TOMU: The Open Mic: Unfiltered

What happens when a 22-year-old with ADHD quits medication, starts living out of his car, posts one raw emotional video online… and suddenly gains millions of views overnight? In this episode of TOMU: The Open Mic, Unfiltered, I sit down with content creator “Spoons” for one of the deepest conversations I’ve had on the podcast so far. We talk about ADHD, mental health, social media, going viral, a...

This episode dives deep into the reality of ADHD, addiction, and long-term sobriety —and how undiagnosed neurodivergence can shape an entire life. I sit down with David, who shares his raw and unfiltered journey from early struggles in school , to substance abuse , to becoming nearly 9 years sober . We explore what it’s really like living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and su...

In this episode of TOMU: The Open Mic, Unfiltered , I sit down with UK stand-up comedian Matt Richardson — known for The Xtra Factor , Celebrity Juice , and his award-winning comedy career. We get real about ADHD diagnosis, medication (Elvanse), and what it actually feels like day-to-day — not the highlight reel, the reality. Matt shares his journey from late ADHD diagnosis to how medication has c...

ADHD medication isn’t a magic fix… and no one really talks about what it actually feels like. In this episode of TOMU – The Open Mic Unfiltered , I break down my real, unfiltered journey with ADHD medication — from the brutal early days on stimulant meds (similar to Adderall) to finding balance with Elvanse, sobriety, and rebuilding my life from the ground up. This isn’t the polished version. This...

In this honest and reflective conversation, I sit down with Jimmy Thistle to unpack their personal journeys with alcohol, identity, and growth. From the recklessness of youth to the quiet realisations that come with self-awareness, we explore how drinking shaped their choices, relationships, and sense of purpose. The episode dives into the normalization of heavy drinking in social culture, the hid...

Please follow and rate the show. It really helps, more than you realise. Appreciate you... Why is wind so annoying? In this Hear Me Out episode by The Open Mic Unfiltered. (TOMU) , we’re tackling one of life’s most underrated daily frustrations: wind . Not rain. Not snow. Not extreme heat. Just aggressive, chaotic air ruining perfectly good days. From umbrellas flipping inside out , to hair being...

What is it really like living with ADHD? In this episode, I sit down with Bailey Strand (TikTok - Talking About ADHD) to have an honest conversation about ADHD diagnosis, managing daily life with ADHD, and how ADHD impacts creativity, focus, relationships, and personal growth. They break down the realities of ADHD in adulthood — from struggling with boredom and perfectionism to learning how self-a...

Imposter syndrome. Self-doubt. Sobriety. Feeling like you’re behind in life. In this episode, I open up about what happens when you stop escaping yourself and start rebuilding from rock bottom. I talk about the pressure to “catch up,” the fear of being an imposter in your own life, and how my definition of success completely changed after getting sober. For years, I thought success meant chaos, at...

What happens when you realize you’ve been living disconnected from yourself? In this honest and thought-provoking conversation, Naomi shares her journey from feeling lost in her teenage years to becoming a mentor focused on self-trust, mental health, and personal growth. We talk openly about eating disorders, substance use, depression, medication, unhealthy relationships, and the pressure of compe...

In this powerful episode, Marvin shares his raw and honest journey through 22 years of drug addiction, prison sentences, and the long road to recovery. From heroin and prescription dependency to completing replacement therapy , Marvin opens up about what finally caused a profound shift in his mindset—and why recovery truly begins with self-reflection and self-acceptance. We talk about the reality...

January has a way of stripping everything back. In this episode of TOMU – The Open Mic Unfiltered , I talk honestly about the January slump, low motivation, self-doubt, anxiety, and the uncomfortable questions that tend to show up when the noise dies down. From the crash after Christmas, to feeling lost, questioning your direction, doubting your work, and sitting with uncertainty instead of rushin...

In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Baker for an honest and grounding conversation about mental health, parenting, authenticity, and navigating self-worth in a social media-driven world. Amanda shares her journey from working as a mental health therapist to integrating yoga, creativity, and community into her approach to healing. We explore how ego, comparison, and societal expectations can impa...

In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on the year that completely changed my life. This episode is an honest conversation about  addiction recovery, sobriety, mental health, ADHD, therapy, survivors guilt, and finding purpose . I open up about seeking help for  alcohol and substance abuse , being diagnosed with  ADHD , navigating medication, and learning how to feel again without running from...

Christmas can be a difficult time — especially if you’re sober, trying to stay sober, or questioning your relationship with alcohol. In this episode, I talk honestly about heading into Christmas without drinking — the triggers, the pressure, the memories, and the temptation — but also the unexpected peace that comes with being present. I reflect on what sobriety has given me this year: clarity, gr...

In this episode Jason Dobbie shares his transformative journey from being a professional chef to becoming a sober life coach. He discusses the challenges of sobriety, including the struggles with relapse and navigating social situations without alcohol. Jason emphasizes the importance of inner work, intuition, and meditation in personal growth and recovery. He also highlights the power of gratitud...

Here it is part two of this two part episode with The Anxiety Expert Shane Murphy. We wrap all this up by diving into the complexities of mental health, discussing the balance between therapy and medication, the importance of emotional processing, and the societal stigma surrounding mental health treatment. We explore the current mental health crisis in Europe, the role of government in mental hea...

In this episode Shane Murphy and I dive into the complexities of anxiety, emotions, and men's mental health. Shane shares his personal journey from struggling with anxiety for over two decades to becoming an anxiety expert. The discussion emphasises the importance of living in the present, understanding the difference between feelings and emotions, and the impact of social media on mental heal...

Men are dying in silence — and the world barely talks about it. In this powerful and emotional episode of  TOMU – The Open Mic Unfiltered , we dive deep into the hidden mental health crisis affecting men everywhere. We break down the stigma, the expectations, the pressure to “man up,” and the dangerous mask so many men are forced to wear. We talk about why men struggle to open up, the signs we oft...

In this second part of my  52 Weeks Sober  story, I dive into the deep work, facing myself, rebuilding my life, and finding peace after years of chaos. From therapy breakthroughs to sober firsts, from loneliness to gratitude, this episode explores what the second half of a year without alcohol really feels like. I talk honestly about recovery, ADHD, mental health, and how sobriety changes everythi...

In this episode of TOMU, Cameron Kidd sits down with comedian Rodney to explore the beauty of life's imperfections. From Rodney's journey in the Marines to his rise in comedy, they discuss the importance of finding humor in everyday moments and embracing authenticity. Tune in to discover how Rodney's unique perspective on life can inspire you to live more freely and joyfully. 1. Rodney...

In this episode, I share the honest story behind 52 weeks sober — the chaos, the healing, and the truth of what it means to start over. From the first painful weeks of detox to rebuilding myself piece by piece, this is an unfiltered look at sobriety and self-discovery. I talk about addiction, ADHD, shame, mental health, and finding peace after years of running from myself. Whether you’re sober, st...

This episode’s a celebration — and a reminder that showing up really does change everything. In just over three months, TOMU: The Open Mic Unfiltered has hit 1,000 plays across Spotify. For me, this isn’t just a number — it’s proof that consistency, belief, and the courage to start can completely shift your life. I talk about how sobriety helped me find clarity, how doubt almost stopped me from ev...

In this solo episode of The Open Mic Unfiltered , I talk about the paradox of pain — how our deepest suffering can also be the place where we finally start to heal. I’ve been through it, I’m still going through it, and I want you to know you’re not alone in it either. We talk about surrender, vulnerability, letting go of who we were, and learning to become who we’re meant to be. There’s some hones...

Airports prove humanity peaked at flight… and crashed at the boarding gate. In this Hear Me Out episode, I rant about the madness of “boarding groups,” overhead storage Tetris, the Hunger Games of disembarking, and why security feels like a surprise exam we all fail. If we can put people in space, why can’t we figure out how to line up, sit down, or get through security without chaos? This is airp...

In this episode, we dive into a raw and unfiltered journey across South America, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. Weed, shrooms, DMT, alcohol, and adventure fuelled the highs. Depression, chaos, and suicide brought the lows. But from rock bottom came clarity, epiphanies, and the fight back to life. This is the unbelievable story of a polite boy turned feral traveller who went from sleeping in bushes i...