💌 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 ...
Jun 29, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 7Ep. 26
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au Do you think of yourself as a creative person? How does being creative make you feel? 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 ...
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 7Ep. 25
💌 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...
Jun 15, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Season 7Ep. 24
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au This is where the fun begins. Today we welcome the Return of the Dr Emily, our resident psychologist, to talk about the Force in all its (clinical) glory. Amongst the immense excitement of Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Dr Emily talks through the lightness and darkness inside us all, and how the presence of a good mentor makes a world of difference. Bringing psychology back to the forefront of this ep, Dr Emily likens Yoda’...
Jun 08, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 7Ep. 23
Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au As the title suggests, Nas Campanella is really cool (and accomplished and driven and resilient). You might recognise her voice from the Triple J cinematic universe or know her work as the Disability Affairs Reporter for the ABC. But what you might not know is that Nas is vision impaired, or that a neurological condition means that she can’t read braille either. In this episode of The Vulnerabilitea House, Nas answer...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 7Ep. 22
It’s that time of the month (sorry), and we’re welcoming back Dr Louise Newson to talk all things hormones. In case you missed it, last time we had Dr Louise on the pod, she shared her expertise on perimenopause and menopause. This, to no surprise, was Apple Australia's most shared podcast episode in 2024. Today, Dr Louise talks to the guys about hormones; what they are, how they impact our lives, and what the difference is between the natural and synthetic forms we can be prescribed. Discussing...
May 25, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Season 7Ep. 21
Quick! Is anyone here an author? Yes! And her book is finally here! Our favourite psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove, has published the most anticipated book of the year, Unstuck: A guide to finding your way forward to the life you want to live. Feeling stuck, and the yearning for something to change, is a human experience. And in Unstuck , Dr Emily doesn’t just acknowledge this feeling, she walks with you through it. We’re talking values, we’re talking an introduction to acceptance commitment ther...
May 22, 2025•28 min•Season 7Ep. 20
It’s a Monty type of day - and thank god, because this week we welcome the brilliant Monty Dimond into the studio. In this episode, Monty opens up about the heartbreak of losing her mum—her person, her sense of home and safety. She speaks candidly about the tunnel vision of ambition, living with imposter syndrome, and how a debilitating chronic illness left her bed-bound for 90% of last year. Hugh and Monty share an incredibly vulnerable chat about parenting neurodivergent children; sharing the ...
May 18, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Season 7Ep. 19
What would it look like if we were more open to grief? This week, as promised, we are joined by our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove to talk through grief from a clinical perspective. Grief is proof of life, and proof of love. And while it is an incredibly unique experience for each person, there is a universality to it as well. Dr Em walks us through how grief impacts the brain on a neurological level, and unpacks its unpredictable, non-linear path. Explaining the difference between grie...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 7Ep. 18
Lauren Zonfrillo knows grief - intimately, devastatingly, and meaningfully. Almost two years since the sudden death of her husband Jock, Lauren describes grief as the ‘shittest, greatest gift’, and how she navigated unimaginable loss while continuing to parent two young children. In this episode, Lauren shares what she learnt about herself in the days, weeks, and months since Jock’s passing. Discussing with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about her evolving relationship with spirituality, Lauren vulnerably ...
May 04, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 7Ep. 17
It’s the episode we’ve all been waiting for – a peek inside Hugh’s brain. After our episode with psychologist and ADHD expert Janelle Booker - and a reboot of his algorithm that Hugh related to on a spiritual level - Hugh began to wonder whether his time-blindness, reject sensitivity and inability to focus on things he wasn’t interested in, could be explained by ADHD. Turns out, yeah. Hugh pretty much definitely has ADHD. Exploring Hugh’s lived experience, Ryan and Josh chat through how Hugh has...
Apr 27, 2025•55 min•Season 7Ep. 16
Chasing the ‘perfect’ diet is a trap; which is really great news for our brand. Simon Hill, nutritionist, physiotherapist, and host of The Proof podcast, joins us in the Academy of Imperfection to break down whether the latest dietary trends on social media actually match up with nutrition science. In this episode, Simon unpacks the role of both genetics and lifestyle choices in shaping our health, and specifically our risk of disease. Acknowledging the pressure, and sometimes shame, that comes ...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 7Ep. 15
Trauma ran through Courtney Ugle’s family - until it ran into her. CEO and founder of Waangkiny, as well as a football superstar, Courtney is on a mission to transform her adversity into resilience, power, and love. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Courtney answers the question, “what childhood challenges best prepared you for adulthood?”, diving into how she copes with the loss of her greatest source of unconditional love and support, and how this drives the work that she does today. In conversatio...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 7Ep. 14
Chances are, you’ve supported someone going through a tough time. And while the meaning sustains the sacrifice, today we want to support you ….. supporting them. A bit of support inception, if you will. To guide us through this incredibly complex and meaningful topic is our resident psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove. Navigating relationships requires awareness. Showing up as a partner, friend, parent, or sibling while holding space for pain – without being overwhelmed – is a skill that takes pract...
Apr 06, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 7Ep. 13
This is PART TWO of our chat with footballer, coach and uniter of people, Danielle Laidley. We HIGHLY recommend you go back and listen to part one if you haven’t heard it (linked below). In this episode, Danielle recounts how it felt to be publicly outed, her own voice removed as the media crafted their own narrative about her identity. A story of courage, resilience and love, Danielle vulnerably shares with Hugh, Ryan and Josh how she united her two worlds, and found the strength to live authen...
Mar 30, 2025•48 min•Season 7Ep. 12
Danielle May Laidley was known by a different name for the first 53 years of her life. We are so proud that this episode is a contributing factor to her reclaiming her narrative as a transgender woman. An extremely talented AFL footballer, Danielle would go on to become a highly respected coach, always keeping within arm’s reach the version of herself which felt most authentic. Danielle’s story, in its entirety, is so incredibly important that we had to split it over two big and special episodes...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 7Ep. 11
It’s been a big few weeks since Hugh released his Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People (episode linked below). If you haven't heard it, it’s best to listen to that before you listen to this episode. Today we wanted to catch up and reflect on whats happened since. Hugh shares some beautiful messages, and Josh asks, practically, how we can show less judgement and more empathy to neurodivergent people and the people who care for them. Then, Ryan does some quick maths to fact check Hugh’s...
Mar 27, 2025•43 min•Season 7Ep. 10
Get excited, it’s finally Steve Curry* day. Actor, comedian, and expert hole digger (you bet we snuck this in here), Steve joins us to share his personal and professional epiphany: a ‘collaboration realisation’ his lightbulb moment about teamwork, success, and the power of vulnerability. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Steve answers the questions ‘When was a time you genuinely needed help? Were you able to ask for it?’, and discusses the joy of working in a team where success is a joint effort. Thi...
Mar 23, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 7Ep. 9
Clinical psychologist Dr Julie Smith has a gift for explaining complex ideas in under a minute (which is GREAT for new-age attention spans). With over 4.8 million TikTok followers, two best-selling books and a glowing endorsement from our own Dr Em, having Dr Julie join our Academy of Imperfection is nothing short of a dream. In this episode, Dr Julie reframes the feeling of overwhelm, helping us to see it as valuable information about how we might not be meeting our needs, rather than something...
Mar 16, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 7Ep. 8
This is an open letter to parents of autistic and neurodivergent people. It may be confronting. Please take care when listening. Love, Hugh See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 13, 2025•15 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Hannah Diviney is one of the most powerful people in pop culture. At just 25 years old, the author, advocate, and actor hasn’t just called out Lizzo for using an ableist slur—she also took on Queen B herself. And she succeeded on both fronts. Which, once you get to know her, isn’t surprising at all. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Hannah reflects on the questions: “How do you see yourself? Is it the same way your loved ones see you?” Answering with incredible vulnerability, Hannah shares how her re...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Today, Dr Emily talks about hope. And in a world where things can feel a little bit hopeless, this really couldn’t have come at a better time. In contrast to all of our understanding up until this point, hope is not an emotion. Expertly defined by Dr Emily, hope is a belief. And most significantly, it can be learned, and it can be cultivated. Psychological mic-drop. This episode delves into strategies for creating both a sense of collective and individual hope, and in a discovery which happens t...
Mar 02, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Matthew Murphy, front-man of the iconic UK band The Wombats, joins us in our first VulnerabiliTea House of 2025. In this episode, Murph answers one of life’s most terrifying questions, “In what ways do you fear you could negatively impact your children?” He also shares his experience with panic attacks, anxiety and depression and is extremely honest detailing how alcohol became a crutch. Becoming sober, which Murph describes as the best decision of his life, was not easy. Murph goes into detail ...
Feb 23, 2025•53 min•Season 7Ep. 4
It’s time for Announcement Number Three! A brand-new Imperfects Live Show (!!!!!!). That’s right, we’re going on the road again. In October, November, and December of this year (2025), we’ll be performing a brand-new stage show, around the country! It’s gonna be bigger, it’s gonna be better, and we promise we won’t let Hugh (or Chat GPT) write the show. All responsibility will henceforth be given to Random Word Generator! We would love and adore to see you there! 🎟️ Click here to get your ticke...
Feb 20, 2025•16 min•Season 7Ep. 3
Psychologist Maria Ruberto is back to talk about one of the most important parts of our day: sleep. Starting off with the biology of sleep, Maria takes us through how we get to sleep, what happens when we sleep, and why we desperately need to sleep for good health and longevity. With metaphors galore to make the science as relatable as possible, we discuss the role of melatonin, the impact of screens on our suprachiasmatic nucleus and whether it’s worth cutting your sleep short to exercise? In m...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 53 min•Season 7Ep. 2
The stoke level is pretty high this week because we are joined by three-time world champion surfer, shark attack survivor, and maybe the nicest guy we have ever met, Mick Fanning. We had high expectations for this chat (we mean, it’s Mick Fanning), but he absolutely blew us out of the water with his humanity, compassion, empathy, and positivity in the face of incredible tragedy. Mick, we’ll definitely take you up on that offer of a surf (and lifelong friendship). To watch this full video on our ...
Feb 09, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Season 7Ep. 1
Well, well, well. We’re (officially) back for 2025, baby! On Hugh’s agenda for today’s episode: nugatory chat, ghosts, general excitement for the new season and we also reveal THE SECOND BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! That’s right, The Imperfects are bringing you a new show. A Little More Imperfects, which can be found on Patreon, is bonus fortnightly episodes featuring everything that you know and love (Josh going deep, Ryan being hilarious and Hugh giving life changing advice / intense second hand embarras...
Feb 02, 2025•28 min
It’s our last episode of Summer School, and today we welcome back clinical psychologist (and “clinical cousin” of Hugh and Josh), James van Cuylenburg. In this episode, James tells us EVERYTHING we need to know about our relationships… well almost everything…there’s a lot to cover. From attachment styles, to breaking trust, to learning how to own your feelings and navigating coupledom through life’s changing seasons. Getting into the nitty gritty, Hugh asks James about intimacy and what happens ...
Jan 26, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 6Ep. 65
In this episode of our Summer School, we are joined by Sophie Walker, creator, and host of Australian Birth Stories. With over 17 million downloads, and 500 episodes, Australian Birth Stories podcast has been accredited by the Australian College of Midwives and has been instrumental in educating and empowering both people who are giving birth, as well as birthing partners. Hugh shares the incredible trauma and fear involved with his first experience of birth, and how tools of education and empow...
Jan 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 64
B b b bonus episode! We proudly present to you My Imperfect Life: a novel journal written by you. That’s right, we’re releasing a book, but making you do all the work. With 100 questions inspired by episodes from 2024 on The Imperfects, My Imperfect Life is an introduction to vulnerability, allowing you to unpack your own imperfect life and be more vulnerable with yourself (because we know vulnerability with others can be A LOT). To celebrate the launch of My Imperfect Life, we are inviting you ...
Jan 16, 2025•34 min•Season 6Ep. 63
