The Imperfects

The Academy of Imperfection - Jeff Warren

You may have an image of what a “meditation teacher” sounds like. Whatever you’re thinking of, we’re pretty sure you’re not thinking of Jeff Warren. Jeff Warren is not your traditional meditation “guru”. He’s just... well, a guy. A Canadian guy! And alongside his own challenges with ADD and Bipolar diagnoses (among other things), he’s found a life and successful career in mindfulness and meditation. And if you’re like us, you’ll want to be his best friend. Jeff is currently best known for his “Daily Trip” meditations on the Calm app. But he’s also written books and taught meditation to all walks of life around the world. For everything you need to know about Jeff including his weekly Do Nothing Project, go to jeffwarren.org

The Dyl & Friends crossover episode

We’ve been big fans of the Dyl & Friends podcast for a long time now. We love everything about the former AFL footballer and host of the Dyl & Friends podcast, Dylan Buckley. To that end, we are very excited to release this episode of our podcast as a Dyl & Friends and The Imperfects collaboration. As you will hear, Dylan is authentic and open. He embraces his imperfections and as such this chat is a true mix of both shows. Dylan starts off interviewing us about how The Imperfects started, and then we welcome Dylan into the Vulnerabilitea House where he delivers one of the most vulnerable and heart felt tea house shares we’ve had to date.

The Vulnerabilitea House - Dr Yves Rees

Today we welcome Dr Yves Rees into The Vulnerabilitea House.    One morning, in a hotel room in Canada, aged 30, Yves had a life changing epiphany. With this came a range of emotions - happiness, confusion, pain, joy...and almost everything in between.   As well as being a renowned history professor at La Trobe University, Yves is transgender.   In today’s episode of The Imperfects, Ryan, Josh and Hugh are educated and enlightened by the insightful and vulnerable Dr Yves Rees. Dr Rees has recently released their memoir, All About Yves.   If this episode sparks anything for you that you wish to explore further, we recommend transhub.org.au as a fantastic resource to learn more.

Becky Lucas - The power of laughter

On this week's episode of the podcast we talk to Australian comedian Becky Lucas. Becky has written a book -Acknowledgements, and as you will hear Hugh is BIT of a fan. We cover a-lot in this ep, from bitchy English exchange students, Becky’s parents' divorce, 'dick-lit’, the stresses of lock down; and somehow we manage to squeeze in a discussion of 90s NBL basketball under the ‘auspice’ of a special birthday surprise. Afterwards we discuss the role of laughter and comedy in our lives and why laughter is such an incredible thing for changing our mood and improving our mental health. Yep, as I said, we cover quite a lot... If this chat has brought up any troubling emotions or thoughts for you, as always we strongly recommend Lifeline on 13 11 14.

The Vulnerabilitea House - Martin Heppell

There is no one else in the world quite like our guest this week.  For years people kept telling Hugh he needed to bring on a new presenter to meet the demand from schools and workplaces around the country. He said he would only ever do it if he found someone extraordinary. In 2015, Hugh found that extraordinary person - Martin Heppell. In today’s episode, Ryan, Hugh and Josh are both moved and inspired as Martin steps into the Vulnerabilitea and shares a heart breaking story from his childhood. As only Martin can do, he starts the interview by sharing the trauma of his past, but ends the interview leaving the boys inspired to be better people. Warning. This episode contains references to child abuse.

The Academy Of Imperfection - Daniel Ellenberg

Ready to learn? Us too. In The Academy of Imperfection this week, imperfect students Hugh, Ryan and Josh speak with American psychologist, leadership coach and specialist in the area of male relationships, Daniel Ellenberg. Daniel shares some very insightful stuff on how men relate to other men - why they do what they do, and why they DON’T do what they don’t do! But by the end of the episode, what was supposed to be a casual “lecture” turns into a men’s workshop of sorts, as Hugh, Ryan and Josh show a lot more vulnerability towards each other than they were expecting. The recording of this episode was definitely a memorable experience. Daniel Ellenberg, PhD is a co-founder of Relationships That Work https://www.relationshipsthatwork.com, the founder/director of Strength with Heart men’s groups and workshops https://www.strengthwithheart.com, and a principal in Rewire Leadership Institute https://rewireleadership.com

The Vulnerabilitea House - Josh Van Cuylenburg

Two episodes in a week, what is going on? Well, it's another Vulnerabilitea House that's what. This week it's Josh's turn. Lockdown rules meant this teahouse was spread across three tea houses but it doesn't detract from the quality of the tea, and the vulnerableness. Josh discusses an issue he's had for a long, long time and Hugh takes some time to delve a little deeper into the concept of vulnerability. What is it? Why is it important? How do we best practise it? Being vulnerable can be scary, but it creates stronger and more authentic connections with others. Just make sure to be mindful about who you’re vulnerable with. It’s always important to trust and feel safe with those you open up to.

Just The Three Of Us (a bonus snap podcast because we needed a chat)

In the beginning, it was novel. A change of pace. A good excuse to bake our own bread and believe that “we’ll always bake our own bread from now on because it’s so nice to wake up to the smell of fresh bread in the morning!” But come on... seriously... we’re not baking bread anymore are we? This whole COVID thing has become a proper bummer. Like, next-level maximum bummer. So, because we’ve all been feeling the pinch recently, Hugh assembled Ryan and Josh for a very unplanned Snap Podcast to talk about it, and share what’s been helping him cope with the current and ongoing shitness of lockdown. This isn’t a regular episode. There’s no guests, no experts and no tea. It’s just Hugh, Ryan and Josh trying to find some light during an extremely challenging time. Hope you’re doing okay out there. We know it’s tough. But hopefully this helps a little.

Travis Boak - Dealing with trauma

Travis Boak is one of the best footballers in the country. At age 33, he is showing no signs of slowing down, in fact many believe he is just getting better. His brilliance on the ground is a direct result of the hard work he puts into his game. What many don’t know however, is that he works just as hard on his mental and emotional health. Due to the tragic passing of his father, Travis has, for way too long, carried the baggage and trauma of this tragedy. Join Travis for this heartfelt conversation as he talks us through the power of letting go of the things you cannot control and embracing the uncertainties of life.

The Vulnerabilitea House - Ryan Shelton

Thirsty? How about a nice cup of Vulnerabilitea from The Vulnerabilitea House? Join Hugh and Josh as they listen to co-host Ryan Shelton pick a card at random and get vulnerable. Ryan shares some recent discoveries he’s had with his psychologist in regards to how certain aspects of his childhood prepared him... or DIDN’T prepare him for adulthood. N.B. There’s also a quick digression into the nostalgic world of 90s NBL Basketball. Don’t worry, it’s quick. Also, while being vulnerable can be scary, it creates stronger and more authentic connections with others. Just make sure to be mindful about who you’re vulnerable with. It’s always important to trust and feel safe with those you open up to.

The Academy of Imperfection - Dr Billy Garvey, Paediatrician

Go get your pens and notebooks everyone! In this edition of The Academy of Imperfection, students Hugh, Ryan, Josh sit down with famed paediatrician, Dr Billy Garvey of The Royal Children’s Hospital. Currently, Billy regretfully has a two and a half year waiting list to see him in person, but is keen to reach as many of you as possible NOW. And with all the talk on our podcast about parenting recently, we felt this was a very necessary episode. Billy may not look like one of Australia’s most respected and in-demand paediatricians, as we speak about in the episode, but gee whiz, he sure does talk like it! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Vulnerabilitea House - Hugh van Cuylenburg... Round 2

Our very own Hugh van Cuylenburg is back in the hotseat for a second round in the Vulnerabilitea House! And guys... wowee. Potentially inspired by the most recent Vulnerabilitea House episode with Missy Higgins, Hugh opens up about how much he is actually struggling right now. In fact, he’s probably as raw and honest and vulnerable as he’s ever been on The Imperfects. The Vulnerabilitea House (and the whole podcast tbh) is all about encouraging vulnerability by sharing our own struggles and imperfections. Why? Because being vulnerable creates stronger and more authentic connections with others. But like we’ve said a number of times on this podcast, you can’t just be vulnerable with anyone. It’s important to always trust and feel safe with those you open up to. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we recommend lifeline, 13 11 14. The Imperfects is produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh & Josh van Cuylenburg.

Christian O'Connell - Breakfast Radio, panic attacks & starting afresh

At the beginning of 2018, Christian O'Connell was the host of the number one breakfast radio show in England, he averaged over 2 million listeners a day, he'd won basically every award possible in the radio industry, he was seemingly on top of his world. Unbeknownst to almost everyone in his life though, he could barely make it on the air. At the age of 45, Christian had started suffering debilitating panic attacks. And they were becoming an almost daily occurrence. In this episode of The Imperfects, we talk with Christian about his anxiety & the panic attacks that nearly ended his career in radio. We chat about the life changing move him and his family have since made; we talk about being a vulnerable father; we talk about the challenges of starting a new in Australia...we talk about alot...it's a really good chat.   If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we recommend lifeline, 13 11 14. The Imperfects is produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh & Josh van Cuylenburg. A very special thanks to 'No Mono' for generously allowing us to use 'Keep On' as the theme song for this podcast.

The Vulnerabilitea House - Missy Higgins

Prepare yourself for a very different episode of The Vulnerabilitea House (for a few reasons): We welcome our first guest... MISSY HIGGINS IS BACK ON THE POD! We all live in Melbourne and it was COVID lockdown at the time of recording so we were on Zoom. The whole thing almost didn’t happen at all... and you’ll hear why. For those new to The Vulnerabilitea House, here’s how it works. We get together, we sip tea, someone picks a card from the deck of vulnerability-invoking questions, and then they answer that question, making themselves vulnerable to the group AND YOU. In theory, it should be pretty simple. But on this occasion, we kinda messed up and accidentally made it very unsimple for Missy. We felt terrible. But boy oh boy...did she bounce back!

The Academy of Imperfection - James Victore

Welcome back to The Academy of Imperfection - a conversational lecture series that features guest lecturers talking with students Hugh, Ryan, Josh and you about different areas of imperfection. Today, designer, author and teacher, James Victore talks about CREATIVITY. Before writing his brilliant 2019 book ‘Feck Perfuction: Dangerous Ideas on the Business of Creativity’, James created commerical work for Moet & Chandon, Time magazine and Yohji Yamamoto and has had his work exhibited in Nwe York’s MoMA and The Louvre in Paris. Oh... AND HE’S WON AN EMMY. James is verrrrry passionate and hence there’s a language warning on this ep. For more James Victore stuff, please visit him on his website jamesvictore.com or on Instagram @jamesvictore.

The Vulnerabilitea House - Josh van Cuylenburg

We’re back in The Vulnerabilitea House! This time it’s Josh van Cuylenburg. The proven question-ASKER, becomes a first-time question-ANSWERER as he sips some Vunerabilitea and shares an honest and raw story from his past that not even his brother Hugh knew about - all in the name of vulnerability and connection. Pour yourself a cup of tea everyone... it’s great to see you again.

Jamila Rizvi - Living with the effects of a brain tumor

Jamila Rizvi is a writer/author, journalist, commentator, change advocate, feminist and all round wonderful human being. In 2018 Jamila was met with horrible news. She was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour. In the podcast, Jamila tells us of these challenging recent years...the multiple surgeries, the radiotherapy treatment the continuing recovery and the effects all of this has had on her life, her family and her mental health. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we recommend lifeline, 13 11 14. The Imperfects is produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh & Josh van Cuylenburg. This episode was edited with the help of Michael Liberale. A very special thanks to 'No Mono' for generously allowing us to use 'Keep On' as the theme song for this podcast.

The Vulnerabilitea House - Ryan Shelton

This week on the podcast we return to The Vulnerabilitea House, and this time its Ryan Shelton's turn. The Vulnerabilitea House, is a new style of episode from The Imperfects, where we share something honest and a little bit vulnerable, all over a nice cup of tea.

The Academy of Imperfection - Ben Crowe

Welcome to the very first episode of The Academy of Imperfection! Presented by The Imperfects, this new series of conversational lectures will feature experts talking about different areas of imperfection with students Hugh, Ryan, Josh and you. The inaugural guest lecturer is someone we are extremely excited about. Ben Crowe. Along with Brene Brown, Ben has easily been the most mentioned person on The Imperfects over the last few years. Since working at NIKE for decades, Ben has worked closely with everyone from Andre Agassi to Cathy Freeman and surfing champion Steph Gilmore. And more recently with our very own Hugh van Cuylenburg and Ryan Shelton! Here, Ben talks to the class about the importance of self-compassion, connection and purpose. We dare say, this is the one that might just change your life - or at the very least, help you embrace your weird for a few days. For more from Ben Crowe, please visit his website mojocrowe.com or find him on Instagram.   Ted Talk - Finding your purpose in 5 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVsXO9brK7M

The Vulnerabilitea House - Hugh van Cuylenburg

The most hyped pun in podcasting, well, sort of... This is a new style of episode from The Imperfects, something a bit shorter than normal, which we’ll scatter between the longer eps. As you’ll see from the title of these episodes (pun revealed in the ep!), they’re designed to encourage vulnerability.  First up. it's Hugh's turn to be vulnerable, if all goes well, we'll try and get some more imperfect people sharing something honest and a little bit vulnerable, all shared over a nice cup of tea.

Rick Davies - Living with OCD

Best known for his role as ‘Jimmy’ on TV show, Offspring, actor Rick Davies doesn’t remember a time in his life without Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Despite that, this is the first time Rick is speaking publicy about it. Rick selflessly shares a number of uncomfortable (and slightly embarrassing) stories from his life with OCD, and afterwards Hugh chats with Ryan and Josh about some resources for anyone who has OCD or knows someone who does.

Trailer - Season 3

In preparation for what they “promise” will be the biggest year yet for The Imperfects, Hugh, Ryan and Josh catch up for a short warm-up episode. Yes, there’ll of course NEW episodes in Season 3, but also there’ll be new TYPES of episodes, including one that involves an extremely overhyped pun.

Steph Claire Smith - Body Image, Modelling & Instagram

Steph Claire Smith is one of Australia's most successful models. She rose to fame as the Instagram 'it girl' and has managed to transform this fame into a highly accomplished international modelling career; and with the help of best friend Laura, a fast growing health & fitness brand, Keep It Cleaner. If anyone's life looks perfect, it's Steph's. However, as she bravely details in this fascinating chat with Hugh, we shouldn't always believe what we see on Instagram. Following the chat, Ryan and Hugh discuss some of the valuable insights from their conversation, as well as discussing Hugh's own flash-in-a-pan modelling career. WARNING: This episode of The Imperfects contains references to eating disorders and behaviours. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we strongly recommend lifeline on 13 11 14. The Imperfects is brought to you by The Resilience Project. Produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh van Cuylenburg & Josh van Cuylenburg. Mixed and mastered by Windmill Audio. A special thank you also to No Mono (Pie Eater) for generously allowing us to use ‘Keep On’ as the theme song for this podcast. For more information and links to anything discussed in today’s episode, please visit: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/podcast/

Will McMahon - Depression & High School Expectations

In 2019 Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw (of Will & Woody fame) released the video, "Best Mates Sit Down For A Heart To Heart About Depression". If you haven't seen it, you really must. It's a fantastic example of the power of vulnerability. Will McMahon has enjoyed a phenomenal career in radio, currently co-hosting the drive slot on the KISS network. He's at the top of his game, yet Will has achieved all this whilst enduring the undulations of living with a mental illness. Following the chat, Ryan and Hugh explore some of these valuable lessons a little further, surrounding the topics of ‘male friendship’ and ‘expectations’. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we strongly recommend lifeline on 13 11 14. The Imperfects is brought to you by The Resilience Project. Produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh van Cuylenburg & Josh van Cuylenburg. Mixed and mastered by Windmill Audio. A special thank you also to No Mono (Pie Eater) for generously allowing us to use ‘Keep On’ as the theme song for this podcast. For more information and links to anything discussed in today’s episode, please visit: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/podcast/

Sam Willoughby - The Tragic Injury That Changed His Life

On this week’s episode, Hugh chats with Australian BMX racer, world champion, multi-Olympian, Sam Willoughby. In 2016, Sam experienced a life-changing neck injury which left him with tetraplegia. At 29 Sam has lived a remarkable life and is an incredible person who tells his life story with candour and honesty. Following the chat, Ryan and Hugh discuss Sam's journey whilst exploring some of the life lessons we can learn from this incredible person. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we strongly recommend lifeline on 13 11 14. The Imperfects is brought to you by The Resilience Project. Produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh van Cuylenburg & Josh van Cuylenburg. Mixed and mastered by Windmill Audio. A special thank you also to No Mono (Pie Eater) for generously allowing us to use ‘Keep On’ as the theme song for this podcast. For more information and links to anything discussed in today’s episode, please visit: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/podcast/

Steen Raskopoulos - Comedy & Depression

This week we talk to the wonderful Australian comedian, actor and improviser Steen Raskopoulos. Over the past 8 years Steen Raskopoulos has enjoyed a remarkable career with acclaimed stand up shows, starring roles on tv shows, working with his comedic idols, copious awards...the works. In this episode Steen talks candidly of the mental health struggles going on behind the scenes during this meteoric rise. Following this, Ryan and Hugh discuss some of the valuable lessons we can learn from Steen's story. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we strongly recommend lifeline on 13 11 14. The Imperfects is brought to you by The Resilience Project. Produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh van Cuylenburg & Josh van Cuylenburg. Mixed and mastered by Windmill Audio. A special thank you also to No Mono (Pie Eater) for generously allowing us to use ‘Keep On’ as the theme song for this podcast. For more information and links to anything discussed in today’s episode, please visit: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/podcast/

Catriona Bisset - Exercise, Anxiety & Female Empowerment

This week we talk to Australian athlete, the incredible Catriona Bisset. Catriona talks candidly of her unconventional...almost unintentional journey of becoming the fastest woman in Australian history over 800m. Following this, Ryan and Hugh discuss some of the valuable lessons we can learn from Catriona's fascinating journey. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we strongly recommend lifeline on 13 11 14. The Imperfects is brought to you by The Resilience Project. Produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh van Cuylenburg & Josh van Cuylenburg. Mixed and mastered by Windmill Audio. A special thank you also to No Mono (Pie Eater) for generously allowing us to use ‘Keep On’ as the theme song for this podcast. For more information and links to anything discussed in today’s episode, please visit: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/podcast/

Johann Hari - The Importance of Connection

In the first episode of season two, Hugh chats with international best-selling author, Johann Hari. For those of you who listened to season one, you will have heard us mention Johann Hari, and his book Lost Connections, ALOT. We’re big fans. In fact, he’s had a huge influence on not just us, but some of our previous guests (see Missy Higgins Ep. 1). So, even though it’s a bit of a different episode than what we’d usually do, we couldn’t be more excited to be starting the season with Johann as our first guest. Hugh and Johann have a fascinating discussion around anxiety, depression, addiction, connection and how our mental health is connected to the work around us. Following this, Ryan and Hugh try hard not to completely fanboy over Johann as they attempt to further explore some of these powerful ideas. If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we strongly recommend lifeline on 13 11 14. The Imperfects is brought to you by The Resilience Project. Produced by Ryan Shelton, Hugh van Cuylenburg and Josh van Cuylenburg. A very very special thank you also to No Mono (Pie Eater) for generously allowing us to use ‘Keep On’ as the theme song for this podcast. For more information and links to anything discussed in today’s episode, please visit: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/podcast/

Trailer - Season 2

Hugh and Ryan take a quick look at season two of The Imperfects. With guests like Johann Hari, Steen Raskopolous and Catriona Bisset (plus many more), there's a lot to look forward to. Hugh and Ryan also discuss some exciting changes for The Imperfects in 2020. As always thanks to No Mono (Pie Eater) for allowing us to use Keep On as the theme to this podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penny Moodie - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - It's often quoted yet misunderstood. In this special bonus ep, Hugh talks to Penny Moodie about what living with OCD anxiety is really like. Penny, amongst other things, is also Hugh’s wife, so we get to know what living with Hugh is really like! If this episode has triggered anything for you around mental health, we strongly recommend lifeline on 13 11 14.