassionate minds; talking about breaking all varieties of bad habits and how to actually live a joyful and fulfilling life. Listen now to free yourself from the shackles of the mind.
HOSTED BY
James Dear
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Break The Chain Podcast have?
Break The Chain Podcast currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Break The Chain Podcast about?
What would it feel like to be free? Do you try to make changes in your life but constantly slip back into your old ways? I know that I did and found myself constantly frustrated by my lack of willpower. What I never knew is that there was a reason why I could not control myself and that there are...
How often does Break The Chain Podcast release new episodes?
Break The Chain Podcast has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Break The Chain Podcast?
You can listen to Break The Chain Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Break The Chain Podcast?
Break The Chain Podcast is created and hosted by James Dear.
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