John Taylor: From Childhood Trauma to COA Author, Filmmaker and Therapist
In this episode, Sarah and Amy sit down with John Taylor – counsellor, accredited family therapist, filmmaker and author – to talk about growing up as the child of an alcoholic, his journey into recovery, and his mission to support families living with addiction.
John shares the story behind his book and documentary 1 in 5, reflecting on the trauma he experienced as a child, the stigma and silence that surround alcoholism, and the healing power of speaking out. With over two decades of sobriety and nearly as many years supporting families through Turning Point, John offers both professional insight and deeply personal honesty.
Together, we explore the hidden impact of alcohol addiction on children, the coping strategies we carry into adulthood, and why finding your voice – and a community – can change everything.
If you’ve ever felt invisible growing up around alcohol, this conversation is for you.
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Sophie K: Talking to your inner child as an ACOA
Being a child of an alcoholic (COA) is a thing. It's measurable. It impacts us physically and emotionally throughout our life.Â
Today we sit down with the amazing Nacoa patron Sophie K to discuss where she is at on her recovery journey. After a rough few months of health.Â
We explore how to speak to yourself, both in the present and in the past. Who is your inner child? What do they need? And why didn't they get the care they need?Â
You can speak to that child. You can help them. Sophie's done the work. Listen to this wonderful podcast interview to find out more.
#ChildrenOfAlcoholics
#COA
#AlcoholicParents
#FamilyAddiction
#DysfunctionalFamilies
#GrowingUpWithAddiction
#RecoveryJourney
#HealingFromTrauma
#BreakingTheCycle
#InnerChildHealing
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Setting boundaries with my homeless, alcoholic dad - George Billinge
In this raw and moving episode, we sit down with George Billinge as he shares the emotional journey of growing up with a father lost to alcohol addiction. George speaks candidly about watching his dad’s decline — from a loving parent to a man consumed by addiction, now living homeless.
George opens up about the heartbreak of witnessing that transformation and the difficult reality of maintaining healthy boundaries — not out of anger, but out of love for himself and those closest to him. His story is one of deep reflection, personal growth, and the strength it takes to protect your peace while still holding compassion.
This episode is a powerful listen for anyone affected by a loved one’s addiction. It's about the pain of letting go, the courage of setting boundaries, and the hope that comes from healing.
Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation about love, loss, and resilience.
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Every child of an alcoholic is DIFFERENTLY unhappy — Maya Parker, Nacoa Co-Founder
In this powerful episode of Children of Alcoholics, Amy and Sarah sit down with Maya Parker, MA – co-founder and trustee of Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics). Maya brings a lifetime of experience, both personal and professional, to the conversation. With deep empathy and expertise, she explores the emotional rollercoaster of growing up with a parent who struggles with addiction.
Maya shares candid reflections from her own journey as a child of an alcoholic, alongside the insights she’s gained from decades of advocacy and support work. Whether you're a COA, an adult COA, or someone who supports them, this episode offers understanding, hope, and practical guidance from someone who truly gets it.
Tune in for an honest, compassionate look at the challenges – and strength – of living through and beyond parental addiction.
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Coping with an alcoholic mum! with Jen Payne and Arabella Byrne
Mother’s Day Special: Breaking the Silence with Arabella Byrne & Jen Payne
This Mother’s Day, the Children of Alcoholics Podcast opens up a heartfelt and honest conversation about the complex emotions that can surface for those who grew up with a parent battling addiction.
We’re joined by Nacoa ambassadors Arabella Byrne and Jen Payne—two inspiring women who grew up with alcoholic mothers and are now, in very different ways, navigating motherhood themselves. Arabella is a mum to two young children, while Jen, after years of struggling to conceive, is now preparing to welcome her first baby.
Together, they reflect on their childhoods, the long-lasting impact of growing up around addiction, and how their pasts have shaped the kind of mothers they want to be. With raw honesty, warmth, and courage, Arabella and Jen share their stories to remind others that healing is possible—and that no one has to walk this path alone.
Whether you're on your own journey of healing, approaching Mother's Day with mixed emotions, or simply want to understand more, this episode is a powerful listen.
About Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast
Join Sarah & Amy in this one of a kind podcast talk exclusively about how they and their guests have been affected by addiction in the family. In short, being the child of an alcoholic. It's a thing!Each episode will focus on a different topic or guest, increasing understanding of and breaking down stigmas around alcoholism and addiction.Sarah & Amy are unapologetically honest when discussing their own experiences with their Dads (both called Steve).Dark humour at times, so be warned!
Listen to Sarah & Amy - The Children of Alcoholics Podcast, The Psychology of your 20s and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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