Little Addicts Podcast

‘Little Addicts’ is a podcast about facing the addictions we all have, making space for the pain we all feel, and reclaiming the power and life you’re entitled to - starting now.

Ep 21 - Everybody Self-Soothes: You’re Not Broken—You’re Wired with Kerene and Philly 04/22/2025

Ep 21 - Everybody Self-Soothes: You’re Not Broken—You’re Wired with Kerene and Philly In this raw and resonant episode, Philly Powell interviews Kerene Strochnetter about Chapter One of her upcoming book. Kerene unpacks the origins of self-soothing and why we reach for wine, work, sugar, our phones, or even people-pleasing to feel better. This episode is a loving wake-up call. You’ll laugh, maybe squirm a little, and come away seeing your own patterns with more clarity and compassion. About the Book Kerene’s upcoming book (title TBC) explores how evolutionary brain patterns, cultural myths, and unconscious behaviours drive unhealthy habits and addiction—and how to change that through self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-compassion. Chapter One sets the stage with the ultimate truth: Everybody self-soothes. What you do with that awareness is up to you. In this episode: What Self-Soothing Actually Is Kerene sees self-soothing as a normal response that begins in utero: everyone does it. How Your Fast Brain (Homer) Keeps You On Autopilot Drawing from Chapter 4 of her book, Kerene explains how our fast brain (Homer) runs the show in moments of stress, making quick, comfort-driven decisions to avoid discomfort. Cultural Conditioning & Shame Why self-soothing is often hidden beneath shame, and how our culture glorifies productivity, control, and stoicism while quietly fuelling burnout and addictive behaviour. The Addiction Continuum Addiction doesn’t just mean “hard drugs.” Kerene reframes addiction as a spectrum, and how even “acceptable” habits can keep us stuck if we’re using them to avoid our feelings. The First Step is Seeing It You can’t change what you can’t see. Awareness is what interrupts the pattern, not willpower. Key Takeaways Self-soothing is normal. We all do it. It’s only a problem when it’s our only strategy. Your fast brain just wants relief (like now!). It doesn’t care if it costs you tomorrow’s peace. Awareness is your superpower. You can’t interrupt what you cannot see. There’s power in pausing, noticing, and asking: What am I trying to avoid right now? This isn’t about discipline—it’s about understanding. You don’t need to shame yourself into change. You need to outsmart your old wiring. Contact Kerene: Kerene Follow Kerene on Contact Philly Love this episode? Please share it with a fellow human who’s navigating their own soothing strategies. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Kerene on Instagram for new episodes, resources, and updates. /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/36232575

Ep 20 - Addiction, Trauma & Change: A Systemic Rethink with David Hanna 04/08/2025

Ep 20 - Addiction, Trauma & Change: A Systemic Rethink with David Hanna David Hanna is a fifth-generation Tangata Tiriti (people of the Treaty), a leader in community-led development, and the director of Wesley Community Action. This conversation delved into addiction, trauma, social systems, and how grassroots initiatives can bring about meaningful change. David challenges us to rethink how we address addiction, not just as an individual issue but as a symptom of broader systemic challenges. We discussed: The Role of Compassion and Judgment in Leadership David shares insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasising the importance of working at multiple levels of the system—from community practitioners to government ministers. He highlights the necessity of compassion without judgment and the dangers of "othering" marginalised groups. Overcoming Bias A personal story about overcoming judgment that led to a discussion about unconscious bias, social conditioning, and the importance of openness and curiosity. The Real Cost of Systemic Issues Spending on negative investment—prisons, addiction treatment, and care systems—rather than proactive community support. He argues that a healed society would redirect resources toward arts, environmental restoration, and whānau well-being. Addiction: A Response to Trauma David reinforces the idea that addiction is often a coping mechanism for trauma. Highlighting the spectrum of addictions, from substance abuse to socially accepted addictions like workaholism. Childhood adversity and the intergenerational impact of trauma. A Grassroots Solution: The Walk-In Initiative David shares the inspiring story of a community-led initiative where people affected by meth addiction create safe spaces to support each other. This grassroots effort has become a national movement, offering judgment-free support for individuals and whānau. Looking Up the Microscope: Self-Reflection on Privilege David introduces the concept of "looking up the microscope", a practice where individuals in privileged positions reflect on their family history, wealth, and inherited trauma. This initiative fosters self-awareness and a deeper understanding of systemic inequities. The Role of Māori Knowledge in Healing David emphasised how Te Ao Māori offers valuable wisdom in addressing social issues. He highlighted how integrating Māori perspectives into mainstream society benefits everyone and is an area where New Zealand is leading globally. The Power of Presence and Balance Discussing the neuroscience of addiction and modern society’s obsession with growth, David argues that a balance between action and reflection is crucial. He advocates for slowing down, creating space for self-awareness, and fostering a culture that values relationships over relentless productivity. Final Thoughts and How to Support Wesley Community Action David closes by inviting listeners to explore Wesley Community Action’s work at . He encourages involvement in Just Change, an initiative that fosters learning and action for systemic change. Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/35895080

Ep 19 - Beyond the Scale: The Truth About Bariatric Surgery & Food Addiction with Bilge MacPhee 02/25/2025

Ep 19 - Beyond the Scale: The Truth About Bariatric Surgery & Food Addiction with Bilge MacPhee Join me for a fascinating chat with nutritionist Bilge MacPhee as we explore the power of food, the truth about bariatric surgery, and why ultra-processed foods are designed to keep us hooked. Bilge MacPhee is a Wellington-based nutritionist with a background in biological sciences and human nutrition. Her holistic approach to health is deeply influenced by her Mediterranean roots, emphasising the connection between food and disease. She specialises in bariatric nutrition, supporting patients before and after weight loss surgery. Key Topics Discussed Bilge’s Journey into Nutrition Growing up in Germany with Turkish heritage, food played a central role in daily life. Inspired by her grandmother’s belief in the healing power of food. Transitioned from biological sciences to nutrition, developing a passion for holistic health. Bariatric Surgery: What It Is & Who It's For A life-changing operation for those struggling with severe metabolic health issues. Not a quick fix but a tool for patients who have exhausted other weight-loss methods. Involves a rigorous pre-surgery assessment, including consultations with a nutritionist, psychologist, and surgeon. Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery "It's the easy way out" – In reality, it requires significant lifestyle changes and commitment. "It’s a waste of taxpayer money" – Research shows it reduces long-term healthcare costs by preventing conditions like diabetes and heart disease. "People regain weight because they lack willpower" – Success is often tied to access to proper post-surgery support. The Role of Food & Addiction Bilge challenges the term "food addiction," arguing that ultra-processed foods are not ‘food’ and chemically engineered to be addictive. The food industry, like the tobacco industry, designs products to manipulate cravings and create dependency. Nutrient-dense, whole foods do not trigger addiction in the same way as processed foods. Post-Surgery Challenges & The Importance of Support Patients must learn new eating habits, such as mindful chewing and portion control. Emotional and psychological adjustments are key to long-term success. Those who attend follow-up care and support programs tend to have the best outcomes. Dangers of Overseas Bariatric Surgery Cheaper options in countries like Turkey and Mexico may lack the necessary post-surgery care. Without ongoing nutritional and psychological support, patients are at a higher risk of complications and weight regain. Listen now for an eye-opening conversation about food, health, and the real impact of bariatric surgery! Connect with Bilge Connect with Kerene /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/35430120

Ep 18 - Shop, Snack, Sex, Repeat... or Find Inner Peace with Natalie Snooke 03/11/2025

Ep 18 - Shop, Snack, Sex, Repeat... or Find Inner Peace with Natalie Snooke Breaking free from the endless cycle of craving—whether through shopping, food, or relationships—Natalie Snooke explores how self-awareness, meditation, and the Enneagram can lead to true inner peace beyond external validation. Natalie Snooke is an experienced life and leadership coach, mindfulness facilitator, humanitarian, yoga and meditation teacher. She is the founder and director of Momentum Coaching & Yoga. A specialist of the ‘inner life’ Natalie has maintained a committed yoga and meditation practice for over 18 years. She has participated in more 10-day Vipassana silent meditation retreats than she can count! Natalie is a Certified Transformational Presence Coach, Certified Enneagram Coach, and member of the International Coach Federation. Natalie is a Certified Partner at Triple Goal, a global leadership growth company that empowers leaders and teams to master self-awareness, growth mindset and psychological safety. A respected senior yoga teacher, Natalie has served on the Executive Committee of Yoga Australia, the peak professional body of yoga in Australia. She regularly leads international retreats and pilgrimages to India and Bali. Natalie is equally comfortable sitting around the boardroom table with executives, sitting cross-legged on the floor in meditation caves, or at the feet of yoga masters in India. In this episode, we discuss: Craving and Emptiness of the Heart Natalie explores addiction through the lens of emotional longing rather than substances. Early experiences of feeling unseen led to seeking external validation through shopping, overeating, and relationships. Society often overlooks these addictive tendencies in daily life. The Journey to Self-Understanding There was no single epiphany, but rather a series of insights. Transformational moments came from recognising she is more than her wounds. Relationship breakdowns served as significant turning points. Healing Through Yoga and Meditation Self-awareness is key—beyond the body and mind, to the essence of being. True fulfilment comes from stillness, not external achievements. Yoga and meditation are paths to self-realisation, not just stress relief. Once deeply experienced, people naturally want to return to these practices. Breaking Free from Craving Whether it’s materialism, relationships, or substance use, the craving never stops. Addiction is often a symptom of forgetting our true nature. Awareness reduces the grip of addiction over time, shifting from an overwhelming force to a subtle presence. The Enneagram as a Tool for Awareness A system for understanding human motivation and patterns. Helps recognize unhelpful tendencies and move toward freedom. Not about being a "better" version of yourself but about true self-acceptance. Self-Compassion & Kindness Many people believe self-discipline requires self-criticism, but this is learned behaviour. Being kind to yourself creates space for growth without judgment. Compassion is contagious—when we practice it, others around us follow. Slowing Down in a Busy World Society pressures us to stay busy, but stillness is essential. Simple steps like removing “I’m busy” from vocabulary can shift mindset. Awareness practices naturally lead to a slower, more intentional life. Self-Regulation & Breathwork Change happens in moments of choice—fall back into old habits or take a new path. Breath is the key to self-regulation, reducing stress, and increasing clarity. Even simple breathwork practices can be enough to create lasting change. Connect with Natalie Connect with Kerene Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/35249575

Ep 17 - Beyond Burnout: Kicking Achievement and Exercise Addiction with Lotty Roberts 02/25/2025

Ep 17 - Beyond Burnout: Kicking Achievement and Exercise Addiction with Lotty Roberts Lotty is a forward thinker in Emotional Culture, Change and Resilience, with over 20 years of experience leading and coaching people through large-scale change and transformation programmes. During her journey as a senior leader, competitive runner and mum of 3 boys, Lotty discovered the power of Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence to help her with various challenges, including an auto-immune condition, chronic pain, double hip replacement and corporate burnout. Through her experience, learning and research into the wisdom of emotions and mindfulness-based practices to attend to the ongoing challenges and constant change of working life, Lotty instantly saw an opportunity to integrate these teachings into approaching leadership, culture, resilience, burnout and change. Lotty founded MiND.U, where she is devoted to helping workplaces, leaders, and individuals build the capability, resilience, and ‘know-how’ to mindfully lead and navigate today’s ever-changing and dynamic environment. Lotty works with clients across New Zealand and internationally. She also runs retreats and public workshops and regularly speaks about Emotional Culture, Personal Resilience, and Mindful Change. She lives in Wellington with her husband and three sons. Lotty's story is one of transformation through self-awareness and intentional change. She advocates for therapy, emotional intelligence and mindfulness as essential tools for personal growth. In this episode: Lotty shares her journey through work, exercise, and addiction. Her reflections on self-doubt and imposter syndrome in helping others while facing personal struggles. Spending over 20 years in the corporate world, being a competitive runner, a mother, and briefly a fitness model. Driven by a need for achievement and external validation. Childhood & Early Influences Growing up in a volatile home with addiction, relationship conflicts, and illness. Learning from a young age to seek validation through achievement. Using exercise to control her appearance and emotions, leading to competitive running. Work & Achievement Addiction Excelling in corporate roles and rising through the ranks. How managing multiple roles: employee, athlete, mother—came at a high personal cost. Burnout (twice!) exacerbated by postpartum depression after her second child. Marriages & Personal Struggles Experiencing another marriage breakdown due to personal and professional pressures. Meeting her third husband, whom she considers her soulmate. Health Crisis & Turning Point Developing chronic pain and being diagnosed with autoimmune arthritis. Requiring a double hip replacement at 42—forced to slow down—and was a pivotal moment that allowed her to reflect and reassess her life choices. The Role of Mindfulness & Therapy Discovering mindfulness as a tool for managing both physical and emotional pain. Recognizing her addiction to busyness to numb emotions. Prioritising self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and values alignment. Leaving the Corporate World Realizing the corporate lifestyle was unsustainable for her health and well-being. Now integrates mindfulness and emotional awareness into her work. Addiction & Societal Conditioning Initially, she did not see her behaviours as addiction but saw the patterns later. Work, exercise, and people-pleasing are socially accepted but can be addictive. Society often rewards burnout culture, making it difficult to recognise the problem. Postscript: Kristin Neff and Chris Germer co-created the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program. They also co-founded the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Michele McDonald, a Vipassana teacher, originally developed the RAIN model—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Non-Identification. Tara Brach later popularised this model and adapted it by changing the final step from Non-Identification to Nurture, emphasising self-compassion. Connect with Lotty Website Connect with Kerene Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/35249520

Ep 16 - NEAD to Stop: Our One-Year Experiment of Not Eating After Dinner with Philly Powell 02/11/2025

Ep 16 - NEAD to Stop: Our One-Year Experiment of Not Eating After Dinner with Philly Powell In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Philly Powell, the Wellness Provocateur and founder of Wellbeing Tick. Philly helps businesses ditch burnout, rethink work, and create cultures where people don’t just survive—they thrive. A few months ago, over a meal, we both admitted to snacking after dinner. Right then and there, we decided we wanted to stop, and NEAD was born. NEAD stands for not eating after dinner. After giving up alcohol, we thought NEAD would be easy…it wasn’t! This podcast is about why we decided to stop EAD and the insights and hurdles we’ve experienced, such as… The Turning Point: Recognising the Need for Change The Experiment: Challenges & Strategies The Psychological Side: Identity, Mindset & Emotional Aspects The Unexpected Lessons & Outcomes It’s a raw and authentic conversation between two women who combine their knowledge about changing habits and nutrition to stop unnecessary EAD. We’ll tell you what helped and what didn’t and offer valuable suggestions (just in case you also struggle with EAD!), including replacing self-criticism with self-love. "For me, the biggest thing was the admission because this is secret stuff. This is stuff that women keep secret from one another." – Kerene Strochnetter "We are both delusional, BUT we are very aware of supporting one another to nail this!! The radical honesty and vulnerability are a key part of the process to change." – Philly Powell Producing podcasts takes a lot of time and love, so I’d be so grateful if you’d please share the love in return! Send me a message – I’d love to know the one thing you’ll do differently after listening to this episode. Share this episode – you never know how this episode could change someone’s life! Rate the show and hit the follow button – to introduce more people to this epic community! Connect with Philly Connect with Kerene /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/35212835

Ep 15 – Breaking the Chain: From Addiction to Spiritual Freedom with James Dear 01/28/2025

Ep 15 – Breaking the Chain: From Addiction to Spiritual Freedom with James Dear James Dear is a recovering drug addict. He was severely addicted but has been sober for over 5 years. In 2018, he started a movement called ‘Break The Chain’ to raise awareness and provide information about addiction and mental health after tragically losing a close friend to suicide. He took his advocacy to the next level by training as a counsellor and now works in a residential drug and alcohol treatment centre. In this episode, James talks about his personal experience with addiction and how practising meditation, yoga, and spirituality ‘broke the chain’ for him… In this episode, we discuss: James's tendency from a young age to gravitate towards instant gratification. His struggle with loneliness, being bullied at school and enjoying the protection, security, and safety of an antisocial group at secondary school (despite it being quite hellish!) Around 17, his friends got into class A drugs, and while terrified that he’d die if he used, he was more scared of being alone. Getting into drugs and the underground rave scene. Not planning on becoming a ‘drug dealer’, but developing a tolerance to drugs, and unable to afford it, he started to sell. Waking up in a police cell after crashing his car and the shame of losing his licence and getting caught with ketamine, cocaine, and MDMA. His addiction to ketamine and self-medicating to deal with life’s difficulties. Despite knowing he had to sort out his own life after a friend’s suicide, he drank stupid amounts of alcohol and experienced unbearable cravings. Unable to feel any happiness (anhedonia), and falling back into full-blown addiction before things got really dark. Recognising that changing geographical locations doesn’t work because the problem was his mind, and he took it with him. Becoming the most unhappy, anxious, and desperate he’d ever been and binge eating. Reflecting on what's missing in our culture, e.g., rituals for moving from boyhood to manhood, girlhood to womanhood, and young people taking on responsibilities—being part of a family unit compared to our culture. The dangers of placing individual happiness above everything else and how society tells us if we buy this, we’ll be happy. How being stuck in the echo chamber of self-centredness is at the root of addiction and mental health problems because it’s so disconnecting. Believing the heart and soul of recovery from addiction is relationship. The impact of attending a meditation retreat even though spirituality wasn’t on his radar. Yoga and noticing the connection between his body and mind and stress. The impact of yoga philosophy: temporary things cannot satisfy us; we are not our bodies or our minds; we’re the driver of those things. The experience of trying to squeeze happiness out of material things and becoming empty. The practice of stepping back and watching the mind on a rampage—full of desires, cravings, and emotions. Bringing these practices into his life because he was desperate! Becoming convinced that drugs and alcohol can never, ever possibly deliver real happiness, although they can provide sensory, temporary relief. If he’d been told immersing yourself completely, single-pointedly, spiritual mantras or spiritual sound vibrations make you less attracted to material things, and you can experience this eternality, peace and happiness— he’d be like, “Okay, that's mental, whatever!”. Flip-flopping between drinking and drugs and noticing he’d get super anxious, start self-doubting and thinking negatively. How doing Karma yoga, practising kindness, and giving without expectation put a massive smile on his face and changed his life. How things he practised as a counsellor and drug and alcohol clinician (like CBT) align with the connection between the body and the mind, the physiology affecting the mind. Our mutual challenges with religion! Recognising there is happiness higher than substances, sex, porn, shopping—or whatever you engage in that's compulsive and wish you didn't—and that relationships are key. Connect with James: Break The Chain Break The Chain Meditation Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/34288925

Ep 14 - Free from Addiction: How Hypnotherapy Can Transform Your Life with Meredith McCarthy 01/14/2025

Ep 14 - Free from Addiction: How Hypnotherapy Can Transform Your Life with Meredith McCarthy Meredith McCarthy is a clinical hypnotherapist, author, and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping individuals unlock the power of their minds to overcome challenges, including addiction and anxiety. Meredith founded the New Zealand Academy of Clinical Hypnotherapy (NZACH) and is president of the New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (NZAPH). She’s passionate about empowering others to transform their lives by addressing subconscious patterns and fostering emotional healing. Meredith blends psychodynamics, cognitive psychology, and hypnosis techniques to address the root causes of behavioural issues. She also offers practical strategies, such as self-hypnosis. Her innovative HELP System guides individuals to unlock their mental potential, fostering self-belief and resilience. In her therapeutic work, Meredith emphasises the 'Three D’s'—Detachment, Determination, and Direction—as a framework for overcoming addiction and achieving personal growth. In this episode, we discuss: Imagining a life beyond where you are now - asking yourself: "Where do I see myself 10 years from now? What if I don’t change anything?" Connecting with YOUR values, not what others want or expect from you Regression work and revealing the source of an addiction Normalising hypnosis and hypnotherapy – your mind is not being taken over! You’re either using the mind as a dress rehearsal for something you’re going to do or tuning into channel "I hope I don't!” and reinforcing your worries Stepping back into your internal power, shifting your story and asking yourself, “What is the new story I need?” How awareness gives you a choice (where attention goes, energy flows) Challenging beliefs like it’s going to be hard, and I’ll always be an addict! Bringing your optimist out to play (and how hypnotherapy makes the journey easier) Reminding people that they are not behaviours; they are pure potential How AA affirmations reinforce the identity of “I’m an addict” Working with clients dealing with addiction (and past trauma), believing the client has the answer, and being their cheerleader When you’ve been in the depth of dysfunction (with a substance), thinking having one drink will be okay is just the addiction talking… Conversational hypnosis and different types of induction (including progressive relaxation) and instant induction Dealing with resistant clients—you can’t push them! Future pacing, imagining ‘as if’ potentials, and the power of mental rehearsal Food addiction, stress, binge eating (and purging) and understanding a person’s relationship with food (and how they want it to be) How hypnosis, alpha and theta brain waves states, and being open to suggestion allows our creative ‘anything is possible’ to take a front seat Who hypnotherapy is not recommended for (the risks) Joyful emotional states and the power of positively pumping that up! We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Remember to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people. Connect with Meredith: LinkedIn: and Podcast: Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33938237

Ep 13 - Unstuck: Mastering the Mind, Transforming Habits, and Scaling Consciousness with Carl Lemieux 12/10/2024

Ep 13 - Unstuck: Mastering the Mind, Transforming Habits, and Scaling Consciousness with Carl Lemieux I loved this conversation with Carl Lemieux from Mindsmatter. I could talk with him for hours! Carl is an author, workplace psychologist, management consultant, executive coach, psychotherapist, and mindfulness teacher. With 35 years of experience in corporate strategy, transformation, and leadership development, Carl understands the importance of well-being and self-awareness for himself, leaders, and the workforce. He doesn't see himself as an expert on addiction, but in my eyes, he's a behaviour change expert with a wealth of experience. Carl summarises this episode beautifully - " You've got a conditioned brain and a higher brain, and if you don't train the conditioned brain, you'll get stuck in your habits, patterns (and addictions) for a long time." The good news is, it is trainable! In this episode, we discuss: What's getting in the way of you reaching your full potential Doing the groundwork (un-layering and releasing accumulated traumas and unprocessed emotions) to allow the higher self to emerge What it means to scale consciousness Classical psychotherapy (understanding why you do what you do) and newer modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), Breathwork, psychedelics, and Somatic work Bringing awareness to what moves you away from consciousness and mindfulness and putting systems and rituals in place to condition a different way of moving forward How our sense of identity and seeing life as either safe or unsafe is programmed in from an early age, becoming the filters for how you see and react/respond to the world Taming and befriending the automatic fast brain so the more evolved slow brain can kick in The link between trauma, living from your fast brain and addiction The practice of mindfulness - adopting a new strategy to deal with physical discomfort and learning how to process unpleasant emotions How the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN) validates your sense of identity and ego structure (perhaps you're telling yourself you're not good, funny or smart enough?) by finding information to confirm who you think you are, not the person you could be. Ouch! New and ancient modalities to calm down the DMN and open up new opportunities Psychedelics and taking the DMN offline, dropping our defence mechanisms and changing our relationship with the ego structure The power of metacognition (knowing you're thinking versus being yanked around by your mind) Imagine observing your thoughts just like you can smell pizza! Detaching from and dealing with unprocessed emotions instead of staying stuck (often leading to addiction) Educating people on how to prepare for and use psychedelics and their risks. We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Remember to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people. Connect with Carl: LinkedIn: Website: Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33808147

Ep 12 - Tripping to Heal: From Binge Drinking to Psychedelics with Zach Cotogni 11/26/2024

Ep 12 - Tripping to Heal: From Binge Drinking to Psychedelics with Zach Cotogni Zach Cotogni and his sister Michaela wrote Blue Honey—Personal Experiences Using Psilocybin for Mental Health in Aotearoa, a book that challenges ugly preconceptions and misunderstandings about using MCPs (Mushrooms Containing Psilocybin, more commonly known as Magic Mushrooms). In this episode, Zach talks about his experience using MCPs to overcome his addiction to alcohol and drugs. I interviewed Michaela on the Little Addicts podcast in episode #8. It was a raw and emotional interview where Michaela spoke about her long struggle with mental illness, running out of options, and ultimately deciding to break the law and use MCPs as a last-ditch attempt. If you're interested, go back and listen! Disclaimer: As psilocybin is a class A substance in New Zealand, we’re not encouraging anyone to take these substances but to raise awareness. In this episode, we discuss: Using drugs and alcohol from the age of 12 after realising he didn't like himself Being a scared, confused, angry young man and how alcohol gave the illusion of strength, empowerment and being in control The ongoing cycle of using drugs to escape the reality and to dampen his emotions Constantly chasing a rush and enjoying amphetamines (stimulants) Turning his life around following a messy experience at a mate's wedding and getting an ultimatum from his wife (sensing this time she meant it!) Deciding to stop drinking, not knowing how, and stumbling upon magic mushrooms His "wow" moment with MCPs-having an outside view looking in and experiencing a movie reel of his intoxicated moments, how he had treated people, and what an arsehole he was-and knowing he would never drink again! Writing the book Blue Honey after finding out that many people in NZ who have done their healing behind closed doors What Zach sees as the future of psychedelic-assisted therapy MCPs are a not a silver bullet, or without risks, but should be considered an alternative Setting yourself up for a bad trip and the importance of set and setting What needs to be put in place to make psychedelic therapy safe and more available as an option Advice he'd give anyone wanting to try these substances (don't think of it as a recreational trip; it's for healing purposes) Being a typical Kiwi male taught to push down pain and reach for pain-eroding substances (that work in the short-term but create more pain long-term) Zach's message to the world or anyone going through a similar experience. We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Remember to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people. Connect with Zach: Website: Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33778262

Ep 11 - Craving, Suffering, and Buddha: Kicking Addiction with a Side of Zen (and Coffee!) with Patrick Kearney 11/12/2024

Ep 11 - Craving, Suffering, and Buddha: Kicking Addiction with a Side of Zen (and Coffee!) with Patrick Kearney What I love about Buddhism is how it aligns with neuroscience (and how neuroscience proves that Buddhism is true). In this episode, I'm joined by Patrick Kearney. Patrick explains how the Buddha's teachings help us to understand and overcome addiction. He's particularly interested in the Buddha's original teachings before the invention of "Buddhism", and applying the Buddha's radical insights to our contemporary life. Patrick has practised mindfulness meditation since 1977 and spent several years as a Buddhist monk. A full-time mindfulness meditation teacher for over twenty years, Patrick conducts residential and online retreats, workshops, and seminars. For Patrick meditation as a physical practice that reconnects us with our senses and allows us to live life directly rather than through the cling wrap of our habitual thinking! In this episode, we discuss: Returning to the Buddha's original teachings before the invention of "Buddhism" Buddha's interest in human flourishing and asking, "How do we live well?" Having an addictive relationship is what the Buddha calls 'tanha', meaning thirst, clinging or craving (not good because it creates more pain) The four noble truths and the concept of dukkha (classically translated as 'suffering' but refers to all unsatisfactory experiences) Where there's addiction, there's craving; where there's craving, there's dukkha (suffering) The solution is to drop the craving because when the craving ceases, dukkha ceases... (easier said than done!) Patrick's past relationship with marijuana and coffee (he's not giving up coffee!) The simile of the second arrow to explain how we create more pain and suffering for ourselves Seeing Buddhism as a rational model for working with addiction and craving (once you understand the dynamics, you can do something about it!) How clinging to a sense of identity holds an addiction in place Why Buddha rejected fatalism (i.e., everything that happens is the will of God, a result of fate, or past causes) because if you believe any of them, you'll give up! Emotion as primary (we are not rational beings who feel, but feeling beings who reason) The more connected you are with your body, the better you can function; the more cut off you are, the less you can function (most of us have lost this skill!) The dangers of living in your head, how it's becoming more common and noticeably worse (probably all about the screens...) Addiction to thinking Meditation as a physical, not spiritual, practice Using meditation to live in the world more directly instead of using it to zone out and avoid unpleasant emotions Addiction is a habit, and habit is a choice, but it's so habitual we don't see it Going deeper into the mind, you see you have a choice, and freedom becomes real Our natural hesitation to meditate and dive into dukkha (our suffering) Why meditation is challenging when you're not living aligned to your values Mindfulness and seeing the results of your choices ('Oh, I thought this worked, but it doesn't!'). At the end of this podcast, we decided that Patrick, the Buddha, and I are all on a dukkha reduction project! We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Remember to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people. Connect with Patrick: Patrick Kearney Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33653377

Ep 10 - NLP and Addiction: Breaking Free: NLP Strategies For Overcoming Addiction with Richard Bolstad 10/29/2024

Ep 10 - NLP and Addiction: Breaking Free: NLP Strategies For Overcoming Addiction with Richard Bolstad Richard Bolstad trains NLP Practitioners and trainers in America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia. He has written or co-written over 20 NLP books, which have been translated into nine languages. His book ‘Transforming Communication’ has been a core text in several New Zealand university programs. He has also been a personal trainer for some top New Zealand business and sports people, including leading New Zealand triathlete Steve Gurney. Richard won the NLP International Award from the ANLP in 2017, the first year it was offered. He delivers with integrity and precision and has offered invaluable help to people traumatised in the aftermath of earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, as well as helped in the aftermath of war in Eastern European countries. He has been described as “modest and very personable, and reading about the difference his NLP work has made, especially in response to a crisis, is pretty amazing.” Richard has many professional trainings and qualifications. He is a member of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists, a trained Teacher (Diploma of Teaching Tertiary), a Registered Nurse, a Master Trainer of NLP with several international NLP Certification Organizations such as IANLP and IN, has a State of California-recognized Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and is currently completing a Degree in Archaeology at Leicester University. In this episode we talk about: What it means to be human and how to pull yourself out of unhelpful patterns What NLP is and its wide range of uses Instead of seeing addiction as a disease, seeing it as a normal process where a person finds themselves blocked from resolution How society is irrational in what it defines as an addiction (what it deems socially acceptable and what’s not) Richard’s unhealthy relationship with alcohol as a teenager Focusing on learning from our successes when we want to change The power of showing people how to get into a positive mind state and finding enjoyment in their life How psychedelics interrupt the default mode network, leaving people with no choice other than experiencing the present moment and the preciousness of life The relationship between trauma and addiction and the story of Vietnam veterans Getting away from treating addictions (especially to chemicals) as a legal and policing issue and making it a healing issue (costs less with better results!) The experience of having a Prime Minister and Head of Police in his training Richard’s process for helping someone clarify what’s important enough for them to commit to change before doing anything to interrupt a behaviour Out-thinking your fast brain and making healthy food choices The benefits of incorporating playfulness Recognising the part intergenerational trauma plays in the Ukraine and Gaza We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people on the road to recovery. Connect with Richard: Websites - or LinkedIn – Facebook - Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33593197

Ep 9 - Addiction: How One Critical Incident Can Shock You Into Stopping with Gai Foskett 10/15/2024

Ep 9 - Addiction: How One Critical Incident Can Shock You Into Stopping with Gai Foskett Gai Foskett is a Master Certified Coach and a Master NLP practitioner. She also has an MBA and works with senior leaders and managers, business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs in NZ, the USA, Australia, Asia, the UK, and Canada. Gai’s coaching approach draws on contemporary neuroscience, positive psychology, change management and models, Philosophy, Systems theory, Emotional Intelligence, Motivation theory, Thinking and creativity, Mindfulness and Mindful leadership, and NLP. In this episode, you will learn about: Addiction as part of the human condition. Appreciating the Buddhist principles (of craving or avoiding) while letting go of self-judgment. Understanding that even when the pain of addiction is excruciating, the idea of changing can feel worse! Finding the highest positive intention for behaviour change and letting go of what’s not serving you. Explaining that mindfulness doesn’t necessarily mean getting down on a cushion and lighting incense—but a practice to cultivate an extremely high level of awareness. Drinking a lot of Whiskey after the death of her first husband Until you see the impact of your behaviour, there’s usually no need to change. Practices that work best and the importance of helping people find the right tools. Moving through the discomfort of change, building new neural pathways and the importance of aligning your behaviour with what’s important to you (your values) We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people on the road to recovery. Connect with Gai Foskett: Website – LinkedIn - Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33413877

Ep 8 - Rethinking Mental Health: Mushrooms as Medicine with Michaela Cotogni 10/01/2024

Ep 8 - Rethinking Mental Health: Mushrooms as Medicine with Michaela Cotogni In this episode, Michaela talks about her own mental health journey that led her to use MCP (Mushrooms Containing Psilocybin, commonly known as Magic Mushrooms) and why she and her brother Zach wrote Blue Honey – Personal Experiences Using Psilocybin for Mental Health in Aotearoa. I’ve been following what’s happening in the psychedelic space since reading Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind - The New Science of Psychedelics. Psychedelics are on the precipice for radically changing how we treat mental health – in particular, depression, end-of-life anxiety, PSTD and addiction (especially alcoholism and drug addiction). Disclaimer: The legal status of psilocybin mushrooms varies worldwide. In New Zealand, psilocybin is a class A substance, and in the USA, it’s schedule 1. We’re not encouraging anyone to take these substances but to raise awareness. It can be dangerous to take these substances with prescribed medicines or other substances. In this episode, you will learn about: Michaela's long and arduous struggle with mental health, her decision to come off all medication, and being prepared to die. Her brother Zack getting their parent’s blessing for Michaela to try MCP. What happened after her first dose (experiencing hope!) Weighing up the risks—being seen as a criminal in the eyes of the law and being imprisoned—or living, getting better and saving herself by taking healing into her own hands. Writing Blue Honey (with her brother Zach) to raise awareness of the healing power of MCPs, given the general misunderstanding of psychedelic substances. Horror stories of people taking a hallucinogenic and having a ‘bad trip’ - seeing the Grim Reaper and what that symbolised to her. Acknowledging PTSD as the underlying cause of her suffering (and why traditional approaches weren’t working) What it means to have a ‘come to Jesus moment’, curing ‘assholism’, and ‘psychedelic bitch-slaps! How psilocybin differs from traditional approaches. Somatic experiencing – and why that’s so important. Having a guide or Shaman is incredibly important, as well as understanding that these substances are not magic bullets. Her advice to anyone wanting to try MCPs. We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help me reach a wider audience and help more people on the road to recovery. Connect with Michaela Cotogni: Website – Blue Honey – LinkedIn – Instagram – Facebook – Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – Facebook – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33177572

Ep 7 - Calmly: A Healthy Alternative to Vaping and Nicotine Addiction with Scott Pearson 09/17/2024

Ep 7 - Calmly: A Healthy Alternative to Vaping and Nicotine Addiction with Scott Pearson Scott is the founder of Calmly, a Kiwi breathing innovation tool that supports healthy ways of relaxing, assists vapers and smokers in quitting, and helps reduce general anxiety and stress. Scott has a Master of Science from Lincoln University and extensive experience in the tourism, environmental advocacy, and, more recently, health and wellness sectors. Over two decades of research and development have gone into honing the Calmly device, with several discoveries during that time, such as the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing and engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, along with the device's wellness links to aromatherapy, mindfulness, and meditation. If he had to choose his favourite Calmly aroma, it would be the lavender, lemon, and Roman chamomile blend. In this episode, we discuss: Using Calmly devices to replace vaping and cigarette smoking What makes Calmly unique? (Fresh air in the lungs and aromas up the nose!) Calmly, as an alternative self-soothing and mindfulness activity that encourages the act of deep, steady diaphragm breathing to provide relief during times of stress Using Calmly when you’re having a freak-out moment as a distraction technique The small risk of hypersensitivity Why teenagers are vaping and advice to parents How nicotine blocks happiness chemicals and is a bugger of a habit to kick Helping people get away from nicotine using aromas like cocoa, black pepper, and menthol Targeting smell glands - the primitive part of our brain - and using the purest, distilled, high-quality aromas We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact either of us via the links below. Remember to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts; your support will help me reach a wider audience and help more people. Connect with Scott: Website - LinkedIn – Instagram – Facebook – Connect with Kerene: Website – LinkedIn - Instagram – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/33003422

Ep 6 - Havening: Releasing the trauma driving addiction 09/03/2024

Ep 6 - Havening: Releasing the trauma driving addiction Imagine someone saying, “You can have the worst trauma in the world, and you just think of it for a moment, and then you stroke your arms and your face and your hands and 15 min later it's cured”. Let me introduce you to Dr Robin Youngson MA MB ChB FANZCA. Robin is a Certified Havening Practitioner and Trainer and an Anaesthetic Specialist with a long career in public health in New Zealand. He’s an international campaigner, speaker, author, and a leading voice calling for humane and compassionate healthcare. He and his wife Meredith founded Hearts in Healthcare - a global social movement. Author of 3 books ‘TIME TO CARE – How to love your patients and your job. His latest book is ‘THE SCIENCE OF MIRACLES - One Doctor’s journey to find hope and healing beyond the broken medical system’ (being published in October 2024). ‘From HERO to HEALER – Awakening the Inner Activist’. His latest book (title pending) is about one doctor’s quest to heal a broken system. Robin says that Havening has become the most astonishing and gratifying work in over thirty years of medical practice, equally healing and energising for him, as it is for his clients. In this episode you will learn about: Havening Techniques® what Havening is, and the science behind it Why Robin quit his medical practice to practice Havening full-time How traumatic memory is permanently stored in the brain and body and what happens when you get triggered by a traumatic memory How Havening floods the brain with slow Delta waves and erases nerve circuits so sensory triggers no longer exist Havening his mother on her 90th birthday! Self-soothing and healing trauma with human connection and touch The clients who respond rapidly to Havening but those with complex trauma may require lengthier sessions Creating the conditions for healing to occur Why the word ‘cured’ is considered a dirty word Saying ‘once an addict, always an addict’ is simply not true! Working with big, bearded rugby players, truck drivers, and sheep shearers. We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to contact us via the links below. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, your support will help me reach a wider audience and more people on the road to recovery. Connect with Robin: Website - https://neuroscienceofhealing.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinyoungson/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeartsInHealthcare Havening Demonstration: https://vimeo.com/showcase/10666226/video/469382631 Documentary Connect with Kerene: Website - mindfulatwork.co.nz LinkedIn - Kerene Strochnetter Instagram – kerene_strochnetter /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/32856707

Ep 5 - Understanding Addiction: ‘When Likes Turn to Wants and Wants Turn to Needs’ with Andrew Hopgood. 08/20/2024

Ep 5 - Understanding Addiction: ‘When Likes Turn to Wants and Wants Turn to Needs’ with Andrew Hopgood. This week I'm joined by Andrew Hopgood. Andrew has been a Senior Clinician in rehabs throughout Wellington in the DHB and Private sector, setting up and running programmes focused on the hard-to-reach. He helped set up community projects using volunteers with lived experience and was recently involved with the Kahukura rehabilitation programme for the Mongrel Mob. Andrew is a lecturer on WelTec's Bachelor of Counselling and Addictions program. In this episode, Andrew shares his journey with trauma and addiction, his work with ‘the unreachables’ (gang members and their whanau), intergenerational trauma and why we need more rehabilitation facilities in New Zealand. We talk about: Finding bliss with his first joint and a ready supply of speed from the bikers next door The human condition: pleasure-seeking and avoiding pain at all costs Why, when it comes to addiction, your environment is everything Intergenerational trauma and child poverty in New Zealand The moment with his daughter that changed everything Not realising he had an addiction until he tried to stop Staying clean, finding a job with purpose, and getting a degree The opposite of addiction is connection Gang whanau who don’t know what trauma is The importance of feeling difficult emotions The inevitable payback when substances stop working The 4 Ls assessment tool: Liver, Lover, Legal, and Lifestyle, as a snapshot of where you are right now What calls him forward and guarding his currency for joy (dopamine) Spikes of dopamine (going for the quick fix) versus sustained release Doing the fucking work and not passing your trauma onto your kinds Why that first cigarette of the day is the best cigarette of the day Peer pressure and the importance of teaching young people to self-soothe Not punishing yourself, creating balance and moving through your triggers The power of finding a safe person who will call you out on your bullshit Intergenerational trauma and the boy's homes in the 60s and 70s Treating addiction as a biopsychosocial problem and why we need more rehabilitation facilities We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to get in touch with either of us via the links below. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people on the road to recovery. Connect with Andrew: Facebook - Email - Connect with Kerene: Website - LinkedIn - Instagram – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/32567917

Ep4 - Living Sober: Why Quitting Drinking Was the Best Decision of My Life with Lotta Dann 08/06/2024

Ep4 - Living Sober: Why Quitting Drinking Was the Best Decision of My Life with Lotta Dann This week I'm joined by Lotta Dann. Lotta is an addiction recovery advocate who has published three best-selling books that draw on her personal experience to promote sober living and recovery, including - The Wine O'Clock Myth: The Truth You Need to Know about Women and Alcohol, Mrs D is Going Without, and Mrs D is Going Within. She is partnered with the New Zealand Drug Foundation to run 'Living Sober', a website that helps over fifty thousand people a year to manage their relationship with alcohol. Lotta is a Project Lead at Blueprint for Learning for the Addiction 101 workshop, designed to increase awareness and reduce the stigma associated with addiction. She was recently made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work in addiction advocacy. In this episode, Lotta shares how lost, miserable, and terrified she felt before deciding to quit drinking and how it was the best decision of her life. We talk about: Lotta’s journey with alcohol addiction and what keeps her grounded Moving from - fun drinking Lotta - to feeling sad and embarrassing Being locked in an intense 3-year inner battle about drinking and making the terrifying decision to stop The hard bloody work of learning how not to get the instant release and asking yourself, ‘How do I move around this world without alcohol?’ The coming shift in drinking culture (E.g., Sober Curious) The mysterious nature of addiction and shifting the stigma and judgment How being honest and truthful with yourself puts you on the track to recovery Lotta’s 3 top tips for stopping drinking Understanding that being human is hard, emotions are pesky, and life's tricky - so be kind to yourself and choose your soothing instrument wisely! How alcohol helped push aside uncomfortable feelings and the importance of connecting with her emotions (after hating navel-gazing!) The gift of mindfulness for not getting so swept up in her mind (which she could never have done when she was drinking) Modelling being real and having courageous conversations with the people you love The importance of values work, and having fun without booze Lotta’s new book (available soon) on diet culture, body image and food. We would love to know what stood out the most for you in this episode. Please feel free to get in touch with either of us via the links below. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, your support will help us reach a wider audience and help more people on the road to recovery. Connect with Lotta: Website - Facebook - Instagram - Connect with Kerene: Website - LinkedIn - Instagram – /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/32426627

EP3 - The Addicted Mind: Exploring the Roots of Suffering, Addiction and the Path to Freedom 07/23/2024

EP3 - The Addicted Mind: Exploring the Roots of Suffering, Addiction and the Path to Freedom This week I'm joined by an exceptional guest, colleague and dear friend of mine, Michael Bunting. Michael is the founder of the prominent leadership consultancy WorkSmart Australia. He's the author of the number-one bestseller, The Mindful Leader and Awakened Mind (a mobile application). His recent book, Vertical Growth explains how self-awareness and self-regulation transform leaders and organisations. Michael is a Keynote Speaker, Researcher and Facilitator, committed to changing lives through leadership, team and culture. He's been teaching mindful leadership to businesses for over 20 years, working with some of the biggest companies in the world. He believes - and I agree - that if behaviour does not sustainably change, what is the point of any team or leadership program? Our conversation speaks to the complex world of addiction, exploring its subtle manifestations and the universal experience of human suffering. In this episode you will learn about: Michael’s passion for understanding suffering and the human condition, addiction, and what that has to do with leadership Understanding why chasing satisfaction never lasts Exploring the ‘3 layers of the cake’ that drive behaviour and why it’s essential to go through pain and discomfort to get to ‘freedom’ Broadening the definition of addiction from solely substances and behaviours, to including habitual responses like people pleasing, being right, and blaming others Accepting we’re all addicts and letting go of the social shame Michael shares his shopping addiction and love of drama Why behaviour change must begin with fully seeing the suffering we’re creating for ourselves Going cold turkey and the importance of self-awareness, self-honesty and self-compassion Fast Brain versus Slow Brain and the three evolutionary drivers that feed fast brain reactivity We would love to know what stood out for you in this episode. Please feel free to get in touch with either of us via the links below. Don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, your support will help me reach a wider audience and support more people doing this tough thing called ‘life’. Connect with Michael: Website - LinkedIn - Connect with Kerene: Website - LinkedIn - Instagram - /episode/index/show/71dcb9d4-5684-4800-8c35-2d26450af945/id/32017932

EP2 - Sober Revelations: A Journey from Habitual Drinking to Holistic Wellbeing with Philly Powell 07/09/2024

EP1 - Start Here: Introduction To Kerene & The Podcast 06/25/2024

Welcome to Little Addicts - A Sneak Peak 06/19/2024

Little Addicts Podcast

TOPICS