The Brink Podcast
Ex-All Black Matthew Ridge and his quirky sidekick David Ring team up from the sunny South of France to push boundaries and tackle the tough stuff. Expect unfiltered opinions, humor, and chaos as they dissect norms, challenge stereotypes, and ask the awkward questions. Buckle up for a cheeky antidote to cancel culture and a wild ride through the madness of the modern world. Join the odd couple nobody knew they needed—it's a car crash you won't want to miss.
Episodes
#51 - Football Star Christian Lell: The Ego, the Pitch and the Path to Inner Peace
In this raw and revealing conversation, Ringo and Ridgey pull back the curtain on Christian Lell’s life—a journey from the green turf of Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC to the depths of spiritual awakening. Christian, a decorated right-back who played over 65 Bundesliga games for Bayern, helped secure Bundesliga and DFB‑Pokal titles and even featured in La Liga with Levante, shares the st
#50 - Certified Health Nut Troy Casey: From Catwalks to Consciousness
In this mind-expanding episode of The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey sit down with Troy Casey, aka the Certified Health Nut—a man whose journey from international fashion model to holistic health warrior is as raw and real as it gets. Troy opens up about his early life, his struggles with addiction, and the path that led him to ancient plant medicine, natural detox practices, and a mission to Make
#49 - Raised for Sale: Gloria Masters on Surviving Her Family’s Trafficking Ring
In this harrowing and essential episode of The Brink, Gloria Masters shares the unthinkable truth of her childhood: she was groomed, abused, and trafficked by her own father and grandmother. From the age of five, Gloria was forced into child sex work, not by strangers, but by the very people who were supposed to protect her. Her grandmother and father not only abused her themselves—they orch
#48 -The Edge of Enough: Adam Smith & The Power of Incremental Change
In this episode of The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey welcome high-performance coach Adam Smith, whose journey from near-suicide to sobriety, self-mastery and service is as gritty as it is inspiring. Adam gets raw about his battles with mental health, addiction and low self-worth—and how hitting rock bottom gave him the foundation to rebuild everything. This isn’t your standard self-help chat
#47 - Shame on New Zealand's Parliament: This Is What Ignoring Survivors Looks Like
In this raw and urgent follow-up, Sam Troth returns to The Brink after completing an unthinkable mission—walking the length of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Parliament, to raise awareness for child sexual abuse. Along the way, he gathered close to 8,000 signatures for a petition demanding harsher penalties for abusers. But despite the miles walked and the pain carried—his and others
#46 -The Cave, The Prison and The Power Within – Dion Freeman’s Story
In this episode of The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey are joined by Dion Freeman—a man whose life reads like a modern spiritual odyssey. From a childhood soaked in chaos to prison bars and, eventually, a cave in the mountains, Dion’s story is a raw, powerful reminder that healing doesn’t always come in the package you expect. Today, he stands as a Māori healer and spiritual guide, pract
#45 -The People Whisperer Speaks: Felicity McRobb on the Power of Personality and Perception
Ringo and Ridgey sit down with leadership coach and professional people-whisperer Hong Kong based Felicity McRobb to unpack the big question: What if your so-called flaws are actually your greatest strengths? Through the lens of Insights Discovery—a tool that uses colour energy profiling to understand how we tick—Felicity helps us navigate the murky waters of personality, communic
#44 - 'The Oracle of Oxygen: Dan Brulé and the Breath Revolution'
This week on The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey attempt to breathe their way to enlightenment—without passing out—as they sit down with legendary breathwork master Dan Brulé. Dan isn’t just any breath coach; he’s trained Navy SEALs, Olympic athletes, and yes, even Tony Robbins, who was so impressed he wrote the foreword to Dan’s best-selling book Just Breathe. If Tony
#43 - A Predator in Father’s Clothing: Ella McCrystal’s Rise from Victim to Healer
This episode of The Brink Podcast takes us into one of the most difficult but necessary conversations we can have. Ringo and Ridgey welcome psychotherapist, speaker, and survivor Ella McCrystal, who bravely shares her personal journey as a victim of childhood abuse at the hands of her own father. Ella brings the unique perspective of not only being a survivor but also a clinician — someone w
#42 - Alex Perry Off Script: Dressed to Slay & Plenty to Say
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, bullying, and mental health. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of The Brink Podcast, Ringo and Ridgey sit down with the legendary Alex Perry for a wide-ranging, sharp, and unexpectedly hilarious chat that pulls back the glittery curtain on the fashion world. Alex dishes on everything from the cultural quirks that shape glo
#41 - Keegan Hirst: Playing It Straight
Ringo and Ridgey sit down with Keegan Hirst—a man who’s tackled more than just opponents on the rugby field. Keegan made headlines in 2015 as the first British rugby league player to come out as gay while still playing professionally but his story is far deeper than a single headline. From growing up under the weight of rigid masculinity to living a double life, Keegan opens up about t
#40 - Love After Meth: From Chaos to Connection
We sit down with Danyon and Cole to unravel a raw, emotional journey through meth addiction, rehab and the unexpected love story that emerged in the heart of struggle. From the initial escape meth provided to the brutal lows that followed, both Cole and Danyon speak with unflinching honesty about guilt, self-forgiveness and the long, often painful road to recovery. They share how love can survive
#39 - Layla Kelly: Sex, Stigma and the Truth About Adult Content
Ringo and Ridgey are joined by the brilliant and unfiltered Layla Kelly, who traded in her corporate banking gig for a camera, a ring light, and a subscription to financial freedom. What started as a plan to earn a little side cash ($300NZ a week, to be exact) quickly turned into a full-blown adult entertainment career—with Layla pulling in way more than just tips. She walks us through that
#38 - Voices Unheard, Now Roaring: Sam Troth’s Stand Against Childhood Abuse
In this deeply moving and unflinchingly honest episode, Sam Troth opens up about his lived experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. His story is not just one of survival, but of resilience, advocacy and the relentless pursuit of justice. Sam takes us through the long shadow abuse has cast over his life—from its devastating impact on his mental health and relationships to his battl
#37 - Diane Foreman: Heels, Hustle & Having it All
Ringo and Ridgey are joined by the one and only Diane Foreman—a woman who went from secretary to CEO, built an international ice cream empire, and somehow managed to stay fabulous through it all. If you're thinking "wow, that’s impressive," just wait 'til you hear her talk about risk appetite, parenting, and why no one actually has it all (except maybe the dog). Diane takes us through
#36 -Paddy F#$%ING Gower: The Man. The Brand. The Legend.
Paddy Gower steps up to The Brink with Ringo and Ridley for an unfiltered conversation about journalism, addiction, and the pursuit of self-understanding. With his trademark honesty, Gower opens up about the highs and lows of his career, the unexpected weight of fame, and the self-confidence struggles that lurked beneath his public persona. He reflects on his relationship with alcohol—once a
#35 -Us Boys Need Love Too: The Modern Man & Mental Health: w/ Nimbus Co founder Neil O’Sullivan
On this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Neil O’Sullivan for a raw and insightful chat about men’s mental health, vulnerability and breaking down the outdated ideas of masculinity. Before stepping into the wellness space, Neil spent over a decade in digital marketing, working with brands like Special Olympics, Oxfam, and ViacomCBS, honing his skills in branding and creative direc
#34 - Chaos or Genius? Harnessing the ADHD Brain w/ the Wizard of SEO's Arnout Hellemans
This episode is a must-listen for any parent with a child struggling with ADHD. Welcome back to The Brink! This time, Ringo and Ridgey are coming to you straight from the stunning Dolomites in Italy, where they sit down with digital strategist and all-round legend, Arnout Heleemans. If you've ever wondered whether ADHD is a curse or a superpower, this episode is for you. Arnout breaks down his own
#33 - AMAZON takes on addiction w/ David Thomas
In this episode of The Brink with hosts Ringo and Ridgey, we sit down with David Thomas, a public health professional and Amazon’s global leader in behavioural health programs. David takes us through his personal journey into public health and sheds light on the growing importance of addressing substance use disorders (SUDs) in today’s workplaces. He shares how Amazon is stepping up to
#32 - Imposter Syndrome... who's kidding who? w/ Selena Clark
This week on The Brink with your favorite dynamic duo, Ringo and Ridgey, we dive headfirst into the swirling abyss of imposter syndrome—that nagging voice in your head that insists you’re a fraud, despite, you know, all the actual evidence that you’re crushing it. Clinical psychologist Selena Clark joins the lads to unpack why even high achievers often feel like they’re jus
#31 - Dave "The Brown Buttabean" Letele
Ever wondered what rock bottom looks like? Well, Dave Letele—aka the Mighty Brown Butterbean—has been there, done that, and somehow managed to turn it all into one of the most inspiring comeback stories you’ll ever hear. In this episode of The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey sit down with the man himself to unpack a life that went from crime, gangs, and addiction to leading a community m
#30 -Zac Guildford: The Game, The Gamble, The Fall And The Redemption
Ridgey and Ringo dive into a powerful story of redemption with former All Black Zac Guildford. Once a rising star in rugby, Zac’s life took a dark turn as he battled addiction, personal loss, and the pressures of elite sport. His journey is not just about struggle—it’s about owning mistakes, confronting demons, and fighting to rebuild a life with meaning. Zac opens up about the d
#29 - 'Human Design: Cosmic Blueprints, Star-Charts & Chaos' w/ Hannah Crerar
Your favorite sifty duo, Ringo & Ridgey dive headfirst into the mind-blowing world of Human Design with the brilliant (and probably way more enlightened) Hannah Crerar a Human Design specialist, which basically means she can tell you why you do weird things based on the exact moment you entered this chaotic planet. After receiving a reading each from Hannah, David and Matthew, in their usual f
#28 - The Brink of Nirvana w/ Meditation Guru Andrew Marsh
In this lively and insightful episode, David and his ever-curious co-host Matthew sit down with Australian meditation maestro Andrew Marsh to explore the transformative world of meditation. With equal parts wit and wisdom, the trio dives into the practical and profound, discussing how meditation isn’t about escaping life—it’s about showing up for it. Whether they’re debatin
#27 - Q&A with Ringo & Ridgey... Everything You Never Needed to Know
This week on The Brink, co-hosts Ringo and Ridgey take a hilariously raw and surprisingly heartfelt look at their journey as podcast partners and friends. From navigating addiction and personal growth to dealing with backlash from listeners (and occasionally each other), they dive into the challenges of tackling tough topics like sexuality and societal expectations while keeping things unapologeti
#26 - The King of Superyachts: Life, Luxury and Floating Palaces with Industry Icon David Seal
Ahoy! Season 2 of The Brink sets sail with a story that’s anything but ordinary. Meet David Seal: once a Jehovah’s Witness, now considered the ‘Jeremy Clarkson of the yacht Superyacht industry’ having created the most popular yacht sales YouTube channel in the world. From navigating the complexities of a tightly controlled upbringing to cruising the high seas of luxury yach
#25 - Simone Holtznagel: The Glamazon who became a GUESS girl
Get ready to laugh, cry and maybe rethink your life choices because this week, Ringo and Ridgey are joined by the indomitable Simone Holtznagel! If you don’t know her already she’s not just a GUESS Jeans model or a Playboy cover star (although, let’s be real, those are iconic), she’s also a TV personality (Australia’s Next Top Model, I’m a Celebrity… Get
#24 - Madison Ashton: High Heels & Higher Stakes
Get ready for an eye-opening, humorous, and deeply human conversation with Madison Ashton, one of Australia’s most renowned sex workers. In this episode, Madison pulls back the curtain on the realities of her profession, offering a candid look at the business, the stigma, and the unexpected tax headaches of life in her industry. From her first steps into sex work to becoming a leading voice in the
#23 - Mike King. His Story. His Words
What happens when a comedian swaps punchlines for hard-hitting truths about life, trauma, and mental health? In this episode, Mike King takes us on a raw, real, and unexpectedly funny journey from the highs of celebrity life to the deeper struggles lurking underneath. Spoiler: fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Mike dives into his childhood, family dynamics, and how the pursuit of validation (r
#22 - ADHD: Beauty In The Chaos w/ Selina Thomson
Buckle up, folks—because in this borderline chaotic episode, David, Matthew and Selina Thomson, 3 people who all have ADHD (and can’t stay on topic to save their lives), attempt to wrangle the beast that is neurodivergence. This episode is an ADHD rollercoaster that covers everything from the highs and lows of personal experiences to the ridiculous societal expectations that we all love to ignore.
#21 - Addiction's Echo: Family, Friends and Collateral Damage w/ Ringo's Mum
In this heartfelt episode, Matthew, David and his mother Alison dive into the messy, emotional world of addiction—the kind that tests families to their limits but also brings out the deepest love and resilience. They look back on David’s childhood, those first, subtle signs of alcohol use, and the wild ride through university that took a darker turn. Alison opens up with raw honesty about the frus
#20 - The Magic of Many: Why healing isn’t a solo journey w/ Holistic Coach & Healer Lulu Cooper
In this revealing ep, Ringo, Ridgey and holistic healer Cooper ( Lulucooper.com ) explore the importance of connection through group work and the transformative power of vulnerability in group settings. They share personal experiences and insights on building trust, emotional regulation and the role of facilitators in creating safe spaces for sharing. After sharing a profound trauma from Matthew’s
#19 - Karmic Pursuits: Andrew Marsh on the Transformative Power of Meditation
The boys chat with Australian Vedic meditation coach and spiritual healer Andrew Marsh (https://www.andrewmarshmeditation.com.au/) as they explore the journey of personal growth through meditation and spirituality. Marshy shares his transition from a successful winemaker to a full-time meditation teacher, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's true essence and the role of ego in our liv
#18 - Addiction’s Shadow - Part Two: Uncovering the Codependent Mind w/ Holistic Coach & Healer Lulu Cooper
In this powerful episode, hosts David Ring and Matthew Ridge sit down with Lulu Cooper (https://www.lulucooper.com/), a holistic life coach, for a deep dive into the world of self-discovery, codependency, and emotional well-being. Lulu shares transformative insights into codependency, the importance of self-regulation, and how healing happens when we learn to love ourselves. Discover how understan
#17 - Addiction's Shadow - Part One: The CoDependent Mind Revealed w/ Holistic Coach and Healer Lulu Cooper
In this conversation, the boys delve into the complexities of addiction, codependency and the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships with Sydney-based Holistic Coach and Healer Lulu Cooper (https://www.lulucooper.com/) . They explore the nature of spiritual journeys, the importance of self-soothing, and the dynamics of apologies and forgiveness. The discussion highlights the sign
#16 - Body Dysmorphia and Finding the Beauty within: Q&A with Clinical Psychologist Selena Clark
In this week's episode of The Brink Podcast, your host duo David Ring and Matthew Ridge sit down for the second time with Clinical Psychologist Selena Clark to explore the complexities of body image, focusing on body dysmorphia and its implications on mental health. They discuss the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists, delve into the impact of social media on self-perception, and i
#15 - Female Bodybuilder Donelle Petelo: Nutrition, Crushing Gains and How Exercise can be a Great Tool in Treating Addiction
Ringo and Ridgey talk to top NZ female bodybuilder about the high’s and lows of competitive female bodybuilding both in New Zealand and internationally, her journey from plus-size Mum to super-Gran, her passion for training, nutrition and how exercise can be a key tool in helping you people struggling with addiction to help find moderation and control in their lives
#14 - Diving Deep on Sexuality: Q&A with Clinical Psychologist Selena Clark
In this conversation of The Brink Podcast, Selena Clark, a registered clinical psychologist, and your hosts Matthew Ridge and David Ring delve into the complexities of sexuality, exploring themes of confusion, normality and the impact of societal and religious influences. We discuss the fluidity of sexual identity, the importance of open conversations about sexuality as well as the role of shame i
#13 - Tourette’s, Tics and TikTok Fame | UNCLE TICS aka Leighton Clarke | w/ Matthew Ridge & David Ring
In this episode of The Brink Podcast, we sit down with one of New Zealand's finest content creators, Leighton Clarke – better known as UNCLE TICS! Leighton rose to TikTok and Instagram fame, known for his unfiltered and hilarious take on life with Tourette's syndrome. tiktok.com/@uncletics instagram.com/uncletics/ With literally millions of followers, Leighton uses humor to spread awareness abo
#12 – Boston Ridge on Family Values: Is Dysfunctional The New Functional? w/ Matthew Ridge and David Ring
In this heartfelt and revealing episode, Matthew Ridge’s eldest son, Boston, opens up about the challenges and rewards of growing up. They hammer out the meaning of the modern family and how a broken family doesn't have to end with broken people. Joined by hosts David Ring and Matthew Ridge, Boston shares his unique experiences, from dealing with biases at school to forging his own identity. W
#11 - ADHD: Syndrome or Superpower? w/ Jock Matthews, David Ring and Matthew Ridge
In this insightful and energetic episode of The Brink, hosts Matthew Ridge and David Ring are joined by Jock Matthews from Rojolie Clinic in Auckland (New Zealand) to dive deep into the world of ADHD. Check out rojolie.co.nz for more info. Is ADHD a syndrome holding people back or a superpower waiting to be unleashed? The trio breaks down the myths, shares personal stories and explores how ADH
#10 - From Russia to Monaco: Mila's Journey in Real Estate in Monaco
Mila, a successful real estate agent in Monaco, shares her background and experiences in the world's most expensive property market. She discusses her journey from Russia to Israel to Monaco and how her family's resilience and adaptability shaped her drive and ambition. Mila highlights the unique aspects of living and working in Monaco, including the high net worth clients, the favorable t
#9 - The Plastics: Matthew Ridge and David Ring on Cosmetic Surgery
In this episode of The Brink, former All Black Matthew Ridge and David Ring dive headfirst into the world of cosmetic surgery, vanity, and the pressures of maintaining youth. We share our personal experiences and perspectives on why people choose to undergo cosmetic procedures. We also touch on the changing gender norms and expectations around appearance. The conversation highlights the importance
#8 - Terence James on Life in France, The Voice and Music as a Singer/Songwriter
Welcome back to The Brink Podcast with ex All Black Matthew Ridge and kiwi living abroad David Ring. Today is a special day as we welcome our first guest to the show! Meet Terence James, France based Singer/Songwriter and all-round legend and good friend of David. Check out his links here: https://www.instagram.com/terenceiam/ https://www.nitelyfemusic.com/ https://linktr.ee/Terencejames TJ disc
#7 - Sexuality w/ Matthew Ridge and David Ring
In this thought-provoking episode, ex All Black Matthew Ridge and David Ring delve into one of the most personal and often unspoken topics: Sexuality. From the confusion of adolescence to the struggles of self-acceptance, they share their own experiences with candor and empathy. Discussing everything from the societal stigmas around masculinity to the internal battles of coming to terms with one&
#6 - DEI: Has The World Gone Mad? w/ Matthew Ridge and David Ring
In this thought-provoking and spirited episode, Matthew Ridge and David Ring tackle some of the most topical and controversial issues of our time. From the spectacle of the Olympic opening ceremony to the complexities of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), they explore how societal norms are shifting and what that means for us all. With a mix of humour and raw honesty, they dive into the repres
#5 - Addiction Part 2 - Matthew Ridge and David Ring
In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, Matthew Ridge and David Ring dive into their own experiences with addiction, sharing stories from their past and the paths that led them to recovery. From their first encounters with alcohol to the moments that pushed them to The Brink, they discuss the harrowing lows and the triumphant highs of overcoming addiction. With candid reflections and a to
#4 - Addiction Part 1 - Matthew Ridge and David Ring
In this conversation, Matthew Ridge and David Ring discuss addiction and their personal experiences with it. They share stories of their own struggles with addiction. They discuss the destructive nature of addiction and the impact it has on relationships and personal well-being as well as the impact of addiction on eating, sleeping, and brain function. Help Links: https://www.aa.org/ https://na.o
#3 - Discrimination And The Life It Changed
Matthew Ridge and David Ring discuss the world's obsession with being offended and the concept of cancel culture. They explore the idea that taking offense is a choice and discuss the importance of not identifying with victimhood. They also touch on personal experiences of discrimination and the power of empathy. The conversation emphasises the need to step outside oneself, listen actively and
#2 - Are we offended yet?
Matthew Ridge and David Ring discuss the importance of human connection and the need for open-mindedness and constructive conversations. They touch on topics such as the fear of being perceived as homophobic, the role of the media in sensationalising sound bites, the power of choosing not to be offended and the lack of tolerance and understanding in today's world. They also share personal anec
#1 - Matthew Ridge & David Ring introduce The Brink Podcast
The Brink - Coming in hotter than a croissant fresh out of the oven and running their mouths direct from the sun-drenched shores of the South of France, ex-All Black and rugby-league player/alpha-male Matthew Ridge and his unlikely gay sidekick, Riviera lay-about and chronic procrastinator David Ring team up to push the boundaries of pretty much everything; together they're the odd couple nobo
