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Musician and actor Matt Willis joins the hosts to discuss his career, his struggles with addiction, and his new Sunday Times bestselling memoir. He opens up about finding fame in Busted at eighteen, dealing with severe substance dependence, and learning how to live a stable life in recovery alongside his wife Emma. Throughout the conversation, the discussion shifts between lighthearted memories of the music industry and deep reflections on mental health, self-acceptance, and building a life that does not require escape.
Hosts introduce the episode and run through the Apple Sports, Lululemon, and Tesco Kitchen sponsorships.
Joe jokes about losing his beard, leading to a playful exchange with Jake about appearance and identity.
Joe explains the concept of the live pub‑style game segment, introducing contestants and the quirky pickled‑egg challenge.
Matt enters the studio, and the conversation shifts to his personal and professional life.
Matt opens up about his addiction, the pressures of fame, and the moments that pushed him toward recovery.
Matt recounts his childhood, school experiences, and the pivotal scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Matt reflects on his career, relationships, and the importance of staying grounded while looking ahead.
The hosts wrap up the episode, highlighting key lessons and encouraging listeners to pursue personal growth.
Matt details how Busted formed, the addition of Charlie, and the eventual split that reshaped the band’s trajectory.
Matt shares the tools and habits—therapy, gratitude journaling, and community support—that helped him maintain sobriety.
Matt explains how he finally decided to publish his memoir after initial hesitation and the support he received from a publisher.
Hosts introduce a playful Tesco Kitchen segment where Matt’s cooking style is explored through chef archetypes.
Changing Attitude Towards Songsinsight
The guest explains how he used to hate playing Thunderbirds Are Go with Busted, but eventually grew to love performing it live.
First Paycheck Experiencestory
The guest recalls receiving his first record deal advance and immediately handing it to an accountant because he was worried about spending it all on drugs.
Jonas Brothers Lyric Changesdata
The guest discusses how the Jonas Brothers changed the risqué lyrics when they covered Busted's songs for Disney.
Physical Dependence Shockstory
The guest realizes he could not stop drinking when trying to quit led to seizures, revealing his physical dependence.
Morning Gratitude Practicestrategy
The guest shares how writing down three things he is grateful for every morning helps keep his mental health afloat.
Shifting Motivations for Recoveryinsight
The guest explains that past attempts at rehab were to save his relationship, but lasting recovery only happened when he wanted to change for himself.
“I started this in my last trip to rehab, which was like, what, sixteen years ago or something?”
“I do certain things every day that stop it, I think.”
“I had a bit of a taste for drugs at the time as well. So I was, I was a bit worried, am I spend it all?”
“You know, like, mate, like, that's the worst thing you wanna be is bloke who fucking loves himself.”
“You know, but you have to, you know, and it's like, and it sounds really lame, but like you, like, I no longer hate myself.”
“And it's only when it all ended and to be honest, when I got clean, that I was like, what am I going to do with my life now?”
“I've done more of theatre than I have TV and film, but I love it all.”
GET TICKETS TO THE LIVE TOUR HERE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/joe-marler-will-see-you-live-tickets-adp1647830 Busted legend Matt Willis joins the surgery for an incredibly open conversation about addiction, self-belief and support networks. Matt talks about finding fame at 18, the fear behind Busted’s original break-up and how drink and drugs went from an escape to something he physically couldn’t function without. He also explains what 17 years of recovery has taught him, why gratitude remains part of his daily routine and the importance of building a life you no longer want to escape from. Plus, Joe discovers the origins of Year 3000, how Jonas Brothers paid his mortgage, and somehow ends up receiving more therapy than he gives. Featuring Joe Marler (@joemarler17) and Jake Bhardwaj (@jakebhardwajtv) Follow the show on Instagram: @willseeyounowshow Joe Marler Will See You Now is a Platform Media production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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