Triggered

Oswald built a business. On paper, it worked. But internally, he was running on an operating system that was quietly limiting everything, decisions, confidence, who he let himself become. In this episode, Rico and Oswald go deep on what was actually underneath the comparison, the jealousy, and the intimidation he felt sitting across from older, more established leaders and business owners. We cove...

Laura Tekaat was doing everything right on paper. Top-performing mortgage broker. Winning year after year. Building a life that looked successful from the outside. But behind it… she was burning out. In this episode, Laura opens up about the pressure of performance, the weight of perception, and the identity she built around being “seen” a certain way. We go deep into: → The moment she discovered...

Anton Matthews has been in the hospitality game long enough to see it all. From building multiple brands like Fush, Hustle Group, a catering company, and Joe’s Garage, to navigating the unseen pressures that come with it, this conversation goes way deeper than business. We unpack: → What it really took to start Fush → The reality of betrayal within the industry → The moments that could’ve made him...

In this episode, I sit down with Malia Rose, a real estate agent, mum of three, and one of the most resilient people I’ve had the chance to talk with. Malia opens up about her childhood growing up in an abusive home and the moment everything changed when she ran away at just 14 years old. Living in survival mode forced her to grow up fast and make decisions most teenagers could never imagine. We t...

What happens when the life you planned doesn’t work out? In this episode, David Melse opens up about separation, moving back to New Zealand when his overseas plans collapsed, and what it really feels like to start again from scratch. We talk about: The identity hit that comes with separation The quiet shame of coming home when it “didn’t work” Rebuilding confidence when your world shrinks The hidd...

In this deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Ingrid Gomez, a woman whose life has been shaped by both injustice and incredible resilience. Growing up in South Africa as a person of colour during the apartheid era, Ingrid experienced systemic racism firsthand unequal education, racial violence, and a constant message that people like her were less than. Fighting for equal education often mea...

In this episode, Rico sits down with Anton Tikao-Harkess, a father, partner and former professional rugby player, to explore the silent battles people don’t see, and how they influence behaviour. Together they unpack Anton’s journey with mental health, the anger that masked pain from the people closest to him, and the catalyst that took him from wanting to end it all, to complete freedom eight wee...

For our final episode of the year, I sit down with Oswald and James for a raw, unfiltered Christmas special — answering the real questions you sent in. Nothing scripted. Nothing polished. Just three guys having the kinds of conversations most people avoid… especially at this time of year. We dive into: • Self-sabotaging relationships — why we push away the connection we actually want • Parenting p...

In this episode, Rico sits down with James August, a business owner, creative, and co-owner of Christchurch café Rook, to unpack a story that started in a gang environment and led to genuine freedom. James shares what it was like growing up in a home shaped by gang culture and volatility, where both emotional and physical safety were constantly under threat. He opens up about the belief that becam...

In this episode, Rico sits down with Jono Kitto, a former professional rugby player, to explore the part of an athlete's life the world rarely sees, the emotional battles behind the performance. Together they unpack his journey with mental health, the deep need for affirmation from his father and how that shaped the way he approached rugby, relationships, and his identity. In this conversation we...

What happens when your calling starts costing you your peace? In this episode, Greg Burgoyne shares the raw truth about transitioning from full-time pastor to full-time business owner — and the deep internal battle that came with it. After a significant period of burnout, frustration, and questioning his faith, Greg went through the NeuroFit Programme, where he finally faced the beliefs that were...

In this episode of Triggered, Marcus Wolton opens up about the early days of building his business — and the silent weight of comparison that almost broke his confidence. We talk about what it’s really like to build something alongside a close friend or business partner when your strengths, pace, and personalities are completely different. Marcus shares how he learned to move from competition to c...

Jack Marshall’s story is a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to be everything for everyone. From the bright lights of acting to the high-stakes world of real estate, Jack’s journey is filled with pivots, heartbreaks, and hard truths. But beneath it all sat one relentless pursuit — the fight to feel “good enough.” In this raw and honest conversation, Jack opens up about: The internal w...

What happens when the person who defined your world is suddenly gone? In this episode, Ash Clutterbuck opens up about the raw journey of losing her mum — caring for her through her final months, watching her health deteriorate, and facing the pain that followed. Grief pushed her toward alcohol to numb the hurt, but it was through the NeuroFit Programme that Ash began to heal — discovering who she...

What happens when your need to be seen becomes the reason you burn out? In this episode, Dan Cooper opens up about the season he worked 80-hour weeks for 12 months straight — just to stay ahead. The drive looked like discipline… but underneath was a need for validation that wouldn’t stop until his body did. Burnout forced him to slow down. But it also gave him clarity — realizing that no one else...

What happens when the people you trust most are the ones who break you? In this episode, Anthony Anderson — a Christchurch property developer who came to New Zealand as a backpacker from Newcastle He shares the gut-wrenching story behind his success. From betrayal in business to sleepless nights, anxiety, and shame that nearly destroyed his health, Anthony opens up about the hidden cost of chasing...

In this raw and honest first episode, Rico Gomez opens up about his personal battle with chronic anxiety, depression, and the hidden weight of needing approval. He shares how his craving for validation nearly cost him his marriage, what it took to rebuild trust and connection with his wife, and how that pain became the foundation for NeuroFit — a movement helping others master their mental game. Y...