PLAY PODCASTS

Show overview

On The Mend has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 81 episodes, alongside 2 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 60 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.

Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 29 min and 57 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. Roughly 48% of episodes carry an explicit flag from the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Health & Fitness show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 weeks ago, with 30 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2026, with 30 episodes published. Published by High Performance.

Episodes
81
Running
2023–2026 · 3y
Median length
50 min
Cadence
Fortnightly

From the publisher

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.

Latest Episodes

View all 81 episodes

The Moment Will Young Stopped Recognising His Own Face

Jun 22, 202654 min

Danny O’Donoghue: Grief, Alcohol and PTSD

Jun 15, 20261h 2m

Ore Oduba on His Hidden Porn Addiction, Stigma and Shame

Jun 8, 20261h 8m

The Night John Robins Knew He Had to Quit Drinking

Jun 1, 202653 min

The Midnight Library Author: “I Had A Phobia Of Help” | Matt Haig’s Story

May 25, 20261h 8m

​​HOW TO HEAL LOW CONFIDENCE, SELF-DOUBT AND NEGATIVE THOUGHTS: MARISA PEER’S METHOD

May 18, 202649 min

Mental Health, Grief, Addiction & Recovery: A Community Q&A

May 11, 20261h 2m

Things Men Don't Say Out Loud

May 8, 202658 min

Roy Stride (Scouting for Girls) Admits Alcohol Problem, Anxiety and Recovery Journey

May 4, 202657 min

GRIEF LED ME TO ALCOHOL | Sky Sports' Simon Thomas

Apr 27, 202656 min

Nobody Knew I Was Going To Rehab | Lulu’s Secret Addiction Story

Apr 23, 20269 min

Arsenal Captain Tony Adams: Giving Up, Surviving Recovery and Reaching 30 Years Sober

Apr 20, 20261h 3m

10 Minute Mend: Richard Madeley Opens Up on Step-Dad Life, & Blended Family with Judy Finnigan

Apr 16, 20268 min

What It’s REALLY Like Being The Child Of An Alcoholic | Vicky Pattison

Apr 13, 202649 min

10 Minute Mend: I Replaced Alcohol With This

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 stop drinking. In this episode, he opens up about the moment when he decided to switch out alcohol for finding a hobby, how he landed on golf, and how having an addict's mentality is both a blessing and a curse.This is a grounded conversation about addiction, mental health, and a personalised, thoughtful approach to recovery - not as a straight line, but as something messy and ongoing.YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL EPISODE WITH TUBES HERE00:00 Best Day on the Course00:52 How Golf Replaced Drinking02:06 Everyone in Recovery Needs a Hobby03:05 Using Golf as an Excuse to Drink04:21 Becoming Obsessed with Golf05:02 The Addictive Personality Explained06:06 Why Golf Helps Mental Health07:25 Addiction vs Mental Health Differences08:18 Replacing Alcohol with Something Better10:01 Connection, Friendship and Staying SoberHeights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here:https://highpfrmc.com/OTM20Need 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: england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 20269 min

S3 Ep 36Spencer Matthews: Drinking, Lying, and How Vogue Saved Him

E

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, ashamed, and completely disconnected from the person he wanted to be.He shares how drinking stopped being social and became something he was doing alone, and the moment that forced him to confront what was really going on. There’s no neat turning point, just the realisation that something had to change.Spencer also reflects on channeling his addictive personality into endurance challenges, the structure that now keeps him on track, and the ongoing tension of replacing one obsession with another.This episode covers the following themes: addiction, shame, relationships, identity, recovery, discipline, and transformation.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/au3-OTM20 Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox-au2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 6, 202641 min

10 Minute Mend: Developing PTSD After the Military

bonus

In this heartwarming conversation, former special forces soldier Jason Fox opens up about his experience with PTSD, depression, and chronic burnout after leaving the military. He shares the reality of hitting rock bottom, including a moment standing on the edge of a cliff, and the turning point that forced him to confront his mental health with honesty.The discussion explores how high-pressure environments can rewire the brain, why returning to “normal life” can feel so difficult, and how impulsive emotional moments can lead to dangerous decisions. Viewers will gain insight into concepts like operator syndrome, emotional control, and the hidden challenges many face after intense careers.This episode offers an honest look at mental health, recovery, and resilience, with practical takeaways around self-awareness, managing emotions, and the importance of speaking up before reaching breaking point.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: 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/OTM20 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 20268 min

S3 Ep 35Were YOU parented by a narcissist? Kathleen Saxton helps you identify the traits

E

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, ‘grandiose’, ‘covert’, and ‘malignant’, offering an eye-opening framework, particularly highlighting covert narcissists who use pity and victimhood for supply. She explores how children of narcissists often stop loving themselves, losing their sense of identity in the process, and how family roles like the golden child, scapegoat, and lost child perpetuate unhealthy patterns. Kathleen also explains why those raised by narcissistic parents tend to attract similar partners, as dysfunction feels like home.Through practical tools like the "empty chair technique" and her three-step recovery roadmap: accept, have compassion for yourself, and design your future, Kathleen offers actionable steps to begin healing. This episode covers the following themes: narcissism, family dynamics, identity, healing, boundaries, and self-compassion.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/au3-OTM20 Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox-au2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 202652 min

S3 Ep 34Diagnosed with Autism at 40: Professor Green’s Story

E

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 addiction, discussing how he broke free from the cycle of destructive behavior by rejecting the people who kept him stuck. He talks about his late diagnosis of ADHD and autism, which helped him understand his challenges and stop masking his true self.He also discusses the power of taking ownership of his actions, the role of medication in his recovery, and his near-death experience with substance misuse. This episode covers the following themes: identity, shame, addiction, ADHD, autism, vulnerability, recovery, and transformation.Listen to Professor Green’s new single, “No Management”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/Saily 👉 Download SAILY in your app store and use our code mend at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/mendHeights👉 Join Matt in getting your energy back with Vitals. 20% off here: https://highpfrmc.com/au3-OTM20 Randox Health 👉 Take care of your health today and into the future. Save 20% on all health checks now with the code OTM20 at: https://highpfrmc.com/OTM_Randox_au1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 23, 202636 min

S3 Ep 33Matt Willis Q&A: Addiction, Getting Sober and Facing Your Emotions

E

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, and the ongoing work of self-awareness. Matt talks about the emotional realisation he had when he understood he was the common denominator in all his drinking situations, and how being "emotionally young" in recovery has challenged him to confront feelings he once numbed with alcohol. He also shares the pivotal moment when Jack Osborne planted the seed for his decision to seek help and how rock bottom doesn’t always look like you’d expect. With practical recovery tools, including the "Fact or Thought" technique for managing negative self-talk, and the importance of self-compassion, Matt offers a raw and honest look at his journey. This episode is about embracing vulnerability, facing tough truths, and continuing to move forward, no matter how imperfect the process.This episode covers the following themes: addiction, sobriety, self-awareness, and personal growth.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.

Mar 16, 202652 min
High Performance