KEYWORDS: addiction recovery, sobriety, thriving not surviving, men’s mental health, masculinity, rehab, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, boundaries, shadow work, plant medicine, trauma healing, grief, community support, personal growth, emotional wellbeing, recovery journey, Brave Man Project, resilience, self-worth

SUMMARY: In this deeply honest and powerful episode, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster Hamish Niven, who shares his raw journey from addiction, loss, and self-destruction to sobriety, self-awareness, and purpose.

Hamish opens up about the insidious drinking culture of the TV industry, reckless behaviours driven by unprocessed grief, and the moment he finally asked for help. He speaks candidly about rehab, losing almost everything, and the fear of becoming “dry but miserable” — a turning point that led him to actively choose thriving over mere survival.

Together, Helen and Hamish explore addiction, shame, masculinity, AA, plant medicines, boundaries, shadow work, and why men desperately need safe spaces to feel, speak, and heal. Hamish also shares a sneak preview of his upcoming Brave Man Project, a movement designed to support men in reclaiming emotional sovereignty, authenticity, and purpose.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing begins when we choose ourselves — and that thriving is possible, even after everything falls apart.

TAKEAWAYS

• Addiction can begin subtly and disguise itself as success and social belonging

• Highly functioning addiction often hides deep grief, shame, and unresolved trauma

• Asking for help is one of the bravest acts a man can take

• Recovery only truly works when you choose it for yourself

• Losing everything can become the gateway to reclaiming your life

• Thriving is an active choice — not just the absence of addiction

• Men are deeply harmed by emotional suppression and lack of safe spaces

• Community, honesty, and boundaries are essential for healing

• Shadow work and feeling emotions are unavoidable on the path to growth

• What other people think of you is none of your business

SOUNDBITES

• “I didn’t want to be sober and miserable — that scared me more than addiction.”

• “I chose life in a moment of clarity.”

• “Thriving is easier than walking on eggshells.”

• “Men aren’t broken — they’re unseen.”

• “What other people think of you is none of your business.”

• “You can’t heal without feeling — and men are taught not to feel.”

Connect with Hamish

HAMISH NIVEN  GUIDE | MENTOR | PODCAST HOST

📥 [email protected]

📱 0044 7908 524 482

🖥 TheBraveManProject.com

🎤 Podcast: The Brave Man Project

https://hamishniven.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamishniven/

https://www.tiktok.com/@hamish.niven

https://www.youtube.com/@TheBraveManProject

https://www.instagram.com/hamishniven/

https://www.facebook.com/hamishniven

Connect with Helen

IPHM Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF – the £10 I get will go to my charity “The Forward Trust”

Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk

IG: helens_inspired_healing

LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

For full transcription, contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.