344: What if you spent 7 years in a Thai prison?

After developing a severe heroin addiction as a teenager, a woman winds up incarcerated in Thailand, facing unimaginable conditions. 

Today’s episode featured Holly Deane-Johns. You can email her at [email protected] or [email protected]. 

Holly’s Socials

Facebook: @hollydeanejohns 

Instagram: @hollydeanejohns

LinkedIn: Holly Deane-Johns - Motivational Speaker - Self-employed | LinkedIn

Holly Deane-Johns is a motivational speaker with lived experience of heroin addiction and recovery. She grew up in the well-to-do Perth suburb of Mount Lawley and heroin addiction entered her family’s life after her parents separated. She was first arrested at the age of 20 and she has spent a total of 17 years in prisons in Australia and Thailand for drug crimes. She has been drug-free since 2001. Three members of her family lost their lives to heroin overdoses. Holly is a qualified youth worker and counsellor who has suffered from severe PTSD. She shares her story to help others to overcome addictions and trauma. 

WEBSITE: https://www.hollydeanejohns.com.au/ 

BOOK: Holly's Hell: Seven Years in a Thai Prison 

Podcast guestings and events here: https://www.hollydeanejohns.com.au/news-and-events

Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz

Content/Trigger Warnings: heroin/drug abuse and addiction, death due to drug overdose, suicide & suicide attempts, domestic violence/abuse, child SA, arrest, prison, explicit language

Social Media:

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Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com

Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com

Website for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com

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Intro Music: "Illabye" – Tipper

Music Bed: Uncertain Outcomes

Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources:

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 

National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

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