Advertise on podcast: On The Mend

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.