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

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.

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/