On The Mend

High Performance
High Performance
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

On The Mend is the podcast where we look back at life’s hardest moments to understand how to move forward, with honesty, heart, and hope. In each episode, Matt Willis explores recovery, resilience, and mental strength through open and honest conversations. Some episodes feature guests sharing powerful stories of personal transformation. Others bring in expert voices offering practical tools and insights, and in solo episodes, Matt reflects on his own journey through addiction, identity, and healing. This is a space for anyone navigating life’s challenges. On The Mend is your companion through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 13 hrs ago ·  Video

    "I Hated Myself for What I'd Done" | Ben West, on Losing His Brother

    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.

    "I Hated Myself for What I'd Done" | Ben West, on Losing His Brother

  2. 31 Aug ·  Video

    The Race Across The World That Helped Alfie Watts Process His Grief

    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.

    The Race Across The World That Helped Alfie Watts Process His Grief

  3. 24 Aug ·  Video

    The Constant Chaos That Made Me Keep Drinking: Preston from Ordinary Boys

    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/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.

    The Constant Chaos That Made Me Keep Drinking: Preston from Ordinary Boys

  4. 17 Aug

    How James Haskell Survived Injury, Divorce and Grief & Came Out Stronger

    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.

    How James Haskell Survived Injury, Divorce and Grief & Came Out Stronger

  5. 10 Aug

    The Moment Michelle Heaton Became Dependent On Alcohol

    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.

    The Moment Michelle Heaton Became Dependent On Alcohol

  6. 3 Aug

    15 Questions About Addiction I’m Finally Answering | Matt Willis

    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.

    15 Questions About Addiction I’m Finally Answering | Matt Willis

  7. 27 July

    Josh Connolly: Drunk, Selling Drugs & Becoming My Father’s Son

    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.

    Josh Connolly: Drunk, Selling Drugs & Becoming My Father’s Son

  8. 20 July

    Sam Thompson: Blame, Masking and Never Feeling Enough

    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.

    Sam Thompson: Blame, Masking and Never Feeling Enough
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

On The Mend is the podcast where we look back at life’s hardest moments to understand how to move forward, with honesty, heart, and hope. In each episode, Matt Willis explores recovery, resilience, and mental strength through open and honest conversations. Some episodes feature guests sharing powerful stories of personal transformation. Others bring in expert voices offering practical tools and insights, and in solo episodes, Matt reflects on his own journey through addiction, identity, and healing. This is a space for anyone navigating life’s challenges. On The Mend is your companion through the highs, lows, and everything in between. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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