From Shortland Street to Bankruptcy: Karl Burnett on ADHD, Mental Health & Life After Fame

If you grew up in New Zealand in the ‘90s and early 2000s, chances are you know EXACTLY who Karl Burnett is….or at least his legendary Shortland Street character, Nick Harrison. For over a decade, Karl was one of the biggest stars on the biggest show on New Zealand TV.

This is part of the Karl Burnett story:

+ His whole Shortland Street experience- leaving school at 16 and becoming an overnight celebrity. And even having his first ever kiss on screen.

+ His short-lived experience on Celebrity Treasure Island.

+ His very public weight loss and gain journey

+ Going from the highs of earning a six-figure income on Shortland Street to the lows of bankruptcy.

+ His struggles with anxiety and ADHD and how a diagnosis changed his perspective on life.

And so much more.

Karl is a true open book. This is most definitely a warts n all conversation from a man who has enjoyed very high highs and endured extremely low lows as well and he willingly shares all of it.

Chapters:

00:00 Who is Karl Burnett? 11:53 Early Career and Acting Beginnings 18:01 Financial Lessons from Fame 30:07 Reflections on Shortland Street and Career Choices 36:55 Mental Health Challenges During COVID 41:50 Transitioning from Actor to Crew 50:50 Reality TV: A Mixed Bag 01:06:59 Commitment to Health and Well-being 01:15:03 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity 01:21:58 Future Aspirations and Career Goals