The Brink Podcast

By: Matthew Ridge and David Ring
  • Summary

  • 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.
    2025 Matthew Ridge and David Ring
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Episodes
  • #26 - The King of Superyachts: Life, Luxury and Floating Palaces with Industry Icon David Seal
    Jan 9 2025

    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 complexities of a tightly controlled upbringing to cruising the high seas of luxury yacht sales, David’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and the art of selling floating mansions.

    David’s childhood in the Jehovah’s Witness Church might not seem like an obvious springboard to a career in yacht sales, but it turns out the door-to-door preaching and public speaking required by the religion gave him confidence most of us can only dream of. However, leaving the church wasn’t just a dramatic pivot; it was an emotionally wrenching decision that reshaped his family relationships and his entire worldview. Despite the pain, David saw it as a necessary step to pursue freedom and authenticity.

    Serendipity played a key role in David’s transition into the world of yachting. A chance connection with a wealthy family building custom yachts led him into a new career path. From there, he quickly found his sea legs, sealing one of the largest yacht sales in the world early in his career. But the yacht brokerage business isn’t all champagne toasts and ocean breezes. David shares the highs and lows, including the emotional toll of navigating tough financial times and the intense pressure of meeting the demands of ultra-wealthy clients.

    The 2008 financial crisis sent shockwaves through the yacht industry, leading to bankruptcies and a major recalibration of what luxury meant in tough times. But David didn’t just survive—he innovated. He was a pioneer in using video marketing to showcase yachts, bringing a fresh approach to an old-school industry and cementing his place as a leader in the field. This new way of selling not only transformed his business but also set a new standard for how yachts are marketed today.

    David’s story is about more than just yachts and sales. It’s about overcoming guilt, embracing ambition, and learning to balance the pursuit of wealth with personal fulfillment. The yacht industry gave him not just a career but a new sense of purpose, proving that reinvention is always possible. His charisma, showmanship, and willingness to adapt have carried him through challenges, making his journey one of courage and grit.

    So grab your captain’s hat and listen in as we dive deep with David Seal. His story is full of humor, heart, and a little splash of luxury. Whether you’re yacht-curious or just love a good reinvention tale, this episode promises to inspire, entertain, and maybe even make you dream a little bigger.

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • #25 - Simone Holtznagel: The Glamazon who became a GUESS girl
    Dec 16 2024

    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 personality (Australia’s Next Top Model, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here), a new mum and Australia’s sassiest blonde.

    Simone takes us back to the pre-Instagram era of modeling—yes, there was life before filters—and spills the beans on the highs and lows of being in the fashion world. From working with GUESS to gracing the cover of Playboy US, she shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories that’ll make you realise modeling isn’t all runways and glam—it’s a whole lot of grit too.

    But it’s not all fashion. Simone opens up about how the late Charlotte Dawson inspired her, teaching her about resilience and authenticity in an industry that can be, well, brutal. She also dives deep into the impact of loss and grief, balancing motherhood with her career and the hilarious chaos of everyday life (spoiler: her baby isn’t impressed with her runway strut).

    Of course, Ringo and Ridgey bring their A-game with their usual repertoire of blundering questions, a bit of roasting and plenty of banter. This is more than an interview; it’s a feel-good, laugh-out-loud conversation with one of Australia’s most dynamic women. Tune in, and thank us later!

    Trigger warning: themes of suicide are touched-on in this episode

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    57 mins
  • #24 - Madison Ashton: High Heels & Higher Stakes
    Dec 9 2024

    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 headaches of life in her industry.

    From her first steps into sex work to becoming a leading voice in the field, Madison shares her journey with wit and wisdom. She dives into the challenges of navigating relationships, self-identity, and societal expectations, all while keeping us entertained with her sharp humor and poignant reflections.

    Madison debunks common myths, sheds light on the empowerment behind her career choices, and even offers some surprising insights into the economics of the industry—because yes, even sex workers have to deal with taxes!

    This conversation isn’t just about sex work—it’s about resilience, independence, and owning your narrative. Madison’s charm and candor will leave you thinking differently about an often-misunderstood profession.

    Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or just looking for a fascinating story, this episode will keep you laughing, learning, and maybe even questioning your preconceptions. Tune in—you don’t want to miss this one!

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    57 mins

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