Believe in people podcast
By ReNew
Believe in People explores the realities of addiction, recovery, and stigma through conversations with those who’ve lived it.
Featuring voices from across the recovery community - individuals with lived experience, frontline professionals, public figures, and policymakers - offering unfiltered insight into the personal and societal challenges surrounding substance use.
Hosted by Matthew Butler and produced by Robbie Lawson, this award-winning series is a trusted platform for dialogue, empathy, and change.
🎙 2024 British Podcast Award Winner - Best Interview
🎙 2025 Radio Academy Award Nominee - Best Speech & Entertainment
🎙 2024 Radio Academy Award Nominee - Best New Podcast
Latest episode
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68 | Andy Woodward - The Whistleblower Who Changed Sports History Forever (Part 1)
In the first of a powerful two-part conversation, Andy Woodward joins Believe in People to recount the beginning of a journey that would ultimately expose one of the biggest scandals in British sporting history. A former professional footballer, And… -
67 | Young Lee: Recovery vs. Recovered - Fatherhood, Identity & the Spiritual Path
In this gripping return to Believe in People, Young Lee opens up about what happens after the chaos of addiction — when the drugs are gone, the dust has settled, and the real work begins. Once a rising star in the music scene, Young shares how losing… -
66 | Ross McAndrew: Suicide, Sobriety & Speaking Out – From Losing His Father to Leading With Andy’s Man Club
Ross joins the podcast to share his powerful journey from personal tragedy to public advocacy, following the suicide of his father - a traumatic event that profoundly shaped his mental health. We explore how Ross turned to alcohol and cocaine to supp… -
#65 - Woody Albrow: Recovery Through Connection, Butane Gas & Hallucinogens, Family Breakdown, Alcohol Dependency, Spiritual Recovery, Peer Mentoring, Stigma in Professional Settings & Leading with Lived Experience
Matt speaks with Woody, the National Connecting Communities Lead at Change Grow Live, who shares a candid account of his journey through addiction, recovery, and professional development. Woody reflects on the early signs of substance use in his teen… -
#64 - Chris De Banks: Not Saints, Music & Recovery, 90s Drug Culture, Alcohol Dependency, The Creativity Myth, The Stigma of Addiction & Building a Sober Music Community
In this episode, Matt speaks with Chris De Banks, the founder of Not Saints, the UK’s only not-for-profit record label dedicated to supporting musicians in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Chris shares his personal journey through addiction,… -
#63 - Daniel Ramson: Talk2BigDan, Addiction Accountability, Pervert Powder, Drug-Induced Psychosis, The Power of Discipline, Personal Responsibility & Why Rehab Isn’t His Answer
In this controversial and unfiltered episode of Believe in People, Matt sits down with Daniel Ramson - better known as TalkToBigDan to explore his unconventional approach to recovery. Unlike traditional services, Dan skips waiting lists, therapy roo… -
#62 - John Levesley: Hull And Yorkshire Daily, Binge Drinking, Strength in Solitude, Social Media Impact on Connection, Cosmetic Transformation & Authenticity in a Digital World
John’s story is one of transformation, self-awareness, and the pursuit of authenticity. Once caught in the cycle of binge drinking and substance-fuelled nights, he reached a turning point—a moment of realisation at five in the morning, surrounded by… -
#61 - Paul Haley: Heroin Addiction, Lived Experience Catalyst, Challenging Stigma, Imposter Syndrome & Advocacy In Recovery Services
Paul Haley’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and purpose. Once caught in the grips of heroin and crack cocaine addiction, Paul reached a devastating rock bottom - an injecting injury that nearly cost him his arm. Faced with the harsh re… -
#60 - Matthew Butler: Believe in People Collaboration, Amy Goldberg, Caitlin Morrison, Stigma, Rock Bottom Threshold & The Matthew Perry Foundation
🎙️ Believe in People: A Special Collaboration Episode 🌟In this special transatlantic collaboration, Amy Goldberg, host of Believe in People America, welcomes Matt Butler, host of the UK’s Believe in People podcast, into the guest seat for a heartfelt… -
#59 - Tom Fitzsimons: 3,073 Miles in a 100 Day Ultramarathon Across America, Alcoholism Redemption, National Day of Sobriety, Free Wi-Fi in McDonalds & A Cowboy Pastor on a White Horse
Matt sits down with Tom Fitzsimons, an ultramarathon runner whose awe-inspiring story of resilience and recovery has touched lives worldwide. From battling stigma and enduring unimaginable physical challenges to running 3,073 miles across the United …
