The Brink Podcast

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

  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.

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• #41 - Keegan Hirst: Playing It Straight

  Ringo and Ridgey sit down with Keegan Hirst—a man who’s tackled more than just opponents on the rugby field. Keegan made headlines in 2015 as the first British rugby league player to come out as gay while still playing professionally but his story is far deeper than a single headline. From growing up under the weight of rigid masculinity to living a double life, Keegan opens up about the long, painful road to self-acceptance and the toll internalised homophobia can take when silence feels safer than truth. The lads dive into the tricky terrain of masculinity, mental health and male vulnerability—spoiler: real men do cry, and Keegan’s proof that it takes guts to be honest. He shares how language, peer pressure and fear of judgment kept him from living authentically for years. We talk about the ripple effects of coming out, from strained family dynamics to the liberating moment of finally being able to exhale. Keegan also gets into his work as a coach for gay men, helping others navigate the same fears he once faced and why teaching kids about acceptance and emotional intelligence is as important as teaching them to tie their shoes. From the locker room to late-night self-reflection, Keegan’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s freedom. Whether you’ve faced your own identity battles or just want to understand the inner world of someone who has, this one hits deep. We talk shame, survival and the courage it takes to live in your truth—plus why "straight-acting" is a term best left in the bin. It’s honest, raw, and proof that breaking the mould isn’t easy—but it’s worth it. Links to Keegan's socials and business: Instagram: @keeganhirst https://www.instagram.com/keeganhirst/ https://gaymanscoaching.com/

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• #40 - Love After Meth: From Chaos to Connection

  We sit down with Danyon and Cole to unravel a raw, emotional journey through meth addiction, rehab and the unexpected love story that emerged in the heart of struggle. From the initial escape meth provided to the brutal lows that followed, both Cole and Danyon speak with unflinching honesty about guilt, self-forgiveness and the long, often painful road to recovery. They share how love can survive in chaos, how trust is rebuilt brick by brick and how addiction reshapes the very core of who you think you are. Danyon, now a men’s mental health advocate, opens up about the emotional reality of sobriety—what happens after the detox, after the rehab, and the truth about starting again. Cole reflects on the complexities of loving someone in recovery, the role of spirituality in healing and the necessity of honesty in relationships. Together, they explore how support systems, purpose and deep personal work helped them not just survive, but grow. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who has a loved one caught in the grip of addiction or anyone fighting that battle themselves. Cole and Danyon’s story reminds us that recovery is never simple, love isn’t always clean and hope is a lifeline worth grabbing onto. It's a conversation about falling apart—and choosing to put the pieces back together anyway.

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• #39 - Layla Kelly: Sex, Stigma and the Truth About Adult Content

  Ringo and Ridgey are joined by the brilliant and unfiltered Layla Kelly, who traded in her corporate banking gig for a camera, a ring light, and a subscription to financial freedom. What started as a plan to earn a little side cash ($300NZ a week, to be exact) quickly turned into a full-blown adult entertainment career—with Layla pulling in way more than just tips. She walks us through that bold leap from the boardroom to OnlyFans, the double takes she gets at PTA meetings, and why she’ll never go back to the nine-to-five. But it’s not all champagne and lingerie. Layla gets into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with sex work—how it affects her marriage, how her kids are learning about boundaries, and how the internet trolls are both relentless and cruel—and how she rises above it all. She shares how fantasy and reality often blur in adult content, and why performance anxiety isn’t just for high school theater kids. Spoiler: communication is the real MVP in any relationship, especially when your job involves... well, performance. We also get deep on society’s ever-evolving views on sex work—why stigma still lingers, how discrimination shows up in the most mundane places (hello, banking systems), and what empowerment really means when your job challenges the norm. Layla's not just here to shake things up—she’s building something bigger. From entrepreneurship to advocacy, she’s redefining what it means to own your story, your body, and your business. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes of adult content—or why honest conversations about porn, youth, and gender perspectives matter more than ever—this episode is your backstage pass. It's funny, it’s raw, and it’s probably not safe for work. But neither is Layla, and that’s kind of the point.

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• #38 - Voices Unheard, Now Roaring: Sam Troth’s Stand Against Childhood Abuse

  In this deeply moving and unflinchingly honest episode, Sam Troth opens up about his lived experience as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. His story is not just one of survival, but of resilience, advocacy and the relentless pursuit of justice. Sam takes us through the long shadow abuse has cast over his life—from its devastating impact on his mental health and relationships to his battles with addiction and the crushing failures of the justice system to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. This conversation is raw and necessary. It shines a light on the chilling reality that one in six boys and one in three girls will experience sexual abuse before the age of sixteen. Sam doesn’t shy away from the hard truths—about the predators who groom not just children but their communities, about the institutions that enabled abuse under the guise of care and about the silence that too often protects abusers more than it defends the innocent. But amidst the pain is power. Sam speaks with fierce clarity about the ripple effects of abuse—not only the personal toll it takes, but the way it echoes across families, generations, and entire communities. He shares how education, open conversation, and early body-safety awareness are vital tools in prevention. He also explores the journey from victim to advocate and how walking for awareness became a way to reclaim his voice and his healing. In one of the most powerful acts of advocacy, Sam is currently walking the length of New Zealand—from its northernmost tip to Parliament in Wellington—carrying with him a petition calling for a minimum eight-year sentence for sexual offending. It's a grueling and symbolic journey that amplifies the voices of countless survivors and demands that lawmakers take meaningful action to protect the most vulnerable. This isn’t just a walk—it’s a movement. This episode is a call to action. It challenges us to break the silence, to confront the systemic failures that perpetuate abuse and to recognize the staggering economic, emotional and societal costs of inaction. Through Sam’s powerful testimony, listeners are reminded that change begins with conversation—and that empowering survivors and holding space for their truth is the first step in building a safer world for all children. Trigger warning: This episode discusses themes of childhood sexual abuse, addiction, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. To support Sam’s mission and sign the petition for a minimum eight-year sentence for sexual offending, follow the link at the end of these show notes. Your voice matters. petitions.parliament.nz/4ea3ebcf-8a45-4a57-a30e-08dd63dfe70d Sam's Givealittle page: givealittle.co.nz/cause/cape-reinga-to-the-beehive-support-justice-reform Helplines and local mental-health services: healthed.govt.nz/products/helplines-and-mental-health-services Sam's Instagram: @theroadtohealingaoteartoa Direct link: instagram.com/theroadtohealingaotearoa?igsh=YWtnOXBocWJjMTM%3D Website: www.theroadtohealing.co.nz

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