The Nutters Club

The final episode of The Nutters Club, on NewstalkZB, aired amidst the unfolding tragedy of a shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. Host Hamish Williams opened the show by addressing the devastating incident, which occurred just hours before the broadcast.
As details of the tragedy continued to emerge, Williams and producer Boris Sokratov shifted the focus of the show to highlight the importance of kindness and positivity in the face of adversity. ​They encouraged listeners to call in and share stories of people who had made a positive impact in their lives, emphasising the belief that the vast majority of people in the world are inherently good. ​
Throughout the two-hour program, callers shared heartfelt stories of gratitude and resilience. One listener, Neil, expressed his appreciation for his wife, Annabelle, who transformed his life despite his challenging upbringing and current health struggles with dementia and bowel cancer. Another caller, Kahu, shared how a natural remedy, Tulsi tea, had helped him manage his ADHD and sleep issues, offering hope to others facing similar challenges.
The show also featured stories of gratitude for family members, friends, and even strangers who had shown kindness and support during difficult times. One caller, Matthew, highlighted the importance of independence for the disabled community, thanking New Zealand’s Kāinga Ora for providing housing and support that allowed him to live independently.
Listeners also expressed their condolences to those affected by the Bondi Beach tragedy, with one caller, David, sharing information about how New Zealanders concerned for loved ones in the area could contact the New Zealand Police for assistance with welfare checks through Interpol.
As the show concluded, Williams and Sokratov reflected on the importance of community and connection, especially during challenging times. ​They encouraged listeners to carry the spirit of kindness and empathy into the holiday season and the new year. ​
The Nutters Club will return to the airwaves on January 18th, 2026, continuing its mission to provide a platform for mental health discussions and support.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Williams, host of The Nutters Club on Newstalk ZB, recently welcomed the show’s producer, Boris Sokratov, to share his personal journey of battling two rare forms of cancer. The episode, which aired on Sunday night, focused on the intersection of physical health challenges and mental resilience.
Boris revealed that his health struggles began in 2023 when he underwent two surgeries for a rare condition called perianal Paget’s disease, a form of cancer that typically affects the breast but had manifested in his lower body. Initially misdiagnosed as a skin rash, the condition was identified through a biopsy. ​Despite undergoing surgery, a follow-up colonoscopy in early 2024 revealed another rare and aggressive cancer: small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. With a proliferation rate of 60%, Boris described the cancer as “cunning, fast-moving, and aggressive.”
Faced with a daunting prognosis, Boris candidly shared how he prepared for the possibility of death, drawing strength from his late mother’s approach to her own terminal cancer diagnosis. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, setting goals, and staying active. ​“Be careful with your thoughts, because as you think, so you become,” Boris said, highlighting the role of mental resilience in his journey. ​
Boris also discussed the physical toll of his treatment, which included intense chemotherapy and radiation therapy. ​Despite the challenges, he maintained his sense of humor, referring to his treatment as a “chemo and radiation cocktail adventure.” He also shared how he kept himself busy by cooking, cleaning, and completing household projects to avoid dwelling on his diagnosis. ​
Throughout the episode, Boris encouraged listeners to confront the fear and stigma surrounding cancer. ​“A diagnosis of cancer does not mean an automatic death sentence,” he said, urging people to ask questions, stay informed, and maintain hope. ​He also revealed that he is writing a book about his experience, humorously titled Pricked, Prodded, and Probed, to inspire others facing similar challenges. ​
The episode resonated with listeners, including Neil and Carol, who called in to share their own experiences with cancer. Both emphasised the importance of staying positive, keeping busy, and expressing gratitude. ​Boris’s story, coupled with the callers’ insights, served as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The Nutters Club airs live every Sunday at 11 p.m. on NewstalkZB, offering a platform for open conversations about mental health and personal resilience.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest episode of The Nutters Club, hosted by Hamish Williams and psychotherapist Kyle McDonald, focused on the challenges the festive season can pose to mental health. ​The show explored how the holidays, while often joyful, can also bring stress, financial strain, and relationship tensions. ​
The hosts emphasised the importance of planning ahead to manage the season’s unique pressures. ​ They discussed strategies for handling the abundance of food, alcohol, and social events, which can sometimes lead to overindulgence or trigger past addictions. ​Kyle suggested setting boundaries, such as deciding on a cut-off time for events or driving to ensure moderation. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining routines like exercise, sleep, and healthy eating to support mental well-being. ​
Listeners shared their personal experiences, with Marie expressing how Christmas can feel overwhelming due to financial struggles and family dynamics. She shared her sadness about missing her son, who is overseas, and the challenges of managing holiday expectations. ​ Hamish and Carl offered advice on focusing on meaningful gestures, such as writing heartfelt Christmas cards, rather than expensive gifts.
Another caller, Karen, shared her creative approach to gift-giving, emphasising homemade presents like baked goods and crafts. ​ She highlighted how gifts made with love and care can be more meaningful than costly items. ​
Neil, another listener, echoed this sentiment, sharing his tradition of writing personal notes to his family members, expressing admiration and love. ​
The show also touched on the complexities of family relationships during the holidays. ​ A listener named Matt shared his struggle with spending Christmas alone after a difficult situation involving his ex-wife and her new partner. Kyle advised setting boundaries and communicating needs clearly to navigate such challenges.
In a heartwarming moment, a listener named Kate from Christchurch offered to donate her late brother’s mobility scooter to Steve, a caller struggling with emphysema and financial difficulties. ​The hosts and audience rallied to find a way to transport the scooter from Christchurch to Auckland, showcasing the spirit of generosity and community that defines the holiday season.
The episode concluded with a reminder to prioritise mental health during the holidays, embrace meaningful connections, and focus on the joy of giving from the heart.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anton Blank, a writer, researcher, and former social worker, shared his deeply personal journey of navigating identity, addiction, and recovery, offering a powerful insight into the challenges of growing up feeling different and finding purpose through adversity.
Born in New Zealand to a Māori mother and a Swiss father, Blank’s childhood was shaped by a unique blend of cultures. ​Raised in a predominantly Māori community, he was acutely aware of his “otherness,” stemming from his father’s European heritage and his own early awareness of being gay. ​Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, Blank struggled with feelings of isolation and shame, as societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities was virtually nonexistent. ​His parents, both educators and creative thinkers, provided a nurturing yet unconventional upbringing, which further set him apart from his peers. ​
As a young adult, Blank found a sense of belonging in the gay community, but this came with exposure to substance use. ​Alcohol and drugs became a way to escape the shame and anxiety he had carried since childhood. ​While initially offering relief, his substance use escalated, eventually leading to addiction. ​By his late 30s, Blank’s life began to unravel, and the arrival of methamphetamine in Wellington marked a dangerous turning point. ​It wasn’t until he was arrested for drug possession in his mid-40s that he realized the severity of his addiction and decided to seek help.
Blank’s recovery journey was long and complex. ​He sought support through counseling and mental health services, where he learned to manage his depression and anxiety. ​Medication and simple strategies, such as planning his days and focusing on self-care, played a crucial role in his healing. ​Ultimately, he found lasting support in a 12-step program, which provided him with a framework for sobriety, spirituality, and personal growth.
Now in recovery, Blank has dedicated his life to social justice and advocacy. ​His work as a writer and researcher focuses on addressing systemic racism, implicit bias, and inequality, particularly within Māori communities. Drawing from his own experiences, he aims to inspire change and foster understanding through his creative and professional endeavors. ​
Blank’s story is one of resilience and transformation, highlighting the importance of self-love, acceptance, and finding purpose. ​His journey serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles, proving that recovery and personal growth are possible, even in the face of profound challenges.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Phillip, the General Manager of Essentially Men, experienced a personal journey of transformation, that coupled with the importance of mental health support for men has seen his work impact countless others. Speaking about his experience, Warren revealed how attending a retreat with his son over a decade ago became a turning point in his life, helping him confront his emotions and improve his relationships.
Warren described his life before the retreat as one focused on career success, where he worked long hours as a Chief Financial Officer, often at the expense of his family relationships.
Feeling disconnected from his wife and children, he realised he needed to make a change. ​ His first step was attending a week-long retreat organised by Essentially Men, a program designed to help men connect with their emotions and build meaningful relationships. Initially skeptical, Warren found the experience transformative, as it introduced him to the concept of sharing his feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
The retreat led Warren to participate in additional workshops and eventually join the organisation’s service team, where he supported other men on their journeys. ​Over time, he became deeply involved in the community, which fosters trust, active listening, and vulnerability among its members. ​This involvement helped him integrate the lessons learned into his daily life, leading to stronger relationships with his family and a deeper sense of self-awareness. ​
Warren’s story highlights the growing need for mental health support among men, particularly younger generations. ​He noted a shift in the age of participants attending Essentially Men workshops, with more men in their mid-30s seeking help compared to the mid-40s demographic seen in previous years. ​This change reflects a broader societal trend of increased awareness and reduced stigma surrounding mental health issues. ​
Essentially Men’s flagship program, “Men Being Real,” offers a weekend retreat followed by seven weeks of integration sessions. These sessions help participants apply the tools they’ve learned to their everyday lives. ​ Many men go on to form independent support groups, fostering long-term connections and providing a safe space to share their experiences. ​
Warren’s journey from a high-powered corporate career to leading Essentially Men underscores the importance of prioritising mental health and relationships. His story serves as a powerful reminder that seeking help and embracing vulnerability can lead to profound personal growth and stronger connections with loved ones. ​
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.