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On The Mend

High Performance

97 episodes

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.

More about the show

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.

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. 18 Holes With Tom Grennan: Sobriety, Fatherhood And Starting Again

    · 58 min

    Singer-songwriter Tom Grennan spent years believing alcohol and drugs were part of what made him who he was. Walking away from them meant facing a bigger question: who was he without them? Tom shares the moment he…

  2. Jeff Brazier: Foster Care, Losing Jade & Fighting for His Son

    · 53 min · S3 E67

    TV presenter and grief advocate Jeff Brazier knows that grief doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. After losing Jade Goody, Jeff became a solo parent to two grieving boys while putting his own pain to one side…

  3. TOP RATED | “I’m One Beer Away from Losing Everything” | The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue

    · 1 h 02 min · S3 E47 · Explicit

    The Script's Danny O'Donoghue gets brutally honest about grief, PTSD, and what it really took to get sober. Following the devastating loss of his bandmate and best friend Mark Sheehan, Danny opens up about hitting rock…

  4. TOP RATED | Simon Thomas: Sudden Loss, Grief and Alcohol Addiction

    · 57 min · S3 E39 · Explicit

    Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas delivers one of the most raw and honest accounts of grief and addiction ever shared in the public eye. Following the sudden death of his wife, Gemma, Simon faced a years-long battle…

  5. TOP RATED | How a Phone Call on Air Changed Iain Lee’s Life Forever

    · 1 h 01 min · S3 E2 · Explicit

    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…

  6. Nikki Lilly: 97 Operations, Online Trolls & Years of Self-Hatred

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 66

    Nikki Lilly has spent much of her life navigating chronic illness, hospital stays and a body that has often felt unfamiliar to her. She shares how creativity, therapy, family and connection have helped her rebuild her…

  7. My Book That Got Pulled Last-Minute | Matt Willis

    · 30 min · Episode 65

    For Matt Willis, addiction was never the real problem. It was the solution to a pain he didn't know how to deal with. In this solo episode, Matt talks about Mending, his new memoir tracing his lifelong relationship…

  8. Professor David Nutt: Psychedelics, Depression & The War On Drugs

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 63

    Matt Willis sits down with Professor David Nutt, one of the world's leading experts on drugs and the brain, to answer a question so many people carry in silence: why can't I just stop? David explains how addiction…

  9. The Moment Window Kid Broke Down Over Losing Himself To Alcohol

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 62

    Musician and internet personality Window Kid, aka Greg, built a career around being the life of the party, until drinking nearly cost him his life. After being hospitalised with severe pancreatitis, Greg was faced…

  10. “I Know I’m Going to Die of Dementia” | Jordan Adams

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 61

    Mental health and dementia advocate Jordan Adams grew up watching Frontotemporal Dementia slowly take his mum away. Years later, a genetic test revealed that he carries the same mutation. Jordan shares the unique…

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

    · 1 h 01 min · S3 E60 · Explicit

    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…

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

    · 52 min · S3 E59 · Explicit

    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…

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

    · 52 min · S3 E58 · Explicit

    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,…

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

    · 1 h 17 min · S3 E57 · Explicit

    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…

  15. The Moment Michelle Heaton Became Dependent On Alcohol

    · 56 min · S3 E56 · Explicit

    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…

  16. 15 Questions About Addiction I’m Finally Answering | Matt Willis

    · 27 min · S3 E54 · Explicit

    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…

  17. Drunk, Selling Drugs & Becoming My Father’s Son | Josh Connolly

    · 1 h 02 min · S3 E53 · Explicit

    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…

  18. Sam Thompson: Blame, Masking and Never Feeling Enough

    · 53 min · S3 E52 · Explicit

    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…

  19. Divorce, Breakdown & The Crash That Nearly Killed Me | Michail Antonio

    · 45 min · S3 E51 · Explicit

    Premier League footballer Michail Antonio gets honest about the hidden cost of elite success, identity, and what it really means to rebuild. In this episode, Michail reflects on the reality of winning a historic…

  20. Alcohol Addiction, Blackouts and Hangover Anxiety | Sobriety Movement Campaigner Millie Gooch

    · 57 min · S3 E50 · Explicit

    Sober Girl Society founder Millie Gooch challenges everything we think we know about dependency in a conversation that dismantles the “rock bottom” myth. Despite a successful career and social life, alcohol was quietly…

  21. The Moment Dr. Tara Knew Her Marriage Was Over

    · 55 min · S3 E49 · Explicit

    Sexologist and TV expert Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn (Celebs Go Dating, 90 Day Fiancé) joins us to break the heavy silence and shame surrounding sex, intimacy, and recovery. In a particularly raw moment, Matt admits…

  22. The Moment Will Young Stopped Recognising His Own Face

    · 54 min · S3 E48 · Explicit

    Singer-songwriter and actor Will Young speaks with disarming honesty about surviving decades of trauma, hypervigilance, and the long shadow of shame. Following a breakdown during Cabaret, Will opens up about spending…

  23. The Secret Addiction That Controlled Ore Oduba’s Life

    · 1 h 08 min · S3 E46 · Explicit

    TV presenter and broadcaster Ore Oduba joins us for an incredibly raw and unflinchingly honest conversation on pornography addiction, toxic masculinity, and grief. Ore opens up about being introduced to explicit…

  24. The Night John Robins Knew He Had to Quit Drinking

    · 53 min · S3 E45 · Explicit

    Award-winning comedian and broadcaster John Robins tackles the fundamental question: are alcoholics born or made? In this episode, John opens up about his 20-year struggle with chronic alcohol use, the childhood signs…

  25. Author Matt Haig Confesses His Darkest Moments

    · 1 h 09 min · S3 E44 · Explicit

    Matt Willis sits down with the celebrated, bestselling author Matt Haig for a deeply personal conversation on the cost of living without a map. From a life-altering breakdown at 24 to navigating a late-in-life…

  26. The Moment I Knew My Mind Was Working Against Me | Matt Willis & Marisa Peer

    · 50 min · S3 E43 · Explicit

    Matt sits down with world-renowned therapist Marisa Peer to dismantle the self-sabotaging loops that keep us stuck. If you’ve ever felt like your brain is working against your recovery, this conversation provides the…

  27. When Was Your Hardest Time? Honest Q&A On Mental Health, Therapy, Grief & Recovery

    · 1 h 02 min · S3 E42 · Explicit

    In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, this special compilation episode curates life-changing insights from people who have faced addiction, grief, anxiety, and personal struggle firsthand. Featuring conversations…

  28. Things Men Don't Say Out Loud | Matt Willis, Spencer Matthews & Jake Humphrey

    · 58 min · S3 E41

    This special roundtable episode explores the vital role of mental fitness in reaching and sustaining peak performance. In this special roundtable episode, in partnership with BetterHelp, hosts Jake Humphrey, Spencer…

  29. “I Could Have Died So Many Times” Scouting For Girls' Roy Stride On his Alcohol Addiction

    · 58 min · S3 E40 · Explicit

    Scouting for Girls frontman Roy Stride achieved global fame and number-one albums, but behind the scenes, he was wearing a mask. For 25 years, he used alcohol to bridge the gap between his public persona and a…

  30. The Moment Lulu Finally Acknowledged She Had A Drinking Problem

    · 9:12

    Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  31. Winning Titles with Arsenal While Fighting Addiction | Tony Adams Story

    · 1 h 03 min · S3 E38 · Explicit

    Arsenal legend and former England captain Tony Adams joins us to reflect on 30 years of sobriety, and the moment he realised that despite having everything, he didn’t know who he was. He opens up about the reality…

  32. The Breaking Point That Made Me Face The Truth | Vicky Pattison

    · 50 min · S3 E37 · Explicit

    TV personality, author and radio presenter, Vicky Pattison, discusses her journey through self-care, addiction, and healing from the trauma of being a child of an alcoholic. She opens up about how her mantra “you…

  33. I Swapped My Addiction from Alcohol to Golf | Tubes Shares Recovery Story Going Sober

    · 9:28 · Bonus

    A special golfing and sobriety chat this week brings us into the life of Peter “Tubes” Dale, who turned to golf as a way to keep up socialisation with his friends after making the brave decision to give up alcohol and…

  34. I Knew Drinking Would Ruin Me… I Did It Anyway

    · 41 min · S3 E36 · Explicit

    TV personality and endurance athlete Spencer Matthews joins Matt Willis to talk openly about how alcohol quietly took over his life, from waking up drunk and lying to the people closest to him, to feeling isolated,…

  35. Why Narcissists Can’t Handle Criticism | Narcissism Expert Explains

    · 53 min · S3 E35 · Explicit

    This week’s guest is Kathleen Saxton, who dives deep into the complexities of narcissism, family dynamics, and the painful journey of healing from childhood wounds. Kathleen breaks down the three types of narcissists,…

  36. How One Devastating Moment Changed Professor Green’s Life Forever

    · 36 min · S3 E34 · Explicit

    This week’s guest is Professor Green, who opens up about his journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth, and the ongoing process of learning from past mistakes. Professor Green shares his struggles with shame and…

  37. Matt Willis Q&A: Addiction, Getting Sober And Facing Your Emotions

    · 52 min · S3 E33 · Explicit

    Have you ever realised that the biggest obstacle to your growth might be you? In this solo episode, Matt Willis answers your questions and shares powerful moments from his personal journey through addiction, recovery,…

  38. How Addiction Destroyed My Family | Arron Crascall

    · 57 min · S3 E32 · Explicit

    This week’s guest is Arron Crascall, who shares his raw journey from struggling with addiction and low self-esteem to finding hope and transformation through surrender and honesty. Arron talks about how he never felt…

  39. Strictly's Amy Dowden: Recovering from Cancer, Sepsis and a Double Mastectomy

    · 54 min · S3 E31 · Explicit

    This week’s guest is Amy Dowden, who shares her powerful journey through breast cancer, fertility struggles, and mental health challenges, a story of resilience that’s messy, ongoing, and real. Amy talks about…

  40. Davinia Taylor: Recovering from Addiction, Loss & Self-Doubt

    · 40 min · S3 E30 · Explicit

    This week’s guest is Davinia Taylor, who challenges the traditional narrative of addiction and opens up about her journey from shame and self-doubt to embracing recovery on her own terms. In this episode, Davinia…

  41. Sam Ryder: Recovering from Addiction, Hustle Culture and Self-Doubt

    · 37 min · S3 E29

    This week’s guest is Sam Ryder, someone who knows the struggle of chasing a dream for years, only to face the crushing reality of near-misses and setbacks. For over 15 years, Sam toured the world in tiny vans, scraping…

  42. Matt Willis: I Got Married Three Days After Rehab

    · 50 min · S3 E28 · Explicit

    Recovery isn’t a straight line, and Matt Willis reflects openly on what that reality has meant for him. In this solo episode, Matt speaks candidly about addiction, recovery, and the long process of learning to live…

  43. I FINALLY QUIT NICOTINE… Can I Keep It Up?

    · 35 min · S3 E27 · Explicit

    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…

  44. From Royal Marine to Rock Bottom: The Battle No One Sees | Jason Fox

    · 38 min · S3 E26 · Explicit

    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.…

  45. What Actually BREAKS Addiction: TJ Power Explains the Science

    · 1 h 12 min · S3 E25 · Explicit

    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…

  46. It Took Me 60 Years to Admit This | Lulu

    · 48 min · S3 E24 · Explicit

    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…

  47. How Alcohol Took Over My Life | Tubes

    · 56 min · S3 E23 · Explicit

    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…

  48. The Truth About Ruby Wax’s Mental Health Crash

    · 22 min · S3 E22 · Explicit

    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…

  49. I Looked High-Functioning - I Was Falling Apart | Jordan Stephens

    · 23 min · S3 E21 · Explicit

    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…

  50. The Trigger Behind Roxie Nafousi’s Manifestation Journey

    · 42 min · S3 E20 · Explicit

    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…

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