School of Rock Bottom

Oliver Mason
  • 5.0 (22)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
School of Rock Bottom

9 years sober, I bring my experience as a rehab recovery coach & actor to explore addiction, alcoholism, mental health, recovery & the creative journey. As featured in The Week's Ultimate Podcast List of 2024, I know first-hand that rock bottom can be the greatest teacher & a springboard for a beautiful life. I interview fellow creatives (who are 3x more likely to face mental health challenges) and inspiring individuals who’ve survived & thrived through adversity, sharing hard-earned lessons to remind others that no matter how bad things seem, there is hope & a way out.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    "There was never enough cocaine!" School of Rock Bottom 56: Joe Sealey

    “I hear people say cocaine isn’t addictive—I couldn’t function without it.” Joe Sealey’s life was set for footballing greatness, following in the footsteps of his father, legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Les Sealey. But in the space of a week, his career was over due to injury and his father had passed away. What followed was a downward spiral of chronic cocaine and alcohol addiction— benders lasted for days, seizures, and regret so deep he wished he could go back and warn his younger self. But this is not where Joe’s story ends. He fought his way back, rebuilt his life, and emerged in full recovery and as a thriving entrepreneur, author of the critically acclaimed On Days Like These, and a familiar face from The Real Housewives of Cheshire on TV. Over three million people die every year from addiction and Joe is on a mission to help get those stats down. Huge thanks, Joe! Thank you, too, to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit - www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1 Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics - 0:00 Intro 03:10 Joe's rock bottom 04:25 Cocaine at the beginning saved my life 06:15 Coke escalates and gets painful 10:15 Do you have to stop drinking if in recovery from coke? 14:00 Alcohol mixed with cocaine makes a more dangerous drug! 16:15 The stereotypes of addiction 18:40 The impact of losing his Dad & using cocaine 21:40 What would you say to your Dad now? 26:10 Coming out of the shadow of Dad's legacy 27:30 Validation addiction? 29:00 Is your wife your higher power? 32:30 Should you avoid new relationships in early recovery? 34:50 Do you need to only date people in recovery? 36:15 Trying to stop and relapses 39:20 Dry sniffing & ADHD 41:30 How Joe gets dopamine hits now! 43:30 Overcoming anhedonia 44:50 Using social media, the gym & talking 47:45 Is FAITH always about spiritual matters? 49:00 Just be yourself! 52:45 We must get the message out of recovery! 53:50 It's not just about YOU! 55:00 It gets better! 56:15 What would you like written on your gravestone? Follow Joe Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joesealey Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@joesealey1 Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9 LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7 Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/s76869cw Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/mw5btxfc Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #CocaineAddiction #JoeSealey #AddictionRecovery

    59 min

  2. 31 MAR

    Thought #12: Sex Addiction Unmasked! School of Rock Bottom: Michael Emmett

    Sex Addiction: The Truth No One Tells You! Sex addiction isn’t about pleasure—it’s about pain. In this next thought, Michael Emmett breaks down the reality of sex addiction, it's links to cocaine and revealing the devastating impact it had on his life. From childhood trauma to destructive relationships, he exposes the cycle of secrecy, dishonesty, and self-destruction. Can true healing ever happen? And what finally saved him from rock bottom? This is a conversation you won’t forget. About the “THOUGHT” series - Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1 Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee Follow Michael Instagram - https://instagram.com/michaelemmettofficial TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelemmettofficial Twitter- https://twitter.com/MichaelEmmettUK Facebook-https://facebook.com/MichaelEmmettOfficial YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MichaelEmmettOfficial Michael's book - https://amzn.to/3qTGgEO Michael's LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/michaelemmett Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9 LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7 Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 16) YouTube - https://bit.ly/3Ej2WkQ Spotify - https://bit.ly/3OWUr3R Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #SexAddiction #Recovery #Addiction

    7 min

  3. 25 MAR

    How I Stopped 35 Years of Drinking! School of Rock Bottom 55: Nigel Jones

    Sober Curious? Tired of drinking? This episode is for you! After 35 years of drinking, Nigel Jones realised that his one bottle of wine a day added up to nearly a litre of pure alcohol a week. He wasn’t in a hospital bed. He wasn’t unable to function. But the panic attacks, anxiety, and sleepless nights were taking over. On 8th December 2020, he made a choice—quit or risk never making it to 60, losing time with his family forever. Nigel is now a best-selling author, life coach, and hypnotherapist, helping thousands break free from alcohol and rebuild their lives. His book, Walking Back to Happiness: The Secret to Alcohol-Free Living & Well-Being, has inspired countless people to take back control. In this episode, he shares the strategies that changed everything—from harnessing Positive Psychology to mastering Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). This is an unfiltered conversation about choice, change, purpose and the power of rewriting your story. Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1 Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics - 0:00 Intro 2:45 Nigel's rock bottom 4:35 How much alcohol are you REALLY drinking? 9:25 The endless benefits of being alcohol free 13:25 The conspiracy of drinking 17:45 Find your tribe! 19:10 Rewrite the story you tell yourself 27:05 What about willpower or...NLP?! 29:25 The benefits of hypnotherapy for mental health 40:25 Past life regression hypnotherapy?! 41:55 How to find purpose in sobriety 44:45 What do you want written on your gravestone? Follow Nigel Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/9kmby9am Website -https://www.9kmby9am.com Nigel's book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLPH36R3/ Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9 LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7 Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/msrrwcn6 Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/y8kmhm62 Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #Sobriety #AlcoholFree #SoberCurious

    48 min

  4. 17 MAR

    Thought #11: How I Quit Crystal Meth! School of Rock Bottom: Robert Hands

    In the next "thought", actor Robert Hands shares his journey of quitting crystal meth. There was no sudden epiphany, no grand moment of realisation—just a simple conversation that shifted everything. Through the haze of addiction, he heard someone say, "I'm stopping," and, somehow, that gave them permission to try too. But this wasn’t a story of instant success. The cravings remained, the struggle felt endless, and hope was nowhere to be found. The early days of sobriety were brutal. Sleep was almost impossible, and the urge to use never truly disappeared but one simple strategy that kept him going: just make it to bedtime without using. It wasn’t about long-term recovery or a bigger goal—just surviving the next few hours. Each clean day became a small victory. Fourteen days turned into fifteen, then sixteen. Without even realising it, he had moved beyond his usual relapse point and entered unfamiliar territory. If you are struggling with addiction or feeling completely hopeless, this short clip is for you. My guest has a message for anyone in that place of darkness: just focus on getting through today. Get to bed tonight without using. Hope will come, even if you don’t believe it yet. Recovery isn’t always about feeling strong or inspired—it’s about taking it one day at a time. About the “THOUGHT” series - Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1 Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee Follow Robert Instagram - https://instagram.com/rob.hands Twitter - https://twitter.com/RobertHands7 Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9 LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7 Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 14) YouTube - https://youtu.be/2qlhqijv3hI Spotify - https://bit.ly/46Om6fl Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #CrystalMethRecovery

    5 min

  5. 11 MAR

    "I'm a Gen Z Alcoholic!" School of Rock Bottom 54: Mary-Kate Harrington

    Today, I’m joined by Mary Kate, an acclaimed writer whose brutally honest account of addiction went viral, reaching over 4 million people with the title 'I'm a Gen Z Alcoholic' (link below). She opens up about what it truly takes to break free from alcohol—when you can’t live with it, but you can’t live without it. In this episode, you’ll learn why alcoholism is progressive, why blackouts happen and how to stop them, as well as the moment drinking crosses the invisible line into something far more dangerous. MK explains why 0% booze has no place in her recovery and how she let go of the idea that normal drinkers have something to be jealous of. She also talks about why she proudly calls herself an alcoholic, using the word as a tool for empowerment rather than shame. Getting sober in your twenties comes with its own challenges, from navigating dating to tackling ADHD in recovery, and Mary Kate lays out exactly what that journey looked like for her. She shares what worked, what didn’t, and the solution that finally set her free. If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode will give you clarity, hope, and a roadmap to freedom. Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit -www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics -0:00 Intro4:15 MK's rock bottom 7:30 Can't live with alcohol and can't live without it? 10:25 Alcoholism is progressive? 12:15 Blackouts 14:30 Is the word alcoholic dirty? 26:35 Why 0% booze has no place in MK's recovery 28:45 What is the invisible line?30:30 Hospitalisation from alcohol 32:15 Why there is no need to be jealous of 'normal' drinkers'35:45 Getting sober IN YOUR 20'S!?39:15 Putting in boundaries 41:15 First year sober vibes 45:45 MK's solution to her alcoholism 47:15 What is a pink cloud?50:40 ADHD and addiction Follow MK Instagram - www.instagram.com/marykatejoanharingtonTwitter - Mary-KateMKJHTimes article - https://tinyurl.com/5n98y4f3 Follow OliverInstagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjvFacebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59rTikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeahX - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/454m93u3Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/mw5btxfcApple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AlcoholRecovery#GenZSobriety#SoberCurious

    57 min

  6. 3 MAR

    Thought #10: Is Food Addiction Real? School of Rock Bottom: Jenny McDonald

    Is Food Addiction Real? Is food addiction just a lack of willpower, or is it as real as drug and alcohol dependency? Shocking studies reveal that rats overcame cocaine addiction faster than their junk food cravings. In this next quick 'thought', we uncover the science behind ultra-processed foods, how they hijack your brain's dopamine system, and why secret eating and using food to self soothe mirrors substance abuse. If you've ever struggled with emotional eating, binge eating, or feeling out of control around food, this might explain why—and what you can do about it. Today I'm joined by the incredible Jenny McDonald who empowers serial dieters and emotional eaters to break free from the dieting cycle and find peace with food and most importantly with themselves.Jenny is a certified and accredited Health and Life Coach trained in CBT and energy healing modalities, The Helix Method® and Theta Healing®. About the “THOUGHT” series - Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1 Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9 LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7 Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep 11): YouTube - https://bit.ly/3XhoiI4 Spotify - https://bit.ly/3PnuyfE Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #FoodAddiction #EmotionalEating #AddictionRecovery

    11 min

  7. 25 FEB

    Alcohol & Nicotine Explained: William Porter. School of Rock Bottom 53

    Is alcohol really relaxing you—or trapping you? Today, I sit down with William Porter, author of Alcohol Explained, ex-paratrooper, and solicitor, to uncover the truth about addiction. William has completely redefined how we understand alcohol, smoking, and vaping—stripping away the myths that keep us hooked. In this episode, William shares his rock bottom moment, the shocking science behind alcohol dependency, and why we’ve been misled about booze for years. We break down: The hidden role of stress hormones—and why alcohol creates anxiety, not relieves it. The dangerous cycle of "hair of the dog"—and why "just one more" keeps you trapped. Nicotine and vaping—why quitting is so hard, and how to finally break free Synthetic alcohol, legalisation, and addiction psychology—are we replacing one problem with another? How to quit smoking if you still drink—and why it’s harder than you think. This isn’t just about stopping drinking or smoking—it’s about reclaiming control over your life. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or just questioning your relationship with alcohol, this episode could change everything. Thank you to Gavin Sisters for sponsoring this episode! Visit - www.gavinsisters.co.uk and use promo code SCHOOLOFROCKBOTTOM for 10% off! Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1 Or via PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/olivermason1paypal Topics - 0:00 Intro 3:40 William's rock bottom 6:10 Binge drinking 7:40 Why hair of the dog is so dangerous 10:55 Alcohol causes stress and tolerance? 12:25 Any positives to alcohol? 14:25 1 in 8 Americans addicted to alcohol? 16:50 0% booze?! 18:40 What about alco-synth & socialising? 25:25 Overcoming social anxiety without booze 28:10 CBD drinks? 29:30 Therapy for alcohol addiction? 34:10 Why nicotine/smoking/vaping is addictive 40:40 Is cigarettes or vaping better for you? 45:40 What is the best way to quit smoking 48:10 How do you stop smoking when you like to drink?! 53:40 Why every cigarette is a hair of the dog! 55:10 The phenomenan of craving 58:10 Should all drugs be legal? Follow William https://www.alcoholexplained.com Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9 LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7 Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/yxkh2eny Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/bdfj6568 Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #AlcoholExplained #QuitSmoking #AddictionRecovery

    1h 1m

  8. 17 FEB

    Thought #9: Is There Joy In Addiction? School of Rock Bottom: Basti Wocker

    Is there joy in addiction? In this next quick thought, Sebastian Walker (author of the best selling book The Joy of Addiction) shares how realising he was an addict became the best thing that ever happened to him. He breaks down the difference between being a suffering addict and a recovering one, how surrendering can lead to freedom, and why clarity in sobriety changes everything. If you're struggling or know someone who is, this conversation offers powerful insights into recovery, mindset shifts, and how support networks like 12-step fellowships can make all the difference. About the “THOUGHT” series -Every other Monday at 5 PM, I’ll bring you a quick ‘thought’—a powerful moment from previous episodes designed to kickstart your week with insight, motivation, and connection. These shorter clips help us stay connected as a community, while every other Tuesday delivers a full, brand-new episode with fresh stories and lessons. Podcasting is an expensive passion. To help me keep going, I'd really appreciate it if you could buy me a coffee, thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/olivermason1 Or via PayPal - https://tinyurl.com/bdxje3ee Buy 'The Joy Of Addiction'https://amzn.to/3N2fXTY Follow Sebastian Instagram -https://bit.ly/3Pdwl6V Facebook - https://bit.ly/3NoLpgx Follow Oliver Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/2vt29sjv Facebook - https://tinyurl.com/34cwz59r TikTok - https://tinyurl.com/ujw4vxn9 LinkedIn - https://tinyurl.com/yuemhnd7 Threads - https://tinyurl.com/yk7vdeah X - https://tinyurl.com/3u5mnpds Watch or listen to the FULL episode here: (School of Rock Bottom Ep10) YouTube - https://bit.ly/43uN4pJ Spotify - https://bit.ly/3oGa86A Apple - https://tinyurl.com/y3n2chk3 #AddictionRecovery#SoberLife#MentalHealthAwarenes

    7 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

9 years sober, I bring my experience as a rehab recovery coach & actor to explore addiction, alcoholism, mental health, recovery & the creative journey. As featured in The Week's Ultimate Podcast List of 2024, I know first-hand that rock bottom can be the greatest teacher & a springboard for a beautiful life. I interview fellow creatives (who are 3x more likely to face mental health challenges) and inspiring individuals who’ve survived & thrived through adversity, sharing hard-earned lessons to remind others that no matter how bad things seem, there is hope & a way out.

Information

  • Creator
    Oliver Mason
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Oliver Mason
  • Show Website
    School of Rock Bottom

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