The Nutters Club

Auckland man Shelwin Khan was just 14 when addiction first took hold. By 15, he had overdosed, blacked out and woken in a police cell before being admitted to a youth psychiatric ward. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a teenager, he faced years of instability, cycling between substance use, hospital admissions and attempts at recovery.
This week on The Nutters Club on NewstalkZB, Khan shared the long road from chaos to seven years of sobriety and a life he once believed was impossible.
Born and raised in South Auckland to Fijian-Indian parents, Khan describes a turbulent adolescence marked by bullying, academic struggles and early substance use. Despite being told by a teacher he might be “slow,” he went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and English. But behind the achievement, his drinking escalated.
“I was drinking five days a week and recovering the other two,” he said. “On the surface I looked successful. Underneath, I was falling apart.”
By his mid-20s, Khan was unemployable and had attempted rehabilitation three times. Each time he relapsed. After years of heavy drinking and drug use, and with only 16 days of sobriety across a two-year period, he reached a breaking point at 27.
Instead of ending his life, he walked into a 12-step meeting.
There he met a man who had been sober for 28 years. “He had more sobriety than I’d been alive,” Khan said. “He seemed peaceful. I wanted that.”
Khan immersed himself in recovery, attending support groups and completing a Wellness Recovery Action Plan. He later trained as a peer support worker, drawing on his lived experience to help others navigating addiction and mental illness.
Today, nearly seven years sober, he works across mental health services in multiple roles, including as a lived experience advisor.
Sobriety opened doors he never imagined. He has travelled to 14 countries, including Japan, Italy and Switzerland, a stark contrast to the years when he struggled to leave his bedroom.
Recovery has not meant the end of challenges. Khan continues to manage bipolar symptoms, including episodes of paranoia and psychosis, using self-awareness, support networks and practical coping strategies. Recently, he faced another test: a cancer diagnosis. A 10-centimetre tumour was surgically removed in January, and he is undergoing further treatment.
Yet his outlook remains grounded. “If this had been the end,” he reflected, “the last seven years have been so full and meaningful that it would have been okay.”
For Khan, sobriety is more than abstinence. “It’s about how I show up to life,” he said. “It’s about finding a new default.”
His message is simple but powerful: recovery is possible and life, even with its curveballs, is worth it.
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This weeks episode revisited a remarkable act of generosity from December 2025, when a caller named Steve shared his struggles with health issues and mobility challenges. ​Steve, who lives alone and relies on a motor vehicle due to breathing problems and a tumour, revealed his car was in need of costly repairs. During the live broadcast, a listener named Katie from Christchurch offered to donate a mobility scooter that had belonged to her late brother, Steven.
The story inspired further generosity from Sukhminder Walia and Eric Pilling from shipping company Rhenus Logistics, donating their services to get the scooter from Katie in Christchurch, to Steve in Auckland. The resulting outcome has been transformational to Steve's life by enabling him to regain independence and mobility.
Katie, who joined the show, shared her philosophy of giving, which stems from her upbringing in a family that valued generosity. She explained how she regularly donates items, such as phones, tablets, and even cars, to those in need. ​For Katie, the joy of seeing others benefit from her kindness is deeply fulfilling. ​She emphasised the importance of giving without expecting anything in return and encouraged others to look for opportunities to help within their communities. ​
Listeners also shared their own stories of giving and receiving. ​Diane, an 84-year-old caller, recounted a touching moment when a young man paid for her groceries, leaving her overwhelmed with gratitude. ​Another caller, Brenda, shared how volunteering at an op shop helped her recover from a 15-year battle with schizophrenia, giving her a sense of purpose and connection. Kirsty, who started a Facebook page to match sponsors with families in need of school supplies, highlighted the importance of protecting dignity while giving.
The episode underscored the mental health benefits of generosity, with Psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald explaining that altruism fosters thriving communities and a sense of connection. While acts of kindness often go unnoticed, the show celebrated the ripple effect of giving and encouraged listeners to find ways to contribute to their communities. ​
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The latest episode of The Nutters Club, hosted by Hamish Williams and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald, delved into the complexities of family relationships and their impact on mental health. The show, featured heartfelt stories and practical advice on navigating family dynamics, estrangement, and emotional challenges. ​
The discussion began with an exploration of why family relationships can be more challenging than other connections. ​MacDonald explained that early attachment relationships significantly shape how individuals approach relationships later in life. ​He emphasised that family dynamics often carry intense emotions and history, making conflicts harder to resolve. ​He also highlighted the importance of setting boundaries to maintain healthy relationships, even if they are not always harmonious. ​
Listeners shared their personal experiences, shedding light on the diverse challenges families face. ​One caller, Craig, shared his positive upbringing, emphasising the importance of communication and mutual respect in fostering healthy family bonds. In contrast, Louise recounted her struggles with an overbearing and critical mother, which led to estrangement from her sister. ​She found solace in writing an unsent letter to her sister, a therapeutic exercise that helped her process her emotions and find peace.
Terry, another caller, shared his painful experience of being estranged from his siblings due to homophobia within his family. MacDonald advised Terry to seek support from counselling services, such as 1737 or Outline NZ, to navigate the emotional toll of isolation and strained family ties.
The show also addressed broader questions, such as managing family dynamics during significant events like weddings and funerals. ​MacDonald suggested setting clear boundaries and expectations for behaviour, emphasising the importance of self-protection and avoiding toxic situations. ​
Listeners were encouraged to seek professional help when dealing with unresolved family conflicts or emotional distress. ​Services like 1737, a free mental health helpline, were highlighted as valuable resources for those needing immediate support. ​
The episode concluded with a powerful story from Susie, who shared how she and her mother repaired their relationship through therapy and mutual effort. Her experience underscored the potential for healing and resolution, even in the most challenging family situations. ​
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Guest Mike Lee shared his inspiring journey of overcoming severe physical and mental health challenges. ​
Mike, a former firefighter, lifeguard, and ambulance officer, recounted his experiences with a rare autoimmune condition, IgG4-related disease, which affects only 1.8 people per million. ​ His health struggles began in 2017 when he woke up with severe pain that led to a series of hospital visits. His condition caused his internal organs to attack his body, resulting in intense pain and confusion. ​ Despite the rarity of his diagnosis, Mike was fortunate to encounter a doctor who recognised the symptoms and initiated the necessary tests. ​
As Mike navigated his diagnosis, he emphasised the importance of being an advocate for oneself in medical situations. ​He shared how he pushed for additional tests, which ultimately led to the discovery of two brain aneurysms. While unrelated to his autoimmune condition, the aneurysms posed a significant threat to his life. ​Despite the gravity of the situation, Mike and his wife responded with humour and resilience, which helped them cope with the emotional toll.
Mike underwent annual scans to monitor the aneurysms, and in 2024, one of them showed signs of potential rupture. ​Fortunately, advancements in medical technology allowed for minimally invasive surgery, sparing him from open brain surgery. Reflecting on his journey, Mike expressed gratitude for his autoimmune condition, as it inadvertently led to the discovery of the aneurysms before they became life-threatening. ​
Throughout the episode, psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald provided insights into how individuals process life-altering diagnoses, likening the experience to grief. ​He emphasised the importance of building strong relationships with medical professionals and seeking support from family, friends, or advocacy services to navigate the complexities of medical care.
Mike also shared how he became a medical advocate for others, including his father and a fellow hospital patient, by helping them understand medical jargon and empowering them to ask questions. ​ He highlighted the significance of communication, emotional openness, and leaning on support networks during challenging times. ​
The episode concluded with a reminder to cherish life’s small moments and to seek help when needed.
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In this weeks episode, Psychotherapist Kyle McDonald emphasised the critical role of perspective in maintaining mental health. ​ He explained that perspective helps individuals focus on what they can control, rather than being overwhelmed by external stressors or events beyond their influence. McDonald highlighted the importance of mindfulness and being intentional about the information we consume, especially in a world saturated with negative news. ​
Listeners shared their experiences and coping strategies, including taking breaks from social media, engaging in hobbies like fishing, and finding solace in nature. Caller Rob described how fishing allows him to disconnect from daily stressors and focus entirely on the present moment, which helps him sleep better and feel more at peace. Another listener, Yvonne, shared her journey of living with bipolar disorder and the importance of journaling and finding supportive relationships to navigate her mental health challenges.
The show also addressed the impact of global and personal tragedies on mental health. McDonald advised listeners to limit their exposure to distressing news and focus on actionable steps within their control. He likened this approach to the airplane safety rule of securing one’s own oxygen mask before assisting others, emphasising the need for self-care to effectively support others. ​
Listeners also shared stories of resilience and hope. Phil from Christchurch recounted his journey from homelessness and despair to finding a stable job, housing, and a supportive relationship. His message to others was to keep moving forward and maintain faith that circumstances can improve. ​
The episode concluded with a reminder that seeking professional help, such as therapy, is a valuable step for addressing unresolved trauma or persistent mental health struggles. ​McDonald recommended therapies like Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for those dealing with stuck memories from childhood trauma.
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