#56 Beyond Addiction with Dr Robb Kelly

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*Trigger warning
This episode may discuss addiction, alcoholism, trauma, homelessness and references to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

 Please take care while listening.In this powerful and deeply human episode of Embody Your Empress, Sarah sits down with the show’s very first male guest… the incredible Dr Robb Kelly. Known as the “Gordon Ramsay” of the addiction treatment world for his direct, honest and radically effective approach, Robb brings a lifetime of lived experience, neuroscience, spiritual insight and unshakeable hope to the conversation.

Before his life spiralled into alcoholism, trauma and homelessness, Robb was an accomplished musician playing bass at Abbey Road Studios with icons like Queen, David Bowie and Elton John. The money he earned from music helped fund his studies at Oxford University, where he later completed a PhD in Psychology. What followed was a devastating fall… addiction, the breakdown of his family, life-threatening behaviours, and living on the streets of Manchester with nothing but despair.

Robb shares the moment he dropped to his knees in the freezing rain and cried out for help… the spiritual awakening that followed… and how that single moment changed the trajectory of his life forever. From that point on, he dedicated himself to understanding addiction at its core. Not the substance. Not the behaviour. The brain. The mind. The identity. The trauma. The isolation. The human behind the pain.

Sarah and Robb dive into binge-drinking culture, trauma cycles, the neuroscience of addiction, family healing, spiritual connection and what it truly takes to step out of disease and into freedom. Robb’s approach blends evidence-based modalities, neural pathway rewiring, spiritual awareness and a powerful therapeutic alliance. His success lies in treating the whole human and helping people rebuild lives, identities and futures they never believed they could have.

This episode is raw, uplifting and soul-shifting. If you or someone you love has been affected by addiction, or if you’re curious about human transformation, this conversation is one you will feel in your bones.

Content note
This episode includes references to alcoholism, homelessness, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. If you need support and you are in Australia, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you are outside of Australia, please contact local crisis services in your area.

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About Dr Robb Kelly

Dr Robb Kelly, PhD, is a world-renowned addiction specialist, often described as the “Gordon Ramsay of the addiction treatment world” for his direct, no-nonsense approach to long-term recovery. Before addiction and trauma took over his life, Robb was a professional session musician playing bass at Abbey Road Studios with Queen, David Bowie and Elton John. His music career helped pay his way through Oxford University, where he completed his PhD in Psychology.

Robb has overcome homelessness, alcohol dependency, PTSD, trauma and a series of life events that would have broken most people. His spiritual awakening on the cold streets of Manchester became the catalyst for his healing and the foundation of his life’s work.

His philosophy is simple… help the addict step out of their disease and into a solution. Through the Robb Kelly Recovery Group and his wider collaborations, Robb and his team work with everyday people, professionals and celebrities who are ready to achieve sobriety and sustain it. His methods combine neuroscience, evidence-based practices, spiritual principles and a deeply authentic therapeutic relationship to create permanent, lasting transformation.

Robb is committed to serving marginalised communities and understands that addiction looks different for everyone. He meets each person where they are, removes shame and stigma, and proves that recovery is not only possible but achievable. He also lectures at the University of Texas at San Antonio, educating future practitioners on addiction, neuroscience and recovery.

Connect with Dr Robb Kelly
Neuro Realty Partners: https://www.neurorealtypartners.com/
The Neuro Hero Conference: https://www.theneuroheroconference.com/

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About Sarah King and Empress Nation

Sarah King is the host of Embody Your Empress and the founder of Empress Nation, a healing and empowerment movement for high-achieving, spiritually curious women who feel exhausted, overwhelmed or disconnected from themselves. Sarah blends energetic healing, intuitive guidance, emotional release work, counselling, sound and frequency therapy and practical spiritual tools to help women feel calm, clear and confident in their everyday lives.

Empress Nation is a home for women who are ready to rise. Through Sarah’s in-person and online energetic healing alignments, her upcoming retreats, workshops, book Many Hearts and powerful Empress-centred teachings, women learn how to regulate their nervous system, release emotional heaviness, reconnect to their intuition and live from deep inner peace.

Sarah’s work is real, grounded, warm and deeply human. She brings together magic and science, intuition and psychology, spirituality and emotional safety to help women return home to themselves and rule their lives with presence and power.

Connect with Sarah and Empress Nation
Website: https://empressnation.au
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