Matthew Ridge Comes Clean on Drugs & Addiction, Working with Marc Ellis, Fatherhood & NRL Career
Nov 3, 2024
auto_awesome
Matthew Ridge, a Kiwi sporting legend, shares his extraordinary journey from rugby union to rugby league, including his time as a TV star and businessman. He opens up about his bromance with Marc Ellis and the magic they created on screen. The conversation dives deep into personal challenges like addiction, mental resilience, and pivotal life lessons shaped by adversity. Ridge also reflects on his struggles with fame, relationships, and the impact of his past decisions on his career and family life, offering a gripping insight into a remarkable life.
Matthew Ridge's transition from rugby union to rugby league highlights the adaptability required to succeed in professional sports.
The dynamic partnership between Matthew Ridge and Marc Ellis showcases the power of collaboration and humor in creating memorable television.
Ridge's candid reflections on drug addiction and mental health stress the importance of self-awareness and supportive relationships in overcoming personal struggles.
His experiences with the Warriors reveal the critical role of team culture and leadership in achieving success within sports organizations.
Deep dives
Celebrating Five Years of Between Two Beers
The podcast marks its fifth anniversary with a special live show featuring Jason Gunn and friends, emphasizing the joy of community and connection with fans. This event, set for November 21st in Auckland, invites listeners to celebrate in person or via live streaming. The inclusion of guests like Gunn reflects the podcast's commitment to entertaining and engaging its audience in unique ways. This milestone showcases the podcast's growth and the strong following it has established over its five-year journey.
Matthew Ridge: A Kiwi Sporting Icon
Matthew Ridge is highlighted as a legendary figure in New Zealand sports, known for his exceptional talents in both rugby and rugby league. Transitioning from rugby to league at age 21, Ridge played over a decade with teams like the Manly Sea Eagles and the Kiwis. His journey through sports has seen him navigate both triumphs and challenges, reflecting the dynamic nature of professional athletics. Ridge's multifaceted career also includes a successful foray into television, further solidifying his status as a renowned public figure.
Bromance and Television Success
The podcast dives into Ridge's close friendship with Mark Ellis, detailing their chemistry during their time working together on television. Their combination of humor and quick wit created memorable moments that captured the audience's hearts. Ridge reflects on how their playful banter and collaborative spirit led to television magic during the 90s. This period not only garnered them fame but also shaped their personalities and careers in entertainment.
Facing Personal Challenges
Ridge shares openly about his struggles with mental resilience and personal issues, including drug use and relationship breakdowns. He candidly discusses the turning points in his life that forced him to confront these challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and support systems. Ridge's experiences provide insight into the complexities of fame and personal responsibility, as he navigated these tumultuous waters. His narrative highlights the significance of addressing mental health and the impact of personal choices.
Reflections on the Warriors
The discussion includes Ridge's bittersweet experience with the Warriors, underscoring the differences between his time at Manly and his return to New Zealand rugby league. He faced challenges in a team that lacked cultural cohesion and struggled with internal dynamics, forcing him into a leadership role that was difficult to fulfill. Ridge emphasizes the need for mental toughness within the team, as he attempted to apply his high standards from Manly to the Warriors. His reflections pinpoint the importance of having a strong foundation and culture in any sporting organization.
The Power of Storytelling
In revisiting his past experiences, Ridge underscores the importance of sharing stories as a means of healing and connection. He discusses how his candid conversations in the podcast can serve as a platform for others to learn and find common ground. The ability to openly discuss personal hardships fosters empathy and understanding within the community. Ridge’s narrative denotes that vulnerability can lead to valuable lessons not just for the individual but for the audience as well.
A New Phase of Life
Ridge reflects on his current life in France, where he embraces the challenges of raising children in a bicultural environment. He shares the rewards of seeing his children learn French, along with the complexities of adapting to a different culture. Despite his love for New Zealand, Ridge acknowledges the financial challenges of living in France and the differences in lifestyle. This new phase emphasizes his commitment to family while navigating opportunities and obstacles in a foreign land.
He was one of NZ’s top rugby union players then made a stunning switch to rugby league as a 21-year-old in 1990. Over the next decade he played 122 times for the Manly Sea Eagles, 25 times for the Kiwis and 37 times for the Warriors before he became a part-owner of the club.
After retiring from league, he became one of New Zealand’s most popular and successful TV stars – before enjoying success in the business world.
In this episode we talk about his bromance with Marc Ellis and how they created TV magic, 90s rugby league, Warriors regrets, the taxi incident which shaped his outlook on life as a teenager, mental resilience, relationship breakdowns and the realities of being NZ’s biggest star for a decade.
Matthew was an open book in this one and we also talked at length about his relationship with drugs – and his reflections on many of the most difficult chapters of his life.
It was a gripping chat, full of incredible insights into one hell of a life.
This episode is brought to you by TAB, download the new app today and get your bet on!
Listen on iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts from or watch the video on YouTube.
