Straight From the Source
39 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago -Straight From the Source presents the real-life stories of people impacted by drugs, as well as relevant perspectives from other experts and professionals.
The show is brought to you by the Association of Participating Service Users (APSU), which is a service of the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC). APSU is a Victorian consumer body that believes the voices of people with lived experience of AOD issues should be heard and incorporated into service design and delivery.
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Episodes
Mark Eustice - Life After Football
October 11, 2021 00:08 - 1 hour - 45.6 MBMark Eustice – or Wally, as he’s known to many – is a former AFL player who turned out for Essendon, Richmond and Sydney Swans. Like many professional athletes, his career was defined not only by remarkable achievements, but also the trauma of relentless competition in an unforgiving, high-pressure environment. He struggled to adapt to life after early retirement, filling the void with cocaine and alcohol, not yet ready to face up to the mental health issues that dogged him during his career...
David Higham - Founder of The Well
August 06, 2021 03:42 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBOur guest this time is David Higham, founder of The Well, a peer-run alcohol and other drug (AOD) service in the northwest of England. For more than 20 years, David was a habitual heroin user more accustomed to life in prison than the outside world. He joined a 12-step program during his final stay at Her Majesty’s pleasure, and his story since has been one of great achievement. After prison David embarked on a career in the AOD sector, where often he encountered services that offered so...
Pharmacotherapy and COVID-19 - Part 1 - Consumers respond
May 31, 2021 05:30 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBPharmacotherapy is a treatment for opioid dependence that plays a vital role in many Victorians' lives. In response to COVID-19, a number of changes were made to the way it is delivered. Some of these changes had profound effects on peoples' lives, and there is ongoing debate as to which, if any, should be kept beyond the pandemic period. For part 1 we get a firsthand view of the changes from a group of consumers. Please also check out part 2 for an interview with Sarah Lord, who w...
Pharmacotherapy and COVID-19 - Part 2 - Sarah Lord of Harm Reduction Victoria
May 31, 2021 05:30 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBPharmacotherapy is a treatment for opioid dependence that plays a vital role in many Victorians' lives. In response to COVID-19, a number of changes were made to the way it is delivered. Some of these changes had profound effects on peoples' lives, and there is ongoing debate as to which, if any, should be kept beyond the pandemic period. In part 2 we hear from Sarah Lord, who works at Pharmacotherapy Advocacy, Mediation & Support (PAMS), a service of Harm Reduction Victoria. Sarah...
Garry Rothman - Financial Counsellor at Odyssey House
February 26, 2021 04:11 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBOur guest for this episode is Garry Rothman, a financial counsellor at Odyssey House. Many people are facing financial strife after the year we’ve just experienced, but drug dependency and its aftermath can certainly be a cause and complicating factor. Garry offers a fascinating insight into his work in the AOD sector, as well as some indispensable information and advice for dealing with crises. In the episode, Garry refers to the National Debt Helpline, whose number is 1800 007 007, a...
S02E12 Garry Rothman - Financial Counsellor at Odyssey House
February 26, 2021 04:11 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBOur guest for this episode is Garry Rothman, a financial counsellor at Odyssey House. Many people are facing financial strife after the year we’ve just experienced, but drug dependency and its aftermath can certainly be a cause and complicating factor. Garry offers a fascinating insight into his work in the AOD sector, as well as some indispensable information and advice for dealing with crises. In the episode, Garry refers to the National Debt Helpline, whose number is 1800 007 007, a...
S02E11 Lyle May - Writing from Death Row
October 01, 2020 01:50 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBFor this episode we spoke to Lyle May, who among other things is an inmate on Death Row at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the States. The occasion for the interview was the release of Crimson Letters, Voices from Death Row, a collection of essays that Lyle co-authored with journalist Tessie Castillo and three fellow prisoners. We weren’t able to discuss the specifics of Lyle’s case because it’s under appeal, but the bare details are that he was convicted and sentenced to ...
Lyle May - Writing from Death Row
October 01, 2020 01:50 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBFor this episode we spoke to Lyle May, who among other things is an inmate on Death Row at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina, in the States. The occasion for the interview was the release of Crimson Letters, Voices from Death Row, a collection of essays that Lyle co-authored with journalist Tessie Castillo and three fellow prisoners. We weren’t able to discuss the specifics of Lyle’s case because it’s under appeal, but the bare details are that he was convicted and sentenced to ...
Overdose Awareness Day - Part 2 - Adrian Farrugia and Renae Fomiatti of Latrobe University
August 30, 2020 23:06 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MB31 August is International Overdose Awareness Day. For Part 2 of this special episode to mark the occasion, we spoke to researchers Renae Fomiatti and Adrian Farrugia, from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at Latrobe University, about two of their recent projects, Overdose Lifesavers and Further Perspectives on Alcohol, which focus on Naloxone and heavy drinking, respectively. You can learn more about both projects at livesofsubstance.org This was a particular...
Overdose Awareness Day - Part 1 - Tributes to people lost to overdose
August 30, 2020 23:03 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MB31 August is International Overdose Awareness Day. Being unable to gather in person, we asked listeners for their personal remembrances of loved ones lost to overdose. The resulting tributes are equal parts sad and joyful. They also make an implicit case against stigma and for decisive action on this urgent and tragic issue. We thank everyone who contributed and offer best wishes and solidarity to anyone marking this occasion. Be sure also to check out Part 2, an interview with researc...
AOD services during COVID-19 - A resident at Windana's therapeutic community
July 29, 2020 00:21 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBThe world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences. Our guest in the final episode of this miniseries is a resident at Windana's therapeutic community. Much has changed at Maryknoll, where Windana's residential facility - often referred to as 'the farm' - is situated. By this accou...
AOD services during COVID-19 - A resident at SHARC's Oxford Houses
July 15, 2020 00:48 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBThe world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences. Our guest in this episode is Brian, a resident at SHARC's Oxford Houses. Oxford Houses provides accommodation and support to people in recovery. The program emphasises self-help and community, but the latter can be harder to acce...
AOD services during COVID-19 - A dual diagnosis peer worker
June 24, 2020 04:52 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThe world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences. Our guest in this episode is Rhiannon, a dual diagnosis peer worker at a major health organisation in Melbourne. Rhiannon talks us through her experiences coming to terms with COVID-19 restrictions in a profession that relies on r...
AOD services during COVID-19 - A family member perspective
June 12, 2020 04:20 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MBThe world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences. Our guest in this episode is the mother of a young man dealing with ice addiction and other related issues. After bringing us up to date with their story, she talks about her son's recent experiences, and the new challenges - and ...
AOD services during COVID-19 - Jane from Harm Reduction Victoria
May 20, 2020 02:54 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBThe world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences. Our first guest in this series is Jane from Harm Reduction Victoria. Harm reduction services find themselves at the sharp end of many of the lockdown restrictions, with the advice they deliver and the way it is done having to be d...
AOD services during COVID-19 - A harm reduction peer worker
May 20, 2020 02:54 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBThe world is changing fast due to COVID-19. As part of APSU's broader effort to understand the impact on people who use alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, Straight From the Source is inviting a range of consumers and peer workers to share their experiences. Our first guest in this series is Jane, a peer worker from Harm Reduction Victoria. Harm reduction services find themselves at the sharp end of many of the lockdown restrictions, with the advice they deliver and the way it is done...
S02E03 Kate Borland - Nutrition and well-being
May 11, 2020 02:10 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBNutritionist Kate Borland offers an expert view on food and cooking, with special regard to AOD issues and the current historical moment. This episode is packed with practical advice and information on nutrition, which Kate passionately presents as foundational to well-being. Anyone interested in finding out more about Kate's work can reach her by email - [email protected] - or at her FB page. Straight From the Source presents the real-life stories of people affected by alcoh...
Kate Borland - Nutrition and well-being
May 11, 2020 02:10 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBNutritionist Kate Borland offers an expert view on food and cooking, with special regard to AOD issues and the current historical moment. This episode is packed with practical advice and information on nutrition, which Kate passionately presents as foundational to well-being. Anyone interested in finding out more about Kate's work can reach her by email - [email protected] - or at her FB page. Straight From the Source presents the real-life stories of people affected by alcoh...
S02E02 Bree - A loving daughter
April 21, 2020 02:48 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBBree tells the story of growing up with a mother whose drug use ultimately led to a fatal overdose. She describes the emotional range and complexity of a loving relationship affected and tragically shortened by addiction, but not necessarily defined by it. This episode contains references to domestic violence and drug use that some listeners may find distressing. 24/7 help for AOD users is provided by Directline at 1800 888 236, and for their loved ones by Family Drug Help at 1300 660 068....
Bree - A loving daughter
April 21, 2020 02:48 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBBree tells the story of growing up with a mother whose drug use ultimately led to a fatal overdose. She describes the emotional range and complexity of a loving relationship affected and tragically shortened by addiction, but not necessarily defined by it. This episode contains references to domestic violence and drug use that some listeners may find distressing. 24/7 help for AOD users is provided by Directline at 1800 888 236, and for their loved ones by Family Drug Help at 1300 660 068....
Frank - Living through heroin
March 12, 2020 00:37 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBAt a young age, Frank left a violent family home to enter Melbourne's bikie scene, discovering along the way that heroin enabled him to thrive in a hostile environment. The criminal lifestyle offered a steady supply of his drug of choice but eventually wore him down, setting him on a 10-year path to recovery. Frank reflects on his past with honesty, humour and insight - qualities that shape his present life, which includes being a peer worker at Windana. The address that Frank giv...
S02E01 Frank - Living through heroin
March 12, 2020 00:37 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBAt a young age, Frank left a violent family home to enter Melbourne's bikie scene, discovering along the way that heroin enabled him to thrive in a hostile environment. The criminal lifestyle offered a steady supply of his drug of choice but eventually wore him down, setting him on a 10-year path to recovery. Frank reflects on his past with honesty, humour and insight - qualities that shape his present life, which includes being a peer worker at Windana. The address that Frank giv...
Ep. 13 Jenny – Letting go of shame and finding love in her sexuality
September 25, 2019 11:23 - 1 hour - 31.1 MBShame, sexuality and self-love. In this episode we speak to Jenny who is an APSU speaker’s bureau member and a multi-talented woman who has done a variety of work in the alcohol and other drug space. Jenny speaks to us about growing up experiencing family dysfunction in South Africa, about relationship addiction and about her path of coming to love and accept herself as a lesbian woman. This episode is a powerful exploration of shame, identity and self-love. *Names have been changed in thi...
Ep.12 Emma- Stigma vs love
August 23, 2019 11:15 - 50 minutes - 23.1 MBThis episode of Straight from the Source is a little different, in this episode Emma, the Systemic Advocacy Lead at APSU and podcast host, talks about a little part of her story and her partner Dan’s story. The story is about young love, supporting a partner through addiction and the human impact of criminalisation and stigma. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest ...
Ep.11 Matt- Talking Trauma
July 24, 2019 11:17 - 51 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source’, we speak to Matt Nettleton about his experience with trauma and addiction and his journey learning not to run away from himself. This episode is insightful and informative as we go deep discussing the nature of trauma. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight from the source. We will have more gu...
Ep.10 Part 2 Paul- Losing it all to gambling but finding himself
June 26, 2019 08:04 - 32 minutes - 15 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source’, we speak to Paul about his experience with gambling and substance addiction. Paul speaks about the role of his upbringing and cultural values and about using theatre to find himself. His story is fascinating and ruminates on the value in finding ones true identity. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, strai...
Ep.10 Part 1. Paul- Losing it all to gambling but finding himself
June 26, 2019 07:37 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source’, we speak to Paul about his experience with gambling and substance addiction. Paul speaks about the role of his upbringing and cultural values and about using theatre to find himself. His story is fascinating and ruminates on the value in finding ones true identity. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straigh...
Ep. 9 Tara- Taking back power over her health
May 29, 2019 09:40 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source’, we speak to Tara about her experience with childhood trauma, going through the court system as a victim of crime and fighting to improve flaws in the AOD system. Tara speaks about gender, class and other societal factors which impact upon substance use and treatment. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, stra...
Ep.8 Part 2- A mothers grief: finding purpose through the pain
May 03, 2019 07:57 - 28 minutes - 22.9 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source’, we speak to Marg about her experience being impacted by substance use as a family member, about grief and loss and about finding purpose through the heartbreak. Marg’s story is heartbreaking and her resilience is utterly inspiring. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight from the source. We will hav...
Ep. 8 Part 1- A mothers grief: finding purpose through the pain
May 03, 2019 06:18 - 39 minutes - 18.3 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source’, we speak to Marg about her experience being impacted by substance use as a family member, about grief and loss and about finding purpose through the heartbreak. Marg’s story is heartbreaking and her resilience is utterly inspiring. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight from the source. We will ha...
Ep.7 Brendan – When asking for help is the hardest thing
April 03, 2019 06:37 - 48 minutes - 22.1 MBIn this episode of 'Straight From the Source' we speak to Brendan about his experience with mental illness and suicidality and about learning to ask for help. Brendan’s story is at once sad and hopeful and reflects on the importance of having a voice. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight from the source. Through the podcast we hope to increas...
Ep.6 Kaylah- From victim to survivor
February 12, 2019 03:41 - 46 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source' we speak to Kaylah about her harrowing experience of family violence and addiction, being involved with child protection and the family drug treatment court and turning it all around it to help others. This episode illuminates the complexity surrounding these interrelating areas and is deeply emotive. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives...
Ep.5 – Steph- An agent for change
January 04, 2019 06:57 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBIn this episode of 'Straight from the Source' we speak to Steph Tzanetis from DanceWize (Harm Reduction Victoria) about her work in the Harm Reduction space, some of the big issues affecting people who use substances and looking towards future change. This episode is educational, engaging and thought provoking. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, str...
Ep.4 Part 2- Habib- The lonely son
November 28, 2018 06:32 - 30 minutes - 17.3 MBIn this episode of 'Straight From the Source' we speak to Habib about his experience becoming addicted to methamphetamine, finding himself in the criminal justice system and fighting to make his mother proud. Habib’s story is captivating and incredibly moving. This is Part 1 of a 2 part interview. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight from the sou...
Ep.4 Part 1- Habib- The lonely son
November 28, 2018 06:19 - 28 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode of 'Straight From the Source' we speak to Habib about his experience becoming addicted to methamphetamine, finding himself in the criminal justice system and fighting to make his mother proud. Habib’s story is captivating and incredibly moving. This is Part 1 of a 2 part interview. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight from the sou...
Ep. 3 Anne - Through a daughter, partner & mother’s eyes
October 05, 2018 04:39 - 40 minutes - 34 MBIn this episode of 'Straight From The Source' we speak to Anne about her experience healing inter-generational trauma and supporting a loved one experiencing substance addiction through the eyes of a daughter, partner and mother. Anne's story is about the power of connection and support and inspires hope. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight fr...
Ep.2 Peter- Big issues with the bottle
October 04, 2018 04:35 - 29 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode of 'Straight From The Source' we speak to Peter about his experience with long term alcoholism, homelessness, his prison experience and being a part of the Big Issue Newspaper. To find out more about the Big Issue Programs visit: https://www.thebigissue.org.au/ ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest stories, straight from the source. We hope to ...
Ep.1 Part.2 Rustie –The unwilling poster girl for addiction
October 04, 2018 04:08 - 27 minutes - 15.6 MBIn this episode of 'Straight From The Source' we speak to Rustie about her experience with pharmaceutical dependence, managing chronic pain through pharmacotherapy, being an advocate for change and parenting through addiction. Rustie's interview is interesting, powerful and educational. This is Part.2 of a 2 part interview. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, hones...
Ep.1 Part.1 Rustie- The unwilling poster girl for addiction
October 04, 2018 03:21 - 31 minutes - 18.2 MBIn this episode of 'Straight From The Source' we speak to Rustie about her experience with pharmacuetical dependence, managing chronic pain through pharmacotherapy, being an advocate for change and parenting through addiction. Rustie's interview is interesting, powerful and educational. This is Part.1 of a 2 part interview. ‘Straight from the Source’ looks at a range of different issues relevant to those impacted by drug and alcohol use from varying perspectives and talks real, honest st...