Louise Barnett
Louise Barnett
Cole's Story: Only OK to Be Gay If I Was High
Cole's Story: Only OK to Be Gay If I Was High
Cole's Story: Only OK to Be Gay If I Was High
Monday 9th February 2026
Cole shares his journey from addiction to sobriety, exploring identity and shame within the queer community.
75 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Supportive
Eye-opening
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Louise Barnett
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Body & Mind
Family Recovery from Addiction
Links:
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Episodes:
117 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Cole's Journey: From Addiction to Authenticity
Episode Overview
- Sobriety can be a superpower, not a limitation.
- Identity and addiction are often intertwined in queer communities.
- Building a meaningful life is crucial for lasting sobriety.
- Understanding the role of shame is key in recovery.
- Support systems are vital for overcoming addiction.
Sobriety is a superpower and needs to be leveraged as such.
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? Cole's journey from battling addiction and eating disorders to finding lasting freedom is nothing short of remarkable. Over two decades, Cole was trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, where his identity and shame were tightly woven into his addiction, especially within the queer community. In this episode, Cole shares his experiences with childhood bullying, body image issues, and how substances became a temporary refuge.
Cole, now a CCAR-certified Recovery Professional and founder of Life Unadulterated, uses his platform to help gay men build meaningful lives through sobriety. He opens up about his transformative journey, from his first encounter with drugs at age nine to his eventual recovery. Cole's story is raw and honest, offering a glimpse into the complexities of addiction and the importance of self-acceptance. Louise Barnett hosts this engaging conversation, allowing Cole to delve into the intricate relationship between identity and addiction.
The episode is a testament to the power of storytelling in healing and the strength found in vulnerability. By sharing his story, Cole hopes to inspire others facing similar struggles to seek help and embrace sobriety as a superpower rather than a limitation. Cole's insights into the unique challenges faced by gay men in recovery are both eye-opening and supportive. His emphasis on building a life worth staying sober for is a powerful message for anyone seeking change.
This episode will leave you reflecting on your own journey and the possibilities that come with embracing one's true self. So, how can we create a life so fulfilling that the idea of relapse becomes irrelevant?