Contributors

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Host

Matthew Butler

When I was 8 years old I told people I wanted to be a Professional Wrestler and of course, they laughed at me. At 15 I had my very first Professional Wrestling match in front of 1,000 people at a UK holiday resort as 'Britain's Youngest Professional Wrestler' and now at 30, I have 15 years worth of experience under my (championship) belt.

Now I work with ReNew, provided by Change Grow Live, a nationwide charity that helps tens of thousands of people each day. 

My role as the Connecting Communities Lead allows me to holistically support adult service users to initiate recovery from drug and/or alcohol dependence; empowering them to build their own recovery capital and supporting them to move into long term sustained recovery and social re-integration. 

It is my responsibility to co-ordinate the work and development of all 'Pathways to Recovery' through Peer Mentors, Volunteers and provide a point of liaison for Service Users and their feedback.

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Producer

Robbie Lawson

Robbie Lawson is the producer of Believe in People and the creative lead behind its editorial direction. With nearly two decades of experience across charity management, education, the NHS and frontline recovery services, 


Robbie is driven by a commitment to using media to inspire change and challenge stigma. He has worked in both mainstream and mission-led media, including guest presenting on MTV’s Total Request Live in New York, before turning his focus to health communication and advocacy. 


Now serving as Marketing Lead, Robbie curates each episode with care - aligning content with national campaigns and amplifying voices from the recovery community. His approach ensures the podcast remains a bold, compassionate space where lived experience drives understanding and transformation.


For bookings, guest recommendations or to get in touch, contact: robbie@believeinpeoplepodcast.com

Guests

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Guest

Michelle Heaton

 Michelle Heaton is an Emmy and Brit Award-winning singer, television personality, and advocate, best known as a member of the chart-topping pop group Liberty X. Rising to fame on ITV’s Popstars, she became a household name with hits like “Just a Little.” Beyond music, Michelle has appeared on Dancing on Ice  and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. In 2021, she bravely entered rehab to confront her addiction, sparking a transformative journey that has made her a leading voice in recovery advocacy. She speaks openly about sobriety, mental health, and her preventative double mastectomy and hysterectomy following a BRCA gene diagnosis. Michelle now uses her platform to inspire others, offering hope, honesty, and practical advice through public speaking, media appearances, and her writing. She lives in London with her husband and two children, continuing to share her story to help others believe in the possibility of change. 

https://www.instagram.com/wonderwomanshel/

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Guest

Young Lee

Young Lee is a recovered addict, counsellor, lecturer, and recovery coach based in Yorkshire, where he works at a 12-step abstinence-based rehab supporting individuals through deep personal transformation. Once an in-demand DJ sharing line-ups with the likes of Idris Elba and Mary J. Blige, Young’s life spiralled into heroin and crack cocaine addiction, drug dealing, and total collapse. After losing his home, career, and connection with his children, he sought help through Ark House Rehab and committed fully to recovery. Today, he is a respected writer, public speaker, and passionate advocate for spiritual healing, emotional sobriety, and practical recovery. Known for his honesty, warmth, and clarity, Young teaches that being recovered is not about perfection — it’s about showing up daily with humility, service, and purpose. He remains deeply committed to yoga, meditation, and supporting others in building lives rooted in truth and usefulness. 

https://www.facebook.com/Yl1975

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