The Imperfects

Latest Episodes:

Andy Cooks - Andy Doesn't Drink (Anymore) Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

Hey Babe, what’s for (vulnerabili)tea?

💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj

Andy Hearnden, better known for his online moniker Andy Cooks, is a professional chef and home cook extraordinaire, with more YouTube and TikTok followers than the population of a small country.

Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House, Andy answers the question, “what’s been your biggest failure and how was it good or bad for you?”

Imitating the behaviour of others around him, alcohol became a normal part of Andy’s daily routine, and eventually, his identity. Andy opens up to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the non-linear nature of his sobriety journey, and the incredible support of his partner Katelyn (Babe).

As a garnish, Andy chats to Ry about breaking the cycle of poor people management, and learning how to become a leader.

Andy, you can cook (or chat) with us anytime.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/Pq8iKXWIfGA

🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

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
Ben Shewry - Making It Right (And Delicious) - https://bit.ly/4jPHq9F

📖 Things to read

The Cookbook, by Andy Cooks - https://bit.ly/3UIB161

💻Things to check out

Andy Cooks - YouTube - https://bit.ly/4okLSRk

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here 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.

Dr Emily - We're Longing for Belonging Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever wonder whether you belong?

💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj

According to Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist, belonging is an evolutionary need, literally built into our DNA. And in our current loneliness epidemic, the feeling of belonging uncertainty can impact our sense of safety, identity and even physical health.

This week, Dr Em goes into the intolerable state of uncertainty, and the self-fulfilling prophecy we may induce when trying to protect ourselves. Unfortunately, for all of us introverts, creating connection involves risk.

Thorough in her research as always, Dr Em explains the benefits to seeking perspective and crafting situations to help others feel like they belong.

AND with a guest star appearance from Producer Bridge, we unpack what it looks and feels like to get it wrong, and how you can work to get it right.

Dr Em, this is our favourite time of the month.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/r1qTUZwBLDw

🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

Rana Hussain - Belonging For Connection - http://bit.ly/4odhGY8
Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World - http://bit.ly/4l8Y4lt
Grace Tame - “Sexy-time, Scissoring, Autism” - http://bit.ly/4mbPvaq
Glenn Robbins - Listening to the Voice in Your Head - https://bit.ly/40HM8zK
Billy Slater - Leading from the (Full) Back - https://bit.ly/45qvmrr

📖Things to read

A question of belonging: race, social fit, and achievement by Geoffrey Cohen and Gregory Walton - https://bit.ly/4mbPMds
A Brief Social-Belonging Intervention Improves Academic and Health Outcomes of Minority Students by Geoffrey Cohen and Gregory Walton - https://bit.ly/3UCcS0Y
Breaking the cycle of mistrust: wise interventions to provide critical feedback across the racial divide by Geoffrey Cohen, David Yeager & others - https://bit.ly/4odZKgc
Pygmalion in the Classroom by Robert Rosenthal & Lenore Jacobson - http://bit.ly/4fa2Tte
BELONGING: The Feeling That We “Belong” May Depend in Part on “Affirmations” by Mary Rowe - http://bit.ly/4l8fPBo
Unstuck by Dr Emily Musgrove - http://bit.ly/3J8tieV

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dis Works - A Game-Changing Study of The Resilience Project Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Well, well, well, it’s time to prove things.

💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj

Today we’re jumping in your ears for a public service announcement: The Resilience Project (TRP) is officially backed by some rock-hard, super-sciencey evidence.

Founded by our very own Hugh (you know, from the podcast), TRP delivers emotionally engaging programs to over 1000 schools across Australia, as well as workplaces and sporting clubs.

This longitudinal, independent study conducted by Roshini Balasooriya Lekamge is peer reviewed (no Ryan, not that pier), published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, and most importantly, highlights a staggering decrease in depression and anxiety for kids who are engaged with TRP programs and content. Yay!

We hope you love this news as much as we do xx

If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/MGLr0I9UE94

🧐To read this study yourself, click here! - https://bit.ly/4l7y9KR

🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

How I Built Dis - The Resilience Project Story - http://bit.ly/40IhXZg

💻Things to check out

The Resilience Project - https://theresilienceproject.com.au
TRP @ Home - http://bit.ly/4ociNr0
The University of Melbourne Evaluation - http://bit.ly/44Snxe4
University of Adelaide Research Findings - http://bit.ly/44Sp83y

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Williams - Concussion, Bipolar & Being a Dad Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Approached by 5 NRL clubs by the time he was 13, Joe was a sporting prodigy.

💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj

Thrust into the spotlight Joe was introduced to a world of concussions, accolades and copious amounts of drugs and alcohol.

Now 18 years sober, Joe is honest about how he found his power through truth and the experiences and learnings through which he navigates racism and understands human behaviour.

Joe chats to Josh about the difference between being a dad and a father, and how he has found compassion for his younger self.

This conversation also touches on Joe’s bipolar diagnosis, his relationship with the natural environment and the incredible difference that he is making in the mental health space now.

Joe, we can’t believe you found the time to join us. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

If you’d like to watch this full video on YouTube, click here:

📖 Things to read:

Defying The Enemy Within by Joe Williams - https://bit.ly/4eY3cr0
What Happened To You by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey - https://bit.ly/4lYzl4F
The Dreaming Path by Paul Callaghan with Uncle Paul Gordon - https://bit.ly/3ICXbEd

📺Things to watch:

Seen The Film - https://seenthefilm.com

💻Things to check out:

Our Way Academy - https://bit.ly/4lGt4uf

🚨If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal ideation, thinking about suicide, or has issues with addiction, please call 000 in an emergency. Lifeline on 13 11 14 is also great resource, as well as the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jess Hill - A 'love' of Control Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Domestic violence is an epidemic in Australia, and Jess Hill has dedicated a good chunk of time trying to understand why.

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au

Joining us in the Academy of Imperfection, Jess explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh the unrelenting system of entrapment that many women find themselves in, including a detailed look at the history of coercive control, and the term ‘perspecticide’.

Describing the importance of early intervention for young boys, and answering the question ‘Why don’t they just leave?’, Jess discusses with Josh the difference between guilt and shame, and the fundamental impact of these emotions.

This episode is compulsory listening for everyone (obviously, it’s Jess Hill talking about one of the most significant issues in our country), but especially those who, in their quietest, most vulnerable moment, recognise themselves as a perpetrator and want to take the next steps to changing the cycle of trauma.

Jess, we cannot thank you enough.

If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPAi24DyWRc

🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

Tarang Chawla - Men Talking About Men’s Violence - https://bit.ly/45p2aBN
Chanel Contos - Consensual Healing - https://bit.ly/3SSvrND
An Imperfect Chat About Men - https://bit.ly/4n4ce9o
Another Imperfect Chat About Men - https://bit.ly/4jUHQf7

🎧Things to listen to

The Trap - Why Do They Do It? - https://bit.ly/3G0H9D1

📺 Things to watch

See What You Made Me Do - https://bit.ly/3STaUbW
Matt Brown TedTalk - https://bit.ly/4jP1RUc

📖 Things to read

See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill - https://bit.ly/3HG8gno
The Reckoning by Jess Hill - https://bit.ly/3FQyZNy
Losing It by Jess Hill - https://bit.ly/4ni3YD8
She Is Not Your Rehab by Matt Brown with Sarah Brown - https://bit.ly/45In6Uz
Rape in Marriage by Diana E.H Russell - https://bit.ly/4n3q0Jr
Home Truths by Jess Hill - https://bit.ly/402SfOC
The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge - https://bit.ly/4eejITp
Shame and Pride by Donald Nathanson - https://bit.ly/4lsrc7V
Three Planet Model by Marianne Hester - https://bit.ly/4e4sG5t

💻Things to check out

Yiliyapinya - https://yiliyapinya.org.au/about/
Inner Boy - She Is Not Your Rehab - Free 30 Day Program - https://bit.ly/4jPOdQA

🚨If you, or someone you know, is exhibiting behaviour that may be concerning or problematic, call MensLine on 1300 78 99 78, or No To Violence on 1300 766 491.

🚨If you feel like you are in immediate danger please call 000. If you need someone to talk to we recommend the nation24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line 1800 RESPECT on 1800 732 732.

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent Fantauzzo - A Brush With Pain Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

Art saved Vincent Fantauzzo’s life.

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au

In this episode, Vincent paints the picture of his childhood in Broadmeadows, a childhood marked with violence and abuse, and how undiagnosed dyslexia deeply affected Vincent’s ability to read and write, as well as his memory. Now known worldwide for his award winning portraits of Asher Keddie (his now wife), Julia Gillard and Heath Ledger, Vincent chats to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the incredible father figures, role models and friends that he has connected with throughout his life, and the impact they have had on his sense of self. Vincent, this was a dream come true.

To watch this video on YouTube (a picture paints a thousand words after all), follow this link - 🫖 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwH3A-jSd3U

Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

Billy Slater - Leading from the (Full)Back - https://bit.ly/45ZZfQ6

🎨Things to check out

Vincent’s Gallery - https://bit.ly/4n4CyAr

‘Heath’ Portrait - https://bit.ly/3Tp8amG

‘Love Face’ Portrait - https://bit.ly/4lcE4yQ

‘All that’s good in me’ (self-portrait as son Luca) - https://bit.ly/4kJF8u1

📖Things to read

Unveiled by Vincent Fantauzzo - https://bit.ly/4e3PsKO

🚨If you, or someone you know, is struggling with thoughts surrounding suicide, suicidal ideation or self-harm, please call 000 or Life Life on 13 11 14. 🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects 🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here 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.

Dr Emily - That Guilty Feeling Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

How often do you feel guilty?

Guiding us on a guilt trip today is our resident psychologist (and published author) Dr Emily Musgrove.

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au

Differentiating guilt from shame or regret, Dr Emily takes us back to the very beginning to explain the purpose and function of guilt as a pro-social behaviour which your cave-person ancestor probably would have used to keep them in the tribe.

When used wisely, guilt is a useful recognition of information that can alert us when we have gone against our values or dropped our moral standards.

However, as Dr Em explains (and people pleasers would know all too well) guilt can quickly becoming overwhelming, exhausting and make you feel like you’re always letting someone down. In this episode, Dr Em dives into the seemingly never-ending guilt of being a parent, especially a mum, as well as the guilt associated with caring for ageing parents.

Dr Em, you’ve done it again.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/wLLJdF1edVE

🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

Dr Emily - What Are Your Values? - https://apple.co/4dckMpy
Dr Emily - What Are Your Boundaries? - https://bit.ly/409jO91
Dr Emily - Truth v Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7
Dr Emily - Who Is Your Inner Critic - https://apple.co/3XaFdw9
Ben Shewry - Making It Right (And Delicious) - https://bit.ly/4jPHq9F
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

📖Things to read

Unstuck by Dr Emily Musgrove - https://bit.ly/4bhmCp2
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins - https://bit.ly/3SUcvhv
Good Inside by Dr Becky Kennedy - https://bit.ly/443BPXE
Choice Points by Russ Harris and Colleagues - https://bit.ly/4jUZjnw

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cate Campbell - Even Olympians Have Depression Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au - this week, featuring a reflection from none other than Cate Campbell.

By the time she was 16, Cate Campbell had figured out her social currency: achievement, in the form of gold medals, no less.

Four time Olympian and world record holder Cate joins us in the Vulnerabilitea House to answer the question ‘How and when have you been dishonest with yourself?’

From telling herself she was ‘fine’ to having a breakdown over a Milo, Cate recounts the intense period of loneliness she experienced during Covid, and the depression she ‘didn’t deserve’ to feel.

This episode emphasises the critical importance of connection for our mental health, and Cate so beautifully articulates the impact of finding love at first sight (friend addition), and navigating a changing relationship with her sister Bronte.

Coming of age in a world where perfection is praised and your failure makes headlines, Cate is so generous in sharing how she had learn to ask for help and to value her mental health like she would her physical.

Cate, you are simply the best.

To watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link: http://bit.ly/40ecuJc

🫖Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

Bronte Campbell - Comparison, The Thief of Joy - https://bit.ly/44h52iW

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Campbell "Struthless" Walker - Withdrawing with Drawing Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

Do you think of yourself as a creative person? How does being creative make you feel?

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au

Today we welcome into the Academy of Imperfection (reluctant) expert Campbell Walker, better known by his online moniker, Struthless.

Drawing on his hypothesis that creativity is the antithesis of destruction, Struthless discusses how to train yourself in creativity, the 70% rule in completing a creative pursuit, and, thankfully for Hugh, how to recognise and celebrate your creative brain in everyday tasks.

Struthless opens up about the moment he realised drugs had stopped becoming fun, going deeper into his struggles with addiction and how he reframed one of his most shameful moment by asking “how could this be the best thing that has ever happened to me”?

Ryan and Struthless chat about the mental health benefits, and absolute joy, of journalling (just ask anyone who’s bought My Imperfect Life), and how to make sure that the pain doesn’t win.

Figuratively, illustratively and literally, we loved hanging out with you, Struthless.

If you would like to watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - http://bit.ly/3TrGI7I

🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

Adam Grant - The Potential of Your Potential - https://bit.ly/4ksJXYL
How (And Why) Ryan Dumped His iPhone - https://bit.ly/41RY15O

📖 Things to read

Doom and Bloom, by Campbell Walker - https://bit.ly/3HnCQSv
Your Head Is A Houseboat, by Campbell Walker - https://bit.ly/3SxJUOW
The Medium is the Message, by Marshall McLuhan - https://bit.ly/3T7tUmP

📺 Things to watch

Boss Baby - https://bit.ly/4438FJe
Pingu - https://bit.ly/43V1EsW

🚨If you, or someone you know, is struggling with addiction, the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015, is a great place to start.

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaac Humphries - Coming Out On Court Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au

There is currently only one gay man actively playing in a professional, top-tier basketball league anywhere in the world. And today, we had the enormous privilege of welcoming him into the studio.

Demonstrating Olympic-level vulnerability, Isaac Humphries made global headlines in 2022 when he came out as gay to his basketball teammates.

However, as Hugh, Ryan and Josh learn in this chat, this moment was the result of a lifetime of chaos, confusion, darkness, and ultimately, courage.

In this episode, Isaac talks through his horrific experience of childhood bullying, and how basketball became both a sanctuary and a space of secrecy. For Isaac, he never imagined a world where he could keep his career and live authentically as his whole self.

An incredible journey, which includes a Beyonce-esque move of dropping his last name for a time, Isaac describes to Hugh, Ryan and Josh what it felt like to come out to his mum, live as an openly gay man for the first time, and finally, come out to the world.

Finding light in the darkest of times, Josh and Isaac discuss the importance of purpose, which prompts Hugh to reflect on how this episode is the epitome of The Imperfects: how vulnerability leads to authentic connection.

Isaac, we love you.

If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube (and see Hugh’s model shot), click here - https://bit.ly/43YQXpc

🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

Janelle Booker - Living With ADHD - https://bit.ly/42GsmEJ
Hugh’s Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People - https://apple.co/4l4kw0m

📺 Things to watch

Isaac’s Coming Out video - https://bit.ly/3HxvR9O

🎧 Things to listen to

Isaac’s music, including the song Be Alright - https://spoti.fi/4mTSGol

📖 Things to read

The Velvet Rage, by Alan Downs - https://bit.ly/43XZ3hH

🏳️‍🌈For some great educational resources, head to Pride in Sport - www.prideinsport.com.au/resources

🚨If you, or someone you know, is struggling, these are a few great resources

QLife - provides anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people over 18 wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. 1800 184 527, www.qlife.org.au
Minus 18 - Through a preventative model of mental health support, Minus 18 tackle social isolation by creating fun-filled spaces where LGBTQIA+ people under 18 feel they belong and are celebrated www.minus18.org.au
Lifeline - 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au

🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP

🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects

🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here apple.co/theimperfects

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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