The Imperfects-logo

The Imperfects

Arts & Culture Podcasts

We’re all imperfect. On this podcast, founder of The Resilience Project Hugh van Cuylenburg, his good friend Ryan Shelton, and only one of their brothers, Josh van Cuylenburg, talks to a variety of interesting people who vulnerably share their own...

Location:

Australia

Description:

We’re all imperfect. On this podcast, founder of The Resilience Project Hugh van Cuylenburg, his good friend Ryan Shelton, and only one of their brothers, Josh van Cuylenburg, talks to a variety of interesting people who vulnerably share their own struggles and imperfections, or expertly pass on their wisdom on the subject of imperfection. Whether it’s in The Vulnerabilitea House, The Academy of Imperfection, or with our very own psychologist, Dr Emily, The Imperfects are here to find some valuable takeaways we can all apply to our own imperfect lives.

Language:

English

Contact:

0414323259


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Reuben Williams - What Happened After My Sexual Assault

5/10/2026
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 https://bit.ly/49voquJ 🎧Things to listen to https://bit.ly/42V75HT 💻Things to check out 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 RESPECTCentre Against Sexual Assault 🩷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.

Duration:01:29:23

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jan Fran - Wars For Your Attention

5/3/2026
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 https://bit.ly/48vQZb5https://bit.ly/4tGRXKj 💻Things to check out https://bit.ly/4cSeFaOhttps://bit.ly/4t1OzIw 🎧 Things to listen to https://bit.ly/4dcAGT9 📱Things to help you set social media boundaries https://bit.ly/4cEYMpFhttps://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 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.

Duration:01:10:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Dr Edna Lekabe - New Baby… New Brain… Matrescence.

4/26/2026
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 https://bit.ly/4vHn1eh 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/48jC5EOhttps://bit.ly/3OjB9tphttps://bit.ly/4mLE8Hx 🎧Things to listen to https://bit.ly/48lx8eK 📺 Things to watch https://bit.ly/4tsBcCt 💻Things to check out https://bit.ly/4cOT2IOhttps://bit.ly/4mQDicU 🩷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.

Duration:01:35:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Shane Jacobson - Permission To Laugh

4/19/2026
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 https://bit.ly/4etnytQ 📺Things to watch https://bit.ly/427rUzvhttps://bit.ly/48HyzEb 📋Check-in 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 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.

Duration:01:33:46

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Esther Perel - It’s Not Them, It’s You

4/12/2026
Are you stuck, focusing on whats 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; 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 https://bit.ly/41m8R4fhttps://bit.ly/3PPugAp 💻Things to check out https://bit.ly/48jpQYJ 🎧Things to listen to https://bit.ly/4dtsNJKhttps://bit.ly/4twUbeChttps://bit.ly/4sofVsf 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/3Os5Dcxhttps://bit.ly/48yFn74 📺 Things to watch https://bit.ly/4seN3mdhttps://bit.ly/4ct63se 🩷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 0:00 – Intimacy: what has changed, what has stayed the same? 6:23 – This is my partner, AI 14:08 – A mismatch of affection 23:56 – Bids for connection 32:08 – Can you repair trust? 41:02 – Post-traumatic Growth 49:43 – The central hub of our needs 58:38 – The Mental Load Pt. 2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:11:28

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Dr Emily - Overcome With Overwhelm?

4/5/2026
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 https://bit.ly/4tiZa2yhttps://bit.ly/4s29wCI 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/4c18Yah 💪 Things to do 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.

Duration:01:02:20

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Hamish Macdonald - After The Facts

3/29/2026
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 https://bit.ly/3PtetHghttps://bit.ly/4uR5pfghttps://bit.ly/4dHwHPa 📺 Things to watch https://bit.ly/4bQ27jThttps://bit.ly/47ogudU 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/47kHUkO 🎧 Things to listen to https://bit.ly/3NMm8jf 💻 Things to check out https://bit.ly/4t8Qqffhttps://bit.ly/4bwwBZjhttps://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 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.

Duration:01:25:31

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Bri Lee - Babies+Climate=Anxiety

3/22/2026
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 https://bit.ly/3PbhEmRhttps://bit.ly/4brc477 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/3PhepKvhttps://bit.ly/473kvV4https://bit.ly/4bwOAh1https://bit.ly/4rzflarhttps://bit.ly/3NMnrPfhttps://bit.ly/40ylOYphttps://bit.ly/3NmtHx5https://bit.ly/3Phc7Lthttps://bit.ly/4cP32mT 📺Things to watch https://bit.ly/4bPolUk 💻Things to check out https://bit.ly/4bhVxnmhttps://youtu.be/Gu-WUHD6mKg 🩷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.

Duration:01:21:26

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Ben Crowe - Play School

3/15/2026
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 https://bit.ly/40rkUgdhttps://bit.ly/46VlfeKhttps://bit.ly/413kVXLhttps://bit.ly/4ruVAkzhttps://bit.ly/4by6NMlhttps://bit.ly/4bAomLD 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/4s04xmNhttps://bit.ly/411Qbq4 🎧 Things to listen to https://bit.ly/4bidPDH 😃If you liked this episode, check out these! https://bit.ly/40lcG9phttps://bit.ly/4lpS5dR 🩷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.

Duration:01:22:39

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Matt Preston - Only 14 Summers Left

3/8/2026
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 https://bit.ly/476XBfghttps://bit.ly/4aM7bqdhttps://bit.ly/4ukPhTk 📺Things to watch https://bit.ly/4rYN6mwhttps://bit.ly/3OILYVG 📖Things to read https://bit.ly/4cUigXG 🩵SUDEP Support Services https://sudep.orghttps://bit.ly/4r9W27I See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:26:24

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Dr Emily - Acceptance, That's Radical

3/1/2026
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 https://bit.ly/4b9nAVG 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/4o8JFayhttps://bit.ly/4kRn3Lqhttps://bit.ly/4kXhaMS 💻Things to check out https://bit.ly/3MNou0Mhttps://bit.ly/3P1gSbJhttps://bit.ly/4aV5rtL 🩷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.

Duration:01:16:24

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Maggie Dent - ‘Good Enough’ Parenting is Good Enough

2/22/2026
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 https://bit.ly/4aofEjd 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/46g4GK7https://bit.ly/4aYi2NOhttps://bit.ly/4qUqzGw 📺 Things to watch https://bit.ly/4riF2Nghttps://bit.ly/4tEsaCR 💻 Things to check out https://bit.ly/3OfRyi9 🎧 Things to listen to https://bit.ly/4aGq2lahttps://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 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.

Duration:01:26:21

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Bron Lewis - Is It Me or Postnatal Anxiety?

2/15/2026
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 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/3ObBgGQ 🎟️ Things to go see Chaoshttps://bit.ly/4aabRWz 🎧Things to listen to https://bit.ly/4arb1DIhttps://bit.ly/4arbdCWhttps://bit.ly/4cnJndjhttps://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 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.

Duration:01:41:18

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Dr Lucy Hone - A Life Worth Grieving

2/8/2026
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 https://bit.ly/3ZPVNmOhttps://bit.ly/3Oku8b4https://bit.ly/4rAK3AF 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/4bAWO9whttps://bit.ly/4kpkf8ghttps://bit.ly/4qZ5WK1https://michaelfsteger.comhttps://bit.ly/3NTGPcU 💻Things to check out https://www.drlucyhone.comhttps://bit.ly/3Zguj9Shttp://bit.ly/4h2KYFJhttps://bit.ly/3NTnDvThttps://bit.ly/4kgB0lHhttps://bit.ly/4a06320 🩷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 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.

Duration:01:23:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Claudia Karvan - Love, Her Way

2/1/2026
Stop. Everything. Now. It’s Claudia Karvan day. 💌Join 3,000+ 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 🥸 Which Imperfects Host Are You Quiz? - https://tally.so/r/Xx4PEO 🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode https://bit.ly/3ZpPNkNhttps://bit.ly/3M8SC6y 📺 Things to watch https://bit.ly/4qFCjNAhttps://bit.ly/3Z1Thtthttps://bit.ly/3Z5FemEhttps://bit.ly/3ZE8p0ghttps://bit.ly/4bIw3QLhttps://bit.ly/49O16Jv 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/4k8qdtR 🩷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 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.

Duration:01:37:45

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Soul Searching Summer - Ryan’s TV Show

1/25/2026
Ryan’s got news. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale! One show left! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep 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.com/theimperfectshttps://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 https://bit.ly/457hYZAhttps://bit.ly/454PJL6https://bit.ly/4jQtxtD See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:45:57

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Spooky Summer - Hugh’s Haunted House

1/18/2026
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.com/theimperfectshttps://bit.ly/4aSIeKd 🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode https://bit.ly/49TSktdhttps://bit.ly/49jJJ2S 👻Ghost busters 🩷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/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:40:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Psychology Summer - Your Inner Fan with Dr Emily

1/11/2026
Exclusive episode from our subscriber community A Little More Imperfects. 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 https://bit.ly/3KQvB7Rhttps://bit.ly/499aZRs 🩵Where to send in your reflections https://bit.ly/4rYjfuS 🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode https://bit.ly/4rXQIG0https://bit.ly/3MJBzb4https://bit.ly/3KHwJdXhttps://bit.ly/49bVxnBhttps://bit.ly/3MzZKZzhttps://bit.ly/4pwNZBG 📺Things to watch https://bit.ly/48V6IA0https://bit.ly/4iW7hhnhttps://bit.ly/4rVpe3R 💻 Things to do https://bit.ly/48COcgN 🩷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/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:07:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Little Drummer Girl - A Christmas Scandal

12/21/2025
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. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale! One show left! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep 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 https://bit.ly/4pDw6B8https://bit.ly/4559jpJhttps://bit.ly/4iVxGMihttps://bit.ly/3KN76Zg 💻Things to do https://bit.ly/3N1ELilhttps://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 - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu 🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://bit.ly/4mq5BO5 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.

Duration:00:38:32

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Dave Hughes - Me, Myself & Ego

12/14/2025
Dave Hughes has a complicated relationship with his ego. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale! One show left! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Performing in prestigious venues around the world, Dave Hughes has solidified himself as on 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: https://bit.ly/44OH66qhttps://bit.ly/3MqGNZjhttps://bit.ly/3MtSgqXhttps://bit.ly/44TRhXp 🎄Other Xmas Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode: https://bit.ly/48P0X6Vhttps://bit.ly/44g5M7Jhttps://bit.ly/3KHqx5F 📖 Things to read https://bit.ly/4rPfS9B 💻Things to look up 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 💌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 - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu 🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://bit.ly/4mq5BO5 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.

Duration:01:27:21