This episode is a powerful journey into the grip of drug addiction and the profound path to recovery. Our guest, Helen, shares her deeply personal story, offering an unvarnished look at how a slow spiral, catalysed by an injury and a desire to belong, led her from a loving, active family life to two decades of dependency, homelessness, and broken relationships.

Helen recounts her experience, from a curious 18-year-old trying drugs with new friends to facing the devastating consequences of meth and marijuana addiction. The conversation explores critical themes:

-The Unspoken Trauma: How an 18-month basketball injury created a void that led to experimentation, and how the loss of her father at 20 fueled further immersion into the drug scene.

-The Power of Denial: The mental gymnastics of maintaining a job and family contact while being deep in addiction, believing she was "top of the gutter bunch."

-The Fear of Homelessness: The terrifying, day-to-day struggle of couch-surfing and the constant anxiety of not having a safe home.

-The Breakthrough: The 8-year relapse after a failed first attempt at recovery, and the moment a friend's destruction finally gave her the clarity and resolve to accept her family's help and enter Shalom House.

-Finding Peace and Purpose: The relief of routine, the power of a praying mother, and how her recovery at Shalom House provided not just sobriety, but a restored relationship with her family and a new mission in the mentoring department.

National AI & Cybersecurity Leadership Summit 2025 https://lnkd.in/g7eg9bjE

Tap the Link. If you like what Dev is wearing, book an appointment with yourself. https://lnkd.in/gAY743-C

Disclaimer

The content presented in this Podcast may contain discussions of sensitive topics including but not limited to drug and alcohol abuse, mental health challenges, domestic violence, trauma, and other distressing experiences. These stories are shared with permission and aim to promote understanding, awareness, and respectful conversation.

Viewer and listener discretion is advised.

This content is not intended to glorify or promote harmful behaviour. It reflects personal lived experiences and does not necessarily represent the views of the host, platform, or any affiliated organisations.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues discussed, support is available. In Australia, you can contact:

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

1800RESPECT (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence) – 1800 737 732

Please take care while engaging with this content.

Join us as we explore the upcoming social media ban, set to raise the minimum age for these platforms to 16. Our guest, a public speaking and youth engagement expert, offers a unique perspective on the Gen Z experience and the profound impact of technology on their lives. We discuss:

The Social Media Ban: What is it, why is it happening, and how will it be enforced?

The Gen Z Perspective: Why do young people believe social media is a positive force, and what happens if it's taken away?

-Parental Responsibility: The crucial role parents play in guiding their children's digital lives.

-The Disconnect: Bridging the gap between adult fears and the reality of how young people use social media.

-Mental Health: Understanding the relationship between social media, anxiety, and the need for genuine, in-person connection.

National AI & Cybersecurity Leadership Summit 2025 https://lnkd.in/g7eg9bjE

Tap the Link. If you like what Dev is wearing, book an appointment with yourself. https://lnkd.in/gAY743-C

Disclaimer: This video is created for educational and informational purposes only. And states that all information about the social media ban was accurate at the time of recording and that audience members should refer to the eSafety Commissioner’s website for the most up to date guidance regarding the social media ban. The views and opinions expressed by the guest are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the channel. We have no intention to disrespect, defame, or cause harm to any person, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. Our sole purpose is to share insights that may help the audience gain perspective and make informed decisions.

Playing a team sport can be a life-changing experience, but for thousands of young girls, barriers like cost and transportation make it impossible. This is where Team Connect steps in.

Team Connect is more than a sports program—it's a community engagement initiative that helps teenage girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in Perth, Australia find a sense of belonging and purpose. We remove all barriers to participation by providing uniforms, equipment, and transportation. Most importantly, we connect these girls to their local cricket clubs, integrating them into a supportive community where they can build confidence, make friends, and thrive.

Cricket is our sport of choice because its unique social nature ensures every player is included, regardless of skill level. By providing a safe space for these girls to feel like they belong, we're not just changing their lives—we're helping them build a foundation for a happy and healthy future.

National AI & Cybersecurity Leadership Summit 2025 https://lnkd.in/g7eg9bjE

Tap the Link. If you like what Dev is wearing, book an appointment with yourself. https://lnkd.in/gAY743-C

Disclaimer: This video is created for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the guest are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the channel. We have no intention to disrespect, defame, or cause harm to any person, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. Our sole purpose is to share insights that may help the audience gain perspective and make informed decisions.