Join Matt for a powerful conversation with Tom, a former talent agent whose life was drastically impacted by cocaine addiction.

Despite his high-earning lifestyle in central London, Tom shares his story of how addiction took control, culminating in the realisation that he was using drugs as he brought his new-born daughter home.

Tom reflects on his own childhood and his experience highlights addiction's damaging cycle, where moments of relief are overshadowed by drug induced psychosis, paranoia, and self-blame, driving further use.

As he details his recovery journey, Tom openly discusses his struggles with sobriety, periods of despair, and eventual intervention that led him to rehab and support.

His story illustrates the importance of support systems and the determination to rebuild, particularly in reconnecting with his daughter, underscoring the role of empathy and persistence in the path toward recovery.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

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Matt is joined by Ollie, who shares his journey from early childhood trauma to recovery, revealing how the loss of his mother at age eight and his father’s 22-year prison sentence at 15 shaped his formative years and led him toward a dependency on cannabis.

Reflecting on his tumultuous upbringing, he recalls becoming heavily dependent on cannabis, priding himself as a “weed connoisseur” who explored different strains and rationalised his constant use. In conversation, he acknowledges the toll cannabis took on his mental health, contributing to psychotic episodes and leading him into emotional isolation.

Smoking from morning to night, Ollie’s life became consumed by addiction, and now in recovery, he emphasises how, despite cannabis's societal acceptance, its damaging effects can rival those of harder substances.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

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Join Matt as he talks with Andre, who spent 31 years in a Los Angeles prison following convictions for armed robbery and murder.

Andre reflects on his path through incarceration, sharing insights into the harsh realities of prison life shaped by gang violence, systemic racism, and corruption.

Andre discusses his battles with addiction, the resilience needed to survive, and the personal transformation he experienced behind bars.

Now, as he redefines freedom through entrepreneurship and family, Andre provides a candid perspective on the challenges of life after prison and the enduring impact of his journey.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Join Matt as he sits down with Emma, who candidly shares her journey through addiction, beginning with her exposure to drugs at the age of 11.

Influenced by her father’s addiction and her grandmother’s role as a local drug dealer, Emma’s substance use quickly escalated - from experimenting with ecstasy and amphetamines to becoming dependent on heroin and crack cocaine by the time she was 23.

Emma’s story paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of growing up in an environment shaped by parental addiction. She recalls pivotal moments, including a public overdose and the life-saving intervention of naloxone.

Beyond the physical toll of addiction, Emma addresses the stigma and personal shame that often accompany substance misuse. She also reflects on the emotional complexity of her experiences, emphasising the need for greater empathy in addressing addiction and recovery.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

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Johnny Borrell, guitarist, singer, and frontman of Razorlight, sits down with Matt for an in-depth discussion about his teenage heroin addiction, his journey to recovery, and the stigma that surrounds these experiences.

Johnny opens up about the challenges he faced after being ousted from his band due to drug use, and how he eventually regained control of both his life and his music with the help of close relationships and a crucial time filler with Championship Manager.

He reflects on the immense pressures he encountered while recording his first album, which led to a relapse, and the stereotypes musicians often face, as well as the common misconceptions about drug use in the music festival scene.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

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Adam Maxted, professional wrestler and Love Island reality TV star joins Matt for a candid conversation about life in entertainment.

Adam shares his extraordinary journey, starting from the wrestling scene in Ireland, where opportunities were limited, to the transformative experience of participating in Love Island. He discusses how the show significantly boosted his career, leading to a dramatic increase in recognition and the birth of "Big Flex".

Adam addresses the mental and physical challenges he faced, including the toll of steroid use, the pressures of sudden fame, and the criticism from wrestling fans. The conversation covers the emotional highs and lows of his career, highlighting a missed WWE contract and a rigorous, yet unsuccessful, audition for UK Gladiators.

Matt explores Adam's reflections on instant gratification culture, particularly in bodybuilding, and the misconceptions surrounding steroid use. He shares personal experiences with fame and public perception, emphasising the unrealistic expectations placed on his lifestyle. The discussion underscores the importance of personal responsibility, showcasing Adam's efforts to redefine his identity beyond his reality TV persona.

Through honest discussions about maintaining a certain physique and the importance of post-cycle therapy for steroid users, Adam highlights the values of discipline, resilience, and self-acceptance. His story offers valuable insights into navigating personal trauma, breaking down stigmas associated with seeking help, and ultimately finding a path to personal growth and fulfilment.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

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Matt sits down with Ambrose, a prominent figure in the recovery community, to explore his remarkable journey from severe substance misuse to recovery and advocacy. Ambrose shares his harrowing experience with various substances, including alcohol, cannabis, ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines, temazepam, diazepam, and heroin.

Ambrose recounts his early struggles with substance misuse as a coping mechanism for social awkwardness, leading to life behind bars and deep despair, including relationship breakdowns and suicidal thoughts. His story highlights the complexities of addiction, the significance of personal responsibility, and the journey toward regaining control over one's life.

A pivotal part of his recovery was the peer support he received, which played a crucial role in his return to health and stability. Ambrose’s current work with the Hepatitis C Trust underscores his dedication to helping others, as he educates and supports individuals in their recovery, with a goal of eliminating the virus by 2030.

Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, including graphic descriptions of violence and trauma.

Starting to drink at just 10 years old, Harriette bravely recounts her youth in a household shattered by her father's alcoholism and her mother's involvement in abusive relationships. Whilst she was in primary school, her weekends involved consuming alcohol, reflecting a need to escape from the difficult circumstances at home.

Harriette describes the severe self-harm incidents that nearly cost her life. Her account of severing her radial artery and the subsequent life-saving interventions underscore the gravity of her situation. These experiences were crucial in her decision to enter rehab, where she finally received the comprehensive support needed to address her alcohol addiction and mental health issues.

Harriette’s story is one of transformation. Now sober, she is pursuing higher education and aims to contribute positively to the world through conservation work. Her story emphasises the importance of seeking help, the potential for personal growth, and the profound impact that recovery can have on individuals and their communities.

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Believe in People explores addiction, recovery and stigma.

If you or someone you know is struggling then this series can help.

You can see selected clips from the series on social media: @CGLHull ⬇️

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram