# Matthew Ridge Tells All: Wrongful Conviction, Addiction & Working with Marc Ellis (Re-Release)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/between-two-beers-podcast-792534/matthew-ridge-tells-all-wrongful-conviction-addiction-working-with-marc-ellis-re-release
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/between-two-beers-podcast-792534/matthew-ridge-tells-all-wrongful-conviction-addiction-working-with-marc-ellis-re-release.md
Podcast: [Between Two Beers Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/between-two-beers-podcast-792534)
Published: 2026-05-31T06:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/between-two-beers-podcast/episodes/6a1b80c4f01281c812eb4fcd
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6775cb68499663105e17ae63/e/6a1b80c4f01281c812eb4fcd/media.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/between-two-beers-podcast-792534/episodes/matthew-ridge-tells-all-wrongful-conviction-addiction-working-with-marc-ellis-re-release
Duration seconds: 6722

## Resource

Matthew Ridge is one of New Zealand's most recognisable sporting figures - All Blacks captain, NRL star, television personality. But behind the swagger and the highlights reel is a story most people have never heard. Originally released in 2024 and one of our most popular episodes, we're bringing this one back because it deserves to be heard again. Ridgey sits down with Steve and Seamus to tell it all. At 16, he was wrongfully convicted of aggravated robbery - three High Court trials, a 14-year sentence hanging over his head, and a sports career that nearly never happened. He talks about growing up without his father, finding mental toughness through tennis, and the moment he got a voicemail from Graham Lowe asking if he wanted to play rugby league for Manly. He opens up about the NRL years, the TV relationship with Marc Ellis - and he talks honestly about his meth use, functioning as an addict while the cameras rolled, and the moment he looked at a photo of himself and saw no light in his eyes. This is Matthew Ridge like you've never heard him before. Between Two Beers is proudly brought to you by One New Zealand. We believe that One NZ connects New Zealand, while Between Two Beers connects New Zealanders. And together, we are NZ's most trusted connection platform. Steve and Seamus are proud to be dressed by Barkers Clothing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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