HAPPY TUESDAY! 💛 This week I’m joined by a dear friend, James. James opens up about his childhood and how it led him down a dangerous path, one that gave him an understanding of the methamphetamine world here in Aotearoa. As time went on, his crimes escalated, eventually resulting in James spending over 10 years behind bars. In this episode, we unpack the hows and whys and explore the turning point that led James into recovery. After being given the opportunity to take part in the Drug Court programme here in Auckland, James turned his life around. He now works within that very system, helping others break free from the same cycle he once knew all too well. A massive shoutout to James for coming on and sharing his story so openly, hoping it reaches someone out there who needs it most. Support the Rock Your Bottom podcast by subscribing, liking, and sharing it far and wide; you never know who might need to hear one of these kōreros. You can listen to this episode on all platforms, wherever you get your podcasts.📲 Follow us on socials to stay updated with what’s happening and who’s coming on next! TikTok: rockyourbottomofficial, Instagram: rockyourbottom, Facebook: Rock Your Bottom #addiction #recovery #sobriety #nz #podcast #rockbottom #onedayatatime #youarenotalone #addictionawareness #soberjourney #recoveryjourney #rockyourbottom #addict #addictionhelp #prison #free #nzpodcast

This week I’m joined by the one and only Jessica Apanui. Known across Aotearoa for her honesty and vulnerability on LBM, Jess bravely shares her journey through addiction and what it took to come out the other side. She is the central figure in the powerful documentary "Mana Over Meth", which captures her story. In this episode, Jess sits down with me to speak openly about the deep impact addiction had, not just on her, but on her whānau and wider relationships. This kōrero goes beyond the screen, diving into healing, reconnection, and reclaiming ones true identity. We cover a lot, from Jess’s personal story to what life looks like clean and sober, and what support is out there for those navigating substance use challenges. A massive thank you to Jess for coming on the podcast and holding her story with such grace and strength. ✨ Support Rock Your Bottom by subscribing, liking, and sharing...you never know who might need to hear this kōrero. 🔔 Follow us on socials to stay updated with what’s happening and who’s coming on next. TikTok: @rockyourbottomofficial, Instagram: @rockyourbottom, Facebook: Rock Your Bottom #fyp #addiction #recovery #sobriety #nz #podcast #rockbottom #onedayatatime #youarenotalone #addictionawareness #soberjourney #recoveryjourney #rockyourbottom

In this episode of Rock Your Bottom, I’m joined by Ali Burns, who opens up about her journey through alcohol addiction, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding what she once lost. Now over 6 years clean and sober, Ali works as a qualified hypnotherapist. Ali shares the raw truth about what addiction took from her and what recovery has given back. Her story is one of strength, healing, and finding purpose after pain. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or just looking for a dose of real, honest inspiration, this one’s for you. A huge thank you to Ali for coming on and sharing her story, in the hope that it reaches those who need it most. Support the Rock Your Bottom podcast by subscribing, liking, and sharing it far and wide; you never know who might need to hear it. You can listen to this episode on all platforms, wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on socials to stay updated with what’s happening and who’s coming on next! TikTok: rockyourbottomofficial, Instagram: rockyourbottom, Facebook: Rock Your Bottom #addiction #recovery #sobriety #nz #podcast #rockbottom #onedayatatime #youarenotalone #addictionawareness #soberjourney #recoveryjourney #rockyourbottom #alcohol #alcoholic

This week, I’m joined by Tony Hudson, whose past was shaped by violence, crime, gangs, addiction, and incarceration. Tony shares how his early life shaped him, how addiction took hold, what led to his deportation, and the rock bottom that finally pushed him to change. Today, he holds a Te Taketake Diploma in Applied Addictions Counselling and works in the field, helping others who are going through similar struggles to those he once faced. A massive thank you to Tony for coming on and sharing his journey with the hopes it reaches those who need to hear it most. Support the Rock Your Bottom podcast by subscribing, liking, and sharing it far and wide; you never know who might need to hear it. You can listen to this episode on all platforms, wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on socials to stay updated with what’s happening and who’s coming on next! TikTok: rockyourbottomofficial, Instagram: rockyourbottom, Facebook: Rock Your Bottom #addiction #recovery #sobriety #nz #podcast #rockbottom #onedayatatime #youarenotalone #addictionawareness #soberjourney #recoveryjourney #rockyourbottom #501 #Deportee #Australia

In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Wendy as she shares her powerful journey through alcoholism and addiction. Wendy opens up about the path that led her to rock bottom and how discovering the practice of yoga became her lifeline. Now with six and a half years in recovery, she reflects on what keeps her grounded and the tools that continue to support her sobriety today. Wendy has faced some of life’s toughest battles, including suffering a stroke as a result of her alcohol use. Today, she uses her lived experience to educate, inspire, and support others on their own paths to recovery. A massive shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Wendy for coming on and sharing her journey in the hope of helping others out there who might be struggling. Support the Rock Your Bottom podcast by subscribing, liking, and sharing it far and wide; you never know who might need to hear it. Follow us on socials to stay updated with what’s happening and who’s coming on next! TikTok: rockyourbottomofficial, Instagram: rockyourbottom , Facebook: Rock Your Bottom #fyp #addiction #recovery #sobriety #nz #podcast #rockbottom #onedayatatime #youarenotalone #addictionawareness #soberjourney #recoveryjourney #rockyourbottom

In this episode, I’m joined by Dave Burnside, Lived Experience Lead at Odyssey here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Dave opens up about his powerful journey through mental distress, addiction, incarceration, and how he’s managed to achieve 17 consecutive years of recovery. Dave has overcome immense challenges, which he openly shares in this episode. He’s transformed his lived experience into purpose, using it to support, uplift, and create real change in the lives of others. A massive thank you to Dave for coming on the podcast and sharing his journey, with the hope that it reaches those who need to hear it most. Support the Rock Your Bottom podcast by subscribing, liking, and sharing it far and wide; you never know who might need to hear it. Follow us on socials to stay updated with what’s happening and who’s coming on next! TikTok: rockyourbottomofficial, Instagram: rockyourbottom, Facebook: Rock Your Bottom #fyp #addiction #recovery #sobriety #nz #podcast #rockbottom #onedayatatime #youarenotalone #addictionawareness #soberjourney #recoveryjourney #rockyourbottom

In this episode, I’m joined by Brooke as she opens up about her journey from alcoholism to recovery, the heartbreak of losing her mum, and how she's found the strength to maintain 18 months of sobriety. Brooke’s story is nothing short of a miracle; she’s faced the cunning grip of addiction, survived multiple life-threatening seizures, and ultimately found her way to recovery through connection with others walking the same path. Huge thanks to Brooke for joining me on the podcast and sharing her story with such honesty, to remind others that recovery is not only possible, but worth it. Support the Rock Your Bottom podcast by subscribing, liking, and sharing it far and wide; you never know who might need to hear it. Follow us on socials to stay updated with what’s happening and who’s coming on next! TikTok: rockyourbottomofficial, Instagram: rockyourbottom, Facebook: Rock Your Bottom #fyp #addiction #recovery #sobriety #nz #podcast #rockbottom #onedayatatime #youarenotalone #addictionawareness #soberjourney #recoveryjourney #rockyourbottom

Candice joins me to share her story from active addiction into recovery. With over half a decade in recovery Candice shares how she managed to get the recovery she has up her sleeve today as well as sharing where her rock bottoms took her and what they looked like. Candice's rock bottoms were the key components for her recovery. We are able to listen to how Candice lives her life today. Join us on how Candice went from Meth, Money and Mayhem to Peace, Love and Gratitude. From one person to the next, we do recover. Candice's Social Media platforms: Facebook: Lady West - Overcoming Addiction Facebook join: NZ recovery sisters - If you are a women in recovery!