Class A People31 Maalis 2025

Addiction, Identity & Healing

In this episode, James Talbot opens up about the parts of his story that were hidden behind the party persona. From being bullied at school and masking with bravado, to chasing success, status and stimulation at all costs—this is a raw, reflective conversation about addiction, identity, and healing.

James shares how trauma, ADHD, and the constant need to prove himself led to years of alcohol and drug use, extreme behaviour, and emotional chaos. We talk about the dangers of high-functioning addiction, the impact of private school culture, and what happens when the external world sees confidence, but the internal world is falling apart.

This isn’t just about drugs and alcohol. It’s about the masks we wear, the stories we tell ourselves, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes it all has to fall apart before we can figure out who we actually are.

Topics Covered:

• How bullying and abandonment shaped his early identity

• The private school culture of status, shame and silence

• Alcohol, drugs and the drive to be “the most fun”

• Why ADHD and addiction so often go hand-in-hand

• The danger of seeking validation through chaos

• Social media, self-worth, and masking pain with performance

• Finding recovery, routine, and a new way of living

• Learning to be okay without being the centre of attention

This conversation digs into the complexity of addiction, trauma, neurodivergence and recovery—offering hope for anyone who feels like they’re always performing but never truly present.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(55)

Episode 16: Love In The Shadows Of Addiction

In this conversation, the anonymous speaker shares her experiences as the partner of an addict, discussing the complexities of love, trust, and recovery. She reflects on her childhood influences, the ...

28 Loka 20241h 43min

Bonus Episode: Addicted To Self Harming

In this powerful bonus episode, Hannah shares a deeply personal account of a listener of the podcasts struggles with self-harm addiction, and the journey towards recovery. She discusses the impact of ...

27 Loka 202427min

Episode 15: The Fine Line Between Work & Drugs

In this conversation, Ryan Phillips shares his journey from childhood through addiction and recovery. He discusses the impact of his family dynamics, particularly the influence of his parents' struggl...

21 Loka 20241h 52min

Bonus Episode: 'London Changed My Using From Casual To Incessant'

In this Bonus Episode on Class A People, Hannah shares an anonymous story from one of the listeners. The story tells of the listeners personal journey with drug use, particularly focusing on cocaine. ...

20 Loka 20249min

Episode 14: Living Sober With Lucy

In this conversation, Lucy shares her unique journey of sobriety, childhood experiences, and the impact of trauma on her life. She discusses her struggles with making friends, the challenges of growin...

14 Loka 20241h 57min

Bonus Episode: Adoption, Abuse & Crack Cocaine To Spiritual Healing & Helping Others

In this Bonus Episode on Class A People Hannah tells of a listener of the podcasts harrowing journey of trauma, addiction, and recovery. The story recounts a childhood filled with abuse and neglect, l...

13 Loka 202418min

Episode 13: Dealing With Loss From An Early Age & Discovering Self Worth

In this conversation, Jamie Osmond shares his journey from a childhood marked by loss and a working-class upbringing to his experiences in the music industry, grappling with addiction, and ultimately ...

7 Loka 20241h 32min

Bonus Episode: A Cautionary Tale Of Sharing Drugs With Strangers

In this bonus episode, Hannah shares an anonymous story from one of the Class A People listeners. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of sharing drugs with strangers, emphasizing the importance ...

6 Loka 202411min