David’s Manic Episode Led to $3 Million in Damages
Soberly Speaking2 Maalis 2025

David’s Manic Episode Led to $3 Million in Damages

I came across David on TikTok, where he’s known as Bipolarguylovinglife and he instantly caught my attention. Sitting in his car, talking to the camera about his ex-cocaine dealer, who he moved into his spare bedroom in hopes of getting a discount. I was hooked.

For the first 27 years of his life, David’s world looked very different. He didn’t drink, didn’t touch drugs, went to Bible college, and married the girl he had promised himself to at 21.

But at 27, his bipolar disorder could no longer be contained. Mania took over, and the fallout was huge; trying to marry a foreign nanny while still married to his first wife, buying a nightclub on impulse, falling for someone who had to wear an ankle monitor, and committing his biggest regret: white-collar crime, with damages estimated in the millions.

Follow David on TikTok

Ready to share your story? Email hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses domestic violence, self-harm, substance abuse, and suicide. Please listen with care.

The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015

https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline

Creator & host- Julia Rangiheuea

Video producer- Beaudene Perussich

Image & logo- Jasmine Rule

In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Jaksot(85)

How Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 1)

How Childhood Trauma Shaped Stony's World (Part 1)

It feels like an injustice to Stony's story to try and capture her life in one single interview.  From as early as she can remember, Stony's witnessed and been victim to violence and struggled with th...

9 Joulu 202428min

Drunk with a Newborn: How Lizzy Became the ZeroProofMum

Drunk with a Newborn: How Lizzy Became the ZeroProofMum

I’ve never heard a new mum be as open and honest as Lizzy is in this episode.From breastfeeding while drunk and passing out, to grappling with postnatal depression and feeling resentful towards her so...

2 Joulu 202437min

The Dad Who Needed to Escape

The Dad Who Needed to Escape

Mick is a 'classic' Aussie dad with three daughters. He enjoys going to the gym and spending time with his wife, Katie. Mick is also a recovering alcohol and gambling addict.Mick shares the powerful s...

25 Marras 202433min

The Lost Boy with Tony Vlogs

The Lost Boy with Tony Vlogs

What happens to the children of addicts who can no longer care for them?For many children, the effects of a parent's addiction are profound, far-reaching, and often invisible. Tony, also known as Tony...

18 Marras 202428min

Can We Moderate Our Drug Use? with Nick Blair

Can We Moderate Our Drug Use? with Nick Blair

This might be my most controversial episode yet.Nick Blair is the founder of Mind Health Bender, an early intervention initiative dedicated to enhancing mental health and promoting a balanced approach...

11 Marras 202440min

Faye Louise Forgives Herself

Faye Louise Forgives Herself

Faye is a twenty-something Brit living in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. I initially wanted to chat to Faye about making friends in a new country while being sober, but as soon as we met, it felt like...

4 Marras 202438min

The Young Gambling Addict

The Young Gambling Addict

Karim was a master at concealing his addictions while working a high-profile fashion job in the heart of Sydney. From the outside, it seemed like he was living the dream. However, beneath that façade ...

28 Loka 202438min

A Sister's Fight to Keep the Family Together (Part 2)

A Sister's Fight to Keep the Family Together (Part 2)

Jasmine's story is unique among my interviews. She grew up witnessing the impact of addiction first hand on not one, but two of her older siblings. From visiting them in juvenile correctional faciliti...

24 Loka 202431min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
tiedenaiset-podcast
rss-pitaisko-erota
puhu-muru
rss-narsisti
terapiassa
rss-kuumilla-aalloilla
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
junnut-pelissa
rss-rakas-mielenterveyteni
katilon-kahvitunti
meditaatiot-suomeksi
selviytyjat-tarinoita-elamasta
rss-duodecim-lehti
rss-ehjaksi
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
rss-kyykkya-ja-kuoharia