Breaking the Stigma: New podcast sparks open conversations about addiction

A new podcast, Breaking the Stigma, is giving voices to those in recovery, local colleagues and partners to challenge misconceptions about addiction.

Hosted by Richard Reeves from Hounslow Council’s Public Health Team, the series brings together voices from across the borough working to support people affected by addiction.

It features a range of inspiring guests, including current service users and colleagues from the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust Recovery Day Programme (RDP) in Hounslow, as well as ARC Hounslow. Together, these services support people to break cycles of addiction from substances such as heroin, cocaine, psychoactive substances, and long-term alcohol dependency.

Listen on Spotify here.

Staff contributors on the podcast include:

• Shiv Sharma – RDP Manager and Group Facilitator Lead, who appears on the Mutual Aid episode.
• Stephen Buchanan – RDP Peer Support Worker, features on the Exit Strategies episode.

Richard reflected on the podcast launch:

"The podcast aims to inspire, challenge preconceptions, and get more people openly talking about addiction by ‘Breaking the Stigma’."

Christoph, a lived experience host on the podcast, said:

“I aim to bring hope, faith and belief to those suffering from the power of addiction, recognising that recovery really is possible.”

Looking ahead, Breaking the Stigma will release one episode per month this year, with extra episodes for Mental Health Week and Alcohol Awareness Week.

The podcast invites listeners to hear real stories, gain practical insights, and join the conversation around recovery - Listen on Spotify here.