From Darkness to Discipline - with Ethan Collins

In this episode of Beyond the Hustle, I sit down with Ethan Collins - chef, fitness enthusiast, and one of our most valued kaimahi at Hustle Group. Ethan and I go way back to our primary school days at Te Whānau Tahi, and it's been incredible to watch his journey unfold over the years.

We dive deep into Ethan's story - from losing his mum at 21 and the dark years that followed, to finding his way through addiction, grief, and the challenge of rebuilding his life from the ground up. Ethan opens up about the years he spent running - literally traveling all over Aotearoa trying to escape his pain - and the moment of honesty that changed everything.

This kōrero isn't just about struggle though. It's about the power of discipline, the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, and how fitness became Ethan's pathway back to himself. We talk about mental health, the reality of addiction, and what it takes to break generational cycles. Ethan shares his passion for calisthenics, his approach to building mental resilience, and the simple daily practices that keep him on track.

If you've ever faced loss, struggled with your mental health, or wondered what it takes to turn your life around, this episode is for you. Ethan's story is proof that no matter how dark things get, with the right support and daily commitment to being better, transformation is possible.

Ngā kaupapa:

Dealing with grief and loss at a young age
Breaking free from addiction and toxic cycles
The power of honesty in transformation
Using fitness as medicine for mental health
Building discipline through simple daily practices
The importance of surrounding yourself with good people
Calisthenics and functional fitness
Mental resilience and the 1% better philosophy

Ethan's journey reminds us that growth isn't linear, that healing takes time, and that sometimes the strongest people are those who've faced the darkest moments and chosen to keep fighting for something better.

Connect with Ethan:
Instagram:   / e.p.collins  
Or come grab a Blue Cod burger at Fush and have a chat!

Learn more about our kaupapa here: https://www.hustlegroup.co.nz/