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!

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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)

YouTube - https://bit.ly/49RrCj1

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

#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

If you feel overwhelmed and confused after reading endless articles and books about addiction - you’re not alone.

In this episode, I break down why understanding addiction is actually simple — and how knowing just TWO key parts of your brain could change everything. This isn’t about overcomplicating your recovery. It’s about cutting through the noise, empowering you with real knowledge, and showing you that healing is possible. If you want clarity and hope (not just jargon), this is for you.

Today, I’m busting one of the biggest myths about addiction: that it's "too complicated to understand."

Here’s the truth — while the reasons people develop addiction can be complex (trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression), what actually happens inside the brain is much simpler than you’ve been led to believe.

In this episode, I break it down into two key players: The amygdala, your survival and emotional memory centre.

The dopamine reward system, your brain’s way of reinforcing survival behaviours.

I explain how these two areas work together, how addiction hijacks them, and why it can feel like your very survival depends on alcohol or drugs.

But there’s good news: because the brain is neuroplastic, you can unlearn what’s been learned. Full recovery is possible. Your brain wants to heal — and it can.

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/olivermason1

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

Follow Oliver

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

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 22)

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3NuVwzU

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3RmMvu8

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

#Neuroscience

#HumanBehaviour

#AddictionRecovery

Today I welcome a powerhouse and all round lovely human Raquelle Gracie – an artist, entrepreneur, and former X Factor finalist who has worked with music legends like Pharrell Williams and Babyface. But it’s not all glitter and glam. Raquelle shares her unfiltered story of hitting an emotional 'bottom' in the ruthless world of the music industry.

At just 23, Raquelle found herself rejected by Babyface’s label, dropped without a visa, and left stranded in LA with no money. But that was just the start of her battle. From facing personal betrayal to struggling with self-worth, rejection became a recurring theme in Raquelle's life. In this episode, she opens up about the deep emotional scars she carried and the dangerous spiral of self-sabotage that almost took everything away.

Yet, despite all the darkness, Raquelle rose. Ditching the booze, she turned her pain into power, using her journey of rejection and grief to fuel her creativity and help others. Raquelle's story is one of resilience, growth, and empowerment. From the music industry’s harsh realities to her personal breakthrough, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to face your own challenges head-on.

More on Raquelle -

She first made waves as a finalist on The X Factor in 2007, touring with Boyzone and Westlife before working with Pharrell Williams and signing with Babyface via Universal Records. She even co-wrote a US Dance Chart top-three hit with Randy Jackson.

But Raquelle’s impact doesn’t stop at music. She’s shaping the next generation of artists, running songwriting camps and artist retreats in Portugal, founding RISE Creative Arts theatre school, and launching Tiny Gym, a fresh take on Tiny Desk concerts.

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

3:15 Raquelle's rock bottom

6:00 Dealing with rejection & mysogyny

9:15 Without singing - am I enough?

13:45 Rejection turns into self sabotage

15:00 The X Factor!

17:15 Being cut because of weight gain

21:10 Validation addiction

27:05 Food & body image to self sabotage

36:30 Power in vulnerability

36:55 Sponsor

38:00 Why Raquelle went alcohol free

41:30 Going sober helped with grief

44:40 The spiritual journey

47:40 Answers come in silence and stillness

52:10 Championing young performers

55:50 What would you like written on your gravestone?

56:35 Advice for young Raquelle

Follow Raquelle

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

Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@raquellegracie

Website - www.raquellegracie.live

Follow Oliver

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

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#MusicIndustryStruggles

#OvercomingRejection

#CreativeJourney

In this next quick thought, I revisit my conversation with Eddy Queens who is a star in the music industry—until addiction took everything.

Dropped by her label, she spiralled into crack cocaine addiction. Within 2 years, she was homeless, trapped in a dangerous crack den, doing sex work to survive, stealing from family, and estranged from her son. Her life was ruled by a 24/7 drug habit.

Now over 13 years clean and sober, Eddy shares how she got and stayed clean. This is not a celebrity comeback story—it’s about survival, forgiveness, and the real work of recovery. Today, Eddy is a performer, mother, and recovery mentor.

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/olivermason1

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

Follow Eddy

Instagram - https://instagram.com/eddyqueensdiva

https://instagram.com/nubiancohearts

Website - https://eddyqueensdiva.wixsite.com/eddyqueens

Follow Oliver

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

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 20)

Spotify - https://bit.ly/495dEJY

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3QdRfkS

or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.

#drugaddiction

#recovery

#12step

Georgina Baillie found herself thrown into the centre of a media storm by Russel Brand & Jonathan Ross so explosive it forced the BBC to change its broadcasting rules forever. But she is not a scandal—she’s a fighter & a woman who refused to be defined by a moment she never chose. The horrific media onslaught that followed sent Georgina spiralling into a world of addiction to drugs, alcohol & sex.

Born into the limelight as the granddaughter of legendary actor Andrew Sachs, Georgina has carved her own rebellious path in the entertainment world. From setting stages ablaze as the enigmatic ‘Voluptua’ in the gothic burlesque scene to rocking out as the lead vocalist of Georgie Girl, touring alongside the iconic Adam Ant.

This is not just a story about multiple addictions—it's about the brutal cost of public shame, the pain of being misunderstood, and the strength it takes to start again when the world has already made up its mind about you.

Georgina is highly engaging, witty and razor-sharp. She shares the hard truths with grace and humour, offering a rare glimpse behind the headlines. Whether you’ve been through your own rock bottom, or you're just curious about what it really takes to survive one, this conversation will stay with you. 5 years clean and sober she is a real recovery inspiration.

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded well before any recent public developments. The conversation centres on Georgina Baillie’s personal experience and recovery journey, and any references to past events reflect her own lived perspective at the time.

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 Georgina's rock bottom

8:45 The belief that YOU ARE NOT ENOUGH

11:20 Undiagnosed ADHD impact

14:10 The impact of parents getting divorced

15:30 Addicted to attention & manipulating men

17:15 Dad moving away meant Georgina could LET RIP

19:45 Proving self worth through men

20:45 Modelling and toxic behaviour

21:55 Bulimia

23:25 Cross addiction

24:30 Being taken advantage of when 'modelling'

27:30 The Russel Brand & Jonathan Ross prank

32:10 Sponsor

33:15 Addiction progression

35:15 Falling into sex work

36:30 Addiction becomes evil

41:30 Recovery is beautiful

44:30 Spirituality

46:30 How do you forgive yourself?!

49:15 Higher power? What?!

51:55 PMDD & solutions

56:30 What do you want written on your gravestone?

Follow Georgina

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

Follow Oliver

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

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#GeorginaBaillie

#RecoveryJourney

#AddictionRecovery

Too many of us wait. For change. For hope. For a miracle. But what if the miracle you're waiting for... is you?

In this next thought, I revisit a moment spent with Justin Govender who was shot in the back by police and went on to represent South Africa in two Paralympics as we explore the idea that the lowest moments in his life—disability, depression, hopelessness—can be the very soil where new strength grows. It’s not about waiting for something to happen to you. It’s about becoming the force that changes everything.

We discuss the shift from victim to survivor to hero, why rock bottom can be the springboard to growth and the power of choosing movement over stagnation. He also shares how helping others can help heal yourself. If you’re in a dark place right now, this one’s for you. You’re not alone. Just take one step forward.

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/olivermason1

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

Follow Oliver

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

Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r

TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9

LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7

Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah

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

Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 18)

Listen or watch on:

Spotify - https://bit.ly/3Q5Q9Jq

Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3

YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Mn8MX5

or search 'School of Rock Bottom' where you listen to your podcasts.

#BeTheMiracle

#DisabilityAwareness

#MentalHealth