This week on Och, Brothers! Where Art Thou?, we sit down with John Arthur. A community activist, recovery coach, yoga teacher and long time friend of Rosco’s, John has spent decades working with people on the edges and quietly helping build better ways forward.

John talks about growing up in a tough part of Edinburgh, living in fear, learning to fight, and how early trauma can shape the nervous system, relationships and identity. We hear about addiction, relapse, and the moment things finally shifted for good, when he stopped trying to do it alone and became willing to accept help.

The conversation moves through recovery and responsibility, ACEs and attachment, men and vulnerability, and why practices like yoga, singing in choirs and strong male friendships became central to John’s life. We also hear how organised communities can genuinely change outcomes, from campaigning for services to creating spaces that help people stay well.

This is a thoughtful, funny and deeply honest conversation about masculinity, healing, and what it means to live with purpose after chaos.

We cover: addiction and recovery, childhood trauma, asking for help, men’s mental health, community action, nervous system regulation, friendship and finding joy later in life.