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 frustration and hope of trying to help a loved one who doesn’t want to be helped, sharing the moments...

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 childhood the discussion delves into the complexities of sexuality shame and the journey of...

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 lives. The discussion delves into the balance between materialism and spirituality, the significance...

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 understanding codependency can reshape the way we look at addiction, relationships, and our own emotional...

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 significance of understanding one's sense of self and the challenges of navigating relationships...

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 introduce the ugly duckling theory, which highlights how beauty standards can affect self-worth....

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

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 in personal acceptance. The dialogue emphasises the need for understanding and compassion in...

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 about Tourette's and dismantle the stigma surrounding the condition, all while giving people a...

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. With raw honesty and moments of humour, they dive into family dynamics, the ups and downs, and how...

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 ADHD impacts relationships, careers and everyday life. Whether you're navigating ADHD...

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 tax system, and the tight-knit community. She also emphasizes the importance of building genuine...

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 of authenticity and self-acceptance, while acknowledging the desire to look and feel one's...

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 discuss TJ's career as a singer, songwriter, DJ, and TV presenter in the South of France. They...

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's identity, this episode offers a raw and unfiltered look at how sexuality shapes our lives....

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 representation of minorities, the challenges of identity, and the impact of these changes on everyday...

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 touch of humour, they explore the impact of substance abuse on their lives and the lives of those...

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...

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 be open to changing opinions. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on empathy, growth, and...

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 anecdotes about the value of engaging with strangers and embracing differing opinions.

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 nobody ever needed. Our puzzling duo isn't afraid to tackle the tough stuff so expect an unconventional...