The Real Reason I was Single for 7 Years - Behind The Pod

For seven years of my life, from age 33-40, I was single.

It was mostly by choice, but not for the reasons you might think.

I was depressed, I was a textbook binge drinker, I was heavily overweight, and I didn’t feel worthy of someone’s love.

You wouldn’t have known it. To the outside world, I glowed. If you saw me socially, I would’ve turned it on. But inside, my world was a mess.

At my lowest point – I struggled to see a path out. My weight fluctuated over those seven years but peaked at over 150kgs.

But the point of this post is to show you there is a way.

It started with great friends and a supportive family. Some of the laughs and the meaningful conversations evolved into the podcast. Then I stopped drinking. After some time I found the confidence to enter a relationship, then the exercise increased – and now I’m dialing in on my diet.

In the last eight weeks I have lost nearly 20kgs and recently walked 80kms on the Queen Charlotte Track.

But this is not a celebration post – I still have a long way to go to hit my goals – but along this road I’ve realized the power and strength in sharing stories – to help others.

I know there are a lot like me out there.

This week on the podcast we talked to Mark Stafford who was one of my favourite guests. In the last 20 minutes we got really raw, and Staffy said he’s been in the place that I was. So many are – and for many, you wouldn’t know it.

But he also has great mates and a supportive family – and he’s on the mend. And that’s my message. Be there for those around you who are struggling. Ask how they are, and really give a shit.

I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve been in a long time – but it all started with some mates who cared and a wonderful family

We've got another great guest to release on Monday.... here's a tease - see if you can work out who it is.

He was the lead singer of a rock band, he served in the army, worked at a brewery, studied law, became a kids presenter for TVNZ, then a TV star, before setting up his own production company.

Today, he’s one of New Zealand’s top business leaders. His team at ARL have revolutionised how we watch sport, he’s earned a knighthood for his services to broadcasting and business and he’s become an outspoken columnist!