The Imperfects

Latest Episodes:

Layne Beachley - Surf’s Up… And Down Dec 08, 2024

Show notes

Today we welcome into the studio 7 time world champion surfer, and all-round legend, Layne Beachley.

Layne, who had the self-described ‘compassion of a tiger shark’ during her competition days, has lived an incredible journey to learn how to love others, and more importantly, herself.

Upon discovering that she was adopted, Layne internalised a fear of rejection and intense need to prove herself.

What’s one way to prove yourself, you may ask? Becoming a world champion, no matter the cost.

In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh talk to Layne about the narrative that she created for herself, and how this affected her self-worth, body image and relationships.

There is SO MUCH good stuff in this episode, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy your day at the Beach(ley).

Layne, you are an absolute legend. Thank you for your generous vulnerability.

If you would like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3VsnIrd

ALSO if you would like to buy tickets to Josh’s gig (!!!!!) click here - https://bit.ly/3ZO6ojf

📖 Things to read:

Awake Academy - Layne Beachley and Tess Brouwer - https://bit.ly/4fNThEh
Beneath the Waves - Michael Gordon with Layne Beachley - https://bit.ly/410jgU2
From Strength to Strength - Arthur C Brooks - https://bit.ly/3VCaZTD
Build the Life You Want - Arthur C Brooks and Oprah Winfrey - https://amzn.to/3ZpgFAK

☕️Places to get coffee (and find your laptop cover):

Aegyo Cafe - https://bit.ly/3BqMNMi

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johann Hari - Beware The Thrill of The Magic Pill Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

Johann Hari is a prolific author, deep thinker, and seasoned guest of The Imperfects.

In this episode, Johann takes the guys on a deep dive into the Western food system, and how processed food has completely derailed our nutritional wisdom.

Our relationship with food is a very personal one, and Johann and Josh get vulnerable about how they have used food to manage emotions. They discuss how vanity comes into play, the plethora of risks and benefits to the new weight-loss drug like Ozempic, and if their introduction of could derail any notion of self-acceptance.

This episode does discuss eating disorders and suicidal ideation so tread carefully, and only listen to this episode when you’re ready.

Johann, it is always a pleasure. This is a big and tricky conversation, and we thank you for having it with us.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/2rcWI8zSOvE

🎧 Things to listen to:

Johann Hari - The Importance of Connection - https://apple.co/4fE5V8n
Johann Hari - Why You Can’t Pay Attention - https://apple.co/4flaoMG
Johann Hari (P1 1) - How Can We Change? - https://apple.co/40liAIJ
Johann Hari (Pt 2) - Why Do We Do What We Do? - https://apple.co/3UokTH2

📖 Things to read:

The Magic Pill by Johann Hari - https://bit.ly/3NHoyw1
Johann’s other books - https://johannhari.com

💻Things to look into:

Prof. Tracey Mann research into dieting - https://bit.ly/4eKbDEB
Bee Wilson’s research into baby food - https://bit.ly/3ZtpklZ
Dr. Paul Kenny research into the obesity - https://bit.ly/3ZbtZsm

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.

Jim Rogers - A Life Bigger Than Dementia Nov 24, 2024

Show notes

Today we are introducing you to Jim Rogers, who, in amongst a wild and vibrant life, has been diagnosed with younger-onset dementia.

So generous, and such an amazing storyteller, Jim tells us the three acts of his life, so far.

The grief of losing his first love, the surprise of his second, and the shock of a dementia diagnosis at 55, this conversation left Hugh, Ryan, and Josh with an invigorated sense for the preciousness of life, love, and family.

In Jim’s words, dementia strips you of the most important things: your memory and recognition of your loved ones, as well as your ability to make choices for your own wellbeing.

Dementia affects the lives of more than 421,000 individual Australians, and countless family members, loved ones and carers. There is no known cure for dementia, however there are treatments for many of the symptoms.

This episode is heart-breaking and heart-warming in the same breath, and we know you’re about to fall in love with Jim, just like we did.

Special thanks to Hamish Macdonald, and the Dementia Australia team, who introduced us to Jim.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/MUk5ED2Ppug

🎧 Things to listen to:

Hold The Moment - https://apple.co/3YCOjUz

📺 Things to watch:

Still Alice - https://bit.ly/3YD5cyu

🧠 If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with Dementia, here are some great resources as a starting point:

Dementia Australia Helpline - 1800 100 500
Dementia Australia - https://www.dementia.org.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily - Resent Less, Live More Nov 17, 2024

Show notes

How long have you been holding on to that grudge? Are you picturing that person or moment right now? Have you ever considered what a step towards forgiveness might look like?

These are BIG questions, and thank God, Dr Emily, our resident psychologist, is here to talk us through it all.

In today’s episode, Dr Em begins by acknowledging that resentment is a normal human emotion. Phew.

However, holding on to resentment for prolonged periods of time can have a serious impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as your relationships (just ask Hugh and Josh).

Then we get onto the F-word. Yep, that’s right. We’re talking about forgiveness. And more specifically, how forgiveness is FOR YOU, and not about excusing behaviour.

So get comfy, and enjoy the last of Dr Em for 2024.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/4i1FETt

🎧Things to listen to:

Sean Turnell - A Prisoner’s Guide to Life - https://apple.co/3yGPick
Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life - https://apple.co/3UKpxQ8
Dr Emily - Truth v Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7

📖 Things to read:

Let Go by Hugh van Cuylenburg - https://bit.ly/4fpridx

💻 Things to check out:

Fred Luskin’s research into Forgiveness - https://bit.ly/40DYgCC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Bol - 800m & 3 Free Haircuts Nov 10, 2024

Show notes

You may know Peter Bol as the 800m runner, who came fourth in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and second in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Or, if you’re Hugh, you may have hundreds of photos of Peter training.

Wherever you are on the Peter-obsession-meter, we think you’re going to love this episode.

Our chat with Peter starts in Sudan, where Peter and his family moved as a unit, through Egypt, before settling in Australia. They were chasing safety and opportunity, two values that continue to ground Peter through all of his sporting success.

In 2023, Peter was on the most amazing upward trajectory, he'd just become the WA Young Australian of the year and things were looking good for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Then he was completely derailed with a false-positive drug test.

Hugh, Ryan, and Josh talk to Peter about how he remained consciously grateful and resilient throughout the entire saga and was able to instil within himself such fundamental lessons around positivity, justice and mindset.

Peter, we (Hugh) will see you on the track soon.

To watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4hC3CnP

🎧 Things to listen to:

How To Write A Gratitude Letter - https://apple.co/3NGhccf

📺 Things to watch:

Peter Bol’s 2021 Olympic 800m Race - https://bit.ly/4fhNPbS

📱Apps to download

BBL - https://bit.ly/4hldXVd

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janelle Booker - Living With ADHD Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

In this long-awaited Academy of Imperfection, we chat to psychologist Janelle Booker, who specialises in ADHD and Highly Sensitive Person trait.

There is SO MUCH to learn (and love) about an ADHD brain.

We learn how ADHDers are often extremely creative, innovative, and talented, and in the right conditions, absolutely thrive.

However, ADHDers may struggle with executive functions such as time keeping, organisation and emotional regulation, which can make daily life really hard and exhausting.

People with ADHD can be more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as dopamine boosting activities such as risk-taking behaviour, addiction and disordered eating. This is why seeking the right diagnosis and treatment plan can be really impactful.

With school as a battleground, and friendships sometimes hard to maintain, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat through how neurotypical people can be better allies and support systems to ADHDers, as friends, partners, employers, and parents.

On a HSP note (not the snack pack, unfortunately), we bet a few of you might resonate with Janelle’s explanation, especially since 15-20% of the population have the Highly Sensitive Person trait.

Janelle, it was an absolute pleasure, and we can’t believe we didn’t do this sooner.

Janelle is based in Western Australia, and her practice Janelle Booker Psychology, will be accepting new clients in February 2025. Click here to find out more - https://bit.ly/3BZimwO

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NPDDf7

💻 ADHD Resources to check out:

ADHD Foundation Australia Hotline - https://adhdfoundation.org.au/adhd
Stardust Support - https://www.stardustsupport.com.au/
Curtin University ADHD Support Group - https://bit.ly/40fIm14
For support groups at other universities, contact your counselling or psychology service

🎧 Things to listen to:

Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World - https://apple.co/48nT3Ax
Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me - https://apple.co/3yHdawf
Dr. Emily - Truth vs Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7

📖 Things to read:

Elaine Aron’s work on HSP - https://bit.ly/4eYlO9H
Research paper on ADHD genes - https://go.nature.com/3YGcgui

📺 Things to watch:

ADHD Meme Account Recommended by Ryan - https://bit.ly/3YrxwCt

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Shewry - Making It Right (And Delicious) Oct 27, 2024

Show notes

Chef extraordinaire, creative genius and owner of Attica, Ben Shewry is welcomed back to the studio, this time into the Vulnerabilitea House.

In this episode, Ben answers the question, “When was a time you stayed silent, and regretted it?” and talks about his own culpability in racism, and how this event shaped the person that he is today.

Hugh and Josh share a moment they wish they could have back, and how they have been moving through the shame to do better next time.

In determining what success means to him, Ben talks so graciously about how showing sensitivity and love within relationships leads to deeper connections, and a more enriching life.

Ben, we’re IN LOVE with you.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/s2ZnJ1fw35w

📖 Things to read:

Uses for Obsession by Ben Shewry - https://bit.ly/4f8Z6eA

🎧 Things to listen to:

Ben Shewry (Pt 1) - The Other Side of Excellence - https://apple.co/4hhc2RB
Ben Shewry (Pt 2) - How The Chef Was Made - https://apple.co/48hrQiQ
Rana Hussain - Belonging for Connection - https://apple.co/3NwftWC
Slip Slidin’ Away by Paul Simon - https://bit.ly/3NyRqGL

🍴Things to check out:

Attica - https://www.attica.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's Your ATAR? Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

It’s tiiimmmmeeee, to get vulnyyyyy (again).

And this time, we’re talking about year 12 exams. With the WHOLE TEAM!

Whether you’ve hid a possum in your cupboard the night before your English exam, or lost your voice on stage in your drama final, or maybe didn’t even take exams, we’ve been there, and we’re here to tell you, it will be okay.

So, get out your papers and pens (do kids still use these?), sit down and enjoy.

Love,

The Imperfects.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3YkRBuk

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Julia Baird - An Awe-full Conversation Oct 20, 2024

Show notes

As an author, journalist and broadcaster, Dr Julia Baird has spent the last decade researching awe, wonder, grace and forgiveness (...and now the title makes sense!).

Finding joy and purpose through ocean swimming, Julia shows us how impactful nature and community can be when we say yes to adventure (and also what to do when caught in a rip).

With Josh out sick, Ryan and Hugh do the heavy lifting with bountiful good questions, Ryan becomes enlightened and discovers the meaning behind church (no really, he’s onto something), and Hugh and Ryan get deep with Julia and discuss the role of justice in forgiveness and the place of grace in today’s society.

Julia, it was such an honour, and definitely a name ticked off our dream-guest bucket list.

To watch the full episode on YouTube click here - https://youtu.be/3Xjy4eABOQ4

🎧Things to listen to:

Not Stupid podcast with Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez - https://apple.co/4h3mhIS
Grace Tame - “Sexy-time, Scissoring, Autism” - https://apple.co/404jXv7
All that really matters - Teddy Swims - https://bit.ly/3NmAt26
Renegades: Born in the USA with Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen - https://apple.co/3BJbhQW

📖 Things to read

Julia Baird’s ‘Staying Upright’ ABC column - https://ab.co/4f31HGN
Phosphorescence by Julia Baird - https://bit.ly/3Y2MK0M
Bright Shining by Julia Baird - https://bit.ly/4eNfaCX
Silent Spring by Rachel Carlson - https://bit.ly/3NpOhcf
The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carlson - https://bit.ly/3A5UPcP
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey - https://amzn.to/3A1w3L1
AWE by Dacher Keltner - https://amzn.to/3BGEk7E
The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

📺 Things to watch

Barack Obama singing Amazing Grace - https://bit.ly/3BG1WsV
The Pool documentary - https://thepoolfilm.au

🌊 Information about Ocean Swimming Groups

Phosphorescence Swimming Group (Melbourne) - https://bit.ly/488EWPp
Margaret River Swimming Group - https://ab.co/4dKT02P

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Post-Natal Depression Oct 13, 2024

Show notes

The birth of a child is completely overwhelming, in every way. What gets you through is your newfound love and connection. Right?

But what happens when your heart doesn’t break open with love? What happens when you don’t feel what you’re meant to be feeling?

Jack Post is a pillar of Australian radio. Cackling Jack of Hamish and Andy, Side-Kick of the Christian O’Connell Show, Jack has worked hard to always be in the right place at the right time.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Jack is so remarkably honest about his experience with post-natal depression. The shame, the unbearable expectation, the support, and the newfound self-love, Jack shares his journey and the hard work that he has done to get here.

This is not an easy conversation, but it is such a very important one.

We don’t have favourites, but this episode is an exception. Jack, it was an honour speaking to you. We love you so much.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/1ly4jm4vrqA

🎧 Things to listen to: