Faith, nature and community took centre stage on The Nutters Club this week, as host Hamish Williams and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald explored how a sense of something larger than oneself can support mental health.

The Newstalk ZB programme invited listeners to consider the role of religion, spirituality, purpose and connection in their lives. MacDonald said experiences of awe, whether found through faith, a dramatic landscape or time outdoors can shift people away from isolation and persistent self-focus.

“That sense of connection to something much larger than us” can create meaning and reduce stress, he said. While religious belief can offer that experience for many, he noted that nature, creative pursuits, relationships and helping others can provide similar benefits.

Callers described a wide range of personal sources of comfort. One listener said fishing had become his “little religion”, giving him time away from work pressures and an opportunity to talk openly with friends. He said taking a mate fishing had helped the friend emerge from a period of depression, even when neither of them caught anything.

MacDonald said the activity combined several recognised wellbeing supports: fresh air, physical activity, a point of focus and connection with another person. He added that conversations can sometimes come more easily when people are side by side doing something, rather than facing each other in a formal setting.

Faith communities were also described as vital sources of acceptance. A text from a listener who had previously been through alcohol rehabilitation said they had been ready to end their life before walking into a church, where they found prayer, friendship and welcome. Williams said the account showed faith could be “literally life-saving”, while MacDonald emphasised the importance of a healthy community.

The discussion did not ignore difficult experiences. Another listener described the anxiety and exhaustion caused by growing up under pressure as a preacher’s child, while others warned that religious organisations could sometimes exploit vulnerable people. The hosts urged listeners to trust their instincts when assessing any community and stressed that beliefs should not be imposed on others.

Several callers spoke of Christianity as a source of peace, moral guidance and resilience. Others found purpose through family, music, laughter, independence and simply appreciating the outdoors. One listener who is blind described life as challenging rather than diminished, encouraging people to “just love” and help one another.

Williams concluded that there was no single correct answer. Whether through God, nature, ritual or relationships, the episode’s central message was that people need meaning, hope and a reason to keep making the most of life.

Faith, nature and community took centre stage on The Nutters Club this week, as host Hamish Williams and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald explored how a sense of something larger than oneself can support mental health.
The Newstalk ZB programme invited listeners to consider the role of religion, spirituality, purpose and connection in their lives. MacDonald said experiences of awe, whether found through faith, a dramatic landscape or time outdoors can shift people away from isolation and persistent self-focus.
“That sense of connection to something much larger than us” can create meaning and reduce stress, he said. While religious belief can offer that experience for many, he noted that nature, creative pursuits, relationships and helping others can provide similar benefits.
Callers described a wide range of personal sources of comfort. One listener said fishing had become his “little religion”, giving him time away from work pressures and an opportunity to talk openly with friends. He said taking a mate fishing had helped the friend emerge from a period of depression, even when neither of them caught anything.
MacDonald said the activity combined several recognised wellbeing supports: fresh air, physical activity, a point of focus and connection with another person. He added that conversations can sometimes come more easily when people are side by side doing something, rather than facing each other in a formal setting.
Faith communities were also described as vital sources of acceptance. A text from a listener who had previously been through alcohol rehabilitation said they had been ready to end their life before walking into a church, where they found prayer, friendship and welcome. Williams said the account showed faith could be “literally life-saving”, while MacDonald emphasised the importance of a healthy community.
The discussion did not ignore difficult experiences. Another listener described the anxiety and exhaustion caused by growing up under pressure as a preacher’s child, while others warned that religious organisations could sometimes exploit vulnerable people. The hosts urged listeners to trust their instincts when assessing any community and stressed that beliefs should not be imposed on others.
Several callers spoke of Christianity as a source of peace, moral guidance and resilience. Others found purpose through family, music, laughter, independence and simply appreciating the outdoors. One listener who is blind described life as challenging rather than diminished, encouraging people to “just love” and help one another.
Williams concluded that there was no single correct answer. Whether through God, nature, ritual or relationships, the episode’s central message was that people need meaning, hope and a reason to keep making the most of life.

The Nutters Club deals with all the tough stuff that many in society would prefer to keep in the closet. Hosted by Hamish Williams and Kyle MacDonald, the team cover mental health issues, drug/alcohol addictions and the socially taboo every Sunday night from 11pm on Newstalk ZB.

The Nutters Club deals with all the tough stuff that many in society would prefer to keep in the closet. Hosted by Hamish Williams and Kyle MacDonald, the team cover mental health issues, drug/alcohol addictions and the socially taboo every Sunday night from 11pm on Newstalk ZB.

The Nutters Club deals with all the tough stuff that many in society would prefer to keep in the closet.

The Nutters Club

Finding Meaning: Faith, Nature and Mental Health

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a78df66f-f18a-47ce-8ccf-b4b6004fb9d2/transcript