CW: In this episode we discuss addiction and substance abuse, mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, trauma and emotional pain, violence and criminal activity, recovery from addiction, incarceration, and grief. In the latest episode of Mad Like Me, we sit down with the incredible Blain Collinge in Bats Theatre in Wellington, whose journey through addiction, recovery, and healing is as raw as it is inspiring. Join us as we explore self-love, the power of connection, and what it really means to rebuild your life after hitting rock bottom. Blain opens up about the hardest moments of his life, the lessons he’s learned, and how he found love within himself. We swear there wasn’t a dry eye in the house at the end of this show, and if you stick to the end, you’ll know why. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of resilience, vulnerability, and the beauty that can emerge from even the most difficult journeys. Episode links: * Red Door Recovery * Share a small act of kindness at One Million Small Things 💖 Ngā mihi nui to Nōku te Ao for their social action grants through which we were able to go on this road show. Also to the wonderful folks at Bats Theatre in Wellington for having us in your beautiful venue, and everyone who came to our live shows! We love you all 🫶🏽 Follow Blain at: * @blaincollinge Follow us on Instagram: * @madlikeme_podcast * @onemillionsmallthings Theme tune and music by our very own Jamie Wise 💖 If this episode brought up any tough feelings for you, below we have listed some places you can find support in NZ: * Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 - Talk with a trained counsellor, anytime. * Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) - here to help * 0508 TAUTOKO Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 – if you, or someone you know, may be thinking about suicide, call for support from a trained counsellor * Samaritans 0800 726 666 – for confidential support for anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress * Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 – to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions www.depression.org.nz * Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat at www.youthline.co.nz (4:30pm – 10pm) – for young people and their parents, whānau and friends * What’s Up 0800 942 8787 (0800 WHATSUP) call (11am – 11pm) or online chat at www.whatsup.co.nz (11am – 10:30pm) every day - for 5-19 year olds * Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797, free text 8681 or online chat at alcoholdrughelp.org.nz - for people dealing with alcohol or other drug problems. Māori, Pasifika and youth lines available. * Anxiety Helpline 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) - for people with all forms of anxiety and families and friends For families, whānau and friends * Skylight www.skylight.org.nz 0800 299 100 – for support through trauma, loss and grief (8.30am – 4.30pm weekdays) * Yellow Brick Road 0800 732 825 (Northern Region) - 0800 555 434 (Central North Island) - 0800 876 682 (South Island) - for families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness * Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.nz – for more information about supporting someone in distress, looking after your own mental health and working toward recovery This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit madlikeme.substack.com
