Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
Believe in People is the UK’s leading podcast dedicated to addiction, recovery, lived experience storytelling, and the power of peer support in transforming lives. Produced by ReNew, the series brings honest, unfiltered conversations with people who have faced addiction, homelessness, trauma, stigma, prison, relapse and recovery and found a way forward.
Hosted by Matt Butler and produced by Robbie Lawson, each episode provides real insight into the experiences behind substance use, the roots of trauma, and the pathways into healing and long-term recovery. You will hear from public figures, frontline workers, peer mentors, musicians, parents and people with lived experience who are changing communities across the UK.
Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone, working in treatment services, or simply curious about what real recovery looks like, this podcast offers depth, truth and hope. With new episodes released regularly, Believe in People is for anyone seeking honest stories, practical learning, and a deeper understanding of how people rebuild their lives.
🎙 2025 British Podcast Award Nominee - Best Interview
🎙 2025 British Podcast Award Nominee - Best Factual
🎙 2024 British Podcast Award Winner - Best Interview
🎙 2025 Radio Academy Award Nominee - Best Speech & Entertainment
🎙 2024 Radio Academy Award Nominee - Best New Podcast
www.believeinpeoplepodcast.com
Search terms: addiction, recovery podcast UK, lived experience stories, peer support, substance misuse recovery, trauma and recovery.
Believe in People: Addiction, Recovery & Stigma
Latest Episodes
Carole Boss Watson: TikTok Sober Queen, 45 Years in Addiction, Gangster Dad and Sobriety
The TikTok sensation known to millions as "Sober Queen" joins us on Believe in People.Carole Watson's story is unlike anything we've featured before. Her addiction began at just ten years old and continued for more than 45 years t...
Kaitlin Reeve: Motherhood, Cocaine, 12 Steps & How Mums Can Ask For Help Without Losing Their Children
In this episode of Believe in People, Kaitlin Reeve, known online as Sober As A Mother Focused, joins us to discuss motherhood, addiction recovery, trauma, shame, and the unique barriers women face when seeking support....
Believe in People EXTRA: Richard Bacon On Addiction and Living With Risk
In this special episode of Believe in People: EXTRA, recorded on the road at the British Podcast Show in London, we sit down with broadcaster Richard Bacon for an honest conversation about alcohol addiction, cocaine use, stigma, and what...
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Ed Edwards: The Political History of Smack and Crack
In this episode of Believe in People, playwright Ed Edwards joins us to discuss The Political History of Smack and Crack - his award-winning play exploring addiction, recovery, Thatcherism, political unrest, and Britain’s heroin...
Melissa Love: Trauma, Healthcare Stigma and a Nurse’s Journey Into Recovery Services
Melissa Love joins Believe in People to share how working as a nurse in addiction services challenged her own hidden fears, internalised stigma and understanding of dependency. Through personal reflections on her brother’s addiction, family tra...
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Fan Mail
hey Matt, just wanted to say what an absolute gem of a podcast you have , really well done !! The first I watched was the one with Nadine as I know her and her gorgeous family. I worked for a Hull homeless charity for 14 years so obviously knew Renew when it set up on Bev Rd - amazing organisation . How amazing that you’ve managed to get celebrities on , which will be brilliant for propelling the show. The local lasses are always a winner for me though .. much love and good luck moving forward , Sal 🙂
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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