Show Notes
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: Blue Honey Connect with Kerene: Website – Mindful at Work LinkedIn - Kerene Strochnetter Instagram – Kerene_strochnetter Facebook – Mindful at Work
More from Little Addicts
What if addiction isn't just about substances… but about what we reach for when life feels hard, empty, overwhelming, or just a bit too much? In this honest, fascinating, and occasionally mind-bending conversation, I sit down with psychotherapist and Addiction Specialist Tommy Benefield to talk about addiction, recovery, trauma, psychedelics, and the deeper human search underneath all of it. Tommy shares his own story of addiction and recovery, his cautious path into ayahuasca and plant medicine, and why healing isn't always calm, blissful, or a "good trip." This is a conversation about relief, escape, consciousness, distress tolerance, and what people may really be looking for when they reach for something outside themselves. In this episode, we explore: Tommy's personal history with addiction and recovery Why addiction often starts as a solution before it becomes a problem The role of guilt, values, and your inner compass Why some people feel more internal conflict around addiction than others Why psychedelics are not a magic bullet Why "bad trips" may not actually be bad at all The idea that addiction may be less about wanting a fix… and more about wanting connection Why distress intolerance matters more than most of us realise The role of integration after psychedelic experiences What might sit underneath the coping A few standout ideas: Addiction often begins as an attempt to soothe, regulate, or escape discomfort The things we reach for aren't always the problem — sometimes they're the clue Freedom isn't needing life to feel good all the time. It's being able to stay with yourself when it doesn't Why insight without integration doesn't change much Books, thinkers, and ideas mentioned Michael Pollan – How to Change Your Mind Christopher Bache – LSD and the Mind of the Universe Ram Dass Eckhart Tolle The Bhagavad Gita Default Mode Network (DMN) 12-step recovery Trauma, distress tolerance, and integration Final thought If you've ever found yourself asking: "Why can't I stop?" This conversation invites a more useful question: "What am I actually needing when I reach?" To contact Tommy Benefield, go to his website https://tommytherapy.com/
Show Notes: In this special episode, Kerene reflects on the journey (23 conversations diving deep into addiction, behaviour change, and what it means to be human). She shares her biggest takeaways: that addiction isn't just about substances – it's about our need to numb, to avoid, and to self-soothe in a world that says "be happy" at all costs. Hear excerpts from past episodes that cracked her open. She reminds us that real change begins not with white-knuckling or shame, but with curiosity, compassion, and the willingness to feel. This episode isn't a farewell – it's a pause while Kerene writes her book, deepens her coaching work, and percolates what might come next. Key message: Addiction isn't a moral failing – it's a survival strategy built into us all. We're wired to seek comfort and relief. The trouble begins when self-soothing turns into self-harm. The first step to freedom? Seeing that truth together. Connect with Kerene: Website - mindfulatwork.co.nz LinkedIn - Kerene Strochnetter Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kerene_strochnetter
In this refreshingly raw and witty episode, Lotta Dann—author, sobriety advocate, and anti-diet warrior—talks about the tangled web of body image, addiction, and freedom from toxic cultural norms. Lotta unpacks the truth behind diet culture and shares her own vulnerable journey from extreme dieting to empowered body acceptance. We discuss: Lotta's Wake-Up Call No big bang—just a slow anti-diet awakening via social media Her "aha" moment: realising diet culture is a lie built on profit and control The Addiction Crossover How her battle with alcohol and diet culture shares common roots Emotional coping, control, and the myth of "healthy" restriction "When self-soothing becomes self-harm"—the turning point Inside Diet Culture's Dirty Lies Diets don't work—most people regain the weight (plus some!) Fat ≠ unhealthy; health at every size is real The billion-dollar shame machine keeps us hooked The Recovery Shift From thigh gaps to food freedom: Lotta's personal healing Learning to eat what she wants—without guilt, without obsession Mindfulness and awareness as superpowers in recovery Shame and the Inner Critic A jaw-dropping reading from her journal: brutal self-talk laid bare Humour, honesty, and mindfulness to disarm the shame cycle Practical Tools & Advice Daily habits: challenge negative thoughts, ditch the scales, unfollow toxic accounts Morning pages (a la Julia Cameron) for mental decluttering Surround yourself with anti-diet practitioners and media Choose movement for strength, not weight loss Standout Quotes "My life was diminished down to two sets of scales—one for my body, one for my food." "The pants aren't wrong for not fitting your body—your body isn't wrong for not fitting the pants." "Diet culture is noisy—because it's hungry." "Sobriety is a gift that keeps on giving." Resources & Mentions Lotta's book: Mrs. D is Not on a Diet Website: Living Sober Movement: Health at Every Size (HAES) Book: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron Anti-diet dietitians and social media (found at the end of Lotta's book) Final Thought This episode is a gentle yet fierce invitation to disentangle yourself from the shame spiral and reclaim your body, mind, and joy. Whether you've ever counted calories or counted drinks, Lotta's message hits home: You are enough, just as you are.
Episode Overview: In this deeply moving episode, I speak with Izzy, a young woman in recovery from meth addiction, and her fiercely loyal mum, Lisa. Together, they peel back the layers of chaos, courage, love and connection. Life Before Addiction Izzy shares how her growing dependency on meth began. Emotional suppression and disconnection paved the way for substance use. Lisa reflects on the challenges of seeing your child in pain. The Chaos of Addiction – Living in the Messy Middle Izzy describes the raw realities of life gripped by addiction: shame, secrecy, and survival. The breakdown of trust, daily crises, and the toll on family relationships. Lisa talks about the balance between boundaries and compassion. Turning Point – The Spark of Change The moment Izzy realised she wanted more than just survival. How self-awareness became her first real tool for transformation. Lisa's role: to love Izzy while letting her take responsibility. Tools for Recovery – Regulating the Storm Izzy shares the importance of self-love. Rebuilding trust with others—and with herself. Community, structure, and professional support are non-negotiables. A New Chapter – From Addiction to Advocacy Izzy is now thriving and training to become a support worker. Her mission? To help others feel seen, safe, and supported, just like she needed. Lisa reflects on how this experience changed her understanding of love and strength. Key Takeaways: Addiction affects the whole family, but so does recovery. Healing is messy, non-linear, and absolutely worth it. Support doesn't mean fixing—it means staying. Self-love is the foundation for long-term change. Links mentioned: Narcotics Anonymous Brave Hearts NZ Facebook Watershed Addictions Facebook NZ P-Pull
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 Strochnetter – Mindful at Work Kerene LinkedIn Follow Kerene on Instagram Contact Philly Wellbeing Tick 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.