The Imperfects
The Imperfects is a podcast hosted by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton, and Josh van Cuylenburg. They talk to interesting people who share their struggles and imperfections, or offer wisdom on the subject. The show features segments like The Vulnerabilitea House and The Academy of Imperfection, and includes insights from psychologist Dr Emily. The goal is to find valuable takeaways for listeners' own imperfect lives.
Episodes
Ellyse Perry - It Starts With Trying
At just 16, Ellyse Perry was the youngest person to ever debut for the Australian International Cricket team. 13 days later, Ellyse debuted for the Matildas. 💌Join 7,800+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Arguably one of the greatest athletes of our time, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to Ellyse about how she stays
We're Doing a One-Off Live Show!
We have a BIG announcement. August 19. Balwyn Cinema. Our first ever live podcast recording. With Hugh, Ryan, Josh, Dr Emily, and you? ARE YOU AS EXCITED AS WE ARE?! And you could win your way there! THE ULTIMATE GOLD CLASS DOUBLE PASS includes: 2 x tickets, flights or a limo if you're already in Melbourne, accomodation for the night, popcorn, choc top, sparkling wine and a personal escort to your
Ryan Holiday - A Stoic Life & Death
We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. At least, that’s what the Stoic’s say. 💌Join 7,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Today we are joined (deep breath Hugh) by Stoic philosopher Ryan Holiday. Using the wisdom of the past to appreciate the present, Ryan&
Joel Pearson - I Think, Therefore AI
In the age of AI, do you feel that your future is more uncertain? 💌Join 7,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy In today’s Academy of Imperfection, we’re joined by Dr Joel Pearson; a neurofuturist, whose work centres around predicting how AI will impact every aspect of our lives from now on. While
Dr Emily - What To Do With Envy
What is your envy telling you? 💌Join 7,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist, is back in the studio to talk about the green-eyed monster, and more importantly, how we can work with it to incorporate more gratitude, appreciation and awareness into our lives (hallelu
Reuben Williams - What Happened After My Sexual Assault
Can you think of a moment that turned your life into ‘before’ and ‘after’? For Reuben Williams, that moment was not his sexual assault, rather, the decision he made in the aftermath to pursue justice. 💌Join 7,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Incredibly vulnerable, Reuben talks Hug
Jan Fran - Wars For Your Attention
In a world so divided by hate, how can we choose to show love? This week we are joined by journalist Jan Fran, who unpacks the horror of witnessing horror. 💌Join 6,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Talking through her unravelling relationship with social media and the utter helplessness she feels watching
Dr Edna Lekgabe - New Baby… New Brain… Matrescence.
According to perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist Dr Edna Lekgabe, matrescence is the motherhood equivalent of adolescence. Puberty 2.0, if you will. 💌Join 6,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Joining us in the academy of imperfection, Dr Edna explores the cataclysmic identity shift women undergo during
Shane Jacobson - Permission To Laugh
How do you make sure your kids are proud of who they are? 💌Join 6,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Propelled to international stardom after the release of Kenny, Shane Jacobson’s overnight success was years in the making. Joining us in the studio, Shane is incredibly generous in sharing the catacly
Esther Perel - It’s Not Them, It’s You
Are you stuck, focusing on what's wrong in your relationship? Deeply embedded in the work of intimacy, desire and relationships, psychotherapist and best-selling author Esther Perel, ask us to take a look at ourselves first, rather than listing the short comings of our partner. 💌Join 6,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://
Dr Emily - Overcome With Overwhelm?
Looking for strategies to help deal with the overwhelm of, well, everything? Same. Dr Emily, our resident psychologist, is back in the studio to talk through overwhelm; how to greet it, how to get through it, and how to build your resilience towards it. 💌Join 6,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy In this ep
Hamish Macdonald - After The Facts
Is it true that we live in a world without facts? With AI becoming increasingly intertwined with our lives, and fake news infiltrating our screens, where do you go for truthful information and how do you know what to trust? 💌Join 6,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy This Academy of Imperfection is not all
Bri Lee - Babies+Climate=Anxiety
Is climate anxiety affecting your decision to have kids? 💌Join 6,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House is Bri Lee; prolific author, advocate and change maker. Answering the question, “what moment from your life are you grateful for that profoundly changed you?”, B
Ben Crowe - Play School
When Ben Crowe, world-renowned professional mentor and leadership coach, tells us his favourite mantra, we listen. “I am enough no matter what, but I’m not done yet”. 📺 If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/-0WWUuxvcyQ Back in The Academy of Imperfection FOR THE THIRD TIME, Ben is here to talk to Hugh, Ryan and Josh a
Matt Preston - Only 14 Summers Left
According to Matt Preston, he only has 14 more summers. And he’s determined to make the most of them. 💌Join 5,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Known predominantly for his role on the inaugural (and incredibly successful) seasons of MasterChef Australia, alongside his excellent choice of cravats, Ma
Dr Emily - Acceptance, That's Radical
Pain is inevitable, but suffering does not have to be. 💌Join 5,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist and general provider of wisdom, is here to talk about radical acceptance. Drawing inspiration from our holy grail episode with Gina Chick, Dr Em deep dives radical
Maggie Dent - ‘Good Enough’ Parenting is Good Enough
You just have to be a good parent 30-40% of the time. According to the research, and parenting expert Maggie Dent. 💌Join 5,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy In our Academy of Imperfection, Maggie schools parents Hugh and Josh, and trusted non-parental figure Ryan, about the ‘no matter what&rsq
Bron Lewis - Is It Me or Postnatal Anxiety?
What do you do when your 3 day-old-baby just doesn’t wake up? 💌Join 5,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Motherhood is really hard. And Bron Lewis isn’t afraid to talk about it (anymore). Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House, Bron answers the question ‘when was a time you genuinely need
Dr Lucy Hone - A Life Worth Grieving
Two cataclysmic events have shaped Dr Lucy Hone’s relationship with grief, and resilience. 💌Join 5,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Today in the Academy of Imperfection, we welcome Dr Lucy Hone. Dr Lucy’s work focuses on making sense of the senseless, and helping others to do the same. As a legiti
Claudia Karvan - Love, Her Way
Stop. Everything. Now. It’s Claudia Karvan day. 💌Join 5,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy An icon of the screen, and of the heart, Claudia is Australian entertainment royalty. Claudia’s life itself feels like a movie (no one else grew up in a nightclub, did they?) and it was an absolute privilege t
Soul Searching Summer - Ryan’s TV Show
Ryan’s got news. Well, past-Ryan had news, and now future-Ryan is going to reflect on how present-day-Ryan is currently feeling about said news. Get it? It’s reflecting on a reflection about a rejection. Today we’re giving you two for the price of none, and bringing you two of the most memorable moments from our subscriber based show A Little More Imperfects. With
Spooky Summer - Hugh’s Haunted House
Do you believe in ghosts? Josh doesn’t, Ryan does, and Hugh is actually being haunted. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale! One show left! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep It’s the second episode of our super sexy summer series (the alliteration is wild in this episode), and we’re revisiting the time that Hugh got haunted. Blending together a few episodes o
Psychology Summer - Your Inner Fan with Dr Emily
Today, we come to you with a gift: bonus Dr Emily. Thank you in advance for the standing ovation. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale! One show left! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Welcoming you into the world of A Little More Imperfects, our subscriber-based platform available on Patreon and Apple Podcasts, our resident psychologist Dr Emily reaches into the reflection pond, to
The Little Drummer Girl - A Christmas Scandal
Little heads up, this episode contains some language that is exclusively found on the naughty list, and therefore, isn’t suitable for kids. Now, it’s time to spill some Vulnerabili-TEA. It’s our annual holiday episode, and this year, with many thanks to comedian Becky Lucas, we welcome into the studio Little Drummer Girl. Who has some, um, grievances to air. Little Drummer Girl i
Dave Hughes - Me, Myself & Ego
Dave Hughes has a complicated relationship with his ego. Performing in prestigious venues around the world, Dave Hughes has solidified himself as one of Australia’s comedy icons, but the journey was (and still is) far from easy. Joining us in the studio today, Dave vulnerably shares how the burden of feeling unworthy affected his ability to give and receive love. Dave chats to Ryan about how
Mary Fowler - Forgiving Yourself-Harm
We’re nervous. We’re excited. We’re nervous and excited. Because it’s Mary freaking Fowler day. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House, all the way from Manchester, Mary answers the question ‘what do you worry about the most?’ With wisdom far beyond her 22 years, Mary expl
Dr Emily - You Had Me At Communication
Is your communication style a red flag? It’s our favourite time of the month and Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist, is back in the studio to talk the talk (and walk the walk) about healthy communication. The impact of our learning history (colloquially known as “baggage”) gets a heavy feature in this episode, as Ryan, Josh and Bridge unpack their communication styles,
Jamila Rizvi - Awoken by a Broken Brain
Jamila Rizvi has not been the perfect sick person. When Jamila was last in our studio, she was deep in the grief stage. Jamila’s life had been irrevocably changed by the imposition of a brain tumour, and the myriad of health complications due to surgery. To put it simply, Jamila didn’t know who Jamila was anymore, and that terrified her. This week, in the Vulnerabilitea House, Jamila a
Troy Kinne - It’s What’s Inside That’s Backwards
Troy Kinne’s heart is in the right place. As in, it’s on the wrong side. In fact, many of Troy’s organs are in the ‘wrong’ place. Which can be hard on the immune system, but great material for a stand-up comedian. Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House, and answering the question, ‘when is a time you’ve felt ashamed?’ Troy takes us on a journey,
Dr Emily - Am I Sick or Is It Anxiety?
Do you ever feel anxious about your health? Same. And it is the fundamental uncertainty of our health which can make this anxiety really exhausting, complicated and, well, hard, to live with. Back in the studio with our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove, we’re going to unpack this perpetual state of worry; how it’s exacerbated by our fight or flight response, how to respond when
Bryan Brown - The Value of Being Alive
Not to be dramatic, but Bryan Brown is an Australian icon of the silver screen. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Cast in over 80 film and tv projects throughout his career, working with people such as Jennifer Aniston, Ben Stiller and Sigourney Weaver (possibly biggest name drop we’ve ever had), Bryan was all set for a life of numbers
Hugo Toovey - The Reality of Surviving Cancer. Twice.
Hugo Toovey has beaten cancer, twice. But this is far from the whole story. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep In this special bonus episode, Hugo joins Hugh, Ryan and Josh to talk about health; how to know when to go to a doctor, how to wrangle with the emotions of being cancer free and how to be vulnerable with the people who love you most.
Melanie Bracewell - Untangling a Toxic Relationship
Have you ever dated someone you knew, logically, was a bad idea? A puppeteer twenty years your senior, perhaps? 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Melanie Bracewell has, and she joins us in the Vulnerabilitea House to answer the question, ‘who do you go to advice for? Why?’ (spoiler: it’s not her puppeteer ex-boyfriend). Unp
Dr Emily - Goals For Your Goals
Whether you’re a ‘new year new me’ aficionado, a 5-year planner, or get sweaty at the thought of setting goals, this episode is for you. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Joined by our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove, we’re unpacking goal setting, which at its core, is the intention to change our behaviour. In
Kemi Nekvapil - A Compass for When You're Lost
If you’re not navigating your life through your values, what are you using? 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Our lord and saviour is back (in a secular, informal way). Kemi Nekvapil is back in the Academy of Imperfection to talk all things values: what they are, how we choose them, and how you add croissant as one of yours. Extending
Josh van Cuylenburg - Midlife Crisis Averted
The mid-life update we've all been waiting for. In the final instillation of the Vulnerabilitea Volume 2 Cards Announcement Week, where Ryan, Hugh and Josh have each answered one of the 52 brand-spanking-new-vulnerable-questions, it’s Josh’s turn. Answering the question, “what moment from your life are you grateful for, that profoundly changed you?” Josh reflect
Hugh van Cuylenburg - This Is Burnout
Hugh’s turn! This week, to celebrate the launch of our BRAND NEW Vulnerabilitea House Cards (with 52 brand-new life changing questions), Ryan, Hugh and Josh will each be answering a VII question on an episode this week. Ryan kicked us off on Monday, and you can listen to that episode here (it’s a goody) - https://bit.ly/3VBvcrH In this episode, Hugh answers the question “When was
Ryan Shelton - The Friend I Want To Be
It’s a different sort of episode(s) this week. Because, drum roll please*,* we have a BRAND-NEW deck of Vulnerabilitea House Cards, with 52 brand-new, life-changing questions. That’s right baby, Volume II is available for purchase. Now. This week, we are releasing three whole episodes (lucky you). Each episode will feature either Ryan, Hugh or Josh in the spotlight as they answer one o
Mitch Brown - AFL’s First Openly Bisexual Man
This moment is bigger than Mitch Brown. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy. Tie up your laces and pull up your socks, this story is ones for the ages. As the first male AFL player in the sport’s 129 year history to come out as bisexual, Mitch, and the public’s reaction to his story, epitomises the importance of visibility, role models a
Matt Okine - Comedy & Tragedy
Matt Okine has been privy to a few life changing events. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Hailing from Triple J infamy (the radio station ……. not the athletic event), Matt has seen success across television screens, the comedy scene and music stage. A triple threat, you might say. Joining us in the studio, Matt is incredibly vulnera
Karissa Lewis - We're Not Better Off Without You
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy On average in Australia, 9 people die by suicide each day, and for every suicide, it is suggested 135 people find themselves in the impact zone. Today we speak to Karissa Lewis, a lived experience practitioner, who sits with those in perhaps thei
Dr Emily - The Meaning of Mid-Life
Mid-life crises have a bad rap. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Joined by our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove, this emisode is for everyone, but especially for those who’s back goes out more than them, and who are trying to fill the void with purpose (or a ponytail, or a sports car). Technically, you’re in your mid-life from
Hannah Ferguson - Outspoken But Not Broken
Not shut down by the fear of humiliation, Hannah Ferguson believes her biggest failure would be to never try in the first place. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy In saying that, everything Hannah tries (and touches), inevitably turns to gold (media company, podcast, author, you get the point). In this episode of The Vulnerabilitea House, Hannah a
Dyson Heppell - Whatever It Takes… To Forgive
Inside what might be the biggest scandal in Australian sporting history, Dyson Heppell, at 23 years old, found himself at the centre with a choice to make. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj A leader from the beginning of his career, Dyson was living his childhood dream playing AFL for the Essendon Bombers when everything turned upside down. In thi
Andy Cooks - Andy Doesn't Drink (Anymore)
Hey Babe, what’s for (vulnerabili)tea? 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj Andy Hearnden, better known for his online moniker Andy Cooks, is a professional chef and home cook extraordinaire, with more YouTube and TikTok followers than the population of a small country. Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House, Andy answers the question, “w
Dr Emily - We're Longing for Belonging
Do you ever wonder whether you belong? 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj According to Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist, belonging is an evolutionary need, literally built into our DNA. And in our current loneliness epidemic, the feeling of belonging uncertainty can impact our sense of safety, identity and even physical health. This wee
Dis Works - A Game-Changing Study of The Resilience Project
Well, well, well, it’s time to prove things. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj Today we’re jumping in your ears for a public service announcement: The Resilience Project (TRP) is officially backed by some rock-hard, super-sciencey evidence. Founded by our very own Hugh (you know, from the podcast), TRP delivers emotionally engaging pro
Joe Williams - Concussion, Bipolar & Being a Dad
Approached by 5 NRL clubs by the time he was 13, Joe was a sporting prodigy. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj Thrust into the spotlight Joe was introduced to a world of concussions, accolades and copious amounts of drugs and alcohol. Now 18 years sober, Joe is honest about how he found his power through truth and the experiences and learnin
Jess Hill - A 'love' of Control
Domestic violence is an epidemic in Australia, and Jess Hill has dedicated a good chunk of time trying to understand why. 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au Joining us in the Academy of Imperfection, Jess explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh the unrelenting system of entrapment that many women find themselves in, including a detailed loo
Vincent Fantauzzo - A Brush With Pain
Art saved Vincent Fantauzzo’s life. 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au In this episode, Vincent paints the picture of his childhood in Broadmeadows, a childhood marked with violence and abuse, and how undiagnosed dyslexia deeply affected Vincent’s ability to read and write, as well as his memory. Now known worldwide for
Dr Emily - That Guilty Feeling
How often do you feel guilty? Guiding us on a guilt trip today is our resident psychologist (and published author) Dr Emily Musgrove. 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au Differentiating guilt from shame or regret, Dr Emily takes us back to the very beginning to explain the purpose and function of guilt as a pro-social behaviour which your cave-per
Cate Campbell - Even Olympians Have Depression
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au - this week, featuring a reflection from none other than Cate Campbell. By the time she was 16, Cate Campbell had figured out her social currency: achievement, in the form of gold medals, no less. Four time Olympian and world record holder Cate joins us in the Vulnerabilitea House to answer the question ‘H
Campbell "Struthless" Walker - Withdrawing with Drawing
Do you think of yourself as a creative person? How does being creative make you feel? 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au Today we welcome into the Academy of Imperfection (reluctant) expert Campbell Walker, better known by his online moniker, Struthless. Drawing on his hypothesis that creativity is the antithesis of destruction, Struthless discus
Isaac Humphries - Coming Out On Court
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au There is currently only one gay man actively playing in a professional, top-tier basketball league anywhere in the world. And today, we had the enormous privilege of welcoming him into the studio. Demonstrating Olympic-level vulnerability, Isaac Humphries made global headlines in 2022 when he came out as gay to
Dr Emily - Using The Force For Good
This is where the fun begins. 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au Today we welcome the Return of the Dr Emily, our resident psychologist, to talk about the Force in all its (clinical) glory. Amongst the immense excitement of Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Dr Emily talks through the lightness and darkness inside us all, and how the presence of a goo
Nas Campanella - The First Blind Newsreader in the World
As the title suggests, Nas Campanella is really cool (and accomplished and driven and resilient). Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au You might recognise her voice from the Triple J cinematic universe or know her work as the Disability Affairs Reporter for the ABC. But what you might not know is that Nas is vision impaired, or that a neurol
Dr Louise Newson - It's Hormones. Period.
It’s that time of the month (sorry), and we’re welcoming back Dr Louise Newson to talk all things hormones. In case you missed it, last time we had Dr Louise on the pod, she shared her expertise on perimenopause and menopause. This, to no surprise, was Apple Australia's most shared podcast episode in 2024. Today, Dr Louise talks to the guys about hormones; what they are, how they impac
Dr Emily - How To Get UNSTUCK
Quick! Is anyone here an author? Yes! And her book is finally here! Our favourite psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove, has published the most anticipated book of the year, Unstuck: A guide to finding your way forward to the life you want to live. Feeling stuck, and the yearning for something to change, is a human experience. And in Unstuck, Dr Emily doesn’t just acknowledge this feeling, sh
Monty Dimond - Sick & Tired of Being Sick & Tired
It’s a Monty type of day - and thank god, because this week we welcome the brilliant Monty Dimond into the studio. In this episode, Monty opens up about the heartbreak of losing her mum—her person, her sense of home and safety. She speaks candidly about the tunnel vision of ambition, living with imposter syndrome, and how a debilitating chronic illness left her bed-bound for 90% of las
Dr Emily - Grief Lightening
What would it look like if we were more open to grief? This week, as promised, we are joined by our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove to talk through grief from a clinical perspective. Grief is proof of life, and proof of love. And while it is an incredibly unique experience for each person, there is a universality to it as well. Dr Em walks us through how grief impacts the brain on a neurol
Lauren Zonfrillo - Grief: The Shittest Greatest Gift
Lauren Zonfrillo knows grief - intimately, devastatingly, and meaningfully. Almost two years since the sudden death of her husband Jock, Lauren describes grief as the ‘shittest, greatest gift’, and how she navigated unimaginable loss while continuing to parent two young children. In this episode, Lauren shares what she learnt about herself in the days, weeks, and months since Jock&rsqu
Hugh’s ADHD…brief (Bonus From Patreon)
It’s the episode we’ve all been waiting for – a peek inside Hugh’s brain. After our episode with psychologist and ADHD expert Janelle Booker - and a reboot of his algorithm that Hugh related to on a spiritual level - Hugh began to wonder whether his time-blindness, reject sensitivity and inability to focus on things he wasn’t interested in, could be explained by ADHD.
Simon Hill - Eating Imperfectly vs Perfectly Eating
Chasing the ‘perfect’ diet is a trap; which is really great news for our brand. Simon Hill, nutritionist, physiotherapist, and host of The Proof podcast, joins us in the Academy of Imperfection to break down whether the latest dietary trends on social media actually match up with nutrition science. In this episode, Simon unpacks the role of both genetics and lifesty
Courtney Ugle - Intergenerational Strength
Trauma ran through Courtney Ugle’s family - until it ran into her. CEO and founder of Waangkiny, as well as a football superstar, Courtney is on a mission to transform her adversity into resilience, power, and love. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Courtney answers the question, “what childhood challenges best prepared you for adulthood?”, diving into how she copes with the loss of h
Dr Emily - How to Be Leaned On
Chances are, you’ve supported someone going through a tough time. And while the meaning sustains the sacrifice, today we want to support you ….. supporting them. A bit of support inception, if you will. To guide us through this incredibly complex and meaningful topic is our resident psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove. Navigating relationships requires awareness. Showing up as a partner,
Danielle Laidley PART 2 - Her Public Outing
This is PART TWO of our chat with footballer, coach and uniter of people, Danielle Laidley. We HIGHLY recommend you go back and listen to part one if you haven’t heard it (linked below). In this episode, Danielle recounts how it felt to be publicly outed, her own voice removed as the media crafted their own narrative about her identity. A story of courage, resilience and love, Danielle vulne
Danielle Laidley PART 1 - Her Private Struggle
Danielle May Laidley was known by a different name for the first 53 years of her life. We are so proud that this episode is a contributing factor to her reclaiming her narrative as a transgender woman. An extremely talented AFL footballer, Danielle would go on to become a highly respected coach, always keeping within arm’s reach the version of herself which felt most authentic. Danielle&rsqu
Let’s Talk About Hugh’s Open Letter
It’s been a big few weeks since Hugh released his Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People (episode linked below). If you haven't heard it, it’s best to listen to that before you listen to this episode. Today we wanted to catch up and reflect on whats happened since. Hugh shares some beautiful messages, and Josh asks, practically, how we can show less judgement and more empathy
Stephen Curry - I Dug a Hole… and Found Myself
Get excited, it’s finally Steve Curry* day. Actor, comedian, and expert hole digger (you bet we snuck this in here), Steve joins us to share his personal and professional epiphany: a ‘collaboration realisation’ his lightbulb moment about teamwork, success, and the power of vulnerability. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Steve answers the questions ‘When was a time you genuinely
Dr Julie Smith - Building Confidence, Brick by Brick
Clinical psychologist Dr Julie Smith has a gift for explaining complex ideas in under a minute (which is GREAT for new-age attention spans). With over 4.8 million TikTok followers, two best-selling books and a glowing endorsement from our own Dr Em, having Dr Julie join our Academy of Imperfection is nothing short of a dream. In this episode, Dr Julie reframes the feeling of overwhelm, helping us
Hugh's Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People
This is an open letter to parents of autistic and neurodivergent people. It may be confronting. Please take care when listening. Love, Hugh See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hannah Diviney - Disabled in an Able-Bodied World
Hannah Diviney is one of the most powerful people in pop culture. At just 25 years old, the author, advocate, and actor hasn’t just called out Lizzo for using an ableist slur—she also took on Queen B herself. And she succeeded on both fronts. Which, once you get to know her, isn’t surprising at all. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Hannah reflects on the questions: “H
Dr Emily - Hope
Today, Dr Emily talks about hope. And in a world where things can feel a little bit hopeless, this really couldn’t have come at a better time. In contrast to all of our understanding up until this point, hope is not an emotion. Expertly defined by Dr Emily, hope is a belief. And most significantly, it can be learned, and it can be cultivated. Psychological mic-drop. This episode delves into
Matthew Murphy - A Sober Wombat
Matthew Murphy, front-man of the iconic UK band The Wombats, joins us in our first VulnerabiliTea House of 2025. In this episode, Murph answers one of life’s most terrifying questions, “In what ways do you fear you could negatively impact your children?” He also shares his experience with panic attacks, anxiety and depression and is extremely honest detailing how alcohol became a
Get Ready. We’re Touring A Brand New Live Show!
It’s time for Announcement Number Three! A brand-new Imperfects Live Show (!!!!!!). That’s right, we’re going on the road again. In October, November, and December of this year (2025), we’ll be performing a brand-new stage show, around the country! It’s gonna be bigger, it’s gonna be better, and we promise we won’t let Hugh (or Chat GPT) write the sho
Maria Ruberto - Sleep Your Way To Your Top
Psychologist Maria Ruberto is back to talk about one of the most important parts of our day: sleep. Starting off with the biology of sleep, Maria takes us through how we get to sleep, what happens when we sleep, and why we desperately need to sleep for good health and longevity. With metaphors galore to make the science as relatable as possible, we discuss the role of melatonin, the impact of scre
Mick Fanning - Riding The Waves of Loss
The stoke level is pretty high this week because we are joined by three-time world champion surfer, shark attack survivor, and maybe the nicest guy we have ever met, Mick Fanning. We had high expectations for this chat (we mean, it’s Mick Fanning), but he absolutely blew us out of the water with his humanity, compassion, empathy, and positivity in the face of incredible tragedy. Mick, w
We're Back! And A Little More Imperfect
Well, well, well. We’re (officially) back for 2025, baby! On Hugh’s agenda for today’s episode: nugatory chat, ghosts, general excitement for the new season and we also reveal THE SECOND BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! That’s right, The Imperfects are bringing you a new show. A Little More Imperfects, which can be found on Patreon, is bonus fortnightly episodes featuring everything
James van Cuylenburg - What’s Your Relationship Status?
It’s our last episode of Summer School, and today we welcome back clinical psychologist (and “clinical cousin” of Hugh and Josh), James van Cuylenburg. In this episode, James tells us EVERYTHING we need to know about our relationships… well almost everything…there’s a lot to cover. From attachment styles, to breaking trust, to learning how to own your feelings
Imperfect Birth Stories with Sophie Walker
In this episode of our Summer School, we are joined by Sophie Walker, creator, and host of Australian Birth Stories. With over 17 million downloads, and 500 episodes, Australian Birth Stories podcast has been accredited by the Australian College of Midwives and has been instrumental in educating and empowering both people who are giving birth, as well as birthing partners. Hugh shares the incredib
