Is alcohol really relaxing you—or trapping you?

Today, I sit down with William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained, ex-paratrooper, and solicitor, to uncover the truth about addiction. William has completely redefined how we understand alcohol, smoking, and vaping—stripping away the myths that keep us hooked.

In this episode, William shares his rock bottom moment, the shocking science behind alcohol dependency, and why we’ve been misled about booze for years. We break down:

The hidden role of stress hormones—and why alcohol creates anxiety, not relieves it.

The dangerous cycle of "hair of the dog"—and why "just one more" keeps you trapped.

Nicotine and vaping—why quitting is so hard, and how to finally break free

Synthetic alcohol, legalisation, and addiction psychology—are we replacing one problem with another?

How to quit smoking if you still drink—and why it’s harder than you think.

This isn’t just about stopping drinking or smoking—it’s about reclaiming control over your life. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or just questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode could change everything.

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

3:40 William's rock bottom

6:10 Binge drinking

7:40 Why hair of the dog is so dangerous

10:55 Alcohol causes stress and tolerance?

12:25 Any positives to alcohol?

14:25 1 in 8 Americans addicted to alcohol?

16:50 0% booze?!

18:40 What about alco-synth & socialising?

25:25 Overcoming social anxiety without booze

28:10 CBD drinks?

29:30 Therapy for alcohol addiction?

34:10 Why nicotine/smoking/vaping is addictive

40:40 Is cigarettes or vaping better for you?

45:40 What is the best way to quit smoking

48:10 How do you stop smoking when you like to drink?!

53:40 Why every cigarette is a hair of the dog!

55:10 The phenomenan of craving

58:10 Should all drugs be legal?

Follow William

https://www.alcoholexplained.com

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#AddictionRecovery

Is there joy in addiction? In this next quick thought, Sebastian Walker (author of the best selling book The Joy of Addiction) shares how realising he was an addict became the best thing that ever happened to him. He breaks down the difference between being a suffering addict and a recovering one, how surrendering can lead to freedom, and why clarity in sobriety changes everything. If you're struggling or know someone who is, this conversation offers powerful insights into recovery, mindset shifts, and how support networks like 12-step fellowships can make all the difference. 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!https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3eeBuy 'The Joy Of Addiction'https://amzn.to/3N2fXTYFollow Sebastian Instagram - https://bit.ly/3Pdwl6VTwitter - https://bit.ly/46baXVUFacebook - https://bit.ly/3NoLpgxFollow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpdsWatch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep10)YouTube - https://bit.ly/43uN4pJSpotify - https://bit.ly/3oGa86AApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3#AddictionRecovery#SoberLife#MentalHealthAwarenes

Today, I’m joined by Sharon and Lauretta – better known as The Gavin Sisters – an acclaimed comedy duo who’ve graced TV and stage, written sitcoms for television, and penned plays for the West End.

But behind the laughter, their lives took a devastating turn. Sharon was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that left her unable to walk, losing her hair, and trapped in a toxic relationship. At the same time, Lauretta’s world fell apart when she discovered her husband was living a double life—while she was six months pregnant. Together, they hit rock bottom. But instead of breaking, they rebuilt.

In this powerful conversation, the Gavin Sisters share how they turned their darkest moments into a new beginning. They broke free from drinking and takeaways, embraced radical lifestyle changes, and supported each other as single mums. Doctors told Sharon she’d be unwell and on medication for life—but they couldn’t have been more wrong.

Determined to take control of her health, the sisters overhauled their lives. Lauretta retrained as a natural vegan chef, and together, they swapped red wine, sugar, and processed food for nutrient-packed meals. Sharon’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable.

Now, they run The Detox Barn wellness retreat, host a hit podcast, and have even launched their own product, Funki Coffee. This is their story of survival, healing, and resilience.

Thank you to the 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://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee

Topics -

0:00 Intro

4:15 Sharon's rock bottom

7:30 Lauretta's rock botttom

12:00 Living in chronic stress & fight or flight

15:00 Why did Sharon get an auto immune disease?

16:15 Hedonism vs wellness?

19:00 Healing from an autoimmune disease

24:45 Lauretta joins Sharon on her wellness journey

28:15 Dealing with the early stages of divorce

29:45 What is grey area drinking?

41:30 Fully embracing a healthy lifestyle

46:00 Medication vs diet?

Follow Gavin Sisters

All links - https://linktr.ee/gavinsisters

Follow Oliver

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X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds

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

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#WellnessJourney

#HealingThroughAdversity

#GavinSisters

In this next thought, we explore a pivotal realisation—how recognising that you're not alone can be a game-changer in mental health recovery & depression. David Sayers, a highly successful Managing Director, shares his personal turning point: sitting in a group therapy session, hearing someone else articulate their feelings with uncanny accuracy, and realising, this isn't just me. That moment of connection shifted everything, breaking the isolation that fuels depression. We discuss the importance of finding a support system—whether friends, family, or colleagues—who create space for open conversations, challenging stigma and how early intervention and organisations bridge the gap between needing help and receiving it.We also discuss the ongoing process of managing mental health, much like physical fitness—there's no ‘final destination,’ just continuous growth. We also discuss antidepressants, highlighting that while it doesn’t work for everyone, for many, it's a crucial tool in their recovery. This episode is a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the first step towards healing. If you’re struggling, reach out. The right conversation at the right time can be life-changing. 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. Follow David Linkdn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsayers1965 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 Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep10) YouTube - https://bit.ly/3MKkU3u Spotify - https://bit.ly/3N5aXPqDavid Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ 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 #MentalHealthAwareness #DepressionRecovery #BreakTheStigma

What if losing everything was the beginning of truly living? In this awe-inspiring episode, I sit down with one of my recovery heroes, Pax—a man who believes that losing his legs was the divine intervention that saved his life. Once living the high life, Pax’s descent into alcoholism left him homeless and battling life-threatening frostbite. But at rock bottom, he discovered a deeper purpose and finally accepted he was an alcoholic. What’s even more astonishing? Pax wouldn’t change a thing. Pax shares his unflinching truth: “God took my legs so I’d sit down, shut up, and listen.” Now over 8 years sober, Pax has built a tremendous life dedicated to helping others fight the illness of addiction. In this powerful conversation, we explore solutions to alcoholism, how to deal with relapse, cravings and triggers, and the path to removing the obsession with self—and even the desire or need to drink. This episode is for anyone seeking hope in their darkest moments or searching for meaning in their pain. 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 Thank you to the Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Topics - 0:00 Intro 2:30 Pax's rock bottom 4:15 Is Pax grateful that he lost his legs? 7:00 Pride & how did Pax become homeless 9:30 Let's talk about RELAPSE 13:45 The power of delusion 14:50 God took my legs to save my life 16:30 Why ego death is important 19:45 Pax's solution to his alcoholism 26:30 Letting go of resentments and self obsession 28:20 Why is rock bottom the greatest teacher? 33:30 Triggers & cravings 43:00 Trying to fill the void 45:30 The allergy of alcohol 47:30 Is it REALLY life or death? Resources - https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Follow Pax Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paxhalai 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 Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://bit.ly/42vXUPf Spotify - https://bit.ly/4aBsmJU Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ Lastly, if you are interested in performing arts and incredible stories and journeys you must check out Matthew Jones' excellent podcast 'Life After Jazz Hands' here - https://bit.ly/4iQ7Nxa #SobrietyStories #HopeInDarkness #AddictionRecovery

Is Happiness a Choice?! Can you stop overthinking and just live in the now?! Today's quick thought is with Jonathan Goodwin, "The Daredevil," as he shares his incredible journey. A world-renowned escape artist and stunt performer, Jonathan survived life-threatening stunts before a 2021 accident left him paralysed. Despite this, his resilience and positive mindset have been truly inspiring.

Jonathan discusses how his near-death experience cemented his view on life, focusing on the present moment and finding beauty even through hardship. He explores how mental and physical pain are linked and how reframing struggles can help us grow. Jonathan also highlights how happiness is a choice, and by living in the moment, we can find peace, creativity and gratitude, no matter the circumstances.

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.

Follow Jonathan
Instagram - https://bit.ly/3P0IFHw
Twitter - https://bit.ly/3MOxr66
Hypnotherapy - https://calendly.com/changingyourmind/60min

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep9)

YouTube - https://bit.ly/43Gibik
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3qqQUSR
Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ

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

#LiveInTheMoment
#ChooseHappiness
#MindsetShift

Anorexia isn't just about body image, social media and even control. Today, I welcome anorexia survivor Sophie Anderson who was hospitalised for months aged 12 for anorexia and is now 15 years in recovery! Today we uncover the hidden truths, damaging myths & misconceptions about anorexia and find recovery in the connections to addiction, trauma, family dynamics, genetics, emotional pain and finding the joy in food and who you really are. Anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with 5-20% of those affected dying from medical complications or suicide. On average, individuals may be unwell for 8 years before recovery, with 20% remaining chronically unwell. But this certainly isn’t solely a story of struggle-it’s a journey of finding strength, purpose and a wonderful life. Nearly half of those who battle anorexia make a full recovery, and this episode proves that healing is possible. Please share with anyone struggling. More on Sophie - Sophie is a social and political activist working in international development and youth mental health, whose rock bottom came at just 12 years old when she was hospitalised for Anorexia. Eventually achieving a full recovery, Sophie went on to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Bristol where she earned the Politics’ Prize for best academic performance in the year and cemented her dedication to affecting wide-scale social change. She is proud to have recently provided opening remarks for a parliamentary roundtable on youth mental health/services with the Minister for Mental Health. 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 3:55 Sophie's rock bottom 8:05 When did Sophie realise it was anorexia? 10:05 Was Sophie aware of it escalating as a child? 13:35 Anorexia felt safe and it numbed emotions 16:35 Sophie's view of anorexia 22:05 Myths and misconceptions 29:35 Why anorexia is like addiction 33:20 Do people with anorexia like food? 36:55 Sophie's recovery journey & healing 45:15 ADHD 48:05 Sophie's relationship with food now Sophie received support from: Eating Matters (Norwich), Cruise Bereavement (National) & The Bridge (Bristol). Follow Sophie Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sophiee.anderson 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 Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://bit.ly/4jbvZdo Spotify - https://bit.ly/4air4TL Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ Lastly, if you are interested in performing arts and incredible stories and journeys you must check out Matthew Jones' excellent podcast 'Life After Jazz Hands' here - https://bit.ly/4iQ7Nxa #AnorexiaRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #EatingDisordersHelp