Have you ever felt out of control, like life was unmanageable, overwhelming, confusing or on the wrong path? After leaving study during a degree in psychology a...
On this episode, I sit down with Mike Brown, an inspiring advocate for resilience, positivity, and personal growth. Mike is the host of the Stand Up Again podcast, where he shares powerful insights on overcoming adversity, healing from trauma, and rebuilding confidence after life’s toughest challenges. We discuss his unique journey, from navigating toxic relationships and single parenthood to creating an uplifting presence on social media that inspires men to embrace empowerment and positivity. Originally from Christchurch, Mike has lived across the world, including South America, where he ran a bike school for kids. Through his experiences, he’s developed a deep understanding of mindset shifts, personal development, and mental toughness, all of which he shares in this conversation.Our discussion delves into the pivotal moments that shaped Mike’s perspective, including his time living in vastly different cultures, working in high-energy hospitality spaces, and ultimately returning to New Zealand with a renewed sense of purpose. He reflects on the importance of self-awareness, stepping into one’s power, and breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies that can lead to emotional disconnection. Mike’s story is a testament to the power of personal transformation, and he offers valuable insights on standing tall in the face of adversity. Whether you’re navigating challenges in relationships, struggling with self-worth, or looking to cultivate resilience, this conversation provides both inspiration and practical advice to help you stand up again.Follow Mike Brown on Instagram: mike_brown_stand_upFollow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
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2:00:10
ADHD: Two Journeys from Childhood to Adulthood
In this episode, I sit down with Hamish Mertens, a Christchurch-based personal trainer, to explore the polarising experiences of being diagnosed and medicated for ADHD at vastly different stages of life. While I received my diagnosis and began medication at 37, Hamish faced his diagnosis and treatment as a child, ultimately choosing to live without medication as an adult.We delve into how these contrasting journeys shaped our identities, coping mechanisms, and understanding of ADHD. Hamish opens up about the challenges of navigating stigma, medication, and social dynamics as a child, reflecting on how these experiences impacted his confidence, relationships, and sense of self. Meanwhile, I share my perspective on discovering ADHD as an adult, unpacking the shift in self-awareness and the role of medication in my daily life.Together, we examine the strengths and challenges ADHD brings, from hyperfocus and lateral thinking to social and emotional hurdles. This conversation bridges the gap between the medical and cultural narratives around ADHD, offering insights into how the condition can be managed and reframed as a source of resilience and growth.Whether you’ve been navigating ADHD for years, are newly diagnosed, or are a parent of a child with ADHD, this episode provides valuable perspectives and practical takeaways. It highlights the importance of understanding and supporting ADHD in all its forms, at every stage of life, and creating environments where the unique strengths of ADHD can flourish.Find Hamish on Instagram: personaltrainerchristchurchFollow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
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1:29:15
Youth and Finding Independence
In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Calas, head of mountain biking at Christchurch Adventure Park, to explore resilience, independence, and the powerful role of community in outdoor sports. With over two decades in the cycling industry, Morgan shares his journey from being bullied as a child to finding empowerment and self-confidence through mountain biking. What began as a love for mechanics grew into a lifelong career and passion for teaching. Now, as an instructor, Morgan is dedicated to mentoring young riders, helping them build resilience through the physical and mental challenges that come with the sport. We discuss how experiences on the trails teach essential life skills like decision-making and self-reliance, and how Morgan's own background helps him empathize with youth facing social and personal hurdles. Together, we reflect on the value of creating a supportive environment where kids can confront obstacles, make mistakes, and grow. For both of us, it’s clear that these outdoor experiences build confidence, compassion, and a sense of community that will carry them far beyond the trails. Find Morgan on Instagram: morgsmtbFollow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
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1:45:45
Re-naming Hunter: The Story of King Cass
On this episode, I sit down with Hunter Wilson, also known by his stage name, King Cass. I’ve known Hunter since high school, and while our interactions over the years have been limited, his story has always stood out to me. Hunter is one of the most resilient people I know. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of six, he faced significant bullying and trauma, and later in his twenties, fell into addiction, which led to a period of meth-induced psychosis. Despite all of this, Hunter has turned his life around and is now a motivational speaker, hip hop artist, and youth worker.In this episode, we dive into his incredible journey—from battling his inner demons to finding clarity and rebuilding his life. We talk about how music became his outlet for healing and a platform for advocacy. Hunter shares how he uses his story to inspire others, especially young people struggling with mental health, bullying, and addiction. His mission is to bring unity, raise awareness, and inspire change in the community. It’s a powerful conversation that really showcases the strength and determination it takes to turn a life around.Follow Hunter on Instagram: kingcassnzFollow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
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1:38:57
ADHD, Trauma and The System
In this episode, I bring Danyon from The Answers Within on the show. Danyon has navigated an incredibly challenging path. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 12 after being misunderstood and labeled as the "naughty kid," Danyon's journey through life has been anything but easy. From enduring severe family violence and bouncing around foster homes, children's camps, and boarding schools, to spending years in treatment centers and even facing time in prison, Danyon has experienced the harsh realities of the system firsthand. Despite these adversities, he has emerged resilient and determined. In this episode, we delve into his story of navigating ADHD and trauma within the system, exploring the profound lessons he has learned along the way. Join us as we discuss resilience, recovery, and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.Find Danyon here: https://www.instagram.com/the.answerswithinFollow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
Have you ever felt out of control, like life was unmanageable, overwhelming, confusing or on the wrong path? After leaving study during a degree in psychology and giving up my career opportunities in the NZ Army and fitness industry, in 2017, I was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for the most significant sports steroid case in New Zealand history. This was a profound and formative experience enabling me to look back on my life, bringing awareness to some of the negative habits and dangerous decisions I was making. You would think this would be the end, but after being released in 2018 after serving one year, although my perspective had changed dramatically, I would continue to repeat old self-serving cycles of risk-taking behaviour. Recent events, coupled with volatile relationships and negative social circles over the previous ten years, would finally bring me to the point of acceptance that I was the problem and that something drastic needed to change. In this podcast, I will share my history and experiences openly, covering topics such as taking ownership, criminal behaviour, the prison experience, hostile environments, coping with stress and adversity, toxic relationships and social interactions, emotional triggers and vulnerability, drug use and addiction, anxiety and depression, building self-confidence, health, fitness and wellbeing, and recognising anti-social or harmful behaviour in yourself and others. My goal is to provide perspective, motivate and encourage positive change while enabling support for anyone struggling with these aspects of life. Although the road to change is never easy, we are all far more capable than we give ourselves credit. Sharing these experiences, perspectives and intimate details of my life will take me out of my comfort zone, and if I can make a positive change, so can you. Website: www.thesocialwildlife.comThe Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlifeFollow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
New Zealand