School of Rock Bottom – Details, episodes & analysis

Thought 4: Georgina White on Anxiety, Alcohol & 'Hovering Above Rock Bottom'. Actor Georgina White shares her powerful story about how anxiety shaped her life. When she tried alcohol at 12, it felt like a solution—giving her the confidence and calm she craved. For years, she believed she didn’t have a problem; after all, she didn’t drink daily, and sometimes not heavily. But behind the scenes, Georgina describes living in a constant state of "hovering above rock bottom," masking deeper struggles until everything finally collapsed.Her story is a reminder that addiction doesn’t always look like what we expect.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. Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep4)Youtube - https://bit.ly/3ZCd0RjSpotify - https://bit.ly/3ODP75IApple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQPodcasting 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/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://bit.ly/3kSucAs#Anxiety#AddictionRecovery #Alcoholaddiction

[TW//References to suicide & sexual abuse] Former actor Maike Mullender's life is a powerful story of resilience and self-discovery. In this extremely frank conversation, she opens up about the devastating loss of her father to suicide, a shocking and traumatic family secret, and the unanswered questions that haunted her past.

She takes us through the mental health battles, the perfectionism, and dissociation that defined her childhood. But it doesn’t end there – Maike shares her brave journey through therapy, embracing uncertainty, and discovering inner peace.

From finding healing through yoga and meditation to accepting the complexities of her past, Maike's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. If you’ve ever struggled with accepting the past, trauma, self-worth, or finding your path forward, this episode is for you.

More -
Maike initially trained as an actor and performed on stage and TV. Her credits include North Square, The King and Us, Holby City, the Royal, Always & Everyone and Coronation Street, as well as The Gate Theatre and the Royal Exchange, Manchester.  After becoming frustrated with the sporadic nature of the work, she retrained as a Relate Couple and Young Peoples Counsellor, going on to work for Relate. She volunteers for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) & last year she wrote a book about her experience of growing up with a father with undiagnosed mental health issues who went on to take his own life.  Her book: The Confession: A Journey to Acceptance was published in 2023. She now works as a yoga teacher & for The LUNA foundation.

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://bit.ly/3kSucAs

Topics -
0:00 Intro
3:30 Maike's rock bottom
8:30 Shocking moments in childhood
12:00 Childhood coping mechanisms ALL
14:45 Using adult relationships to fix childhood ones
15:50 Searching for answers
23:15 When not knowing can be OK
28:30 Forgiveness Vs acceptance
31:40 Dealing with doubt now
34:40 Yoga as therapy
39:30 Ongoing healing & working as a therapist
44:10 How to move through childhood trauma

Further support -
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide - 0300 111 5065 Hub of hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk Samaritans -116 123 NAPAC – 0808 801 0331

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Book - https://amzn.to/3VbvEwW

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#TraumaRecovery
#MentalHealthJourney
#acceptance

Brandon has a light that can fill any room—his energy is infectious. But behind that light is a story of survival. At just 7 years old, his world collapsed when his mother became addicted to crack. Homeless and hungry, Brandon took on the role of protector for his younger brothers, every day a fight for survival. By 10, he found stability in a loving foster family, but the grip of addiction lingered in his life. Despite it all, Brandon chose a path of positivity. Armed with faith and an unwavering love for performing arts, he’s turned his pain into purpose. His story isn’t just about overcoming—it’s about thriving in the face of it all. His words, "Anything Is Possible" will forever stay with me. Huge thank you ❤️‍🩹 More on Brandon - Brandon Lee Sears is a performer who has just finished playing alternate Narrator in Passing Strange at Young Vic & as Donkey in The UK Tour of Shrek The Musical, previous theatre credits include starring as Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls the Musical; as well as the original West End productions of Be More Chill, Come From Away, Heathers, Motown the Musical and On the Town at Regents Park. Television and Film includes: Artemis Fowl and Cinderella (Disney); Marriage of Reason and Squalor (Sky Arts); Greta (Metropolitan Films). Topics - 0:00 Intro 2:50 Brandon's rock bottom 8:45 Brandon's traumatic childhood 14:20 Where does Brandon's light come from? 20:00 The challenges of being in foster care & the superpowers 26:50 Performing arts as a superpower 34:05 The challenges of being in the performing arts 38:50 Keep getting on the horse! 45:50 How does Brandon keep his mental health strong? This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Brandon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brandonleesears Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3AWejAU YouTube - https://bit.ly/3XgHki8 Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #addiction #podcast #recovery

For the first time, I'm finally telling my story—a story of how alcohol slowly destroyed my life, leaving me physically and mentally powerless addicted & suicidal. I used to be a weekend-only drinker, fully focused on my career but one "hair of the dog" turned into drinking all week and, before I knew it, I was trapped in alcoholism. I was diagnosed with chronic and severe alcohol use disorder and drinking daily.

Today, I share my story to give hope. If you feel like you’ve sunk so low that there’s no way out, know that recovery is possible. A life beyond your wildest dreams awaits.

A huge thank you to guest host Issy Hawkins, who took charge of my podcast and put me in the hot seat. It’s time for me to speak up and inspire those who need it most ❤️

More on Oliver -

Oliver began drama classes at the age of six with The Guildhall School of Speech & Drama and got accepted to join The National Youth Theatre aged thirteen. Oliver gained a B.A. (Honours) degree at The University of South Florida & Middlesex University in Drama & Theatre Studies before training as an actor at The Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. Film/TV credits include: From Bard To Verse (BabyCow/BBC), The Mysti Show Series 1 and 2 (BBC Series Regular), Jam, EastEnders (BBC), Bin Weevils (Nickelodeon), Sinbad: The Persian Prince (SyFy), Untitled A Film (Truk Films), CTRL (Breaking Fourth), BroBots (Samsung Films) Lilybuds (Discovery), Red Dwarf (BabyCow/Dave), Time Rewind (Creation Box Films) & Halo (Amblin/Showtime).

West End credits include Bombitty of Errors & Twelfth Night. Voiceovers include: The Disney Channel, Santander, McDonald's, The Samaritans, BBC Worldwide, Virgin Media, eBay, Currys, Morissons, Nissan, Seat, T-Mobile, BT & Kellogs.

Topics -

0:00 Intro

1:50 Oliver's rock bottom

7:20 Why is Oliver telling his story now?

8:55 Early recovery challenges physical & mental

12:45 Oliver's relationship to the industry when he was drinking vs recovery

16:30 Is relapse part of recovery?

20:00 The 12 steps was the last thing I wanted to do!

23:15 Is addiction progressive?

28:20 Heavy drinking vs alcoholism

30:30 Relationships with family

30:45 Is addiction a disease?

34:20 Is addiction trying to kill you?

37:10 Dealing with fear, self pity amd anger

44:00 Panic attacks!

48:10 Does Oliver need a recovery community to stay sober?

51:25 Navigating sobriety in a drinking culture society

54:25 What has recovery given you today?

For further support I recommend reaching out to your local NHS alcohol service and AA -

T: 0800 917 7650

E: help@aamail.org

Web: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Great book for panic attacks -

https://www.christineingham.com/panic

This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you!

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#podcast

#recovery

#alcoholaddiction

Who struggles with addiction? Is it only the person you see drinking on a park bench at dawn, or could it also be a respected judge, or perhaps a Muslim grandfather? Addiction does not discriminate—it affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, culture, or background. In today’s episode, I am honored to welcome Raffa, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the recovery field. Now running a private rehab in Watford, Raffa brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation. Together, we will explore the realities of addiction and recovery, challenging the harmful stereotypes that often surround them. Raffa holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling using the Arts and has extensive training in Integrative Art Psychotherapy. His unique approach offers fresh insights into what recovery can truly look like, and how we can reshape our perspectives for a more inclusive and supportive future. Key Takeaways - Diverse Faces of Addiction: Understanding that addiction affects individuals across all demographics and communities. Breaking Down Stigma: Discussing the societal narratives that hinder recovery and how we can shift towards empathy and support. Raffa’s Journey in Recovery: Insight into Raffa’s extensive experience and the lessons learned from over 20 years in the field. Vision for the Future: Raffa shares innovative ideas on how recovery can evolve, breaking down barriers within all cultures and communities. A special thank you to Raffa for her invaluable contributions and for inspiring us to think differently about addiction and recovery. Topics - 0:00 Intro 2:50 Why did Raffa pursue this career? 7:00 A calling & life purpose from a Muslim scholar 9:30 What does rock bottom look like? 14:00 The stigma of addiction in different cultures 17:30 Religion vs culture 23:30 What kind of people go to rehab & why? 33:20 Running a rehab as a Muslim 41:00 If you were a good Muslim that wouldn't happen? 44:25 A vision for the future 49:15 The healing power of compassion & forgiveness This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Raffa Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/creative_recovery_workshops Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3YMYyWC YouTube - https://bit.ly/3X0RJzq Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

Theatre critic Mark Shenton discovered his sexuality via a porn mag in Soho aged 16, that quickly turned into an addiction alongside sex addiction which escalated to him hiring porn stars by the hour. Now 12 years into his recovery, Mark found a way out of a living hell that ended in a deep, dark depression and a stark feeling of hopelessness. Mark Shenton is a very well known theatre critic but today he shows us his deeply personal and human side in, perhaps, my most raw and astoundingly honest interview yet. I cannot thank you enough for being so deeply candid to help people. Legend ❤️ More on Mark - Mark Shenton has been a full-blown theatre addict since the age of 14. He later found a way to monetise it — and get free tickets as well — by becoming a full-time professional theatre critic and commentator.  Born and raised in South Africa, he emigrated with his parents to England when he was 16, and attended Cambridge University where he read law (but spent most of his time reviewing and producing student theatre).  He later became editor of arts and entertainment at the Press Association and spent a year working in the offices of producer Cameron Mackintosh. In 2002 he went freelance and became a full-time writer, separately (and sometimes simultaneously) acting as theatre critic for WhatsOnStage, The Stage (where he was also an associate editor), the Sunday Express and londontheatre.co.uk for the next two decades. He also regularly broadcast on BBC London (radio and TV), as well as contributing to other outlets including LBC, Times Radio and Talk Radio. In 2022 he moved to West Sussex with his husband, and now writes a regular theatre newsletter which is published on his own website, ShentonStage.com. Topics - 0:00 Intro 3:45 Mark's rock bottom 8:35 Porn addiction 12:30 Porn addiction turns to sex addiction 24:00 Addiction to hiring porn stars 26:30 The consequences & sex addiction turns to love addiction 29:00 Why the addiction for Mark? 32:50 Is spirituality needed to recover? 36:50 My name's Mark and I'm a theatre addict 39:17 Actors mustn't read reviews! 47:25 How to heal the "empty" feeling? For anyone struggling with these topics Mark suggests reaching out to - SLAA - https://slaauk.org This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Mark X - https://x.com/ShentonStage Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shentonstage Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3WCXK5s YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Ytj4f7 Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

[TW//Coercive Control & Abuse] Today, I welcome singer/songwriter Smilee. At 18, she entered a relationship with a man who was 24 years older which started off with a lovely holiday abroad only to be trapped in relationship with regular menacing threats, humiliation, manipulation, isolation, stalking, intimidation, gaslighting & even examples of financial and physical abuse. Unfortunately, Smilee's ordeal is far too common... 1 in 5 adults experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. This equates to: 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6-7 men. Coercive control is a crime (in The UK) & 95% of those prosecuted are male & 94% of cases escape conviction due to failures in the justice system & many victims do not tell anyone. Coercive control slowly hijacks your life - leaving the survivor isolated & dependant. It is a crime against your rights and resources so I thank Smilee for sharing her story to help others and she is undeniable proof that you can bounce back stronger and more resilient. Huge thanks ❤️ Topics - 0:00 Intro 3:50 Smilee's rock bottom 6:05 What is coercive control? Threats & manipulation 16:05 Isolation, smokescreens & financial abuse 22:05 Monitoring activity 26:00 Gaslighting, name calling & intimidation & stalking 34:10 Controlling career & sexual coercion 38:55 What kind of person would do this? 40:10 Love bombing 45:37 Using creativity/music as therapy 47:30 What do you wish you knew at 18? For anyone struggling with these topics Smilee suggests reaching out to: National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Smilee Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vsmileemusic TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@vsmilee1 Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3XUDahV YouTube - https://bit.ly/4bDBZqd Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #coercivecontrol #domesticabuse #strength

Actor Rupert Hill was a very high functioning and pleasant drinker who could hide his alcoholism behind a successful career as an actor and publican which also helped fuel the denial. Over decades, Rupert's drinking became more and more unstainable - he found himself wanting a drink before going on stage and even in the middle of the night. Rupert decided to announce that he was sober on social media and has had the word "FREE" tatooed on the wrist of his drinking hand as a reminder to never go back. Rupert explains his slow decline into alcoholism and how and why he got sober - finding solace outside 12 step fellowship, self-help & gaining knowledge. Huge thanks Rupert for being so candid to help others! More on Rupert - Studied drama and theatre at Middlesex. Acting credits include TV shows like Holby City, Casualty and Coronation Street (Jamie Baldwin). Recent work includes Hollyoaks, Four Lives and Whitstable Pearl. He appeared in over 15 stage productions including Lady Chatterley's Lover and Wuthering Heights & directed the national tour of The Full Monty. Film credits include Awaiting and Entity &  features in 25+ radio plays. Rupert writes & directs his own films including; Molehills, Roll With The Punches and The Lookalike & recently wrote, co-directed, and starred in Operation Magpie, winning 'Best Actor' at Manchester Lift Off Festival. Debut play HUSK will stage at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester, in September, focusing on alcohol addiction and he directs The Arden Drama School showreels and showcase. Rupert co-owns The Castle Hotel and Gullivers pubs in Manchester's Northern Quarter & recently took over The Lloyds in Chorlton. 0:00 Intro 3:15 Rupert's rock bottom 5:15 The beginning of Rupert's acting career 10:15 'Hair of the dog' turns to addiction 18:10 Drinking in the middle of the night & hiding it 21:55 Alcohol causing mental health problems? 25:40 The power of 'being present' 29:15 Sobriety & close relationships 33:15 Drinking turns unstainable & recovery 39:05 Being a sober publican! 42:35 Rupert's new play HUSK 46:15 How Rupert maintains his recovery For anyone struggling with these topics Rupert suggests reading Alcohol Explained by William Porter. This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Rupert Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rupertsinclairhill Twitter/X - https://x.com/RupertHill Go see his new play! https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/husk Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3zqqR2J YouTube - https://bit.ly/45UHYWv Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #functioningalcoholic #recovery

[TW//reference to suicide] Livvie May is an actress from Bristol and lives in East London with her cat, Carole. After the break up of her first serious realtionship, Livvie tried to take her own life and thankfully survived. This started a destructive cycle of toxic relationships & encounters that lasted a decade. A friend suggested she attend Sex & Love Addiction Anonymous and her life immediately changed for the better. In this emotionally raw and honestly episode, actor Livvie May candidly shares her journey of grappling with sex and love addiction. From her tumultuous relationships at university to challenging patterns of behaviour post-breakups, Livvie delves into the profound impact that these toxic patrerns had on her mental health and sense of self-worth. Tackling themes of abandonment, obsession, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Livvie's story offers a poignant exploration of finding resilience and hope amidst struggles with addiction. Huge thanks, Livvie! Topics 0:00 Intro 2:45 Livvie's rock bottom 11:55 What is a 'qualifier' in love addiction? 14:45 How childhood shaped Livvie's love addiction 20:15 Why it took 10 more years to understand it was love addiction 27:15 What makes Livvie a love addict? 34:30 How recovery started 38:20 What is "bottom line" behaviour/acting out? 43:30 What does future relationships look like and making amends 45:35 Biggest lessons learnt from the rock bottom 48:20 How common is love addiction? 51:15 Acting as a means to escape For anyone struggling with these topics Livvie suggests reaching out to: SLAA - https://slaauk.org This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Livvie Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/maylivvie Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/4euLvi3 YouTube - https://bit.ly/3XrV0Zj Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

[TW// References to suicide, intrusive thoughts, OCD & depression] Oly spent a decade battling severe mental illness, losing his former confident and outgoing self to severe negative thoughts, OCD, anxiety and depression. One day, in his darkest hour, he pulled out a gym kit and went for run and he has run every day since! Through running he regained confidence and self-belief and for the first time in 10 years the negative thoughts stopped. Today, Oly is an esteemed International Speaker, Mental Health Advocate and Trainer - sharing his journey to inspire others to seek help and embrace their own path to recovery. He founded the Run4YourMind Foundation and Lights On Mental Health, and co-founded Talks for Change Company, delivering talks and training worldwide to offer hope to those facing mental health challenges. Huge thanks Oly! ❤️ Topics - 0:00 Intro 2:57 Oly's rock bottom 7:40 Red flags at 7 years old 13:04 OCD & ADHD as a teen 15:20 Masking problems at school 19:08 OCD & depression symptoms increasing into adulthood 25:00 Talking to break the stigma 27:55 Agoraphobia & then moving countries 30:50 The beginning of hope & running 43:15 Run for your mind! 50:15 The building blocks of Oly's recovery For anyone struggling, Oly recommends Hub of Hope (alonside your GP) - https://hubofhope.co.uk This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Oly Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/run4yourmind LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oly-newton Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Listen or watch on: (please subscribe/follow & rate/review) Spotify - https://bit.ly/3RaNm1C YouTube - https://bit.ly/3x4WOg7 Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #ocd #depression #anxiety