The Social Wildlife
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.com The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
Episodes
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 socia...
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...
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 care...
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-...
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 treatm...
In this episode, Kevin Ngawhare shares his gripping tale of resilience and transformation. From growing up in a violent neighborhood in Napier, New Zealand, to surviving the intense emotional and physical trials of gang life and prison, Kev's story offers a raw and unflinching look at his turbulent upbringing and inspiring journey of change. These moments ultimately pushed him towards spiritual awakening and personal growth, d...
In this episode, I bring my friend Jenna on the show as a guest. Jenna, 21, has faced emotional challenges due to immigrating from South Africa during her teenage years. We discuss her past, interactions with family and friends, and the self-imposed expectations she faced while integrating into a new culture and society during a crucial stage of her life.
Find Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennawaydepoilly
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In this episode, I bring Bec Connaughton on the show to talk about self-love and the importance and understanding of the connection we have with ourselves. Bec is a life coach working out of Christchurch, NZ and is about to relocate to Ireland with her husband.
Find Bec on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becconnaughton
Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife
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Leaving Bad Relationships | The Social Wildlife Podcast
In this episode, I bring my good friend David Melse on the show to talk about the importance of identifying and leaving bad relationships. David is a business coach in Christchurch, NZ, and he and I have experienced a range of relationship types, each with their highs, lows and lessons.
Find David online: www.davidmelse.com
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Unpacking Emotional Baggage | The Social Wildlife Podcast
In this episode, I bring two of my close friends, Raf Cajar and Nerissa White, to talk about the definition, long-term effects and actionable tips to process and effectively deal with emotional baggage in the context of new relationships.
Find Raf on Instagram: rafcajarofficial
Find Niss on Instagram: liftwithniss
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In this episode, I speak with the absolute life of the party, Erin "The Stallion" Galt, about the pressure on us all, living in a world of social media, dating apps and facetune. We go deep into some of her experiences and the backlash she's faced when sticking up for victims of rogue business owners in unregulated industries.
Find Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erintheeestallion
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In this episode, I bring my long term friend of many years, Rafael Cajar, on the show to discuss some of the common situations we all face as men in relationships, and social situations. Raf is a personal trainer with many years of experience coaching clients of all levels to reach their full potential in Christchurch, New Zealand, and has spent time coaching in Canada.
Find Raf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafc...
In this episode, I bring my good friend of many years, Tom Lowe, on the show to discuss some of the common and rarely discussed topics around contemporary gym use. Tom is a personal trainer with many years of experience coaching clients of all levels to reach their full potential in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Find Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomlowept
Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwi...
Steroid use is quickly becoming more common in society, sports and various athletic disciplines in New Zealand and many developed countries worldwide. In this episode, I invite a long-time friend on the show to discuss the sale, use, benefits, long and short-term risks of steroid abuse.
If you are considering using them or know someone that is, please research the compounds thoroughly and understand the health and legal i...
In this episode, I discuss the dangers, causes, symptoms and potential solutions for low self-esteem. I talk more about my experiences, how I believe low self-esteem related to them, and the severe effects they had on my life and the lives of people I cared about.
Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife
Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
In this lighter episode, I bring my eleven-year-old son Flynn on the show to talk about some of the funny and more challenging things he has experienced so far at his age. I encourage him to be vulnerable and speak openly about these topics if he feels comfortable, giving me insight into how life is for him and how he sees his future in this fast-paced and forever-changing world.
Names have been removed for privacy.
Fo...
In this episode, I talk about taking ownership and its importance in maintaining healthy relationships with partners, family, friends and ourselves. I introduce more of my backstory and the events that brought me to these conclusions, focusing on change and finally taking accountability for my actions.
Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife
Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
In this episode, I talk about fear. Confronting it and overcoming the negative emotions associated with the sources of fear and anxiety in everyday life. I give examples of times I've had to process and deal with stressful situations, and strategies to cope and begin living life, reprogramming yourself to push forward with nothing holding you back.
Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife
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In this episode, I talk about identifying and dealing with the effects and impact of toxic behaviour in friendships and relationships. I also provide advice on putting strategies in place to change the behaviour in yourself and others, based on my perspective and experience.
Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife
Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
In this episode, I introduce myself, my backstory and some of the decisions I made that led me to volatile relationships, prison and a drastic change of mindset, which has put me on a much more positive path.
Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife
Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh
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