Join The Unspoken HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/soberlyspeaking

This is my most controversial episode to date — and it’s now live on The Unspoken, Soberly Speaking’s new membership on Patreon.

After being abused by a family member as a child, Zoe’s life was chaos from early childhood. She fell into addiction young and remained trapped in a cycle of substance abuse and extreme domestic violence. Her first son was removed by Child Protective Services which then led to her using ice daily throughout her next pregnamncy. she was being beaten frequently even when she was full term with bub and"didn't care if the baby lived or died- due to the addiction and DV, Her second child was born- with both physical and cognitive disabilities.

Zoe is sober now and trying to live a good, clean life so if her kids ever come looking for her. she'll be there.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence and harm toward an unborn child.

If you're currently pregnant, please consider whether this episode is right for you at this time.

Follow Zoe May on Instagram

Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video & Audio- Stitch Up Studios

Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Andrew Moses grew up as a closeted Jewish gay boy, feeling immense pressure to be academically successful, marry a Jewish woman, and have Jewish children, all while battling the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with him.

To fit in, he started using party drugs, masking his true identity and trying to convince everyone, including himself, that he was straight. Over time, his opioid use evolved into a secret crystal meth addiction. It wasn’t until a trip to Costa Rica for his birthday, where he used ayahuasca, that everything changed.

Today, Andrew helps other gay men struggling to come off drugs and chem sex, and when asked what advice he would give to a closeted queer person struggling with addiction, his response is not only beautiful but deeply moving.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of sex, substance abuse, internalised homophobia, and the emotional impact of being closeted. Please take care while listening.

Follow Andrew Moses on Instagram

Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video & Audio- Stitch Up Studios

Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

These are the stories people don’t believe until they hear them. The unimaginable lives. Told with courage, by some of the most resilient humans I’ve ever sat across from. This is The Unspoken.

Starting this Thursday, 5th June, Thursday episodes become The Unspoken — and will live on Patreon.

This isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about survival. It’s about giving the stories people try to silence a safe place to exist, without fear, without dilution.

For $4.99 a month, you’ll get:

• A weekly exclusive episode
• The chance to pitch guest ideas and questions before some interviews
• A space to talk about each episode once it drops
• Early access

No fluff. No confusing levels. Just one tier for all of us.

I’m so excited to have a sacred space we’ll get to call ours x

Follow Soberly Speaking on Instagram

Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

Creator & Host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video & Audio- Stitch Up Studios

Image & Logo- Jasmine Rule

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.