In Their Words: COA Lives with Jonathan Ashworth
Claim This Podcastby Children of Alcoholics Podcast
Podcast Overview
<p>Hosted by former politician <strong>Jonathan Ashworth</strong>, In Their Words: COA Lives explores the hidden harm of parental addiction.</p> <p>As a politician, Jonathan championed <strong>Nacoa UK</strong> the cause of <strong>Children of Alcoholics (COAs). </strong>And ended up changing the issue around the world by normalising the conversation. </p> <p>Now he's ready to explore the pain and the passion that has brought his high profile guests to the COA community.</p> <p>What to expect?</p> <p>Each episode features honest, heartfelt conversations with people from all walks of life whose childhoods were shaped by addiction. Together, they share their journeys—the challenges, the hope, and the healing.</p> <p>Whether you’re a COA yourself or simply want to understand more about the lasting effects of parental addiction, this podcast offers empathy and insight. If you are someone in recovery, you will be able to share in the stories of <strong>resilience and recovery</strong>.</p> <p>Join us on this journey!</p> <p><strong>Find a common thread of fellow feeling - Join us!</strong></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/30/2025
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Recent Episodes
March 12, 2026
Josh Connolly: Loving someone who lets you down
In this episode of COA Lives, Jonathan Ashworth sits down with resilience coach, author and Nacoa ambassador Josh Connolly for an honest conversation about growing up around addiction, recovery, and what it really means to break the cycle. Josh shares how getting sober at 24 led him to re-examine his childhood and recognise the impact of growing up with an alcoholic parent. What followed was a journey that would see him become a powerful voice for children of alcoholics — through his writing, public speaking and the widely followed COAs Are A Thing platform. Together, Jonathan and Josh explore the complicated emotional reality many children of alcoholics experience: loving a parent deeply while also feeling hurt, let down or confused by their behaviour. They discuss how chaotic childhoods can create resilience, but also why that resilience often comes at a cost. Josh also speaks about his work helping people break free from toxic family dynamics, the importance of boundaries, and why children need to hear one crucial message early on: their parent’s drinking is not their fault.
February 27, 2026
Ian Stringer: Still chasing yesterday for my alcoholic mum
Ian Stringer’s voice is familiar to football fans across the country — a commentator who has lived the highs and lows of the beautiful game. But behind the microphone is a story shaped by loss, trauma, and the lasting impact of growing up with a parent struggling with alcoholism. In this deeply personal and courageous conversation, Ian shares the devastating story of losing his mother, Christine, whose body lay undiscovered for seven weeks after her death in 2016. He speaks with honesty about the guilt, anger and grief that followed — and the impossible choices children of alcoholics are often forced to make in order to protect themselves. Ian Full export transcript Ian reflects on a childhood marked by instability, domestic violence, and the gradual realisation that he could not save the person he loved most. He describes the complex emotions that come with loving someone whose illness takes them further and further away — and the burden so many children carry in silence. Now a father himself, Ian explains how his experiences shaped his determination to break the cycle, protect his own children, and find healing through sharing his story. He also talks about his extraordinary fundraising challenge — running marathons across the international date line to “chase yesterday” — and why supporting children affected by parental alcoholism has become his mission. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the lifelong impact of growing up in the shadow of addiction. It’s also a reminder that no child should feel alone — and that by telling these stories, we can help others find understanding, support, and hope.
February 13, 2026
Camilla Tominey: Me, my mum, and her alcoholism
Marking Children of Alcoholics Week 2026, we’re releasing a powerful and deeply personal episode of COA Lives featuring journalist, broadcaster and Nacoa patron Camilla Tominey. In this candid conversation, Camilla joins Jonathan Ashworth to reflect on growing up with an alcoholic parent, the hidden realities behind a seemingly picture-perfect childhood, and the lasting impact of parental addiction into adulthood. Together, they discuss resilience, drive, family loyalty, and why speaking openly helps others feel less alone. Recorded as part of our ongoing commitment to shine a light on the experiences of children of alcoholics, this episode highlights the importance of awareness, understanding and support — and why Children of Alcoholics Week remains such a vital moment to share these stories.
8 total episodes available
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- What is In Their Words: COA Lives with Jonathan Ashworth?
<p>Hosted by former politician <strong>Jonathan Ashworth</strong>, In Their Words: COA Lives explores the hidden harm of parental addiction.</p> <p>As a politician, Jonathan championed <strong>Nacoa UK</strong> the cause of <strong>Children of Alcoholics (COAs). </strong>And ended up changing the issue around the world by normalising the conversation. </p> <p>Now he's ready to explore the pain and the passion that has brought his high profile guests to the COA community.</p> <p>What to expect?</p> <p>Each episode features honest, heartfelt conversations with people from all walks of life whose childhoods were shaped by addiction. Together, they share their journeys—the challenges, the hope, and the healing.</p> <p>Whether you’re a COA yourself or simply want to understand more about the lasting effects of parental addiction, this podcast offers empathy and insight. If you are someone in recovery, you will be able to share in the stories of <strong>resilience and recovery</strong>.</p> <p>Join us on this journey!</p> <p><strong>Find a common thread of fellow feeling - Join us!</strong></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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