<p>Trigger warning: this episode contains discussion of sexual assault.<br>Raj&#39;s earliest memory is of his father leaving him on the side of the road to teach him a lesson. It was the first of many moments that taught him emotions weren&#39;t safe to show.</p><p>By his teens, he was selling and using. What began at parties didn&#39;t stay there and one line led to another until he was moving large amounts of drugs and dealing weapons. Two stints in jail later, the reality of that life had nothing left to romanticise.</p><p>Now in his twenties, Raj is starting over. In this episode, he talks about how he got in, what it cost him and why he&#39;s adamant about one thing: there&#39;s nothing gangster about it.<br></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/emceerajj_/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Follow Raj on Instagram: @Emceerajj_</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliarangiheuea/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Creator &amp; Host: ⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea</a><br>Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">[email protected]</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<br>Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.</p><p>The National Alcohol &amp; Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015</p><p>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p>In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.</p>