Take It From Us with Kent Johns
Take It From Us is the voice of lived experience. In this podcast, you'll hear real people share honest stories about mental health, addiction, trauma and recovery - straight from their own journeys.
They'll tell you what actually worked, what didn't, and what they wish they'd known sooner.
Host Kent Johns is a former broadcaster-turned-health-coach who believes everyone has a story to tell if people take the time to really listen.
So settle in, you're going to hear some stories. Take it from us - and from them.
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If you need support, click here for helpful links, phone numbers and resources:
https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/
Take It From Us with Kent Johns
Latest Episodes
Dave Burnside: 'The man at my prison cell door who changed my life'
Dave Burnside started drinking at eight. He was drawn into the gang scene and drugs in Auckland. Multiple prison sentences followed - he was angry, railing against the system.Then one day in Spring Hill Prison, a man from his past appear...
Shelwin Khan: 'I wanted to join the 27 Club. Instead I got sober'
In 2026, Auckland man Shelwin Khan is thriving as a peer support worker and lived experience advisor. But it wasn't always like this.Shelwin started drinking at 13. By his mid-20s he was, by his own admission, 'unemployable', had three s...
Lotta Dann: 'The world loved my skinny body - then the binging started'
Lotta Dann is a well-known author and advocate in the addiction recovery space. This year marks 15 years since her last drink.Six years ago, Lotta had a second awakening - this time about diet culture. She'd found a guru with strict rule...
Dean Clarkson: Creating safe spaces for men who've suffered family violence
Dean Clarkson established Wana Charitable Trust in 2024 to help men and their families who've suffered family violence. Based in Takanini, South Auckland, Dean provides safe housing, group therapy, and o...
Freddie Bennett: 'I had the Porsche, the Rolex.. and was falling apart inside'
Freddie Bennett co-founded Bay Paediatrics in Tauranga, and in his words, is leading the neurodiversity revolution.Less than 10 years ago, Freddie had the Porsche, the Rolex, the corporate life in the UK. From the outside, it looked like...
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