
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
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
20 episodes
Standing Up Again with Mike Brown
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, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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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 indus...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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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 th...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:34:58

Finding Freedom in Prison
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:53:13

Identity and Immigration
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-im...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:00:20

A Journey Into Self-Love and Connection
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:36:12

Leaving Bad Relationships
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...
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Episode 12
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1:24:21

Unpacking Emotional Baggage
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 eff...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:38:56

Beauty Standards and Social Media
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 fa...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:45:19

What It's Like to Be a Guy
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 c...
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Episode 9
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2:26:19

Getting the Most Out of the Gym
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 ...
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Episode 8
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2:53:04

Steroid Use in New Zealand
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, ...
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Episode 7
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2:21:03

The Dangers of Low Self-Esteem
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 p...
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Episode 6
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29:06

Questions with Flynn
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 ...
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Episode 5
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39:18

Taking Ownership in Life and Relationships
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 ...
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Episode 4
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20:12

Overcoming Fear
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 strat...
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Episode 3
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22:22

Toxic Relationships, when is Enough, Enough?
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...
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Episode 2
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26:50
