“These guys will brainwash you”

Escaping Scientology. Danielle’s story is one from a Hollywood movie. What started as an idyllic upbringing in South Africa gradually led to a life being captured and controlled by Scientology for almost 20 years. Indoctrinated through her parents at the age of 6, being abused by step brother’s in her own home, she found herself on L Ron Hubbards ship, on her own at sea by age 11. Although put to work, locked up and punished her hope for a better life kept her sane throughout this time. Listen to Danielle in her own words, as she shares her own truth and campaigns to send a message which may help others out there.

"She was trying to smash the door in to get to me"

Strongman Andy Reid opens up about his experience being the victim of physical and domestic violence. Now working in mental health he has turned his life around after having his first child, but it has been an uphill battle. We cover some eye opening truths such as how society and authorities portray a man in need of help, staying with someone who is destroying his self-esteem, and having his passion competing in strongman taken away due to heart failure.

“I have a duty to be able to share this”

A great upbringing, supportive family and regular life, Steve opens up to tell his story of a life self harming. Managing everyday life with a secret he kept from everyone took a toll and he recently made some big changes to his life due to implications of planning his own suicide. This episode shows that anyone can be walking around with underlying issues that nobody knows about, even if you have a life that would be considered “normal”. Steve is a true advocate to community and helping others, which he does on a daily basis as his job helping to keep people fit and healthy.

“The fear is where you find the growth”

A very deep, personal conversation with Paul, discussing his upbringing and difficult relationship with his Dad. After a lifetime of mental health issues caused by CPTSD, Paul feels he has finally turned a corner. His issues have all come at a cost through his life, all brought on by his upbringing and what he went through. Paul was reluctant to share his story, but I’m pleased he agreed and we made it happen.

“Just tell my family I love them”

Inspired by learning life skills from her dad, Becca has set out on her life journey with a pragmatic approach. Being competitive and active as a “chunky kid”, rowing, judo, strongwoman, her drive was derailed by an abusive relationship, then a tragic car accident, where she thought she was going to die, ended up with an arm amputation. Suffering PTSD, multiple operations on a related foot injury, Becca is still finding ways to manage the dark days, with a grit and determination, the only way she knows how.

"I was in your position and look at where I am now"

3x World’s Strongest Woman, Rebecca’s journey has certainly not been easy. From a happy childhood to family tragedy which led to her and her siblings being fostered. After a life changing sexual assault at knife point, surviving suicide attempts, bad luck was taking its toll until she met Paul. Her new relationship and the positive outlook for her strength in the gym helps Rebecca find her purpose. Not only achieving things she never dreamt of, but to be a mentor for young people, she now uses her experiences for the greater good. A true inspiration. 

"Now I've found my place"

Jemma has had quite the journey. Raised by a gangster father, around prostitution, guns and drugs from the age of three, this interview covers all aspects of Jemma's life so far. She has always struggled to find her place, to fit in, not only around people but also in the world. Her 24 year journey to diagnosis and her own personal development journey through therapy has finally led Jemma to where she is most happy. Strongman training has been the biggest life changer for Jemma, and put her on the path to truly being who she really is. A sad and equally uplifting story to say the least.

“No end to the lies that he’d told”

Coleen is a victim of a con artist. Not only her, but her whole family were drawn in by the lies that James Scott, or his real name Greg Wilson, had told. This story shows that even an intelligent respectable mum, her family and friends can be manipulated into believing someone, who in all honesty, sounded like a really good guy. 

Listen to Coleen tell her best selling story, of an unbelievable, yet believable journey. Finding new love, having a child, wedding planning, starting a property business, fake operations, false cancer diagnosis and, discovering it was all a lie.

Check out her books with sister Karen Crear, Playing With Fire and Healing From The Burns and documentary Love Cheats, on Channel 4.

“I wish abusive people would just stop doing that”

Rie worked as a Police Officer in domestic abuse for many years. She is now a successful author and business woman, using her experience to help young woman in abuse prevention. Her courses are aimed at teens and parents see the reflags of behaviour, raising awareness to the issues within their relationships.

Having experienced her own personal experiences, Rie open up about her previous marriage, suffering at the hands of her own mother, and the truth about working in the justice system for many decades, being disheartened with how society looks down upon the lower classes.

A truly honest and open minded conversation from someone who has seen both sides of the law.

“Don't throw your life away on a silly mistake”

Tanya founded the Connor Brown Trust after her son was stabbed in an altercation on a night out in town. A young, polite, positive 18 year old, who was only trying to help a friend, and his life was taken that night. Tanya has spent her time raising awareness about knife crime, helping people understand what to doing in a crisis situation, all through practical and real life experience.

There is nothing more heart breaking than a mother’s story of losing a child. Powerful, empathetical and honest. That’s what Tanya’s story is.