Sian’s Drug Abuse Almost Cost Her Comedy Career

Sian’s Drug Abuse Almost Cost Her Comedy Career

From Soberly Speaking by Julia Rangiheuea

March 8, 2026 · 36 min · Season 4 · Episode 7

About this episode

Sian Smyth shares her journey through drug addiction and its impact on her comedy career.

“Comedy is a hotbed of mental illness" Sian Smyth is a stand-up comedian whose past includes domestic violence, drug abuse, sex addiction, and sex work. After leaving an almost decade-long violent relationship in which she saw the devil himself, Sian finally felt free to take control of her body and experiment with every drug imaginable. Her addiction cost her every friend, derailed her career, and led to psychotic episodes overseas. After hearing a voice telling her to go to a meeting, Sian is now almost a year clean and making comedy again. Trigger warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, substance use disorder and mental health including psychosis. Buy tickets to Sian's show HERE Follow Sian on Instagram: @siansmythcomic Creator & Host: ⁠⁠Julia Rangiheuea 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 individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do…

People in this episode

Host: Julia Rangiheuea

Guest: Sian Smyth

Topics covered

  • drug abuse
  • comedy
  • mental health
  • addiction
  • domestic violence
  • psychosis

Keywords

  • drug abuse
  • comedy
  • mental illness
  • addiction recovery
  • domestic violence
  • psychotic episodes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Soberly Speaking, National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline

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