On The Mend

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/OTMLondon 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.

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.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: 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/OTMLondon 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.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: 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/OTMLondon 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 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.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: giveusashout.orgIAPT: 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.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: 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-auNeed Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: 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 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 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 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 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/OTMNeed Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: 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.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: 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 websiteRizzle Kicks on InstagramMatt’s interview with Jordan on MTV FacesBRIT School bursariesAlan Watts on education Dr Gabor Maté The Anxious Generation by Joanthan HaidtJohann Hari’s episode of On The MendProfessor David Nutt and drug classificationA 2002 overview of the link between football hooliganism and ecstasyThe effects of the inhalation of dried toad secretion containing 5-MeO-DMTThe ongoing study at King’s College, London The Esther 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 SupplementsThe Dao De JingThe Power Of Now by Eckhart TolleThe Body Keeps The ScoreThe 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 SmartphonesAnxious 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 outroRelated 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 FearThe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 MattRelated links:Johann’s booksThe film adaptation of Chasing The Scream: The United States vs, Billie HolidayBillie Holiday’s Strange FruitBruce K Alexander’s Rat Park experiment Joe Arpaio’s Tent CityDr Vincent J FelittiDr Gabor Maté Professor Tim Kasser’s The High Price of Materialism and his experiment with Nathan Duncan Portugal’s Dr João GoulãoVirtually Normal by Andrew Sullivan Former President of Switzerland Ruth DreifussThe Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users: VANDU Former Vancouver Mayor Philip OwenNHS: Getting Help for Drug Addiction Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.