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 that broke her heart and the ones that made her stronger. There’s laughter amidst the tears as they recount their struggles—David’s cunning attempts to hide his drinking, Alison’s relentless determination to pull him back, and the long road to rehab. Together, they show that recovery isn’t a straight line; it’s a bumpy, winding road that sometimes feels more like a rollercoaster. The conversation underscores the power of therapy, honest communication, and tough love in facing addiction’s challenges head-on. This episode is a reminder that, while addiction can strain family bonds, it can also become a journey of healing, one that brings a deeper understanding and renewed hope for everyone involved. #TheBrinkPodcast #MatthewRidge #DavidRing #Podcast #addiction

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 personal growth through group experiences, the benefit of and how to protect yourself from taking on other’s trauma.

Key talking points:

-Connection with others fosters personal growth and understanding.
-Group work can dramatically reduce recidivism rates among juveniles.
-Vulnerability in sharing can create deep empathy and connection.
-Trust is essential for open communication in group settings.
-Facilitators play a crucial role in setting the tone for group dynamics.
-Exploring sexuality and shame is a common struggle for many.
-Finding safe spaces for vulnerability is vital for healing.
-Emotional regulation is key to processing others' emotions in group settings.
-Personal growth can be accelerated through group experiences.

Follow The Brink Podcast for more insightful episodes:

• Instagram: @the_brink_podcast
• Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: linktr.ee/thebrinkpodcast

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 of meditation for everyone, and the need to transcend ego for a fulfilling life. The conversation highlights the collective ignorance surrounding spirituality and the necessity of teaching empathy and mindfulness in schools. In this conversation Matthew explores the themes of self-reflection, the nature of existence, and the transformative power of meditation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's ego, the human condition of living in the past and future, and the essence of our true nature beyond ego. Marshy advocates for meditation as a means to achieve stillness and clarity, ultimately leading to personal growth and a deeper connection with the universe.

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 triggers. Lulu opens up about her journey, exploring themes like self-soothing techniques, overcoming emotional trauma, and finding true self-love. Join us for an episode that’s both eye-opening and relatable.

Key Topics Covered:

• The difference between addiction and codependency
• How to recognize codependent behavior in relationships
• Practical techniques for emotional regulation and self-care
• The importance of inner work and healing past traumas

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in self-help, mental health awareness and learning to overcome life’s challenges with resilience and love.

📌 Follow The Brink Podcast for more insightful episodes:

• Instagram: @the_brink_podcast
• Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts: linktr.ee/thebrinkpodcast

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 while dealing with past traumas. In this conversation, the team delve into the complexities of trauma, healing, and relationships while exploring how trauma manifests in various forms as well as the importance of understanding one's past to foster healthier connections. The discussion also highlights the interplay between codependency and addiction, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and healing. The episode explores the significance of human connection and the role it plays in personal growth and emotional well-being.

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. The conversation also touches on muscle dysmorphia, revealing how societal pressures can lead to obsessive behaviors around body image. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of self-acceptance, the impact of cosmetic surgery on self-perception, the importance of fitness for mental health, and the complexities of beauty standards. They discuss the role of validation in shaping self-image and the dynamics of friendship beyond societal labels. The conversation also delves into the influence of ego on personal growth and the significance of trusting one's instincts.

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 navigating one's sexual experiences and the societal pressures that accompany them.

Takeaways

• It's not unnatural for you to have those feelings.
• Many young men experience confusion about their sexuality.
• Religion has historically influenced perceptions of homosexuality.
• Sexuality can be fluid and change over time.
• Open conversations about sexuality are crucial for understanding.
• Shame can be a natural part of the sexual experience.
• Societal norms shape how individuals express their sexuality.
• It's important to create safe spaces for discussions about sexuality.
• Understanding one's sexual identity can be a lifelong journey.
• The complexity of human experience includes navigating societal expectations.