The Imperfects

Today we welcome into the studio 7 time world champion surfer, and all-round legend, Layne Beachley.

Layne, who had the self-described ‘compassion of a tiger shark’ during her competition days, has lived an incredible journey to learn how to love others, and more importantly, herself.

Upon discovering that she was adopted, Layne internalised a fear of rejection and intense need to prove herself.

What’s one way to prove yourself, you may ask? Becoming a world champion, no matter the cost.

In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh talk to Layne about the narrative that she created for herself, and how this affected her self-worth, body image and relationships.

There is SO MUCH good stuff in this episode, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy your day at the Beach(ley).

Layne, you are an absolute legend. Thank you for your generous vulnerability.

If you would like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3VsnIrd

ALSO if you would like to buy tickets to Josh’s gig (!!!!!) click here - https://bit.ly/3ZO6ojf

📖 Things to read:

• Awake Academy - Layne Beachley and Tess Brouwer - https://bit.ly/4fNThEh
• Beneath the Waves - Michael Gordon with Layne Beachley - https://bit.ly/410jgU2
• From Strength to Strength - Arthur C Brooks - https://bit.ly/3VCaZTD
• Build the Life You Want - Arthur C Brooks and Oprah Winfrey - https://amzn.to/3ZpgFAK

☕️Places to get coffee (and find your laptop cover):

• Aegyo Cafe - https://bit.ly/3BqMNMi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johann Hari is a prolific author, deep thinker, and seasoned guest of The Imperfects.

In this episode, Johann takes the guys on a deep dive into the Western food system, and how processed food has completely derailed our nutritional wisdom.

Our relationship with food is a very personal one, and Johann and Josh get vulnerable about how they have used food to manage emotions. They discuss how vanity comes into play, the plethora of risks and benefits to the new weight-loss drug like Ozempic, and if their introduction of could derail any notion of self-acceptance.

This episode does discuss eating disorders and suicidal ideation so tread carefully, and only listen to this episode when you’re ready.

Johann, it is always a pleasure. This is a big and tricky conversation, and we thank you for having it with us.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/2rcWI8zSOvE 

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Johann Hari - The Importance of Connection - https://apple.co/4fE5V8n
• Johann Hari - Why You Can’t Pay Attention - https://apple.co/4flaoMG
• Johann Hari (P1 1) - How Can We Change? - https://apple.co/40liAIJ
• Johann Hari (Pt 2) - Why Do We Do What We Do? - https://apple.co/3UokTH2

📖 Things to read:

• The Magic Pill by Johann Hari - https://bit.ly/3NHoyw1
• Johann’s other books - https://johannhari.com

💻Things to look into:

• Prof. Tracey Mann research into dieting - https://bit.ly/4eKbDEB
• Bee Wilson’s research into baby food - https://bit.ly/3ZtpklZ
• Dr. Paul Kenny research into the obesity - https://bit.ly/3ZbtZsm

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we are introducing you to Jim Rogers, who, in amongst a wild and vibrant life, has been diagnosed with younger-onset dementia.

So generous, and such an amazing storyteller, Jim tells us the three acts of his life, so far.

The grief of losing his first love, the surprise of his second, and the shock of a dementia diagnosis at 55, this conversation left Hugh, Ryan, and Josh with an invigorated sense for the preciousness of life, love, and family.

In Jim’s words, dementia strips you of the most important things: your memory and recognition of your loved ones, as well as your ability to make choices for your own wellbeing.

Dementia affects the lives of more than 421,000 individual Australians, and countless family members, loved ones and carers. There is no known cure for dementia, however there are treatments for many of the symptoms.

This episode is heart-breaking and heart-warming in the same breath, and we know you’re about to fall in love with Jim, just like we did.

Special thanks to Hamish Macdonald, and the Dementia Australia team, who introduced us to Jim.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/MUk5ED2Ppug 

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Hold The Moment - https://apple.co/3YCOjUz

📺 Things to watch:

• Still Alice - https://bit.ly/3YD5cyu

🧠 If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with Dementia, here are some great resources as a starting point:

• Dementia Australia Helpline - 1800 100 500
• Dementia Australia - https://www.dementia.org.au

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How long have you been holding on to that grudge? Are you picturing that person or moment right now? Have you ever considered what a step towards forgiveness might look like?

These are BIG questions, and thank God, Dr Emily, our resident psychologist, is here to talk us through it all.

In today’s episode, Dr Em begins by acknowledging that resentment is a normal human emotion. Phew.

However, holding on to resentment for prolonged periods of time can have a serious impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as your relationships (just ask Hugh and Josh).

Then we get onto the F-word. Yep, that’s right. We’re talking about forgiveness. And more specifically, how forgiveness is FOR YOU, and not about excusing behaviour.

So get comfy, and enjoy the last of Dr Em for 2024.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/4i1FETt

🎧Things to listen to:

• Sean Turnell - A Prisoner’s Guide to Life - https://apple.co/3yGPick
• Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life - https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8
• Dr Emily - Truth v Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7

📖 Things to read:

• Let Go by Hugh van Cuylenburg - https://bit.ly/4fpridx

💻 Things to check out:

• Fred Luskin’s research into Forgiveness - https://bit.ly/40DYgCC

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may know Peter Bol as the 800m runner, who came fourth in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and second in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Or, if you’re Hugh, you may have hundreds of photos of Peter training.

Wherever you are on the Peter-obsession-meter, we think you’re going to love this episode.

Our chat with Peter starts in Sudan, where Peter and his family moved as a unit, through Egypt, before settling in Australia. They were chasing safety and opportunity, two values that continue to ground Peter through all of his sporting success.

In 2023, Peter was on the most amazing upward trajectory, he'd just become the WA Young Australian of the year and things were looking good for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Then he was completely derailed with a false-positive drug test.

Hugh, Ryan, and Josh talk to Peter about how he remained consciously grateful and resilient throughout the entire saga and was able to instil within himself such fundamental lessons around positivity, justice and mindset.

Peter, we (Hugh) will see you on the track soon.

To watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4hC3CnP

🎧 Things to listen to:

• How To Write A Gratitude Letter - https://apple.co/3NGhccf

📺 Things to watch:

• Peter Bol’s 2021 Olympic 800m Race - https://bit.ly/4fhNPbS

📱Apps to download

• BBL - https://bit.ly/4hldXVd

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this long-awaited Academy of Imperfection, we chat to psychologist Janelle Booker, who specialises in ADHD and Highly Sensitive Person trait.

There is SO MUCH to learn (and love) about an ADHD brain.

We learn how ADHDers are often extremely creative, innovative, and talented, and in the right conditions, absolutely thrive.

However, ADHDers may struggle with executive functions such as time keeping, organisation and emotional regulation, which can make daily life really hard and exhausting.

People with ADHD can be more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as dopamine boosting activities such as risk-taking behaviour, addiction and disordered eating. This is why seeking the right diagnosis and treatment plan can be really impactful. 

With school as a battleground, and friendships sometimes hard to maintain, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat through how neurotypical people can be better allies and support systems to ADHDers, as friends, partners, employers, and parents.

On a HSP note (not the snack pack, unfortunately), we bet a few of you might resonate with Janelle’s explanation, especially since 15-20% of the population have the Highly Sensitive Person trait.

Janelle, it was an absolute pleasure, and we can’t believe we didn’t do this sooner.

Janelle is based in Western Australia, and her practice Janelle Booker Psychology, will be accepting new clients in February 2025. Click here to find out more - https://bit.ly/3BZimwO

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NPDDf7

💻 ADHD Resources to check out:

• ADHD Foundation Australia Hotline - https://adhdfoundation.org.au/adhd
• Stardust Support - https://www.stardustsupport.com.au/
• Curtin University ADHD Support Group - https://bit.ly/40fIm14
• For support groups at other universities, contact your counselling or psychology service

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World - https://apple.co/48nT3Ax
• Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me - https://apple.co/3yHdawf
• Dr. Emily - Truth vs Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7

📖 Things to read:

• Elaine Aron’s work on HSP - https://bit.ly/4eYlO9H
• Research paper on ADHD genes - https://go.nature.com/3YGcgui

📺 Things to watch:

• ADHD Meme Account Recommended by Ryan - https://bit.ly/3YrxwCt

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chef extraordinaire, creative genius and owner of Attica, Ben Shewry is welcomed back to the studio, this time into the Vulnerabilitea House.

In this episode, Ben answers the question, “When was a time you stayed silent, and regretted it?” and talks about his own culpability in racism, and how this event shaped the person that he is today.

Hugh and Josh share a moment they wish they could have back, and how they have been moving through the shame to do better next time.

In determining what success means to him, Ben talks so graciously about how showing sensitivity and love within relationships leads to deeper connections, and a more enriching life.

Ben, we’re IN LOVE with you.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/s2ZnJ1fw35w

📖 Things to read:

• Uses for Obsession by Ben Shewry - https://bit.ly/4f8Z6eA

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Ben Shewry (Pt 1) - The Other Side of Excellence - https://apple.co/4hhc2RB
• Ben Shewry (Pt 2) - How The Chef Was Made - https://apple.co/48hrQiQ
• Rana Hussain - Belonging for Connection - https://apple.co/3NwftWC
• Slip Slidin’ Away by Paul Simon - https://bit.ly/3NyRqGL

🍴Things to check out:

• Attica - https://www.attica.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s tiiimmmmeeee, to get vulnyyyyy (again).

And this time, we’re talking about year 12 exams. With the WHOLE TEAM!

Whether you’ve hid a possum in your cupboard the night before your English exam, or lost your voice on stage in your drama final, or maybe didn’t even take exams, we’ve been there, and we’re here to tell you, it will be okay.

So, get out your papers and pens (do kids still use these?), sit down and enjoy.

Love,

The Imperfects.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3YkRBuk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As an author, journalist and broadcaster, Dr Julia Baird has spent the last decade researching awe, wonder, grace and forgiveness (...and now the title makes sense!).

Finding joy and purpose through ocean swimming, Julia shows us how impactful nature and community can be when we say yes to adventure (and also what to do when caught in a rip).

With Josh out sick, Ryan and Hugh do the heavy lifting with bountiful good questions, Ryan becomes enlightened and discovers the meaning behind church (no really, he’s onto something), and Hugh and Ryan get deep with Julia and discuss the role of justice in forgiveness and the place of grace in today’s society.

Julia, it was such an honour, and definitely a name ticked off our dream-guest bucket list.

To watch the full episode on YouTube click here - https://youtu.be/3Xjy4eABOQ4

🎧Things to listen to:

• Not Stupid podcast with Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez - https://apple.co/4h3mhIS
• Grace Tame - “Sexy-time, Scissoring, Autism” - https://apple.co/404jXv7
• All that really matters - Teddy Swims - https://bit.ly/3NmAt26
• Renegades: Born in the USA with Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen - https://apple.co/3BJbhQW

📖 Things to read

• Julia Baird’s ‘Staying Upright’ ABC column - https://ab.co/4f31HGN
• Phosphorescence by Julia Baird - https://bit.ly/3Y2MK0M
• Bright Shining by Julia Baird - https://bit.ly/4eNfaCX
• Silent Spring by Rachel Carlson - https://bit.ly/3NpOhcf
• The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carlson - https://bit.ly/3A5UPcP
• The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey - https://amzn.to/3A1w3L1
• AWE by Dacher Keltner - https://amzn.to/3BGEk7E
• The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

📺 Things to watch

• Barack Obama singing Amazing Grace - https://bit.ly/3BG1WsV
• The Pool documentary - https://thepoolfilm.au

🌊 Information about Ocean Swimming Groups

• Phosphorescence Swimming Group (Melbourne) - https://bit.ly/488EWPp
• Margaret River Swimming Group - https://ab.co/4dKT02P

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The birth of a child is completely overwhelming, in every way. What gets you through is your newfound love and connection. Right?

But what happens when your heart doesn’t break open with love? What happens when you don’t feel what you’re meant to be feeling?

Jack Post is a pillar of Australian radio. Cackling Jack of Hamish and Andy, Side-Kick of the Christian O’Connell Show, Jack has worked hard to always be in the right place at the right time.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Jack is so remarkably honest about his experience with post-natal depression. The shame, the unbearable expectation, the support, and the newfound self-love, Jack shares his journey and the hard work that he has done to get here.

This is not an easy conversation, but it is such a very important one.

We don’t have favourites, but this episode is an exception. Jack, it was an honour speaking to you. We love you so much.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/1ly4jm4vrqA

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Hamish & Andy Podcast- https://apple.co/47YDVJC
• The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show - https://bit.ly/47VdSTK
• Ryan Shelton - Shame, Jealousy & Purpose - https://apple.co/4gWYZEs

💻 Things to check out:

• SYN FM Radio Program - https://bit.ly/47WXhis

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with post-natal depression, these are a few great resources:

• PANDA - https://panda.org.au
• DadSpace - https://www.dadspace.com.au

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re gettin’ vullllnnnnyyyyy. Oooohhhhh yeahhhhhh.

Yeah, that’s right. We’re trying something new. And, in the coolest way possible, we really hope you like it.

Specifically, Josh is gettin’ vulny, and letting us in on a little something he’s been working on (or hoping to work on) (he’s nervous).

We’re so proud of you Josh, and we can’t wait to see everyone there x

TO BUY TICKETS TO JOSH’S GIG (!!!!!) - follow this link: https://bit.ly/3zG9XxG

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YiWANo

🎧 Things to listen to:

• The Vulnerabilitea House - Josh van Cuylenburg - https://apple.co/4dKKbpI
• Vulnerability Update - Josh Wrote a Song! - https://bit.ly/3Nld9BV
• James Clear - Down The Habit Hole - https://bit.ly/3XZhQGr

📺 Things to watch:

• we were here - Josh van Cuylenburg Official Video - https://bit.ly/405eFzs
• Nick Cave Australian Story - https://bit.ly/4858zRY

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you believe that if you stop worrying, the worst-case scenario will happen?

According to Dr Emily, uncertainty, is the only certainty (mic drop) (jaw drop) (the crowd goes silent).

If you weren’t having an existential crisis yet, strap yourself in, because today we’re talking worry and uncertainty.

In this emisode, our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove talks us through our new-age uncertainty intolerance, and why we continuously seek reassurance and data to drive our decision-making process.

We talk big, global-warming size unpredictability, and also small, picking a restaurant without reading reviews uncertainty, to explore the role of worry in our lives.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the unknown and find safety in the present moment.

You can watch this full episode on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/jo5Ex1a2OwM

🎧Things to listen to:

• Myf Warhurst - The Anxiety of Uncertainty - https://apple.co/3Z2KKYj
• Dr Louise Newson - Maybe It’s Menopause - https://apple.co/4cAKDq8
• Sean Turnell - A Prisoner’s Guide to Life - https://apple.co/3yGPick
• Ann Davidman - Should You Have Children? - https://apple.co/3MivhMn
• Dr Emily - The Risk of Avoiding Risk - https://apple.co/4fZpp8c
• Elizabeth Day - The Me-est Version of Me - https://apple.co/47PubRU

📺Things to watch:

• Brene Brown - The Call to Courage - https://bit.ly/3AD6XSR

💻Things to check out:

• Mother of Mindfulness (Ellen Langer) - Making the Decision Right - https://bit.ly/4eKjoLa
• Increasing Intolerance of Uncertainty Over Time - Nicholas Carleton - https://bit.ly/47PMRB8
• Rick Hanson - I am all right, right now - https://bit.ly/3AFIe07

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author, business lady and skincare wizard (according to her customs card), Zoë Foster Blake is nothing short of prolific.

Chatting with Hugh, Ryan and Josh in this Vulnerabilitea House, Zoë talks through the pressure and responsibility she felt during her loneliest time.

Striking ‘luck’ as a dirty word, Zoë’s compulsion to be productive and produce ‘good work’ has earned her a multitude of publishing awards for her numerous books, the production of one of her novels into a TV show, the stocking of her skincare brand Go-To in Mecca and Sephora, and a cult following.

But something’s gotta give when you’re striving to have it all, and Zoë knows better than anyone how relationships, mental and physical health can all suffer when you’re burn-out adjacent.

Zoë preaches the importance of sleep, and discusses how she combats anxious thoughts before bedtime, as well as perimenopause (and how you’re probably gaslighting yourself into thinking you aren’t going through it).

Zoë, what a joy. 

To watch this episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/cfaS-lIj9Mk

📖 Things to read:

• Things Will Calm Down Soon (Zoë’s BRAND NEW book) - https://bit.ly/3XWiTIA 
• Scaredy Bath by Zoë Foster Blake - https://bit.ly/3XQ3A3Q
• No One Likes A Fart by Zoë Foster Blake - https://bit.ly/3Xz3wEu
• Zoë’s entire back catalogue of books - https://bit.ly/3ZyMQj2
• How To Be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson - https://bit.ly/3Zto6Zs
• This Is Marketing by Seth Godin - https://amzn.to/4dhxh2f

💻 Things to Check Out

• Go-To, Bro-To and Gro-To Skincare - https://gotoskincare.com
• Balance App - https://bit.ly/3FOhpWS

📺Things to Watch

• The Wrong Girl - https://apple.co/3Bg5nqe
• Michael Phelps Doorway Technique - https://bit.ly/3XAT9Qz
• Slumdog Millionaire - https://bit.ly/3Zw2lIj

🎧Things to listen to

• Dr Louise Newson - Maybe It’s Menopause - https://apple.co/4cAKDq8

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Billy Garvey gets kids.

A developmental and behavioural paediatrician with over twenty years experience, Billy is an expert at up-skilling kids with the fundamental skills of empathy, kindness, compassion and self-esteem.

Due to the extremely high demand for his expertise (the clinic waiting list is most likely seven years long at this point), Billy decided to co-produce his own podcast ‘Pop-Culture Parenting’, and has also just released a book Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child’s Mental Health.

In this Academy, Billy gets into the nitty gritty about masculinity, role modelling and teaching emotional regulation to kids, especially young boys (we even talk about porn). Extremely generous in sharing his own story, Billy reveals the purpose behind his clinic, and how he finds immense privilege in being here to do the work that he does (you’re going to need tissues).

Thank you Billy, it is always pleasure.

To watch this episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/47BHJAw

📖Things to read:

• Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child’s Mental Health by Dr Billy Garvey - https://bit.ly/4eqyTb6

🎧Things to listen to:

• The Academy of Imperfection - Dr Billy Garvey, Paediatrician - https://apple.co/4doCYM8 
• An Imperfect Chat About Men - https://apple.co/4e2vQpP
• Another Imperfect Chat About Men - https://apple.co/3B6WkaW
• Pop-Culture Parenting - https://bit.ly/4e0VRpp
• Kendrick Lamar: The Art of Peer Pressure - https://bit.ly/3TupbMT

💻Things to check out:

• Social Learning Theory - https://bit.ly/3ZlYGwP and https://bit.ly/4dV9NkJ

This episode references domestic violence. If this feels like too much for you to listen to right now, please skip this one, and come back when you are ready. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Nathan Buckley, self-reflection is critical for becoming the person he wants to be. 

Placed on a pedestal during his playing career (for good reason), Bucks was Collingwood’s favourite son, and GOD he felt the pressure. Communicating only through criticism, both to himself and his teammates, Bucks says he was "demented" in the way he trained.

In this episode, Bucks shares the steps he took to change his entire approach to playing and coaching footy. Importantly, unlearning that playing good footy meant being worthy and how letting go and asking for help completely changed his relationship with himself.

Also... The Courage To Be Disliked gets a few mentions, we PROMISE Ryan isn’t sponsored, just obsessed! 

Bucks, for someone who bleeds black and white, you have the biggest heart, and we love you a lot.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MIykxv

📺Things to watch:

• Beefy’s Motivational Speech at Collingwood - https://bit.ly/3T9dCub
• Hugh’s ‘GEM’ Amazon Special - https://bit.ly/4dFL4AW

🎧Things to listen to:

• Jack Watts - Anxiety, Pressure in Football and Mistakes

📖Things to read:

• The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga - https://bit.ly/3Z0M1iK
• How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - https://amzn.to/3Z0jhqq
• How To Fight The Urge to Make Everything About Yourself - https://bit.ly/3yJddb3

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel like you're on your own side? Are you able to speak to yourself with kindness? Or stick up for yourself in front of others?

That, my friend, is self-compassion and it can be incredibly hard to do. 

Dr Em says, "compassion" in Latin translates to “with suffering.” And SELF-compassion is how we relate, reflect and react when our self is suffering.

In this episode, Dr Em talks about why cultivating a self-compassionate voice is SO DIFFICULT, but how it's also pivotal in getting us through our darkest moments.

And we chat through whether self-compassion needs a re-brand? (Hugh's gunning for self-chop-out, but we're still taking recommendations?) 

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4gdli8B 

📖Books Josh hasn’t read (but definitely will at some point)

• Against Empathy - Paul Bloom - https://amzn.to/4g53tbR
• Fierce Compassion - Kristin Neff - https://amzn.to/4cJESGI

🎧Things to listen to

• Brooke Blurton - The Path of Most Resilience - https://apple.co/4e8XmkP
• Dr Emily - Who Is Your Inner Critic & Why Is It There? - https://apple.co/3XaFdw9

💻Things to check out

• Kristin Neff’s online resources - https://bit.ly/3XspqKL
• Paul Gilbert’s review on Self-Compassion - https://bit.ly/3AQbJML

Dr Emily is a clinical psychologist and you can find out more about her here - https://bit.ly/4gesuBy

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Grace addresses her adolescent self with a simple message - “It wasn’t your fault.”

Australian of the Year, Next Generation Leader (as voted by Time Magazine), ultra-marathon runner and changer of laws, Grace Tame can't be tamed.

Here she discusses the uncomfortable truths of her child sexual abuse, grooming & rape. She shares how survival mode became her new normal while dealing, and continuously recounting, her trauma in the public eye.

Talking body, Grace is honest about her struggle with anorexia and the relief (after a whole lot of pain) of a recent endometriosis diagnosis.

Ohh and she talks about autism, in the most beautiful unfiltered way! 

Grace, it was the biggest privilege to have you in the studio. We love you immensely.

To see Grace speak live (we implore you to), tickets for her show, Lightening the Load with Grace Tame are available here - https://bit.ly/3MitxTh.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4cMEvLC

📖Things to Read

• The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner: A Memoir - https://bit.ly/3AMZX5z
• Betrayed by my body - Michael Salter - https://bit.ly/3AzB2m0

💻Things to check out

• The Grace Tame Foundation - https://bit.ly/4cEHtld

📺Things to watch

• Grace’s Australian of the Year Award Speech - https://ab.co/3yVZBJr

🦋 If you or someone you know if experiencing an eating disorder, these are some helpful resources to look into:

• The Butterfly Foundation - https://butterfly.org.au/
• Eating Disorders Families Australia - https://edfa.org.au
• Uncovery - https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Or visit the below support services. 

• Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 - https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
• Reach Out - https://au.reachout.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt excluded? Or like you don't belong? It turns out that belonging is a fundamental human need. To thrive, we need to feel safe, we need to feel welcome, but very importantly, we need to know the tribe has our back. 

In this Academy of Imperfection, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to founder of Good Human, Rana Hussain. Rana is a host of The Outer Sanctum podcast, a board member of Reconciliation Australia and consultant to a plethora of elite sporting clubs on bettering their diversity and inclusion strategies.

In this episode, she shares how to get curious in a respectful way, why listening is everything and how to live a life true to your identity. Ohh and there's a pretty incredible love story in the ep as well!  

Rana, it was an absolute joy, and you definitely left us better than you found us.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -

💻Things to check out

• Good Human - https://www.goodhuman.au
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs - https://bit.ly/4dsy3KX

🎧Things to listen to

• The Outer Sanctum - https://spoti.fi/3WJ9iCU
• Pallavi Sharda - Where We Belong - https://apple.co/3M3iEV5
• Dr Emily - Other People Matter - https://apple.co/3M4A8k8

📖Things to read

• Belonging: The Ancient Code of Togetherness by Owen Eastwood - https://amzn.to/3M7s16l

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘The Inspired Unemployed’ began when a couple of tradies, Jack Steele and Matt ‘Falcon’ Ford, began an Instagram to catalogue the skits they were writing and filming overseas.

Since then, Jack and Falcon have launched Australia’s fastest selling beer, collaborated with Fendi and Louis Vuitton, have 2 million followers on Instagram, launched a podcast exclusive to Spotify AND star in their own TV show The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. Life, from the outside, seems pretty much perfect.

In this Vulnerabilitea House we chat with Jack Steele about his fear of losing relevance. Extremely generous in his vulnerability, Jack opens up about his terrifying panic attacks, anxiety over not being productive; his ADHD diagnosis; and what it’s like to live and work with your best mate, while still trying to be, well, best mates.

Jack, we’re in love with you.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click this link: https://youtu.be/xxAx0kOOAo8 

🎧Things to listen to:

• Hamish MacDonald- How To Be You - https://bit.ly/4dhN8Ph

📖Things to read:

• ADHD 2.0 - Edward Hallowell - https://bit.ly/4dlE8IP

📱Things to scroll:

• The Inspired Unemployed on Instagram - https://bit.ly/4dDpdtm

📺Things to watch:

• The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers - https://bit.ly/4fGD2Jm
• Anomalisa - https://bit.ly/3Avx1il

📋Things to do:

• Maria’s Resilience First Aid Training - https://bit.ly/4dEYzQT

👨‍🦲Things for hair loss

• Hugh’s hairspray product - https://bit.ly/3yuh4ss
• Finasteride (please note this a prescription product and should only be used after a consultation with your GP) - https://bit.ly/3WNw2BI

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Settle in and grab your notebooks, you’re in for a good one.

We’re joined by Maria Ruberto, director and founder of Salutegenics Psychology, who just happens to be Ryan and Josh’s (ex) psychologist.

Maria is the co-designer of Resilience First Aid, an internationally recognised two-day certification program, which teaches the neuroscience of resilience (Ryan took sooooo many notes).

We discuss with Maria the relationship between biology and behaviour, and the six domains of resilience. Getting technical, we delve into the negatives of screen time (hello darkness our old friend) and the ridiculously positive benefits of doing stuff with other people.

So join us as we get started on building our resilience toolbox, practice breathing like a baby AND co-regulate like it’s no one’s business.

To sign up to Maria’s Resilience First Aid training, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3WuhOFG

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here: https://bit.ly/3AvhAqp 

🎧Things to listen to:

• Dr Emily - A Guide To Getting Therapy - https://bit.ly/3WSCF7f
• The Academy of Imperfection - Ben Crowe - https://bit.ly/3MrxtRN 
• Gary Barlow - The Pain Behind The Pleasure - https://apple.co/4dzh356
• Esther Perel - Let’s Be Better Lovers - https://apple.co/3Af9OB6

📖 Things to read:

• Stress Study: https://bit.ly/46A9bOB
• Defining Protective Resilience: https://bit.ly/3SFBQfm
• Resilience First Aid Evaluation: https://bit.ly/4dFRXll

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackson Tozer embodies the essence of The Imperfects podcast. Well, that’s what Ryan thinks, and we’re pretty keen to agree.

Hugely successful and outrageously talented, Jackson, from the outside, is living the dream. Behind the professional success of acting alongside Shaun Micallef, John Cena and Zac Efron (and Ryan, can’t forget Ryan), Jackson found himself learning how to be a high-functioning addict (literally high) at rock bottom.

Sharing his experience with grief, the loss of his best friend and marijuana addiction, which contributed to his battle with bulimia, anxiety and depression, we thank Jackson for being so bloody generous with his vulnerability.

This episode with Jackson Tozer includes a discussion about eating disorders, marijuana addiction and suicide . If this feels like too much for you right now, please come back to this episode when you're ready.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3YrXrf9

Join Movember and be part of the solution. To advocate for more action around men's health, head to https://bit.ly/3yv9BZX 

🎭Things to check out

• Jackson’s Fringe Show - https://bit.ly/4cYNXwf
• Jackson on Instagram - https://bit.ly/3YoQoDZ
• Community Care Collective - https://bit.ly/3zYbUFb

📺Things to watch

• Ricky Stanicky - https://bit.ly/4bYQXat
• Mr Inbetween - https://bit.ly/4d4YZ31

🎧Things to listen to

• The Killers - Rut - https://bit.ly/4cUn4JM

If you or someone you love is suffering from a marijuana addiction, these are some good places to start:

• Call DirectLine on 1800 888 236 for 24hr support
• Marijuana Anonymous Australia - https://bit.ly/3WG4boj
• Family Drug Support - https://www.fds.org.au/

🦋 If you or someone you know if experiencing an eating disorder, these are some helpful resources to look into:

• The Butterfly Foundation - https://butterfly.org.au/
• Eating Disorders Families Australia - https://edfa.org.au
• Uncovery - https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Or visit the below support services. 

• Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 - https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
• Reach Out - https://au.reachout.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is not compulsory listening, but then again, it kind of is.

We’re back to have another imperfect conversation about men, violence and consent, because we're still imperfect and we believe reflecting on behaviour is key to changing it. 

We don't have all the answers, but in collaboration with Teach Us Consent and future OAM Chanel Contos, we’ve come up with some new Vulnerabilitea House questions to help anyone get vulnerable and think deeply about these issues. 

In all honesty, we’re pretty nervous about answering them, but reflecting and getting vulnerable with ourselves and others is how we do better and become the people we want to be.

You can find the questions on our instagram: https://bit.ly/4dnfjvO

Vulnerability is the willingness to be seen as our authentic selves, even when we don’t know how others will respond. To be vulnerable is to take an emotional risk and while it does promote connection, it can also cause distress and should never be forced. So take care of yourself and others while answering these questions. Always vulnerable responsibly. 

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/4fx8lWP 

🎧Things to listen to

• Chanel Contos - Consensual Healing - https://link.chtbl.com/mhDPOcpH
• An Imperfect Chat About Men - https://link.chtbl.com/BVlSy3Kf

📖Things to read

• Chanel Contos - Consent Laid Bare - https://bit.ly/3RNKpEm 
• Malcolm Gladwell - Blink - https://bit.ly/3WG8Er7

💻 Things to help you learn

• Teach Us Consent Instagram - https://bit.ly/4dlzKJG
• Teach Us Consent Website - https://www.teachusconsent.com
• Our Watch - https://bit.ly/3w0BQhV
• White Ribbon - https://bit.ly/3W6nMhs

If you're a man concerned about your behaviour please contact No To Violence: https://bit.ly/3UlyiA5

If you feel like you are in immediate danger please call 000. If you need someone to talk to we recommend the nation24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line 1800 RESPECT on 1800 732 732.

If you need support for your own mental health of the back of this episode please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dis episode is a little bit different, but if you’re as obsessed with Hugh van Cuylenburg as we are, we think you’ll enjoy it.

The Resilience Project (TRP) is the company that Hugh started building 12 years ago. Today, it delivers evidence-based, wellbeing programs to over 1000 schools in Australia, as well as countless work-places and helps provide people with strategies to build resilience too!

Hugh always knew that TRP would be something special, but god, it took a lot of hard work (and some might say resilience) to get it to where it is now.

From the first spark of inspiration, to the make-or-break scene straight from a movie, Hugh gets pretty vulnerable with Ryan and Josh about all the ways he failed on the road to success.

So grab your glitter pens, rule up your calendar, and pencil in dis super special episode.

📺 Things to watch

• How Hugh Built Dis on YouTube - https://bit.ly/3y8gAId

💻 Things to check out

• The Resilience Project - https://bit.ly/3zT8RhJ
• The Resilience Project Journals - https://bit.ly/3K8Z9cK

🎧 Things to listen to

• Martin ‘Rac’ Heppell - The other F word… Failure - https://bit.ly/4fUkDIk 
• The Vulnerabilitea House - Martin Heppell - https://apple.co/3ZerqqN 
• How I Built This with Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia) - https://apple.co/4bXMbdk

🦋 If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder, these are some great resources to look into: 

• The Butterfly Foundation - https://butterfly.org.au/
• Eating Disorders Families Australia - https://edfa.org.au
• Uncovery - https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your values are perfect - according to our resident psychologist Dr. Emily Musgrove.

Although this sounds counter intuitive to what we usually say…it’s actually a beautiful place to start.

Figuring out what your values are, and where they come from can be a pretty intense experience. Lucky we have Dr Em to help, breaking down why they are important and how they can add purpose to your life. As she explains, our values work like a compass, and when used responsibly, can point us in the direction of the person we want to be.

Links mentioned in the episode:

🎧 Previous episodes of The Imperfects
Pat Cummins - Love, Loss & Life - https://apple.co/4eHc4zJ 

The Academy of Imperfection - Ben Crowe - https://bit.ly/3MrxtRN 

James Clear - Down The Habit Hole - https://bit.ly/3XZhQGr 

Chrissie Swan - Honesty - https://bit.ly/3qL7WeO 

📺 Things to watch

Life of Brian “Individual” - https://bit.ly/4bLR74U

📖Steven Hayes books to read 

A Liberated Mind -  https://amzn.to/4bRIHJz 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - https://amzn.to/3Wp95ou 

🛠️ Tools to use

The Resilience Project 6 month journal -  https://bit.ly/3RUBke7

Steve Hayes’ research into values - https://bit.ly/4fhrsnU

📺 To watch the full episode on YouTube, click here: https://bit.ly/46795xC

Dr Emily is a clinical psychologist and you can find out more about her here - https://bit.ly/4gesuBy

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the ultimate power move, we interview Zan Rowe, ‘one of Australia’s best interviewers’. Talk about pressure. 

Champion of the airwaves, TV presenter, music journalist and podcaster, Zan has soundtracked the lives of many Australians. In this episode of the Vulnerabilitea House,  Zan draws the card; ‘how would your ambitions change if you only had one year to live?’ 

In between getting ‘death ready’ and facing burnout just when her professional dreams were all coming true, Zan and Hugh fan-girl hard for Johann Sebastian Bach.

You can watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/g-ABdHgMKyE 

Links mentioned in this episode:

🎧 Previous episodes of the imperfects

• Linda Marigliano - https://apple.co/4hUsiIl 

📺 Things to watch

• To watch Take 5’s episode with Guy Pearce - https://ab.co/3xRKYGA

🎧 Things to listen to

• Zan's podcast 'Bang On', with Myf Warhurst - https://ab.co/3SbvDHN 
• Night of the Swallow by Kate Bush - https://bit.ly/4cw18o4

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever made a really bad decision? Made a call that you couldn’t undo? It's a fear for many, and for others, living with the reality of a ‘roll of the dice’ gone wrong, is cause for great sadness, and discomfort. 

But, there is wisdom in mistakes. And for Poh Ling Yeow, learning to own her bad decisions, meant she could move forward with empathy and acceptance. 

A skill she's honed through a life of ‘magooing’ to her way onto our screens through Master Chef, into our kitchens through cookbooks, and very much into our hearts. (Ref. Mr. Magoo). 

In fact, the level of maturity Poh is able to bring to so much of her life, is unlike anyone we’ve ever met before.

Links mentioned in this episode.

📺 Things to watch

• Masterchef on Tenplay - https://bit.ly/4cwzbg8
• South Park - Morman fellowshipping of Kyle - https://bit.ly/4cniH9x

🍽️ Things to cook

• Poh’s latest cookbook - https://bit.ly/4cA1dXo

🎨 Art to see

• Poh’s paintings - The Girl - https://bit.ly/45u0rZI

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does food affect our mood? Does diet actually impact our mental health? What is a gut micro-biome, and can we still eat a few chips without ruining it?

In this Academy of Imperfection episode, we are joined one of the worlds leading experts on the relationship between what we eat, and how it effects our mental health, Professor Felice Jacka.

And if can we trust anyone to get to the bottom of the vagus nerve ‘highway’; our hippocampus shrinking; our mitochondrial reaction to ultra-processed foods (don’t worry we didn’t know these words before either) - it’s her. 

There was a lot to 'digest' in this chat (so to speak), but thankfully, there is so much we can do, by making informed choices about what we put in our bodies, to improve our mental health. 

See below for links & research mentioned in this episode, information on Felice and her work and extra resources:

📖 Things to read

• The Food and Mood centre - https://bit.ly/3xdmkjw.
• Felice’s published research - https://deakin.au/3VWggpb,
• Felice’s shorter articles - https://bit.ly/3RvfeO2.
• Felice’s recent research in Molecular Psychiatry Review -https://go.nature.com/3xozlqq.
• SMILEs trial - https://bit.ly/3KLjGEL.
• Kevin Hall’s study on Ultra-Processed food - https://bit.ly/3z7akjY.
• Brain Changer, Felice Jacka, https://bit.ly/3xpYGjJ,
• There’s a Zoo in my Poo, Felice Jack & Rob Craw https://bit.ly/3RrHxNd.

🎧 previous Imperfects Episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Tim Spector - https://apple.co/3OjRlXR 

This episode with Professor Felice Jacka includes a discussion about disordered eating. If this feels like too much for you right now, please come back to this episode when you're feeling ready.

If you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations:

• The Butterfly Foundation https://bit.ly/48YCSZe
• Eating Disorders Families Australia https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5
• Uncovery https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last season we met Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent and we were completely blown away by her courage and the work she's taking on. So much so, that within minutes of Hugh opening and reading Chanel’s book, “Consent Laid Bare”, he had nominated her for Australian of The Year. 

In this snippet from the full episode, Hugh, Ryan, Josh and Chanel discuss the normalised and systemic nature of sexual violence against women and the pervasive issue of rape culture; including what it is and how we can all take steps to dismantle it. 

To learn more about Chanel, her work and the Teach Us Consent campaign, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QVhlK0

🎧 Things to listen to

• Chanel Contos - https://bit.ly/3RNKpEm 

📖 Things to read

• Consent Laid Bare - https://bit.ly/40Z0Xgh

• To view a version of the 'rape culture pyramid' - https://bit.ly/49XPFgh

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would it feel like to have the very thing that mad you great - your body, strength and co-ordination - slowly and painfully taken away from you?

As a swimmer, Michael Klim was on top of the world - he was literally ‘World Swimmer of the Year’. Trips to the Olympics, medals of every colour, 21 world records AND his face on the cover of a Foo Fighters Album, Michael really did have it all.

However, in 2022 Michael was diagnosed with a life changing condition, wherein your body attacks it’s own tissue - chronic inflammatory demyelination polyneuropathy (CIDP).

In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to Michael about his equally impressive life out of the pool, and how his CIDP diagnosis has taught him a lot about identity, grief and relationships.

In 2023, Michael partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to help raise awareness for the vital role blood donation plays in not just his life, but the 1 in 3 Australians who will need blood products in their lifetime. To help recipients like Michael and countless others book a blood donation here. https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link. https://bit.ly/3RHPUoi

Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:

📺 Things to watch

• Homer Simpson’s journey through the Stages of Grief - https://bit.ly/4epRAMJ.
• The Imperfects x Lifeblood video - https://bit.ly/3z0Suiv

🎧 Previous Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Tim Minchin - Lucky To Be Here - https://apple.co/492kgsN 
• Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life - https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8 
• Elizabeth Day - The Me-est Version of Me - https://apple.co/47PubRU 
• Reece Conca - Tackling Male Infertility - https://apple.co/4fUmEEm 

📖 Things to read

• Kubler-Ross Grief Cycle is here https://bit.ly/45tThVu

⛑️ To support

• Lifeblood - https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN
• The Klim Foundation - bit.ly/4ejtGTj

🎧  Things to listen to:

• Milkshakes for Marlee - https://bit.ly/4cwRDEW

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have boundaries? Have you ever crossed someone else’s boundaries? How would you react if someone crossed yours? It is WAY easier to ignore it. Avoiding potential conflict and awkwardness is second nature to most of us. For those of us with people-pleasing tendencies, telling someone they have violated a boundary can be an acute version of living hell.

Luckily for us, our resident psychologist Dr. Emily is here to help us navigate what a healthy boundary looks, feels and sounds like. And why understanding, implementing and protecting heathy boundaries is good for all of us...even if it does feel a little awkward.

Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:

🎧 Previous episode of The Imperfects

• Grant Denyer - https://apple.co/4fyvmsj 
• Dr. Emily - Truth v Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7 
• Dr. Emily - Social Anxiety, They’ve Got It Too - https://apple.co/3COk1pd 
• Chrissie Swan - Honesty - https://bit.ly/3qL7WeO 
• Lael Stone - Take Care of Yourself - https://apple.co/4eAJNuw 

📱 Things to follow

• Nedra Glover Tawwab’s instagram - bit.ly/4bWnvCK

📖 Things to read

• Nedra Glover Tawwab’s ‘Set Boundaries, Find Peace’ -bit.ly/3xpFKBw.
• Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild’ - bit.ly/4emwAXa

📺 Things to watch

• Curb Your Enthusiasm - https://bit.ly/3VCsXVH
• Poor Things - https://bit.ly/3VmQ3OJ

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not a life sentence, as Rick Davies so eloquently tells Hugh and Josh in this episode of The Imperfix. Best known as Jimmy from the TV show 'Offspring', Rick is unbelievably vulnerable in sharing his story with OCD - from the awkward and painful compulsions, to the relief of a diagnosis at 18 years old.

Here Rick share's how he was inspired by the trailblazing work of Penny Moodie and talks through finding peace and happiness amidst the torment.

🎧 Things to listen to

• Rick’s full Imperfects episode - https://bit.ly/3wZQmHf 
• Penny’s Imperfects episode on OCD - https://bit.ly/459PbkY 

📖 Things to read

• Penny’s book, The Joy Thief: How OCD steals your happiness and how to get it back - bit.ly/3x3IG6T

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From being ‘canceled’, to alcoholism and post-natal depression, Yumi Stynes knows how to get vulnerable in the Vulnerabilitea House.

Starting as a magnetic, music presenter on Channel V, Yumi’s career spans more than 20 years on our screens, on the radio, or in the very successful books she’s written. However as she shares with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, there were times when the phone simply didn't ring and her career felt like it was at a stand-still. 

In this episode, Yumi shares stories from her childhood, from feelings of isolation; to being the victim of racism in 1980s Swan Hill; we discuss the loss of her father and how that experience shaped her perspective on life; to what it was actually like being 'cancelled' and the role friendship played in her lowest moments; above all, Yumi tells us of her struggles with alcohol, and how her decision to quit transformed her life.

So buckle up for a big one! We know you’ll love this chat as much as we did!

📖 Things to read

• ‘Welcome To…’ book series https://bit.ly/3yPqb6O
• The Food Fix (Garlic Honey Soy Chicken recipe) https://bit.ly/3RjbaQN

📺 Things to watch

• The Circle ‘cancelling’ moment https://bit.ly/3RfcGUk

⛑️ For help & support with post natal depression

• Call Panda on 1300 726 306 or visit https://bit.ly/45fCULX
• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit https://bit.ly/3yPDggh
• For further research and learning visit Mumspace - https://bit.ly/3Vzsjs4

⛑️ For help & support with alcohol abuse

• Call Alcoholics Anonymous on 1300 222 222 or visit https://bit.ly/4bT6Pfq
• Call the National Drug & Alcohol Hotline on 1800 250 015 or visit https://bit.ly/4aPgvGJ

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unfortunately, we all know what bad leadership looks like, for many of us, it doesn’t take long to think of examples…but what does it actually take to be a ‘good leader’?

This week in the Academy of Imperfection, Hugh, Ryan and Josh are joined by a legend of the sport, former rugby league player and current coach of the Queensland Maroons, Billy Slater. Billy has been called the best fullback ever to have played the game. As a player, he’s won more awards than we could possibly list. As a coach and a leader, he is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, Billy talks about leadership, coaching and how he approaches it. He shares how playing to your strengths can actually be more beneficial than lingering on weaknesses; he discusses how sometimes, good leadership requires ‘letting go’; and he shares why he spends so much time creating feelings and moments for his players, reminding them that what they’re trying to achieve is something bigger than themselves.

You can watch the full episode with Billy on youtube here. https://bit.ly/4c45lih

Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:

📖 Things to read

• Link to Billy’s auto biography - https://bit.ly/3R62RIb
• Link to Phill Jackson 11 Rings book - https://bit.ly/3yGgQ0N

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How kind is your inner voice? What does it say to you when your with friends, having family dinner, at work, when you mistakes, or, when you look in the mirror?

We all have an inner critic and for lots of us, that voice can be loud and relentless - holding us back from thriving, from living the life we want to live and being the person we want to be.

In this episode of the IMPERFIX, we jump back into an episode with Dr Em and get up close and personal with ‘our inner critics’.

In this snippet we explore the role of the inner critic, what’s its purpose? How can we learn to live with, and maybe even befriend it.

To listen to this full episode with Dr. Em, follow this link: https://apple.co/3XaFdw9 

Links mentioned in the episode:

📺 Things to watch

• Shirzad Charmine’s Ted Talk, ‘Know Your Inner Saboteurs’, click here: https://bit.ly/2Ybu5Aa

📖 Things to read

• Daniel Siegel https://bit.ly/3TnNVV5

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its hard to imagine a life more remarkable, or as unique as that of Nathan Cavaleri.

Nathan rose to fame as an 8 year old blues prodigy, regularly appearing on Aussie TV screens in the 90’s, but there is so much more to Nathan and his story than that. Whether it’s touring Australia with the likes of Jimmy Barnes; or touring America with blues Legend B.B. King; being signed to Michael Jackson’s label; or starring in a Baywatch spin off with David Hasselhoff; Nathan’s life from the outside, really does look perfect. However, as we all know, perfect isn't what this podcast is about.

In this episode, Nathan talks about the challenges he has faced along the way. From his battle with Leukaemia as a child; to his overwhelming struggles with anxiety as an adult that resulted in him passing out on stage. Nathan is a wonderful person, a beautiful storyteller and he’s a real joy to listen to in this episode of the imperfects.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/9XlJBw6fdq8 

To see Nathan perform live & check out his tour dates follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Kgqz0x

To book Nathan for speaking events, or exclusive performances, follow this link: https://bit.ly/44Z6IN0

To follow Nathan on Twitch, where he live streams his creative process and regularly connects with  fans, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3yqDutY

Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:

🎧 Previous episodes of The Imperfects

• Dr Em - Who Is Your Inner Critic & Why Is It there?  - https://apple.co/3XaFdw9 

📺 Things to watch

• Nathan’s Australian Story - https://bit.ly/3wMGTCW
• Hugh’s Australian Story - https://bit.ly/3USSxEn
• Camp Nowhere - https://bit.ly/4bM7MWA

🎧 Things to listen to

• Nathans latest albums (Demons, and Miracles) - https://bit.ly/3WTbYj5 https://snd.click/miracles

🚨 To support

• The Starlight Foundation - https://bit.ly/3WR1f8I

🛒 Things to buy

• Tickets to Nathan’s live tour - www.nathancavaleri.com/tour
• Vulnerabilitea house cards - https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his sister, Niki, was murdered by her ex-partner, Tarang Chawla made a decision - that he wouldn’t allow Niki to be remembered as just another statistic. Since then, Tarang has become an activist, working to reduce incidents of all forms of violence and abuse towards women in Australian.

In this episode of the IMPERFIX, we reflect on a conversation we had with Tarang back in 2022. Here, Tarang discusses the importance of believing and supporting women when they disclose abuse, and understanding the role of power, control, and gender inequality in such scenarios. Tarang also emphasises the need to separate individuals from their potentially abusive behaviour, underscoring the collective responsibility of men in combating violence against women.

Here are some important links from this episode.

🎧 Previous episodes of The Imperfects

• Tarang Chawla - Men Talking About Mens Violence https://apple.co/3APcuGi 
• An imperfect chat about men - https://apple.co/4e2vQpP 

📱 Things to follow

• Tarang Chawla’s Instagram - https://bit.ly/4bQa8Up

🎧 Things to listen to

• There’s no place like home, with Tarang Chawla https://bit.ly/3yst5Oq

🚨 For support

• Our watch https://bit.ly/3w0BQhV
• White Ribbon https://bit.ly/3W6nMhs
• No To Violence https://bit.ly/3UlyiA5

If you feel like you are in immediate danger please call 000. If you need someone to talk to we recommend calling the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line 1800 RESPECT on 1800 732 732.

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking a risk, by definition, is hard. A lot of us spend most of our life avoiding risks, under the assumption that it’s the ‘safe’ thing to do.

As Dr Em explains, we have an evolutionary instinct for self-preservation; tendencies to overestimate danger and underestimate our ability to cope; and we often have early childhood experiences and messages around safety that can coalesce into ‘playing it safe’ behaviours.

In this episode, Dr Em reveals that paradoxically, if we spend our whole life avoiding risk, then we are guaranteeing a less engaged, less fulfilling, less ‘lived’ life than we are capable of. That in fact, avoiding risk, is the biggest risk of all.

Dr Em, also offers strategies to guide us in the direction of letting a little more risk into our everyday lives.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4dMUP0l

There is a lot mentioned in this episode, find it all below:

🎧 Previous episodes of The Imperfects

• Tim Minchin - Lucky To Be Here - https://apple.co/492kgsN 
• Adam Grant - The Potential of Your Potential - https://apple.co/3Z1E4Ix 
• Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life - https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8 
• Pat Cummins - Love, Loss & Life - https://apple.co/4eHc4zJ 
• Martin “Rac” Heppell - The other F word…FAILURE - https://bit.ly/4fUkDIk 

📺 Things to watch

• Tim Minchin - Play it Safe https://bit.ly/44PnJc4
• Moana - https://bit.ly/4bJZyy2

🎧 Things to listen to

• How i work - Amantha Imber - https://bit.ly/3WNGxXw

📖 Things to read

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy -  https://bit.ly/3wE7nqm

🛒 Things to buy

• The Resilience Project & Dr Em’s - 6 Month Wellbeing Journal https://bit.ly/3K8Z9cK

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We mean no disrespect to any of our other guests, but when Hugh says that Dr. Kiran Martin, is the most impressive person he has ever met, it’s hard not to agree.

Dr. Kiran Martin is the founder of ASHA in India. It’s a not for profit, that for over 35 years, has provided healthcare and education to millions of people living in slums in India.

In this clip, Dr Kiran tells us of the time she decided to wash the feet of a Dalit woman (an ‘untouchable’ in the caste system of India) in order to demonstrate humility. And it was this moment of true leadership that lead to a feet washing movement throughout ASHA, breaking down caste barriers in the process.

You can learn more, or support Dr. Kiran Martin and ASHA’s work here. https://bit.ly/44Fl1WP.

To listen to the full episode with Dr. Kiran Martin, click here https://apple.co/4hUYThh 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All too often when talking about infertility, we only tell one side of the story. Traditionally in the public discourse, it has very much fallen into the category of a ‘women’s issue’. However, as our guest this week Reece Conca can all too painfully attest, 40% of infertility issues are actually male factor related.

Reece Conca is a former Australian Rules Footballer, who played over 150 games for Richmond and Freemantle.

When Reece and his partner Bell were finding it difficult to conceive, it took them far too long to discover that Reece has a condition called Azoospermia, which effects 1% of men - a condition where in Reece had no sperm in his semen.

In this Vulnerabiltea House, Reece speaks openly and honestly about the physical and emotional toll of a fertility journey he is very much still on, the hormone injections, the surgeries and much, much more. 

To follow Annabelle and Reece on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annabelleandreece

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the IMPERFIX, we revisit our chat with Australian comedian Luke McGregor. Many of us live with Anxiety, Luke McGregor has for a lot of his life. For Luke, his anxiety became so overwhelming that it resulted in him having panic attacks on stage in front of audiences. In this clip Luke explains what anxiety looks like for him and what he now does to manage his anxiety, allowing him to continue to work and to get the most out of life.

You can hear the original episode in full, with Luke McGregor, here https://apple.co/3CGQJJq 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Thursday over 3 million people want to hear what James Clear has to say. They do so in the form of his ‘3-2-1 newsletter’, one of most popular newsletters on the planet. In 2018 James Clear published his book Atomic Habits, a comprehensive, practical guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day. And that book has now sold over 15million copies. So you won’t be surprised to hear how excited we were to have Jame Clear as this weeks guest lecturer in The Academy of Imperfection.

In this episode we learn about the importance of habits. Both the good and bad ones. We learn James’s four laws of behaviour change (make it obvious, make it attractive, make is easy, make it satisfying); the value of goals; we discuss Josh, Hugh and Ryan’s own personal history with habit setting; and how small incremental changes to your habits can set you on the path to achieving your goals and ultimately becoming the kind of person you would like to be.

You can purchase James Clear’s best selling book - Atomic Habits here, https://bit.ly/3UKx0in.

If you would like to subscribe to James’ 3-2-1 Newsletter, click here, https://bit.ly/44swR6o.

And you can find James’ habit tracking app ‘Atoms’ here https://bit.ly/4b1Pq41

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the IMPERFIX we revisit one of our many conversations with Johann Hari. However this IMPERFIX starts with Josh, delivering what may be one of the most powerful and moving acts of vulnerability we’ve ever seen on this podcast, when he felt compelled to share a realisation, that he had been addicted to the internet for much of his life. Johann’s response was as always, heartfelt, engaging, hopeful and empowering. And we thought it was worth revisiting.

You can hear the episode in full here. https://bit.ly/4flaoMG 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What would you do if a teacher said you couldn’t achieve your dreams because your hair and skin colour weren’t acceptable?

When this became Pallavi Sharda’s reality she moved to India by herself and became the first Australian women to lead a Bollywood movie

In this episode we meet Pallavi Sharda, a powerhouse actress, who grew up in Taylors Lakes, a suburban area in Melbourne’s west, who went on to not only clock Bollywood, but see tremendous success on screens in Australia, the UK and the US.

Pallavi is a VERY impressive person, but she grew up believing that she needed to be exceptional in order to have value in Australia. From living with racism as a second generation immigrant, to navigating Bollywood as a foreigner, Pallavi has been on a search for belonging, carving out a place in the world for herself & all future generations of ‘multi-hyphenated’ Australians.

To listen to the Audible Original podcast, Sleep Sound with Pallavi Sharda**,** follow this link: *https://bit.ly/4bhkeNV*

To watch Pallavi in 'Wedding Season' on Netflix, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UBUdDh

To watch Pallavi in the Australian series, 'The Twelve', follow this link: https://bit.ly/4dins5j

To watch Pallavi in 'The One' on Netflix, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UE4GhL

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s ImperFIX, we revisit an episode from season 2 with Australian BMX racer, world champion and Olympian, Sam Willoughby. In 2016, Sam experienced a life-changing neck injury which left him a tetraplegic.

In this snippet, we hear Sam describe the bike accident that lead to his injury and his incredible journey of recovery. Most importantly, he shares how meeting NASCAR crew chief, Booty Barker, inspired him to live life again.

You can hear the full chat with Sam Willoughby here https://apple.co/4gfVA2L 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt so elated, that in that very moment, you felt yourself and the world around you were in perfect harmony? That feeling is joy! 

But for many of us, ‘joy’ can seem elusive, almost impossible to experience, or an emotion that we feel we just don’t have time for. And for some of us, it may feel like we have lost the ability to experience joy altogether. 

In this episode, our resident psychologist Dr Em explores the experience of Joy. What is it and how we can tap into it. We learn how mobilising joy is and how infectious and connecting it can be. 

Because as Dr Em explains, we are often surrounded by joy in our everyday lives,  but don’t pause long enough to see it. 

This is an incredibly powerful, uplifting conversation, but it may be difficult to listen to if you're currently experiencing hardship or trauma. If you'd like to skip this one, we encourage you to come back when you're ready.

To watch this episode on youtube follow this link: https://youtu.be/JPJ5UXm-5LI

To listen to Gina Chick’s episode of The Imperfects, follow this link: https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8 

To hear Sean Turnell’s episode of The Imperfects, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UaXmJ3

To stream Inside Out on Disney+ follow this link https://bit.ly/49C7gc7

To read the Betoota Advocate follow this link https://bit.ly/3JkO3kC, or you can read The Onion here https://bit.ly/3U1SUfg.

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode of The Imperfects, Hugh, Ryan and Josh have an imperfect conversation about mens violence against women.

To say it's a massive problem in Australia is an understatement. Violence and aggression can take many forms that span from small micro-aggressions all the way through to rape and murder. It effects ALL women, with the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community, at the greatest risk. We don’t have the answers to solve it. But we don’t want to remain silent. Through this conversation and many more we'll have on the podcast, it’s our hope that more men start to have the conversation as well.

You can follow Penny Moodie’s advocacy on instagram here, https://bit.ly/3JIBf81.

To listen to our previous episode on consent with Chanel Contos follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RNKpEm 

Or to purchase Chanel's book, Consent Laid Bare, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49BNDRC

To listen to our previous conversation about men’s violence with Tarang Chawla follow this link: https://apple.co/3APcuGi 

To learn more about this problem or we recommend Our Watch https://bit.ly/3w0BQhV & White Ribbon https://bit.ly/3W6nMhs

If you are a man concerned about your behaviour please contact No To Violence: https://bit.ly/3UlyiA5

If you feel like you are in immediate danger please call 000. If you need someone to talk to we recommend the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line 1800 RESPECT on 1800 732 732.

Or, you can call SafeSteps, Victoria's 24/7 family violence crisis service, on 1800 015 188, or visit this link: https://bit.ly/4b1SlsQ. They can provide financial and material aid, pet safety support and court advocacy, as well as support to people with a disability. 
Or, for further support, contact The Orange Door, who can link you with family violence and parental support services: https://bit.ly/3Q8efTb

If you need support now, use Ask Izzy: a free website and service that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support & counselling: https://bit.ly/3xAVnG4

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Scottish comedian, Fern Brady joins us in the The Vulnerabilitea House.

In pulling the card “how would your ambitions change if you only had one year to live?”, Fern shares a very recent story, after receiving a terrifying phone call from her doctor.

Fern also discusses being diagnosed with Autism in her 30s, 20 years after telling a doctor she thought she was Autistic. 

Fern talks with with great insight and humour, not only about life since her diagnosis, but what it was like living for 30 years with Autism and not knowing - always feeling different to the average person…yet having no idea why.

She's an all round brilliant human and we know you are going to love this conversation as much as we did! 

To watch the full episode on YouTube click here: https://youtu.be/-DLkVQj8N34

To purchase Fern’s book, 'Strong Female Character', follow this link: https://bit.ly/4aSot20.

To see Fern’s Comedy special on Netlfix follow this link: https://bit.ly/49AkQNp.

And you can see Fern’s hilarious promo featuring her dad, here https://bit.ly/3vVRb3a

There are still tickets available Fern’s antipodean Live tour “I gave you milk to drink”. Tickets still available in Sydney https://bit.ly/49usjgM, & NZ https://bit.ly/3TYM0r9.

To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Fern talks about in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Q466iC

You can purchase the book Aspergirls by Rudy Simone here https://bit.ly/3QmYKXZ, and you can stream Six Feet Under here https://bit.ly/3TTZRiD.

To try Sam Harris’s meditation app you can follow this link: https://bit.ly/4d7HrUz
Or to read his book Lying, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3vGDHIK

To see Susan Boyle’s Britain’s Got Talent Audition, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3VTeKUY

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imposter syndrome and self doubt aren’t necessarily things you think when you think of Australian comedian Hamish Blake. However when Hamish visited us for a VulnerabilTea House in season 4, that’s exactly what came up.

In this episode of The IMPERFIX, we revisit  a vulnerable moment where Josh shared his very real self doubt about his role on the show. This evolves into a beautiful conversation about the self doubt we all feel in the work we do, and culminates in Hamish dropping one of the greatest analogies of all time.

To listen to the full episode with Hamish Blake, follow this link:  https://apple.co/49gV9Tz 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine being falsely imprisoned, in a foreign country, where you barely speak the language, during a military coup, with no guarantee of a trial (fair or otherwise) and no idea whether you’ll ever be allowed home? 

That's what Australian economist Sean Turnell lived through for 650 days, when in 2021 he was arrested during a military coup over-throwing the democratic government of Aang san Suu Kyi.

Sean is a remarkable person and a brilliant story teller who radiates positivity. In this episode, he describes in horrifying, and yet often beautiful, detail his ordeal in the Myanmar prison system.

Through Sean’s story we get a unique perspective…and a shining example of how resilient the human spirit can be.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Jts7nD

To purchase Sean's book, An Unlikely Prisoner, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TMyFlJ

To purchase Kylie Moore Gilberts book, The Uncaged Sky, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TMbNCV

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018, writer, author & change advocate Jamila Rizvi was met with horrible news. She was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour and needed surgery.
In this episode of The Imperfix we revisit Jamila’s story; the tumour and its varied complications, the surgeries and how Jamila and her husband communicated the news to their son. 

Jamila is an all round wonderful human being and this is an incredibly moving episode.
You can hear the entire chat with Jamila here: https://apple.co/4icJmtx 

This episode includes a discussion about disordered eating, if you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations:

• The Butterfly Foundation https://bit.ly/48YCSZe
• Eating Disorders Families Australia https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5
• Uncovery https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re not sure if podcasts can date. But if they could we would want to date Elizabeth Day’s podcast - ‘How to fail?’. (A proposition Hugh awkwardly put to Elizabeth in the final moments of the show).

This conversation covers a lot of ground. Elizabeth vulnerably discusses her journey through infertility, IVF and her eventual decision to stop fertility treatment; we explore the role exercise and strength training can have in reclaiming one's connection to their body; Ryan and Elizabeth bond over a love of reality TV; and there’s much much more.

It’s fair to say there was a lot of chat and a lot of love in the room for this one.

Elizabeth Day is a Journalist, podcaster and author. The podcast ‘How to fail’ is a brilliant (and wildly successful…ironically) pod that shares intimate conversations with guests about their experiences with failure. And we couldn't recommend it any more highly.

You can find links to Elizabeth’s podcast, her books and everything else she is doing here https://bit.ly/3VCnSNE.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/b01GMVnoRuk 

We encourage you to visit your local bookstore to purchase any of the books mentioned in this episode, but you can also find them here.

• Friendaholic - Elizabeth Day https://bit.ly/4a7PzCk.
• Strength to strength - Arthur C Brooks https://bit.ly/3VCaZTD

And you can listen to our episode of The Imperfects with Pat Cummins here: https://apple.co/4eHc4zJ 

This episode discusses fertility treatments, miscarriage, grief and acceptance. If these topics feel like too much for you to hear right now, please revisit this episode when you are ready.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Imperfix we revisit one of our most popular episodes ever and in it, a topic that is very close to Hugh, Ryan and Josh’s respective bones. The ongoing battle of Truth vs Harmony.

Do you choose to live truthfully? Or harmoniously? And what does that even mean? And how does living ‘truthfully’ or ‘harmoniously’ affect us and the people around us?

To listen to the full Truth Vs Harmony episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3IW3gbw

To listen to Hamish Blake's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/49gV9Tz 

And to hear the follow up bonus episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/3AStVpg 

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Very few people have experienced Gary Barlow’s level of success and fame. He’s the lead singer of the nineties British pop band Take That, he’s won 6 Ivor Novello Awards for song writing & composing, sold more the 50 million albums and filled stadiums of screaming fans across the world! But despite all this, as we’ve come to learn, he’s one of the nicest, most genuine people going around.

In this episode, Gary shares his experience of rising to such fame, and what happens when he lost it.

He opens up about the devastating burden of jealousy between him and bandmate Robbie Williams, his journey with disordered eating, the loss of his daughter Poppy and the love of his life, the one constant through it all - his wife.

So sit back and pour yourself a cup of vulnerabilitea, this is a big one.

To buy tickets to Take That’s upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand visit: https://bit.ly/3INExGA.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4crzmJT

To hear Ryan’s episode on shame & jealousy, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/4gWYZEs 

To hear Hamish Blake’s episode on his friendship with Ryan & Hugh, follow this link: https://apple.co/49gV9Tz 

To listen to Gina Chick’s episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8 

The Robbie Williams documentary is available on Netflix: https://bit.ly/493WWta.

For film recommendation ‘Salt Burn’ follow this link: https://apple.co/3x3GvQp.

To purchase your own set of Vulnerabilitea House Cards, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

If you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations:

• The Butterfly Foundation https://bit.ly/48YCSZe
• Eating Disorders Families Australia https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5
• Uncovery https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO

This episode with Gary Barlow includes a discussion about disordered eating and a conversation about a child who was delivered still born. If this feels like too much for you right now, please come back to this episode when you're feeling ready.

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018, Christian O Connell was one of the most successful people in British Radio, he was on top of his world, and then…the panic attacks began. The attacks got so bad and so regular that he couldn’t perform live and it nearly cost him his career.

In this episode, we revisit Christian’s experience, the physical and mental toll of his panic attacks as well as the societal pressures and expectations he felt as a man - his need to appear strong and provide for his family.

And we hear how he eventually sought for help and started rebuilding his life.

To hear the full episode with Christian, follow this link: https://apple.co/4fY1C7W 

You can purchase a copy of Christian’s book here: https://bit.ly/3IKdFqI

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Get your butterflies in formation”. If you take one thing away from this episode, it’s how to handle the nervous, anxious, flutter of stomach butterflies that arises when we’re socially anxious.

Social interactions can be challenging. You may believe that everyone else has all their shit figured out and can effortlessly walk into a social situation and just be themselves. But it turns out, we all, at some point, get social anxiety.

In this episode, our resident psychologist Dr Emily, delves deeper into what it means to experience social anxiety, before during & after a social situation. She explores the ways in which anxiety shows up, where it might come from and what we can do to “get our butterflies in formation”.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/I53wE7epCX0 

To listen to Dr Emily's episode on The Inner Critic, follow this link: https://apple.co/3XaFdw9 

To listen to Dr Emily's episode on Rejection Sensitivity, follow this link: https://apple.co/4i1qixZ 

To purchase The Resilience Project's gratitude & wellbeing journals, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RUBke7

To learn more about the four domains of social anxiety & read David Moscovitch's work, follow this link: https://bit.ly/43fDuIy

To learn more about The Spotlight Effect & see research Dr Em sited by Thomas Gilovich and Victoria Husted Medvec, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4cd4Rr0

For book recommendation, How To be Yourself, by Ellen Hendriksen and to learn more about her free online course 'Rise Above Social Anxiety', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TAol1o

To dive deeper into Lisa Feldman Barret's work, including the research on reframing anxiety as arousal, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3VhjuTV

To learn more about Safety Behaviours and their role in social anxiety, follow these links: https://bit.ly/3wTqBIp & https://bit.ly/43hfp4a & https://bit.ly/3vhjR6o

To participate in a free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy study run by The Black Dog Institute & UNSW, aimed at reducing social anxiety, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49cvV6M

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Langbroek, in our humble opinion, is a very special person. We absolutely love her, and we’re clearly not alone. Kate, has experienced decades of success on Australian TV and radio - whether it was every Wednesday night on The Panel; with her mate Hughesy on the radio; or in countless podcasts, and radio shows since.
On this episode of The Imperfix, we revisit, when in 2022, Kate generously shared with us what it was like when her eldest son Lewis was diagnosed with Leukaemia, and how it impacted her life and her family - then and now.

To hear the full episode with Kate, follow this link https://apple.co/4fy5o84 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World leading organisational psychologists, Adam Grant is this week's guest in The Academy of Imperfection and honestly, we can’t believe how much ground the brilliant man managed to cover in this episode. 

I mean, sure, you might expect him to touch on the value of embracing our imperfections. Or perhaps he might explore imposter syndrome & the importance in believing in others' belief in yourself. Or how procrastination can actually be a creative force. Or maybe even some tips for those of us who have found ourselves languishing.

All of this might seem pretty reasonable stuff to cover. However you might not expect a deep dive into the lessons learned from a junior olympic diving career or an actual magic trick! This ep covers it all…and much much more. 

To watch this episode on youtube (and see the magic trick) follow this link: https://youtu.be/s2sY3-mT-u8 

If you’re interested in hearing more from Adam, the best place to start is his website: https://adamgrant.net

Recommended books & articles mentioned in the episode:

• Hidden Potential, The Science of Achieving Greater Things, by Adam Grant: https://bit.ly/3wBynWW
• Give and Take, A Revolutionary Approach to Success, by Adam Grant: https://bit.ly/3TrKwqI
• Creativity Inc: Overcoming Unseen Forces That Stand In The Way of True Inspiration, by Ed Catmull: https://bit.ly/49ZgNur
• Born Standing Up: A Comics Life, by Steve Martin: https://bit.ly/3TnZTjK
• It’s Called Languishing (article) by Adam Grant https://nyti.ms/48J86Uf

Listen to Adam’s interview with Steve Martin on his ReThinking Podcast: https://bit.ly/3Tosvtb and transcript: https://bit.ly/3T3cKXa

To watch Matthew Mitcham’s dive, follow think link: https://bit.ly/3InmPJJ

To listen to our episode with Dr Emily on Truth vs Harmony, follow this link: https://apple.co/40pgYO7 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inaugural episode of the imperfix, Hugh takes us back to our very first Academy of Imperfection, where special guest Ben Crowe explores what it actually means to define your purpose. We discuss Ryan, Hugh & Ben’s purposes, how they defined them, and how important they are in shaping their respective every-days. We also delve a little deeper into Josh’s seeming ‘lack of purpose’ and find that he might actually have a bit more purpose there than he realises.

To hear the full episode, the first time Ben visited The Imperfects click here https://bit.ly/3MrxtRN 

For more from Ben Crowe, please visit his website mojocrowe.com or find him on Instagram.

You can listen to the Ted Talk  'Finding your purpose in 5 minutes' here https://bit.ly/3T5LkQF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They say that by the time he retires, Pat Cummins could be one of Australia’s most successful cricket captains. And if 2023 is anything to go by, "they" might be right. Pat captained the team winning The ODI World Cup, The ICC World Test Championship and retaining The Ashes. And individually, he was not only named The ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year, but also signed a record-breaking contract to play in India in the IPL this year. So yeah, Pat wins a lot.

But this episode isn't just about cricket. Because as Pat talks about with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, he's lost a lot as well - especially in his personal life. Most notably, Pat tragically lost his mother Maria to cancer last year (2023), which he opens up about here, sharing how important life is outside of cricket - an approach that's trickled through to the entire team.

If you love cricket (maybe even as much as Hugh & Josh), or just want to hear how someone deals with struggles while at the top of their game, this is a special episode.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might like our episodes with: 

• Travis Boak - https://apple.co/4eFe8rJ 
• Max Gawn - https://bit.ly/4g0MN5e 
• Tim Minchin - https://apple.co/492kgsN 

To listen to Nick Cave on Rick Ruben's podcast Tetragrammaton, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ThOxhf

To watch this episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3P8Whzy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back… almost! As has become tradition, Hugh, Ryan and Josh catch up for a formal welcome back episode to chat about the season ahead.

They talk about their brand new extra weekly episode called The ImperFIX, the show’s foray into YouTube, aaaand just build general hype around the exciting upcoming guests on the show.

Oh. And Hugh demonstrates his brand new sleeping position.

It’s so, so good to be back.

To watch this episode on YouTube (and see Hugh's sleeping position), follow this link: https://bit.ly/3IcHHDn

To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House card sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

To purchase tickets to The Imperfects Live Show, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49Is3ev

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To look after our loved ones, we need to start by looking after ourselves. And according to parenting expert Lael Stone, that means looking back and showing compassion to our younger selves.

In this b-b-b-bonus summer episode we’re very lucky to have Lael back for a third time (her previous episodes are linked below) as we prepare for a new year with new challenges.

But don’t worry. You’ll be ready for anything after an hour with Lael Stone.

To learn more about Lael and her work, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46RXZvg

To learn more about Lael's school, Woodline Primary, follow this link: https://bit.ly/487YAKj

To hear our first two episodes with Lael, follow these links:

• Lael Stone - Take Care of Yourself: https://apple.co/4eAJNuw 
• Lael Stone - Creating Emotionally Intelligent Humans: https://apple.co/3V2vuIb 

To hear our episode with Gina Chick, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UKpxQ8 

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heads up: Mrs Claus is VERY close friends with comedian, Urzila Carlson. As such, this Special Christmas Episode is definitely not appropriate for kids.

Last year, we were honoured to sit down with the one and only Santa Claus as he joined us in The Vulnerabilitea House. A big thank you to Glenn Robbins for organising that interview for us! Link below if you missed it.

This year, Hugh, Josh and Ryan meet the woman who claims to be the brains behind the operation, Mrs Claus (or is it Ms Claus?). In a very busy time of the year for her, she generously picks a few cards from the Vulnerabilitea House card deck and shares what really goes down behind the scenes on… The Pole.

The Imperfects will donate all ad revenue from this episode to Urzila Carlson's charity of choice, Women’s Refuge. They are New Zealand's largest nationwide organisation that supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence. If you'd like to know more about the charity, or make a donation, follow this link: https://bit.ly/41lUUTd

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/48fzwlf

To see Urzila Carlson live in 2024, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46RdhAn

To listen to last years Vulnerabilitea House episode with Santa Claus, follow this link: https://apple.co/40Y7HNs. Or to watch it, follow this link: https://bit.ly/41or14A

To listen to Urzila's podcast, That's Enough Already, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RDowb6

To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House card sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For some people, Christmas Day is the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, catching up with friends and family at this time of the year can lead to pain and sadness and as Dr Emily describes it, an overwhelming feeling of “not-enoughness”.

In this special bonus episode, Dr Emily explains where this feeling comes from and why it pops up year after year. But as always she gives us some helpful advice on what we can do to address it and feel a little less alone this Christmas.

So from us to you, on this Season Finale… Merry Not-Enoughmas.


To find volunteering opportunities through Australian Volunteers, or Seek Volunteer, follow these links: https://bit.ly/41kiTSv & https://bit.ly/3NmkbXl

For anyone in WA, you can also find group activities and volunteer opportunities through Act, Below, Commit, by following this link: https://bit.ly/3uYD3W0

For book recommendation, The Stress Prescription, 7 Days To More Joy and Ease, by Elissa Epel, follow this link: https://bit.ly/47OjU81

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear Men,
Please listen to this episode about consent and rape culture.
Hugh, Ryan & Josh x

On the face of it, this Academy of Imperfection with Chanel Contos may seem like a heavy episode. An episode about consent, rape culture and sexual violence might not seem like an episode that concerns you. That may be true, but if the #MeToo movement taught us anything, it’s that you probably know someone who’s either been raped or sexually assaulted in some way.
We have a lot to learn about consent, and we owe it to the women in our lives to listen to Chanel Contos.

To learn more about Chanel, her work and the Teach Us Consent campaign, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QVhlK0

To purchase Chanel's book, 'Consent Laid Bare', follow this link: https://bit.ly/40Z0Xgh

Recommended TV series, Sex Education and Heart Break High can be viewed on Netflix. 

To view a version of the 'rape culture pyramid', follow this link: https://bit.ly/49XPFgh

If you have experienced, or are at risk of sexual violence, sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call the 24 hour national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, or if you are feeling unsafe, always call the police on 000.

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gina Chick grew up… different. She wasn’t like the other kids, and they let her know about it. But as an adult she learned to see her “different” as a strength, which led to her most well-known achievement, outlasting everyone else for 67 days in the Tasmanian wilderness to win ALONE Australia.

But as you’ll hear, that’s only a part of her story - as is the fact that she’s very close friends with Hugh Jackman.

After going through some of the lowest lows a human can experience, Gina learned the power of discomfort and is here to spread the word in our very first ever outdoor episode!
 
To learn more about Gina, her rewilding camps and 5Rythyms dance, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QRnkzq

To watch Alone Australia, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Rd3m3

This episode includes a discussion about the loss of a child, if this feels like it might be too much for you to listen to right now, feel free to come back to it when you're feeling up to it. 

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As co-host of The Project, Hamish Macdonald has seen and done more than most journalists could ever dream to achieve in their entire career.

Before The Project and a stint hosting ABC’s Q+A program, Hamish worked and reported around the world from war zones to natural disasters, winning a bunch of prestigious awards including a coveted Walkley Award in the process.

But as he discusses with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, he’s also faced bullying throughout his life, whether that be from students during his high school days, or from online trolls during his Q+A days - a challenging experience that drove him to leave social media forever.

This open and honest chat covers it all, and turns out to be a pretty handy, albeit accidental guide on How To Be You.

To listen to Hamish's new podcast, Take Me To Your Leader, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ukzpph

To listen to our episode with Missy Higgins, follow this link: https://apple.co/4fVM8Bo 

To listen to our episode on stress and burnout with Dr Emily, follow this link: https://apple.co/3CE41WT 

To listen to Josh's song, We Were Here, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Zyg3bG

To read article recommendation, Why The Internet Isn't Fun Anymore, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3FZGnTh

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Menopause, or THE Menopause according to our guest lecturer Dr Louise Newson, affects every woman at some point in her life. That’s 51% of the entire world! And even if you’re not a woman, chances are you know a few of them.

Either way, the menopause IS coming. And you better be ready.

Dr Louise Newson is a GP and Menopause specialist who is campaigning for better menopause care for all women. But despite her specialisation and regular lecturing on the subject, even she didn’t pick up on the signs when her own menopause kicked in and convinced her she hated her own husband!
This episode isn’t just everything you need to know about your own menopause, this is everything you need to know about your wife’s/mother’s/daughter’s/sister’s/friend’s/colleague’s menopause.

To learn more about Louise, her work and to access more information on the menopause and peri-menopause, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49rgqJH

To download Louise's Balance app, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3FOhpWS

To learn more and purchase Dr Louise's books, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ueOQ2p

For Australian support, information & research, visit the below websites: 

• WellFemme is a Telehealth menopause clinic, providing evidence-based menopause information and treatment in collaboration with your GP: https://bit.ly/3FYcAdn
• Menopause Friendly provides information and practical resources to support staff experiencing menopausal symptoms at work and helps managers and HR professionals understand how they can provide the right support to their workforce: https://bit.ly/49rgx85
• VITAL is an innovative research project that women can take part in to map the experience of Australian women around peri/menopause. It operates as a registry that collects data via a questionnaire. This data could determine how best to support the population and the research is run by Assoc Prof Erin Morton at Flinders University: https://bit.ly/3QQydTl

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see your doctor, a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know, we know, we know. ‘Who Do You Desire? is a very click-baity title. But we’re pretty confident that if you DO take the bait (come onnnn), you’ll be nicely rewarded.

In this episode, our resident psychologist Dr Emily talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the concept of Mimetic Desire - the idea that whether we like it or not, pure originality is impossible. All of us are being influenced by someone. The question is, are we proud of the someones currently influencing us, or does our influencer list need a shake up?

Once again, Dr Emily has the answers.

For book recommendation, 'Wanting, Mimetic Desire: How to Avoid Chasing the Things You Don't Want', by Luke Burgis, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QIpFOm

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not many of us have won Olympic Gold. And even fewer of us have jumped over a 6m high bar. But Australian pole vaulting champion Steve Hooker has done both. And boy oh boy does he have a story to tell!? That was rhetorical btw, he definitely does have a story to tell.

What would you do if you were the best in the world at something one day, and then the next day you suddenly couldn’t do that thing anymore?? At all. That’s pretty much what happened to Steve. And on this episode he tells childhood friends Hugh and Josh, along with newhood friend Ryan, how he was able to get through that and how it affected his mental health.

To donate to the Community Spirit Foundation through the sMile relay event, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Sg33WL

To buy ticket's to the Zatopek race where Hugh, Steve, Brendan and Simon will be attempting to break the 400m relay record (in the mens 40-44 age group), follow this link (and remember use the code "theimperfects" at the top of the ticket listing for $5 of the proceeds to be donated to the Community Spirit Foundation): https://bit.ly/473VKW8

To watch Steve's winning jump in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, follow this link: https://bit.ly/40cDuYl

To watch the pink dildo security camera footage, follow this link: https://bit.ly/40dbF2c

For app recommendation, Calm, (compassion and loving kindness meditations), follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MhcRMe

For book recommendation, Positivity, by Barbra Fredrickson, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3FxjBSf

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lewis Hobba grew up idolising Triple J. But despite being chosen as Triple J’s drive-time co-host by the age of 30, and being selected by Andrew Denton as one of Australia’s most creative and talented young performers for the show Hungry Beast, Lewis never felt like he succeeded in anything.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Lewis tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh what it was like behind the scenes for him during this time and how he dealt with crippling anxiety on a daily basis until eventually seeking help.

To listen to Lewis's podcast 'Silver Bullet', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ScFmyB

To hear Ryan's episode where he talks about shame, jealousy and finding his purpose, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46AfnW3

To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House card sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt is making a massive impact on an issue that effects people everywhere… BODY IMAGE.

Not only is Taryn a body image campaigner, she’s also a documentarian, having made two docos encouraging us to EMBRACE our bodies, not matter what they look like. We highly recommend you watch them - links below.

In this Academy of Imperfection, Taryn talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about her own body image journey, including a vulnerable Before & After image of herself that broke the internet and changed her life. Don’t worry they fixed the internet soon after.

Taryn Brumfitt's documentary Embrace is available on Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime, Youtube, Google Play & Apple TV.

Embrace Kids is available on Binge, Foxtel, Apple TV, Google Play & Amazon Prime. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Minchin is an Australian comedian, actor, writer, musician, poet, composer, and songwriter. He’s probably best known for his music, his comedy, and well… his ‘Matilda: The Musical’… but has it really all been “luck”?

Tim talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about so many different things in this fascinating chat about art and creativity, family, free-will, success, failure and the importance of taking life one level at a time.

For tickets to Tim's new show, An Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and His Piano, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZxAGVs
To watch Tim perform White Wine in The Sun, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RzwORS
To purchase The Resilience Project's journals, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RUBke7

To listen to our episode with Dr James van Cuylenburg, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZFS0YA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you know, you know. And if you do know, you’re just as bonkers excited as we are.

Buuut if you don’t know, that’s totally fine too.

Those that were able to make it along to our Live On Stage show this year were treated to the debut performance of a song, written and performed by our very own Josh van Cuylenburg. But this song was not without context.

In Season 3 Josh shared a vulnerable story from 13 years ago that resulted in him losing the confidence to realise his lifelong dream of writing music (link to that episode below). But when we were planning our Live on Stage Show, we asked Josh to consider writing and performing an original song. And ohhhhh boy… HE DELIVERED.

Today we are very proud and excited to announce that “We Were Here” has not only been recorded, but the song is now available on Spotify, with a seriously moving official music video that you can WATCH on YouTube. Links below.

To listen to Josh's song on Spotify, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Zyg3bG

To watch the film clip on YouTube, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuMrC0AZ4ko

To listen to the original Vulnerabilitea House episode where Josh first talked about losing his confidence to write music, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3tdYkKI

To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House cards sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji singer/songwriter Dan Sultan is a 5-time ARIA Award winner and respected stalwart of the Australian music industry.

But alongside his creative achievements, is Dan’s struggle with addiction. Dan talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about everything from the adversity he’s faced on and off the stage, to the joy he now gets from his young family, and his ongoing love of creativity.

To purchase or listen to Dan's new album, Dan Sultan, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZBv9NQ
To watch Paul Keating's historic Redfern speech that Josh mentions in the episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3EVltnA
To listen to our episode with Brooke Blurton, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/459k1c6

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Jack, it’s progress, not perfection when it comes to his battle with gambling addiction.
This one is a slightly different episode for The Imperfects. Jack isn’t a celebrity, or an expert. But he is a person with imperfections, just like everyone else. And Jack has been kind enough to share his all-too-familiar story with Hugh, Ryan and Josh.
Jack discusses his crippling battle with sports gambling, his experience at rehab, and how he was finally able to escape his life of keeping secrets.
Jack’s story of gambling addiction is not a story we hear often, but it’s sadly a very common one - particularly in Australia

To contact Gambler Helpline, call 1800 858 858
To learn more about BetStop, and the national self exclusion register, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Zzub4l

To learn more about Gamblers Anonymous, and find GA meetings near you, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZuXmpn
For app recommendation, My Spiritual Toolkit, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RCa04a

For mindfulness, meditation and sleep app recommendation, Calm, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RxzIGV

This episodes contains a discussion around addiction and mentions suicidal thoughts, if this feels like too much for you to listen to right now, we recommend skipping this one and only listening when you feel ready. 

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily is back - and once again proving why she is increasingly becoming the most popular person on The Imperfects.

This Emisode is all about a fundamental part of Positive Psychology… the beautiful idea that OTHER PEOPLE MATTER.

Now, you’re probably thinking… of course other people matter, right? Seems pretty obvious. But here, Dr Emily explains what it is about ‘other people’, that matters so much, and how much it relates to our never-ending search for that elusive thing we call “happiness”.

To learn more about positive psychology and Christopher Peterson's work, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3t7AvnP

To learn more about the impact of physical touch to build trust and corporation and to read about the NBA basketball study mentioned in the episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/48puJ0R

To learn more about Eudimonic and hedonistic happiness, and Martin Seligman's work, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PRs88w

For Josh's recommendation, This Is Water, by David Foster Wallace, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC7xzavzEKY&t=6s

For book recommendation, 'The Happiness Trap' by Russ Harris, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3tbjkl0

For book recommendation, 'The Courage To Be Disliked', by Ichiro Kishimi, Fumitake Koga, follow this link: https://bit.ly/452d8cA

For book recommendation, 'On Living', by Hospice Chaplain Kerry Egan, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3rz3tfE

For book recommendation, 'Love 2.0' by Barbara Fredrickson, follow this link: https://bit.ly/48psM4B

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To only say that Brooke Blurton was on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, would not only be a crime to Show Notes, but a huge disservice to you. As Hugh, Ryan and Josh quickly discover, that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what makes Brooke the inspiring, resilient, game-changing, youth-working, breath of fresh air that she is.

While Brooke does touch on her Bachelor and Bachelorette experiences (and why she decided to do it), what makes this Vulnerabilitea House truly special is the story that she vulnerably tells about her upbringing in WA. An traumatic experience that no doubt changed her forever, but one that she now says she wouldn’t change.

To watch Brooke's Ted Talk, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46fdGwB

To listen to Brooke's podcast, Not So PG, with co-host Matty Mills, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PG88FR

To purchase Brooke's memoir, Big Love, follow this link: https://bit.ly/45PfSLs

To learn more about the Uluru Statement of The Heart and The Voice, follow these links: https://bit.ly/3Pmd69F & https://bit.ly/3Rs7T2y

To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House cards sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

This episode contains a conversation which mentions sexual assault and suicide. If this brings up anything for you, you can contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. 1800 RESPECT is a national 24/7 counselling line for anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Additionally, if are worried about someone you know, need to talk to someone bereaved by suicide, or want to start a discussion about suicide prevention in your family or community, Conversations Matter is a practical online resource to support safe and effective discussions about suicide, to access, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Wx9tAO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penny Moodie first shared her OCD story on The Imperfects in 2020. Since then, we and she have been flooded with incredible feedback from OCD sufferers who finally felt seen. Now Penny is back because she’s written an incredible book about OCD called The Joy Thief and it’s out now (link below).
In this beautifully moving episode, Penny talks openly with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about some of the confronting moments from her book.
The reason Penny calls OCD ‘the joy thief’ is because it attempts to steal so much of the joy from your life. In Penny’s case, it almost stole her blossoming relationship with Hugh in the early days, and as a child it tried to take the one thing she held most sacred - the safety of her mother.
This may be a b-b-b-bonus episode, but it’s also a v-v-v-very special one.

To purchase Penny's book, The Joy Thief, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RkMTuC

To learn more about OCD and to access resources to assist with getting help and how to manage it, follow these links: 

• So OCD - https://soocd.com.au/
• This Way Up - https://thiswayup.org.au/
• The International OCD Foundation: https://iocdf.org/

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food is such a mystery. Well, I mean, it’s the stuff we eat when we’re hungry, we know that much. But there are so many mysterious things ABOUT food. Like… What actually are healthy foods? What are good fats? Is meat good for you? Is orange juice really that bad? And can food truly be as effective as medicine?

Professor Tim Spector has done all the research, written books (link below) and is one of the world’s top 100 most cited scientists. Tim really knows about food and he really wants to help all of us eat better and feel happier.

And he’s here to answer all of the questions from students Hugh, Ryan and Josh in The Academy of Imperfection.

To purchase Tim's book, Food for Life, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3EvBP6c
To learn more about Tim, his other books and his research, follow this link: https://tim-spector.co.uk/
To learn more about Zoe, Tim's personalised nutrition company, follow this link; https://zoe.com/

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it was Family Feud or whether it was the weather, Grant Denyer has been a larger than life fixture on Australian TV for 25 years. But it hasn’t all been big smiles and Gold Logies.

In this raw and vulnerable chat with the most joyous man on the telly, Grant opens up about his past dependence on the pain medication (OxyContin) that he needed after suffering a serious injury that broke his back. He tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh how that dependence not only jeopardised his career, but his marriage and family.

While this is a side of Grant Denyer that you may not know, it is a story of hope and resilience about a successful (and loveable) man who nearly lost it all… but found enough strength and self-worth to fight for his life.

To watch Grant's Gold Logie acceptance speech, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3EmsIEL
To watch the trailer for Painkiller on Netflix, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3R5H308
To listen to Grant's podcast, It's All True, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4bN6ATO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monica. Chandler. Rachel. Ross. Phoebe. Joey. We all love Friends. But what about friendSHIPS? Why are our friendships so important to us? 

In this episode, Dr Emily explains everything - our different types of friends, why they matter SO much, and what it is about someone that makes us like them? (Spoiler alert: it’s got nothing to do with how impressive they are)

To listen to Will McMahon's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3E9qfxF

To listen to 360's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/45p6qy7

To learn more and read some of Robin Dunbar's research, follow these links: https://bit.ly/45KyDiy & https://bit.ly/45KKjls

To learn more about William Rawlin's work around expectations in friendships, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3OOaZLj

To learn more about The Beautiful Mess Effect, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3qNcSA2

For book recommendation, 'Platonic, The Surprising New Science of Making and Keeping Friends As an Adult', by Marisa Franco, follow this link: https://bit.ly/45GZU5v

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myf Warhurst is an icon. An Australian icon. Everyone, we have an icon on our podcast.

From Spicks & Specks to Triple J, and Eurovision to Bluey… oh and doing a whole show about menopause… HER menopause… Australia has LOVED Myf Warhurst for a long, long time.

You might even think it’s impossible to love her more, well just wait until you hear her honesty and vulnerability in this Vulnerabilitea House.

Myf talks about the anxiety that comes with her line of work, how she’s dealt with the ups and downs that come with a career in the entertainment industry, and what she’s learned from the tragic loss of people close to her.

To watch The Truth About Menopause with Myf Warhurst, follow this link: https://bit.ly/47C1nMo

To listen to Myf's podcast, 'Bank On' with Zan Rowe, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YFBIyc

To purchase Myf's memoir, Time of My Life, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3OIOjMp

To listen to Chrissie Swan's Imperfects episode that Myf talks about, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3qL7WeO

This episode contains a discussion about suicide. If this feels like it's too much for you to listen to right now, you may want to skip this one and come back another time.

If are worried about someone you know, need to talk to someone bereaved by suicide, or want to start a discussion about suicide prevention in your family or community, Conversations Matter is a practical online resource to support safe and effective discussions about suicide, to access, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Wx9tAO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 20 years, Osher Günsberg has been one of Australia’s most famous and successful TV/radio/podcast personalities. Since hosting the wildly popular Australian Idol, to handing out roses on The Bachelor (and SO MUCH in between), there aren’t many showbiz stories that rival Osher’s sustained success.

But if we’ve learned anything on this podcast, behind every perfect story is an imperfect reality. And as you’ll hear in this honest chat with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Osher’s journey has been exactly that... imperfect.

Osher talks about his struggle with alcohol addiction, his relationship with control, and living with ADHD. He also explains why he decided to change his name at the height of his fame.


To listen to Osher's podcast, Better Than Yesterday, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YuYEjN

For book recommendation, Emotional Agility, by Susan David, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3KF6GAV

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment.
This episode discusses alcohol abuse. If you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol, or other drugs, you can access free, confidential, 24/7 support from Counselling Online. https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/
Alternatively, seek support from friends and family, your local doctor, therapist, AA Group, or call lifeline on 13 11 14. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While our guest might humbly refer to his heroics as “that thing in Thailand”, it was in fact far more significant…

In 2018, the world was gripped by the terrifying story of thirteen boys who were miraculously saved from inside a Thai cave. Maybe you’ve seen one of the billion docos made about it, or the Hollywood film directed by Ron Howard. As you probably already know, the most miraculous part was HOW these boys were saved, thanks in large part to today’s guest, Australian deep-diving anaesthetist, Dr Richard “Harry” Harris.

In this fascinating Academy of Imperfection, “Harry” answers some of the 5000 questions that Hugh, Ryan and Josh wanted to ask (but didn’t have time), and then ultimately shares some valuable insights on the art of risk.

To learn more or purchase 'The Art of Risk' by Dr Richard Harris, follow this link: https://bit.ly/44R70EP

To listen to Dr Harris's podcast, Real Risk, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3OJil3Q

To learn more about the National Geographic documentary, The Rescue, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YpDeEp

Documentary, 'The Trapped 13' that Dr Harris mentions in the episode in available to watch in Australia on Netflix. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The phrase, “That’s triggering” or “I’m triggered”, has become more and more common. And while people are triggered by an event, or a topic, or even a scene in a TV show, what does it truly mean to be ‘triggered’? And should we really be avoiding triggering topics, or should we be exposing ourselves to them?

In this extremely helpful episode, Dr Emily goes deep on triggers. She explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh what it means to actually be ‘triggered’, and how we often use the term incorrectly. She also talks about the use of Trigger Warnings in shows and podcasts, like the ones you often hear at the beginning of The Imperfects.

There’s a HEAP more fascinating information in this one so get your notebooks out and listen up to the brilliant Dr Em!

To watch Susan David's Ted Talk, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YfosA1

To delve further into the research around trigger warnings, follow these links: https://bit.ly/3KCvObB, https://bit.ly/3Kh6uHH, https://bit.ly/3q9hBLW, https://bit.ly/3Qeuwaa, https://bit.ly/3rOVrz2, https://bit.ly/3rPrNcV

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christie Whelan Browne is one of the funniest (and most talented) people in Australia. If you know, you know. She’s won multiple awards and done everything from stage and musical theatre, to TV drama and comedy… and most recently Dancing with the Stars.

But it’s her journey, before the #MeToo movement (and continues today) that’s making the biggest impact. Christie has rarely spoken so openly about her very public and tumultuous experience through the courts, in the media and even within her own family, as she became the face of a high-profile criminal trial and subsequent defamation trial that turned her life upside down.

Historically, making the world a better, safer and more equal place for women has never been easy. Far from it. And in this episode Christie tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh what it was like for her, as she landed in the firing line while trying to protect other women like her. To us, Christie is an inspiration and we couldn’t be more grateful to her for sharing her imperfect story with us.

To watch the True Stories episode with Christie, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3BV2x6Y

To view The Blessed One on Instagram, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NYEiu7

This episode discusses allegations of indecent assault, if this brings up anything for you, you can contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. 1800 RESPECT is a national 24/7 counselling line for anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Henshaw has achieved a lot. Not only is she an author, law graduate and podcaster, but she is the CEO and co-founder of the wildly popular and successful health & fitness app, KIC - which she started and still runs with friend, and former Imperfects guest, Steph Claire-Smith.

But behind her success, Laura still worries what people think of her. And in this Vulnerabilitea House, she vulnerably tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh where this comes from and how this anxiety continues to crop up for her in everyday life.

We’ve got a feeling this’ll be a verrry relatable one.

To listen to Ben Crowe's episode that Laura mentions in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Ockd52

To listen to Steph Clare Smith's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46G3luN

To learn more about KIC and to download the app, follow this link: https://kicapp.com/

To listen to Laura and Steph's podcast, KICPOD, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NX7XUM

To read and purchase Laura and Steph's new book, You Take Care, follow this link: https://bit.ly/43tzMJS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Other than being a Clinical Psychologist (with a child specialisation), Dr James van Cuylenburg is not only Hugh and Josh’s cousin, but in Hugh’s opinion, he’s the greatest piano player in the world - which provides zero context for this incredible episode.

James covers so much in this 90 minutes that it’s almost impossible to sum up here. Everything from the development of our kids today, screentime issues, the cost of ambition, the importance of self-compassion and James’s own experiences with bullying and how it motivated him to study psychology. Among MANY other topics.

This episode is not just about kids. It’s about the human experience and why we should all acknowledge and love our “wonky bricks” and make the most of our short time on this floating ball we call earth. PRESS PLAY ALREADY!

To learn more about James's work, or book into see him or another psychologist at Engage One on One, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MV947W

To learn more about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MVgNTC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when you’re stressed? Watch the telly? Scroll the innuhnet? Fix yourself a stiff VB on the rocks?

We all feel stressed and burned out from time to time. It’s unfortunately a reality of life. But double-unfortunately, most of us don’t know how to correctly deal with it. And that’s why Dr Emily is here to help!

In this extremely practical episode, Dr Emily explains the science behind WHY we get stressed. But more importantly, she tells us what we can do to alleviate the stress and WHY it will work.

And why does she know all these things? Because she’s a… [to be sung] PSYCHOLOGIST!!!

To listen to Kate Reid's Imperfects episode, follow these links: (pt1) https://bit.ly/45wqwqQ & (pt2) https://bit.ly/3BQFAlz

For book recommendation, 'Burnout, The secret to solving the stress cycle', by Emily & Amelia Nagoski, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3IGQZrY

For book recommendation  'The Joy of Movement' by Kelly McGonigal, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ODdzoU

For app recommendation, 'One Sec', follow this link: https://one-sec.app/

For book recommendation, 'Mans Search for Meaning' by Victor E Frankl, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3BSddDq

For further reading on The Polyvagal Theory, follow this link https://rb.gy/23wtb

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might remember Penny Moodie from her first appearance on The Imperfects when she talked about her own experience with OCD. Link below if you don’t! Well, Penny is back to talk about something else; her marriage with Hugh. Or, more specifically, and far less click-baity, the mental load in her marriage with Hugh.

“The mental load” is the cognitive effort that’s required to juggle the often invisible labour of running a household. Something that Penny noticed was becoming too much for her to handle.

In this unique episode, Hugh and Penny talk about how they dealt with this, and in doing so give us the rare opportunity to hear a real married couple talk about their real issues. All while Ryan and Josh pretend to not be on Team Penny. If you or your partner is struggling with the very real issue of mental overload, this episode is probably for you.

To learn more about Fair Play, the book, the cards and Eve Rodsky's work, follow this link: https://bit.ly/45uLCFS

To watch Bluey episode The Pool, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MSORzF

To read more about how breast feeding equates to a full time work load, follow this link: https://bit.ly/45sLkPR

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you live in Sydney, you probably know Wippa. He’s on NOVA every morning with Fitzy and Kate Ritchie (or 6-7pm in the rest of the country), but he's also a veteran of Australian radio, having been on air for 20 years, making his start in Port Augusta before moving to Perth, then Melbourne and now Sydney.

Wippa and Ryan have been great friends for a long time. They even co-hosted the NOVA drive show for two years with Monty Dimond in 2009 and 2010. During this time, Wippa went through one of the darkest periods of his life and leant on Ryan for support. Wippa talks about that time in this episode - how he got through it and the positives he takes out of it all these years later.

But if it’s not Wippa’s extreme vulnerability that will stay with you after this episode, it’s the truly bizarre but incredible gift that he surprises Ryan with at the end. Wow.


To watch Wippa sing 'The Confrontation' from Les Miserables with Hugh Jackman, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3BVhcPH

This episode contains a conversation which mentions depression and suicidal thoughts. If this feels like it is too much for you to listen to right now, you may want to skip this one and come back another time.

If are worried about someone you know, need to talk to someone bereaved by suicide, or want to start a discussion about suicide prevention in your family or community, Conversations Matter is a practical online resource to support safe and effective discussions about suicide, to access, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Wx9tAO

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all want to be successful. But what is ‘success’? And what if we’ve been thinking about it in the wrong way?

Enter Kemi Nekvapil… back for the second time on The Imperfects!

Kemi has worked in the wellness industry for 25 years and holistic leadership for 10 years. She is a mother, a wife, an endurance athlete, a gardener, an author with three books, and a certified Dare To Lead facilitator having trained personally with the one and only Brené Brown!

In this Academy of Imperfection, Kemi joins Hugh, Ryan and Josh to talk all about finding TRUE success - which… surprise, surprise… has nothing to do with your achievements or your salary.

To listen to Kemi's first Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3BT7VaY

To listen to Kemi's new Audible Original podcast, Power Talks with Kemi Nekvapil, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ovvun1

To learn more about what Kemi does, and to purchase her book, 'Power, A Woman's Guide to Living and Leading Without Apology', follow this link: https://bit.ly/45sFDBt

To listen to Will McMahon Imperfects episode, mentioned in this episode follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MyMa4U

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Pt2 of our chat with award-winning chef and owner of Melbourne restaurant, Attica. Go back and listen to Pt 1 if you haven’t yet. It’s a doozy. As the second part, this is a double-doozy… or a... twoozy… I guess.

In this episode, Ben explains how he managed to build empathy amongst the staff at Attica through something he created called Staff Speeches. He also shares a harrowing bullying story from his childhood when his mother saved him from certain catastrophe, and finally Ben opens up for the first time publicly about his challenging journey with body image.

As one of the most respected and celebrated chefs in the world, we’re very grateful that we were able to sit down with Ben like this. He left a very positive impression on all 3 of us, for very different reasons. Thanks Ben.

To learn more about Attica and to book, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4386LUP

To listen to our episode on how to write a gratitude letter, follow this link: https://bit.ly/45GtpVT

To learn more about the mountain bike riding trip that Hugh, Ben and Hamish went on, visit Blue Darby Pods Ride Tasmania or follow this link: https://bit.ly/3IEs1tg

This episode contains a graphic description of bullying experienced by our guest at a young age. If this feels like it is too much for you to listen to right now, you may want to skip this one and come back another time.

If you or someone you know is experiencing body image issues or an eating disorder, The Butterfly Foundation is a fantastic resource and support. Please follow this link: butterfly.org.au

For family and carer support please contact Eating Disorders Families Australia, or follow this link: edfa.org.au

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally from New Zealand, Ben Shewry is the head chef and owner of Melbourne-based restaurant Attica - the highly respected restaurant that has been included in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants numerous times.

Ben’s chat with Hugh, Ryan and Josh was so big and so special, it needed to be split across 2 big and special episodes.

In this first big and special part, they talk about what makes Attica such a unique place, how he approaches his work, and how he deals with the anxiety that arose from his divorce.
But, what is sprinkled across everything Ben does, is his unwavering commitment to excellence and his adoration of change.

To learn more about Attica and to book, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4386LUP

For book recommendation, Kitchen Confidential, by Anthony Bourdain, follow this link: https://bit.ly/43hC7rC

To watch the trailer for 'The Menu' movie, that ben mentions in the episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3BPYEQC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve spent about four and a half years on this podcast telling you why we’re all imperfect. But on this episode, Dr Emily actually explains why trying to be PERFECT is… well… really bad. And not only why it’s really bad, but why perfectionism’s mere existence is stealing all the good from our lives.

Take it away Dr Emily……… PSYCHOLOGIST!

To learn more about Lynn Lyon's work around anxiety and perfectionism, follow this link: https://www.lynnlyons.com/

To hear Josh's first VulnerabiliTea House, where he talks about "the notebook" and why he struggles to write music now, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3OsQVj2

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you don’t know comedy sketch group Aunty Donna, then take a moment, open your local internet browser and watch their incredible stuff for a bit (some of it is linked below). Then come back and listen to this episode with Aunty Donna's, Broden Kelly.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Broden talks about his own and Aunty Donna’s creative process, and how it’s evolved over the years while working together on stage and on the telly. But at the heart of this conversation, is Broden’s vulnerability in regards to his anger - how it affected his life and work, and what he did to get on top of it, before it got on top of him.

To watch Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe on iview, follow this link: https://bit.ly/450zgVE

To watch Aunty Donna's Real Estate Agents video, that is mentioned in the podcast, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3nTvEV4

To Listen to Broden's podcast, The Footy with Broden Kelly, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3pv8S6

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma Murray is the high-performance mindset coach for the Richmond Football Club and Mum to four children.

As the founder of High-Performance Mindfulness - a company that uses mindfulness, psychology and meditation to help people perform at their best - Emma works with elite athletes, corporate executives, students and actors.

In this very practical and vulnerable episode, Emma explains how high-performance mindfulness has not only helped her clients, but also helped her when in 2016, her son Will (13 at the time) sustained a spinal cord injury that left him in a wheelchair for life.


To learn more about Emma Murray and High Performance Mindfulness, follow this link: https://www.highperformancemindfulness.com.au/

For book recommendation, The Mindful Athlete  by George Mumford, follow this link: https://bit.ly/417XF8R

For book recommendation, Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson, follow this linkhttps://bit.ly/3pcXL1L

To listen to Emma's son Will on The Dyl and Friends podcast, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NGoGgD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This extremely raw and revealing episode with Australian rapper 360 is all about authenticity. 10 years ago, 360 (Matt Colwell) was one of the most successful and respected artists in Australia. His songs and albums went multi-platinum, he was winning prestigious ARIA and APRA awards and his enormous tours sold out nationally. But what no one knew at the time, is he was simultaneously battling an addiction that nearly took his life.

Here, with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, 360 tells the whole story, including how he reached a point where he could make music and tour again in his own authentic way.

To buy tickets to 360's 2023 tour and listen to his new music, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3LvcjSO

To purchase book recommendation, Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3LawC6D

To watch Johann Hari's Ted Talk, Everything You Know About Addiction is Wrong, follow this link: https://bit.ly/446s4qA

To watch Karen Perlmutter's Ted Talk, 'The island of sanity: Navigating through loved ones' addictions', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NagDs4

To listen to "I'm Sorry" by 360, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3V9GbaT

If you are a friend or family member of someone with an addiction, below are some support services: 

• The First Stop: https://thefirststop.org.au/
• The Parent and Family drug support line: https://bit.ly/3neo46V
• Family Drug support: https://www.fds.org.au/

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all get angry. Some of us show our anger and some of us suppress it, but at the end of the day, we’re all susceptible to being angry.

In this episode, Dr Emily goes into the many aspects of anger - how it can show up in our lives, how it affects us and the people around us, and of course, what we can do about it.


If you liked this episode, you might be interested in book recommendation, When the Body Says No, The Hidden Cost of Stress, by Dr Gabor Mate: https://bit.ly/3NcTFQS

To view research and studies around emotional suppression, anger and mortality, follow these links, https://bit.ly/3UZvOGr , https://bit.ly/3H5h8zS and https://bit.ly/3LlBDup

To learn more about Chris Germer's work, around anger as information, mindfulness and self-compassion, follow this link: https://chrisgermer.com/
 
To lean more about Robyn Walser's work on the four components of anger and to purchase a self-directed, commitment and acceptance therapy based workbook on managing emotions and anger, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3H6QINY

To listen to Tarang Chawla's Imperfects episode about men's violence against women,  follow this link: https://bit.ly/3N4altS

To listen to Tarang Chawla's podcast, There's No Place Like Home, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3H5w2Wy

To learn more about the Oura Ring Hugh spoke about, follow this link: https://ouraring.com/

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you were one of the best swimmers in the world, but you still couldn’t beat your older sister? That’s what Olympic swimmer Bronte Campbell has been facing for most of her career with her sister, Cate Campbell.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Bronte opens up about being at the top of the professional swimming world, but still living in someone’s shadow. And how comparison stole much of the joy she might have otherwise felt. But she also describes how the perspective provided by her brother with Cerebral Palsy made her realise what’s truly important.


To listen to Libby Trickett's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MMGupL

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This B-B-B-BONUS episode arrives thanks to Hugh - a man who claims to hate lists. At least he did until he saw a list called “40 Things I Wish I’d Known at 40” (link below).

The list of things resonated with Hugh so much, that he sent it to Ryan and Josh and they decided to do an episode about it. This is that episode. It’d be weird if it wasn’t though wouldn’t it?

There’s no guest in this one, it’s just Hugh, Ryan and Josh speaking about the things from the list that spoke to each of them most.

But we’ll be back soon with a proper guest next episode!

To read the full list of 40 things from Robin Sharma, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Mzwcci
The list is originally from The Everyday Hero Manifesto, by Robin Sharma: http://bit.ly/3KCnYh7

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ryan spoke about his ongoing indecision surrounding whether or not he should have children (Episode: To Breed or Not To Breed - link below), it definitely struck a chord with a lot of people who could relate. One of those people was “Parenthood Clarity Mentor” Ann Davidman, who helps people all over the world to answer the question, ‘Should I have children?’

So, as a sort-of-follow-up episode, Ann joins Hugh, Ryan and Josh in the Academy of Imperfection to provide some much-needed guidance to anyone who is also stuck in the ‘not-knowing’!

Ann started her Parenthood Clarity Course in 1991 (link below) and it has helped thousands of parents and non-parents find the clarity they needed. So Ann certainly has some experience in the area.

To listen to Ryan's episode, To Breed or Not To Breed, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3Ko2N2p

To learn more about Ann Davidman, her work and her motherhood clarity course, follow this link: https://www.motherhoodisitforme.com/

To learn more about Ann's fatherhood clarity course, follow this link: http://bit.ly/43fx7ok

To purchase the book, 'Motherhood Is It For Me?', by Ann Davidman & Denise L Carlini, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3ZZmcMU

To read Ann's article in Vox, 'Should I have kids: 6 tips to help you decide if you want to start a family', follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nXj9aF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dil’s rise from accountant, to one of Australia’s most successful stand-up comedians is incredible. But what might be even incredible…er is how he was able to finally get sober after years of relying on alcohol.

In this vulnerable episode, Dil reveals to Hugh, Ryan and Josh what his life was like when his drinking was out of control, and how when he stopped, it forced him to change the way approached his work and his life.

To purchase tickets to Dilruk's comedy show "Heart Stopper", follow this link: https://bit.ly/3zqxaQE
To listen to Dilruk's podcast 'Fitbet' with Ben Lomas, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3znp2jV
To listen to Dilruk's podcast, 'The Drivers Seat', follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nsEwAb

To listen to Dil phone into Hamish and Andy's radio show in 2010, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZCw0fr

To watch the "Life Force" clip from Jonah Hill's documentary "Stutz"  (full documentary available on Netflix), follow this link: http://bit.ly/3U1BJKw

For book recommendation 'The Tools' by Philip Stutz and Barry Michels, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3K4h8AJ

To learn more about Philip Stutz and his work, follow this link: https://www.thetoolsbook.com/

To read the article Hugh mentions, 'Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3U5zo1p

For book recommendation, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nFhZAr

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment.
This episode discusses alcohol abuse. If you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol, or other drugs, you can access free, confidential, 24/7 support from Counselling Online. https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/
Alternatively, seek support from friends and family, your local doctor, therapist, AA Group, or call lifeline on 13 11 14. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily is back in the studio with Hugh, Ryan and Josh to deliver a slightly different, but extremely practical episode.

You may not be ready to see a therapist, but even the thought of it can be really overwhelming. Where do you start? Who’s the right therapist for you? What even happens once you’re in a therapy session? And which movies or TV shows get it right?

Dr Em guides us through all of that, which will hopefully help you in your journey to find the right therapy for you. Whether that be now or down the track.


If you are thinking about seeking professional support, but are not sure where to start, try the below resources: 

To learn more about different types of mental health professionals and find services near you, visit Beyond Blue's Find a Mental Health Professional: http://bit.ly/3FMLyGs

To learn more about what is Medicare rebatable, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3nbibXP

To learn more about counselling or to find a counsellor, visit The Australian Counselling Association: https://www.theaca.net.au/

Or, visit The Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists: https://www.arcapregister.com.au/

To learn more about group therapy, visit Open Ground: https://www.openground.com.au/

For self directed workbook recommendations try:

• The Mindful Self-Compassion : http://bit.ly/3Z6nsgE
• The Mindful Way: http://bit.ly/3K3a6xb
• Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: http://bit.ly/3TBwYat

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Academy of Imperfection is a Part 2, or… addendum episode… with the phenom that is Ben Crowe! So, if you haven’t heard Part 1, please listen to that one first by following the link below.

In this episode, Ben expands on what he said in Part 1 about listening to your inner fan rather than your inner critic. He guides Hugh, Ryan and Josh through some simple exercises where they access positive memories from their past, so they can reframe their belief system, that they’re worthy of love and connection and belonging, and also worthy of having the courage to chase their dreams and goals.

These are exercises anyone can do - either during this episode, or even better, with Ben’s MojoCrowe Mindset Course available at the link below.

To listen to part 1 of our chat with Ben, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3Z0duNC

To learn more about Ben Crowe, the Mojo Crowe app and course, follow this link: https://mojocrowe.com/

To watch Ryan's short film, Loop Hole, follow this link: https://bit.ly/42rAGr2

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Crowe is a huge part of our humble Imperfects history. Ben’s first episode with us in 2021 continues to be one of our most listened to episodes, helping many of you, your friends and your family members.

Ben is back in the Academy of Imperfection (split over two episodes) to spread even more wisdom that he's accrued from decades of working with elite athletes at Nike and now at MojoCrowe. Ben’s mission is simple yet powerful… be a good human-being first and a great athlete second. And the athletes he’s helped reach their peak, including Ash Barty, Andre Agassi and Dustin Martin will attest to the amazing impact his tools can have on all of us. Because it's like Ben says, if you play, have fun and compete… you’re an athlete.

Most of what Ben talks about in this 2-part Academy of Imperfection is available to you via his incredible Mojo Mindset Course and app. 

To learn more about Ben, Mojocrowe and the app, follow this link: https://mojocrowe.com/

To listen to Ben's season 3 Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MrxtRN 

For book recommendation, 'The Top Five Regrets of The Dying, follow this link: https://bit.ly/2FFejai

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us first met actor and writer Samuel Johnson - and his silky voice - when he burst onto our screens over 20 years ago in the iconic show, The Secret Life of Us. Since then Sam’s experienced a lot of good times, but also some of the most challenging times any of us could imagine.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Sam chooses to answer the card, ‘What childhood challenges best prepared you for adulthood?’. And he not only explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh why he feels so passionately about the importance of vulnerability, but he also goes on to be vulnerable in ways that we can all benefit from.

Thank you, Sam.


To support Samuel's charity 'Love Your Sister' and purchase a copy of Dear Lover, please follow this link: http://bit.ly/3J0ZWM8

To donate directly to Love Your Sister, please follow this link: https://www.loveyoursister.org/


This episode contains frequent references to suicide. If this topic sounds like it might be distressing for you to hear right now, we recommend skipping this one and coming back to it another time. The views and perspectives expressed in this episode come from our guests personal experience of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lil b-b-b-bonus ep to announce some exciting news...
Our very own Hugh van Cuylenburg has filmed and released his Resilience Project talk as a Special on Amazon Prime Video! It's called 'Hugh van Cuylenburg: G.E.M' and it's out now.
Hugh has been talking to people about Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness for a loooooong time, but now it's finally been filmed so everyone can watch it whenever they want.
Watch 'Hugh Van Cuylenburg: G.E.M'  now on Prime Video, or listen to it on Audible.


For Hugh's thickening hair spray recommendation, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3STaa5N
For Hugh's volumizing hair powder recommendation, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YpMCXl

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, Australian TV and radio legend Chrissie Swan decided to finally be honest with herself. She stopped doing the things she didn’t want to do anymore, and started doing the things that made HER happy.

In this inspiring episode, Chrissie tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh how she was able to turn her life around and live as her true self. No more role-playing, just 100% Pure Swan. 

For book recommendation 'The 12 Hour Walk' by Collin Obrady, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3KELETB

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Season 5 and oooooooooooh baby, are we excited!!! Yes we are. Why? Because everything’s new BUT everything’s also the same! Y’know? Like when your fish and chip shop does a big renovation and you’re really excited because the shop’s all spiffy and new, but you’re also really excited and relieved that they still have potato cakes and dim sims and prawn toast and all the stuff you liked last year.

So yeah it’s kinda like that. Sort of.

Anyway, hi. We missed you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Okay so quick brag… last year’s episode with parenting expert Lael Stone was 2022’s #1 Most Shared Episode on Apple Podcasts, which you can listen to at the link below. 💁‍♀️

But now, Lael is back for a brand new b-b-b-bonus ep with Hugh, Ryan and Josh to talk all about YOU! Well… you and your kids and your loved ones and some other very shareable things that you might be verrrrrry interested in.

As your kids start a new year of school and you start a new year of… you… you might be a lil overwhelmed with… everything. But as Lael explains, self-care is important. Because when we’re at our best, we bring the best version of ourselves to our family, friends and work.

Thanks Lael… we LOVE this one.


To listen to Lael's previous Imperfects episode, 'Creating Emotionally Intelligent Humans' follow this link: https://apple.co/3HMCbH5
To purchase Lael's book, follow this link: https://amzn.to/3WWCpRe
To learn more about Lael's work, follow this link: https://laelstone.com.au/
To watch Bluey episode, 'Facey Talk', on abc iview, follow this link: https://ab.co/3Yi5ojz

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan loves his smart phone. Or at least, he used to.

Recently, he became fed up with it ruling his life. Endless scrolling, lost time, and just general bleh. So, three months ago he traded in his beloved iPhone for a not-so-smart flip phone - which he affectionately refers to as his ‘SmugPhone’.

In this b-b-b-bonus episode, Ryan talks Hugh and Josh through every aspect of his smug journey so far:

- Why he gave up his iPhone
- How it’s going - pros and cons
- What’s his actual set up (how YOU can do it too!)
- His fantasy phone/device that doesn’t exist… YET

If you’ve been spending too much time on your phone, this could be the episode that inspires you to make a change as well.

For more information, or to purchase the Nokia 2720 Flip, follow this link: https://nokia.ly/3WyNnMU

Update* Ryan is now using Opel Mobile's Touch Flip which can be purchased via this link: https://bit.ly/3GUSd0K

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well… it doesn’t get more exclusive than this!

During the busiest time of his year, Santa Claus has been kind enough to join Hugh, Ryan and Josh in the Imperfects studio, so he can enter The Vulnerabilitea House.

Despite some issues with parking his sleigh and some disruptive reindeers during the recording of this episode, Santa still manages to answer all three of the cards he pulls from the Vulnerabilitea House deck.

It’s safe to say that this is not our normal type of Imperfects episode. Obviously. But we couldn’t be more thankful to Glenn Robbins for making this interview happen.

All the money we make from ads in this episode will be donated directly to ASHA to help the incomparable Dr Kiran Martin (former guest) provide essential medical care to the millions of poverty-stricken people currently living in the slums of Delhi. To learn more or donate to this incredible organisation, follow this link… https://asha-india.org

Merry Everything to you all! See you in 2023!

To listen to Glenn Robbin's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/3G0mBI5
To listen to Glenn's podcast, Somehow Related with Dave O'Neil & Glenn Robbins, follow this link: https://apple.co/3FXxZUZ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this third of three b-b-b-bonus episodes, Hugh enters the Vulnerabilitea House and answers the question, ‘What do you see when you look in the mirror?’

For the first time in Hugh’s life, he doesn't see a young man reflected back at him, and he generously tells Ryan and Josh how this is effecting him.

How do we feel when we realise we’re not “young” anymore? It really is the age-old question isn’t it?

P.S. Keep an eye out for a very special Christmas episode next week!!! You won’t believe who our final guest of the year is!! Although, your kids will definitely believe it. 😉

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In yet another b-b-b-bonus episode, it’s Josh’s turn to draw from the deck Vulnerabilitea House cards.

And in doing so he shares his struggle with envy and jealousy amongst his successful friends, but also how it’s changed for him in recent years. And why.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there’s such thing as a b-b-b-bonus B-B-B-BONUS ep, this is it.

Psychotherapist Esther Perel is THE woman to turn to for relationship advice - IYKYK! Her two TED talks have been viewed over sixty million times, she’s written two books that have both been featured on the New York Times Bestseller list, and her intimate podcasts with real people in real counselling sessions have positively changed the relationships of millions of couples - including ours.

In this Academy of Imperfection, among other things, Esther tells Ryan and Josh (Hugh was sadly sick) why no relationship or partner is perfect, and to expect anything different is at our own peril.

Whether you’re already in a relationship or currently looking for a partner, YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LEARN SOMETHING FROM THIS EP! Pinky promise.

To learn more about Esther Perel and her work, follow this link: www.estherperel.com

To listen to Esther's podcasts, Where Should We Begin and How's Work with Esther Perel, follow this link: https://www.estherperel.com/podcast

To purchase Esther's card game, Where Should We Begin, A Game of Stories, follow this link: https://www.estherperel.com/australia2022

For tickets and tour information for Esther's remaining Australian shows, visit: www.tegdainty.com

For book recommendation The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3gHVNCH

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teeeeechnically the season is over… but who cares about rules when you’ve got three hosts who eat rules for breakfast!

Hugh, Ryan and Josh have decided to add three B-B-B-BONUS Vulnerabilitea House episodes to the end of the season!

To kick things off, Ryan answers the question: What parts of ageing scare you most?

Ryan goes on to share something big that’s been on his mind recently - whether or not he should have children - and his fear around making a decision that he may regret later in life.

Next time it’s Josh’s turn, as he picks a card for another special Vulnerabilitea House.

For book recommendation, Embracing Uncertainty, by Susan Jeffers, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3AOkSCN

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you look up ‘Nedd Brockmann’ in the dictionary you won’t find anything because it’s a proper noun. But if you google ‘Nedd Brockmann’, you’ll see the true meaning of ‘legendary’.

For 46 days in 2022, Nedd ran 100km a day from Cottesloe Beach to Bondi Beach, literally RUNNING ACROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTRY.

Why? That’s the best part. Nedd (23!) not only wanted to raise $1m for homelessness (it’s currently at $2.5m - link below to donate), but he also wanted to inspire people and show them they’re more capable than they think they are.

But as Nedd explains to a stunned Hugh, Ryan and Josh, this superhuman feat came at great cost to Nedd’s physical and mental health.

To donate to We Are Mobilise for Nedd's Record Run, please follow this link: https://www.neddsrecordrun.com/

To learn more about the charity group We Are Mobilise, follow this link: https://wearemobilise.com/

To listen to our episode with Harry Garside, follow this link: https://apple.co/3UNSzMy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily is back with Hugh, Ryan and Josh for the final Emisode of the year, and she’s chosen to talk about something we can all relate to in one way or another… loneliness.

In reflecting on last year’s raw episode with Christian O’Connell (link below), Dr Emily deep-dives into the many facets of loneliness.

- Why do we feel lonely?

- How do we handle our own loneliness?

- What can we do to help others who feel lonely?

The holiday season is approaching, which for some of us signals a happy time spent with the people we love. However for many of us, it can highlight feelings of loneliness. But like anything, the more we understand it, the more we can help ourselves and each other.

As always, Dr Emily is here to help.

To listen to Christian O'Connell's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/3TxWonu


The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re doing it. Well… there’s no turning back now.

Hugh, Ryan and Josh are going live on tour around the country with a stage show that they promise will be some of the most imperfect shows they’ve ever done. Live. Uncut. 100% guaranteed imperfection!

The Imperfects… LIVE ON STAGE in 2023

Special pre-sale tickets available from November 11-14 2022

Tickets available from livenation.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you haven't heard Part 1 of our chat with Lune founder and master-baker, Kate Reid, we recommend you do that first. Because this episode, the sequel in our Croissantology, continues Kate's miraculous story as she attempts to overcome an eating disorder that forced her to leave her dream career in Formula 1.

Here, Kate explains how she did that by going all in on creating the "perfect" croissant. And how that croissant launched a new pastry obsession for Melbournians, which eventually led to the pastry empire that is now Lune.

This inspiring story is one of hope and resilience and... well, it will make you want a croissant... desperately.

To purchase Kate's new cook book, 'Lune, Crossiants All Day, All Night' follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Nlp0z5

If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or body image issues, The Butterfly Foundation is a fantastic resource and support. Please follow this link: butterfly.org.au

For family and carer support, and to learn more about the organisation Hugh spoke about in part 1, contact Eating Disorders Families Australia, or follow this link: edfa.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lune is highly regarded as the most respected patisserie in Australia. The New York Times even called the Lune croissant the best in the world. And the woman behind it all is Kate Reid, a former Aerospace Engineer at the Williams F1 Team in the UK.

Kate’s story has to be heard to be believed. It’s so epic, we had to break it into 2 parts.

In Part 1, Kate talks about her time at Williams, and generously shares her struggles with anorexia, which eventually forced her to end her F1 dream and return home to Australia for her recovery.

In Part 2, Kate tells the inspiring story of how she created Lune Croissanterie, and how she’s learned to embrace the fact that her world-renowned croissant will never be perfect.

JUST. LIKE. US.

To purchase Kate's new cook book, 'Lune, Crossiants All Day, All Night' follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Nlp0z5

If you or someone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or body image issues, The Butterfly Foundation is a fantastic resource and support. Please follow this link: butterfly.org.au

For family and carer support, and to learn more about the organisation Hugh spoke about in the episode contact Eating Disorders Families Australia, or follow this link: edfa.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4000 weeks. Like it or not, that’s (approximately) the average length of a human life. And while we intend to use that time wisely, and do all the things we care about, we often find ourselves doing the opposite.

In this episode, UK author Oliver Burkeman tells us how to focus on the things that REALLY matter, rather than filling our time with the not-so-important things. Pulling from his best-selling (and incredible) book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management For Mortals, Oliver is this week’s lecturer in The Academy of Imperfection.

For Josh and Ryan, this book has already changed the way they are approaching their own 4000 weeks, and after hearing this episode, they hope you will also embrace your limitations and accept all the things you simply don't have time to do - no matter how much you think you want to do them.

To learn more about Oliver's work and to subscribe to his newsletter, The Imperfectionist, follow this link: www.oliverburkeman.com

To purchase Oliver's Book, 4000 Weeks, Time and How to Use It (the Australian release), follow this link: https://bit.ly/3F6AsMM

For productivity app recommendation 'Things 3', follow this link: https://apple.co/3THRVjn

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a DJ, TV presenter, award-winning podcaster and Triple J royalty, Linda Marigliano has had a big career and spoken to some of the biggest artists of all time. And now she joins Hugh, Ryan and Josh in The Vulnerabilitea House.

Linda talks about her life growing up as the child of an Italian father and Chinese mother, and explains about how the criticism she received from her mother made her feel about herself - both then and now.

Oh, and there’s some very practical advice on nose-hair trimming, thanks to Linda’s Mum, Janet.

To listen to Linda's podcast, 'Tough Love', follow this link: https://apple.co/3EGNIrg

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After listening to this Academy of Imperfection, you’ll no doubt be heartily agreeing with Hugh, who introduces Dr Kiran Martin as the most impressive person he’s ever met.

Over 30 years after jumping the fence to get inside a slum in Delhi so she could help treat the people in need, Dr Kiran now runs ASHA, an organisation she created that has helped over 900,000 people in over 100 slums across India. And counting!

This is the story behind ASHA. And well… it’s incredible.

But as this is an Academy, you will also learn things! Later in the episode, Dr Kiran shares her values around leadership and gratitude and explains the impact we can all have, when we simply “insist on the truth”.

To learn more about Asha and to donate, follow this link: https://asha-india.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

None of us like to feel rejected. Whether it be at work, with friends, or on a date.

In this Dr Emisode, Dr Emily - our very own psychologist - tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh why some of us have a sensitivity to rejection. She explains what we can do about it, and how we can act compassionately towards others, and avoid making them feel unnecessarily rejected as well.

For research article, 'Recognising Emotion In Faces: Developmental Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect', by Seth Pollak, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3CqDee9

For research reference and book recommendation, 'The Joy of Movement', by Kelly McGonigal follow this link: https://bit.ly/3fv6Uhb

To watch the Ted Lasso clip about making yourself feel confident through movement, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3dTVYcF


The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While many of us may think of Channel 7’s Hamish McLachlan as the voice of sport in Australia, Hamish is very quick to point to Bruce McAvaney instead. As it turns out, we all love Bruce McAvaney A LOT and apologetically talk about him for quite a while - including a few wonderful Bruce stories from Hamish.

When we finally get to the Vulnerabilitea House card selection, Hamish answers the question, ‘When did your life get turned upside down and how did things change?’. This prompts Hamish to show incredible vulnerability and recount two formative events from his family life, and how they’ve reframed his own relationship with the meaning of “challenging times”.

For book recommendation, '4000 Weeks', by Oliver Burkeman, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3C4G6x3

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stand-up comedian Nazeem Hussain lost his father to COVID-19 in 2021. In this episode, Nazeem shares the difficulties surrounding his family’s loss, and how his Dad’s life and sudden death has impacted his own life. But Nazeem also tells some wildly funny stories - in particular one about a "comedy concert" he did in Sri Lanka in front of The Prime Minister, which turned out to be organised by none other than his Dad.

You probably already know Naz from his many, MANY appearances on the telly including The Project, Orange Is The New Brown or maybe even I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here. But his latest work sees him acting and writing on the new ABC show, Summer Love. Link below.

To watch Nazeem in Summer Love, follow this link: https://ab.co/3BR4gLC

To pre-order Nazeem's new children's book, follow this link https://bit.ly/3UlxSHW

For recommendation, 'Raising Boys', by Steve Biddulph, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RLMpuV

To read '7 Sneaky Ways Your Parents Influence Is Still Affecting Your Life', by Suzannah Weiss, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UhkTam

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this Academy of Imperfection, author and profanity purveyor, Johann Hari answers more of your brilliant questions.

As a result, Johann talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about intrinsic and extrinsic values, and how they affect the things we do and social media’s role in why we do them.

Also (speaking of click-bait), in an Imperfects exclusive, Johann reveals his go-to KFC order.

And double-also, we recorded this episode before the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, which will make more sense when you listen.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imperfects regular, Johann Hari joins us IN STUDIO for the first time to answer your questions!

In this very special edition of The Academy of Imperfection (which we’ve split into 2 MASSIVE EPISODES OVER 2 MASSIVE... um... EPISODES!), Johann Hari talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about our ability to change our habits in the face of addiction. And why we can learn from the approach of Overeater’s Anonymous to help our addiction to our phones and the internet.

Johann will be back later this week to answer more of your questions.

For app recommendation 'Freedom', to block websites, follow this link: https://freedom.to/

To learn more and purchase Johann's books, follow this link: https://johannhari.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2003, JET’s Are You Gonna Be My Girl was one of the biggest songs on the planet. It was so big, Apple even used it for their first iPod ad. Remember? The one with the dancing silhouettes on the colourful backgrounds? Yeah, that was JET.

As the bass player for JET, Mark Wilson has lived the dream of any musician. He’s toured the world and played to packed stadiums, and even stood with Beyonce and Jay Z at the MTV Video Music Awards before playing on stage in front of them.

But Mark has also been dealt with some of the most challenging tragedies we can face. In this emotional episode, Mark talks about the good times and the bad times and how he’s dealt with loss in his life.

After the interview, Hugh talks with Ryan and Josh about some practical ways we can all deal with loss and trauma in our own lives.

To watch Bessel van der Kolk's "6 ways to to heal trauma without medication" on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3q7FnEH

To read or purchase book recommendation, "The Body Keeps The Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3BdSPgH

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate Father's Day, Hugh plays some intimate audio of him reading a chapter of his book, 'Let Go', to his Dad (and Josh's Dad incidentally). But not just any old chapter, the final chapter ABOUT his Dad.

Afterwards, Hugh explains to Ryan and Josh, how writing a gratitude letter to your Dad (even if he isn't around anymore) can have a hugely positive impact.

But of course, Gratitude Letters aren't just for Dads, they're for your Mum or any carer in your life as well.

Happy Fathers Day. Have a listen, then go write a gratitude letter. ❤️

To watch Fitzy (Ryan Fitzgerald) read his gratitude letter to his dad, follow this link: https://vimeo.com/352402397

To view a version of the 'Power and Privilege Wheel' please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ecWnGS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Emisode, Dr Emily explains some reasons why the inner critic is there in the first place, and where it’s coming from.

To watch Shirzad Chamine's Ted Talk, 'Know Your Inner Saboteurs', follow this link: https://bit.ly/2Ybu5Aa

To learn more about Daniel Siegel research and to purchase Mindsight, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TnNVV5

To read the research article 'Positive Self-Statements, Power For Some, Peril For Others', follow this link, https://bit.ly/2L4k0k3 or, https://bit.ly/3RiTeDo

To listen to Russ Harris talk about the problems with positive self-talk on The Life Lessons podcast with Simon Mundie, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TlOZJ8

To learn more about Russ Harris's research and to purchase The Happiness Trap, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3wDAgzM


The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlton footballer Darcy Vescio is one of the biggest names in the AFLW, having won multiple awards including the Carlton Best & Fairest, 2-time All Australian selection and the Mark of the Year. As a marquee player, Darcy is at the top of their game.

But that’s just part of Darcy’s story. Less than a year ago, Darcy publicly came out as non-binary, announcing to the football community that they would now go by the they/them gender pronouns.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Darcy tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh what that experience was like for them. But also, after Hugh and Ryan regrettably slip up a few times during the episode, Darcy graciously explains why it matters so much to them when people do get their pronoun right.

To watch Darcy's 2017 Mark of The Year, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Cp54Yy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Academy of Imperfection is a little different. As Hugh explains in the opener, this episode actually IS more like a lecture. But trust us, that’s a good thing.

Dr Paul Callaghan has a lot of wisdom to share that he's accrued over a lifetime of wins, losses and even a near death experience that changed his life forever. As an Aboriginal man, much of Paul's wisdom has come from his experience on The Dreaming Path, which also happens to be the title of the book he’s co-written with his friend and Aboriginal elder, Uncle Paul Gordon.

This book is one of the most impactful books we've ever read. Some might assume that aboriginal lore from tens of thousands of years ago would be irrelevant in today’s world. Faaaaar from it. Dr Paul Callaghan and Uncle Paul Gordon wrote this book for all of us, so after you finish this episode, pick up a copy at your local bookstore, and then, let’s all go bush with Paul!

To purchase The Dreaming Path, Indigenous Thinking To Change Your Life, by Dr Paul Callaghan and Uncle Paul Gordon, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3SLD0V4

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

B-B-B-BONUS EP!!! A-A-A-AGAIN!!!

Every now and then, Hugh, Ryan and Josh like to get together and chat about their own imperfections that they’ve been dealing with recently. This is one of those episodes.

Hugh talks about “life seasons”, Ryan explains why European holidays aren’t always as perfect as they appear, and Josh talks about watching Morning Wars with Jennifer Anniston. 

To read Hugh’s recommendation of Kimberly Gillan’s article in the Age, ‘Are You In Tune With Your Life Season’, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Q6o4iC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She’s back again! Our very own psychologist, Dr Emily!

In this emisode, Dr Emily reflects on a very moving chat we had with comedian Steen Raskopoulos. 

She talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the concept of Emotional Awareness, and explains why it’s not only important to identify your unpleasant emotions, but why it's even more important to express them when they arise.

Oh, Hugh and tells us about going to Bondi.

For book recommendation Atlas of The Heart by Brene Brown, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3zmHW9Y

For Susan David’s Ted Talk, The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3OQvFAm

To learn more about Matthew Lieberman’s study on ‘affect labelling’, (putting emotions into words) and its impact on our negative emotional experience, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PQrUMO

To learn more about Dr Dan Siegel’s research into ‘mindsight’ and how we can ‘name and tame’ emotions, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Q8PLqM

To learn more about The Resilience Project’s Journals, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3cSVItf

For app recommendation Day One, follow this link: https://dayoneapp.com/

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Okay, so we're dabbling with repeat episodes because we've taken a week off. But we have recorded a new intro bit so there ya go, at least there's SOME new stuff!

This episode with comedian Steen Raskopoulos is not only one of our favourite episodes, but it's also the subject of next week's emisode with Dr Emily - which we can't wait for!

So yeah, back to regular, imperfect programming next week!

To listen to Steen’s podcast, Congrats On The New, please follow this link: https://apple.co/3yUjhtc

To listen to Ryan on Steen’s podcast, please follow link: https://apple.co/3cyEC3Y

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe you know Michelle Brasier from Aunty Donna. Or maybe from Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell. Or maybe she’s made you laugh (or cry) in any number of things she’s done on the stage and screen over the years. 

Or maybe you don’t her……… YET!

Michelle Brasier is a singer, actor, writer and comedian who - as you’ll hear in this Vulnerabilitea House - has overcome multiple adversities since a young age. But despite the challenges, she still firmly believes in the practice of optimism. And after selecting the card, “Are you more of an optimist or a pessimist?”, Michelle explains why optimism is such an important part of her life.

Thanks Michelle - you are a breath of fresh air!

To see when and where Michelle is performing next, follow this link: https://www.michellebrasier.com/tour

To listen to the soundtrack from the movie Once, follow this link: https://spoti.fi/3Rmckd0

Parting Glass by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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We all fail. All of us. Why? Because we’re all imperfect. And no one talks about failure more passionately than The Resilience Project’s own Martin “Rac” Heppell. And he’s today’s guest lecturer in The Academy of Imperfection.

Some of you may remember Rac’s first memorable appearance in The Vulnerabilitea House last season. If you haven’t heard it, we know you’ll want to listen (or re-listen) after this one - link below.

Failure, the other F word, is something we don’t like to talk about. It’s embarrassing. And sometimes it’s shameful. But as Martin explains, it’s important that we DO talk about failure. Because failure isn’t just normal… it’s crucial for our growth.

Feel like a rev up? This ep’s for you.

Rac’s back, baby… RAC’S BACK.

ALSO… here’s some extra info about Rac that’ll be helpful before listening to the ep:

- When Rac was a kid, his family spent some time living with a head-hunting tribe (there’s more on this in Rac’s first episode from last season)

- Between 1993 and 1995, Rac played 7 senior AFL games for St Kilda and Melbourne

- Rac works with The Resilience Project as one of their main Speakers, spending the majority of his time at schools, helping kids around Australia.

To listen to our previous episode with Rac, follow this link: https://apple.co/3xWoKPy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has had a LOT of success in the Olympic Swimming Pool. That’s an understatement. But one of our most successful and loved Olympians of recent times is golden girl, Libby Trickett. During her successful swimming career Libby was all smiles after winning gold medal after gold medal at three consecutive Olympic Games, but as she shares in this episode, on the inside she was struggling with a powerful feeling that she wasn’t enough.

Libby tells us all about what that was like, as well as sharing her more recent struggles with motherhood, and how both have led to bouts of depression and anxiety.

Libby displays extreme vulnerability in this episode - more of which is in her new book, Beneath the Surface.

Thank you Libby.

To listen to Libby’s podcast, All The Glitters, buy her book “Beneath The Surface, or learn more about her business “Unlocking Her Potential”, please follow this link: https://linktr.ee/libby_trickett

For book recommendation “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/2ylEihJ

To listen to the Oprah’s Super Soul Conversation podcast with Eckhart Tolle, please follow this link: https://apple.co/3ub2Nvl

For book recommendation Atomic Habits by James Clear, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/2CbKTNL

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily is back to help us all!

Reflecting on our episode with Olympic BMX rider, Sam Willoughby from Season 2, Dr Emily talks us through the dangers of the Hedonistic Treadmill, and its slightly lesser known cousin, Hedonistic Adaptation.

There’s a lot covered in this episode, including ‘Growth Mindset’, being mindful of what we want and why, and how quickly we actually adapt to finally getting those things we want.

For book recommendation Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hanson, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3tTaRjU

For book recommendation The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3tT6e9E

To watch Carol Dwecks Ted Talk, please follow this link: https://bit.ly/3OydHTz

Reference for Sonja Lyubomrisky’s stats for the determinants of happiness: https://bit.ly/3xPDSy6


The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over 30 years, Glenn Robbins has been one of the funniest and most loved performers in Australia. From The Comedy Company and Kath & Kim, to The Panel and of course Russell Coight, Glenn has guaranteed his spot in the comedy history books.

But Glenn hasn’t always seen it that way. From a young age he was told he was "average", and despite his many successes, has dealt with a lifetime of performance anxiety.

In this edition of The Vulnerabilitea House, Glenn opens up and tells us how he manages to ignore the 'bad voice' in his head that tells him he's not good enough, and instead listen to the ‘good voice’, so he can face his fears and make good work he's proud of.

We highly encourage you to listen to this episode - especially while power-walking through the suburbs with a set of hand weights.

To listen to Glenn’s podcast with Dave O’Neil, click this link: https://apple.co/3O41PZv

To watch Shane Warne on The Panel, click this link: https://bit.ly/39DB1R0

Book recommendation Before & Laughter by Jimmy Carr can be found here: https://amzn.to/3y3Xss7

Book recommendation From Strength To Strength by Arthur C Brooks can be found here: https://amzn.to/3OqJQfS

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the words of her own child, Lael Stone “works for the kids”.

But while Lael is technically a therapist who supports parents in understanding their children, everything Lael talks about in this edition of The Academy of Imperfection could easily be applied to all of us in understanding the people in our lives - no matter what age. Whether that be our friends, parents, colleagues or even ourselves.

Through her work, Lael helps adults process their own childhood trauma, and creates education systems that value emotional awareness, demonstrating why it all comes back to connection and compassion.

Oh, and listen out for the dramatic moment when Ryan swoops in and inadvertently steals Josh’s “Good Question” (patent pending).

To learn more about Lael’s work please visit her website at: https://laelstone.com.au/

To watch Lael’s Ted Talk please follow this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6fL09e8Tm9c&feature=emb_imp_woyt

To learn more about Lael’s school please follow this link: https://woodlineprimary.com.au/

To watch It’s Not About The Nail, please follow this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-4EDhdAHrOg

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harry Garside is an Australian boxer who won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics - the first Olympic medal in boxing for Australia in 33 years. But to simply describe Harry Garside as a champion boxer, would be to sell him waaaaaaay short.

Because Harry is also a ballet dancer, a plumber and the guy who asked to wear a dress at the Olympic Opening Ceremony with the desire of defying gender stereotypes (request denied).

To listen to the podcast with Deeyah Khan that Harry recommends, please follow the link https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-kunkEfHiLI

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Emisode, Dr Emily returns to talk about a topic that is VERRRRRY close to the bones of Ryan, Hugh and Josh. The ongoing battle of Truth vs Harmony.

Does that ring any bells for you? Do you choose to live truthfully? Or harmoniously? And what does that even mean? What’s the difference? And how do living ‘truthfully’ or ‘harmoniously’ affect us and the people around us?

Dr Emily goes into all of it.

In this episode, Dr Emily references conversations from Hamish Blake's episode and our last bonus episode. To listen to those, follow the links below:

Hamish Blake's episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/hamish-blake-lets-talk-about-self-doubt/id1476501557?i=1000555382728

Bonus episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/we-need-to-talk-hugh-checks-in-with-ryan-josh-after-a-big-month/id1476501557?i=1000556568682

Dr Emily also references Rick Hanson, to follow his work visit: www.rickhanson.net

If you have experienced, or are at risk of domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault, you can call the 24 hour national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, or if you are not feeling safe, always call the police on 000. - https://www.1800respect.org.au/services

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big episode. HUGE episode in fact. Especially for Ryan.

Ryan has been a long-suffering/recent-celebrating supporter of the Melbourne Demons his entire life. And today, Premiership captain of the Dees, Max Gawn is in The Vulnerabilitea House.

Ryan. Breathe.

Max tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh about a courageous comment made by one of the players in a team meeting that addressed the negative way players were speaking to each other. The comment cut deep - not only for Max who felt shame for his own behaviour, but one that lead to greater connection, trust and respect between the players, and ultimately to their lifelong dream of an AFL Premiership (the greatest, most joyous day for their fans).

Once again… breathe, Ryan.

For more information on Active-Constructive Communication, start here… [https://positivepsychology.com/active-constructive-communication/](https://positivepsychology.com/active-constructive-communication/)

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We seriously hope you listen to this one. I mean, obviously we hope you listen to all our episodes but THIS ONE... well, we reckon this one’s important.

Tarang Chawla’s younger sister Niki was the kindest person he knew. But in 2015, Niki was murdered by her partner who she was trying to break up with, as a result of domestic violence. Since then, Tarang has become an activist against men’s violence, educating all Australians on the many forms of abuse and its role in the mental health crisis.

But as Tarang explains, “abuse” is often not what we think.

In this Academy of Imperfection, guest lecturer Tarang Chawla talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the many forms of abuse, violence, coercive control, gender inequality, and how we can all play a part in a safer future and why that’s so important for all of us.

If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault, you can call the 24 hour national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, or if you are not feeling safe, always call the police on 000

To listen to Tarang's podcast, "There's No Place Like Home" please follow the link below: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/theres-no-place-like-home-by-future-women/id1608086343

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might think that TV journalist and proud indigenous woman Narelda Jacobs has a perfect life. She’s the co-host of Studio 10, makes regular appearances on The Project, she’s a three-time host of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, and she’s... done lots of other things that are also on her Wikipedia page.

But like all of us, Narelda’s life has been far from perfect. I mean come on guys, we’re all imperfect, surely you’ve learnt that by now!

In this episode, Narelda talks openly about the challenges of falling pregnant as an 18-year-old... and then having to tell her parents. This would be hard for anyone, but Narelda grew up in an extremely religious household and her father was a Reverend of the Uniting Church. But that turned out to be a mere warm up for what was to come three years later, when she came out to her parents as gay.

We loved this chat with Narelda. And well, we love Narelda. We’re sure you will too.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to Dr Emily, our very own... PSYCHOLOGIST!

Reflecting on the recent episode with Luke McGregor, in this episode Dr Emily talks about panic attacks. What are they? Why do we get them? And what do we do when they show up and scare the hell out of us?

Thanks Dr Em

To find out more about by Russ Harris, The Happiness Trap and his work as an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Trainer visit; https://www.actmindfully.com.au/

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally from Rwanda, stand-up comedian Oliver Twist spent 14 years in a Malawi refugee camp before finally arriving in Ipswich, Queensland with his family.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Oliver answers the question, “Where is home for you?” - a simple question for some, but a complicated one for Oliver.

Oliver shares stories from his extraordinarily imperfect life in great detail. Everything from being displaced by the Rwandan Genocide, to living in the refugee camp, and eventually seeing Trevor Noah perform stand-up comedy on the internet. And, thanks to ANOTHER “good question” from Josh, Oliver reflects on what his Australian citizenship actually means to him.

Oliver Twist’s incredible live shows, Jali and Griot, are still touring in select cities. You can find tickets on the link below:

https://www.livenation.com.au/artist-oliver-twist-1340595

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Okay, so get this...not only is Kemi Nekvapil an author, speaker and coach, but she was trained by Brené Brown. Yuh. THE Brené Brown.

As an author, Kemi has written a new book that you must read. It’s called ‘POWER: A woman’s guide to living and leading without apology’. And in our imperfect opinion, as 3 NON-women, it’s exactly what we all need right now.

In this edition of The Academy of Imperfection, Kemi shares her childhood experience living in foster care - being moved between 5 different families across England - and how it’s shaped her as the powerful woman she is today. Kemi then takes us through her interpretation of POWER - which happens to be a very convenient acronym...

- Presence to understand what is and isn’t working in our lives.

- Ownership of our personal narratives, especially our power stories.

- Wisdom about our needs, boundaries and growth.

- Equality as part of the diverse human family, all of us worthy.

- Responsibility for our choices, healing and happiness.

https://www.keminekvapil.com

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Like all of us, Luke McGregor is imperfect. From his challenging childhood at home and school, to his crippling panic attacks on stage as a stand-up comedian, Luke generously shares some of the many stories from his imperfect life with us and of course with you.

A lot gets covered here, including Luke’s ongoing battles with OCD and why he eventually turned to professional comedy after trying a handful of other careers first.

But also, as you’d expect, Luke’s hilarious in this ep so please put your Giggle Hat on. Wait, you DO have a Giggle Hat don’t you?!?!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

B-B-B-BONUS EP!!!

After what has been a very vulnerable month for The Imperfects, Hugh wanted to check in with Ryan and Josh to see how they’re feeling after some “big shares” in the first 4 episodes of the season.

Firstly, Ryan reflects on how he’s feeling after revealing his worries around the supposed “love triangle” with Hugh and Hamish during Hamish’s Vulnerabilitea House episode. Then Josh talks about his self-doubt surrounding his role on the podcast, and of course where he’s at with his internet use since bravely sharing addiction with the group during the Johann Hari episode.

We’ll be back to normal programming next episode with Luke McGregor, but until then, this episode’s all about us!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Please welcome the newest member of The Imperfects family... our resident psychologist, Dr Emily!

Dr Emily recently joined The Imperfects behind the scenes, ensuring our episodes are released with care, compassion and professionalism.

This season however, Hugh, Ryan and Josh begged Dr Emily to bring her knowledge directly to you with her very own regular episodes! Each month she will join Hugh, Ryan and Josh and bring in something from The Imperfects archives, to then give general advice and information based on the stories and themes from the episode.

In this debut ‘Emisode’, Dr Emily discusses the final episode of 2021; “Georgia & Hugh”. If you haven’t heard that incredibly moving episode, you could listen to that first, but you’ll definitely be able to follow along if you haven’t heard it. Here’s a link to that ep just in case... https://apple.co/35xOmbs

And here’s a link to the book by Oprah and Dr Bruce Perry mentioned by Dr Emily: https://bit.ly/3u1y1VV


The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Blake is a very funny man. No surprises there. But as it turns out, Hamish Blake is also a man who experiences self-doubt. Hmm, SOME surprises there!

And as the latest guest in The Vulnerabilitea House, Hamish tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the self-doubt he’s experienced while performing on TV, even after doing it for almost 20 years. Whether it be during one of his many appearances on panel shows, or even while standing in front of the contestants on his first day as host of Lego Masters.

Later in the ep, Hamish, Ryan and Hugh openly discuss their evolving “love triangle” that has been triggering feelings of self-doubt within Ryan. Then Josh talks candidly about his own self-doubt regarding his role on The Imperfects.

Yep. This one’s a big ol’ share-fest. Let’s hug.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We can all feel it. And unfortunately, it’s getting worse. Paying attention and properly focussing these days is getting harder and harder. And in the first Academy of Imperfection for 2022, Johann Hari is here to explain to Hugh, Ryan and Josh exactly why that is. The good news is... it’s not our fault. But luckily there are things we can do about it. If you want to delve deeper into the topics and themes from this episode, please read (or listen to - like Hugh and Ryan did) Johann’s incredible new book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention. It might just be the thing that gets you off your phone for a bit. However, while Johann may be this week’s guest lecturer, Josh is certainly this week’s star pupil, delivering what may be one of the most powerful and moving acts of vulnerability we’ve ever seen on this podcast. Josh didn’t plan to say what he said, but in finding the courage to speak his truth, his hope is that others with similar struggles will feel more supported, or at least feel less alone.

Thank you Johann for returning to The Imperfects, and thank you Josh for being imperfect.

For more information about Johann Hari and where to his book visit: https://stolenfocusbook.com/

@theimperfectspodcast

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Kate Langbroek, in our humble opinion, is a very special person and we absolutely love her.

Kate has experienced decades of success on Australian TV and radio - whether it was every Wednesday night on The Panel, or with her mate Hughesy on the radio. Now she’s written her first book, “Ciao, Bella” - filled with stories from her amazing and colourful life. But even with all her success, like all of us, Kate’s life hasn’t been perfect.

In this raw episode, Kate generously shares what it was like when her eldest son Lewis was diagnosed with Leukaemia, and how it impacted her life and her family - then and now. Afterwards, Hugh talks with Ryan and Josh and gives us some insight on the emotion of LOVE, and how positive emotions like love can drastically improve our mental health.

@theimperfectspodcast

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We’re back... for a warm up ep... and as you’ll soon hear... we’re properly professional now!

Not because of the three of us, because of the new members of our Imperfects team... Bridget Northeast, BOTH British Andys (Hall and Poole), George Martin, Jamieson Moore and Dr Emily!

This really is our highest level of excitement EVER.

So, so, so good to see you,

Hugh, Ryan & Josh

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In this extremely special episode, Hugh reads the opening chapter from his second book, ‘Let Go’ to his younger sister (and Josh’s older sister) Georgia van Cuylenburg - a heartfelt letter from him to her.

What follows is an incredibly powerful conversation between the two of them that, for the first time, addresses unspoken feelings and issues that have existed for years.

We’ve been fortunate to have witnessed many beautiful examples of vulnerability on this podcast over the years… but guys… seriously… this is next level. (And I can say that because it’s me Ryan writing this)

Thank you Georgia for allowing us to share this. At times it doesn’t feel like we should be listening in, but gee whiz, I think I can pre-speak for everyone here and say we feel so lucky and privileged that we are. 

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A Part 1 wouldn't be complete without a Part 2. 

So here it is... wrapping up the wrap up!

After Hugh kicked things off with a beautiful bang in Part 1, Part 2 sees Josh and Ryan follow suit and reflect on 2 moments from the podcast that meant a lot to them in 2021 - powerful moments from Martin Heppell and Ben Crowe.

Once again, thank you for your ears. We love you. Now go tell someone special that you love them.

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We had to split our "End of Year Wrap" into 2 parts because of what came up in this ep.

Without wanting to spoil it, it's yet another example of what can happen when we start the conversation and show a lil vulnerability to the ones we love.

There will obviously be a Part 2, and then a few more very VERY special episodes to round out the year.

Thank you for listening to us. We love you and appreciate you a LOT.

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Whether it’s TV, film, stand-up comedy, radio, books, podcasts... or... Straughanie, Peter “Pete” Helliar has been making us laugh for over 20 years and has found a lot of success doing it. But like anyone, Pete’s life has at times been imperfect.

In this episode of The Vulnerabilitea House, Pete speaks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about one of the most difficult times in his life when one of his close friends and colleagues, Richard Marsland, took his own life.

Hugh then shares some practical ways you can talk to people in your life who you think might be struggling.

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Surprise! We have something special for you. Okay fine... it MAY be merchandise. Fine, you twisted our arm... it IS merchandise. But GOOD merchandise! PUN merchandise!!!

Have a listen and go to thevulnerabiliteabag.com. BUT BE QUICK!

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You may have an image of what a “meditation teacher” sounds like. Whatever you’re thinking of, we’re pretty sure you’re not thinking of Jeff Warren. Jeff Warren is not your traditional meditation “guru”. He’s just... well, a guy. A Canadian guy! And alongside his own challenges with ADD and Bipolar diagnoses (among other things), he’s found a life and successful career in mindfulness and meditation. And if you’re like us, you’ll want to be his best friend.

Jeff is currently best known for his “Daily Trip” meditations on the Calm app. But he’s also written books and taught meditation to all walks of life around the world. For everything you need to know about Jeff including his weekly Do Nothing Project, go to jeffwarren.org

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We’ve been big fans of the Dyl & Friends podcast for a long time now. We love everything about the former AFL footballer and host of the Dyl & Friends podcast, Dylan Buckley. To that end, we are very excited to release this episode of our podcast as a Dyl & Friends and The Imperfects collaboration. As you will hear, Dylan is authentic and open. He embraces his imperfections and as such this chat is a true mix of both shows. Dylan starts off interviewing us about how The Imperfects started, and then we welcome Dylan into the Vulnerabilitea House where he delivers one of the most vulnerable and heart felt tea house shares we’ve had to date.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome Dr Yves Rees into The Vulnerabilitea House. 

One morning, in a hotel room in Canada, aged 30, Yves had a life changing epiphany. With this came a range of emotions - happiness, confusion, pain, joy...and almost everything in between.

As well as being a renowned history professor at La Trobe University, Yves is transgender.

In today’s episode of The Imperfects, Ryan, Josh and Hugh are educated and enlightened by the insightful and vulnerable Dr Yves Rees. Dr Rees has recently released their memoir, All About Yves.

If this episode sparks anything for you that you wish to explore further, we recommend transhub.org.au as a fantastic resource to learn more.

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