PODCAST · society
The Brink Podcast
by Matthew Ridge and David Ring
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
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#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…
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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....
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#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...
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#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…
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#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...
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#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 ($300NZ a week, to be exact) quickly turned into a full-blown…
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#38 - Voices Unheard, Now Roaring: Sam Troth’s Stand Against Childhood Abuse
In this deeply moving and unflinchingly honest episode, Sam Troth opens up about his lived experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. His story is not just one of survival, but of resilience, advocacy and the relentless pursuit of justice. Sam takes us through the long shadow abuse has...
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#37 - Diane Foreman: Heels, Hustle & Having it All
Ringo and Ridgey are joined by the one and only Diane Foreman—a woman who went from secretary to CEO, built an international ice cream empire, and somehow managed to stay fabulous through it all. If you're thinking "wow, that’s impressive," just wait 'til you hear her talk about risk appetite,...
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#36 -Paddy F#$%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...
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#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…
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#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…
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#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...
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#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…
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#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...
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#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,...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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…
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#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…
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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…
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#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...
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#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...
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#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…
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#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...
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#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…
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#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...
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#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...
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#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…
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#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:...
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#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...
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#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...
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#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…
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#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...
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#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...
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#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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Matthew Ridge and David Ring
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Brink Podcast have?
The Brink Podcast currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Brink Podcast about?
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...
How often does The Brink Podcast release new episodes?
The Brink Podcast has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Brink Podcast?
You can listen to The Brink Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Brink Podcast?
The Brink Podcast is created and hosted by Matthew Ridge and David Ring.
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