Adoption, Gangs and Terror: Donna’s Second Chance at Life

Adoption, Gangs and Terror: Donna’s Second Chance at Life

From Soberly Speaking by Julia Rangiheuea

May 31, 2026 · 45 min · Season 4 · Episode 29

About this episode

Donna shares her harrowing journey from addiction and gang involvement to sobriety and a new life in acting.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains graphic and extreme depictions of violence. Listener discretion is advised. From the moment she was born, Donna was already in withdrawal. Her biological parents were both experiencing addiction and she was adopted soon after birth. Donna was then raised in a strict, hardworking family and given a stable home. But by high school, she found herself drawn into the orbit of people connected to a bikie gang and began working with them. What followed was a life marked by extreme violence, death and experiences no one should have to endure, including a relationship that ended in a police siege. Donna knew she had to change her environment to stop using. She moved states, cut ties and started again from nothing. A testament to her sobriety, Donna went on to become a main character in Housos , with more acting work now on the horizon. Follow Donna on TikTok: @tatts_n_pits Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@soberlyspeaking.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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…

People in this episode

Host: Julia Rangiheuea

Guest: Donna

Topics covered

  • adoption
  • addiction
  • gang violence
  • sobriety
  • personal transformation

Keywords

  • addiction
  • sobriety
  • gangs
  • violence
  • personal story
  • transformation
  • Housos

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Housos, National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline

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