Matt is braving it for a solo episode this week! He’s stepping out of his comfort zone for a candid chat about a big part of any addict’s recovery: mental health.

It’s a topic lots of our listeners have been asking Matt to open up about. So today, he’s breaking down the day-to-day practices that have helped him the most – and can help you too.

Some of these habits Matt developed early on in his recovery journey. Others he’s only beginning to see the potential of today.

From a beginner’s introduction to meditation, to the power of a freezing cold shower (just hear us out!), to the number one way to start your day, we hope that everyone can take something away from this conversation. 

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:29) Start everyday with gratitude

(07:00) What I do for my mental health

(08:45) An introduction to meditation  

(14:14) Relaxation with binaural beats 

(16:03) Getting dopamine from cold water therapy

(21:20) Get moving everyday

(23:00) Changing my relationship with my past self

(24:00) The power of therapy

(27:47) Follow evidence over self belief 

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Matt Willis returns for a second series of On The Mend. His first guest is Vicky Pattison, a Jungle Queen, whose feet haven’t touched the ground since she first appeared on our screens in 2011. 

Geordie Shore was a baptism by fire, at a time when reality television was “a bit like the Wild West”. Vicky was only in her early 20s, she was unprepared for the spotlight, and she created a caricature of herself to hide the vulnerable person struggling inside.

But since then, Vicky has put in the work. She’s learned what makes her tick, the tools which help her anxiety, and how to navigate her own relationship with alcohol, and her father’s alcoholism. 

Vicky was determined to become the best version of herself, she seized the opportunity to change public opinion on I’m A Celebrity… And she wants to inspire the next generation of women to never dim their sparkle, and go after exactly what they want. 

This interview was recorded in March 2024, a few months after Vicky had returned from an endurance mission in the Arctic Circle, raising funds for Comic Relief. 

Related links: NACOA (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics)

NHS Alcohol Support Services

Vicky Pattison: Alcohol, Dad and Me (Channel 4)

Matt Willis: Fighting Addiction (BBC)

Snow Going Back: Comic Relief v the Arctic  (BBC)

The Secret to Happy: How to build resilience, banish self-doubt and live the life you deserve (Vicky’s book)

Vicky Pattison: The Secret To (podcast)

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Matt Willis is joined by podcaster, charity founder and cancer activist, Lauren Mahon (and her dog, Ray).

Lozza, as she likes to be called, talks to Matt about breaking the taboos around cancer, talking more openly about illnesses and death and how friends and family can really help in dark times.

They discuss her own breast cancer diagnosis, which she got aged 31, her activism, her overactive brain and why sometimes you just need to go to the cinema.

Lozza's podcast 'You Me And The Big C' can be found here, although she doesn't host it anymore, for reasons she discusses on the podcast.

It's a very open, honest and inspirational chat, and we hope that you will find it as powerful a listen, as we did recording it. (and apologies for the swears!)

If you have been effected by anything you've heard in today's episode, there are some links below for help and advice:

Macmillan Cancer Support

Good Grief Trust

NHS

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On our latest episode, Matt Willis visits Dr Rangan Chatterjee at his home for an in-depth chat about mental health and wellbeing. 

Rangan has practiced medicine for over 20 years and believes that good health is accessible to all of us. His goal is to change the way we look at illness and shares his learnings and expertise on his own podcast - 'Feel Better, Live More' - which Matt was a guest on previously. 

They discuss the feeling of shame, how powerful and negative it is, and what can be done to help people disassociate with that emotion. Dr Chatterjee also shares some simple tips for better mental health, as well as talking about the 'Four Pillars' that he lives by. 

Rangan's books are bestsellers, and his passion for making people feel better is so evident in the way he writes and speaks. In this episode, we cover addiction, mental health and mindfulness, and hope there are some good takeaways. 

If you are effected by any of the topics discussed today, here are some links which may be helpful: 

The Samaritans

AA

The NHS

Mind

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This week, Matt welcomes author, entrepreneur motivational speaker and personal trainer Tyrone Brennand to the studio.

Tyrone is the founder of Be The Fittest, a personal training company in London, and has looked to exercise and yoga his whole life, to help him through hard times.

He talks to Matt about some of the darkest times in his life, growing up without a father figure, his passion for yoga and what he does week in, week out to stay healthy in mind and body. They also discuss his book and his tips for people wanting to try yoga for the first time.

If you have been effected by anything you have heard in this episode, there are some links to help and guidance below:

Samaritans

The Mind Charity (Mindfulness techniques)

Alcoholics Anonymous

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On this week's episode of On The Mend, Matt is joined by the journalist, presenter, author and podcaster Raphael Rowe.

Raphael was wrongly convicted of a crime in the late 1980s, and spent 12 years in prison. During that time, he never gave up trying to prove his innocence and never gave up hope, even in the darkest of times.

Since being acquitted and released, Raphael has gone on to work for the BBC as a reporter on Radio 4 and regularly appears on The One Show. He hosts 'Inside The World's Toughest Prisons' on Netflix and his own podcast, 'Second Chance'.

He talks to Matt about his time in prison (and in solitary confinement), how exercise and yoga helped him get through the days and how he eventually got the authorities to listen to his appeal.

His memoir 'Notorious' talks about some of his darkest times and questions the justice system in the UK, which he also touches on in this episode.

They also discuss hope and the power of having the mental strength to get through hard times.

You can hear more from Raphael on his own podcast, Second Chance

And you can read more about the Raphael Rowe Foundation, here

If you have been affected by anything you have heard in this episode, there are some links to organisations who might be able to help you below.

Samaritans

Talking Therapies

Drug Addicts Anonymous

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This week's guest is the TV and Radio presenter, Rylan Clark.

He joins Matt in the studio to talk about the brilliant highs and crushing lows he's experienced in his life recently. After exploding on to our TV screens in 2012, as a contestant on the X-Factor, Rylan has become one of the most recognisable personalities in the UK. Known for his high energy, laughter and fabulous teeth - he is hard to miss, whether on the TV, Radio or just walking down the street.

But a couple of years ago, Rylan went through a very difficult divorce, which left him feeling the lowest he had ever been. He didn't want to leave the house, or get out of bed, and he became very ill and turned to drink.

In this episode, he opens up to Matt about the highs and lows of fame, loneliness, going through that incredibly difficult time and how he has come through the other side.

Below are some helpful links for help and advice, if you have been affected by anything you have heard in this episode.

The Samaritans

Web Of Loneliness

Alcohol Support on the NHS website

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In this episode Matt welcomes gambling addiction expert, Liz Karter, to the studio.

Liz's area of specialisation is gambling addiction. This includes all of its causes and consequences which she has found to be stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and sometimes trauma.

Liz has built an excellent reputation for helping women successfully overcome gambling addiction. She also works very successfully with men, too, and helps people overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, digital devices and love relationships, including the complexities of online dating. She established her private practice, Level Ground, in 2010 and over the years has helped hundreds of people to live happier, healthier lives.

In this episode, Matt and Liz discuss the all-consuming power of gambling, how technology has made it easier than ever to gamble (and hide it) and the steps someone should take if they're wanting to quit.

Here are some links discussed in our episode - and others you may find useful:

Liz's Website

Liz's Book - Four Weeks To Freedom

NHS - gambling addiction help page

Debt Advice

National Gambling Treatment Service

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This week, Matt welcomes the DJ and author Fat Tony to the studio.

Tony has had an incredible career, spanning nearly four decades, he has had his say in paving the way for the UK’s current music scene.

He held a weekly show in New York, at The Palladium for Streve Rubell – during the height of Paradise Garage – AND is a regular at

Ministry of Sound and Glitterbox. As official DJ to the Beckhams and Versace – he is also one of the fashion scene’s go to performers.

Now 16 years sober, Tony discovered drugs when he was 18, and would convince himself that he couldn’t DJ unless he was high. He would sometimes go four or five nights straight without sleeping. He became so psychotic from his cocaine addiction that he believed creatures lived inside his gums. He also lost his teeth and became homeless.

In this episode we look back at Tony’s extraordinary life and career, how he faced his demons and what recovery means to him.

**Please be advised that this episode contains strong language and some content which listeners may find disturbing. If you are affected by anything you hear in the episode - there are links below to some organisations which may be able to help you.

NHS Drug Addition Helpline

Talk To Frank

Alcoholic Anonymous

Samaritans

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This week, Matt is joined by journalist, columnist, writer and mental health ambassador, Bryony Gordon.

Bryony is full of life and joy and brings such positive energy with her wherever she goes - including this podcast!

But her life has not been without dark moments and in this episode she opens up about her alcohol addiction and how she got sober and came through the other side.

Bryony is the founder of Mental Health Mates - a peer support group for those who are struggling with their mental health and need to talk and walk. She talks to Matt about how this came about and how it has grown into something she could never have imagined.

They also discuss parenthood, friendships and the joys of Body Camp - which both Matt and Bryony have experienced and found invigorating.

We cover a lot of serious topics in this episode - and reference some organisations who offer help and advice. You can find links to those below - as well as some other websites you might find useful, if you have been effected by any of the things you have heard in this episode.

USEFUL LINKS

Mental Health Mates

Shout

IAPT

Samaritans

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