

On The Mend
High Performance
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.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
Mentioned books

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
Calum Scott on Coming Out, Depression & Finding Peace
Calum Scott joins Matt for a moving and honest conversation about the battles that often stay hidden behind success. From depression and body dysmorphia to self-acceptance and sexuality, Calum opens up about the moments that brought him to the edge, and the strength it took to rebuild.He also talks about the power of speaking openly, seeking support, and taking small steps toward healing, reminding us that recovery is never linear and there’s no single way to get through it. Calum’s story is a testament to patience, self-compassion, and the belief that even in the darkest times, hope can still grow.This is a heartfelt, powerful episode about finding light after pain, and learning to love who you are, one day at a time.Need Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTMLondon Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 27, 2025 • 26min
Matt Willis: Taking Life In Recovery 1 Day at a Time
In this solo episode, Matt Willis explores what it really means to control your own narrative. He opens up about moments in his life when others tried to define him, through fame, addiction, or public perception, and how losing control of his story left him feeling misunderstood and disconnected from who he truly was.Matt also shares personal experiences, including how winning I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! changed how the world saw him, and how he eventually reclaimed his identity through honesty, recovery, and storytelling. He reflects on lessons from past guests about ownership, self-compassion, and the power of rewriting your story from a place of truth.A candid and empowering conversation about taking back your story, letting go of shame, and choosing how you move forward, on your own terms.Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off: https://highpfrmc.com/OTMLondon Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 20, 2025 • 44min
Richard Madeley: Surviving the Headlines, Grief & a Career in TV
This week’s guest is Richard Madeley, the broadcaster and writer whose career has spanned decades of conversations with people from all walks of life. Behind the fame and public recognition, Richard has faced his own personal challenges, including addiction, grief, family complexities, and the pressures of life in the spotlight.In this episode, Richard discusses the importance of authenticity and honest connection, reflecting on how setbacks and difficult experiences have shaped his outlook. From navigating public scrutiny to learning from mistakes, he also emphasises empathy, commitment, and the value of keeping perspective through life’s toughest moments.Through candid stories and heartfelt insights, this episode offers a window into the human side of fame, showing how honesty, humility, and self-reflection can guide us toward meaning, happiness, and resilience in everyday life.Need Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTMLondon Nootropics 👉 Enjoy 20% off London Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffees with code ONTHEMEND here: https://highpfrmc.com/ldn-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 2025 • 23min
How to Make Social Media Work for You
Matt Willis goes beyond the surface of social media in this solo episode. He shares his honest experiences with the pressures, comparisons, and negativity that online life can bring, and how these challenges have affected his mental health and recovery.Rather than an anti-social media rant, Matt offers practical ways to stay mindful and intentional, setting boundaries, curating feeds, taking breaks, and pausing before reacting. He also reflects on the emotional toll of viral content, online debates, and the pressure to constantly stay informed.This episode is a candid exploration of how to engage with social media thoughtfully, protect your well-being, and maintain perspective in an ever-connected world.Need Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 57min
Visualisation Expert Shows Matt the Secrets Behind Goal-Setting | Maya Raichoora
Mindset coach and author Maya Raichora, known for her work on visualization and mental fitness, dives deep into the nuances of goal-setting. She emphasizes the importance of transforming your self-image to achieve lasting change. Maya introduces a three-level goal framework and encourages finding your 'why' through persistent questioning. Key strategies like visualization and the 'doorway method' for positive self-talk are explored, highlighting how imagined experiences can rewire the brain, ultimately helping you become the person who deserves your goals.

Sep 29, 2025 • 31min
What’s Really Going On With the Busted vs McFly Tour | Matt Willis
In this solo episode, Matt Willis takes listeners behind the scenes of life on tour in “Backstage Battle.” Beyond the excitement of performing, he opens up about the real challenges he faces, managing his mental health, maintaining recovery, and sticking to routines that keep him grounded amid the pressures of life on the road.Matt also shares how he navigates the adrenaline of nightly performances, stays connected to his family, and celebrates small victories to avoid old, destructive habits. He reflects on revisiting environments that were once difficult, like hotel rooms and touring life, with honesty and self-awareness.A candid and inspiring look at the ongoing work of recovery, the importance of self-care, and the strength it takes to face your battles when no one else is watching.Need Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Heights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2025 • 43min
The Side of Larry Lamb You’ve Never Seen: Life Beyond Gavin & Stacey
This week’s guest is Larry Lamb, the beloved actor and storyteller who brings a lifetime of wisdom to the table. Known for his warmth and humor, Larry reflects on aging, resilience, and the simple yet powerful ways to live well as the years go by.In this episode, Larry opens up about the realities of growing older, the aches, the slower pace, and the temptation to dwell on worries, while showing why it’s far more rewarding to focus on gratitude, movement, and joy. From early mornings and daily exercise to his philosophy of “keeping moving forward,” Larry shares how staying active in body and mind fuels vitality and purpose.This is a candid, uplifting conversation about savouring each day, finding contentment in the present, and embracing the future with an open heart.Need Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/Heights 👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 2025 • 28min
Matt Willis on Why There’s No Such Thing as a Perfect Parent
In this solo episode, Matt Willis reflects on parenting through the lens of recovery in “The Parent I’m Trying To Be.” With honesty and vulnerability, he shares how fatherhood has shaped his growth, from owning up to mistakes to breaking cycles from his own upbringing.This isn’t a guide to perfect parenting, but a candid reflection on presence over perfection, the value of everyday “junk time,” and allowing children to fully feel their emotions. Matt reflects on how parenting continues to shape him, teaching consistency, gratitude, and connection, while inviting listeners to share their own stories along the way.A heartfelt and relatable look at the imperfect but transformative journey of parenthood.Heights 👉 Join Matt. Whatever you’re mending, Heights has you covered. 20% off all products here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-combo-auNeed Support?Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.orgNarcotics Anonymous: na.orgAlcoholics Anonymous: alcoholics-anonymous.org.ukMental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.ukShout: https: giveusashout.orgIAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 8, 2025 • 53min
Sum 41's Deryck Whibley: Talking Sobriety After My Near Death Experience | EXCLUSIVE
Deryck Whibley joins Matt for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, and the lessons hidden in life’s hardest moments.The singer-songwriter opens up about why he chose to write his book entirely in his own words, valuing authenticity over polish, and reflects on the role of memory, mistakes, and vulnerability in personal growth. He also shares openly about his struggles with addiction, the courage it takes to face dependency, and the idea that even injury and adversity can be unexpected gifts. From the importance of focusing on positivity and taking responsibility for your own happiness, to embracing uncertainty and letting go of old grievances, Deryck’s journey is a reminder that recovery is not just about survival, it’s about renewal, connection, and the courage to face the unknown.Heights 👉 Join Matt. Whatever you’re mending, Heights has you covered, 20% off all products here: https://highpfrmc.com/otm-combo-au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 18min
What If I Fail? (And Why That’s OK)
Fear of failure can be a powerful barrier, but what if it was also a key to success? The host candidly shares personal struggles with self-doubt and the transformative power of encouragement in boosting self-confidence. Social anxiety is explored, along with the importance of self-reflection. A compelling eight-year journey towards health and sobriety underscores the holistic nature of well-being. Listeners are invited to embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth, fostering a supportive community by sharing their own experiences.


