The Social Wildlife

Josh Townshend

Have you ever felt out of control, like life was unmanageable, overwhelming, confusing or on the wrong path? After leaving study during a degree in psychology and giving up my career opportunities in the NZ Army and fitness industry, in 2017, I was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for the most significant sports steroid case in New Zealand history. This was a profound and formative experience enabling me to look back on my life, bringing awareness to some of the negative habits and dangerous decisions I was making. You would think this would be the end, but after being released in 2018 after serving one year, although my perspective had changed dramatically, I would continue to repeat old self-serving cycles of risk-taking behaviour. Recent events, coupled with volatile relationships and negative social circles over the previous ten years, would finally bring me to the point of acceptance that I was the problem and that something drastic needed to change. In this podcast, I will share my history and experiences openly, covering topics such as taking ownership, criminal behaviour, the prison experience, hostile environments, coping with stress and adversity, toxic relationships and social interactions, emotional triggers and vulnerability, drug use and addiction, anxiety and depression, building self-confidence, health, fitness and wellbeing, and recognising anti-social or harmful behaviour in yourself and others. My goal is to provide perspective, motivate and encourage positive change while enabling support for anyone struggling with these aspects of life. Although the road to change is never easy, we are all far more capable than we give ourselves credit. Sharing these experiences, perspectives and intimate details of my life will take me out of my comfort zone, and if I can make a positive change, so can you. Website: www.thesocialwildlife.comThe Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

  1. 02/12/2025

    Standing Up Again with Mike Brown

    On this episode, I sit down with Mike Brown, an inspiring advocate for resilience, positivity, and personal growth. Mike is the host of the Stand Up Again podcast, where he shares powerful insights on overcoming adversity, healing from trauma, and rebuilding confidence after life’s toughest challenges. We discuss his unique journey, from navigating toxic relationships and single parenthood to creating an uplifting presence on social media that inspires men to embrace empowerment and positivity. Originally from Christchurch, Mike has lived across the world, including South America, where he ran a bike school for kids. Through his experiences, he’s developed a deep understanding of mindset shifts, personal development, and mental toughness, all of which he shares in this conversation. Our discussion delves into the pivotal moments that shaped Mike’s perspective, including his time living in vastly different cultures, working in high-energy hospitality spaces, and ultimately returning to New Zealand with a renewed sense of purpose. He reflects on the importance of self-awareness, stepping into one’s power, and breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies that can lead to emotional disconnection. Mike’s story is a testament to the power of personal transformation, and he offers valuable insights on standing tall in the face of adversity. Whether you’re navigating challenges in relationships, struggling with self-worth, or looking to cultivate resilience, this conversation provides both inspiration and practical advice to help you stand up again. Follow Mike Brown on Instagram: mike_brown_stand_up Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

    Standing Up Again with Mike Brown
  2. 12/27/2024

    ADHD: Two Journeys from Childhood to Adulthood

    In this episode, I sit down with Hamish Mertens, a Christchurch-based personal trainer, to explore the polarising experiences of being diagnosed and medicated for ADHD at vastly different stages of life. While I received my diagnosis and began medication at 37, Hamish faced his diagnosis and treatment as a child, ultimately choosing to live without medication as an adult. We delve into how these contrasting journeys shaped our identities, coping mechanisms, and understanding of ADHD. Hamish opens up about the challenges of navigating stigma, medication, and social dynamics as a child, reflecting on how these experiences impacted his confidence, relationships, and sense of self. Meanwhile, I share my perspective on discovering ADHD as an adult, unpacking the shift in self-awareness and the role of medication in my daily life. Together, we examine the strengths and challenges ADHD brings, from hyperfocus and lateral thinking to social and emotional hurdles. This conversation bridges the gap between the medical and cultural narratives around ADHD, offering insights into how the condition can be managed and reframed as a source of resilience and growth. Whether you’ve been navigating ADHD for years, are newly diagnosed, or are a parent of a child with ADHD, this episode provides valuable perspectives and practical takeaways. It highlights the importance of understanding and supporting ADHD in all its forms, at every stage of life, and creating environments where the unique strengths of ADHD can flourish. Find Hamish on Instagram: personaltrainerchristchurch Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

    ADHD: Two Journeys from Childhood to Adulthood
  3. 06/09/2024

    Finding Freedom in Prison

    In this episode, Kevin Ngawhare shares his gripping tale of resilience and transformation. From growing up in a violent neighborhood in Napier, New Zealand, to surviving the intense emotional and physical trials of gang life and prison, Kev's story offers a raw and unflinching look at his turbulent upbringing and inspiring journey of change. These moments ultimately pushed him towards spiritual awakening and personal growth, despite the odds being stacked against him. Kev recounts the heart-wrenching experiences that shaped his early years, including the devastating loss of a sibling and the subsequent spiral into reckless behaviour and depression. He opens up about the lasting scars left by a near-fatal motorcycle accident and the grueling recovery that tested his mental resilience. Kev also reflects on his friendships, teenage years, and the crucial decisions that eventually led him away from the perilous path of gang involvement towards a passion for motorbikes and a different way of life. Kev's narrative takes us through the brutal realities of prison life, the internal conflicts of gang warfare, and the emotional toll of betrayal within the gang hierarchy. But beyond the darkness, Kev's story is also one of hope and spiritual transformation. He shares how encounters with mediumship and spiritual mentors helped him combat deep-seated depression and find a new purpose. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of positive change, offering invaluable lessons on the power of resilience, family love, and the impact of spirituality. Join us for a moving and inspirational conversation that will resonate with anyone facing life’s toughest challenges. Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

    Finding Freedom in Prison

About

Have you ever felt out of control, like life was unmanageable, overwhelming, confusing or on the wrong path? After leaving study during a degree in psychology and giving up my career opportunities in the NZ Army and fitness industry, in 2017, I was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for the most significant sports steroid case in New Zealand history. This was a profound and formative experience enabling me to look back on my life, bringing awareness to some of the negative habits and dangerous decisions I was making. You would think this would be the end, but after being released in 2018 after serving one year, although my perspective had changed dramatically, I would continue to repeat old self-serving cycles of risk-taking behaviour. Recent events, coupled with volatile relationships and negative social circles over the previous ten years, would finally bring me to the point of acceptance that I was the problem and that something drastic needed to change. In this podcast, I will share my history and experiences openly, covering topics such as taking ownership, criminal behaviour, the prison experience, hostile environments, coping with stress and adversity, toxic relationships and social interactions, emotional triggers and vulnerability, drug use and addiction, anxiety and depression, building self-confidence, health, fitness and wellbeing, and recognising anti-social or harmful behaviour in yourself and others. My goal is to provide perspective, motivate and encourage positive change while enabling support for anyone struggling with these aspects of life. Although the road to change is never easy, we are all far more capable than we give ourselves credit. Sharing these experiences, perspectives and intimate details of my life will take me out of my comfort zone, and if I can make a positive change, so can you. Website: www.thesocialwildlife.comThe Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh