“I want to fill my soul up, not my void up!”

Former Love Island star, speaker, author and all-round amazing human Malin Andersson opens up about the darkest corners of her life — from losing a parent, surviving an abusive relationship, and losing her daughter — to discovering an inner strength that can’t be explained but is undeniably real.

We talk about what happens when the distractions & addictions are stripped away, when you're left with the void you've been so desperately trying to fill with addiction and when the only way out is through finding purpose and inner healing.

We explore what it means to confront your shadow, to stop running, and to sit still long enough to hear what the pain has to say. There’s something here for anyone who's ever felt broken, stuck, or lost — and wondered if they had what it takes to keep going. Whether you're in recovery, soul-searching, or simply need a reminder that you’re not alone — this is for you. If you're ready to stop filling the void up and start filling your soul up — stay with us!

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

Follow Malin

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Watch the FULL episode here

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#loveisland #bingedrinking #recovery

[TW: sexual violence & child sexual abuse – discussed from the start] I sit down with a survivor of sexual violence Madeleine Black, who shares her extraordinary journey — from the silence she held for years, to the shame that followed her through school and the deep impact it had on her sense of identity. She speaks openly about the PTSD she didn’t know she had, the physical toll it took on her body, and how trauma can remain locked in our cells long after the event.

We explore how she began to heal — through therapy and confronting the memories she had once buried. She shares how her body would shake, cry, and throw up during sessions — and how, despite all of it, she found her way through. What’s remarkable is how forgiveness entered her life, not as a decision, but as something she describes as “accidental.” She didn’t seek revenge. Instead, she chose to heal — not for anyone else, but for herself.

We also look into the cultural side of this story — the rise in misogyny and violence towards women, the danger of men like Andrew Tate and why we need to talk about how to educate young men. Shows like Netflix’s Adolescence are doing important work in this space, and we unpack how early conversations about consent, boundaries, and empathy can change everything.

This episode is a powerful, intelligent and moving looking at what it really takes to heal, why shame is so powerful — and how survival is never simple, but always possible.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -

0:00 Intro

3:30 Madeleine's rock bottom

6:15 Why didn't Madeleine tell anyone?

7:30 Reputation at school

9:00 Do you blame alcohol?

11:30 Are rape survivors more likely to be raped again?

12:30 No one asked me if I was OK

14:00 What caused Madeleine to stop eating and drinking?

16:10 100% of rapes are caused by rapist's

17:20 Revenge?

19:30 I'm an accidental forgiver

21:30 Forgiving & healing yourself

23:40 I'm from a family of survivors

26:25 Trauma was locked into my cells

29:00 Healing PTSD

30:30 Strength in private moments

35:30 Letting go of shame

36:30 Lessons from Netflix's Adolescence & Andrew Tate

40:20 Sponsor

41:20 How do we educate young people?

42:30 Why young men become incels

Follow

46:30 Going in to get out!

51:40 What do you want written on your gravestone?

Follow Madeleine

Website - https://madeleineblack.co.uk

Buy her book - https://amzn.eu/d/5j95ilC

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#PTSDRecovery

#SexualAssaultSurvivor

#ToxicMasculinity

In this deeply personal thought, I revisit my conversation with Filmmaker Maddie Kitchen as we explore the reality of relapse in recovery — not as a failure, but as something many people experience on the path to long-term sobriety. My personal view is that relapse is part of addiction - not recovery, as it nearly killed me on many occasions. Relapse is not without severe risk and many people die so it's far from a recommendation. However, it was a huge part of my journey and this conversation highlights this perfectly. If it doesn't kill you - it can serve as a great teacher and there is no failure if you keep trying until recovery sticks.

Our guest shares their powerful story of being sober for 12 years, following two relapses during the early years of recovery. The first came after a bout of clinical depression; the second lasted two weeks. These moments could have derailed everything. Instead, they became turning points. We talk openly about what relapse means, the fear and shame that often surround it and the stigma people face.

We also reflect on the extraordinary strength it takes to stay sober through bereavement, illness and loss — including breast cancer, family illness, and grief. This episode is a reminder that life doesn’t stop being difficult once we get sober — but with the right support, therapy, and community, it becomes possible to face even the hardest challenges without returning to old patterns. We also discuss how early childhood trauma and mental health issues can shape addiction, with insights into the impact of postpartum psychosis and disrupted early bonds.

This is an honest conversation that strips away myths around alcoholism and shows the human story behind long-term recovery. Whether you’re sober, struggling, or supporting someone who is, this is a must-listen.

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

Follow Maddie & Sobriety Films

Instagram - https://instagram.com/sobriety_films

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sobriety.films.uk/

Twitter/X - https://x.com/UkSobriety

Website - http://www.sobrietyfilms.com

Follow Oliver

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Watch the FULL episode here

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#RecoveryStory

#SobrietyJourney #MentalHealthRecovery

Singer and spoken word artist Jessica Wilde opens up about her journey through addiction, heartbreak and early sobriety — and how connection, creativity and community helped her rebuild from the ground up.

From a brief but intense relationship that shattered her sense of self, to finding clarity in nature, yoga studios, and unexpected friendships - Jessica shares her truth of what recovery really looks like — beyond just putting down the drink. Jessica shares the paradox of sobriety and insecurity — and why it’s often just the start of real inner work, how yoga, music and spoken word connected her to a sober community, why every painful relationship reveals a deeper lesson about self-worth and how reconnecting with creativity can rewire your identity in sobriety.

This conversation is honest, unfiltered, and full of hard-earned insight. If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or alone in your recovery — or if you’re supporting someone who is — this one’s for you. More on Jessica -

Jessica Wilde is a South London artist known for raw, soul-searing vocals and sharp-witted spoken word, blending honesty and empowerment in every lyric. Her debut project felt like a diary—covering addiction, toxic relationships, and wild nights—culminating in a powerful journey to self-love and sobriety.

Now back with her new album Teach Me How To Love, Jessica explores transformation and connection, earning airplay across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, and 6Music, and press in CLASH, Complex, and more. She’s collaborated with Rudimental, Emeli Sandé, and Todd Terry, and hit major stages like Glastonbury and Soultown Festival.

She’s also the founder of PxSSY PWR—spotlighting rising underground women—with a Hootananny residency, fashion collab with Fame Magazine, and festival takeovers to her name.

Topics

0:00 Intro

3:50 Jessica's rock bottom

8:25 Using drinking as a way to mask what you don't like about yourself

10:00 Are people sent to you to teach you something?

12:00 Jessica starts drinking at 13

15:05 Drinking escalates

16:45 The power of community

18:40 Intimacy and being sober

19:40 Psychedelics as part of recovery?

25:35 Connection is the opposite of addiction

31:15 Sponsor

32:17 Rat park experiment

34:00 Is Jessica...WILD?!

36:00 Partying sober!

39:40 Staying sober

41:55 PUSSY POWER

Follow Jessica

NEW ALBUM 'TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE'

https://slinky.to/TMHTL

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www.instagram.com/itsthatpxssypwr

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#AddictionRecovery

#SoberLiving

#MentalHealthAwareness

In this next quick thought, I return to a powerful conversation with Carl Scott as we document the real turning point from heroin addiction to a purpose-driven life.

We go through all the tools that helped Carl get clean. From methadone clinics, therapy, SMART, Intuitive Recovery to running recovery programmes, to finding identity in service – this is a story of action over talk, grit over glamour.

Whether you’re struggling, supporting someone who is, or just need reminding of the power of community and purpose - this episode will resonate.

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 6PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

Follow Oliver

Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv

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Listen or watch THE FULL EPISODE here (School of Rock Bottom Ep 23)

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Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/zknk23y9

#AddictionRecovery

#MentalHealthAwareness

#PurposeDrivenLife

Self-Pity, Fear & Anger! Addiction loves these themes to convince us that it's lies are real.

Addiction doesn’t just lie—it uses your own voice to do it. And the worst part? It makes you believe it's all your fault and the only way out is a drink or a drug.

In this solo episode, I go deeper than the obvious narratives. We break down the three hidden vehicles addiction uses to keep us stuck: self-pity, fear and anger. You’ll learn how to dismantle the belief that you don’t deserve self-forgiveness and recovery, that life has no meaning, that others are better than you, smash the fear of losing what you have or not getting what you want, and reframe anger as a tool—not a trap. It's time to move forward and break free.

This is essential listening for anyone in early recovery or you’ve got years under your belt. These aren’t just thoughts—they’re weapons if we don't know how to react to them. It’s time to take them apart.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -

0:00 Intro

4:00 Self Pity

6:15 You are scum and don't deserve recovery!

17:30 Life is shit - what's the point?!

26:40 Others are better than you!

34:05 Sponsor

35:08 Fear - FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL

36:40 You will lose what you have and not get what you want!

48:20 Anger & resentment

49:05 People, places and things aren't doing what they should be doing!

Follow Oliver

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Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!

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#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible

What if your own mind told you the worst possible things—and then punished you for thinking them?

In this quick thought, I revisit my episode with actress Ria Fay who has suffered OCD symptoms since aged 5 and today she provides a poignant and powerful account of what it is like to live with untreated OCD. But what EXACTLY is OCD?

We unpack all the elements of OCD and frame it around Ria's experience. This is about losing control of your thoughts, fearing who you are, and doing anything to stop the shame. If you’ve ever questioned your mind or struggled in silence, this episode will speak to you.

About the “THOUGHT” series -

Every other Monday at 6PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons.

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

Follow Ria

Instagram - https://instagram.com/riafay

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Riafay94

Twitter/X - https://x.com/RiaFay9

Concept Theatre - https://www.concepttheatre.co.uk

Follow Oliver

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Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 2)

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#OCDAwareness

#MentalHealthMatters

#IntrusiveThoughts

Today, award winning stand-up comic Molly McBride opens up about her harrowing descent into addiction and the moment she found herself locked in a psychiatric hospital 4 days after having just 'one' glass of wine.

She documents a battle with alcohol that spiralled into years of chaos, blackouts, and a never-ending craving for more. Molly also sheds light on the horrors of drinking, how alcohol can quickly take control, and how devastating detox can be, revealing just how physically addictive the substance is and how it can lead to cocaine.

But the struggle didn’t end there. Molly speaks about how her addiction led to cravings, relapse, and the challenging role family dynamics and genetic predispositions play in addiction. We also delve into her personal experience with ADHD and autism, exploring how these conditions intersect with addiction.

In this episode, we discuss the often-overlooked realities of relying on anxiety medication and benzodiazepines, and the complexities of using substances like weed to self-medicate. Molly also shares her thoughts on the "Cali sober" trend—why it’s often misleading and what’s wrong with relying on certain substances while avoiding alcohol.

We explore the unspoken dangers of alcohol, the brutal reality of detox, and why recovery isn’t just about quitting but understanding the deeper, often hidden factors at play. We also have a right laugh along the way! Molly credits meetings, fellowship and the steps to her recovery.

Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -

www.gavinsisters.co.uk

and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off!

Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you!

https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1

Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal

Topics -

0:00 Intro

2:30 Molly's rock bottom

4:30 The horrors of drinking

7:30 Alcohol grabs Molly fast

10:00 How Molly's relationship to alcohol changed

13:00 Detox & physically addicted

16:00 Understanding cravings & relapse

18:45 The genetic component of addiction

21:00 Family dynamics

24:00 How my drinking career was like Scarface?

26:15 ADHD is a trick question?

27:30 The link between neurodiversity & addiction?

30:30 Is diagnosis a good thing?

33:20 The best people are in recovery!

34:25 The healing journey & loving yourself again

38:00 Why Cali Sober isn't sober?

43:45 Let's talk anxiety meds!

46:05 Sponsor

47:10 Stand Up Comedy buzz & high!

49:45 Working in recovery

Follow Molly

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mollymcbridecomedy

Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@molly.mole1

Follow Oliver

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Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment!

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#AddictionRecovery

#SoberLiving

#MentalHealthAwareness