The Imperfects

Dr Emily - Joy Decision

Have you ever felt so elated, that in that very moment, you felt yourself and the world around you were in perfect harmony? That feeling is joy!  But for many of us, ‘joy’ can seem elusive, almost impossible to experience, or an emotion that we feel we just don’t have time for. And for some of us, it may feel like we have lost the ability to experience joy altogether.  In this episode, our resident psychologist Dr Em explores the experience of Joy. What is it and how we can tap into it. We learn how mobilising joy is and how infectious and connecting it can be.  Because as Dr Em explains, we are often surrounded by joy in our everyday lives,  but don’t pause long enough to see it.  This is an incredibly powerful, uplifting conversation, but it may be difficult to listen to if you're currently experiencing hardship or trauma. If you'd like to skip this one, we encourage you to come back when you're ready. To watch this episode on youtube follow this link: https://youtu.be/JPJ5UXm-5LI To listen to Gina Chick’s episode of The Imperfects, follow this link: https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8  To hear Sean Turnell’s episode of The Imperfects, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UaXmJ3 To stream Inside Out on Disney+ follow this link https://bit.ly/49C7gc7 To read the Betoota Advocate follow this link https://bit.ly/3JkO3kC, or you can read The Onion here https://bit.ly/3U1SUfg. The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

An Imperfect Chat About Men

In this bonus episode of The Imperfects, Hugh, Ryan and Josh have an imperfect conversation about mens violence against women. To say it's a massive problem in Australia is an understatement. Violence and aggression can take many forms that span from small micro-aggressions all the way through to rape and murder. It effects ALL women, with the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community, at the greatest risk. We don’t have the answers to solve it. But we don’t want to remain silent. Through this conversation and many more we'll have on the podcast, it’s our hope that more men start to have the conversation as well. You can follow Penny Moodie’s advocacy on instagram here, https://bit.ly/3JIBf81. To listen to our previous episode on consent with Chanel Contos follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RNKpEm  Or to purchase Chanel's book, Consent Laid Bare, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49BNDRC To listen to our previous conversation about men’s violence with Tarang Chawla follow this link: https://apple.co/3APcuGi  To learn more about this problem or we recommend Our Watch https://bit.ly/3w0BQhV & White Ribbon https://bit.ly/3W6nMhs If you are a man concerned about your behaviour please contact No To Violence: https://bit.ly/3UlyiA5 If you feel like you are in immediate danger please call 000. If you need someone to talk to we recommend the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line 1800 RESPECT on 1800 732 732. Or, you can call SafeSteps, Victoria's 24/7 family violence crisis service, on 1800 015 188, or visit this link: https://bit.ly/4b1SlsQ. They can provide financial and material aid, pet safety support and court advocacy, as well as support to people with a disability.  Or, for further support, contact The Orange Door, who can link you with family violence and parental support services: https://bit.ly/3Q8efTb If you need support now, use Ask Izzy: a free website and service that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support & counselling: https://bit.ly/3xAVnG4 The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Fern Brady: Diagnosed 20 Years Late “Autism Is Not A Superpower”.

In this episode, Scottish comedian, Fern Brady joins us in the The Vulnerabilitea House. In pulling the card “how would your ambitions change if you only had one year to live?”, Fern shares a very recent story, after receiving a terrifying phone call from her doctor. Fern also discusses being diagnosed with Autism in her 30s, 20 years after telling a doctor she thought she was Autistic.  Fern talks with with great insight and humour, not only about life since her diagnosis, but what it was like living for 30 years with Autism and not knowing - always feeling different to the average person…yet having no idea why. She's an all round brilliant human and we know you are going to love this conversation as much as we did!  To watch the full episode on YouTube click here: https://youtu.be/-DLkVQj8N34 To purchase Fern’s book, 'Strong Female Character', follow this link: https://bit.ly/4aSot20. To see Fern’s Comedy special on Netlfix follow this link: https://bit.ly/49AkQNp. And you can see Fern’s hilarious promo featuring her dad, here https://bit.ly/3vVRb3a There are still tickets available Fern’s antipodean Live tour “I gave you milk to drink”. Tickets still available in Sydney https://bit.ly/49usjgM, & NZ https://bit.ly/3TYM0r9. To learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Fern talks about in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Q466iC You can purchase the book Aspergirls by Rudy Simone here https://bit.ly/3QmYKXZ, and you can stream Six Feet Under here https://bit.ly/3TTZRiD. To try Sam Harris’s meditation app you can follow this link: https://bit.ly/4d7HrUz Or to read his book Lying, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3vGDHIK To see Susan Boyle’s Britain’s Got Talent Audition, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3VTeKUY The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

IMPERFIX: Imposter Syndrome with Hamish Blake

Imposter syndrome and self doubt aren’t necessarily things you think when you think of Australian comedian Hamish Blake. However when Hamish visited us for a VulnerabilTea House in season 4, that’s exactly what came up. In this episode of The IMPERFIX, we revisit a vulnerable moment where Josh shared his very real self doubt about his role on the show. This evolves into a beautiful conversation about the self doubt we all feel in the work we do, and culminates in Hamish dropping one of the greatest analogies of all time. To listen to the full episode with Hamish Blake, follow this link: https://apple.co/49gV9Tz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Turnell - A Prisoner’s Guide to Life

Imagine being falsely imprisoned, in a foreign country, where you barely speak the language, during a military coup, with no guarantee of a trial (fair or otherwise) and no idea whether you’ll ever be allowed home?  That's what Australian economist Sean Turnell lived through for 650 days, when in 2021 he was arrested during a military coup over-throwing the democratic government of Aang san Suu Kyi. Sean is a remarkable person and a brilliant story teller who radiates positivity. In this episode, he describes in horrifying, and yet often beautiful, detail his ordeal in the Myanmar prison system. Through Sean’s story we get a unique perspective…and a shining example of how resilient the human spirit can be. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Jts7nD To purchase Sean's book, An Unlikely Prisoner, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TMyFlJ To purchase Kylie Moore Gilberts book, The Uncaged Sky, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TMbNCV

IMPERFIX: Jamila Rizvi on Living with a Brain Tumour

In 2018, writer, author & change advocate Jamila Rizvi was met with horrible news. She was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour and needed surgery. In this episode of The Imperfix we revisit Jamila’s story; the tumour and its varied complications, the surgeries and how Jamila and her husband communicated the news to their son. Jamila is an all round wonderful human being and this is an incredibly moving episode. You can hear the entire chat with Jamila here: https://apple.co/4icJmtx This episode includes a discussion about disordered eating, if you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations: The Butterfly Foundation https://bit.ly/48YCSZe Eating Disorders Families Australia https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5 Uncovery https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Day - The Me-est Version Of Me

We’re not sure if podcasts can date. But if they could we would want to date Elizabeth Day’s podcast - ‘How to fail?’. (A proposition Hugh awkwardly put to Elizabeth in the final moments of the show). This conversation covers a lot of ground. Elizabeth vulnerably discusses her journey through infertility, IVF and her eventual decision to stop fertility treatment; we explore the role exercise and strength training can have in reclaiming one's connection to their body; Ryan and Elizabeth bond over a love of reality TV; and there’s much much more. It’s fair to say there was a lot of chat and a lot of love in the room for this one. Elizabeth Day is a Journalist, podcaster and author. The podcast ‘How to fail’ is a brilliant (and wildly successful…ironically) pod that shares intimate conversations with guests about their experiences with failure. And we couldn't recommend it any more highly. You can find links to Elizabeth’s podcast, her books and everything else she is doing here https://bit.ly/3VCnSNE. To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/b01GMVnoRuk  We encourage you to visit your local bookstore to purchase any of the books mentioned in this episode, but you can also find them here. Friendaholic - Elizabeth Day https://bit.ly/4a7PzCk. Strength to strength - Arthur C Brooks https://bit.ly/3VCaZTD And you can listen to our episode of The Imperfects with Pat Cummins here: https://apple.co/4eHc4zJ  This episode discusses fertility treatments, miscarriage, grief and acceptance. If these topics feel like too much for you to hear right now, please revisit this episode when you are ready.

IMPERFIX: Truth vs Harmony with Dr Em

In this episode of The Imperfix we revisit one of our most popular episodes ever and in it, a topic that is very close to Hugh, Ryan and Josh’s respective bones. The ongoing battle of Truth vs Harmony. Do you choose to live truthfully? Or harmoniously? And what does that even mean? And how does living ‘truthfully’ or ‘harmoniously’ affect us and the people around us? To listen to the full Truth Vs Harmony episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3IW3gbw To listen to Hamish Blake's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/49gV9Tz And to hear the follow up bonus episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/3AStVpg The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Barlow - The Pain Behind The Pleasure

Very few people have experienced Gary Barlow’s level of success and fame. He’s the lead singer of the nineties British pop band Take That, he’s won 6 Ivor Novello Awards for song writing & composing, sold more the 50 million albums and filled stadiums of screaming fans across the world! But despite all this, as we’ve come to learn, he’s one of the nicest, most genuine people going around. In this episode, Gary shares his experience of rising to such fame, and what happens when he lost it. He opens up about the devastating burden of jealousy between him and bandmate Robbie Williams, his journey with disordered eating, the loss of his daughter Poppy and the love of his life, the one constant through it all - his wife. So sit back and pour yourself a cup of vulnerabilitea, this is a big one. To buy tickets to Take That’s upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand visit: https://bit.ly/3INExGA. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4crzmJT To hear Ryan’s episode on shame & jealousy, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/4gWYZEs  To hear Hamish Blake’s episode on his friendship with Ryan & Hugh, follow this link: https://apple.co/49gV9Tz  To listen to Gina Chick’s episode, follow this link: https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8  The Robbie Williams documentary is available on Netflix: https://bit.ly/493WWta. For film recommendation ‘Salt Burn’ follow this link: https://apple.co/3x3GvQp. To purchase your own set of Vulnerabilitea House Cards, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR If you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations: The Butterfly Foundation https://bit.ly/48YCSZe Eating Disorders Families Australia https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5 Uncovery https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO This episode with Gary Barlow includes a discussion about disordered eating and a conversation about a child who was delivered still born. If this feels like too much for you right now, please come back to this episode when you're feeling ready. The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

IMPERFIX: Christian O'Connell's Panic Attacks

In 2018, Christian O Connell was one of the most successful people in British Radio, he was on top of his world, and then…the panic attacks began. The attacks got so bad and so regular that he couldn’t perform live and it nearly cost him his career. In this episode, we revisit Christian’s experience, the physical and mental toll of his panic attacks as well as the societal pressures and expectations he felt as a man - his need to appear strong and provide for his family. And we hear how he eventually sought for help and started rebuilding his life. To hear the full episode with Christian, follow this link: https://apple.co/4fY1C7W You can purchase a copy of Christian’s book here: https://bit.ly/3IKdFqI See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily - Social Anxiety, They’ve Got It Too

“Get your butterflies in formation”. If you take one thing away from this episode, it’s how to handle the nervous, anxious, flutter of stomach butterflies that arises when we’re socially anxious. Social interactions can be challenging. You may believe that everyone else has all their shit figured out and can effortlessly walk into a social situation and just be themselves. But it turns out, we all, at some point, get social anxiety. In this episode, our resident psychologist Dr Emily, delves deeper into what it means to experience social anxiety, before during & after a social situation. She explores the ways in which anxiety shows up, where it might come from and what we can do to “get our butterflies in formation”. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/I53wE7epCX0  To listen to Dr Emily's episode on The Inner Critic, follow this link: https://apple.co/3XaFdw9  To listen to Dr Emily's episode on Rejection Sensitivity, follow this link: https://apple.co/4i1qixZ  To purchase The Resilience Project's gratitude & wellbeing journals, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RUBke7 To learn more about the four domains of social anxiety & read David Moscovitch's work, follow this link: https://bit.ly/43fDuIy To learn more about The Spotlight Effect & see research Dr Em sited by Thomas Gilovich and Victoria Husted Medvec, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4cd4Rr0 For book recommendation, How To be Yourself, by Ellen Hendriksen and to learn more about her free online course 'Rise Above Social Anxiety', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3TAol1o To dive deeper into Lisa Feldman Barret's work, including the research on reframing anxiety as arousal, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3VhjuTV To learn more about Safety Behaviours and their role in social anxiety, follow these links: https://bit.ly/3wTqBIp & https://bit.ly/43hfp4a & https://bit.ly/3vhjR6o To participate in a free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy study run by The Black Dog Institute & UNSW, aimed at reducing social anxiety, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49cvV6M The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

IMPERFIX: Kate Langbroek on The Risks of Love

Kate Langbroek, in our humble opinion, is a very special person. We absolutely love her, and we’re clearly not alone. Kate, has experienced decades of success on Australian TV and radio - whether it was every Wednesday night on The Panel; with her mate Hughesy on the radio; or in countless podcasts, and radio shows since. On this episode of The Imperfix, we revisit, when in 2022, Kate generously shared with us what it was like when her eldest son Lewis was diagnosed with Leukaemia, and how it impacted her life and her family - then and now. To hear the full episode with Kate, follow this link https://apple.co/4fy5o84 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Grant - The Potential of Your Potential

World leading organisational psychologists, Adam Grant is this week's guest in The Academy of Imperfection and honestly, we can’t believe how much ground the brilliant man managed to cover in this episode.  I mean, sure, you might expect him to touch on the value of embracing our imperfections. Or perhaps he might explore imposter syndrome & the importance in believing in others' belief in yourself. Or how procrastination can actually be a creative force. Or maybe even some tips for those of us who have found ourselves languishing. All of this might seem pretty reasonable stuff to cover. However you might not expect a deep dive into the lessons learned from a junior olympic diving career or an actual magic trick! This ep covers it all…and much much more.  To watch this episode on youtube (and see the magic trick) follow this link: https://youtu.be/s2sY3-mT-u8  If you’re interested in hearing more from Adam, the best place to start is his website: https://adamgrant.net Recommended books & articles mentioned in the episode: Hidden Potential, The Science of Achieving Greater Things, by Adam Grant: https://bit.ly/3wBynWW Give and Take, A Revolutionary Approach to Success, by Adam Grant: https://bit.ly/3TrKwqI Creativity Inc: Overcoming Unseen Forces That Stand In The Way of True Inspiration, by Ed Catmull: https://bit.ly/49ZgNur Born Standing Up: A Comics Life, by Steve Martin: https://bit.ly/3TnZTjK It’s Called Languishing (article) by Adam Grant https://nyti.ms/48J86Uf Listen to Adam’s interview with Steve Martin on his ReThinking Podcast: https://bit.ly/3Tosvtb and transcript: https://bit.ly/3T3cKXa To watch Matthew Mitcham’s dive, follow think link: https://bit.ly/3InmPJJ To listen to our episode with Dr Emily on Truth vs Harmony, follow this link: https://apple.co/40pgYO7

IMPERFIX: Ben Crowe's Purpose

In this inaugural episode of the imperfix, Hugh takes us back to our very first Academy of Imperfection, where special guest Ben Crowe explores what it actually means to define your purpose. We discuss Ryan, Hugh & Ben’s purposes, how they defined them, and how important they are in shaping their respective every-days. We also delve a little deeper into Josh’s seeming ‘lack of purpose’ and find that he might actually have a bit more purpose there than he realises. To hear the full episode, the first time Ben visited The Imperfects click here https://bit.ly/3MrxtRN For more from Ben Crowe, please visit his website mojocrowe.com or find him on Instagram. You can listen to the Ted Talk 'Finding your purpose in 5 minutes' here https://bit.ly/3T5LkQF See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pat Cummins - Love, Loss & Life

They say that by the time he retires, Pat Cummins could be one of Australia’s most successful cricket captains. And if 2023 is anything to go by, "they" might be right. Pat captained the team winning The ODI World Cup, The ICC World Test Championship and retaining The Ashes. And individually, he was not only named The ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year, but also signed a record-breaking contract to play in India in the IPL this year. So yeah, Pat wins a lot. But this episode isn't just about cricket. Because as Pat talks about with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, he's lost a lot as well - especially in his personal life. Most notably, Pat tragically lost his mother Maria to cancer last year (2023), which he opens up about here, sharing how important life is outside of cricket - an approach that's trickled through to the entire team. If you love cricket (maybe even as much as Hugh & Josh), or just want to hear how someone deals with struggles while at the top of their game, this is a special episode. If you enjoyed this episode, you might like our episodes with:  Travis Boak - https://apple.co/4eFe8rJ  Max Gawn - https://bit.ly/4g0MN5e  Tim Minchin - https://apple.co/492kgsN  To listen to Nick Cave on Rick Ruben's podcast Tetragrammaton, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ThOxhf To watch this episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3P8Whzy

A Very Imperfect Welcome Back

We’re back… almost! As has become tradition, Hugh, Ryan and Josh catch up for a formal welcome back episode to chat about the season ahead. They talk about their brand new extra weekly episode called The ImperFIX, the show’s foray into YouTube, aaaand just build general hype around the exciting upcoming guests on the show. Oh. And Hugh demonstrates his brand new sleeping position. It’s so, so good to be back. To watch this episode on YouTube (and see Hugh's sleeping position), follow this link: https://bit.ly/3IcHHDn To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House card sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR To purchase tickets to The Imperfects Live Show, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49Is3ev

Lael Stone - Parent Yourself First

To look after our loved ones, we need to start by looking after ourselves. And according to parenting expert Lael Stone, that means looking back and showing compassion to our younger selves. In this b-b-b-bonus summer episode we’re very lucky to have Lael back for a third time (her previous episodes are linked below) as we prepare for a new year with new challenges. But don’t worry. You’ll be ready for anything after an hour with Lael Stone. To learn more about Lael and her work, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46RXZvg To learn more about Lael's school, Woodline Primary, follow this link: https://bit.ly/487YAKj To hear our first two episodes with Lael, follow these links: Lael Stone - Take Care of Yourself: https://apple.co/4eAJNuw  Lael Stone - Creating Emotionally Intelligent Humans: https://apple.co/3V2vuIb  To hear our episode with Gina Chick, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3UKpxQ8  The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Mrs Claus - Santa’s Better Half

Heads up: Mrs Claus is VERY close friends with comedian, Urzila Carlson. As such, this Special Christmas Episode is definitely not appropriate for kids. Last year, we were honoured to sit down with the one and only Santa Claus as he joined us in The Vulnerabilitea House. A big thank you to Glenn Robbins for organising that interview for us! Link below if you missed it. This year, Hugh, Josh and Ryan meet the woman who claims to be the brains behind the operation, Mrs Claus (or is it Ms Claus?). In a very busy time of the year for her, she generously picks a few cards from the Vulnerabilitea House card deck and shares what really goes down behind the scenes on… The Pole. The Imperfects will donate all ad revenue from this episode to Urzila Carlson's charity of choice, Women’s Refuge. They are New Zealand's largest nationwide organisation that supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence. If you'd like to know more about the charity, or make a donation, follow this link: https://bit.ly/41lUUTd To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/48fzwlf To see Urzila Carlson live in 2024, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46RdhAn To listen to last years Vulnerabilitea House episode with Santa Claus, follow this link: https://apple.co/40Y7HNs. Or to watch it, follow this link: https://bit.ly/41or14A To listen to Urzila's podcast, That's Enough Already, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RDowb6 To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House card sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

Dr Emily - Merry Not-Enoughmas

For some people, Christmas Day is the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, catching up with friends and family at this time of the year can lead to pain and sadness and as Dr Emily describes it, an overwhelming feeling of “not-enoughness”. In this special bonus episode, Dr Emily explains where this feeling comes from and why it pops up year after year. But as always she gives us some helpful advice on what we can do to address it and feel a little less alone this Christmas. So from us to you, on this Season Finale… Merry Not-Enoughmas. To find volunteering opportunities through Australian Volunteers, or Seek Volunteer, follow these links: https://bit.ly/41kiTSv & https://bit.ly/3NmkbXl For anyone in WA, you can also find group activities and volunteer opportunities through Act, Below, Commit, by following this link: https://bit.ly/3uYD3W0 For book recommendation, The Stress Prescription, 7 Days To More Joy and Ease, by Elissa Epel, follow this link: https://bit.ly/47OjU81 The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Chanel Contos - Consensual Healing

Dear Men, Please listen to this episode about consent and rape culture. Hugh, Ryan & Josh x On the face of it, this Academy of Imperfection with Chanel Contos may seem like a heavy episode. An episode about consent, rape culture and sexual violence might not seem like an episode that concerns you. That may be true, but if the #MeToo movement taught us anything, it’s that you probably know someone who’s either been raped or sexually assaulted in some way. We have a lot to learn about consent, and we owe it to the women in our lives to listen to Chanel Contos. To learn more about Chanel, her work and the Teach Us Consent campaign, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QVhlK0 To purchase Chanel's book, 'Consent Laid Bare', follow this link: https://bit.ly/40Z0Xgh Recommended TV series, Sex Education and Heart Break High can be viewed on Netflix.  To view a version of the 'rape culture pyramid', follow this link: https://bit.ly/49XPFgh If you have experienced, or are at risk of sexual violence, sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call the 24 hour national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, or if you are feeling unsafe, always call the police on 000. The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Gina Chick - Don't Fight Life

Gina Chick grew up… different. She wasn’t like the other kids, and they let her know about it. But as an adult she learned to see her “different” as a strength, which led to her most well-known achievement, outlasting everyone else for 67 days in the Tasmanian wilderness to win ALONE Australia. But as you’ll hear, that’s only a part of her story - as is the fact that she’s very close friends with Hugh Jackman. After going through some of the lowest lows a human can experience, Gina learned the power of discomfort and is here to spread the word in our very first ever outdoor episode! To learn more about Gina, her rewilding camps and 5Rythyms dance, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QRnkzq To watch Alone Australia, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Rd3m3 This episode includes a discussion about the loss of a child, if this feels like it might be too much for you to listen to right now, feel free to come back to it when you're feeling up to it. The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish Macdonald - How To Be You

As co-host of The Project, Hamish Macdonald has seen and done more than most journalists could ever dream to achieve in their entire career. Before The Project and a stint hosting ABC’s Q+A program, Hamish worked and reported around the world from war zones to natural disasters, winning a bunch of prestigious awards including a coveted Walkley Award in the process. But as he discusses with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, he’s also faced bullying throughout his life, whether that be from students during his high school days, or from online trolls during his Q+A days - a challenging experience that drove him to leave social media forever. This open and honest chat covers it all, and turns out to be a pretty handy, albeit accidental guide on How To Be You. To listen to Hamish's new podcast, Take Me To Your Leader, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ukzpph To listen to our episode with Missy Higgins, follow this link: https://apple.co/4fVM8Bo  To listen to our episode on stress and burnout with Dr Emily, follow this link: https://apple.co/3CE41WT  To listen to Josh's song, We Were Here, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Zyg3bG To read article recommendation, Why The Internet Isn't Fun Anymore, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3FZGnTh

Dr Louise Newson - Maybe it’s Menopause

Menopause, or THE Menopause according to our guest lecturer Dr Louise Newson, affects every woman at some point in her life. That’s 51% of the entire world! And even if you’re not a woman, chances are you know a few of them. Either way, the menopause IS coming. And you better be ready. Dr Louise Newson is a GP and Menopause specialist who is campaigning for better menopause care for all women. But despite her specialisation and regular lecturing on the subject, even she didn’t pick up on the signs when her own menopause kicked in and convinced her she hated her own husband! This episode isn’t just everything you need to know about your own menopause, this is everything you need to know about your wife’s/mother’s/daughter’s/sister’s/friend’s/colleague’s menopause. To learn more about Louise, her work and to access more information on the menopause and peri-menopause, follow this link: https://bit.ly/49rgqJH To download Louise's Balance app, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3FOhpWS To learn more and purchase Dr Louise's books, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ueOQ2p For Australian support, information & research, visit the below websites:  WellFemme is a Telehealth menopause clinic, providing evidence-based menopause information and treatment in collaboration with your GP: https://bit.ly/3FYcAdn Menopause Friendly provides information and practical resources to support staff experiencing menopausal symptoms at work and helps managers and HR professionals understand how they can provide the right support to their workforce: https://bit.ly/49rgx85 VITAL is an innovative research project that women can take part in to map the experience of Australian women around peri/menopause. It operates as a registry that collects data via a questionnaire. This data could determine how best to support the population and the research is run by Assoc Prof Erin Morton at Flinders University: https://bit.ly/3QQydTl The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see your doctor, a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Dr Emily - Who Do You Desire?

We know, we know, we know. ‘Who Do You Desire? is a very click-baity title. But we’re pretty confident that if you DO take the bait (come onnnn), you’ll be nicely rewarded. In this episode, our resident psychologist Dr Emily talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the concept of Mimetic Desire - the idea that whether we like it or not, pure originality is impossible. All of us are being influenced by someone. The question is, are we proud of the someones currently influencing us, or does our influencer list need a shake up? Once again, Dr Emily has the answers. For book recommendation, 'Wanting, Mimetic Desire: How to Avoid Chasing the Things You Don't Want', by Luke Burgis, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QIpFOm The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

Steve Hooker - The Ups & Downs & Ups

Not many of us have won Olympic Gold. And even fewer of us have jumped over a 6m high bar. But Australian pole vaulting champion Steve Hooker has done both. And boy oh boy does he have a story to tell!? That was rhetorical btw, he definitely does have a story to tell. What would you do if you were the best in the world at something one day, and then the next day you suddenly couldn’t do that thing anymore?? At all. That’s pretty much what happened to Steve. And on this episode he tells childhood friends Hugh and Josh, along with newhood friend Ryan, how he was able to get through that and how it affected his mental health. To donate to the Community Spirit Foundation through the sMile relay event, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Sg33WL To buy ticket's to the Zatopek race where Hugh, Steve, Brendan and Simon will be attempting to break the 400m relay record (in the mens 40-44 age group), follow this link (and remember use the code "theimperfects" at the top of the ticket listing for $5 of the proceeds to be donated to the Community Spirit Foundation): https://bit.ly/473VKW8 To watch Steve's winning jump in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, follow this link: https://bit.ly/40cDuYl To watch the pink dildo security camera footage, follow this link: https://bit.ly/40dbF2c For app recommendation, Calm, (compassion and loving kindness meditations), follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MhcRMe For book recommendation, Positivity, by Barbra Fredrickson, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3FxjBSf

Lewis Hobba - Success Is Never Enough

Lewis Hobba grew up idolising Triple J. But despite being chosen as Triple J’s drive-time co-host by the age of 30, and being selected by Andrew Denton as one of Australia’s most creative and talented young performers for the show Hungry Beast, Lewis never felt like he succeeded in anything. In this Vulnerabilitea House, Lewis tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh what it was like behind the scenes for him during this time and how he dealt with crippling anxiety on a daily basis until eventually seeking help. To listen to Lewis's podcast 'Silver Bullet', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ScFmyB To hear Ryan's episode where he talks about shame, jealousy and finding his purpose, follow this link: https://bit.ly/46AfnW3 To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House card sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

Taryn Brumfitt - Every Body Is Perfect

As Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt is making a massive impact on an issue that effects people everywhere… BODY IMAGE. Not only is Taryn a body image campaigner, she’s also a documentarian, having made two docos encouraging us to EMBRACE our bodies, not matter what they look like. We highly recommend you watch them - links below. In this Academy of Imperfection, Taryn talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about her own body image journey, including a vulnerable Before & After image of herself that broke the internet and changed her life. Don’t worry they fixed the internet soon after. Taryn Brumfitt's documentary Embrace is available on Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime, Youtube, Google Play & Apple TV. Embrace Kids is available on Binge, Foxtel, Apple TV, Google Play & Amazon Prime.

Tim Minchin - Lucky To Be Here

Tim Minchin is an Australian comedian, actor, writer, musician, poet, composer, and songwriter. He’s probably best known for his music, his comedy, and well… his ‘Matilda: The Musical’… but has it really all been “luck”? Tim talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about so many different things in this fascinating chat about art and creativity, family, free-will, success, failure and the importance of taking life one level at a time. For tickets to Tim's new show, An Unfunny Evening with Tim Minchin and His Piano, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZxAGVs To watch Tim perform White Wine in The Sun, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RzwORS To purchase The Resilience Project's journals, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3RUBke7 To listen to our episode with Dr James van Cuylenburg, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZFS0YA

Vulnerability Update: Josh Wrote a Song!

If you know, you know. And if you do know, you’re just as bonkers excited as we are. Buuut if you don’t know, that’s totally fine too. Those that were able to make it along to our Live On Stage show this year were treated to the debut performance of a song, written and performed by our very own Josh van Cuylenburg. But this song was not without context. In Season 3 Josh shared a vulnerable story from 13 years ago that resulted in him losing the confidence to realise his lifelong dream of writing music (link to that episode below). But when we were planning our Live on Stage Show, we asked Josh to consider writing and performing an original song. And ohhhhh boy… HE DELIVERED. Today we are very proud and excited to announce that “We Were Here” has not only been recorded, but the song is now available on Spotify, with a seriously moving official music video that you can WATCH on YouTube. Links below. To listen to Josh's song on Spotify, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Zyg3bG To watch the film clip on YouTube, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuMrC0AZ4ko To listen to the original Vulnerabilitea House episode where Josh first talked about losing his confidence to write music, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3tdYkKI To purchase our Vulnerabilitea House cards sets, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3PBFlkR

Dan Sultan - Stopping The Bullshit

Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji singer/songwriter Dan Sultan is a 5-time ARIA Award winner and respected stalwart of the Australian music industry. But alongside his creative achievements, is Dan’s struggle with addiction. Dan talks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about everything from the adversity he’s faced on and off the stage, to the joy he now gets from his young family, and his ongoing love of creativity. To purchase or listen to Dan's new album, Dan Sultan, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZBv9NQ To watch Paul Keating's historic Redfern speech that Josh mentions in the episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3EVltnA To listen to our episode with Brooke Blurton, mentioned in this episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/459k1c6 The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.