On The Mend

TV presenter and grief advocate Jeff Brazier knows that grief doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.

After losing Jade Goody, Jeff became a solo parent to two grieving boys while putting his own pain to one side to keep his family going. He shares what he learned about grief, parenting and the limits of trying to fix something that can’t be fixed.

Years later, Jeff has found a different way to understand his own emotions, and a deeper sense of what it means to simply keep showing up for the people you love.

This is a conversation about grief, fatherhood, emotional resilience and learning that sometimes being there is enough.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

AG1 👉 Grab the Autumn Wellness bundle at http://drinkag1.com/onthemend - Get a free welcome kit and shaker, a month's supply of Omega 3 capsules, a bottle of Vitamin D3K2 and five travel packs, plus an extra £10 off

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikki Lilly has spent much of her life navigating chronic illness, hospital stays and a body that has often felt unfamiliar to her.

She shares how creativity, therapy, family and connection have helped her rebuild her confidence and learn to accept herself exactly as she is.

This is a conversation about self-love, resilience and finding your way back to yourself.

This episode explores Chronic Illness, Trauma & Mental Health, Self-Acceptance, Family, and Finding Connection.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

AG1 👉 Grab the Autumn Wellness bundle at http://drinkag1.com/onthemend - Get a free welcome kit and shaker, a month's supply of Omega 3 capsules, a bottle of Vitamin D3K2 and five travel packs, plus an extra £10 off

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Matt Willis, addiction was never the real problem. It was the solution to a pain he didn't know how to deal with.

In this solo episode, Matt talks about Mending, his new memoir tracing his lifelong relationship with addiction, recovery, and the work of understanding what sits underneath it.

He shares why he wrote the book, how he's learned to let go of resentment towards his past, and why recovery has to come first. Above all, Matt shares the hope at the heart of Mending: that another life is possible, no matter how stuck you feel.

This episode explores Addiction, Recovery, Healing, Forgiveness, and Hope.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

AG1 👉 Grab the Autumn Wellness bundle at http://drinkag1.com/onthemend - Get a free welcome kit and shaker, a month's supply of Omega 3 capsules, a bottle of Vitamin D3K2 and five travel packs, plus an extra £10 off

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Willis sits down with Professor David Nutt, one of the world's leading experts on drugs and the brain, to answer a question so many people carry in silence: why can't I just stop?

David explains how addiction changes the brain, why willpower isn't always enough, and why understanding the biology can help replace shame with compassion.

He also explores the emerging science of psychedelics and their potential to help people break free from deeply rooted patterns. Your brain has been changed. That's why this is hard. But it can recover, and the science is beginning to show us how.

This episode explores Addiction, The Brain & Recovery, Shame & Stigma, and Psychedelics.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friendhttps://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musician and internet personality Window Kid, aka Greg, built a career around being the life of the party, until drinking nearly cost him his life.

After being hospitalised with severe pancreatitis, Greg was faced with a reality he couldn't ignore: if he carried on drinking, he could die. But getting sober also meant confronting a bigger fear, who was Window Kid without alcohol?

Greg shares how he rebuilt his life and career in sobriety, the unexpected friendship with Robbie Williams that supported him along the way, and why giving up alcohol opened up a world he never thought he'd enjoy.

This is a conversation about addiction, identity, recovery, and discovering that life on the other side can be better than you imagined.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health and dementia advocate Jordan Adams grew up watching Frontotemporal Dementia slowly take his mum away. Years later, a genetic test revealed that he carries the same mutation.

Jordan shares the unique grief of losing someone while they're still here, and what it means to live knowing he may develop the same disease that took his mum.

But rather than allowing that uncertainty to define his life, Jordan has turned it into a reason to live more fully. He talks about finding purpose through advocacy, carrying his mum's spirit with him, and why his diagnosis has become what he calls a “license to live”.

This is a conversation about grief, mortality, purpose, and choosing what you do with the time you have.

Themes: Frontotemporal Dementia, Grief, Genetic Testing, Mortality, and Finding Purpose.

Learn more about Jordan's work:

Jordan and his brother Cian share their story, raise awareness of FTD and support fundraising for dementia research through The FTD Brothers - https://theftdbrothers.com

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mental health campaigner Ben West was 17 when his younger brother Sam took his own life. In a single night, everything changed.

Ben shares the guilt he carried afterwards, the conversations he wishes he'd known how to have, and how he eventually began to understand that he wasn't responsible for what happened.

He also explores how grief became purpose, from campaigning for better mental health education to creating Reasons to Stay, which has now shared millions of messages of hope around the world.

Together, Matt and Ben explore men's mental health, supporting someone who's struggling, and why sometimes connection matters more than having the right words.

Themes: Suicide & Bereavement, Grief & Guilt, Men's Mental Health, Purpose, and Connection.

Ben West's new book: 'Reasons to...: Letters of Hope from a World that Cares'is out in January 2027 and available to pre-order now: bit.ly/ReasonsToAMZ

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Race Across the World star Alfie Watts knows how much can change in a day.

At 16, during the lowest point of his life, he made a decision to stay for “one more day”, then another. Years later, Alfie looks back at that version of himself as someone he barely recognises.

From losing his mum and finding family outside of blood, to becoming the role model he once needed, Alfie shares the mindset that has carried him forward: take life in small steps, say yes when you can, and remember that neither the highs nor the lows last forever.

This is a conversation about growing up, finding your people, and discovering just how different life can look when you give tomorrow a chance.

Themes: Mental Health, Grief & Loss, Chosen Family, Purpose, and Hope.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musician and songwriter Preston sits down with Matt to explore fame, addiction, and the long road back to himself.

Preston shares how a four-storey fall from a hotel balcony in Denmark led to months in a wheelchair, an OxyContin prescription, and a private battle with addiction. He also reflects on the pressures of sudden fame after Celebrity Big Brother, being prescribed Prozac at 14, and trying to find his place in an industry he never expected to be part of.

Now 44, Preston talks about making peace with his past after years spent trying to outrun it. He shares how recovery, music, and self-acceptance have helped him rediscover joy in what he calls the happiest and most creative chapter of his life.

This episode explores Addiction, Recovery, Mental Health, Fame & Identity, and Self-Acceptance.

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemendto get a Morning Person Cap with AG1, plus free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former England rugby star James Haskell explores life with unmedicated ADHD, the pressure of rugby's “tough guy” culture, and finding a sense of identity beyond the sport.

James shares what it was like to navigate elite rugby without ADHD medication, the self-doubt behind his confident public persona, and why he believes real strength comes from being willing to talk.

After retiring at 35, James had to work out who he was without rugby. He talks about rebuilding his confidence, becoming a father, and learning a new kind of love through co-parenting.

Themes: Unmedicated ADHD, Redefining Masculinity, Post-Sport Identity, Therapy & Mental Health, and Fatherhood.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to get a Morning Person Cap with AG1, plus free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer and TV presenter Michelle Heaton's story is about more than addiction. It's about identity, loss, and finding your way back to yourself.

In this episode, Michelle shares how a BRCA2 diagnosis, surgical menopause, and addiction became deeply intertwined, and how recovery helped her reconnect with the person she thought she'd lost.

Together, we explore shame, healing, and why recovery is never just about one person.

This episode covers the following themes: Surgical Menopause & Identity, Active Addiction, Shame & Isolation, Recovery, and Supporting Loved Ones.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Catch Michelle Heaton as Snow White in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at Whitley Bay Pantomime this Christmas. Tickets available here: https://www.axs.com/uk/series/30228/snow-white-the-seven-dwarves-whitley-bay-playhouse-tickets?skin=playhouse

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to get a Morning Person Cap with AG1, plus free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Matt Willis answers some of the internet’s most searched questions about addiction, relapse, and recovery, sharing the lessons he’s learned from his own journey.

Matt explores why substances can feel like a solution before becoming something we need help escaping, why addiction isn’t a choice or a moral failing, and why relapse doesn’t mean starting again from zero.

He also shares a message of hope, explaining how the brain can heal, rebuild, and find joy again through recovery. This episode explores addiction, recovery, relapse, brain healing, and breaking stigma.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

AG1 👉 Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Randox 👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the UK's leading mental health advocates, Josh Connolly, joins us for a deeply honest conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, and what it really takes to break generational cycles.

Josh reflects on growing up with a father battling severe alcoholism, witnessing his death at just nine years old, and the lasting impact those experiences had on his own life. He shares how he found himself repeating the same patterns, the turning point that led him to choose recovery, and the work that has helped him heal over the past 14 years.

Together, we explore fatherhood, emotional regulation, and why learning to feel, not just survive, has transformed the way Josh lives, loves, and parents today.

This episode covers the following themes: Childhood Trauma, Active Addiction, Suicidal Ideation, Somatic Healing & Breathwork, and Breaking Generational Cycles.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Randox👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter Sam Thompson opens up about his late-stage ADHD diagnosis and the profound relief of finally finding a reason, not an excuse, for a lifetime of struggling. Sam shares the emotional reckoning of his diagnosis, recalling the moment he wept uncontrollably as the weight of self-blame, school struggles, and feeling "not enough" finally lifted.

He shares the practical, everyday tools that keep him grounded, how ADHD-specific therapy transformed his relationship, and why learning how your brain is wired is the first step to self-forgiveness. 

It’s a completely honest, shame-free look at accepting who you are and realizing you were never broken.

This episode covers the following themes: Late-Diagnosis ADHD, Self-Forgiveness, Neurodiversity, Relationship Dynamics, and Practical Coping Tools.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Sam Thompson's new book You, Me & ADHD is available to purchase now: https://amzn.eu/d/04E9CMcg

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Randox👉 Head to the Randox Health website and check out the RanChip Insight 360 test. You can get a 10% discount by using the code OTM10 along with up to £250 cashback if you refer a friend https://highpfrmc.com/OTM-Randox-AU

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special golfing and sobriety chat this week brings us into the life of Peter “Tubes” Dale, who turned to golf as a way to keep up socialisation with his friends after making the brave decision to give up alcohol and stop drinking. In this episode, he opens up about the moment when he decided to switch out alcohol for finding a hobby, how he landed on golf, and how having an addict's mentality is both a blessing and a curse.

This is a grounded conversation about addiction, mental health, and a personalised, thoughtful approach to recovery - not as a straight line, but as something messy and ongoing.

YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL EPISODE WITH TUBES HERE

00:00 Best Day on the Course

00:52 How Golf Replaced Drinking

02:06 Everyone in Recovery Needs a Hobby

03:05 Using Golf as an Excuse to Drink

04:21 Becoming Obsessed with Golf

05:02 The Addictive Personality Explained

06:06 Why Golf Helps Mental Health

07:25 Addiction vs Mental Health Differences

08:18 Replacing Alcohol with Something Better

10:01 Connection, Friendship and Staying Sober

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM20

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League footballer Michail Antonio gets honest about the hidden cost of elite success, identity, and what it really means to rebuild. 

In this episode, Michail reflects on the reality of winning a historic trophy with West Ham, only to spend months struggling with depression and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure that followed. He also opens up about starting therapy at 34 to unpack childhood experiences, masculinity, and relationships, before discussing the reality of surviving a near-fatal car crash. 

It’s a conversation about how success doesn’t shield you from mental health struggles, and how healing often begins when you start to understand what’s been driving you underneath the surface.

This episode covers the following themes: High-Functioning Depression, Childhood Conditioning, Therapy, Mortality, and Identity.

Humans Not Robots by Michail Antonio explores the collision of elite football and real life, revealing the unseen, deeply human side of life as a Premier League player. 

Out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook (HarperNonFiction) – https://lnk.to/humansnotrobots/amazonbooks

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sober Girl Society founder Millie Gooch challenges everything we think we know about dependency in a conversation that dismantles the “rock bottom” myth. Despite a successful career and social life, alcohol was quietly affecting her mental health and relationships, leading her to realise she couldn’t keep going as she was.

This discussion explores the cycle of “hangxiety” and how drinking is often normalised despite its impact on wellbeing. Millie also reflects on her later ADHD and autism diagnosis, and how it helped her understand why neurodivergent minds can be more vulnerable to using alcohol as relief.

From a simple question that can help you reflect on your own relationship with drinking, to the reality that sobriety is only the beginning, this is an honest conversation about dependency, identity, and recovery.

This episode covers the following themes: High-Functioning Addiction, Hangxiety, Neurodivergence, Social Stigma, and Authentic Recovery.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sexologist and TV expert Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn (Celebs Go Dating, 90 Day Fiancé) joins us to break the heavy silence and shame surrounding sex, intimacy, and recovery.

In a particularly raw moment, Matt admits he’s never spoken openly about sex with another man, highlighting the exact stigma that causes so many men to suffer in silence.

Dr. Tara, who has built an audience of over 2 million followers sharing advice on modern relationships, unpacks the reality of hypersexuality and how using sex to escape emotional pain only deepens our wounds. She shares her own journey of breaking free from oppressive cultural expectations, while offering vital advice on navigating heartbreak, handling mismatched desire, and practicing sexual mindfulness.

It’s an essential, judgment-free conversation about learning to listen to your body and trading performance for genuine connection.

This episode covers the following themes: Hypersexuality, Shame, Heartbreak, Male Stigma, and Connection.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Dr Tara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luvbites.co/

Interested in booking Dr. Tara? Enquire about her availability for appearances worldwide through MN2S. https://mn2s.com/booking-agency/talent-roster/dr-tara/

AG1 👉 Head to drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter and actor Will Young speaks with disarming honesty about surviving decades of trauma, hypervigilance, and the long shadow of shame. Following a breakdown during Cabaret, Will opens up about spending over ten years in a state of severe dissociation, describing it as living behind frosted glass, unable to recognize faces or feel joy.

He also shares his profound path to healing through Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, learning to befriend the frozen parts of his past rather than fight them. 

It's a powerful and reassuring look at how the core self can endure even the deepest pain, and how a simple daily act of kindness from a neighbor ultimately helped save his life.

This episode covers the following themes: Trauma, Shame, Dissociation, Therapy, and Healing.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au 

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Script's Danny O'Donoghue gets brutally honest about grief, PTSD, and what it really took to get sober. Following the devastating loss of his bandmate and best friend Mark Sheehan, Danny opens up about hitting rock bottom over a dark Christmas in Dublin and the brutal reality of quitting it all cold turkey.

This discussion tracks the rollercoaster of Danny's career, from a failed €15 million record deal at 16 to sobbing on his knees when they finally hit number one. He also shares the lightbulb moment of a dyslexia diagnosis at 43, which reframed a lifetime of anxiety and fear.

It's a testament to perseverance and a beautiful look at finding collective truth through our darkest moments.

This episode covers the following themes: Grief, Addiction, Rejection, Anxiety, Recovery

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

The Script's new album: 'The User's Guide To Being Human' will be released on 14th August 2026. Pre-order/Pre-save here: https://thescript.lnk.to/UGTBHPR

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au 

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter and broadcaster Ore Oduba joins us for an incredibly raw and unflinchingly honest conversation on pornography addiction, toxic masculinity, and grief.

Ore opens up about being introduced to explicit material at just nine years old and the devastating "duality" of spending 30 years hiding his addiction while living a highly successful public life.

This discussion dives deep into how repeated exposure to objectifying content rewires how young men see women, and how that culture feeds directly into the online manosphere. Following the tragic loss of his sister to suicide, Ore shares how he channeled his grief into purpose.

It's an urgent look at breaking the silence that stops men from seeking help, and the clarity that saved his life: for his children.

This episode covers the following themes: Addiction, Shame, Toxic Masculinity, Grief, and Recovery.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au 

AG1 👉Head to drinkag1.com/onthemendto save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning comedian and broadcaster John Robins tackles the fundamental question: are alcoholics born or made?

In this episode, John opens up about his 20-year struggle with chronic alcohol use, the childhood signs that hid in plain sight, and why every "moderation spreadsheet" failed until he accepted that one drink was the real problem.

The conversation moves past the "why" of addiction to focus entirely on the "how" of recovery. John shares the exact moment a podcast changed everything, the reality of rock bottom, and how he uses a toolkit of 12-step meetings, meditation, and running to build new neural pathways. It’s a raw, deeply honest look at the daily practice of sobriety and the liberating truth that you can only ever get one day sober in a day.

This episode covers the following themes: Addiction, Acceptance, Denial, Moderation, and Recovery.

John's book Thirst: Twelve Drinks that Changed My Life is out now: https://amzn.eu/d/0ahkSNch

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au 

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Willis sits down with the celebrated, bestselling author Matt Haig for a deeply personal conversation on the cost of living without a map. From a life-altering breakdown at 24 to navigating a late-in-life diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, Matt explores how a lack of understanding of his own brain led to decades of exhaustion, masking, and misdirected pain.

The discussion dives into the realities of mental collapse and the quiet return of addiction. Matt shares why he slipped back into drinking after eight years of sobriety and how his neurodiversity diagnosis finally provided the "why" behind his impulses. It’s a raw look at how addiction often wears different clothes at different ages, serving as a crutch for unmet needs.

Ultimately, this episode explores the liberation of finally finding the language for your own experience. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to move past the stigma of "brokenness" and understand themselves better.

This episode covers the following themes: Neurodiversity, Identity, Sobriety, Breakdowns, and Resilience.

Matt Haig's latest novel The Midnight Train is out now: https://amzn.eu/d/0gxsyrqe

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

AG1 👉Head tohttp://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with world-renowned therapist Marisa Peer to dismantle the self-sabotaging loops that keep us stuck. If you’ve ever felt like your brain is working against your recovery, this conversation provides the ultimate manual for reclaiming control.

We explore the "Ladder of Looping Thoughts" and the powerful truth that you weren’t born broken, you learned it. Marisa explains the link between creativity and addiction, showing how high suggestibility can lead to deep-seated shame. Healing is framed as stripping away these learned layers to reactivate your original sense of self.

This discussion also provides practical tools like the AAA Method (Aware, Accept, Articulate) and simple language shifts to resolve internal conflict.

This episode covers the following themes: Language, Beliefs, Worth, Addiction, and Self-Awareness.

Marisa Peer's new book 'Your Mind, Your Rules,' is out now: https://amzn.eu/d/08ebrG3Y

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

AG1 👉Head to http://drinkag1.com/onthemend to save £20 on your first month, plus a free welcome kit, Vitamin D3 + K2 and five travel packs

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, this special compilation episode curates life-changing insights from people who have faced addiction, grief, anxiety, and personal struggle firsthand. 

Featuring conversations with Tony Adams, Roy Stride, John Robins, Matt Haig, Marisa Peer, Simon Thomas, and other leading voices, this episode explores what it really means to recover, rebuild confidence, and find hope during difficult moments.

From radical honesty and vulnerability to practical tools for improving mental resilience, these stories highlight the importance of connection, self-awareness, and asking for support. Together, they offer a powerful reminder that while recovery is never easy, change is possible and healing can begin with a single conversation.

This episode covers the following themes: Mental Health, Vulnerability, Sobriety, Resilience, Honesty, and Healing.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy. Click here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-betterhelp-au 

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au 

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special roundtable episode explores the vital role of mental fitness in reaching and sustaining peak performance. 

In this special roundtable episode, in partnership with BetterHelp, hosts Jake Humphrey, Spencer Matthews, and Matt Willis reframe therapy as an essential "performance tool." By comparing mental maintenance to physical training, the trio highlights how proactive support is key to navigating the pressures of modern life and sustaining peak performance.

This conversation explores personal breakthroughs, from Jake’s experience with "Pure O" to Matt’s discovery of the power in asking, "How do I feel?" They discuss the value of having a "mental adult" in the room, a confidential professional who allows you to offload internal noise without the fear of burdening friends or family.

Whether you are facing a crisis or simply seeking self-understanding, this episode demonstrates that therapy provides the clarity needed to show up as your best self. It is a raw, unscripted reminder that seeking support is a proactive choice for anyone committed to long-term resilience and growth.

Better Help 👉 Join Matt in Saying It Louder with 10% off Betterhelp Therapy - CLICK HERE

Need help?

If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now

If you need urgent help for your mental health, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111: https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptoms

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scouting for Girls frontman Roy Stride achieved global fame and number-one albums, but behind the scenes, he was wearing a mask. For 25 years, he used alcohol to bridge the gap between his public persona and a deep-seated feeling of never being "enough," eventually spiraling into a high-functioning nightmare of secret drinking and pre-show panic attacks.

In this episode, Roy pulls back the curtain on the exhaustion of the "secret life." He reveals the extreme lengths he went to hide his addiction, from filling non-alcoholic cans with real beer to drinking 30 units a day while on tour. 

Roy also discusses the moment his dream became a prison, his initial skepticism of recovery, and how leaning into the "weirdness" of AA saved his marriage, his career, and his life. This is a powerful exploration of why life in recovery is infinitely better than the "belonging" found in a bottle.

This episode covers the following themes: Addiction, High-Functioning Anxiety, Recovery, and Finding Belonging.

'Scouting for Girls' new album These Are The Good Days' is out now

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20

Postcode Lottery 👉 Discover how Postcode Lottery players are Powering Hope Together. Click here to find out more: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-postcode-au 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas delivers one of the most raw and honest accounts of grief and addiction ever shared in the public eye. Following the sudden death of his wife, Gemma, Simon faced a years-long battle with secret drinking while navigating the pressures of public life and parenthood.

In this episode, he exposes the "release valve" of alcohol that promised an escape but led to a darker reality. Simon also shares the complexities of finding love again with his partner Doina, the crushing weight of "being strong," and the powerful realization that while life will never be the same, it can, and will, be good again.

This episode covers the following themes: Grief, Addiction, Resilience, Fatherhood, and Recovery.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal legend and former England captain Tony Adams joins us to reflect on 30 years of sobriety, and the moment he realised that despite having everything, he didn’t know who he was.

He opens up about the reality behind the legendary football career, the blackouts, the hidden struggles, and the breaking point where he no longer wanted to be alive. Tony also shares the specific, raw moment of surrender that finally led him to an unexpected encounter, offering him a sense of peace he’d never known. This is a conversation about identity beyond the pitch and the daily work of recovery, proving that one decision can change the trajectory of a life forever.

This episode covers the following themes: Addiction, Identity, Sobriety, Recovery, Mental Health.

Tony will run the London Marathon on 26th April for The Forward Trust, where he is the new Chair, helping people overcome addiction and offending.

Read more on Tony's work with Six here: https://www.sixmha.org/staystopped

‘1996: Reflections on the Year that Changed My Life’ by Tony Adams is out now: https://amzn.eu/d/07jIgx95

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox_yt2 

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV personality, author and radio presenter, Vicky Pattison, discusses her journey through self-care, addiction, and healing from the trauma of being a child of an alcoholic.

She opens up about how her mantra “you can’t pour from an empty cup” became crucial for managing anxiety, and the pain of realising she’d been an enabler to her father. Vicky also talks about using her second chance on I’m a Celebrity to reshape her life and break free from shame, encouraging others to speak out about addiction.

This episode covers the following themes: addiction, family trauma, self-care, stigma, and transformation.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox_yt2 

Saily 👉 Download SAILY in your app store and use our code mend at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/mend

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV personality and endurance athlete Spencer Matthews joins Matt Willis to talk openly about how alcohol quietly took over his life, from waking up drunk and lying to the people closest to him, to feeling isolated, ashamed, and completely disconnected from the person he wanted to be.

He shares how drinking stopped being social and became something he was doing alone, and the moment that forced him to confront what was really going on. There’s no neat turning point, just the realisation that something had to change.

Spencer also reflects on channeling his addictive personality into endurance challenges, the structure that now keeps him on track, and the ongoing tension of replacing one obsession with another.

This episode covers the following themes: addiction, shame, relationships, identity, recovery, discipline, and transformation.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox-au2

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Kathleen Saxton, who dives deep into the complexities of narcissism, family dynamics, and the painful journey of healing from childhood wounds.

Kathleen breaks down the three types of narcissists, ‘grandiose’, ‘covert’, and ‘malignant’, offering an eye-opening framework, particularly highlighting covert narcissists who use pity and victimhood for supply. She explores how children of narcissists often stop loving themselves, losing their sense of identity in the process, and how family roles like the golden child, scapegoat, and lost child perpetuate unhealthy patterns. Kathleen also explains why those raised by narcissistic parents tend to attract similar partners, as dysfunction feels like home.

Through practical tools like the "empty chair technique" and her three-step recovery roadmap: accept, have compassion for yourself, and design your future, Kathleen offers actionable steps to begin healing. 

This episode covers the following themes: narcissism, family dynamics, identity, healing, boundaries, and self-compassion.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox-au2

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Professor Green, who opens up about his journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth, and the ongoing process of learning from past mistakes.

Professor Green shares his struggles with shame and addiction, discussing how he broke free from the cycle of destructive behavior by rejecting the people who kept him stuck. He talks about his late diagnosis of ADHD and autism, which helped him understand his challenges and stop masking his true self.

He also discusses the power of taking ownership of his actions, the role of medication in his recovery, and his near-death experience with substance misuse. This episode covers the following themes: identity, shame, addiction, ADHD, autism, vulnerability, recovery, and transformation.

Listen to Professor Green’s new single, “No Management”

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Saily 👉 Download SAILY in your app store and use our code mend at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/mend

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox_au1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever realised that the biggest obstacle to your growth might be you?

In this solo episode, Matt Willis answers your questions and shares powerful moments from his personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the ongoing work of self-awareness. Matt talks about the emotional realisation he had when he understood he was the common denominator in all his drinking situations, and how being "emotionally young" in recovery has challenged him to confront feelings he once numbed with alcohol. 

He also shares the pivotal moment when Jack Osborne planted the seed for his decision to seek help and how rock bottom doesn’t always look like you’d expect. With practical recovery tools, including the "Fact or Thought" technique for managing negative self-talk, and the importance of self-compassion, Matt offers a raw and honest look at his journey. 

This episode is about embracing vulnerability, facing tough truths, and continuing to move forward, no matter how imperfect the process.

This episode covers the following themes: addiction, sobriety, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Arron Crascall, who shares his raw journey from struggling with addiction and low self-esteem to finding hope and transformation through surrender and honesty.

Arron talks about how he never felt comfortable in his own skin, always changing to fit in, and how his first drink at 17 gave him the feeling of being “alive” for the first time. He opens up about the long battle with alcohol, how he tried therapy, hypnotherapy, and changing environments, but nothing worked until he reached a breaking point, a family meal that made him realize he was about to lose everything. That moment became his turning point, and he found a higher power in a quiet voice telling him, “You ain’t gotta do this anymore, but you need help.”

This episode dives into the transformative power of the 12-step program, how Arron’s practice of gratitude helped shift his mindset, and the struggles he still faces, including guilt for missing parts of his kids’ lives. 

This episode covers the following themes: addiction, identity, surrender, guilt, recovery, and helping others.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Saily 👉 Download SAILY in your app store and use our code mend at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/mend

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox_au1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Amy Dowden, who shares her powerful journey through breast cancer, fertility struggles, and mental health challenges, a story of resilience that’s messy, ongoing, and real.

Amy talks about returning to Strictly Come Dancing just months after chemotherapy, only to realise she was burying her trauma. When health complications forced her off the show, she hit rock bottom, lower than during her cancer treatment, but this became the turning point for true healing.

She opens up about the hidden battles she faced: sepsis, fertility decisions just weeks after marriage, and the cruelty of online trolls. But through it all, Amy found unexpected perspective shifts, learning to live with Crohn’s disease without constant anxiety, and discovering that recovery isn’t solitary, it’s built on community and connection.

Amy chose to share her journey publicly, not as a perfect survivor, but as someone still figuring it out. This episode is about falling apart, hitting rock bottom, and slowly finding your way forward through small wins, honesty, and refusing to face it alone.

This episode covers the following themes: cancer, recovery, vulnerability, and strength.

Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu are heading on tour as part of 'Amy and Carlos Reborn' later this year. To purchase tickets, click here: https://www.amyandcarlostour.co.uk/

Get Amy's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dancing-Rain-story-courage-resilience/dp/0349442045

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randoxhealth_au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Davinia Taylor, who challenges the traditional narrative of addiction and opens up about her journey from shame and self-doubt to embracing recovery on her own terms.

In this episode, Davinia talks candidly about her realisation that addiction isn’t always tied to trauma, and how understanding the biochemical and genetic basis of her struggle, low dopamine, ADHD, and even Viking ancestry, helped remove the shame she once carried. She reframes addiction from a moral failing to a biological reality, offering a powerful shift in perspective.

Davinia also shares the truth about recovery: it’s messy, it’s imperfect, and it doesn’t always follow the rigid rules we’re told to follow. She opens up about the constant negotiation of active addiction and the exhaustion it creates, and the surprising discovery of true energy, not from alcohol, but through biohacking and ketones, which have become her source of fuel to live, not just survive.

Honest, raw, and deeply human, Davinia’s story is about rebuilding beyond perfection and finding peace in being imperfectly present for the people who matter most.

This episode covers the following themes: addiction, shame, self-acceptance, and vulnerability.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

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Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randoxhealth_au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Sam Ryder, someone who knows the struggle of chasing a dream for years, only to face the crushing reality of near-misses and setbacks. For over 15 years, Sam toured the world in tiny vans, scraping by with borrowed hope, never knowing if success would come. But when the door finally cracked open, it did so with an unexpected, life-changing shift.

In this episode, Sam talks candidly about the long grind and how he found peace with failure before success even arrived. He shares the moment he made peace with the idea of never “making it,” the power of redefining what success truly means, and how, after years of struggle, he embraced gratitude as his new driving force.

This is a raw, honest conversation about the non-linear journey to success, the dangers of “okay jobs,” and why comfort can kill creativity. Sam reveals his decision to get sober and the importance of protecting his voice, his gift, while rejecting the toxic hustle culture that fuels so much of the music industry.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randoxhealth_au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recovery isn’t a straight line, and Matt Willis reflects openly on what that reality has meant for him.

In this solo episode, Matt speaks candidly about addiction, recovery, and the long process of learning to live differently. He explores the moments that forced him to confront himself, the challenges of trying to change alone, and the ongoing work required to stay well.

Rather than offering simple answers, Matt discusses the uncertainty, setbacks, and searching that shaped his recovery, alongside the role of responsibility, trust, and fatherhood in helping him find steadier ground.

This is a thoughtful, honest conversation about resilience, accountability, and what it really means to commit to change, without shortcuts, and without pretending recovery is linear.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This isn’t just a conversation, it’s a live experiment.

TJ Power challenges Matt Willis in real time to face the invisible addictions quietly draining his energy and to decide, on camera, what he’s willing to let go of to feel fully alive again.

From nicotine and endless scrolling to constant stimulation, Matt confronts habits he no longer enjoys but feels unable to escape. TJ also explains how these dopamine loops trap the brain, leaving us restless, flat, and disconnected from real fulfillment.

The moment turns personal when Matt reflects on his children. Without planning or performance, he makes a decisive choice, throwing away his vapes and committing to quit on the spot. TJ lays out the truth: every habit is a trade, between short-term dopamine and the life you actually want to live.

No polish, no easy answers, just an honest challenge to choose presence over numbness, freedom over avoidance, and courage over comfort.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the structure that’s held your life together disappears, what are you left with?

In this episode, Jason Fox talks about the moment everything collapsed after leaving the military, not gradually, but instantly. Twenty years of purpose, belonging, and identity ended overnight, and the relief he expected never came. Instead, he felt more broken than ever, realising too late that the thing he thought was damaging him had actually been keeping him afloat.

Jason also speaks openly about how close he came to giving up, and the uncomfortable truth he had to face: he’d been going through the motions of getting help without fully believing he needed it. He reflects on how much of the stigma he feared came from inside his own head, and how convincing yourself you’re not allowed to struggle can be just as dangerous as the struggle itself.

This conversation challenges the belief that strength means staying silent, and shows how vulnerability can be a source of freedom, not weakness.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM 

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Tj Power, lead neuroscientist and founder of the DOSE Lab, who helps us understand what’s really happening in our brains when we feel overwhelmed, burnt out, glued to our phones, or stuck in patterns we can’t quite explain.

In this episode, TJ breaks down mental health in a way that feels human, not clinical. He talks about why so many of us feel constantly on edge, how modern life quietly rewires our brains, and why willpower alone is rarely enough when you’re dealing with anxiety, compulsive behaviours, or emotional overload. 

Rather than offering quick fixes, TJ focuses on understanding, learning how your brain actually works, why certain patterns repeat, and how small, realistic changes can help you steady yourself again.

This conversation is grounding and reassuring, for anyone realising that real change starts with understanding, not self-blame.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM 

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Lulu Kennedy-Cairns, a woman who has spent a lifetime living between two selves, and learning what it costs to keep parts of yourself hidden. Known to the world as Lulu, she grew up as “Marie”, a child shaped by chaos at home, silence, and shame, long before she was told she needed to become someone brighter, cleaner, and easier for the public to love.

In this episode, Lulu speaks with striking honesty about learning to hide at a young age, carrying shame that was never really hers, and the confusion of trying to live up to an identity that didn’t fully fit. She also talks about alcohol, relapse, and the long road to recovery, including the relief of finally understanding addiction as an illness, not a personal failure. 

This is a conversation about recovery as connection, not perfection. About finding your tribe, telling the truth out loud, and discovering that vulnerability can be a strength, not a weakness.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Peter “Tubes” Dale, someone who knows how quickly things can unravel when drinking, shame, and identity start feeding off each other. Known publicly as the funny one, the lad who could always carry it, Tubes was privately stuck in a cycle of blackouts, panic, and self-loathing, watching the distance grow between who he was and the person he became when alcohol took over.

In this episode, he pulls the curtain back. Tubes talks candidly about hating the version of himself that drank to excess, the fear of not knowing what he’d done or said, and the moment he realised he was heading towards losing his family if he didn’t stop. He opens up about relapse without excuses, the weight of shame he carried for years, and why choosing to speak honestly was the first step toward change.

This is a grounded, human conversation about addiction, mental health, and recovery, not as a straight line, but as something messy and ongoing.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_heights_au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruby Wax has spent decades making people laugh, but this conversation is about what happens when the jokes stop working.

In this episode, Ruby speaks with rare honesty about living with depression, relapse, and the exhausting work of trying to hold yourself together when your mind won’t cooperate. She talks about coming off antidepressants to explore psilocybin therapy and ending up in a mental health ward, the shame that can creep in when you “should” be better by now, and why mental illness doesn’t care whether you’re on holiday, winning awards, or doing everything “right.”

Ruby also opens up about letting go of old identities, including the version of herself built for attention, validation, and success, and how terrifying it was to walk away from a huge TV career to start again. She describes fame as addictive, relapse as confusing, and recovery as anything but linear. 

This isn’t a polished guru’s guide or a neat redemption arc. It’s a conversation with someone still doing the work, falling over, starting again, laughing at herself, and telling the truth about how messy it all can be. 

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_heights_au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on On The Mend, I’m sitting down with Jordan Stephens, someone who knows exactly how quickly life can unravel when addiction, shame, identity, and survival all get mixed together. From the outside, things looked great. Behind the scenes, Jordan was stuck in cycles that were blowing up his relationships and pulling him further away from the person he actually wanted to be. 

In this chat, Jordan takes all the armour off. He talks honestly about the chaos drugs brought into his life, what it was like growing up mixed race and constantly shape-shifting to fit in, and the moment he realised he couldn’t keep pretending he was fine. We get into ADHD, self-medication, the ego, the shame, all of it, but always with that warmth and humour that makes the hard stuff easier to hear. 

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, spiralled after a relapse, or felt like you’re still looking for your real self, this conversation won’t tell you how to live your life. But it will make you feel less alone while you figure it out.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roxie Nafousi joins Matt for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about addiction, healing, and the long journey toward self-worth. She speaks candidly about how her search for confidence and belonging led her into a cycle of shame, isolation, and rock-bottom moments, and how she came to believe there was no way out.

What makes Roxie’s story resonate is her understanding that struggle is universal. She explains that pain, addiction, and the search for meaning affect people from every background, and that recovery isn’t just about overcoming substance use, it’s about rebuilding your relationship with yourself.

A turning point came when Roxie discovered manifestation as a tool for healing, not as a superficial trend but as a practice rooted in agency, responsibility, and self-belief. She talks about shifting out of a victim mindset, aligning her actions with her values, and letting go of what no longer served her.

Roxie also highlights the role of compassion, the unconditional support of her family and partner, and the kindness she learned to extend to herself. 

With honesty and practical guidance, Roxie discusses gratitude, affirmations, and the importance of finding purpose through community and service.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM  

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Scott Thomas, whose journey to sobriety has become a powerful example of how one person’s change can transform the lives of many. By being open about his struggles and creating a safe space for honest conversations, Scott has inspired friends, family, and even strangers, to confront their own challenges and pursue a different path.

In this episode, Scott talks about the battle between his public persona and his true self. Despite the parties, fame, and fast-paced lifestyle, he felt empty and disconnected, hiding behind “Scotty Special” to win approval. His story is a candid look at the pressure to fit in, the cost of losing yourself, and the deep relief that comes from reclaiming your authenticity.

Scott also dives into the importance of boundaries and finding your “why,” especially when it comes to sobriety. He explains how clarity, honesty, and a strong sense of purpose helped him stay committed, even when peer pressure and old habits pulled hard in the opposite direction.

A raw and uplifting conversation about self-worth, transformation, and the ripple effect of living truthfully.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU  

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: 

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM  

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: 

https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Russell Kane, the award-winning comedian and writer whose life and work span far beyond the stereotypes people often place on him. Despite growing up with expectations about who he should be and what his background meant for his future, Russell carved his own path, challenging labels, breaking cycles, and proving that your starting point doesn’t have to define your destination.

In this episode, Russell talks about the power of self-love, the damage caused by negative self-talk, and how breaking free from internal and external limits is often the first step toward real change. He also highlights the impact of small, consistent actions, showing how incremental progress, not dramatic transformation, is what truly moves us forward.

Through honest insights and thoughtful conversation, this episode offers a roadmap for anyone who’s ever felt boxed in by circumstance. 

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference:

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU  

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM  

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au 

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Matt Willis opens up about his past and the years spent in active addiction. He talks candidly about the contrast between public success and private struggle, the exhausting effort of keeping up appearances while quietly falling apart behind the scenes.

Matt revisits memories that are often blurred or painful to recall, reflecting on how addiction affected his relationships, his sense of self, and his ability to truly enjoy the moments he worked so hard for. He speaks honestly about the toll of secrecy, the regrets and missed opportunities, and the moments that finally pushed him toward change.

A raw, unfiltered look at memory, addiction, and the courage it takes to face your past in order to move forward.

Simba mattresses 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU  

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM  

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au 

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, writer and actress, Rosie Jones, brings her trademark honesty, humour, and heart to a conversation about difference, self-acceptance, and finding strength in vulnerability. She talks openly about what it means to feel out of place, the pressure to meet others’ expectations, and how she’s learned to stop comparing herself to anyone else’s version of success.

Rosie doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, she discusses facing negativity, choosing where to focus her energy, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up rather than drag you down. She also reflects on the importance of representation, using her voice to challenge stereotypes and show that no matter your background or circumstance, you can still thrive.

This is an inspiring, funny, and deeply human conversation about embracing who you are, taking small steps forward, and finding joy and purpose along the way.

Check out Rosie’s tour “I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying”. Tickets here: https://rosiejonescomedy.com/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Simba 👉Great recovery starts with great sleep. That’s why On The Mend is powered by Simba. Start your 200-night trial & experience the Simba difference: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Simba_AU

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded literally backstage, Matt Willis sits down with Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter for a candid, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about life on the road, friendship, and everything in between.

Between playful banter and a spontaneous “backstage set list” game, the trio open up about the chaos of touring, the lessons fame taught them, and how they’ve each learned to stay grounded through recovery, fatherhood, and music. There’s nostalgia, honesty, and plenty of laughter as they revisit wild early days, reflect on how their bands shaped them, and share what keeps them going now.

It’s more than just a reunion, it’s a raw, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of three friends who’ve grown up in the spotlight, stumbled, recovered, and learned to keep playing the music that connects them.

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM 

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au 

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Calum Scott joins Matt for a moving and honest conversation about the battles that often stay hidden behind success. From depression and body dysmorphia to self-acceptance and sexuality, Calum opens up about the moments that brought him to the edge, and the strength it took to rebuild.

He also talks about the power of speaking openly, seeking support, and taking small steps toward healing, reminding us that recovery is never linear and there’s no single way to get through it. Calum’s story is a testament to patience, self-compassion, and the belief that even in the darkest times, hope can still grow.

This is a heartfelt, powerful episode about finding light after pain, and learning to love who you are, one day at a time.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: 

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Matt Willis explores what it really means to control your own narrative. He opens up about moments in his life when others tried to define him, through fame, addiction, or public perception, and how losing control of his story left him feeling misunderstood and disconnected from who he truly was.

Matt also shares personal experiences, including how winning I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! changed how the world saw him, and how he eventually reclaimed his identity through honesty, recovery, and storytelling. He reflects on lessons from past guests about ownership, self-compassion, and the power of rewriting your story from a place of truth.

A candid and empowering conversation about taking back your story, letting go of shame, and choosing how you move forward, on your own terms.

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Richard Madeley, the broadcaster and writer whose career has spanned decades of conversations with people from all walks of life. Behind the fame and public recognition, Richard has faced his own personal challenges, including addiction, grief, family complexities, and the pressures of life in the spotlight.

In this episode, Richard discusses the importance of authenticity and honest connection, reflecting on how setbacks and difficult experiences have shaped his outlook. From navigating public scrutiny to learning from mistakes, he also emphasises empathy, commitment, and the value of keeping perspective through life’s toughest moments.

Through candid stories and heartfelt insights, this episode offers a window into the human side of fame, showing how honesty, humility, and self-reflection can guide us toward meaning, happiness, and resilience in everyday life.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: 

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: 

https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Willis goes beyond the surface of social media in this solo episode. He shares his honest experiences with the pressures, comparisons, and negativity that online life can bring, and how these challenges have affected his mental health and recovery.

Rather than an anti-social media rant, Matt offers practical ways to stay mindful and intentional, setting boundaries, curating feeds, taking breaks, and pausing before reacting. He also reflects on the emotional toll of viral content, online debates, and the pressure to constantly stay informed.

This episode is a candid exploration of how to engage with social media thoughtfully, protect your well-being, and maintain perspective in an ever-connected world.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: 

https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and mindset coach Maya Raichoora joins Matt to unpack the power of self-image, mindset, and transformation. She reveals why success often crumbles without inner change, and how becoming the person who deserves your goals is the key to making them stick.

Maya also shares practical tools for growth, from tailoring goals to your unique wiring to her mantra of “train it till you trust it.” By consistently practicing your 2.0 self, you can rewire your brain for confidence, belief, and lasting achievement.

An inspiring conversation about unlocking potential by shifting from self-sabotage to self-mastery.

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

London Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Matt Willis takes listeners behind the scenes of life on tour in “Backstage Battle.” Beyond the excitement of performing, he opens up about the real challenges he faces, managing his mental health, maintaining recovery, and sticking to routines that keep him grounded amid the pressures of life on the road.

Matt also shares how he navigates the adrenaline of nightly performances, stays connected to his family, and celebrates small victories to avoid old, destructive habits. He reflects on revisiting environments that were once difficult, like hotel rooms and touring life, with honesty and self-awareness.

A candid and inspiring look at the ongoing work of recovery, the importance of self-care, and the strength it takes to face your battles when no one else is watching.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Larry Lamb, the beloved actor and storyteller who brings a lifetime of wisdom to the table. Known for his warmth and humor, Larry reflects on aging, resilience, and the simple yet powerful ways to live well as the years go by.

In this episode, Larry opens up about the realities of growing older, the aches, the slower pace, and the temptation to dwell on worries, while showing why it’s far more rewarding to focus on gratitude, movement, and joy. From early mornings and daily exercise to his philosophy of “keeping moving forward,” Larry shares how staying active in body and mind fuels vitality and purpose.

This is a candid, uplifting conversation about savouring each day, finding contentment in the present, and embracing the future with an open heart.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Heights 👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Matt Willis reflects on parenting through the lens of recovery in “The Parent I’m Trying To Be.” With honesty and vulnerability, he shares how fatherhood has shaped his growth, from owning up to mistakes to breaking cycles from his own upbringing.

This isn’t a guide to perfect parenting, but a candid reflection on presence over perfection, the value of everyday “junk time,” and allowing children to fully feel their emotions. Matt reflects on how parenting continues to shape him, teaching consistency, gratitude, and connection, while inviting listeners to share their own stories along the way.

A heartfelt and relatable look at the imperfect but transformative journey of parenthood.

Heights 👉 Join Matt. Whatever you’re mending, Heights has you covered. 20% off all products here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-combo-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deryck Whibley joins Matt for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, and the lessons hidden in life’s hardest moments.

The singer-songwriter opens up about why he chose to write his book entirely in his own words, valuing authenticity over polish, and reflects on the role of memory, mistakes, and vulnerability in personal growth. He also shares openly about his struggles with addiction, the courage it takes to face dependency, and the idea that even injury and adversity can be unexpected gifts. 

From the importance of focusing on positivity and taking responsibility for your own happiness, to embracing uncertainty and letting go of old grievances, Deryck’s journey is a reminder that recovery is not just about survival, it’s about renewal, connection, and the courage to face the unknown.

Heights 👉 Join Matt. Whatever you’re mending, Heights has you covered, 20% off all products here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-combo-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if failure was the key to success?

In this solo episode, Matt Willis opens up about his own fear of failure, from the nerves of launching a new season to the deeper anxieties that have shaped his life. Drawing on Simon Sinek’s ideas and his own lived experience, Matt explores why fear of failure is universal, how it can hold us back, and how it can also drive us forward.

With raw honesty, he shares practical ways to reframe failure as growth and explains why embracing it is essential for creativity, resilience, and real progress.

Heights 👉 Join Matt. Whatever you’re mending, Heights has you covered, 20% off all products here:

Audio Link: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-combo-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest is Gary Stevenson, a former top trader who knows firsthand what happens when success becomes an addiction. At the height of his career, he was winning big, but behind the scenes, his health, happiness, and humanity were breaking down.

Gary pulls back the curtain on the trading world, revealing why “money = happiness” is a dangerous lie, how high-stakes trading mirrors gambling, and the hidden addiction spreading fast among young men. He shares the mental toll of life in a relentless game where even relationships become power plays, and the deep depression that can hide behind outward success.

This is a raw, unfiltered look at the addictive side of ambition, and the personal cost of chasing wins at all costs.

Heights 👉 Join Matt. Whatever you’re mending, Heights has you covered, 20% off all products here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-combo-au

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this raw solo episode, Matt Willis shares the untold side of his journey, from Busted fame to hitting rock bottom, and why real recovery only began when he stopped trying to do it alone.

Matt opens up about the power of vulnerability, the fear of rejection, and the moment he had to admit relapse to his wife. He explores why connection is the one thing that saved him, and why healing isn’t possible without it.

From the fear of rejection to the power of forgiveness, this is a raw and personal reflection on why we can’t do recovery alone, and how connection can change everything. 

Partners: 

Heights 👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After decades in the spotlight as a broadcaster, comedian, and writer, Iain Lee found himself in a moment that would change and possibly save, more than one life.

In this powerful episode, Iain recounts the night a caller to his late-night radio show shared that he had taken an overdose. What followed was a raw, real-time crisis that showed the power of being present and how connection, even through a radio line, can save someone’s life.

Iain opens up about how that moment led him to retrain as a counsellor, his experience living with ADHD, and what it means to sit with people in their darkest moments. With vulnerability, insight, and deep empathy, this episode is a reminder that healing starts with being heard.

Partners: 

Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! In this brand new season of On The Mend, Matt Willis opens up about what he’s been up to recently, alongside his struggles with overwhelm and the ongoing work of recovery. He shares what’s been helping, from hobbies to gratitude and sets the tone for a season full of raw, real conversations with guests, experts, and you. 

Expect new segments, deeper honesty, and powerful stories about what it really means to move forward.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Narcotics Anonymous: na.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https: giveusashout.org

IAPT: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/

Partners 🚨 Heights 👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is the musician, actor, writer, and podcaster Jordan Stephens.

Jordan’s probably best known for Rizzle Kicks, the chart-topping duo he formed with his friend Harley Alexander-Sule, back in 2008.

He's since released music as a solo artist, starred in various TV and film projects, published a children’s book, and now he’s written a memoir: Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs.

In this conversation the pair discuss education, the impact of overnight success, ADHD, medication and self-medication, as well as their shared interest in psychedelics and Jordan’s journey towards healthier relationships.

For more information on some of the subjects Jordan mentioned, there are links below (including more on Professor Nutt and that toad venom).

And Jordan WILL return to On The Mend. These two just have too much in common.

Related links:

Jordan’s website

Rizzle Kicks on Instagram

Matt’s interview with Jordan on MTV Faces

BRIT School bursaries

Alan Watts on education

Dr Gabor Maté

The Anxious Generation by Joanthan Haidt

Johann Hari’s episode of On The Mend

Professor David Nutt and drug classification

A 2002 overview of the link between football hooliganism and ecstasy

The effects of the inhalation of dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMT

The ongoing study at King’s College, London

TheEsther Perel quote was incorrectly attributed but she’s a fan of the person who said it, Terry Real: “Under patriarchy, you can be connected, or you can be powerful, but you can't be both at the same time because power is power over, not power with, it’s dominance. So, if you move into power, you lose connection. If you move into accommodation, you lose your power. I want to break that binary.”

Donna Lancaster & The Bridge Retreat

(01:02) Jordan’s childhood

(05:28) BRIT School and creative education

(11:48) Rizzle Kicks, Busted and dealing with overnight success

(16:36) ADHD: from voice notes to diagnoses (plural)

(20:34) ADHD: medication and self-medication 

(27:40) Pattern recognition and relationships

(29:07) Sobriety and overcoming writer’s block

(30:54) Managing social media use

(35:52) Psychedelics (including dried toad secretion)

(45:43) Pressure to achieve vs connection

(47:02) Educating the next generation about relationships

(54:15) Matt’s conclusion

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is back with another social media special episode! Since so many of you resonated with Part 1 (episode: My Honest Thoughts On Social Media) we're bringing you a Part 2, where Matt is diving deeper into his relationship with his mobile phone.Matt spills some details on why he feels the need to take a break from social media, how he's doing it, and why others should consider it too.Plus, since so many of you had your own ideas and experiences to share, Matt sat down in the second half of this episode to answer some questions from listeners! We hope you all enjoy and would love to hear your thoughts. Do leave a comment or review!Useful links:Part 1: My Honest Thoughts On Social MediaChanel 4 documentary: Swiped: The School that Banned Smartphones(0:00) Intro(0:13) Daily gratitude (3:15) Matt is currently in a good place!(4:53) Taking a break from social media (5:12) Matt’s TikTok obsession on tour(6:43) Matt’s detox from his mobile phone(8:00) The importance of boredom (9:13) Song writing with Busted (10:16) Answering your questions about social media(27:15) Introducing the burner phone(29:15) Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is the entrepreneur and mental health advocate Dan Murray-Serter.

Dan has ten years’ experience of building up businesses but, also, of winding them down. He’s spoken publicly about his failures, as well as his personal experience with anxiety, insomnia, depression, burnout, body dysmorphia and bulimia. And the steps Dan took towards improving his own mental and physical health, led him to a new business in nutrition and supplements.

Dan and Matt get quite deep in this conversation, which covers spirituality, mental health, ayahuasca. and much more.

Related links:

Heights Supplements

The Dao De Jing

The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle

The Body Keeps The Score

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Height

(01:28) The benefits and joy to be found in a regular walk

(04:43) A few of Dan’s favourite non-fiction books

(06:10) Finding fulfillment and embracing spirituality 

(11:18) Dan on his upbringing and what he learned from his father

(18:44) Living in the present and getting the balance right as an entrepreneur

(20:26) Dan’s own mental health history (including insomnia) 

(24:02) Dan’s life-changing visit to a dietician

(33:51) Dan’s experience with bulimia 

(42:38) Assisted psychedelic therapy and ayahuasca 

(56: 02) Finding your purpose (with a small p)

(01:02:28) Managing comparison and social media

(01:07:09) Matt’s outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The secret is out… Matt Willis and his wife, Emma, are currently on a 3-week long social media break. They’re doing this alongside a group of year 8 students, whose experiment will be the star of an upcoming Channel 4 documentary.
But what does Matt really think of all of this? 
Before the experiment, we caught up with Matt to ask his honest opinion on social media. Is it a good thing? Bad thing? What’s Matt’s personal experience with it? And how can we start to nurture a healthier relationship with social media?
Let’s see how Matt’s opinions change over the course of the experiment. Stay tuned as we find out more in 3 weeks!
We hope you enjoy the episode, and if you’d like to share your own thoughts on social, please leave a comment or review!
Useful links:
Chanel 4 documentary: Swiped: The School that Banned Smartphones
Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

(0:00) Intro
(0:44) Daily gratitude
(5:14) Matt’s weird relationship with social media
(7:03) Do I need to know what’s trending?
(8:58) Insecurities and social media
(9:42) Social media is not real life
(11:59) Engaging with followers
(12:45) Social currency 
(14:21) Life is precious, so how are you using your time?
(16:17) Kids don’t want social media
(18:15) This is a real addiction we’re not taking seriously 
(19:05) So what can we do about it?
(20:48) Outro

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabby was the first female football anchor on terrestrial television and she’s perfected the art of asking great questions, while covering a wide range of international sporting events. 

In this episode, Matt turns the tables on Gabby, and she speaks with great honesty, sharing moments and insights from her life and career.

Sporty and very driven from an early age, Gabby competed at the Commonwealth Games when she was still a teenager. But when her gymnastics career came to an abrupt end, she had to find a new direction. And this big change was followed by the shocking loss of her brother Daniel, when he was just 15 years old.

Gabby talks about the impact of grief on her family and how she found the support to deal with her own. She shares how she found confidence as a broadcaster and learned to accept the competitiveness that was forged in a sporting environment.

Gabby also reflects on the challenges and the joy she’s experienced raising her own family; and the wisdom and life-changing lessons she’s gained through her own podcast, The Mid.Point.

(01:40) Gabby’s sporty childhood

(04:01) Owning competitiveness

(07:24) British self-deprecation vs. the mentality in the US

(09:06) Honesty vs. brutal honesty

(10:28) Gabby’s love of order and finding compromise as a family

(12:33) Gabby’s gymnastics career (and finding a new direction when it was gone)

(15:27) The death of Gabby’s brother, Daniel, when he was just 15

(18.28) The impact on Gabby’s family (and varied ways of dealing with grief)

(21:30) The negative consequences of avoiding grief

(26:35) Her father’s self-destructive behaviour and the challenge of providing support

(38:26) Gabby’s mentor Ed Percival, NLP, and finding confidence at work

(44:06) Meeting her husband Kenny

(45:16) Wim Hoff and trying cold water therapy on Freeze The Fear

(48:03) Gabby’s podcast, The Mid.Point

(53:14) The importance of exercise and being truly present at family time

(55:34) Writing The Midpoint Plan

(56:44) Matt’s outro

Related links:

The Mid.Point: The Prostate Episode, with Kenny Logan

NHS guidance on prostate cancer

Gabby’s new book: The Midpoint Plan

Gabby’s memoir: The First Half

Gabby takes the plunge on BBC One’s Freeze The Fear

The Sports Agents podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Matt is sharing the top 3 books that have shaped his life and his journey as a recovered addict. He’ll be breaking down exactly why they mean so much to him – and why you should consider checking them out too!
Matt has sprinkled some bonus honourable mentions, plus some feedback from all of you lovely listeners! We recently asked Matt’s Instagram followers to recommend their life-changing reads, and boy did you guys deliver. We’ll be sharing some of the most popular mentions in this episode.
So pop on your reading hat, prepare for a trip to your local bookstore, and get ready to soak up these must-reads!
Did we miss your favourite book? Leave a comment and let us know!

Related links:
How To Be Your Own Therapist by Owen O’KaneAlcoholics AnonymousThe Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve PetersThe War Of Art by Stephen PressfieldChasing The Scream by Johann Hari

0:00) Intro

(0:11) Gratitude list

(0:39) Spending time in Ibiza

(1:03) Struggling with sleep

(1:38) Matt on getting to work with his wife Emma

(2:09) Gratitude for the On The Mend team

(3:15) Struggling to read

(4:42) How To Be Your Own Therapist by Owen O’Kane

(5:16) Alcoholics Anonymous

(11:23) The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters

(13:33) The War Of Art by Stephen Pressfield

(16:35) Dr Gabor Mate

(17:13) Johann Hari

(18:26) What books do the On The Mend listeners recommend?

(21:40) What to do if you don’t like reading

(22:28) Outro

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This week’s guest is Johann Hari, whose books and TED Talks on depression, anxiety, and addiction have reached millions of people.

His 2015 talk Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong had a huge impact on Matt, changing how he thought about his own recovery.

Matt then devoured Johann’s first book Chasing The Scream which looked at the war on drugs, through the story of Billie Holiday. While writing this book, Johann travelled the world to find out how different countries and cultures are dealing with addiction. Because, when it comes to treatment, prevention and enforcement, some countries have got it nailed... and some really haven't. In fact, many countries (including the UK) have got a lot to learn when it comes to our attitudes towards drugs and addiction.

This conversation dives into Billie Holiday’s story and the legacy of Harry J Anslinger’s war on drugs; the importance of connection and compassion in addiction recovery; and what we can learn from innovations in countries like Portugal and Switzerland, and, at the community level, in Vancouver.

(01:10) Johann’s funeral song (a surprising choice, but perhaps not for Busted fans)

(02:44) The impact of Johann’s Ted Talk on Matt

(04:45) Johann’s motivation for researching addiction

(08:43) The Rat Park experiment and the importance of connection

(13:26) The U.S. vs. Billie Holiday and what this story teaches us about the war on drugs

(27:36) Addiction treatment in the prison system

(32:32) Shame and stigma in addiction (and the importance of looking at multiple factors)

(43:40) The impact of junk values in contemporary society

(51:00) Looking for, and fixating on, negative feedback

(53:36) The different approach to addiction in Portugal 

(59:07) Andrew Sullivan, gay marriage, and important cultural change

(01:01:59) Decriminalisation vs. legalisation and the Swiss approach to addiction

(01:06:22) The power of ordinary people in cultural change

(01:07:54) What we can learn from Vancouver (Bud Osborn and Philip Owen)

(01:14:24) Concluding thoughts from Johann and Matt

Related links:

Johann’s books

The film adaptation of Chasing The Scream: The United States vs, Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit

Bruce K Alexander’s Rat Park experiment

Joe Arpaio’s Tent City

Dr Vincent J Felitti

Dr Gabor Maté 

Professor Tim Kasser’s The High Price of Materialism and his experiment with Nathan Duncan

Portugal’s Dr João Goulão

Virtually Normal by Andrew Sullivan

Former President of Switzerland Ruth Dreifuss

The Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users: VANDU

Former Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen

NHS: Getting Help for Drug Addiction

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This week, Matt is opening up about a topic that makes many of us uncomfortable… love!
Matt and his wife, broadcaster Emma Willis, have been going strong for 20 years. They’ve been through high, lows and all sorts of addiction-related battles. If anything, they’ve come out of the other side stronger. 
Since Matt and Emma began hosting the UK Series of Love Is Blind, the pair have been asked the same question by countless people: what’s the secret to their happy marriage?
If you want the honest, raw answer, then listen up. Matt has thought long and hard about this, and today he’s sharing his secret to a long-lasting, successful relationship. He’s also stepping out of his comfort zone to shed truth on the long, often tricky, journey he’s been on to learn to love himself.
Love Is Blind UK is out now on Netflix.
If you’ve been watching already, let Matt know if you’re enjoying!
(0:00) Intro
(0:16) Daily gratitude 
(3:16) Using Journal app to document growth
(4:03) Struggling with daily affirmations
(5:00) Talking about love
(5:43) Matt never believed in love as a kid
(6:53) What’s the secret to Matt and Emma’s relationship?
(7:54) What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger
(8:29) The people you love will change
(9:55) Relationships are not 50:50 
(11:13) You can’t love while you’re dealing with addiction 
(12:20) The route of a strong relationship is honesty 
(17:13) Relationships are never perfect 
(17:39) Learning to love yourself 
(19:38) Treat yourself how you treat others
(20:15) How therapy has unlocked self-love
(24:02) Being at peace with your past self
(25:23) Reacting to triggers 
(25:56) Lessons from elderly people (what’s important about life?)
(27:08) Lessons from Johann Hari (the opposite of addiction is connection)
(29:00) How does Matt feel today?
(29:23) Outro
Related links:
Johann Hari’s Ted Talk: Everything You Know About Addiction Is WrongChasing The Scream by Johann Hari

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt dives into the world of hypnosis with the psychiatrist Dr David Spiegel.

In this episode, Matt finds out just how susceptible he is to hypnosis, with results that truly blow him away, and he gets some practical tips on how to reduce anxiety.

Dr Spiegel is the Director of the Center on Stress and Health at Stanford University School of Medicine and a leading authority on hypnosis. He has 50 years experience in this field and he uses hypnosis as a problem-solving tool to treat physical and mental issues - including pain, addiction, anxiety and trauma.

He talks to Matt about this fascinating therapeutic tool and how he’s giving more people the opportunity to use self-hypnosis, to better manage their minds and bodies, through his Reveri app.

Related links:

The Reveri app use the code MATT20 for a 20% discount

More on Dr David Spiegel

Cyclic Sighing

Dr Andrew Huberman

Dr Gabor Maté 

Dopamine Nation by Dr Anna Lembke

(01:46) Dr Herbert Spiegel (David’s father and a pioneer in hypnosis)

(04:38) What is hypnosis and how does it work?

(05:46) Dr Spiegel’s first experience of using hypnosis 

(09:41) Is hypnosis safe?

(11:54) How cyclic sighing calms your body and improves your mood

(15:56) The many conditions hypnosis can help (including migraines and phobias)

(19:52) Differing levels of hypnotisability

(21:44) Dr Spiegel tests Matt’s hypnotisability

(27:40) Hypnosis and addiction (including smoking)

(30:00) Hypnosis and trauma

(40:18) Relapse prevention (and the role of dopamine in addiction)

(42:08) The Reveri hypnosis app

(45:09) Hypnosis and anxiety (including practical tips for performers like Matt)

(53:01) Matt’s outro (he’s both amazed and more relaxed)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is back in the hot seat for our second Q and A episode!We loved our first Q and A episode so much that we're back with a new round of questions from some of our listeners. Get ready to hear about a range of topics, as Matt opens up about being in a band as a recovering addict, how to best support an addict in your life, removing guilt from relapsing, and so much more.Missed the previous Q and A episode? Catch up here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KNbgwGGqo5GzZTCez4cNy?si=nxmDA9RXRQaLI9_9O7axUA--will tweak these timestamps when final edit comes through--(0:00) Intro(0:59) What has Matt been up to?(3:16) Playing at Download Festival(6:59) Answering your questions about Busted(8:57) Addiction and song writing(10:43) Would Matt ever go solo?(12:58) Recovery and creativity(15:42) The power of music(17:03) How to support a binge drinker(18:57) Communication is key(20:53) Is it possible to be a ‘cured’ addict?(24:23) Life sober vs as an addict(26:26) What to do if you keep failing at sobriety(30:00) How to get over the guilt of relapse?(33:19) How to stay positive(36:30) Matt’s new tattoo!(38:38) Will Emma Willis join the podcast?(40:50) Who’s Matt’s dream guest on On The Mend?(43:33) Outro

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Matt chats to the BAFTA Award-winning YouTube star, and campaigner, Nikki Lilly.

At the age of six, Nikki was diagnosed with a high flow craniofacial AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation). A rare condition which causes life-threatening nose bleeds and extreme swelling. Since then, Nikki’s had almost one hundred medical procedures, as well as therapy, to help process the trauma and pain.

When Nikki started vlogging two years later, she was spending a lot of time at home. She often felt disconnected from the world, from her peers, and she was looking for something to do. But her YouTube channel had an unexpected impact – helping her reach millions of people, while covering a range of topics, from online bullying, to chronic illness, mental health, and make-up (a big passion).

Nikki was only 19 at the time of recording this conversation but she has wisdom and strength beyond her years. And she’s determined to make a positive difference by sharing her story and films.

Related links:

Nikki’s YouTube Channel

Tik Tok

The Butterfly AVM Charity

Nikki’s award-winning BBC documentary: Born To Vlog

(01:35) Nikki on her BAFTA Award (and fear of public speaking)

(04:16) Posting her first YouTube video (and dealing with negative comments)

(18:49) Nikki’s time in hospital and disconnection from her peers

(22:02) What is AVM? (Arteriovenous Malformation)

(26:33) How therapy has helped Nikki

(35:02) Dissociation and how Nikki grounds herself

(37:37) Importance of alone time

(42:45) Parental support

(45:36) The power in make-up

(51:36) Being an inspiration and advocate for visible difference

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We’re 8 episodes into series 2 of On The Mend… and what a journey it’s been so far!

It’s about time we looked back on some of our best moments. So today, Matt is reflecting on the lessons his recent guests have taught him. Unpicking the key messages that have stuck with him for weeks on end – and are sure to stick with you too. 

We’re looking back on our chats with Geordie Queen Vicky Pattison, Alcohol-Free Advocate Andy Ramage, and Mental Health Pioneer Ruby Wax. Each had their own story to tell. From the fear of passing problems on to your kids, to understanding what ‘middle lane drinking’ is, to taking the stigma away from depression, there’s plenty for us to dive into. 

What’s been your favourite moment from series 2? Leave a comment. We’d love to know!

(0:00) Intro

(0:59) Daily Gratitude (new ice bath!)

(1:51) Spending more time with my wife

(3:05) Spending more time with my son

(4:40) What have I learnt from On The Mend’s guests so far?

(5:12) What I’ve learnt from Vicky Pattison 

(8:30) Is addiction genetic or generational trauma?

(12:45) What Andy Ramage taught me about ‘middle lane drinking’

(21:05) What Ruby Wax taught me about mental health

(25:36) Outro

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Matt speaks to his very own psychiatrist, Dr James Kustow, about adult ADHD.

James studied medicine, before training in psychiatry. He’s now a consultant who specialises in ADHD and has trained further in psychotherapy and nutrition. 

But being an expert is only half of the story. Because, like Matt, James was also diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.

In this wide-ranging conversation, the pair talk about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, the correlation with addiction, the use of medication, and the different targets for intervention that James explores, before taking a pharmaceutical approach.

Related links:

Dr James Kustow

How to Thrive with Adult ADHD: 7 Pillars for Focus, Productivity and Balance

Dr William Dodson on emotional regulation

Dr Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset

EFT (emotional freedom techniques)

NHS Guide to ADHD

(01:55) James’ training and specialism in ADHD

(05:06) What is ADHD

(09:50) Matt’s ADHD diagnosis

(10:47) Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)

(13:25) The clarity that comes with diagnosis 

(15:10) More on the symptoms of ADHD

(17:50) Adult onset ADHD, and other factors (environment, hyper-mobility & inflammation)

(22:18) The ADHD assessment and childhood history

(28:57) James’ ADHD diagnosis

(34:25) The challenge of achieving goals and completing tasks 

(37:42) Variations in the presentation of ADHD

(41:38) ADHD and addiction

(45:46) Medication

(55:18) Growth mindset

(59:56) Sleep, routine & ADHD

(1:01:33) Taking control of your time

(1:05:02) Systems to avoid feeling overloaded

(1:08:30) Looking at physical health 

(1:11:00) Emotional regulation techniques

(1:12:36) Matt’s outro

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This week we're getting personal! 
Matt is upping the vulnerability scale, as he lets the closest people in his life – colleagues, friends, and even his wife – fire a round of constructive criticism his way.
Getting feedback about your flaws is extremely scary. But it's a powerful way to identify the things you need to work on. And if Matt can do it, so can all of you listening!
Wherever you are in your addiction recovery journey, mental health journey, or general self development journey, this is a pitstop you'll want to take note of. 

(0:00) Daily gratitude
(3:15) Criticism and feedback
(4:52) Becoming comfortable with criticism (learn to be vulnerable!)
(9:15) Learning to follow through 
(11:10) Stop swearing so much!
(13:47) Passion being your strength and your flaw
(14:53) Criticism from my wife, Emma
(17:50) Advice from Jordan Stephens (Rizzle Kicks) on changing your environment
(19:30) How to work on your problems
(19:58) How to live honestly 
(22:10) Holding your partner accountable
(24:32) outro  

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This week’s guest is Ruby Wax. A comedian, writer, and mental health advocate, who has wisdom to spare.

When she was younger, Ruby often felt lonely - like she didn’t fit in - and she turned to comedy. A reinvention that gave Ruby a taste for attention and led her to drama school, and eventually her own television show in which she met the biggest celebrities of the day.

After 25 years in television, Ruby reinvented herself once again. She studied mindfulness-based cognitive therapy at Oxford University. And she now works to remove the stigma around mental health. Not least in her book - I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was - a very personal account of depression and the adventures she followed to find meaning in her life.

Related links:

Ruby’s website

Ruby’s books, including I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was and A Mindfulness Guide For Survival

Ruby’s tour

When Ruby Wax Met (BBC series)

Frazzled Cafe

NHS Guide to Local Mental Health Services

Mind’s Guide to Crisis Services

Esther Perel (one of Ruby’s heroes)

The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Dr Dan Siegel

Sam Harris

Jon Kabat-Zinn on mindfulness

(02:14) Soft toy vs green juice (04:22) Ruby’s book (I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was) (12:00) Depression, and coming off antidepressants (13:38) EMDR, ECT, and other treatments (17:19) De-stigmatising depression, while taking it seriously (20:24) Psilocybin therapy (22:41) Mindfulness and a 30-day silent retreat (28:24) Ruby’s mindfulness practice (37:36) The addict label and the victim mentality(39:55) Ruby’s heroes, including Esther Perel, Bessel van der Kolk, Dan Siegel and Sam Harris(42:17) Reinvention (and the addictiveness of fame)(45:15) Ruby Wax Meets (Pamela Anderson, Carrie Fisher, Donald Trump & Liza Minnelli)(48:42) Ruby’s tour (and playing all the parts in her book)(51:26) Matt’s outro

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Matt is putting himself in the hot seat for today’s episode! We’ve rounded up some of your most pressing questions for an honest, judgment-free Q and A session, where Matt shares some of his own personal experiences in hopes that some of you guys will resonate.

We’re diving deep into the aspects of sobriety nobody talks about, how to deal with anxiety, managing family life, and much more.

If you have a question that Matt didn’t cover, we’d like to do more of these! Just leave a reply in the Q and A box below.

(00:00) – Introduction 

(00:31) – Daily gratitude 

(03:54) – How am I? (struggling with sleep)

(06:40) – How to manage your time better

(07:56) – Quick breathing exercise for anxiety 

(11:00) – Following a 12-step programme for sobriety 

(16:24) – Maintaining a schedule 

(18:08) – Has being in a band made addiction harder?

(21:26) – Setting boundaries

(23:16) – Busted tours are better sober!

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Matt meets Andy Ramage, a footballer who became a commodities broker, when injury ended his career. 

While Andy's career was a success, something was missing. He felt broken. And so ten years ago, he embarked on a journey to transform his life.

Andy realised that alcohol was impacting how he felt, and his ability to get things done. So, he set his sights on a 90 days booze-free challenge. And he’s never looked back.

If you need a bit of motivation right now, whatever challenge you want to take on, Andy’s the man for the occasion.

Related links:

Andy’s website (with free resources and coaching workshops)

Andy’s books: Let’s Do This & The 28 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge

The Alcohol-Free Advantage Podcast with Andy Ramage

TheDryy App

Dryy Fest

NHS Alcohol Support Services

Nick Littlehales’ Sleep 

BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits

(01:23) Andy’s move from football into broking

(05:40) Andy’s definition of “middle-lane drinking”

(08:42) Wanting to try alcohol-free (and the social pressure around drinking)

(14:37) Andy's diagnosis of coronary artery calcification

(16:32) Living optimally alcohol-free - the health benefits

(20:46) Matt’s experience of people asking him about their own drinking

(21:58) Andy’s advice for starting an alcohol-free journey (moving past the excuses)

(25:33) The effect that middle lane drinking has on your sleep, performance and health

(31:00) What’s going on in your brain (chasing that dopamine spike

(34:32) Relationships with people who aren’t alcohol-free

(37:57) The red wine myth (resveratrol) and “magic grannies”

(40:34) Socialising, alcohol-free drinks, and Dryy Fest (46:57) Studying in later life

(48:22) Willpower and motivational psychology

(49:48) Andy’s advice for building exercise habits (and core values)

(54:40) The stages of change and accepting that you will slip up

(58:14) Matt’s outro 

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Matt is braving it for a solo episode this week! He’s stepping out of his comfort zone for a candid chat about a big part of any addict’s recovery: mental health.

It’s a topic lots of our listeners have been asking Matt to open up about. So today, he’s breaking down the day-to-day practices that have helped him the most – and can help you too.

Some of these habits Matt developed early on in his recovery journey. Others he’s only beginning to see the potential of today.

From a beginner’s introduction to meditation, to the power of a freezing cold shower (just hear us out!), to the number one way to start your day, we hope that everyone can take something away from this conversation. 

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:29) Start everyday with gratitude

(07:00) What I do for my mental health

(08:45) An introduction to meditation  

(14:14) Relaxation with binaural beats 

(16:03) Getting dopamine from cold water therapy

(21:20) Get moving everyday

(23:00) Changing my relationship with my past self

(24:00) The power of therapy

(27:47) Follow evidence over self belief 

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Matt Willis returns for a second series of On The Mend. His first guest is Vicky Pattison, a Jungle Queen, whose feet haven’t touched the ground since she first appeared on our screens in 2011. 

Geordie Shore was a baptism by fire, at a time when reality television was “a bit like the Wild West”. Vicky was only in her early 20s, she was unprepared for the spotlight, and she created a caricature of herself to hide the vulnerable person struggling inside.

But since then, Vicky has put in the work. She’s learned what makes her tick, the tools which help her anxiety, and how to navigate her own relationship with alcohol, and her father’s alcoholism. 

Vicky was determined to become the best version of herself, she seized the opportunity to change public opinion on I’m A Celebrity… And she wants to inspire the next generation of women to never dim their sparkle, and go after exactly what they want. 

This interview was recorded in March 2024, a few months after Vicky had returned from an endurance mission in the Arctic Circle, raising funds for Comic Relief. 

Related links: NACOA (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics)

NHS Alcohol Support Services

Vicky Pattison: Alcohol, Dad and Me(Channel 4)

Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction(BBC)

Snow Going Back: Comic Relief v the Arctic (BBC)

The Secret to Happy: How to build resilience, banish self-doubt and live the life you deserve (Vicky’s book)

Vicky Pattison: The Secret To (podcast)

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Matt Willis is joined by podcaster, charity founder and cancer activist, Lauren Mahon (and her dog, Ray).

Lozza, as she likes to be called, talks to Matt about breaking the taboos around cancer, talking more openly about illnesses and death and how friends and family can really help in dark times.

They discuss her own breast cancer diagnosis, which she got aged 31, her activism, her overactive brain and why sometimes you just need to go to the cinema.

Lozza's podcast 'You Me And The Big C' can be found here, although she doesn't host it anymore, for reasons she discusses on the podcast.

It's a very open, honest and inspirational chat, and we hope that you will find it as powerful a listen, as we did recording it. (and apologies for the swears!)

If you have been effected by anything you've heard in today's episode, there are some links below for help and advice:

Macmillan Cancer Support

Good Grief Trust

NHS

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On our latest episode, Matt Willis visits Dr Rangan Chatterjee at his home for an in-depth chat about mental health and wellbeing. 

Rangan has practiced medicine for over 20 years and believes that good health is accessible to all of us. His goal is to change the way we look at illness and shares his learnings and expertise on his own podcast -'Feel Better, Live More' - which Matt was a guest on previously. 

They discuss the feeling of shame, how powerful and negative it is, and what can be done to help people disassociate with that emotion. Dr Chatterjee also shares some simple tips for better mental health, as well as talking about the 'Four Pillars' that he lives by. 

Rangan's booksare bestsellers, and his passion for making people feel better is so evident in the way he writes and speaks. In this episode, we cover addiction, mental health and mindfulness, and hope there are some good takeaways. 

If you are effected by any of the topics discussed today, here are some links which may be helpful: 

The Samaritans

AA

The NHS

Mind

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This week, Matt welcomes author, entrepreneur motivational speaker and personal trainer Tyrone Brennand to the studio.

Tyrone is the founder of Be The Fittest, a personal training company in London, and has looked to exercise and yoga his whole life, to help him through hard times.

He talks to Matt about some of the darkest times in his life, growing up without a father figure, his passion for yoga and what he does week in, week out to stay healthy in mind and body. They also discuss his book and his tips for people wanting to try yoga for the first time.

If you have been effected by anything you have heard in this episode, there are some links to help and guidance below:

Samaritans

The MindCharity (Mindfulness techniques)

Alcoholics Anonymous

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On this week's episode of On The Mend, Matt is joined by the journalist, presenter, author and podcaster Raphael Rowe.

Raphael was wrongly convicted of a crime in the late 1980s, and spent 12 years in prison. During that time, he never gave up trying to prove his innocence and never gave up hope, even in the darkest of times.

Since being acquitted and released, Raphael has gone on to work for the BBC as a reporter on Radio 4 and regularly appears on The One Show. He hosts 'Inside The World's Toughest Prisons' on Netflix and his own podcast, 'Second Chance'.

He talks to Matt about his time in prison (and in solitary confinement), how exercise and yoga helped him get through the days and how he eventually got the authorities to listen to his appeal.

His memoir 'Notorious' talks about some of his darkest times and questions the justice system in the UK, which he also touches on in this episode.

They also discuss hope and the power of having the mental strength to get through hard times.

You can hear more from Raphael on his own podcast, Second Chance

And you can read more about the Raphael Rowe Foundation, here

If you have been affected by anything you have heard in this episode, there are some links to organisations who might be able to help you below.

Samaritans

Talking Therapies

Drug Addicts Anonymous

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This week's guest is the TV and Radio presenter, Rylan Clark.

He joins Matt in the studio to talk about the brilliant highs and crushing lows he's experienced in his life recently. After exploding on to our TV screens in 2012, as a contestant on the X-Factor, Rylan has become one of the most recognisable personalities in the UK. Known for his high energy, laughter and fabulous teeth - he is hard to miss, whether on the TV, Radio or just walking down the street.

But a couple of years ago, Rylan went through a very difficult divorce, which left him feeling the lowest he had ever been. He didn't want to leave the house, or get out of bed, and he became very ill and turned to drink.

In this episode, he opens up to Matt about the highs and lows of fame, loneliness, going through that incredibly difficult time and how he has come through the other side.

Below are some helpful links for help and advice, if you have been affected by anything you have heard in this episode.

The Samaritans

Web Of Loneliness

Alcohol Support on theNHSwebsite

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In this episode Matt welcomes gambling addiction expert, Liz Karter, to the studio.

Liz's area of specialisation is gambling addiction. This includes all of its causes and consequences which she has found to be stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and sometimes trauma.

Liz has built an excellent reputation for helping women successfully overcome gambling addiction. She also works very successfully with men, too, and helps people overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, digital devices and love relationships, including the complexities of online dating. She established her private practice, Level Ground, in 2010 and over the years has helped hundreds of people to live happier, healthier lives.

In this episode, Matt and Liz discuss the all-consuming power of gambling, how technology has made it easier than ever to gamble (and hide it) and the steps someone should take if they're wanting to quit.

Here are some links discussed in our episode - and others you may find useful:

Liz's Website

Liz's Book - Four Weeks To Freedom

NHS - gambling addiction help page

Debt Advice

National Gambling Treatment Service

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This week, Matt welcomes the DJ and author Fat Tony to the studio.

Tony has had an incredible career, spanning nearly four decades, he has had his say in paving the way for the UK’s current music scene.

He held a weekly show in New York, at The Palladium for Streve Rubell – during the height of Paradise Garage – AND is a regular at

Ministry of Sound and Glitterbox. As official DJ to the Beckhams and Versace – he is also one of the fashion scene’s go to performers.

Now 16 years sober, Tony discovered drugs when he was 18, and would convince himself that he couldn’t DJ unless he was high. He would sometimes go four or five nights straight without sleeping. He became so psychotic from his cocaine addiction that he believed creatures lived inside his gums. He also lost his teeth and became homeless.

In this episode we look back at Tony’s extraordinary life and career, how he faced his demons and what recovery means to him.

**Please be advised that this episode contains strong language and some content which listeners may find disturbing. If you are affected by anything you hear in the episode - there are links below to some organisations which may be able to help you.

NHS Drug Addition Helpline

Talk To Frank

Alcoholic Anonymous

Samaritans

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This week, Matt is joined by journalist, columnist, writer and mental health ambassador, Bryony Gordon.

Bryony is full of life and joy and brings such positive energy with her wherever she goes - including this podcast!

But her life has not been without dark moments and in this episode she opens up about her alcohol addiction and how she got sober and came through the other side.

Bryony is the founder of Mental Health Mates - a peer support group for those who are struggling with their mental health and need to talk and walk. She talks to Matt about how this came about and how it has grown into something she could never have imagined.

They also discuss parenthood, friendships and the joys of Body Camp - which both Matt and Bryony have experienced and found invigorating.

We cover a lot of serious topics in this episode - and reference some organisations who offer help and advice. You can find links to those below - as well as some other websites you might find useful, if you have been effected by any of the things you have heard in this episode.

USEFUL LINKS

Mental Health Mates

Shout

IAPT

Samaritans

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For the first episode of On The Mend, Matt Willis welcomes his friend and fellow musician, Dougie Poynter, to the studio. 

In this candid chat, the McFly bassist opens up about his drug addiction and his recovery, sharing raw and honest stories, which he has never done publicly before. He talks about his time in rehab, his lowest and darkest times when coming off drugs, and how he tries to live his life now.

Matt and Dougie share the story of how they met, how they've helped each other through hard times and discuss their individual routines for recovery. They are both very into gut health and talk about how changing their diets has made them feel so much better physically and mentally.

Dougie's career and stardom has been a rollercoaster ride, with huge rises and huge falls, and we learn a lot about the man who has, up until now, been quite shy and quiet about this side of his life. It is, above all, a life-affirming conversation between two friends, who after many years of dark times are thriving and healthy and happy.

*Please be advised that some listeners may find some of the topics discussed disturbing.

HELPFUL LINKS AND ADVICE:

NHS

UK ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES

THE SAMARITANS

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