The Brink Podcast

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!

What happens when a comedian swaps punchlines for hard-hitting truths about life, trauma, and mental health? In this episode, Mike King takes us on a raw, real, and unexpectedly funny journey from the highs of celebrity life to the deeper struggles lurking underneath. Spoiler: fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Mike dives into his childhood, family dynamics, and how the pursuit of validation (read: the applause addiction) shaped his identity—and not always for the better. With honesty and a touch of humor, he unpacks how addiction and trauma intersect and why finding your passion is the ultimate rebellion against societal expectations. Meanwhile, Matthew and David tackle the elephant in the room regarding Mike’s recent comments about alcohol and drug use and addresses the misrepresentation he has experienced in the New Zealand media. The team ask why are we so bad at talking about suicide and mental health and Mike calls out society’s tribalistic tendencies, champions hands-on experience in mental health care, and makes a strong case for connection, acceptance, and the power of simply saying, “Let’s talk.” Prepare to laugh, reflect, and maybe even tear up as these three challenge the status quo and bring hope to some of life’s darkest corners.

Buckle up, folks—because in this borderline chaotic episode, David, Matthew and Selina Thomson, 3 people who all have ADHD (and can’t stay on topic to save their lives), attempt to wrangle the beast that is neurodivergence. This episode is an ADHD rollercoaster that covers everything from the highs and lows of personal experiences to the ridiculous societal expectations that we all love to ignore. Selina, a lawyer, Mum and host of her own podcast ‘Divergent AF’ who’s basically juggling life with one hand and her ADHD brain with the other, opens up about the chaos and comedy of navigating the world when your brain just doesn’t do “normal.” The boys, in the spirit of ADHD camaraderie, keep the conversation hilariously off-track while somehow managing to dig deep into the stigma, shame, and occasional moments of accidental brilliance that come with ADHD. Ever wonder what happens when three neurodivergent minds collide? Expect tangents, lots of laughs, and some genuine “ah-ha!” moments as they dismantle everything from gender expectations to why trying to look like you’ve got it together is overrated. They talk about how society’s idea of “normal” often feels like an unfunny joke to ADHDers, and how peeling off that mask of perfectionism can be both terrifying and downright liberating. Oh, and if you like detours, you’re in the right place. This conversation swerves into the pitfalls of traditional education, the beauty of minds that think sideways, and why imagination and creativity are the real superpowers. There’s a lot of talk about self-acceptance, finding your tribe of fellow oddballs and embracing the wonderful mess that is an ADHD life. So if you’re here for a polished, linear conversation… you might want to skip this one. But if you’re in the mood for a lively, laugh-out-loud, ADHD-friendly dive into the beauty of being unapologetically yourself, stick around. The chaos is real, and that’s exactly what makes it awesome!

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