PODCAST · education
Slaying Sober
by James Date
Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.
Episodes
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Ash - the Lawyer who found Recovery and God in Bali
Ash is the lawyer who found recovery and God in Bali—after years as a party girl, a broken neck, and a complicated relationship with her dad that sobriety turned into her greatest source of love and support. In this episode of Slaying Sober, we sit down on the island of the gods to unpack how a...
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Autism, Ecstasy, Addiction & Finding Freedom with Jim
From Revolver to Recovery. Jims amazing recovery story. An autistic kid who never fit in, a rave scene that promised connection, and an ice habit that nearly killed him – Jim’s story is a masterclass in how “freedom” can turn into a prison. Jim grew up bullied, misunderstood and late-diagnosed...
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Mini Ep: Sober Up with Faye – First 100 Days & Hangxiety
A six‑month “break” from drinking on a Valentine’s Day flight from Dubai to Sydney became the biggest act of self‑love of Faye Louise Hughes’ life – and the start of her sobriety glow up. In this mini replay from Season 3, Episode 8, Faye shares why 30 days alcohol‑free rarely tells you the…
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Kerry - Father Wounds & Six Litres a Night
Kerry grew up in a morgue, survived alcoholism, abuse and domestic violence, and found recovery, compassion and purpose. A raw, hopeful story for anyone who feels broken. Kerry grew up surrounded by death in rural South Africa, with parents who were morticians and a home marked by alcoholism…
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Part 2 - Kate Seselja - Losing it all, to finding Hope - The Worst Day
Losing It All to Finding Hope – Part 2 with Kate Seselja dives into the day Kate fed $12,000 into a single pokie machine and almost ended her life. This raw conversation follows the shame, the suicidal thoughts, and the tiny moments – her kids, her husband, one counsellor – that pulled her back...
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Kate Seselja - Addiction by Design -Blow Up the Pokies
What happens when a “bit of fun on the pokies” quietly turns into a fifteen‑year battle that almost costs you your life? In this powerful episode, mum of six and gambling‑harm advocate Kate Seselja shares how an ordinary visit to a club spiralled into years of dark, clockless rooms, mounting…
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Ep.39 - Chrissoula - Prison, Parole & Personal Training. How Chrissoula built a Sober, Strong Life
When Chrissoula walked along the beach in rehab, she could barely put one foot in front of the other. After 20 years of heroin use, multiple overdoses, prison and parole, even a simple walk on the sand felt impossible. But those early morning walks – and a tiny rehab gym – lit a fire she didn’t…
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Ep. 38 – Mark: Surviving ‘Joffa’ Corfe, Sexual Abuse and Overdose
At 16, Mark thought he was heading to the footy with a trusted “big brother” figure. Instead, he was groomed and sexually assaulted in a Flinders Street Station toilet by Jeff “Joffa” Corfe, the man who would later become one of Collingwood’s most famous supporters. For 25 years, Mark buried the...
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Ep. 37 - Ben Murphy - The Magic of Sobriety: Fame, Alcohol, Hope and Curiosity
In this powerful episode of Slaying Sober, James sits down with magician, illusionist and radio host Ben Murphy — a self‑confessed “man about town” who’s spent his life chasing the spotlight. From sick kid obsessed with clown doctors in a Brisbane hospital to world‑touring illusionist breaking...
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Ep 36- Caitlin - Bleeding Out to Breaking Free: I Got Stabbed and Then Saw the Light
Caitlin spent 17 years in active addiction, dealing to survive, living a life of crime, and convinced she would die an addict or in jail. After being stabbed in a premeditated attack that nearly took her arm and her life, she experienced awhite‑light near‑death moment that changed everything. In...
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Ep. 36 - Normies, Addicts, and the Villain Role: Rethinking How We ‘Help’ with Amber Hollingsworth from Put the Shovel Down
On today’s episode of Slaying Sober, we’re going way past “just stop drinking” and into the messy, real psychology of addiction with therapist and YouTube weapon Amber Hollingsworth from Put the Shovel Down. You asked for it – this one is for the normies and the addicts. Think of it as a...
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Ep. 35 - From $220K Lost To Lifelong Recovery: Shaun’s Story of Gambling Addiction
Shaun “Big Red” McDonough thought a quick punt on a sure thing would make life easier – instead it cost him over $220,000, his self‑respect and almost his life. In this raw conversation, he shares how childhood poverty and violence, a “harmless” betting habit and online gambling led him to the...
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Ep 34: Warren - I Thought I Would Die on Meth
From Meth, Jail and Losing His Kids to One Year Clean – Warren’s Story of Starting Again at 42Former registered nurse and father of four, Warren Clarke, opens up about how recreational meth use in his late 20s spiralled into addiction, homelessness, crime, and four months in jail — and how he’s…
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Ep. 33 – Jordan: From Ram Raids to Recovery TikTok
From daily ice and heroin use, ram raids and guns, to walking his kids into school and working in rehab – Jordan’s story is a slow, gritty rebuild from the ground up. He grew up in domestic violence, started drinking and using in high school, and by 20 was a daily ice user whose life revolved...
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Behind the Smile x Slaying Sober - James is Interviewed by Ash Butterss
Husband, father, business owner and Slaying Sober podcast host James Date joins Ash Butterss on Behind the Smile to share his journey from blackout drinking, drugs and party culture to rehab, 12‑step recovery and a life grounded in service, spirituality and genuine contentment on the Mornington...
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Ep. 31 -Part 2 - Ty -from Psychosis & CTOs to Kindness & Clarity
PART 2 - More nuggets of wisdom from Ty Ty goes from bullied kid in Ferntree Gully to 450 charges, homelessness, psych wards, and multiple stints in jail – and is now rebuilding his life with six months clean, off all meds, and deeply connected to NA and spirituality. From 450 Charges to…
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Ep. 31 -Part 1 - Ty -from Psychosis & CTOs to Kindness & Clarity
Ty goes from bullied kid in Ferntree Gully to 450 charges,homelessness, psych wards, and multiple stints in jail – and is now rebuilding his life with six months clean, off all meds, and deeply connected to NA and spirituality. From 450 Charges to Spiritual Awakening: Ty’s Story In this raw and...
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Ep. 30 - Kate Rowe – Drug Smuggler, Author, Queer History Maker - How the Fck would I know?
From £10 Pom to heroin haze in 1970s Bali — speed psychosis, queer activism, jail time, and 48 years sober. Kate Rowe’s raw memoir How the Fck Would I Know? proves recovery miracles happen — but only with brutal honesty and hard work. 🎧 Listen if you want hope that “geographical cures” fail,...
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Ep 29 - Part 2 - Joe - Taming the Monster: From Bouncing & Bashings to Balance
PART 2: The Power of Change and The Power of Forgiveness From Rage to Redemption: Addiction Recovery Story Melbourne dad Joe shares his raw journey from childhood sexual abuse, bullying, and bikie violence to sobriety. Hiding trauma as a teen, he turned to booze, drugs, and bouncing—until a...
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Ep 29 - Part 1 - Joe - Taming the Monster: From Bouncing & Bashings to Balance
From Rage to Redemption: Addiction Recovery Story Melbourne dad Joe shares his raw journey from childhood sexual abuse, bullying, and bikie violence to sobriety. Hiding trauma as a teen, he turned to booze, drugs, and bouncing—until a rage-filled night destroying his home terrified his daughter....
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Ep. 28 - John - A Professional Drug Addict for 33 years. And 4 Golden Rules for Recovery
Ep. 28 - John - A Professional Drug Addict for 33 years. And 4 Golden Rules for Recovery John – A Professional Drug Addict for 33 Years A 33-Year Addiction, Rock Bottom & Real Recovery What does rock bottom really look like after three decades of addiction? In this unfiltered episode of Slaying...
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Suzie Browne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63.
Suzie Browne — From Chaos to Clarity. Sober at 63. She drank for 45 years.She got sober at 63. And she’s telling the kind of truth most people spend a lifetime avoiding. In this raw, no‑filters chat, Suzie opens up about hermemoir The Hole in the Soul: From Chaos to Clarity — a storybuilt on...
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Dale - Boys Do Cry: You Get What You Earn
This is not just a sobriety story — it’s a fatherhood, identity, and transformation story. In this deeply honest episode of Slaying Sober, James sits down with Dale, a husband, father, musician, powerlifter, and recovering alcoholic, to unpack how casual drinking quietly turned into isolation,...
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Part 2 - Amber - From Ice House Hell to Clean at 19
She was using ice through needles, selling her body at 17, and disappearing from herself—until one moment of surrender changed everything Amber’s story on the Slaying Sober podcast is raw, confronting, and deeply hopeful.From growing up in Australia’s heavy drinking culture to teenage substance...
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Part 1 - Amber -From Ice House Hell to Clean at 19
She was using ice through needles, selling her body at 17, and disappearing from herself—until one moment of surrender changed everything Amber’s story on the Slaying Sober podcast is raw, confronting, and deeply hopeful.From growing up in Australia’s heavy drinking culture to teenage substance...
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Jasmine - So close to help, but still drowning
Jasmine shares her raw journey from childhood trauma and weekend partying in Melbourne to a devastating Mother's Day crisis that sparked her path to recovery on Slaying Sober. Her story challenges addiction stereotypes, proving anyone can get clean—no matter the mold. Discover tools like NA...
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Nicole - The Co-dependents Guide to Walking Beside Addiction
Summary In this conversation, Nicole shares her journey of healing alongside her husband's battle with addiction. She discusses the challenges faced by families of addicts, the importance of self-care, and the need for open communication. Nicole emphasizes the significance of understanding...
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Christmas Bonus Episode- Chats with Sammy
In this conversation, James and Sammy discuss their experiences with sobriety during the festive season, sharing personal stories and insights on navigating Christmas parties without alcohol. They emphasize the importance of being present with family, preparing for holiday gatherings, and...
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S3 E9 - Ashley Smith - Breaking the Cycle Tassie - A Story of Resilience
Summary In this conversation, Ashley Smith shares his journey from addiction to recovery, discussing the challenges he faced growing up in Tasmania, his struggles with substance abuse, and his commitment to helping at-risk youth. He emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of addiction and...
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S3 E8 - Faye -Blackouts, Heartbreak and the moment Faye finally chose herself.
In this conversation, Faye Louise Hughes shares her journey of sobriety, discussing the impact of alcohol on her life, relationships, and mental health. She reflects on her childhood associations with drinking, the challenges of navigating social situations without alcohol, and the profound…
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S3 Ep. 7 - Jared - Bed Wetters Vs Bag Snatchers
What the conversation covers Jared’s “normal” Aussie upbringing, love of surfing and metal music, and early experiences with alcohol. How drinking escalated in his late teens and 20s around clubs, footy, bands, and mates, leading to blackouts, fights, guilt, relationship breakdown, and large...
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Special: James reflect on 2 Years Sobriety
James reflect on 2 Years Sobriety
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Bonus Episode - Chats with Sammy
Old drinking buddies, sharing war stories, laughs and sober inspiration. Get ready to laugh, and maybe cry, as Sammy and James chat about their Summary In this episode, James and Levvo reconnect over their shared experiences of sobriety and reminisce about their wild days living in a pub in...
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S3 Ep. 6 - Jake - A safe place to be vulnerable
Summary In this conversation, Jake shares his transformative journey from prison to recovery, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, daily practices, and helping others. He reflects on his past, the significance of his relationships, particularly with his grandmother, and the spiritual...
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S3 Ep. 5 - Gary - Wanted to be something different
Welcome to Slaying Sober. Today, James speaks with Gary, whose early life was inspired by the gangster lifestyle and led him to time in max security prison. Gary’s journey of breaking free from addiction and crime in Perth proves that no cycle is unbreakable, and hope is always within reach....
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S3 Ep. 4 - Nicki - Mummy wine time
Summary In this conversation, Nicki shares her inspiring journey of overcoming alcohol addiction, detailing her experiences from childhood through to her current nine months of sobriety. She discusses the early signs of her drinking habits, the escalation into dependency, the impact on her...
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S3. -BONUS Episode - Sam - the dark side
We discuss the downside of a bikie lifestyle, drugs in prison, psychosis, guns, suicide and desperation. As well as some witty insights from Sam. Summary In this conversation, Sam shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal stories in…
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S3 Ep. 3 - Sam -is Unbreakable
Summary In this conversation, Sam shares his journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of healing past traumas and the role of mentorship in helping others. He discusses his early experiences with drugs, the escalation of his addiction, and the realization that true peace…
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S3 Ep. 2 - Andrew - is 40 years Sober!
Summary In this conversation, Andrew shares his profound journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, community, and the role of golf in his life. He reflects on his early experiences, the challenges he faced, and how he found solace and purpose through…
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Season 3 - Ep. 1 - Dolly - is not mediocre
In this conversation, Dolly shares her journey from loneliness and addiction to recovery and empowerment. She discusses the creation of SOS Melbourne, a community aimed at supporting women in sobriety, and reflects on the impact of her upbringing and relationships on her drinking habits. Dolly...
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S2 E5 - Simon -from chaos to connection
In this conversation, Simon shares his profound journey through addiction, recovery, and personal transformation. He reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to sobriety, the importance of spirituality, and the role of literature in his life. Simon discusses his early experiences with...
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S2 E4 - Jess Kennedy - ADHD & Addiction
- Jess Kennedy shares her journey with addiction and recovery. Her first experience with alcohol was at age 12, linked to trauma. Growing up with ADHD, Jess felt out of place in her environment. She became a high functioning addict, masking her struggles. The stigma of addiction often overlooks...
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S2 E3 - Michael - the Gift of Desperation
In this raw and heartfelt conversation, we follow Michaels powerful journey through addiction, rock bottom, and the road to recovery. From the early influences of family, sports like footy, and the rebellious spirit of punk rock—to the dark periods of COVID isolation, 8am bottle shop runs, and…
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S2 E2 P2 - Cath - Breaking the Cycle - a survivor, and her dog. Part 2
Part Two of Caths Amazing Story In this powerful episode of Slaying Sober, Cath opens up about her deeply personal journey through addiction, relationships, and the road to recovery. From the early days of experimenting with substances in her social circles, to finding escape through sports and...
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S2 E2 - Cath - Breaking the Cycle - a survivor, and her dog. Part 1
In this powerful episode of Slaying Sober, Cath opens up about her deeply personal journey through addiction, relationships, and the road to recovery. From the early days of experimenting with substances in her social circles, to finding escape through sports and eventually facing life-altering...
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S2 E1 - Tom Rockliff - from AFL to Abstinence
In this conversation, Tom shares his experiences growing up in Benella, the drinking culture in country footy, and his transition to playing in the AFL. He discusses the challenges he faced after retiring from football, including mental health struggles and the impact of alcohol on his life. Tom...
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Ep 8 - Emmzz - "What goes up, must come down"
In this conversation, Emmzz shares her journey from a troubled childhood in Melbourne to a life marked by substance abuse, motherhood, and ultimately recovery. She reflects on her early experiences with substances, the challenges of teenage years, and the impact of becoming a young mother. Emmzz...
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Ep 7 - Emma - from Fear to Faith: God is what saved me
Emma shares her tumultuous journey from a chaotic childhood filled with abuse and bullying to a life of addiction and eventual recovery. Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of family, faith, and community support in overcoming addiction. Emma's story is one of resilience,...
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Ep 6 - Macarena - Finding Self Love & Self Respect
In this conversation, Macarena shares her profound journey from a traumatic childhood in Chile to her struggles with addiction and eventual recovery. She reflects on her early exposure to substance use, the impact of domestic violence, and the challenges she faced as a teenager. Macarena's story...
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Ep 5 - Adam - The Gift of Recovery
In this conversation, Adam shares his profound journey through addiction, beginning with his early exposure to substance abuse in a family environment. He recounts the struggles of recognizing his addiction, the pivotal moment during a boxing match that led him to commit to rehab, and the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.
HOSTED BY
James Date
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Slaying Sober have?
Slaying Sober currently has 55 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Slaying Sober about?
Where we tell stories of addiction, recovery and hope.
How often does Slaying Sober release new episodes?
Slaying Sober has 55 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Slaying Sober?
You can listen to Slaying Sober 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 Slaying Sober?
Slaying Sober is created and hosted by James Date.
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