Fearing Sobriety More Than Death with Patrick Kennedy
Soberly Speaking8 Kesä 2025

Fearing Sobriety More Than Death with Patrick Kennedy

Patrick’s struggle wasn’t just with alcohol and drugs, they were symptoms of a much deeper issue: his inability to sit with discomfort. For years, he convinced himself that, “Once my mental health is under control, I’ll stop drinking.” A lie I’m sure we’ve all told ourselves at some point.

In the beginning, alcohol seemed like the solution, the only way to do the things he felt he couldn’t do on his own. But as his addiction spiralled, he suddenly realised where it was inevitably leading; death.

His parents dropped him off at rehab, and it was there that a counsellor spoke three simple words that changed everything for him.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of substance abuse.

Follow Patrick Kennedy on Instagram

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

Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.

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 & Audio- Stitch Up Studios

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(84)

Sugar Babying, Motherhood & Starting Again: Mikaela's Story

Sugar Babying, Motherhood & Starting Again: Mikaela's Story

From a young age, Mikaela felt the pressure to please those around her, men especially. At seventeen, she met the father of her firstborn in the chaos of partying and substance use. What began as youn...

5 Huhti 45min

"I'm Buying Friends" - Alex Wired Corporate Funds to Feed His Gambling Addiction

"I'm Buying Friends" - Alex Wired Corporate Funds to Feed His Gambling Addiction

Growing up as a second-generation Chinese Australian in Canberra, Alex spent much of his childhood wanting to be anything but himself. At just eight years old, he made a quiet but powerful connection:...

29 Maalis 53min

A Young Life of Crime: Raj

A Young Life of Crime: Raj

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of sexual assault.Raj's earliest memory is of his father leaving him on the side of the road to teach him a lesson. It was the first of many moments t...

22 Maalis 45min

[DOCUMENTARY] When a Child Is Assaulted: A Survivor's Truth. A Psychologist's Insight.

[DOCUMENTARY] When a Child Is Assaulted: A Survivor's Truth. A Psychologist's Insight.

Trigger warning: this episode contains detailed discussion of sexual assault. Stacey was 14 years old when two strangers assaulted her. One night. A warehouse. An experience no child should ever survi...

15 Maalis 32min

Sian’s Drug Abuse Almost Cost Her Comedy Career

Sian’s Drug Abuse Almost Cost Her Comedy Career

“Comedy is a hotbed of mental illness" Sian Smyth is a stand-up comedian whose past includes domestic violence, drug abuse, sex addiction, and sex work. After leaving an almost decade-long violent rel...

8 Maalis 35min

Psychosis, Control and Culture: Nikki on Reclaiming Her Identity

Psychosis, Control and Culture: Nikki on Reclaiming Her Identity

Trigger warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, substance use disorder and mental health including psychosis.Have you ever been in psychosis? You hear the horror stories of people staying in i...

1 Maalis 38min

180K in Debt from a Crippling Gambling Addiction

180K in Debt from a Crippling Gambling Addiction

At 26, Henry Brayshaw was drowning in hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt from his gambling addiction.Gambling had felt normal since childhood. Some of his earliest memories were placing bets on ...

22 Helmi 41min

[DOCUMENTARY] Inside the World of Selling Sex Online: Annie Knight

[DOCUMENTARY] Inside the World of Selling Sex Online: Annie Knight

What really goes on inside the world of selling sex online? I was invited into the home of Australia’s most sexually active woman, Annie Knight, one of the country’s top OnlyFans creators. From the bo...

15 Helmi 27min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
tiedenaiset-podcast
psykopodiaa-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
rss-pitaisko-erota
meditaatiot-suomeksi
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
junnut-pelissa
rss-mighty-finland-podcast
puhu-muru
rss-narsisti
rss-kuumilla-aalloilla
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
rss-pt-paahtio
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
mielen-puolikkaat
terapiassa
rss-nautinto
aamukahvilla
rss-en-saa-unta