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 story behind the headlines. He recounts how, despite sporting success and stardom, he found himself wrestling with ego, identity and the question: Who am I beyond the player?

Ringo and Ridgey dig into Christian’s early years—his upbringing in Munich, the pressures of elite sport and how childhood experiences shaped his self‑esteem. He discusses the power of shadow work and meditation and how personal tragedy—particularly watching his sister struggle with cystic fibrosis—became a catalyst for digging deeper into presence, spirituality and authenticity. Christian’s message is simple but profound: healing yourself is the greatest service you can give others.

This chat is a masterclass in duality—success and struggle, fame and vulnerability, competing and connecting. Christian unpacks parenting with mindfulness, the daily grind of maintaining intention and how he’s transitioned to a life focused on awareness, heart and purpose. Whether you’re a football fanatic or soul‑searching stranger, this episode reminds us all that real greatness isn’t won on the field—it’s forged in the quiet work of the heart.

Links: 

Instagram

Website

 

In this raw and revealing conversation, Ringo and Ridgey pull back the curtain on Christian Lell&rsquo;s life&mdash;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 story behind the headlines. He recounts how, despite sporting success and stardom, he found himself wrestling with ego, identity and the question: Who am I beyond the player?
Ringo and Ridgey dig into Christian&rsquo;s early years&mdash;his upbringing in Munich, the pressures of elite sport and how childhood experiences shaped his self‑esteem. He discusses the power of shadow work and meditation and how personal tragedy&mdash;particularly watching his sister struggle with cystic fibrosis&mdash;became a catalyst for digging deeper into presence, spirituality and authenticity. Christian&rsquo;s message is simple but profound: healing yourself is the greatest service you can give others.
This chat is a masterclass in duality&mdash;success and struggle, fame and vulnerability, competing and connecting. Christian unpacks parenting with mindfulness, the daily grind of maintaining intention and how he&rsquo;s transitioned to a life focused on awareness, heart and purpose. Whether you&rsquo;re a football fanatic or soul‑searching stranger, this episode reminds us all that real greatness isn&rsquo;t won on the field&mdash;it&rsquo;s forged in the quiet work of the heart.
Links:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lell_christian/?hl=en">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.christianlell.de/">Website</a>
&nbsp;

#51 - Football Star Christian Lell: The Ego, the Pitch and the Path to Inner Peace

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 America Healthy Again through what he calls the Maha movement. His story isn’t polished—it’s lived. And his message is clear: we don’t need more hacks. We need to return to what’s real.

Troy takes us through his ‘9 Pillars of Health’, a framework built around holistic health, movement, clean nutrition, consciousness, and self-responsibility. He shares his powerful experiences with ayahuasca, insights from working with Maori healers, and his deep critique of modern education systems—particularly how they fail to foster critical thinking or raise conscious, connected children. For Troy, wellness isn’t just about green smoothies and morning routines. It’s about raising kids who question, communities who support each other, and a body-mind-spirit system that’s in alignment with nature.

This is an episode that challenges the status quo—from parenting and technology to what we’re feeding our bodies and our minds. Ringo and Ridgey dig into Troy’s vision for a healthier, more awakened society, one that starts with self-inquiry and ends with legacy. Whether you’re deep in the wellness world or just questioning what “health” really means in 2025, this one will leave you thinking, laughing, and maybe even reprogramming your daily habits. As Troy says: “Let thy food be thy medicine—but don’t forget to move your damn body.”

Links:

Instagram

Certified Health Nut Website

 

 

In this mind-expanding episode of The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey sit down with Troy Casey, aka the Certified Health Nut&mdash;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 America Healthy Again through what he calls the Maha movement. His story isn&rsquo;t polished&mdash;it&rsquo;s lived. And his message is clear: we don&rsquo;t need more hacks. We need to return to what&rsquo;s real.
Troy takes us through his &lsquo;9 Pillars of Health&rsquo;, a framework built around holistic health, movement, clean nutrition, consciousness, and self-responsibility. He shares his powerful experiences with ayahuasca, insights from working with Maori healers, and his deep critique of modern education systems&mdash;particularly how they fail to foster critical thinking or raise conscious, connected children. For Troy, wellness isn&rsquo;t just about green smoothies and morning routines. It&rsquo;s about raising kids who question, communities who support each other, and a body-mind-spirit system that&rsquo;s in alignment with nature.
This is an episode that challenges the status quo&mdash;from parenting and technology to what we&rsquo;re feeding our bodies and our minds. Ringo and Ridgey dig into Troy&rsquo;s vision for a healthier, more awakened society, one that starts with self-inquiry and ends with legacy. Whether you&rsquo;re deep in the wellness world or just questioning what &ldquo;health&rdquo; really means in 2025, this one will leave you thinking, laughing, and maybe even reprogramming your daily habits. As Troy says: &ldquo;Let thy food be thy medicine&mdash;but don&rsquo;t forget to move your damn body.&rdquo;
Links:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/certifiedhealthnut/?hl=en">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.certifiedhealthnut.com/courses">Certified Health Nut Website</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

#50 - Certified Health Nut Troy Casey: From Catwalks to Consciousness

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 orchestrated and profited from her trafficking, selling her into a network of abusers throughout her early life. It’s a story almost too horrific to believe, and yet Gloria tells it with unflinching courage, turning her pain into purpose.

Matthew and David sit down with Gloria to explore the long-term effects of such betrayal—the dissociation that allowed her to survive, the decades-long journey to healing and the daily work of reclaiming her identity. She opens up about the complexities of trauma recovery, the silence society maintains around child sexual abuse and the desperate need for education and prevention. Her advocacy today is fuelled by a mission to protect other children and amplify the voices of survivors, especially those whose abuse came from within the family.

This episode doesn’t pull punches—nor should it. Child trafficking is not a far-off issue. It’s happening in homes, in communities and is most often perpetrated by people the child knows. Gloria’s message is clear: we need awareness, we need education and we need to break the silence that allows this epidemic to thrive. If we’re serious about protecting our children, we must start by listening to those who’ve survived the unthinkable. Gloria Masters is not just a survivor—she’s a warrior, an advocate and a voice this world desperately needs to hear.

Links:

Instagram

The Global Hand Sign

How the global hand sign can help

Handing Back the Shame Website

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&mdash;they orchestrated and profited from her trafficking, selling her into a network of abusers throughout her early life. It&rsquo;s a story almost too horrific to believe, and yet Gloria tells it with unflinching courage, turning her pain into purpose.
Matthew and David sit down with Gloria to explore the long-term effects of such betrayal&mdash;the dissociation that allowed her to survive, the decades-long journey to healing and the daily work of reclaiming her identity. She opens up about the complexities of trauma recovery, the silence society maintains around child sexual abuse and the desperate need for education and prevention. Her advocacy today is fuelled by a mission to protect other children and amplify the voices of survivors, especially those whose abuse came from within the family.
This episode doesn&rsquo;t pull punches&mdash;nor should it. Child trafficking is not a far-off issue. It&rsquo;s happening in homes, in communities and is most often perpetrated by people the child knows. Gloria&rsquo;s message is clear: we need awareness, we need education and we need to break the silence that allows this epidemic to thrive. If we&rsquo;re serious about protecting our children, we must start by listening to those who&rsquo;ve survived the unthinkable. Gloria Masters is not just a survivor&mdash;she&rsquo;s a warrior, an advocate and a voice this world desperately needs to hear.
Links:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/handingtheshameback/?hl=en">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gOBefr0BwP4">The Global Hand Sign</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1IyiJFQsyI">How the global hand sign can help</a>
<a href="https://www.handingtheshameback.org/">Handing Back the Shame Website</a>

#49 - Raised for Sale: Gloria Masters on Surviving Her Family’s Trafficking Ring

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. It’s a practical, no-fluff conversation about transformation, resilience, and why “doing what’s doable” is often the most powerful place to start.Adam breaks down the psychology of change, how understanding human behaviour can shift everything, and why procrastination is less about laziness and more about self-esteem. 

From habit stacking to fasting, non-negotiables to DNA-driven nutrition, he shares simple steps that anyone can implement to regain control of their body, mind, and life: 

• Set three daily non-negotiables to build structure 

• Use your past as fuel, not a chain

• Stack small habits for big momentum

• Get curious about nutrition and DNA

• Raise your standards to raise your life

This one’s for anyone who’s been stuck, spiraling, or just quietly losing steam. Adam doesn’t sell perfection—he models progress. And whether you’re in a rut or on the rise, his story reminds us that change doesn’t come from doing everything at once, but from consistently doing something.

Links:

Adam's linkedIn

Adam's podcast 

Website: A-Game Consultancy

Adam's Instagram

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&mdash;and how hitting rock bottom gave him the foundation to rebuild everything.
This isn&rsquo;t your standard self-help chat. It&rsquo;s a practical, no-fluff conversation about transformation, resilience, and why &ldquo;doing what&rsquo;s doable&rdquo; is often the most powerful place to start.Adam breaks down the psychology of change, how understanding human behaviour can shift everything, and why procrastination is less about laziness and more about self-esteem.&nbsp;
From habit stacking to fasting, non-negotiables to DNA-driven nutrition, he shares simple steps that anyone can implement to regain control of their body, mind, and life:&nbsp;
&bull; Set three daily non-negotiables to build structure&nbsp;
&bull; Use your past as fuel, not a chain
&bull; Stack small habits for big momentum
&bull; Get curious about nutrition and DNA
&bull; Raise your standards to raise your life
This one&rsquo;s for anyone who&rsquo;s been stuck, spiraling, or just quietly losing steam. Adam doesn&rsquo;t sell perfection&mdash;he models progress. And whether you&rsquo;re in a rut or on the rise, his story reminds us that change doesn&rsquo;t come from doing everything at once, but from consistently doing something.
Links:
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/">Adam's linkedIn</a>
<a href="https://agameunfiltered.podbean.com/">Adam's podcast </a>
<a href="https://agameconsultancy.com/author/adam_smith/">Website: A-Game Consultancy</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/adamsmith_agame/?hl=en">Adam's Instagram</a>

#48 -The Edge of Enough: Adam Smith & The Power of Incremental Change

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’—what met him at Parliament was silence. No acknowledgement, no response, just bureaucracy in its coldest form.

Ringo and Ridgey sit down with Sam to unpack what that journey really cost: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They talk about the countless conversations Sam had with survivors, the heartbreaking stories shared along the way, and the stark reality that New Zealand has a growing epidemic we’re still not talking about loudly enough. This episode is a rallying cry—a conversation about injustice, resilience, and the power of one person refusing to look away.

Links:

Sam's website

Email: theroadtohealingaotearoa@gmail.com

In this raw and urgent follow-up, Sam Troth returns to The Brink after completing an unthinkable mission&mdash;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&mdash;his and others&rsquo;&mdash;what met him at Parliament was silence. No acknowledgement, no response, just bureaucracy in its coldest form.
Ringo and Ridgey sit down with Sam to unpack what that journey really cost: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They talk about the countless conversations Sam had with survivors, the heartbreaking stories shared along the way, and the stark reality that New Zealand has a growing epidemic we&rsquo;re still not talking about loudly enough. This episode is a rallying cry&mdash;a conversation about injustice, resilience, and the power of one person refusing to look away.
Links:
<a href="https://www.theroadtohealing.co.nz/">Sam's website</a>
<a href="mailto:theroadtohealingaotearoa@gmail.com">Email: theroadtohealingaotearoa@gmail.com</a>

#47 - Shame on New Zealand's Parliament: This Is What Ignoring Survivors Looks Like

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, practicing Honohono—an ancestral medicine that reconnects people with their wairua (spirit), their past, and their purpose.

 

Dion takes us through the defining moments of his transformation, including his time behind bars where he experienced not just physical change but a profound spiritual awakening. It’s not every day you hear someone say “I didn’t see humans for 49 days,” but for Dion, that solitude became sacred. Through Honohono and deep self-reflection, he began helping others heal from trauma, addiction, and the pain they didn’t even know they were carrying. He speaks of God not as a man with a beard, but as energy. Of names having meaning. Of healing that transcends space and time.

 

Dion’s understanding of healing isn’t abstract—it’s raw, physical, and often emotional. And yes, in case you’re wondering, both Ringo and Ridgey had personal healing sessions with Dion—and we talk about those experiences in this episode. This conversation isn't just about healing—it's about unlearning, relearning, and remembering who you are beneath the noise. Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, Dion brings a grounded, visceral truth to the conversation. And as always, Ringo and Ridgey keep it real. This episode might just leave you breathing a little deeper—and looking at your own journey with fresh eyes.

 

Dion's links: 

https://www.wayofthewarrior.co.nz/

https://www.healingaotearoa.co.nz/

https://www.youtube.com/@f.t.p-podcast

https://www.instagram.com/dion_free_man?igsh=dHRjam00Y3JzY2M3

https://www.instagram.com/dionbrangiuaia?igsh=MXZxNWtobGM3NDZxdw%3D%3D

https://www.honohono-healing.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@dionbrangiuaiafre

 

In this episode of The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey are joined by Dion Freeman&mdash;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&rsquo;s story is a raw, powerful reminder that healing doesn&rsquo;t always come in the package you expect. Today, he stands as a Māori healer and spiritual guide, practicing Honohono&mdash;an ancestral medicine that reconnects people with their wairua (spirit), their past, and their purpose.
&nbsp;
Dion takes us through the defining moments of his transformation, including his time behind bars where he experienced not just physical change but a profound spiritual awakening. It&rsquo;s not every day you hear someone say &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t see humans for 49 days,&rdquo; but for Dion, that solitude became sacred. Through Honohono and deep self-reflection, he began helping others heal from trauma, addiction, and the pain they didn&rsquo;t even know they were carrying. He speaks of God not as a man with a beard, but as energy. Of names having meaning. Of healing that transcends space and time.
&nbsp;
Dion&rsquo;s understanding of healing isn&rsquo;t abstract&mdash;it&rsquo;s raw, physical, and often emotional. And yes, in case you&rsquo;re wondering, both Ringo and Ridgey had personal healing sessions with Dion&mdash;and we talk about those experiences in this episode. This conversation isn't just about healing&mdash;it's about unlearning, relearning, and remembering who you are beneath the noise. Whether you're a skeptic or a seeker, Dion brings a grounded, visceral truth to the conversation. And as always, Ringo and Ridgey keep it real. This episode might just leave you breathing a little deeper&mdash;and looking at your own journey with fresh eyes.
&nbsp;
Dion's links:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wayofthewarrior.co.nz/">https://www.wayofthewarrior.co.nz/</a>
<a href="https://www.healingaotearoa.co.nz/">https://www.healingaotearoa.co.nz/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@f.t.p-podcast">https://www.youtube.com/@f.t.p-podcast</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dion_free_man?igsh=dHRjam00Y3JzY2M3">https://www.instagram.com/dion_free_man?igsh=dHRjam00Y3JzY2M3</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dionbrangiuaia?igsh=MXZxNWtobGM3NDZxdw%3D%3D">https://www.instagram.com/dionbrangiuaia?igsh=MXZxNWtobGM3NDZxdw%3D%3D</a>
<a href="https://www.honohono-healing.com/">https://www.honohono-healing.com/</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dionbrangiuaiafre">https://www.tiktok.com/@dionbrangiuaiafre</a>
&nbsp;

#46 -The Cave, The Prison and The Power Within – Dion Freeman’s Story

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, communication, and team dynamics with humour, heart, and zero jargon.

From boardrooms to backyard barbecues, understanding how we show up in the world can shift the entire tone of our relationships. Felicity talks about energy types and the value of self-awareness in real terms, sharing how tweaking your approach (without faking it) can build trust, diffuse tension, and make you the kind of person others actually want to work with. There’s insight here for leaders, introverts, extroverts, and anyone who’s ever wondered why Barry in finance never makes eye contact. Spoiler: it’s probably not about you.

This is a conversation about communication without the corporate fluff. It’s about listening, adapting, and owning who you are—loudly or quietly, depending on your energy colour. Whether you’re running a company, raising a family, or just trying not to lose your cool at the dinner table, Felicity brings the kind of grounded wisdom that helps you see yourself—and everyone else—a little more clearly. Tune in, laugh a bit, reflect a lot, and maybe even discover that the village idiot in you is actually a hidden genius.

Felicity's LinkedIn:

Felicity McRobb

 

Ringo and Ridgey sit down with leadership coach and professional people-whisperer Hong Kong based Felicity McRobb to unpack the big question:&nbsp;What if your so-called flaws are actually your greatest strengths? Through the lens of Insights Discovery&mdash;a tool that uses colour energy profiling to understand how we tick&mdash;Felicity helps us navigate the murky waters of personality, communication, and team dynamics with humour, heart, and zero jargon.
From boardrooms to backyard barbecues, understanding how we show up in the world can shift the entire tone of our relationships. Felicity talks about energy types and the value of self-awareness in real terms, sharing how tweaking your approach (without faking it) can build trust, diffuse tension, and make you the kind of person others actually want to work with. There&rsquo;s insight here for leaders, introverts, extroverts, and anyone who&rsquo;s ever wondered why Barry in finance never makes eye contact. Spoiler: it&rsquo;s probably not about you.
This is a conversation about communication without the corporate fluff. It&rsquo;s about listening, adapting, and owning who you are&mdash;loudly or quietly, depending on your energy colour. Whether you&rsquo;re running a company, raising a family, or just trying not to lose your cool at the dinner table, Felicity brings the kind of grounded wisdom that helps you see yourself&mdash;and everyone else&mdash;a little more clearly. Tune in, laugh a bit, reflect a lot, and maybe even discover that the village idiot in you is actually a hidden genius.
Felicity's LinkedIn:
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/felicity-mcrobb?utm_source=share&amp;utm_campaign=share_via&amp;utm_content=profile&amp;utm_medium=ios_app">Felicity McRobb</a>
&nbsp;

#45 -The People Whisperer Speaks: Felicity McRobb on the Power of Personality and Perception

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 Robbins is the godfather of self-help, Dan is the Yoda of the inhale.

From the very first puff—sorry, breath—Dan breaks down why this ancient, involuntary act might just be the key to managing stress, healing trauma, and accessing peak performance. He walks us through practices like rebirthing (which is not as weird as it sounds), breath holding (which is exactly what it sounds like), and his golden formula for transformation: awareness, relaxation, and conscious breathing. You’ll also hear how the breath impacts anxiety, emotional management, and why hyperventilating isn’t always a red flag.

As usual, Ringo and Ridgey find a way to mix depth with a dash of idiocy—because nothing says spiritual growth like two grown men trying to out-breathe each other. But behind the laughs is a serious message: breath is free, it’s always with you, and it might just be the most underrated superpower we’ve got.

So whether you're looking for calm, clarity, or just want to stop sounding like a chain smoker walking up stairs, this episode delivers. You’ll come for the banter, but you might just leave with a new lease on life—and hopefully, breathing through your nose.

Links:

Dan's Website: Breath Mastery

Dan's Instagram

 

 

This week on The Brink, Ringo and Ridgey attempt to breathe their way to enlightenment&mdash;without passing out&mdash;as they sit down with legendary breathwork master Dan Brul&eacute;. Dan isn&rsquo;t just any breath coach; he&rsquo;s trained Navy SEALs, Olympic athletes, and yes, even Tony Robbins, who was so impressed he wrote the foreword to Dan&rsquo;s best-selling book Just Breathe. If Tony Robbins is the godfather of self-help, Dan is the Yoda of the inhale.
From the very first puff&mdash;sorry, breath&mdash;Dan breaks down why this ancient, involuntary act might just be the key to managing stress, healing trauma, and accessing peak performance. He walks us through practices like rebirthing (which is not as weird as it sounds), breath holding (which is exactly what it sounds like), and his golden formula for transformation: awareness, relaxation, and conscious breathing. You&rsquo;ll also hear how the breath impacts anxiety, emotional management, and why hyperventilating isn&rsquo;t always a red flag.
As usual, Ringo and Ridgey find a way to mix depth with a dash of idiocy&mdash;because nothing says spiritual growth like two grown men trying to out-breathe each other. But behind the laughs is a serious message: breath is free, it&rsquo;s always with you, and it might just be the most underrated superpower we&rsquo;ve got.
So whether you're looking for calm, clarity, or just want to stop sounding like a chain smoker walking up stairs, this episode delivers. You&rsquo;ll come for the banter, but you might just leave with a new lease on life&mdash;and hopefully, breathing through your nose.
Links:
<a href="https://breathmastery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooaJut71JCbZv8bTPQvtOSnnCJ7VZB8PTHqIBrjtmBUV9j9J0Dv">Dan's Website: Breath Mastery</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/danbruleofficial/">Dan's Instagram</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

#44 - 'The Oracle of Oxygen: Dan Brulé and the Breath Revolution'

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 who has lived through the trauma and now works to help others heal from it. She opens up about the profound, lifelong impact of trauma on mental and emotional health, exploring the painful realities of dissociation, the complexities of parental relationships and the dark truth of how many survivors internalise guilt, shame, and responsibility that was never theirs to carry. This conversation pulls no punches but is laced with the kind of raw honesty that cuts through the silence many survivors live with.

Ringo, Ridgey, and Ella also dive into the deep cracks in the justice system, the failures to protect survivors and the broader, horrifying issue of child trafficking. Ella shares not only her own story but also insights from her therapeutic work, touching on self-harm, intrusive thoughts and the challenges of navigating intimacy and sexual development after trauma. She brings a wealth of knowledge about how trauma rewires the brain and how approaches like neuroeletric therapy and neuroplasticity can help survivors build new, healthier pathways toward recovery. The conversation is heavy, yes, but it’s also grounded in hope, resilience and the profound human capacity for healing.

While the subject matter is raw, Ella’s perspective is anything but bleak. She speaks passionately about the importance of safe spaces, compassionate rehabilitation, and the cultural conversations we must be having around abuse, healing, and forgiveness. This episode is a powerful reminder that while trauma can shape a person, it doesn’t have to define them — and that with understanding, support, and hard work, survivors can reclaim their lives. For anyone looking for an episode that goes deep but stays grounded in empathy and truth, this one’s for you.

Links to Ella and her work:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ellamccrystal/

Website:

ellamccrystal.com

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 &mdash; someone who has lived through the trauma and now works to help others heal from it. She opens up about the profound, lifelong impact of trauma on mental and emotional health, exploring the painful realities of dissociation, the complexities of parental relationships and the dark truth of how many survivors internalise guilt, shame, and responsibility that was never theirs to carry. This conversation pulls no punches but is laced with the kind of raw honesty that cuts through the silence many survivors live with.
Ringo, Ridgey, and Ella also dive into the deep cracks in the justice system, the failures to protect survivors and the broader, horrifying issue of child trafficking. Ella shares not only her own story but also insights from her therapeutic work, touching on self-harm, intrusive thoughts and the challenges of navigating intimacy and sexual development after trauma. She brings a wealth of knowledge about how trauma rewires the brain and how approaches like neuroeletric therapy and neuroplasticity can help survivors build new, healthier pathways toward recovery. The conversation is heavy, yes, but it&rsquo;s also grounded in hope, resilience and the profound human capacity for healing.
While the subject matter is raw, Ella&rsquo;s perspective is anything but bleak. She speaks passionately about the importance of safe spaces, compassionate rehabilitation, and the cultural conversations we must be having around abuse, healing, and forgiveness. This episode is a powerful reminder that while trauma can shape a person, it doesn&rsquo;t have to define them &mdash; and that with understanding, support, and hard work, survivors can reclaim their lives. For anyone looking for an episode that goes deep but stays grounded in empathy and truth, this one&rsquo;s for you.
Links to Ella and her work:
Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellamccrystal/">https://www.instagram.com/ellamccrystal/</a>
Website:
<a href="https://ellamccrystal.com/">ellamccrystal.com</a>

#43 - A Predator in Father’s Clothing: Ella McCrystal’s Rise from Victim to Healer

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 global fashion to the not-so-glam side of the industry most people never see. With his trademark wit and brutal honesty, Alex talks about the highs and lows of fame, the tightrope walk between authenticity and public image, and why self-critique (without self-destruction) is his secret weapon. Expect big laughs, a few jaw-dropping stories, and plenty of no-nonsense wisdom.

Things get even juicier when the conversation turns to the digital jungle of social media and the relentless world of online criticism. Alex, Ringo, and Ridgey dive into the brutal reality of bullying—both in person and online—and how it messes with mental health and self-perception. Alex doesn’t hold back on the toxic side of the internet, the emotional weight of bullying, and the challenge of staying sane when the trolls come out to play. Whether it’s surviving harsh criticism, handling bullies, or knowing when to block, mute, or just laugh it off, the trio serves up sharp truths with a healthy dose of humor.

But beneath the banter, there’s heart. Alex opens up about how family, cultural identity, and a good old-fashioned work ethic have shaped his resilience and kept him grounded—even when the pressure’s on. From childhood lessons to the underrated magic of a family dinner, Alex reminds us that success isn’t just about image—it’s about connection. Whether you’re a fashion junkie, a social media survivor, or just here for the laughs, this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and the kind of sharp banter that makes The Brink one hell of a listen.

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 global fashion to the not-so-glam side of the industry most people never see. With his trademark wit and brutal honesty, Alex talks about the highs and lows of fame, the tightrope walk between authenticity and public image, and why self-critique (without self-destruction) is his secret weapon. Expect big laughs, a few jaw-dropping stories, and plenty of no-nonsense wisdom.
Things get even juicier when the conversation turns to the digital jungle of social media and the relentless world of online criticism. Alex, Ringo, and Ridgey dive into the brutal reality of bullying&mdash;both in person and online&mdash;and how it messes with mental health and self-perception. Alex doesn&rsquo;t hold back on the toxic side of the internet, the emotional weight of bullying, and the challenge of staying sane when the trolls come out to play. Whether it&rsquo;s surviving harsh criticism, handling bullies, or knowing when to block, mute, or just laugh it off, the trio serves up sharp truths with a healthy dose of humor.
But beneath the banter, there&rsquo;s heart. Alex opens up about how family, cultural identity, and a good old-fashioned work ethic have shaped his resilience and kept him grounded&mdash;even when the pressure&rsquo;s on. From childhood lessons to the underrated magic of a family dinner, Alex reminds us that success isn&rsquo;t just about image&mdash;it&rsquo;s about connection. Whether you&rsquo;re a fashion junkie, a social media survivor, or just here for the laughs, this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and the kind of sharp banter that makes The Brink one hell of a listen.

#42 - Alex Perry Off Script: Dressed to Slay & Plenty to Say

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.

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