Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

Osher Günsberg takes us on a Halloween journey -  from trick-or-treating in a bed sheet in 1980s Brisbane, to DJing in a Voldemort costume in his front yard while his wife drops a giant spider on unsuspecting adults. Along the way, he makes the case that Halloween isn’t just an American import - it’s a night where an entire community shows up for each other’s kids, and the memories are worth every piece of chocolate.

Topics covered:

• How slasher films and E.T. taught Australian kids about trick-or-treating
• Halloween in America vs. Australia and why our version hits different
• Teaching Wolfie the art of misdirection (and accidentally making a three-year-old cry)
• DJ Voldemort, Harry Potter, and Hermione
• 800 kids, one spider, and why it all matters

Coming up:

• Story Club December 6th: live on stage with Hannah Ferguson, Mark Humphries, Gen Fricker, Claire Cavanagh, and Charlotte Mortlock. It's the last Story Club of the year get in quick before it sells out again. Get tickets here
• Live streaming is coming back - subscribe to our YouTube to get involved.

LINKS

• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Goldman has been the unmistakable narrator of Big Brother Australia for 25 years, but there's far more to his story than what you hear on TV.

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Mike takes Osher Gunsberg behind the scenes of one of Australia's most iconic reality television shows, sharing how he landed the role, what really happens behind the cameras and why the show's return continues to mean so much to him.

He also opens up about the secrets to building a lasting career in the entertainment industry, the importance of work ethic and why being someone people can rely on is often more valuable than talent alone.

Mike also takes Osher beyond his life in showbiz, sharing the deeply personal journey to becoming a father, including the challenges of IVF, and recounts the terrifying experience of escaping a house fire in the early hours of the morning — a moment that put everything into perspective.

It's a funny, honest and surprisingly moving conversation about family, resilience, career longevity and making the most of every opportunity.

LINKS 

• Follow Mike on Instagram
• Catch Mike on the latest season of Big Brother airing on 10
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode comes to you direct from Malibu, overlooking the ocean and appreciating the beauty of the United States while reflecting on why Australia is still, and always will be, home.

LINKS

• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is ADHD really about being distracted, forgetful or lazy? Or is there something much more complex happening beneath the surface?

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Günsberg sits down with psychiatrist and adult ADHD specialist Dr Kieran Kennedy, author of 'This Explains Everything: A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Navigating Adult ADHD', for an honest and insightful conversation about what it really means to live with ADHD.

Drawing on his own experiences with neurodivergence, Osher explores ADHD from a different perspective: what's it like to love, live or work with someone whose brain operates differently? Together, Osher and Kieramn unpack the hidden exhaustion of ADHD masking, why seemingly simple tasks can feel impossible, and how forgetfulness, procrastination and impulsivity can create tension in relationships.

They also explore the rise in adult ADHD diagnoses, misconceptions about medication, the connection between ADHD and addictive behaviours, and practical strategies for managing symptoms. Kieran also explains why understanding ADHD isn't about making excuses, but about replacing shame and frustration with empathy, responsibility and effective support.

Whether you have ADHD yourself, suspect you might, or share your life with someone who does, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on neurodiversity and practical ways to make everyday life, and relationships, a little easier.

LINKS 

• Follow Kieran on Instagram
• Kieran Kennedy's book 'This Explains Everything: A psychiatrist's guide to navigating adult ADHD' is available now
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Something a little different on this episode, in the wake of the shocking attack on independent MP Helen Haines last week.

Political violence is on the rise and there's growing division in our community - that's the danger of dehumanising people who see the world differently, or have a different background.

Instead of rushing to judgment and fuelling polarisation, we should be asking “What were they thinking?”

It's a simple questions that could help us rediscover empathy, understanding and common ground in a time when the way we treat one another matters more than ever.

LINKS 

• Show your support for Helen Haines: Save The Children fundraiser
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to build a career in entertainment, overcome self-doubt and learn to back yourself? In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Günsberg sits down with Rob Mills for an honest, funny and reflective conversation about the lessons he's learned throughout his career, from his early days on Australian Idol to becoming one of Australia's leading musical theatre performers.

Rob opens up about the fear of not being good enough, how he learned to embrace uncomfortable challenges, and how committing to the work helped him grow into the performer he is today. He shares the story of being cast in the Australian production of Wicked, including the nerve-racking audition that nearly made him walk out, and explains why embracing embarrassment, asking for help and continually developing new skills are essential to personal and professional growth.

The conversation also explores the realities of working in the performing arts, from the uncertainty of a freelance career to the discipline required to keep improving. Rob also reflects on mental health, the importance of normalising conversations about how we're really feeling, and why men in particular need to become more comfortable opening up and seeking support.

Beyond the stage, Rob and Osher discuss the changing music industry, the challenges facing live entertainment, and why streaming has made it harder for artists to build sustainable careers. And as he considers the next chapter of his life, Rob also reflects on fatherhood, mentoring younger performers and finding new ways to channel his energy and experience.

This is a conversation about ambition, vulnerability, creativity and the courage to keep showing up — even when it seems terrifying.

LINKS 

• Follow Rob on Instagram (plus find his latest tour dates)
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should a 24yr old man living at home pay rent?

How long is too long to hold a door open for someone?

Why did you take SO LONG to say the names on Idol? 

These questions and more came in this week - ask yours here: [email protected] 

This week’s playlist “Do you have to dance like that?”

Tickets for Dec 6th Story Club show Ft: Clare Cavanagh, Mark Humphries, Gen Fricker, Charlotte Mortlock and Hannah Ferguson are here

Better Than Yesterday YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really mean to raise good men in today’s world?

In this important and timely conversation, psychologist, author and parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson joins Osher Günsberg to explore the challenges of raising boys in an age of social media, online influencers and increasingly distorted ideas about masculinity. From the impact of smartphones and the pursuit of online status to the troubling messages boys are exposed to about women, relationships and pornography, Justin explains why parents need to pay closer attention to what their sons are seeing, hearing and learning online — and how those influences can shape their behaviour. 

Justin also shares practical ways to help boys develop empathy, self-control, confidence and a strong moral compass. He explains why healthy masculinity is about using strength to make others feel safer and stronger, why connection matters more than constant correction, and how parents can create opportunities for meaningful conversations about respect, consent and responsibility. They also explore the importance of positive male role models, helping boys find purpose through meaningful challenges, and preparing teenagers to make better decisions when faced with peer pressure.

If you’re raising boys, navigating the teenage years or wondering how we can help the next generation of men grow into kind, respectful and capable adults, this is a conversation worth having.

LINKS 

• Justin's book 'Boys: Building strong young men from the inside out' is out now
• Follow Justin on Instagram
• More from Justin Coulson
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can I go to a stranger’s funeral? 

Is it ok to mute the family group chat?

What’s the protocol with a speakerphone call on the train?

LINKS 

• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Tickets to StoryClub’s October 18 show. 
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send your questions via email or DM on IG
• This week’s playlist 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg sits down with acclaimed Australian musician, author and father Josh Pyke for a wide-ranging conversation about anxiety, parenting, creativity, technology and the future of music.

Josh opens up about his experience with anxiety, including the moment he had to walk off stage in the middle of a panic attack. He shares what he has learned about changing his relationship with anxiety, rather than constantly trying to fight or escape it.

The conversation also explores raising children in an increasingly overwhelming digital world, and Josh explains why he and his wife have chosen to keep social media out of their children's lives, and why protecting curiosity, imagination and genuine connection matters more than ever.

As chair of the PPCA, Josh also offers a fascinating perspective on the changing music industry, from streaming and royalties to the rise of AI-generated music. He discusses the importance of ensuring artists are properly compensated and their work is used with consent, while questioning what could happen to Australian music and culture if human creativity becomes harder to discover and support.

Along the way, Josh reflects on songwriting, children's books, collaboration and the mysterious magic that happens when creativity clicks. It's an honest and thoughtful conversation about anxiety, fatherhood, technology, art and what we might lose if we stop making space for distinctly human creativity.

LINKS 

• Josh's latest album 'Kingdom Within' is available now
• Follow Josh on Instagram
• Josh's website
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Listen to the Story Club podcast
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest books here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.