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How To Audit Your Mental Load with Prof. Leah Ruppanner
25 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
It’s time we talked about the mental load. Again.
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Consider this a companion episode to our infamous, most shared episode of 2023, The Elephant in the Relationship where Hugh and Penny introduced us to their mental load, and how they were trying to make it more equal in their relationship.
Today we’re sprinkling in some expertise and scientific data, as we’re joined by Professor Leah Ruppanner who explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh that there’s actually 8 different types of mental load, and not all of them are draining.
Bringing examples from their own lives, Hugh, Ryan and Josh discuss with Leah why the mental load can seem like an insurmountable amount of emotional thinking, and how partners can better communicate to reduce anxiety-like symptoms and burnout.
We chat to Leah about the exacerbation of the mental load when chronic illness becomes part of the equation, and how to manage the mental load when there is no one to share it with.
Chapters Lees meer00:00:00 – TRAILER
00:02:02 – The Mental Load is life changing for relationships
00:03:11 – Mental Load definition: emotional thinking work
00:05:41 – 3 characteristics of the mental load
00:08:00 – Mental Load vs Burnout: Treat Your Energy Like a Budget
00:14:19 – The Elephant in Hugh & Penny’s Relationship
00:16:50 – Type 1: Life Organisation
00:17:20 – Type 2: Emotional Support
00:18:00 – Type 3: Relationship Hygiene
00:19:03 – Type 4: Dream Building
00:20:26 – Type 5: Magic Making
00:25:00 – Type 6: Individual Upkeep
00:27:30 – Type 7: Safety
00:28:00 – Type 8: Meta Care (Doom Scrolling and the Mental Load)
00:29:56 – How to do a mental load audit with your partner
00:34:09 – Align your energy with your goals
00:36:25 – Delegating tasks vs sharing the mental load
00:38:24 – Shift work vs running the business
00:40:30 – Birthday presents and the perfect mother myth
00:41:30 – Mes… -
“MND Took Everything” Matt Nable on Grief, Depression & What Really Matters
18 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
In the end, Matt Nable wished his brother would give in.
Motor neurone disease had taken everything, except his brother’s will to live.
💌 To join our journaling club, with 9,000+ others, subscribe to my imperfect email - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
Joining us in the studio today is writer, actor, boxer, and former rugby league player, Matt Nable.
Recognisable for playing infamous tough guys on screen (Arrow, Underbelly, The Dry), Matt’s experience of loss and mental ill health has starkly redefined what he believes it is to ‘be a man’.
Using the analogy of a ‘double edged sword’, Matt explains his experience with bipolar and hypomania, and how those periods have lead to the best, and worst, decisions of his life.
Matt is incredibly generous in sharing his experience of biological melancholia depression, and explores with Josh just how quickly everything can seem to unravel.
Matt speaks about the immense grief he carries for his brother who passed away MND, and how he was able to move through this grief to find purpose and compassion.
*Content Warning: today's episode includes a discussion about psilocybin. In Australia, psilocybin is a controlled substance. Outside of authorised clinical settings, its use, possession and supply are illegal. This episode is not medical advice, and we're not encouraging or endorsing illegal drug use. Psilocybin can carry serious risks, particularly when taken without professional screening and supervision. Our guest's experience is their own and won't be typical of everyone's. This episode also mentions suicide. If you're struggling with grief or your mental health, please speak with your GP or a mental health professional.
🚨If you, or someone you know, are experiencing suicidal thoughts call lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.
Chapters Lees meer00:00:00 – TRAILER
00:02:48 – Childhood shapes who we are
00:03:40 – What does it really mean to be tough?
00:07:38 – Why Matt doesn’t think he is a tough… -
Zoë Foster Blake - Perimenopause, ADHD & Everything That Helped with Dr Fatima Khan
11 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 30 min
This is not your mother’s perimenopause.
💌 To join our journaling club, subscribe to my imperfect email - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
Joined by guest host Zoë Foster Blake, and Dr Fatima Khan, we’re diving head first into perimenopause: the what, the why, and the how-the-f**k to deal with it.
Typically beginning in your late 30’s, and in your brain of all places, perimenopause symptoms include heightened anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, brain fog … all things that make you feel further and further away from your best self.
Beginning 5 -7 years BEFORE your last menstrual period, perimenopause can coincide with postpartum, the most important presentation of your career to date, and the uncovering of neurodivergence, which may have been painstakingly masked until this shift in hormones.
With the expertise of Dr Fatima, and the lived experience of Zoë, we hope this episode makes you feel seen, less alone, and ready to have THAT conversation with your GP.
Chapters Lees meer00:00:00 The Truth of Perimenopause [TRAILER]
00:01:09 The Meet Cute of Zoe Foster Blake and Dr Fatima Khan
00:06:55 Is this Perimenopause? Early Signs + Symptoms
00:07:41 Zoe’s Perimenopause Journey: No Sleep, Anxiety, Rage, Repeat.
00:09:56 Volcanic Rage, Explained
00:14:59 What Doctor’s Miss: Misdiagnosis + Antidepressants
00:15:57 Why Your Husband Is Breathing Too Loud
00:20:18 Perimenopause Mental Health Screening
00:21:25 Debunking the “You’re Too Young” Myth
00:23:43 Is it Anxiety? Depression? Perimenopause?
00:25:26 The Pill, The Mirena + The Modern Woman in Peri
00:30:44 Loosing Yourself in Peri: Brain Fog + Dementia Fears
00:32:10 The Importance of Testosterone
00:36:00 HRT Myths: Re-educating a generation
00:39:04 A Script for a Script: What to say to your GP
00:41:12 Perimenopause Is a Multi-Organ Syndrome
00:46:09 High Achieving Women + Peri = Shame
00:46:47 When Perimenopause Unmasks Your ADHD
00:54:26 Trauma Reactivation in Perimenopause
00:57:17 Pills … -
How OCD Hijacks Your Brain with Angie Greene
4 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
Angie’s OCD obsessions are that she has committed her worst, most insidious, fears.
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Officially diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) when she was 19, some of Angie’s earliest memories are of obsessions, compulsions and seeking reassurance.
Joining us in the studio, Angie talks to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the reality of living with OCD, how she navigates particularly bad episodes with her partner, and why she wouldn’t wish it on her worst enemy
Angie explains false memories, and the lengths she has gone to seek reassurance, and finally, why it is so important to her to create something that helps people feel less alone.
In amongst all of the OCD chat, Hugh asks Angie about her anti-discrimination work and the beautiful story of where that passion came from.
Chapters Lees meer00:00:00 – Trailer
00:01:27 – Angie + Hugh don’t do small talk
00:03:46 – Why Angie accepted an ARIA on behalf of Sia
00:05:45 – Growing Up in Sporting Royalty
00:07:45 – Why Angie’s Brother Came Out To Her
00:10:41 – “I’m Crying Because I Could Have Helped”
00:13:21 – Why Feeling Safe To Be Yourself Matters
00:15:02 – Angie’s Moral Compass: Where Does It Come From?
00:18:17 – OCD: Obsessions, Compulsions + Reassurance
00:20:45 – OCD Stereotypes vs Reality
00:22:52 – Feeling Like A Bad Kid
00:24:52 – Why OCD Makes Your Excruciatingly Self-Aware
00:28:02 – Examples of Intrusive Thoughts
00:30:23 – Invisible Compulsions: Kissing, Hugging, Incest
00:32:19 – Relationship OCD: Constant Fear of Cheating On Your Partner
00:34:37 – OCD False Memories: How The Brain Builds ‘Evidence’
00:36:10 – Why Reassurance Seeking Never Brings Relief
00:39:13 – What It’s Like Loving Someone With OCD
00:41:40 – What OCD Has Cost Angie: Peace, Presence + Precious Moments
00:50:08 – Why Getting The Right Treatment Was Lifechanging
00:54:52 – What Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Actually Looks Like
00:5… -
Luke Bateman - Gambling With My Life
27 september 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
Mid 20's and $250,000 in debt. Gripped by a gambling addiction. How do you recover?
💌 Join 9,500+ others in our newsletter community - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
From the outside, it looked like Luke Bateman was living the dream: a professional NRL career with ludicrous pay checks and sponsorship deals.
On the inside, Luke was battling a crippling gambling addiction, deepening depression and a widening chasm between the character he was playing, and his true authentic self.
With immense courage, honesty and vulnerability, Luke takes Hugh, Ryan and Josh through the ups and downs of his recovery journey. Luke unpicks the difference between unconditional love and conditional help from his parents, and why his time in rehab was the best thing that ever happened to him.
Luke speaks about how his journey with addiction impacted his relationship with his mum, and the gratitude he feels for her now, and how learning about internal family systems changed his life forever.
Luke, you are such a beautiful person. Thank you for joining us today.
This episode discusses gambling addiction and suicidal ideation. Please take care when listening.
This episode is part of the BE HOPE Podcast Takeover, bringing podcasts around the world together to explore the themes of hope and how we can continue to make progress in a rapidly changing world - https://globalgoals.org/behope/
🚨If you, or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction
Call LifeLine - 13 11 14
Register at BetStop - betstop.gov.au
Gamblers Anonymous - https://bit.ly/3TJ1C6d
Gambling Help Online - gamblinghelponline.org.au
In an emergency, always call 000
🩵To hear our chat with Luke about The Manosphere and to join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects
0:00 – Trailer: $250K of Gambling Debt
1:26 – Be Hope Podcast Takeover Announcement
4:15 – Luke Bateman doesn’t fit in a box
6:06 – Growing up ‘soft’ in Rural Queensland
10:… Lees meer -
Dr Emily - The Phenomenon That Is Imposter Syndrome
20 september 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
Do you live in fear of being found out as a fraud? That despite your years of competency, achievement and high performance someone will uncover the truth? Lees meer
Well, you’re in the right place. Our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove is here to tell you that your imposter syndrome is nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it’s not even a syndrome.
💌 Get practical take-aways from this episode, and join 9,400+ others in our newsletter community - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
To get a little bit meta, Dr Emily explains that knowing that you don’t know everything, is a good thing. Especially if you’re starting a new role, or trying something for the first time.
HOWEVER, the long-term consequences of the imposter cycle such as perfectionism, overcompensation, burnout, or even avoidance and procrastination, may impact your willingness to say yes to new opportunities, such as going for that promotion or asking for support.
In this episode, Dr Emily asks Hugh, Ryan and Josh to think about the balance of their competence and confidence, and provides them (and you!) with four practical strategies for combatting this pesky phenomenon.
And then, a weird amount of chat about Vlad the Impaler.
0:00 – An Emisode!
2:41 – Adam Grant is not an imposter
5:11 – Origins of Imposter Syndrome
6:45 – ‘Syndrome’ is the wrong word
8:19 – It all comes back to belonging
10:39 – How common is imposter syndrome?
12:20 – Fear of being found out as a fraud
15:16 – The evolutionary psychology of belonging and self-doubt
16:35 – Is self-doubt actually healthy?
17:42 – Is your confidence a mask?
18:57 – The Dunning-Kruger Effect
23:15 – The more you know ….
25:12 – Competence vs confidence
26:29 – The Imposter Cycle: anxiety, perfectionism, luck
32:09 – Becoming your own favourite artist
35:55 – Avoidance, procrastination + self-fulfilling prophecies
38:29 – Long term consequences ft. Hugh’s anus
45:26 – Authenticity as the antidote
46:22 – Less growth, less promotions… -
Andy Lee - DO NOT Listen To This Episode!
13 september 2026 · 1 uur 9 min
When he was 15, Andy Lee’s mum forgot who he was. Lees meer
💌 Join 9,400+ others in our newsletter community - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
Given only two weeks to live, Andy tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh how this news impacted his family, impacted his childhood, and continues to impact his sense of self.
And then, we’re going all the way back to the early days of Radio Karate, and Hamish & Andy.
In a long overdue conversation (recorded, of course), Ryan and Andy chat about their own friendship dynamic and why they both felt like the odd one out.
Getting down to business, Andy and Ryan discuss how a bunch of 20 year old guys made tough financial decisions while trying to remain mates, how they learnt to give constructive criticism to each other, and with the blessing of hindsight, how they feel about that time now.
Andy, we’ve been waiting for this episode longer than a baker with his oven off.
0:00 – 2 years of secret vocal coaching
4:35 – HOW long for one cartoon episode?
5:48 – When Andy met Hamish (and Ryan)
9:39 – The impact of getting cancelled after 5 episodes
10:08 – The best advice Andy received
14:07 – Jealousy, Jealousy
20:25 – The Four Way Split of Hamish & Andy
23:42 – Should we be recording this?
25:10 – Social media has replaced the paparazzo
26:11 – Andy’s nude photo scandal
30:23 – Inspiration and renegotiation
36:55 – The Vulnerabilitea House
38:02 – When your mum is given two weeks to live
40:30 – Rapid deterioration and rush to hospital
43:28 – Taking on the parent role at 15
46:04 – Furious at the new normal
49:09 – Why “Don’t Worry, It’ll Be Fine” is the worst thing to say
54:36 – Andy’s Dad’s incredible sacrifice
58:20 – The Lee Gazette
1:00:50 – Why we should talk about will’s🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Ryan Shelton - Shame, Jealousy & Purpose - https://bit.ly/4A230B5
📺 Things to watch
Institute of Sayings from Real Stories - https://bit.ly/4xBJHgq
Do Not Watch This Show! - https://bit.ly/4cAw…
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Philippa Northeast - My Brilliant Career Took Years of Rejection
6 september 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
Have you ever watched the person you love most get everything you ever wanted? Did you harden around envy, or shrink with comparison? Were you able to find happiness for their success? Lees meer
Philippa Northeast, Logie nominated and lead of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career, is a star quickly rising. Her most significant role? The little sister of our producer, Bridge.
💌Join 9,400+ others in our newsletter community - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
Joining us as a guest host, Producer Bridge, alongside Hugh, Josh and Ryan, discuss the years of failure and rejection behind the scenes of Pip’s overnight success.
Constantly aware of the need to prove herself a success, Philippa is completely vulnerable about the obsession that came from certain rejections, and her anxiety which manifested itself as trichotillomania.
Offering a unique and intimate perspective, both Bridge and Josh reflect on their respective siblings’ success, and how that has shaped their own identity.
It’s sibling vs sibling, and only one will make it out alive (kidding, it has a happy ending).
0:00 – Meet Producer Bridge’s Little Sister
5:43 – Pip’s Brilliant Career: From Home & Away to Netflix Star
11:39 – Middle Child Syndrome
19:28 – Sibling Comparison: Cricket and Drama Solos
20:55 – Finding Success Straight Out of High School
22:56 – Self-belief vs Self-doubt: Why Pip Took The Leap and Bridget Didn’t
25:30 – Feeling Over-shadowed, and Under Pressure
28:00 – Becoming an Unemployed Clown
29:17 – The Sensational Potter Backup Plan
34:01 – Getting Undressed (Again)
35:46 – The Hollywood Grind
37:32 – Lockdown, Isolation and Growing Doubt
46:15 – Obsession born from Rejection
51:49 – What Loneliness in the Acting Industry Feels Like
52:46 – The Body Keeps Score: Trichotillomania
54:47 – Healing: Journalling, Yoga, Grounding
57:04 – The Hallmark Offer That Changed Everything
1:03:39 – The Downside of Growing Up Next To A Rising Star
1:07:29 – Choosing Pride Over Jealousy
1:09:49 – The Upside of Losing to Claudia K… -
Matt D'Avella Tried No-Sleep-Parenting For 10 Months
30 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 9 min
What impact does sleep deprivation really have on your wellbeing? What about your parenting? What about your identity? Lees meer
Matt D’Avella has amassed over 4 millions subscribers on YouTube undertaking 30-day wellness challenges, and promoting his minimalist lifestyle.
In life that was meticulously controlled, having kids changed everything.
💌Join 9,400+ others in our newsletter community - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
Blessed with a baby who woke every 30 minutes for the first ten months of their life, Matt chats to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about how becoming a new parent impacted every facet of his life.
Hugh and Josh share just how lonely they have felt at different times during their parenting journey, and Ryan saves the day by holding a baby for a full 40 minutes (save the applause! please!)
Matt this was a dream come true.
To watch the full episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/foilZTRGXco
00:00 - I Tried Being Vulnerable for 30 Days
7:03 - Minimalism Maxxing
18:00 - The Vulnerabilitea House
20:25 - Becoming a father, losing sleep (and himself)
24:14 - Depression Diagnosis Wake-Up Call
32:56 - Hugh's Sleep Score
40:38 - SOS: Hiring Help, Expanding your Village
48:50 - Sleep Training: What Actually Works
52:02 - The Real Cost of Sleep Deprivation
58:29 - Being A Mum: The Additional Burden
1:01:32 - 'Do You Regret Having Kids?'
1:04:00 - The New and Improved Matt D'Ad-Avella🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Dr Edna Lekgabe - New Baby… New Brain… Matrescence - https://bit.ly/4zVt9Si
📺 Things to watch
Minimalism Documentary - https://bit.ly/3SSZb0t
Why I disappeared - Matt D’Avella - https://bit.ly/3SwYA4g
Matt D’Avella YouTube - https://bit.ly/4wOzFXW
💤 Things to sleep train
Tresillian Sleep Organisation - https://bit.ly/4zAGTS5
The Ferber Sleep method - https://bit.ly/4iCdqB4
Masada Sleep School - https://bit.ly/4qNi7uc
📚Things to read
Regretful Parents subreddit - https://bit.ly/4gx9W0b
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase he…
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How Childhood Cancer Motivated Josh Niland: One of the World’s Greatest Chefs
23 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
How does having cancer as a child impact the way you live as an adult?
Uber successful chef and restauranteur Josh Niland doesn’t do things in halves (no, literally, have you read his book The Whole Fish?).
From opening a restaurant at 26, to becoming the first Australian to win the James Beard Book of the Year award when he was just 30, Josh’s creativity came from a place of desperation to explore every opportunity presented to him.
💌Join 9,400+ people getting a Dr Emily values worksheet and takeaways from this week’s episode in our newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
Diagnosed with cancer 2 days after his 8th birthday, Josh’s childhood transformed in a matter of hours into hospital hallways, chemotherapy and facing his own mortality.
In this episode, Josh joins us in the Vulnerabilitea House to talk us through an experience which profoundly changed him, which he is now grateful for.
Hugh, Ryan and Josh (our Josh), also ask about where his drive and ambitious creativity comes from, and just how close to failure Josh’s culinary career came.
We wish this chat could have gone on longer,
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -
🫖Other Imperfect’s episodes mentioned on this episode
Nathan Cavaleri - The Ups & The Blues - https://bit.ly/468HE7l
📺 Things to watch
Josh’s Australian Story - https://bit.ly/4giDtKR
📚Things to read
Saint Peter: Chapter & Verse, by Josh Niland - https://bit.ly/4bVM0SN
The Whole Fish, by Josh Niland - https://bit.ly/4bVM0SN
🍽️ Places to eat
Saint Peter - https://bit.ly/4qrs4gv
💻Things to check out
Starlight Children’s Foundation - https://bit.ly/4hHDkmM
Josh Niland’s Website - https://www.mrniland.com
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - theimperfects.com.au/shop
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - theimperfects.com.au/shop
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects
🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Littl… Lees meer -
Dr Emily - Tough Love vs Shame
16 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 19 min
Is tough love to blame for our shame? Lees meer
💌Join 9,200+ people getting a Dr Emily values worksheet and takeaways from this week’s episode in our newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
We all know that parent or coach on the sideline who takes under 10’s basketball a liiitttllleee too seriously. And occasionally, tough love might seem to work in the moment, long term, the shame train isn’t going anywhere good.
Dr Emily, our resident psychologist, is here to name the shame to tame it, and teach us how we can be shame strippers too (get your head out of the gutter. Shame on you).
We go into the difference between shame, humiliation, guilt and embarrassment, bow down to the queen Brene Brown, and introduce ourselves to our own Healthy Adult.
Shamelessly, this is one of our best episodes to date.
0:00 – Ever heard of a shame stripper?
6:27 – Bow down to Brene Brown
12:25 – The other self-conscious emotions (they’re shy)
20:51 – Humour and humiliation
29:21 – Shame is a full body experience
36:16 – Beware of who you share (with)
40:43 – Manosphere + behaviour change
46:59 – Tough love + kids sport
57:07 – Working with shame
1:06:10 – Bring on the compassion!
1:10:07 – Introducing the Healthy AdultIf you’d like to watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link -
🫖 Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Ryan Shelton - Shame, Jealousy & Purpose - https://bit.ly/4qgEqrO
Dr Emily - Compassion of The Self - https://bit.ly/4hqWa1k
How do you know you’re in a thinking trap? - Maria Ruberto - https://bit.ly/4ze4eJh
🎧 Things to listen to
Between Two Beers with Steven Adams - https://bit.ly/4g3wipS
📚Things to read
Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown - https://bit.ly/45VT2Dx
The Compassionate Mind, by Paul Gilbert - https://bit.ly/3UewPOq
Movember study of the Manosphere - https://bit.ly/4wZxtOs
Proneness to shame vs proneness to guilt research by Tangney et al. - https://bit.ly/4g4lQyl
📖Things to do
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, by Kristin Neff and Christ…
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The Nature of Being Alone
9 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
Can nature help us to feel less alone? Lees meer
💌Join 9,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
Psychologist on the incredible, Alone Australia series (remember our seminal episode with Gina Chick?), Mark Mathieson is in the Academy of Imperfection to help us understand how nature regulates our body, and how we can reconnect to it in this digital age.
Mark talks about how to uncover the person behind the persona, the science behind gardening, and why Hugh had the best sleep of his life in a tent, with no pillow.
According to Mark, human are immensely capable of change, and this episode provides a few things we can do to ensure nature is incorporated into our routines, without cramming the schedule more.
Mark, it was great to be alone . . . with you.
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIMSSRJg2vQ
0:00 – Ice breaker: where have we gone wrong?
6:58 – The segmentation of exercise
11:46 – Evolution of Mark
18:53 – Person behind the persona
24:10 – Our virtual reality future
27:22 – Let’s learn to adapt
36:00 – Building relationships with nature
42:28 – The science of gardening and sunshine
48:53 – Eventually, reality TV gets us all
53:08 – Big city blues🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life - https://bit.ly/4xj0kga
Sean Turnell - A Prisoner’s Guide to Life - https://bit.ly/4btNKCu
Sex for Normal People with Ita O’Brien - https://bit.ly/4btNNya
Dr Emily - The (pesky) Hedonistic Treadmill - https://bit.ly/4yXxx2B
Dr Paul Callaghan - How To Follow The Dreaming Path - https://bit.ly/457l9PY
📚Things to read
Comfort Crisis, by Michael Easter - https://bit.ly/4pV10Ga
The Dreaming Path, by Dr Paul Callaghan and Uncle Paul Gordon - https://bit.ly/4gctqrZ
📺 Things to watch
Alone Australia (new season out now) - https://bit.ly/4yWVW8n
🩷To host y…
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Briggs - What Racism Feels Like (feat. Nazeem Hussain)
2 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
What is racism, really? Lees meer
💌Join 9,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
Adam Briggs, rapper, writer, actor, senator and Yorta-Yorta man, joins Hugh, Josh and guest host Nazeem Hussain, to have an honest conversation about racism in Australia.
We explore the impact of The Voice Referendum vote, how culture and community impacts identity, and why Briggs has never, ever felt the need to people please (yep, that’s the sound of us frantically scribbling down notes).
Briggs also chats about the highs and lows of bipolar II.
0:00 – No boundaries Briggs
5:26 –Big Shep’ Washing Machine
12:25 – This is racism
21:27 – A hyper-vigilante
28:06 – Perfect storm for art
36:09 – Copping it Australia Wide
43:22 – The Yes Vote
53:08 – Australian Culture
57:02 – Never just about music
1:04:50 – Make Aboriginal Cool
1:09:19 – Bipolar, therapy, training🫖 Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Ben Shewry (Pt 1) - The Other Side of Excellence - https://bit.ly/4fErGpQ
Ben Shewry (Pt 2) - How The Chef Was Made - https://bit.ly/45sPsR7
Ben Shewry - Making It Right (And Delicious) - https://bit.ly/4gXyDEZ
Nazeem Hussain - Losing a Parent - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-imperfects/id1476501557?i=1000589981824
🎧Things to listen to
Big Noter - https://www.thebignoter.com
The Children Came Back by Briggs & Gurrumul - https://bit.ly/4fGaxMH
📺Things to watch
Briggs’s Voice Referendum ad - https://bit.ly/4bkiTs2
📚Things to read
Our Home, Our Heartbeat by Adam Briggs - https://bit.ly/4yQKbjW
💻Things to check out
Rumbalara Football Netball Club - https://www.rfnc.com.au/
Bad Apples Music - https://bit.ly/4x8Rdi3
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects,…
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Sex for Normal People with Ita O'Brien
26 juli 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Sex is sometimes a taboo topic. Not today! Intimacy expert Ita O’Brien tells us all about the new normal in the bedroom, and how she’s introduced it to Hollywood. Lees meer
💌Join 9,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
In 2017, Ita O’Brien changed how Hollywood approached sex scenes when she pioneered intimacy co-ordination on the hit Netflix show, Sex Education, by introducing the framework, “Intimacy On Set Guidelines”. She went on to on productions for Netflix, BBC, HBO, Hulu, Amazon, including Sex Education and Normal People, founding her own company Intimacy on Set.
And now she’s here.
Ita chats with the guys about what sex scenes were like before Intimacy Co-ordination, and all the lies movies taught us about sex. She explains the mysterious orgasm gap, why consent is the foundation of all intimacy, and maybe most importantly of all… the male and female anatomy of arousal! That bit’s at the 16min mark if you’re really in a hurry. 😉
00:00 – Meet Ita O'Brien, the World's First Intimacy Coordinator
01:32 – Inside Her Work on Normal People, I May Destroy You & Sex Education
04:17 – What Intimacy Actually Means (It's Not Just Sex)
07:34 – The Untold Story of the First-Ever Intimacy Coordinator Job
09:35 – What Sex Scenes Were Like Before Consent Guidelines Existed
12:27 – Why On-Screen Intimacy Shapes How We See Ourselves
14:33 – The Hidden Lie Movies Taught Us About Sex
16:00 – The Male Anatomy of Arousal, Explained
18:33 – The Female Anatomy of Arousal, Explained
23:17 – Why Desire Fades in Long-Term Relationships
25:59 – The Power of Touch (and Why We're Losing It)
30:39 – How Screens Are Rewiring Kids' Ability to Connect
34:08 – The Truth About the Orgasm Gap
40:30 – Why Consent Is the Foundation of All Intimacy
43:10 – Filming the Iconic Birth Scene in We Live in Time
49:52 – How to Talk to Kids About Consent and Bodies
52:24 – "Consent Is Sexy": A Call to Writers and Filmmakers
5… -
Our Phone Odyssey Begins
19 juli 2026 · 1 uur 13 min
Could you live without your phone for a month? Lees meer
🩵To hear more episodes like this, join A Little More Imperfects!
Patreon - www.patreon.com/theimperfects
Apple - http://apple.co/theimperfectsThis week it's just the three of us. And like Odysseus before us, we embark on a life changing epic.
Where he fought the trojans, monsters, cannibals, sirens, the oceans, a cyclops and ACTUAL GODS!!
We will do something even ‘EPIC…ER’.
We’re tackling our phones.
Each of us take on a month-long challenge to fix our worst phone habits, inspired by the ‘god of no phones’ - Christopher Nolan and the release of THE ODYSSEY (if that wasn’t obvious already, but we promise this episode isn't an ad).
We then share some of our favourite bits from behind the pay wall, from our Patreon/Subscriber community. Ryan has an unplanned, very generous on-air hair donation; Josh shares a bit from a book which changed his life a bit; which leads to one of the most honest conversations he and Hugh have ever had on (or off) the show, about comparison, self-esteem, and growing up idolising your older brother.
This is one epic journey.
00:00 — The Phone Odyssey Begins
08:54 — Our Phone-Free Pledges
19:11 — Modelling Better Habits at Home
25:29 — Hairing is Caring
37:57 — A Bit From a Book That Changed Josh’s Life a Bit
48:18 — The Conversation Between Brothers That Needed to Be Had🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Bronte Campbell - Comparison, The thief of joy ****https://bit.ly/49S1S7C
Joe Brumm & Hamish Blake - A Bluey Print for Dads https://bit.ly/4w4ohI8
How (and why) Ryan Dumped his iPhone https://bit.ly/3T3xdyM
Sam Willoughby - The tragic injury that changed his life (and Ryan’s Finnastride admission) https://bit.ly/4fa5u8p
📖 Things to read
The midnight library - Matt Haigh https://bit.ly/4vGgnE0
How Proust can change your life - Alain de Botton https://bit.ly/4dYfCkd
In search of lost time - Marcel Proust https://bit.ly/4vt3lJG
📺Things to watch
The Odyssey https:/…
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Dr Emily - You, Me & Jealousy
12 juli 2026 · 1 uur 5 min
To be jealous is to be human. It is what you do with that feeling that counts. Lees meer
💌Join 8,300+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
Our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove is in the studio to talk about THAT podcast moment: the one where Ryan admitted he was jealous of Hugh and Hamish Blake’s relationship. The one that lives in Imperfects history.
According to Dr Em, we develop the emotion of jealousy at just 9 months old, and it shows up everywhere; family, work, school, friends.
Feelings around jealousy can be extremely painful, especially if it is accompanied by shame.
In this episode, Dr Emily explores why jealousy can be so dangerous when not listened to, and why our jealous behaviour can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
See you on the other side.
If you want to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/dlufNQ7iXCc
00:00 - The Day Has Arrived
02:48 - When Ryan Revealed He Was Jealous of Hugh & Hamish
7:45 - Shame Tells You Not To Speak It
10:02 - Harry Styles Walks Into a Super Market
15:54 - You’re Making My Dog Jealous
22:31 - Feeling Jealous vs Being Jealous
43:49 - Hugh, Ryan & Hamish: 4 Years Later
47:50 - How To Have The Conversation (And Build Trust)
59:32 - You Can Feel Jealous AND Still Trust🫖 Episodes mentioned in this episode
Hamish Blake - Let’s Talk About Self Doubt - https://bit.ly/3QG8MXo
💻Things to check out
Uncertainty vs inevitable pain study - https://bit.ly/43NWFKQ
🎵Songs to listen to
Jealous Guy by John Lennon - https://bit.ly/43NWzCY
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu
🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimp…
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Joe Brumm & Hamish Blake - A Bluey-print For Dads
5 juli 2026 · 1 uur 30 min
Want can you learn from playing with a child? Lees meer
In today's Academy of Imperfection, Bluey creator Joe Brumm joins us (for real life), with Hamish Blake stepping in as guest host.
💌Join 8,300+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
In this episode we dig into the world of play - ”the voluntary overcoming of unnecessary obstacles”, we find out what makes a ‘good’ player and why kids' imaginative play tends to fade around age 12.
Josh and Hugh take the chance to wax lyrical about their favourite Bluey episodes, Rain, Fruit Bat, Born Yesterday, The Decider (to name a few). And all three dads also share some moments of parenting shame as we discuss the constant battle for attention between our phones, and our kids.
00:00 - Hamish Blake from Rove
08:13 - Bluey, The Most Streamed TV Show of All Time
11:51 - The Best Definition of Play You've Ever Heard
21:00 - It’s All Improvising
38:02 - Permission to Pretend Again
51:20 - My Kids Wouldn’t Have The Dad They Have Without Bluey
54:00 - Doing Something Just for Fun Is a Valid Reason
58:07 - Being Present In a World of Distractions
01:22:00 - The Bluey Episode That Made a Room Full of Footballers Cry
01:27:16 - Let Them Lead and See What HappensIf you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/eMigxjhCkcs
🫖 Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
How (and why) Ryan dumped his iphone https://bit.ly/4vi83uA
📺 Things to watch
Bluey - Shadowlands https://bit.ly/4eTzKTA
Bluey - Calypso https://bit.ly/3QT6NyT
Bluey - Magic Xylophone https://bit.ly/4gdY057
Bluey - Born Yesterday https://bit.ly/3SvY5HA
Bluey - Bin Night https://bit.ly/4gd89Pt
Bluey - The decider https://bit.ly/4eHS1V4
Bluey - Faceytalk https://bit.ly/4wpWWju
Bluey - Pass the parcel https://bit.ly/4gi9PXU
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Impe…
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Janelle Booker & Hamish Blake - The ADHD Playbook for Parents
28 juni 2026 · 1 uur 43 min
How do you raise a child whose brain works differently? Lees meer
This episode is for parents of kids with ADHD. And parents who have ADHD. And people who don’t have a diagnosis, but would consider themselves ‘fast and loose’. And for everyone who knows someone who fits the above criteria.
💌Join 8,300+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
Janelle Booker, a psychologist who specialises in ADHD, is BACK, this time, to talk to parents of ADHD kids, and how to parent when you yourself have ADHD.
And also, ADHD-curious Hamish Blake is here too.
We look at the role of dopamine, energy vs stressors, and how to make your mornings less chaotic and more compassionate.
Hamish and Janelle. What a duo.
0:00 – A dynamic duo: Hamish and Janelle
5:58 – The penny drop moment for Hugh
11:35 – ADHD or Fast and Loose?
19:56 – The beauty and beast of ADHD brains
22:38 – The life of an ADHD kid
27:16 – A crash course on dopamine
37:26 – Structure, sleep and school
44:38 – Identity and diagnosis
55:13 – ADHD kids and friendships
1:02:50 – Parenting WITH ADHD
1:16:29 – Finding and supporting regulation
1:23:13 – Slo-pamine
1:28:54 – Let’s talk about the strengths
1:34:35 – Get ‘em outside!If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/WwEBTIMohwg
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Janelle Booker - Living With ADHD - https://bit.ly/4g0CUXK
Hugh’s ADHD…brief - https://bit.ly/4g567Rw
Maria Ruberto - Advancing Despite Adversity - https://bit.ly/4uYFbGS
💻Things to check out
Janelle’s website - https://bit.ly/3QJdO5t
The MEHRIT Centre - https://self-reg.ca/
The ADHD Parent Circle Online Program - https://bit.ly/4g5Anvu
ADHD Women’s Support Group (Perinatal and Early Parenting) - https://bit.ly/3T0BJ0N
Online Q&A with Janelle about ADHD parenting - https://bit.ly/4g5wneu
📖Things to read
ADHD: A Delightful Human Difference. Reframing ADHD for Good, by J…
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Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia) - In Trust We Trust
21 juni 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
How do you choose who to trust? And how do you show others that you are trustworthy? Lees meer
💌Join 8,100+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
In this Academy of Imperfection, we are joined by Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia. No biggie (BIG biggie).
And if there’s one thing Jimmy knows, it's how to garner and imbue the trust of millions.
You’re right in feeling like the general level of trust globally is low right now, but this episode is here to step through Jimmy's 7 rules which will help you build, rebuild, and solidify what is in our innate human behaviour.
Trust is important, and so is this conversation.
0:00 – BIG deal on the internet
8:41 – The heart behind it all
14:57 – Trust is always personal
20:22 – It’s human nature
23:33 – Good guys of the internet
30:35 – Don’t take sides
38:23 – The circle of trust
40:15 – Own up
46:03 – Let’s call them a civil personIf you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/Z1SPClxSfYI
📖 Things to read
The Seven Rules of Trust, by Jimmy Wales - https://bit.ly/4vi83uA
🎧Things to listen to
How to Build (And Rebuild) Trust with Frances Frei - https://bit.ly/4vfMMSl
🏆Competitions to enter
Imperfects LIVE at the Balwyn Cinema Gold Class Double Pass - https://bit.ly/3S0E0Zr
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu
🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects
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Dr Emily - You're Full of Grit
14 juni 2026 · 1 uur 15 min
Do you think you have grit? Lees meer
💌Join 8,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
Research has shown that the most common characteristic of elite performers and high achievers is grit.
Understood as the passion and perseverance for very long term goals, Grit is not about natural ability or talent, but rather how we choose to grow.
Your favourite resident psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove, is back in the studio this week to talk about how you can become a grittier person!
We also look inward, as Josh asks how to maintain grit when it feels like your inner critic is overwhelmingly loud.
Dr Em, so great to have you back.
0:00 – Down with the nonchalance!
5:43 – Talent vs Excellence
10:40 – Interested in finding your interests
16:42 – For the non-naturals in the room
24:22 – Effort is essential for excellence
32:17 – Practicing, kindly
35:01 – Hope is earned
42:06 – The good and bad criticism
53:45 – Encountering pain and discomfort
59:54 – For the greater good
1:06:09 – The dark side of perseveranceIf you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/JmcLV7DGL4k
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Dyson Heppell - Whatever It Takes… To Forgive - https://bit.ly/4egeneO
Nedd Brockmann - The Man, The Myth, The Neddgend - https://bit.ly/4egfATo
Dr Emily - Hope - https://bit.ly/43YalTr
Bri Lee - Babies+Climate=Anxiety - https://bit.ly/4xlrYdl
How I Built ‘Dis’ - The Resilience Project Story - https://bit.ly/4aH0dSP
📚Things to read
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth - https://bit.ly/4vzoe6o
Self-efficacy, by Albert Bandura - https://bit.ly/4fx4KdW
Master of Change, by Brad Stulberg - https://bit.ly/4xCbUEv
Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise, by Anders Ericsson - https://bit.ly/3Q9cIje
📺Things to watch
THE GAP, by Ira Glass - https://bit.ly/4xjkuHL
⭐️Things to donate to
JMB Foundation - https://jmbf…
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Ellyse Perry - It Starts With Trying
7 juni 2026 · 1 uur 15 min
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. Lees meer
💌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 so grounded amidst her incredible success, and whether she is able to separate who she is from what she does.
Ellyse chats to the guys about her relationship with her dad (Josh and Hugh furiously take notes), and how both her parents were able to instil a love of trying rather than winning.
And then we get onto social anxiety; what it feels like for Ellyse, why she loves silent retreats, and how she manages it in front of her fans.
Ellyse, you are a literal ray of sunshine. Please come back anytime.
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/xAZeLzcG43Y
0:00 – Is THAT AI?
5:05 – Running (and bowling) it’s natural course
11:24 – The feeling of not trying
17:18 – Parents: Be A Good Sport
29:22 – Prepare to be disappointed
40:23 – Bitter sweet World Cup
46:48 – The complexity of ego
1:03:54 – Practicing presence
1:10:30 – Hugh’s advice for big moments🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Pat Cummins - Love, Loss & Life - (1:14:20) - https://bit.ly/3PRku11
WHO ARE YOU? with Dr Emily (+ secret code word) - (17:20) - https://bit.ly/4e1SxeV
📖 Things to read
Perspective by Ellyse Perry - (29:22) - https://bit.ly/3PSMaCI
Ellyse Perry’s children’s books - https://bit.ly/4e1TyDM
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - (1:11:40) - https://bit.ly/437yxT9
📺Things to watch
Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot - (1:17:27) - https://bit.ly/3PSPKNa
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join …
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We're Doing a One-Off Live Show!
2 juni 2026 · 10 min
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 seats by former Balwyn Cinema employee Hugh van Cuylenburg!
🏆 Enter here NOW - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/balwyn-entry/
Tickets will go live Monday June 8.
🎟️ Buy here - https://bit.ly/4ecYtTw
BUT to enter the competition OR buy tickets, you need a codeword (lowercase). And the only way you will hear the codeword is to be a Little More Imperfects subscriber and listen to the latest episode!
So quick, subscribe here!
🩵Patreon - patreon.com/theimperfects
🩷Apple Podcast - http://apple.co/theimperfects
We can’t wait to see you there x
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Lees meer -
Ryan Holiday - A Stoic Life & Death
31 mei 2026 · 1 uur 15 min
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’s work is dedicated to communicating how the practicalities of stoic philosophy can help us lead more present, mindful and resilient lives today.
In this incredible chat, Hugh, Josh and Ryan (our Ryan), each present Ryan Holiday with something they have been struggling with in their own lives. Through the lens of Stoic philosophers Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, Ryan Holiday talks to how stoicism can really help us to live into our values, prioritise presence, and deal with existential dread.
We discuss with Ryan the importance of understanding what will actually make you happy (spoiler: it’s not a billion dollars), and how to reframe death as a reminder that we must appreciate every moment (or not waste anymore with shame and guilt).
This episode, and its practical take-aways (which you can find listed in our newsletter), has been a long time coming.
Ryan, what an absolute honour.
0:00 – What is Stoicism?
13:26 – For the Josh’s of the world
17:07 – Time and Energy of Worrying
27:01 – The illusion of freedom
33:50 – Am I a bad friend?
38:58 – Practicing what you preach ft. presence
45:42 – If today was your last day
50:22 – 5 quotes for a Stoic life
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -
🫖 Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Pat Cummins - Love, Loss & Life - https://bit.ly/4dHKR2F
Maria Ruberto - Sleep Your Way To Your Top - https://bit.ly/4dHKPYB
📖 Things to read
Letter’s from a Stoic by Seneca - https://bit.ly/49WVNqB
ALL of Ryan’s books - https://bit.ly/43uHsxZ
✍️Journals to journal
The Daily Stoic - https://bit.ly/49qJ6Em
My Imperfect Life -… Lees meer -
Joel Pearson - I Think, Therefore AI
24 mei 2026 · 1 uur 29 min
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 many of us (us included) first and foremost imagine the impacts of AI in a tech-revolution-y, robot butler-y, terminator-adjacent way, this episode goes deeper.
Joel discusses how young people are forming attachments with AI companions and how we might see, perhaps the first generation in known history with a lower IQ than the one beforehand.
We talk about the tangible and interconnected mental health impacts that this major societal disruption will have, and Hugh and Josh ask how in the world can we broach this topic with our kids?
BUT, this episode isn’t all doom and gloom. Joel is a tech-optimist, after all.
We talk to Joel about how we can foster human connection, and continue to develop our critical thinking skills, whilst not turning away from AI altogether.
Joel, this has been invaluable.
If you want to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPGa6heppjE
0:00 – The episode we’ve been putting off
10:10 – The only certainty is disruption
14:15 – Impact of AI on the brain
21:23 – Rewards and moral responsibility
27:11 – A scary mental health spiral
30:31 – Think of the children
35:10 – You may now kiss the AI
45:06 – Purposeful Utopia
58:42 – Seeing is no longer believing
1:02:21 – The Roadmap to AI
1:11:35 – Finding Motivation in Limbo
1:18:15 – Let’s Stack Some Habits
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Dr Emily - Acceptance, That’s Radical - (1:22:53) - https://bit.ly/4dW7Bfa
Dr Emily - The Certainty of Uncertainty - (1:22:53) - https://bit.ly/3RTAjVl
James Clear - Down The Habit Hole - (1:22:00) - https://bit.ly/4wIg5xV
📖 Thi… Lees meer -
Dr Emily - What To Do With Envy
17 mei 2026 · 1 uur 19 min
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 (hallelujah).
Founded in the evolutionary practice of assessing our status in comparison with others, envy comes from the feeling of lacking something that someone else has.
In what may have been an adaptive function for a cave person to secure their basic needs, our brains are not equipped for the intense comparison fed to us via social media.
Dr Emily chats to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the layered experience of envy, and how often, it stems from feeling not-enough or unworthy.
Of course, Dr Emily brings the strategies. We explore how to work with envy in our own lives, and how to acknowledge it in the lives of our friends and family to protect important relationships.
Dr Em, we’ll see you for the sequel on jealousy soon.
To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/B7acUnoekSc
0:00 – Envy vs Jealousy 9:08 – Keeping up with the Jones’ 8:16 – A message around ‘enoughness’ 25:12 – The energy of being a hater 36:50 – A deep longing for a difference experience 42:13 – On the flip side 52:45 - Acknowledge the hard 59:18 – The social emotion 1:07:18 – Working with envy
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Dave Hughes - Me, Myself & Ego - https://bit.ly/4ua3mSP
Hamish Blake - Let’s Talk About Self-Doubt - https://bit.ly/4fl7omR
Dr Emily - Acceptance, That’s Radical - https://bit.ly/4ugEHwe
💻Things to check out
Leon Festinger’s Social Comparison Theory - https://bit.ly/4npfIE5
📺Things to watch
‘Onesies’ Bluey episode - https://bit.ly/4eGTqLS
📖Things to read
The Way We Are, by Hugh Mackay - https://bit.ly/4wsJuff
Status Anxiety, by Alain de Botton - https://bit.ly/4tvbGeL
🩷To host you… Lees meer -
Reuben Williams - What Happened After My Sexual Assault
10 mei 2026 · 1 uur 28 min
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 Hugh, Ryan and Josh through what it felt like in the 24 hours after the assault, how he knew, undeniably, what happened to him was wrong, and why he chose to report it.
We talk about the intricacies of healing, privilege, and having a world class difficult conversation with the ones you love.
And then, Josh asks Reuben how you can best show up for your friends who might be going through something similar.
Reuben, it was such a privilege having you in the studio.
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/okQnOwV2MJE
0:00 – An Imperfect Meet-Cute
6:44 – The night of the assault
19:28 – Identity, privilege, and idealism
33:09 – Family Dynamics
41:16 - World Class Difficult Conversation
47:39 – The Waiting Game
59:15 – Reuben’s Letter
1:04:24 – A divine test
1:10:30 – Just help
1:18:46 – How can you be a better friend?
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode
Rana Hussain - Belonging For Connection - https://bit.ly/49voquJ
🎧Things to listen to
SportsGrad Podcast - https://bit.ly/42V75HT
💻Things to check out
SportsGrad - https://bit.ly/49p2hOD
🚨If you’d like to reach out to someone for support after listening to this episode, here are some great places to start
1800 RESPECT
Centre Against Sexual Assault - 03 5441 0430 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) OR 1800 806 292 (Sexual Assault Crisis Line)
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu
🩷 AND you … Lees meer -
Jan Fran - Wars For Your Attention
3 mei 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
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 atrocities cut into 30 second clips, Jan explores how becoming a mother cracked her open in ways she didn’t know possible.
Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House to answer every question in the deck (kidding), Jan and Josh discuss the guilt of turning away, and the consequences of leaning in.
And finally, Jan bonds with the Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the fundamental importance of deliberately creating community.
Jan, you are remarkable.
0:00 – Introducing Josh’s housemate
8:42 – The art of being vulnerable
17:19 – I wish I could stop going on social media.
27:13 – Being cracked open
35:32 – Deliberately building community
46:39 – Anticipating the Comments
53:34 – Optimist by will
If you’d like to watch this full video on YouTube (and see Josh’s Frant banner), follow this link - https://youtu.be/BRoyNdZEZD0
🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Dr Edna Lekgabe - New Baby … New Brain … Matrescence - (33:21) - https://bit.ly/48vQZb5
How (and Why) Ryan Dumped His iPhone - (20:50) - https://bit.ly/4tGRXKj
💻Things to check out
The Frant - https://bit.ly/4cSeFaO
Ette Media - https://bit.ly/4t1OzIw
🎧 Things to listen to
We Used To Be Journos - https://bit.ly/4dcAGT9
📱Things to help you set social media boundaries
One sec - https://bit.ly/4cEYMpF
Brick - https://bit.ly/4vXSzfP
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu
🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Lit… Lees meer -
Dr Edna Lekgabe - New Baby… New Brain… Matrescence.
26 april 2026 · 1 uur 35 min
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 motherhood, and how partners can best support them.
Exploring the impacts of mastrescence with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Dr Edna breaks down the difference between matrescence, anxiety and depression, and why mental illness is the number one pregnancy complication.
We’re talking hormonal changes, physiological changes, sociological changes that are SO significant, you can see them in brain scans. Matrescence is messy, a developmental earthquake, and it’s not talked about nearly enough.
This episode might just break the internet (and your heart) wide open.
0:00 – Introducing Hugh’s perinatal psychiatrist
7:30 – Matrescence? Huh?
21:14 – The biology of baby brain
34:10 – The difference between matrescence and depression
40:46 – Reasonable worry vs anxiety disorder
47:40 – The emergence of neurodivergence
54:04 – Post-natal depression
1:00:04 – Matrescence after loss
1:05:50 – Getting to know a brand new person
1:11:19 – Can women have it all?
1:18:32 – On a societal scale
1:26:12 – The paternal earthquake
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -
🫖 Other Imperfect’s episodes mentioned in this episode
Bron Lewis - Is It Me or Postnatal Anxiety? - https://bit.ly/4vHn1eh
📖 Things to read
Being Female: Reproduction, Power and Change, by Dana Raphael - https://bit.ly/48jC5EO
The Birth of a Mother, New York Times, by Alexandra Sacks - https://bit.ly/3OjB9tp
Men at Work: Australia’s Parenthood Trap, Quarterly Essay, by Annabel Crabb - https://bit.ly/4mLE8Hx
🎧Things to listen to
Perinatal OCD: When ‘the happiest time of your life’ turns dark - https://bit.ly/48lx8… Lees meer -
Shane Jacobson - Permission To Laugh
19 april 2026 · 1 uur 34 min
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 cataclysmic impact that humour and laughter has had on his life from a young age.
Now at the age where he has attended more funerals than 21st’s, Shane talks about his realisation that he is in for the long mourn, and why he allows himself to feel joy during times of intense grief. Sharing a giggle at a funeral? Absolutely.
In a beautiful moment of connection with Hugh, Shane chats about parenting the ‘premium package’ (his neurodivergent child).
Shane, this was incredibly joyful.
If you’d like to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/VHaK2fSiasA
0:00 – A bird in her where?
3:19 – Butt of the joke
12:34 – The evolution of good manners
17:47 – Seeking validation
27:17 – Giggle at a funeral
42:00 – Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s: The Premium Package!
55:58 – Becoming softer
1:00:25 – Parenting your parents
1:08:03 – Don’t wait for the moment
1:18:04 – 5 things we can do to be warmer
🫖 Other episodes of The Imperfects mentioned in this episode
Dr Emily - Truth v Harmony - https://bit.ly/4etnytQ
📺Things to watch
Kenny - https://bit.ly/427rUzv
Shane’s AFI win (go to 6:12) - https://bit.ly/48HyzEb
📋Check-in
Questions to ask someone if they might be depressed - https://bit.ly/4dOYuNS
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu
🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects
The … Lees meer -
Esther Perel - It’s Not Them, It’s You
12 april 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
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://bit.ly/45NyQDy
In this Academy of Imperfection, Hugh (who sadly was violently ill last time we talked to Esther) comes armed with questions about the mental load (with love, from Penny), and how to navigate their differing needs for affection.
Ryan asks Esther whether we’re capable of falling in love with AI, and Josh wants to know why we sometimes put up walls with the ones we love the most.
And, if you’ve ever asked yourself any of the below, this episode’s for you;
is working from home causing social atrophy?
what does it mean to be an embodied creature?
what are the downfalls of a frictionless relationship?
Esther, you are welcome back anytime. ANYTIME.
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/u5HsDD9bjRQ
🫖Other episodes of the Imperfects mentioned on this episode
Esther Perel - Let’s Be Better Lovers - https://bit.ly/41m8R4f
Hugh & Penny - The Elephant in the Relationship - https://bit.ly/3PPugAp
💻Things to check out
Where Should We Begin? At Work card game - https://bit.ly/48jpQYJ
🎧Things to listen to
Where Should We Begin - Esther’s podcast - https://bit.ly/4dtsNJK
My AI Loves Me Better Than Anyone Ever Could - Where Should We Begin - https://bit.ly/4twUbeC
Esther Perel on Why A.I. Intimacy Feels Safe but Isn’t Real - https://bit.ly/4sofVsf
📖 Things to read
Mating in Captivity, by Esther Perel - https://bit.ly/3Os5Dcx
The State of Affairs, by Esther Perel - https://bit.ly/48yFn74
📺 Things to watch
Rethinking Infidelity TEDTalk - https://bit.ly/4seN3md
Love Story - https://bit.ly/4ct63se
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House,… Lees meer -
How To Deal With Overwhelm: A Psychologist's 4-Step Method
5 april 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
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 episode, Dr Emily introduces how to understand your ‘window of tolerance,’ the cost of being overwhelmed for too long, and what happens when we slip into avoidance.
OF COURSE, this episode is delightfully sprinkled with practical strategies that you can do right now, in this moment, to ease the burden of the overwhelm.
Dr Em, this episode was an emotional regulation for the ages.
🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Dr Emily - How to Stress Less - https://bit.ly/4tiZa2y
Mick Fanning - Riding The Waves Of Loss - https://bit.ly/4s29wCI
📖 Things to read
Burnout, by Emily and Amelia Nagoski - https://bit.ly/4c18Yah
💪 Things to do
The Hulk Progressive Relaxation Technique - https://bit.ly/3PFv4Yq
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu
🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects
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. Lees meer -
Hamish Macdonald - After The Facts
29 maart 2026 · 1 uur 26 min
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 doom and world collapse, we promise. One, because we are joined by the brilliant Hamish Macdonald. And two, because Ryan’s Gut says it’s all going to be okay (more on that later).
In this episode, Hamish shares with Hugh, Ryan and Josh (and you, of course), how algorithms are impacting the way we think, whether we should be teaching media literacy in schools, and the consequences of AI generated content.
Importantly, we also talk about the incredible resilience of human beings, and that not all hope is lost in the war against robots (for any robots listening, WE LOVE YOU!)
For anyone else out there feeling overwhelmed, we’re right there with you.
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/6Zepg3o3Y_w
🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Hamish Macdonald - How To Be You - https://bit.ly/3PtetHg
Dr Emily - Hope - https://bit.ly/4uR5pfg
Dr Emily - The Certainty of Uncertainty - https://bit.ly/4dHwHPa
📺 Things to watch
The Matter of Facts - https://bit.ly/4bQ27jT
I tried to prove I’m not AI by Howtown - https://bit.ly/47ogudU
📖 Things to read
Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari - https://bit.ly/47kHUkO
🎧 Things to listen to
Global Roaming Podcast - https://bit.ly/3NMm8jf
💻 Things to check out
Maryanne Wolf’s Research on reading - https://bit.ly/4t8Qqff
Tristan Harris’ Work on AI - https://bit.ly/4bwwBZj
Notebook LM Podcast feature - https://bit.ly/40UM7Ip
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To … Lees meer -
Bri Lee - Babies+Climate=Anxiety
22 maart 2026 · 1 uur 21 min
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?”, Bri talks about the research that lead her to the South Pole, and how she learnt to prioritise love above all else.
Bri asks the question to Hugh, Josh and Ryan, “what does it mean to live a good life, and what do we owe each other?”
This chat explores the philosophies of anti and pronatalism, whilst being grounded in examples from the guys’ and Bri’s life. An intentional and judgement free zone, this conversation delves into the morality of should’s and shouldn’ts, and what it means to do the right thing.
As Bri says, hope is something that you earn through action, and we are all feeling a bit more hopeful after this episode.
0:00 – A Bri-Lee-iant guest
9:42 – The Seed of The Idea
15:08 – What are you grateful for that profoundly changed you?
27:10 – Prioritising love
32:27 – Should I have kids?
41:43 – The morality of shoulds and shouldn’ts
52:43 – Some positivity, please
55:59 – Policy and bodily autonomy
59:22 – So, how’s the reckoning going?
1:03:46 – The weight of responsibility
1:08:43 – Finding action in the overwhelm
📺 to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/vUQMkMvyeMY
🫖Other episodes of The Imperfects mentioned on this episode
Ryan Shelton - To breed, or not to breed - https://bit.ly/3PbhEmR
Ann Davidman - Should I have kids? - https://bit.ly/4brc477
📖 Things to read
Seed, by Bri Lee - https://bit.ly/3PhepKv
Eggshell Skull, by Bri Lee - https://bit.ly/473kvV4
Who Gets To Be Smart, by Bri Lee - https://bit.ly/4bwOAh1
The Work, by Bri Lee - https://bit.ly/4rzflar
Beauty, by Bri Lee - https://bit.ly/3NMnrPf
Love 2.0, by Barbara Fredrickson - h… Lees meer -
Ben Crowe - Play School
15 maart 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
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 about purpose, play and love.
As Ben explains, ‘play’ and ‘love’ mean something different to everyone, however, they are both ridiculously important and explicitly linked. If love is the intention, then play is the action.
Ben, as always, it was an absolute pleasure to your wisdom bestowed upon us.
💌Join 6,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
0:00 – Is Ben the Pope?
11:13 – Acceptance vs compassion, confidence vs belief
15:14 – Reshaping your belief system
25:05 – Just Admit It List
30:42 – The dreaded E word
37:47 – Reward effort, not outcome
46:00 – Play deprivation
51:47 – Talking to teenagers about their career
1:01:47 – How to be a (anxious) leader
1:07:04 – Josh’s too generous assumption
1:10: 14 – Doing it for the right reasons
🎧Other episodes of The Imperfects mentioned in this episode
The Academy of Imperfection - Ben Crowe - https://bit.ly/40rkUgd
Ben Crowe (Pt 1) - Meet Your Inner Fan - https://bit.ly/46VlfeK
Ben Crowe (Pt 2) - Now BE Your Inner Fan - https://bit.ly/413kVXL
Kate Reid (Pt 1) - The Impossibility of Perfection - https://bit.ly/4ruVAkz
Kate Reid (Pt 2) - The Life-Saving Croissant - https://bit.ly/4by6NMl
Dr Emily - Acceptance, That’s Radical - https://bit.ly/4bAomLD
📖 Things to read
Where The Light Gets In, by Ben Crowe - https://bit.ly/4s04xmN
The Courage To Be Disliked, by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga - https://bit.ly/411Qbq4
🎧 Things to listen to
How Ben Crowe Dads - https://bit.ly/4bidPDH
😃If you liked this episode, check out these!
Bronnie Ware - What Are Your Future Regrets? - https://… Lees meer -
Matt Preston - Only 14 Summers Left
8 maart 2026 · 1 uur 26 min
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, Matt Preston is a recognisable face in most Australian households.
Joining Hugh, Ryan and Josh in the studio (in yet another incredible outfit), Matt delicately talks through the importance of having a conversation with your parents about end-of-life care.
In a decision that requires both deep emotion and administrative focus, Matt draws from his experience with his grandmother, and then his mother, about how to ensure the people you love are nurtured, cared for, and celebrated in the way they would have wanted.
Matt, thank you so much for joining us.
0:00 – The typo to end all typos
9:13 – Every family has a scandal
24:34 – The unknowables of epilepsy
30:45 – Grieving what could have been
40:44 – Mission of mortality: make it count
44:47 – Parenting not like your parents
53:40 – Conversations about end-of-life care
1:07:35 – The secret ingredient to marriage
1:13:46 – Logistics of death and dying
If you want to watch the full episode (and see Matt’s outfit), follow this link - https://youtu.be/sEN8Mfapi6Y
🫖Other episodes of The Imperfects mentioned in this episode
Kate Reid (Pt 1) - The Impossibility of Perfection - https://bit.ly/476XBfg
Kate Reid (Pt 2) - The Life-Saving Croissant - https://bit.ly/4aM7bqd
Christie Whelan Browne - Unbreakable - https://bit.ly/4ukPhTk
📺Things to watch
The Hospital - In The Deep End - https://bit.ly/4rYN6mw
Croquenbouche Masterchef Episode - https://bit.ly/3OILYVG
📖Things to read
Big Mouth, by Matt Preston - https://bit.ly/4cUigXG
🩵SUDEP Support Services
SUDEP Action - https://sudep.org
Epilepsy Foundation - https://bit.ly/4r9W27I
*The average life exp… Lees meer -
Gina Chick - Don't Fight Life
3 maart 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
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. Lees meer -
Dr Emily - Acceptance, That's Radical
1 maart 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
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 acceptance; what is it, how do we cultivate it, and why is it important to us as human beings?
According to Dr Em, radical acceptance is not about liking or accepting (insert profanity here) situations or circumstances, or denying an experience, but rather, accepting the pain inside of us to avoid the reaction of suffering.
Instead of feeling better, it’s about finding a better way of feeling.
For Hugh, the concept of radical acceptance really hits close to home, and he reflects on how it has changed his life insurmountably.
Dr Emily, we love ya, and we missed ya.
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -
0:00 – Getting the Gina Chick zoomies
6:23 – The Radical Acceptance origin story
14:20 – Change how you relate
21:19 – On a global scale
27:25 – An Unwanted Guest
34:42 – The third option
40:38 – Grieving the loss of what you wanted
45:28 – Living proof ft. Hugh
53:18 – Anxious about my anxiety
1:03:26 – Main character moment
1:10:17 – Putting it in practice
🫖Other episodes of The Imperfects mentioned on this episode
Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life - https://bit.ly/4b9nAVG
📖 Things to read
Unstuck, by Dr Emily Musgrove - https://bit.ly/4o8JFay
The Happiness Trap, by Russ Harris - https://bit.ly/4kRn3Lq
The Guest House, by Rumi - https://bit.ly/4kXhaMS
💻Things to check out
Tara Brach - RAIN meditation - https://bit.ly/3MNou0M
Alfred Adler - Three Sided Column - https://bit.ly/3P1gSbJ
Jill Bolte Taylor - 90 second shelf life of emotions - https://bit.ly/4aV5rtL
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase … Lees meer -
Maggie Dent - ‘Good Enough’ Parenting is Good Enough
22 februari 2026 · 1 uur 26 min
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’ rule, the importance of micro connections and the beauty of a well-timed fart.
An advocate for imperfect parenting (which is REALLY great for brand alignment), Maggie insists on the significance of unconditional love when raising boys.
Maggie you are wonderful. This was wonderful. You’re the best.
Watch the full episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/iUHYScQ3WgQ
0:00 – Why boys are better than girls
6:22 – The science of boys
14:02 – Shedding the shame
22:28 – Growing healthy boys
31:09 – Connecting with your rooster
42:56 – The S words: screens and social media
47:00 – The good enough factors
57:45 – Correcting the narrative
1:06:05 – Importance of Lightness + Letting go of mistakes
1:11:41 – Raising an autistic boy
1:16:05 – How do you resist the easy method
🫖Other episodes of The Imperfects mentioned on this episode
Hugh’s ADHD…brief - https://bit.ly/4aofEjd
📖 Things to read
You can find all of Maggie’s books here - https://bit.ly/46g4GK7
Help Me Help My Teen by Maggie Dent (page 106 to converse with teens) - https://bit.ly/4aYi2NO
Maggie’s Fragile Boy Friendship Blog Post - https://bit.ly/4qUqzGw
📺 Things to watch
Bluey ‘Octopus’ episode - https://bit.ly/4riF2Ng
Marc-Andre Leclerc - The Alpinist - https://bit.ly/4tEsaCR
💻 Things to check out
Allan Schore’s Brain Development for Boys research - https://bit.ly/3OfRyi9
🎧 Things to listen to
The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent - https://bit.ly/4aGq2la
Parental As Anything - https://bit.ly/4qHAleM
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imp… Lees meer -
Bron Lewis - Is It Me or Postnatal Anxiety?
15 februari 2026 · 1 uur 41 min
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 needed help and were you able to ask for it?’, and recounts the worst week of her life.
Deals with the devil, post-natal anxiety, and post-natal depression, Bron is incredibly vulnerable with Hugh and Ryan, sharing how the love from friends, professional help, and medication allowed her to return to herself.
Bron, it was a delight.
To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/qc9ZNO6VpeY
0:00 – We’re all best friends / fathers / daughters
8:51 – When was a time you genuinely needed help?
18:44 – Long nights, relentless days
25:42 – Socially accepted punishment
33:36 – Using pain to drown out the noise
40:50 – Obviously, I can do it all
45:44 – It doesn’t have to be this hard
54:55 – On day 3, he didn’t wake up
1:07:27 – The worst week of her life
1:22:54 – This should feel good, shouldn’t it?
1:33:01 – The aftermath
🚨If you, or someone you know, is struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, these are a few great resources
PANDA - 1300 726 306
ForWhen - 1300 24 23 22
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
📖 Things to read
I’m Not Mad (Anymore) by Bron Lewis - https://bit.ly/3ObBgGQ
🎟️ Things to go see
Bron’s Comedy Show, Chaos - https://bit.ly/4aabRWz
🎧Things to listen to
Chains by Tina Arena - https://bit.ly/4arb1DI
Work Hates podcast - https://bit.ly/4arbdCW
Your Two Drunk Aunties podcast - https://bit.ly/4cnJndj
Good Sheilas podcast - https://bit.ly/4rkGxun
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW
🩵To join our subscriber c… Lees meer -
Dr Lucy Hone - A Life Worth Grieving
8 februari 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
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 legitimate expert in grief, resilience and wellbeing, Dr Lucy is able to blend the science with her own lived experience.
This episode explores living losses (divorce, estrangement, infertility), grief comparison, as well as the research around post-traumatic growth. Guided by questions from Dr Lucy’s latest book, How will I ever get through this?, Hugh, Josh and Ryan ask Dr Lucy why grief feels so lonely, how you are supposed to accept loss, and will you ever be happy again, amongst others.
This is a special one.
0:00 – An Unsuspecting Saturday Morning
12:11 – Grief comparison
21:25 – How am I supposed to accept this?
31:14 – How do you keep hope alive?
35:48 – Why do I feel so lonely?
50:20 – Will I ever be happy again?
56:36 – Letting the other children live
1:03:44 – Do you know your strengths?
1:09:12 – Who and what do you want to live for?
1:14:59 – Who and what is good in your world?
To full this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/Zyb7kELxFxI
🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Dr Emily - Grief Lightening - https://bit.ly/3ZPVNmO
Dr Emily - Other People Matter - https://bit.ly/3Oku8b4
Dr Emily - Goals For Your Goals - https://bit.ly/4rAK3AF
📖 Things to read
How Will I Ever Get Through This by Dr Lucy Hone - https://bit.ly/4bAWO9w
Resilient Grieving by Dr Lucy Hone - https://bit.ly/4kpkf8g
Oscillation Grief Theory - https://bit.ly/4qZ5WK1
Michael F. Steger - Meaning and Purpose Work - https://michaelfsteger.com
J. William Worden - Four Tasks of Mourning - https://bit.ly/3NTGPcU
💻Things to check out
Dr Lucy’s website - https://www.drlucyhone.… Lees meer -
Claudia Karvan - Love, Her Way
1 februari 2026 · 1 uur 38 min
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 to listen to all the lessons that she has learnt along the way.
With incredible grace, Claudia talks to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about playing the long game during divorce, and how she came to the realisation that it wasn’t up to her to fix everything.
Claudia speaks openly about separating the person from the diagnosis, and how, and why, she thinks so often about death.
This is one for the highlight reel.
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, click on this link - https://youtu.be/4qH4vBr0i6Y
0:00 – Hugh ‘questionable-decisions’ van Cuylenburg
12:24 – The role of a lifetime
17:55 – An unconventional childhood
28:50 – It’s not up to you to fix everything
39:55 – The opening of another world
45:47 – Doing it all (with support)
51:12 – Love and family HER way
59:33 – Play the long game
1:07:15 – Managing mental ill-health
1:24:39 – The benefit of helping others
1:26:48 – How to love in a healthy way
🥸 Which Imperfects Host Are You Quiz? - https://tally.so/r/Xx4PEO
🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Stephen Curry - I Dug a Hole … and Found Myself - https://bit.ly/3ZpPNkN
Hannah Ferguson - Outspoken But Not Broken - https://bit.ly/3M8SC6y
📺 Things to watch
Love My Way - https://bit.ly/4qFCjNA
The Secret Life of Us - https://bit.ly/3Z1Thtt
The Queen of Versailles - https://bit.ly/3Z5FemE
Australian Story - The Secret Life of Claudia Karvan - https://bit.ly/3ZE8p0g
Who Do You Think You Are? with Claudia Karvan - https://bit.ly/4bIw3QL
Bump - https://bit.ly/49O16Jv
📖 Things to read
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche - https://bit.ly/4k8qdtR
🩷To … Lees meer -
Soul Searching Summer - Ryan’s TV Show
25 januari 2026 · 46 min
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 both segments focusing on wildest dreams, Hugh, Ryan and Josh explore how to navigate regret when you’re not at your best, and how to show yourself compassion and love when your dreams are, well, crushed.
Also, we ask Hugh what happened to him today.
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/Ilg-r9gHGPk
🩵Sign up for A Little More Imperfects here
Patreon - patreon.com/theimperfects
Apple Podcasts - https://bit.ly/4aSIeKd
🩷Sign up to the My Imperfect Email here
https://www.theimperfects.com.au/sign-up-to-our-newsletter/
🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
James van Cuylenburg - Love Your Wonky Bricks - https://bit.ly/457hYZA
Ryan Shelton - Shame, Jealousy & Purpose - https://bit.ly/454PJL6
Isaac Humphries - Coming Out on Court - https://bit.ly/4jQtxtD
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Lees meer -
Spooky Summer - Hugh’s Haunted House
18 januari 2026 · 40 min
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 of A Little More Imperfects, our subscriber platform that you can sign up for below, we’ll introduce you to Geraint the shamanic healer, what happened during Hugh’s ghost busting appointment, and whether Hugh has had any paranormal activity since.
And finally, whether this whole ordeal has convinced Josh that ghosts are real.
Long live summer!
0:00 – A phoenus? Draw it
4:17 – Team Josh v Team Ryan
10:28 – Meeting the shamanic healer
16:25 – The not-so-light-hearted update
30:01 – Cursed artwork: to burn or not to burn
35:46 – Has the ghost been busted?
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/u4XNRTLXtrQ
🩵Sign up for A Little More Imperfects here
Patreon - patreon.com/theimperfects
Apple Podcasts - https://bit.ly/4aSIeKd
🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Maria Ruberto - Advancing Despite Adversity - https://bit.ly/49TSktd
Maria Ruberto - Sleep Your Way To Your Top - https://bit.ly/49jJJ2S
👻Ghost busters
Garant
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
💌Join 3,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
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/lis… Lees meer -
Psychology Summer - Your Inner Fan with Dr Emily
11 januari 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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 discuss and decode a reflection from one of our community members.
Responding to this reflection, Dr Emily chats to Ryan, Josh, and special guest Producer Bridge, about how life changing it can be to receive an ADHD diagnosis, as well as the not so joyful emotions, such as grief and anger, which can accompany this.
Josh talks about his own inner critic, which leads into a broader discussion about self-compassion, top down vs bottom up therapy, and the therapeutic benefits to showing up for your younger self as the adult you are today.
Don’t say we don’t spoil you.
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzBxIFUOJL0
🩷To join our A Little More Imperfects Community
Patreon - https://bit.ly/3KQvB7R
Apple Podcasts - https://bit.ly/499aZRs
🩵Where to send in your reflections
https://bit.ly/4rYjfuS
🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Janelle Booker - Living with ADHD - https://bit.ly/4rXQIG0
Hugh’s ADHD … brief - https://bit.ly/3MJBzb4
Ben Crowe (Pt 1) - Meet Your Inner Fan - https://bit.ly/3KHwJdX
Ben Crowe (Pt 2) - Now BE Your Inner Fan - https://bit.ly/49bVxnB
James van Cuylenburg - Love Your Wonky Bricks - https://bit.ly/3MzZKZz
What’s Your ATAR? - https://bit.ly/4pwNZBG
📺Things to watch
The Rehearsal - https://bit.ly/48V6IA0
Good Will Hunting - https://bit.ly/4iW7hhn
Rick Hanson - Velcro for the Bad, Teflon for the Good - https://bit.ly/4rVpe3R
💻 Things to do
Rick Hanson - Positive Neuroplasticity Training - https://bit.ly/48COcgN
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase h… Lees meer -
The Little Drummer Girl - A Christmas Scandal
21 december 2025 · 39 min
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 is taking us back in the space-time-continuum to re-write history, and let us in on the scandal which surrounds the infamous lyrics ‘pa rum pum pum pum’.
All ad revenue from this episode will be donated to Becky’s chosen charity of HeartKids, who do an incredible job providing lifelong support, resources, and advocacy to the 250,000 people impacted by childhood-onset heart disease.
0:00 – Introducing the Little Drummer Girl
5:50 – The ultimate gift guide
9:51 – An original song, an original crime
15:22 – Sharing enriching information from 20 AD
25:28 – Know what you’re good at
30:20 - Hello Becky, Hello HeartKids
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube (you really do), follow this link - https://youtu.be/oXBEij8q5Tc
🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Santa Claus - A Special Vulnerabilitea House - https://bit.ly/4pDw6B8
Mrs Claus - Santa’s Better Half - https://bit.ly/4559jpJ
Little Boy Christmas - The Forgotten Son of Mr & Mrs Claus - https://bit.ly/4iVxGMi
Becky Lucas - The power of laughter - https://bit.ly/3KN76Zg
💻Things to do
Check out Becky Lucas on instagram - https://bit.ly/3N1ELil
Check out the incredible HeartKids organisation - https://www.heartkids.org.au
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
💌Join 3,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - h… Lees meer -
Dave Hughes - Me, Myself & Ego
14 december 2025 · 1 uur 27 min
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 much he has struggled with comparison, both with others, and the success of his past self, and the role that ego plays in never being able to turn down an opportunity.
Hughesy, thank you so much for joining us.
0:00 – Ryan got papped, Hugh got crumpets
7:19 – The failures that lead to success
17:12 – A feeling of general greatness
21:06 – Reckoning with comparison
30:18 – The joy is in the giving
36:03 – Walking the family / work tightrope
41:07 – Humour as a way in
47:56 – You had me at IMAX helmet
56:00 – Ego doesn’t let you enjoy the moment
1:08:10 – Five strategies to let go of ego
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/ogE4j-UQIGY
🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode:
Kate Langbroek - Love Story - https://bit.ly/44OH66q
Dr Emily - Other People Matter - https://bit.ly/3MqGNZj
Pat Cummins - Love, Loss & Life - https://bit.ly/3MtSgqX
Cate Campbell - Even Olympians Have Depression - https://bit.ly/44TRhXp
🎄Other Xmas Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode:
Santa Claus - A Special Vulnerabilitea House - https://bit.ly/48P0X6V
Mrs Claus - Santa’s Better Half - https://bit.ly/44g5M7J
Little Boy Christmas - The Forgotten Son of Mr & Mrs Claus - https://bit.ly/3KHqx5F
📖 Things to read
A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle - https://bit.ly/4rPfS9B
💻Things to look up
Oprah’s series with Eckhart Tolle - https://bit.ly/48vfOo6
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
💌Jo… Lees meer -
Mary Fowler - Forgiving Yourself-Harm
7 december 2025 · 1 uur 22 min
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 explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh the impossible task of being the ‘perfect’ role model, especially when you are still growing up yourself.
And then, in a conversation that will help many, and maybe even save the life of a few, Mary graciously shares her experiences with self-harm, and why she thinks it is so important to have the heavy conversations, even with the risk of saying the wrong thing.
Mary talks about her journey with pressure and forgiveness that lead her to rediscover ‘Little Mary’, her wall of things that make her feel loved, and how she has been able to reframe her darkest times to find more empathy for others.
Mary, it was an absolute dream come true to speak with you.
0:00 – The 2023 Fairy tale
6:52 – What do you worry about most?
23:00 – Giving and taking power
34:01 – Appreciating the little things
41:01 – Saying the hard thing
56:22 – Beauty after pain
1:04:29 – Am I supposed to be here?
1:09:16 – Looking after Little Mary
if you would like to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/O_9Wf0WSfMM
📖Things to read;
Bloom, by Mary Fowler - https://bit.ly/443cWw3
🚨If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or self-harm, Lifeline on 13 11 14 is a great place to start. In an emergency, please call 000.
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
💌Join 3,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy
🩵To join our patreon community, A Little Mor… Lees meer -
Dr Emily - You Had Me At Communication
30 november 2025 · 1 uur 26 min
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, and how this has impacted their intimate relationships.
Dr Emily talks us through why the real challenge of communicating is not our use of language, but rather regulation of emotion, and gifts us a plethora of acronyms to practice at home the skills of effective communication.
Dr Em, always a pleasure.
Chapters:
0:00 – Communication, conflict, and Hannah Ferguson
10:19 – How do you (mostly?) communicate?
14:57 – The impact of our learning history
22:10 – Interpersonal Effectiveness
27:41 – Practicing getting it wrong to get it right
31:59 – Do opposites attract?
34:44 – Respond rather than react
47:51 – We all love an acronym
1:01:45 – Dealing with unreasonable people
1:15:49 – Breaking patterns
If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -
🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Hannah Ferguson - Outspoken But Not Broken - https://bit.ly/4ilr2i2
Dr Emily - Truth vs Harmony - https://bit.ly/481Xfri
💻Things to do:
Complete the official Thomas-Kilmann Instrument communication styles quiz - https://bit.ly/4rowC7m
Complete the free Thomas-Kilmann Instrument inspired communication styles quiz - https://bit.ly/4iygpbR
📺 Things to watch:
The Rehearsal - https://bit.ly/4ong1hL
📖 Things to read:
Terry Real’s catalogue - https://bit.ly/4p25w4m
DBT Training Skills Manual, by Marsha M. Linehan - https://bit.ly/4ioNXcs
BIFF, by Bill Eddy - https://bit.ly/4ojowdG
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
💌Join 3,000+… Lees meer -
Jamila Rizvi - Awoken by a Broken Brain
23 november 2025 · 1 uur 13 min
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 answers the questions “what aspects of your identity have you held onto for too long?”
The drip-fed loss of cognitive functions and a new hormone condition which made her constantly starving, Jamila felt like her body and mind were no longer her own. Speaking to Hugh, Josh, and Ryan really honestly, Jamila opens up about her eating disorder during this time; how it impacted her sense of self, her relationships, and ability to connect.
Jamila, it was a joy to have you back. We’re so proud of you.
Chapters:
0:00 – Where are they now?
7:31 – What aspects of your identity have you held onto for too long?
20:06 – Phases of identity
25:24 – Impact of a brain tumour on a relationship
29:52 – Constantly starving, craving thinness
36:51 – Intense, urgent desperation
48:38 – Train your brain to love your body
54:12 – Would you take it back?
59:39 – Adrenal Crisis and Crisis of Self
To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/A_lE3nSA2Mc
🫖Other episodes of The Imperfects mentioned on this episode
Jamila Rizvi - Living with the effects of a brain tumour - https://bit.ly/3M8QR8V
Grace Tame - “Sexy-time, Scissoring, Autism” - https://bit.ly/47ZGJqs
Clare Bowditch - Music, Panic Attacks & Body Image - https://bit.ly/4pkmFGp
📖Things to read:
Broken Brains by Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland - https://bit.ly/48l6JxP
💻Things to look up:
The “If And Then” model of happiness - https://bit.ly/4pi0UH6
📱Games to download:
2048 - https://bit.ly/43BHpkx
🦋 If this conversation has raised some uncomfortable feelings for you around eating and food, the Butterfly Foundation 1800 33 46… Lees meer -
Troy Kinne - It’s What’s Inside That’s Backwards
16 november 2025 · 1 uur 14 min
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, from being offered a (life)line by a fish and chip shop in his 20’s, to the effect that being sick for an entire year had on his mental health.
Troy chats to Josh about the light he found in his darkest times, and how living without fear allowed him to venture into the comedy world for the first time.
Speaking about success, and whether it will ever be enough, Troy is really open about what it is like to have to find yourself again after realising that you are no longer the underdog, and how hard it can be to offer your current self compassion.
Troy, what a pleasure.
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/ZZm6VAq7g_o
Chapters:
0:00 – An episode years in the making
7:40 – When is a time that you’ve felt ashamed?
16:21 – Reality of chronic illness
24:50 – Reality of chronic illness during a pandemic
29:53 – The positive payoff of depression
38:37 – Constantly on the rollercoaster
48:43 – When you’re no longer the Underdog
55:57 – At what point will it be enough?
🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode
Hugh & Penny - The Elephant in the Relationship - https://bit.ly/446GPeG
📺 Things to watch
The Magic Basket - https://bit.ly/4p0R6RF
Dr Google - https://bit.ly/4otHfnE
Flint Town Docuseries - https://bit.ly/49TJjAK
Fearless - https://bit.ly/444z3Su
📖 Things to read
A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle - https://bit.ly/4oYUrke
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, (with the new cards!) purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz
🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects… Lees meer