“Before hitting rock bottom, I hit the top of the mountain.” <br>

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This week, I can’t fully fathom the episode I get to share with the watchers and listeners of the Rock Your Bottom Podcast. <br>

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Paul Whatuira played his first game for the Warriors at just 17 years old, and the journey he has been on since has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. In this episode, Paul joins me on the couch to talk about his rise through the NRL, the pressures that came with it, and the battles he faced with his mental health, medication, and drinking. We dive into how his career in the NRL came to an end while he was overseas in England, simply because he was no longer functioning under the weight of the medication he was prescribed. <br>

And now? Paul is running his own business, He Mana a Roto – Internal Strength. WOW. <br>

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Paul has walked through some of life’s greatest challenges. From the pressure and expectations of being a young star on the field to the isolation and loneliness he lived with for years, his journey has taken him somewhere he never imagined he could go. <br>

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Today, Paul runs He Mana a Roto (Internal Strength), a 12-step programme to wellness built from everything he has learned along his healing journey. He works with rangatahi, parents, and individuals facing their own battles, offering tools, strategies and education to support mental health and well-being. His programme is for anyone, rooted in lived experience, insight and of course, internal strength. It is grounded in helping people become the best version of themselves. <br>

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This episode holds so much growth. It offers a real insight into what happens behind the scenes and off the field, the struggles people don’t see, the support that is needed, and the truth that no one is immune to hardship. Paul speaks openly about what has helped him maintain his mental health and overall well-being, and the practices that continue to keep him grounded.<br>

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Paul, thank you for your willingness, openness and vulnerability in this episode. Your story is a powerful reminder that wellness has no limits and that anyone can rewrite the ending to their story.<br>

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This episode brings Season One of the Rock Your Bottom Podcast to a close. Thank you to every single person who has watched, listened and supported the mahi behind the scenes. This has been a year of learning, growing, listening and sharing, and I truly cannot thank you all enough. I couldn’t think of a more meaningful episode to close the season with. <br>

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Season 2 will be coming soon… keep a close eye out in 2026! See you guys then. <br>

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Paul's website <br>

https://www.internalstrength.nz/ <br>

Paul's documentary i talk about in the episode <br> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4mFk29HP_U&t=1052s <br>

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Support the Rock Your Bottom podcast by subscribing, liking, and sharing it far and wide. You never know who might need to hear one of these conversations.❤️ – Leave me a comment on what you enjoyed most about the episode! <br>

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