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 substances, the escalation of his addiction, and the impact on his relationships, particularly with his children and their mother. He emphasizes the significance of community, the 12-step program, and the ongoing process of making amends and finding balance in recovery.

Ultimately, Simon highlights the gift of recovery as a pathway to love, connection, and a fulfilling life.

Take Aways:

• Your outlook on life will change through recovery.
• Reading can be a healthy escape from reality.
• Celebrating milestones in sobriety is important.
• Spiritual connections can provide strength in recovery.
• First experiences with substances often shape future behaviors.
• Addiction can escalate quickly and impact relationships.
• Recovery often requires multiple attempts and support.
• Living the steps is a continuous process in recovery.
• Finding balance in life is crucial for sustained sobriety.
• The journey of recovery can lead to deeper connections with family.

• Transformative Reflections on Sobriety
• The Power of Reading and Escaping Through Books

"I just wanted the head to stop."

"I was a narcissistic asshole."

"I just didn't want to die."

Chapters

00:00The Journey to Fitness and Recovery

02:09Navigating AA and NA: A Personal Perspective

04:40Spirituality and Connection: The Role of Faith

11:20First Encounters with Substance: A Path to Addiction

21:29The Descent into Addiction: A Personal Story

28:38Family Life and Addiction: The Struggle Within

32:41Struggles with Promises and Self-Realization

35:37Escaping Reality: The Downward Spiral

40:14The First Attempt at Recovery

45:32Lessons from Rehab: Listening and Learning

50:05Navigating Early Recovery: Meetings and Support

56:15The Role of the Steps in Recovery

01:01:26Making Amends and Building Relationships

01:14:46Finding Love and Acceptance in Recovery

01:15:27OUTRO SS.wav

01:16:00Slaying Sober Disclaimer.wav

• - 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 high functioning individuals.
  • Jess's overdose at work was a pivotal moment in her life.
  • Detoxing during COVID-19 presented unique challenges.
  • Reaching out for help was a crucial step in her recovery.
  • Jess was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD during her recovery.
  • She emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health in addiction. Navigating psychotic episodes can lead to profound realizations about one's mental health.
  • Receiving a diagnosis can be a relief, shifting the perception from being an addict to being someone in need of help.
  • Medication can stabilize bipolar disorder, but finding the right one can take time.
  • Complex PTSD can stem from various traumas, including addiction and societal pressures.
  • Building a supportive network is crucial for recovery, even if it means losing some friends along the way.
  • Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining recovery and mental health.
  • Celebrating milestones in recovery can reinforce positive changes and connections.
  • Relationships can change significantly during recovery, revealing true friends and support.
  • Advocacy for mental health awareness is vital to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
  • Language matters; terms like 'neuro-spicy' can undermine the seriousness of ADHD and other conditions.
  • There is a significant correlation between ADHD and addiction, highlighting the need for proper diagnosis and treatment.
  • Access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment is crucial for preventing addiction and improving lives.
  • Children with ADHD face unique challenges that require understanding and support from parents and educators.
  • Finding purpose in advocacy can help others navigate their mental health journeys.

  
  

  In this conversation, Jess Kennedy shares her profound journey through addiction, beginning with her early experiences with alcohol at the age of 12, linked to trauma.

  She discusses her struggles with ADHD, feeling out of place, and how she became a high functioning addict, masking her issues while maintaining a successful career.

  Jess recounts a pivotal moment when she overdosed at work, leading to a turning point in her life.

  Throughout her recovery, she faced the challenges of detoxing during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stigma surrounding addiction.

  Jess emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health, as she was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD, which stemmed from her experiences.

  Her story is one of resilience, highlighting the complexities of addiction and the journey towards healing.

  In this conversation, Jess Kennedy shares her journey through mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder, ADHD, and complex PTSD.

  She discusses the importance of receiving a proper diagnosis, the role of medication in managing her conditions, and the significance of building a supportive network during recovery.

  Jess emphasizes the need for advocacy in mental health awareness, the impact of language on perceptions of mental health, and the correlation between ADHD and addiction.

  Through her experiences, she highlights the importance of setting boundaries, celebrating milestones, and finding purpose in helping others navigate their mental health journeys.

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 car crashes.

With unflinching honesty, our guest opens up about the pain, the pivotal moments of change, and the small victories that led to lasting transformation.

This episode is more than just a story — it’s a message of hope.

Listeners will discover how vulnerability, community, and self-awareness can become lifelines in the darkest moments, and how recovery is both a daily challenge and a deeply rewarding gift.

If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, loved someone who has, or simply want to understand the human side of recovery, this conversation will leave you inspired and uplifted.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Addiction can grow from a mix of life experiences — including family dynamics, early passions, and personal struggles.

• Every “rock bottom” is unique — there is no one-size-fits-all turning point.

• True recovery thrives on connection, community, and support.

• Vulnerability and honesty are powerful tools for lasting change.

• Substance use often hides deeper pain or unresolved emotional wounds.

• Recovery is not a destination — it’s an ongoing journey that requires daily commitment.

• Awareness of addiction’s consequences can be a catalyst for transformation.

• Music and sports can be vital sources of identity and healing.

• Our upbringing and family environment shape how we relate to substances.

• Finding meaning, purpose, and hope in recovery can inspire others and spark change.