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The Social Wildlife

Health & Wellness Podcasts

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

Location:

New Zealand

Description:

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

Language:

English


Episodes
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Identity and Immigration

2/29/2024
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 Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:01:00:20

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A Journey Into Self-Love and Connection

2/22/2024
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 Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:01:36:12

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Leaving Bad Relationships

1/23/2024
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 Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:01:24:21

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Unpacking Emotional Baggage

12/6/2023
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 Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:01:38:56

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Beauty Standards and Social Media

9/19/2023
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 Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:01:45:19

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What It's Like to Be a Guy

7/18/2023
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/rafcajarofficial Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:02:26:19

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Getting the Most Out of the Gym

5/30/2023
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: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:02:53:04

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Steroid Use in New Zealand

4/17/2023
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 implications of this fast-growing industry. DISCLAIMER: I do not condone the use of illegal or prescription drugs and medicines to enhance performance or appearance in sports or recreationally. I will not provide or assist anyone in sourcing these products. Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:02:21:03

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The Dangers of Low Self-Esteem

3/24/2023
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

Duration:00:29:06

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Questions with Flynn

3/13/2023
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. Follow The Social Wildlife on Instagram: thesocialwildlife Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:00:39:18

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Taking Ownership in Life and Relationships

3/1/2023
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

Duration:00:20:12

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Overcoming Fear

2/23/2023
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 Follow Josh Townshend on Instagram: townshendjosh

Duration:00:22:22

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Toxic Relationships, when is Enough, Enough?

2/21/2023
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

Duration:00:26:50

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My Story

2/20/2023
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

Duration:01:15:48