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 they’ve all grown together over the years. This episode is a powerful exploration of family, resilience and the complexities of life in the public eye.

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 yourself or want to understand its nuances, this episode is packed with humour, raw honesty and expert insights from Jock Matthews.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on how ADHD might just be your greatest strength!

Keywords: ADHD, neurodiversity, mental health, superpower, syndrome, personal stories, relationships, career, Rojolie Clinic, Matthew Ridge, David Ring, Jock Matthews, all blacks, mental health

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 relationships with clients and the challenges of working in a small, high-pressure market. In this conversation, David and Milla discuss living in Monaco and the high cost of living. They talk about the language barrier and how English is widely spoken in the South of France. They also discuss the booming real estate market in Monaco, with properties selling for over 100 million euros. Milla shares her experience working in the luxury real estate industry and the kind and humble nature of the people she has met. They also talk about Milla's new business venture, a spa for dogs in Monaco. The conversation ends with a discussion about the importance of treating everyone with kindness and authenticity.

Takeaways

• Monaco is the world's most expensive property market and attracts high net worth individuals.
• Mila's journey from Russia to Israel to Monaco shaped her drive and ambition.
• Living and working in Monaco offers unique opportunities and challenges.
• Building genuine relationships with clients is crucial in a small, high-pressure market. English is widely spoken in the South of France, making it easier for non-French speakers to get by.
• The real estate market in Monaco is booming, with properties selling for over 100 million euros.
• Milla's experience in the luxury real estate industry has shown her that people with wealth can still be kind and humble.
• Milla's new business venture is a spa for dogs in Monaco, catering to the high demand for pet services in the area.
• Treating everyone with kindness and authenticity is important, regardless of their status or background.

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 best.

Takeaways

• Cosmetic surgery has become more socially acceptable, with both men and women seeking procedures to enhance their appearance.
• The desire to look and feel young and relevant is a driving factor behind the increasing popularity of cosmetic surgery.
• Authenticity is key, and cosmetic procedures should be a personal choice that aligns with one's own values and self-acceptance.
• Changing gender norms and expectations have contributed to the growing acceptance of cosmetic surgery for men.
• Research and finding a reputable surgeon are crucial when considering cosmetic procedures.

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 talk about TJ's experience on the TV show The Voice in France and his aspirations as a songwriter. They also touch on the cultural aspects of entertainment in the region and TJ's personal journey of overcoming adversity and finding success. TJ discusses his work in the music industry and the challenges and rewards of being a performer. He talks about the importance of working for oneself and the desire to build a successful company. David Ring and Matthew Ridge also shares thei experiences of feeling like an outsider in certain social circles and the importance of not focusing on material wealth. He emphasises the power of social media in his career and the need to be authentic and take the good with the bad. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of music and the fulfillment that comes from creating meaningful songs.

Takeaways

• TJ has had a successful career as a singer, songwriter, DJ, and TV presenter in the South of France.
• He gained recognition through his participation in the TV show The Voice.
• TJ's journey has been marked by overcoming adversity and finding success on his own terms.
• Entertainment is a significant part of the culture in the South of France, with live performances and music being prominent in restaurants and clubs.
• TJ's experience highlights the importance of perseverance and hard work in pursuing a career in the music industry. Working for oneself is more fulfilling than working for someone else
• Building a successful company takes time and effort
• Feeling like an outsider can be turned into a positive experience
• Social media is a powerful tool for artists
• Authenticity is key in connecting with an audience
• Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and create meaningful connections

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. Whether it's the struggle to fit into societal norms or the courage to be one's true self, Matthew and David explore the complexities of sexual identity without judgment.

Join us as we break down barriers, challenge perceptions, and offer support to those navigating similar paths. This is more than just a conversation—it's an invitation to embrace your authentic self.

Takeaways:

• Sexuality is a complex and deeply personal journey that many struggle to understand and accept.
• Open conversations about sexuality can help break down societal stigmas and shame, offering a path to self-acceptance.
• The process of self-discovery can be confusing, but it's important to approach it with patience and honesty.
• Societal expectations and norms can make it difficult for individuals to express their true selves, but breaking these barriers is crucial for personal growth.
• Conversations about sexuality, like the one in this episode, can provide support and reassurance to those who feel isolated in their experiences.

Keywords: sexuality, sexual identity, self-acceptance, societal norms, masculinity, stigma, shame, unfiltered conversation, self-discovery, support, empathy, LGBTQ+, gender identity, breaking taboos.

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 life. This episode is a candid discussion on the balance between inclusion and merit, the implications of cancel culture, and the personal stories that shape their perspectives. Tune in for a nohumours-barred conversation that is as engaging as it is eye-opening.

Takeaways

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a controversial topic, with concerns about tokenism and the exclusion of certain groups.
• The importance of discussing and questioning societal norms and current events.
• Meritocracy is important in sports, as it ensures that athletes are selected based on their skills and abilities rather than their identity.
• Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its impact on society.
• The balance between inclusion and merit-based systems.
• How identity and societal expectations shape our experiences and views.
• The role of sports as a meritocracy and its resistance to corruption.
• ⁠The need for open, honest discussions about controversial and challenging topics.
• ⁠⁠The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue and questioning the current state of DEI to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all.

Keywords:

diversity, equity, inclusion, DEI, societal norms, identity, meritocracy, sports, representation, cancel culture, current events, personal stories, humour, raw honesty, inclusion, merit, conversation, podcast

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 around them. This episode offers a raw and unfiltered look at the struggles of addiction and the strength required to reclaim one's life. Tune in for an honest conversation that aims to shed light on the power of connection, the importance of empathy, and the journey toward healing.

Help Links:

• https://www.aa.org/
• https://na.org/
• https://al-anon.org/
• https://aa.org.nz/
• https://info.health.nz/services-support/alcohol-and-drug-services
• https://recovery.com/new-zealand/
• https://www.govt.nz/browse/health/help-with-mental-health-and-addiction/
• https://www.aa.org/alcoholics-anonymous-big-book-4th-edition
• https://aa-netherlands.org/big-book-online/

Takeaways:

• Addiction is a challenging and draining experience that can have a significant impact on one's life.
• Sharing stories and seeking support from others who have experienced addiction can be cathartic and helpful in the healing process.
• Moderation is often difficult for individuals with addiction, and complete abstinence may be necessary for recovery.
• Alcohol is more socially accepted and normalised compared to other substances, which can make it harder for individuals to recognise and address their addiction.
• ⁠The journey towards recovery requires self-reflection, commitment, and a support network. Addiction is a disease that requires ongoing management and treatment.
• Rehabilitation programs, such as AA, provide a safe and supportive environment for addicts to share their experiences and seek help.
• Honesty and open communication are essential in overcoming addiction and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Family and friends of addicts should offer understanding, patience, and support, while also encouraging them to seek help from professional resources.
• Recovery is a lifelong journey, and relapses are a common part of the process. It's important to approach relapses with compassion and a focus on getting back on track.
• Connection and support from others who have experienced addiction can be incredibly powerful in the recovery process.

Keywords:

addiction, alcohol addiction, recovery, sharing stories, support, moderation, societal acceptance, addiction, rehab, recovery, connection, honesty, support, Alcoholics Anonymous, non-judgmental, help