Keynote Speaker
Addiction · Recovery · Hope
The Speaker Who Was
On The Other Side
Mark Aiston doesn’t speak about addiction.
He speaks from inside it — and from the other side of it.
Former Channel 10 Presenter · Addiction Recovery Advocate · markaistonmedia.com
Book Mark to SpeakAbout Mark
Forty years in front of the camera.
Seven years in recovery.
Mark Aiston spent decades as one of South Australia’s most recognised television presenters — Channel 10, the ABC, and beyond. Behind the camera lights, he was fighting a private battle with addiction that almost cost him everything.
Today, Mark uses those lived experiences — both the descent and the recovery — to speak with rare authenticity about addiction, resilience, and hope. He doesn’t speak about these things from a textbook. He speaks from the inside.
As General Manager of 5MBS 99.9FM and a sought-after keynote speaker, Mark brings 40 years of media experience, the authority of lived experience, and the warmth of someone who has genuinely been to the edge — and found his way back.
“Mark’s presentation was the most powerful and memorable keynote at our entire conference. He spoke to a room of hardened police officers and had them silent, nodding, and more than a few in tears. His willingness to share what he’s been through — and what it means for the families in our community — was extraordinary.”
Superintendent, South Australia Police
New Online Course
The Conversation
Mark’s online course for families of people struggling with addiction. The framework, the words, and an AI rehearsal tool to help you practise before the real conversation.
Learn About The Conversation →Speaking Topics
Every keynote is tailored to your audience. Here are the topics Mark is most frequently invited to speak on.
Addiction, Recovery & Hope
Mark’s signature keynote. Drawn from his own journey through addiction and into recovery, this talk gives audiences a rare window into what addiction really feels like from the inside — and what actually helps someone find their way out.
Resilience & Second Chances
What does it take to rebuild a life? Mark speaks candidly about the setbacks, the shame, and the unlikely turning points that shaped his recovery — and what audiences can take from that into their own challenges.
How to Talk to Someone About Addiction
Based on his online course of the same name, Mark shares the framework that worked — the exact approach that finally broke through after years of failed attempts. Practical, moving, and immediately applicable.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Drawing on 40 years in high-pressure media environments and his own mental health journey, Mark speaks to organisations about creating cultures where people feel safe enough to ask for help — before it’s too late.
In the Room
Who Books Mark
✓ Corporates & organisations committed to employee wellbeing and mental health
✓ Health & community organisations working in addiction and recovery
✓ Schools, universities and colleges wanting a real conversation about substance use
✓ Conference organisers and event managers seeking a speaker who moves rooms
Mark in Action
Watch Mark speak. See why event organisers book him back.
Helping someone you love?
Download the free Conversation Starter Guide — a one-page practical tool for families navigating addiction conversations.
Download the Free Guide →Thoughts on recovery, resilience & what actually helps
Mark writes regularly on addiction, family dynamics, and the conversations that change lives.
Read the Blog →Book Mark to Speak
Available for keynotes, panel appearances, and corporate events across Australia. Based in Adelaide.
Tell us about your event and we’ll be in touch.