Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

What does it really mean to lead with strength?

For decades, we've been taught that great leadership is about being loud, decisive and commanding. But what if the most effective leaders are the ones who listen first, lead with empathy and have the courage to challenge the status quo?

In this episode, Osher Günsberg sits down with former Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (and first female to be promoted to rank of lieutenant general) Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan, whose remarkable career has redefined what leadership can look like. Rising through one of the world's most traditional institutions, Elanor transformed military culture by proving that sensitivity, curiosity and authenticity aren't weaknesses, but powerful competitive advantages.

Drawing on more than 30 years of military service, Elanor shares how she overcame resistance, challenged outdated systems, and created lasting change by helping people rethink why they do what they do. From being the only woman aboard a warship with no accommodation for women, to inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace vulnerability, her experiences offer lessons that apply far beyond the military.

This conversation also explores her extraordinary decision to leave the military after 32 years to take on one of the Netherlands' biggest challenges: helping solve the country's housing crisis as newly appointed Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning. Her deeply human perspective on the importance of creating not just houses, but homes, reveals why purpose should always be at the heart of leadership.

Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, raising a family or navigating your own career, this episode is packed with practical insights on resilience, change, emotional intelligence and leading with courage.

LINKS 

• Elanor's book 'Armed With Sensitivity: A General's Perspective On Leadership' is out 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
• 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] 

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• Kids Don’t Need Perfect Parents, Just Present Ones with Lisa Taylor
• How The Netherlands Turned an Oil Crisis Into a National Opportunity
• The New Leadership Playbook: Why Caring Workplaces Win with Graeme Cowan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll scored back-to-back perfect 10s at Pipeline, one of the deadliest waves on the planet. But behind the world titles and global fame, Tom was fighting a quiet, destructive battle with methamphetamine addiction while raising three daughters.

In this conversation, Tom opens up about the trauma of losing his mother as a child, what actually happens when you stop running from emotional pain, and the split-second decision at a roundabout six months into recovery that saved his life.

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or trying to break free from your own unhealthy cycles, Tom’s insights offer a practical map out of isolation and into a life beyond what you thought was possible.

LINKS 

• Listen to the full conversation with Tom here
• More on Tom's meditation workshop
• Tom's breathwork workshop
• 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
• 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] 

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• AFL Coach Michelle Cowan on How to Stay Confident When People Doubt You
• Enjoyment Is Efficiency: The Productivity Shift That Changes Everything
• The Iconic founder Adam Jacobs' reveals his top 3 ideas for success

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Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health and suicide which some listeners may find distressing. Resources can be found below.

In this raw and real conversation, Harrison James joins Osher Gunsberg to tell his remarkable story of surviving years of child sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother, overcoming unimaginable trauma, and transforming that pain into a mission that's creating lasting change within the justice system.

Harrison speaks candidly about the grooming and abuse he endured as a teenager, including fathering a child at just 15, only to have that same child ripped from his life, the devastating impact it had on his mental health, and the long road to healing. Together, they explore the many myths surrounding child sexual abuse continue that persist, particularly for male survivors, and why these conversations are essential if we are to better protect children and support victim survivors.

The discussion also shines a light on hope as Harrison shares how therapy, community, and practical tools such as writing unsent letters helped him reclaim his life. His advocacy has led to legislative reform across Australia, abolishing the use of good character references during sentencing for convicted offenders in multiple jurisdictions. It's an honest, confronting and deeply moving episode about resilience, recovery and purpose. 

SUPPORT:
If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:

• 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 or https://1800respect.org.au
• Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au 

LINKS 

• Harrison's book 'Transform Your Pain into Purpose' is out now
• Follow Harrison (@itsharrijames) on Instagram
• 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
• 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] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
• How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
• The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are we so fascinated by the people on the absolute fringes of society?

When someone adopts a worldview that seems completely detached from consensus reality, what is the sequence of thoughts and experiences that led them there?

In this episode, I’m joined by the legendary journalist, author, and documentary maker Jon Ronson. For twenty-five years, Jon has been doing the hard work of looking directly at human behaviour that most of us would prefer to avoid.  Jon’s career has been defined by his ability to humanise the people we’ve been taught to fear or dismiss.

Taken from the full-length episode, here’s a few tasty morsels to chew on today including: 

• Why we often reward psychopathic traits by making those people our CEOs and political leaders.
• What happens when extreme personalities feed off each other, and how do they pull us into their orbit.
• How ordinary people drift into ideological bubbles, and what it takes to understand the urge to belong to a tribe.

This is a fascinating, thoughtful, and very funny chat with one of the greats.

LINKS 

• Harrison's book 'Transform Your Pain into Purpose' is out now
• Follow Harrison on Instagram
• 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
• 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] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
• How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
• The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Hughes isn't a name most people are familiar with. Some may know him better by the pseudonym QNTM - a software engineer turned acclaimed science fiction author known for groundbreaking novels including There Is No Antimemetics Division and Ra.

In this fascinating conversation, Osher Günsberg sits down with Sam/qntm to explore the intersection of imagination, mathematics, technology, and what it means to be human. Sam reveals how he transforms complex scientific concepts into gripping stories that challenge the way we think about memory, reality, time, and the future. From his early fascination with mathematics to his career in software development, he explains how curiosity, logical thinking, and a relentless habit of asking "what if?" have shaped his creative process.

The conversation ranges from the surprising lessons hidden inside game design to the promises and dangers of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and the responsibilities that come with creating powerful technology. Sam also shares why science fiction isn't about predicting the future, it's about exploring possibilities, exposing human nature, and helping us imagine better outcomes.

Along the way, Osher and Sam discuss the craft of writing unforgettable stories, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and why hope may be just as important as dystopia when imagining humanity's future.

Whether you're a fan of science-fiction, fascinated by AI, or simply curious about how extraordinary ideas are born, this is a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you looking at the world, and the future, a little differently. It may also inspire you to look for ideas and creativity in places you had never thought of before.

LINKS 

• QNTM's book There Is No Antimemetics Division is out now (AUS | worldwide)
• Check out more of QNTM's work here
• 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
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
• How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
• The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg revisits one of his most memorable conversations with YouTuber, author and cook Nat's What I Reckon. Beyond the humour, viral videos and online success, Nat shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his life, including his ongoing mental health battles.

Together, Osher and Nat explore the quiet moments that spark lasting change, discussing how small daily decisions, rather than dramatic rock-bottom moments, can transform your life. They also unpack practical strategies for managing anxiety, the importance of asking for help, building supportive relationships, and developing simple routines that create resilience over time.

LINKS 

• Listen to the full chat with Nat here
• Watch the full chat on YouTube
• More info on Nat's live shows and books
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• The Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast'
• 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams
• Why Sometimes Being Miserable Is Actually A Good Thing (with Eamon Evans)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Noonan is one of Australia's most acclaimed and celebrated musicians, but behind the awards, sold-out performances and extraordinary vocal talent is a story of resilience, reinvention and unwavering passion for the arts.

Having known each other for some 40 years, Katie sits down for this deeply personal conversation with Osher Günsberg, and opens up about navigating some of the hardest years of her life, including her recent and unexpected divorce. She speaks candidly about her journey with sobriety, her painful journey to an endometriosis diagnosis, navigating motherhood, and the mental and emotional challenges that come with a life spent in the spotlight.

They also explore Katie's lifelong love of music, from her earliest days growing up in Brisbane to building an internationally acclaimed career spanning jazz, opera, classical and contemporary music. Together, Katie and Osher discuss the transformative power of music education, why authentic voices matter in an age of autotune and AI, and the vital role Australian storytelling plays in shaping our national identity.

They also tackle the challenges facing Australia's creative industries, including the lasting impact of COVID-19, the decline of live music venues, arts funding, gambling sponsorships, and why supporting local artists has never been more important.

It's an honest, insightful and often hilarious conversation, and a powerful reminder that music is about far more than entertainment - it's about connection, healing, community and telling the stories that define who we are.

LINKS 

• Katie Noonan's powerful 30th album Alone but all one is out now
• Katie is always on the road performing live, be sure to check her out
• Follow Katie (@katie_noonan_music) on Instagram
• 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
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• The Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast'
• Natalie Bassingthwaighte Lifts the Curtain on Her Career & Personal Struggles
• The business end of show business with the unstoppable Dannii Minogue

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher revisits one of his most powerful conversations, with sole survivor of the 1997 Thredbo landslide, Stuart Diver. After 65 hours trapped beneath the rubble and enduring the loss of his wife Sally, Stuart has spent decades learning not just how to survive trauma, but how to build a meaningful life beyond it.

Stuart explores three practical tools he uses to protect his mental health and cultivate ongoing resilience, including exercise, deliberately creating and preserving positive memories before life changes, and why giving yourself permission to move forward isn't a betrayal of the people or experiences you've lost.

Whether you're navigating loss, supporting someone through a difficult time, or simply looking for better ways to care for your mental health, this conversation offers actionable strategies that can help you become just that little bit better than yesterday.

LINKS 

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

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• How Radio Star Robin Bailey Kept Going Through Unimaginable Grief - Twice
• Why Winning Doesn’t Always Make You Happy with Ben Crowe
• The Skills of Being Happier, with Happiness Researcher and Expert Declan Edwards

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Günsberg sits down with life coach and author Jaemin Frazer for a thought-provoking conversation about insecurity, self-worth, identity and the stories we tell ourselves that shape our lives.

They explore Jaemin's remarkable journey from church pastor to sought-after coach, including how questioning long-held beliefs transformed the way he understands purpose, responsibility and personal freedom, and ultimately deconstructed everything he knew about his faith.

Jaemin discusses why he believes that insecurity isn't simply a lack of confidence, but the fear that our deepest doubts about ourselves might actually be true. Together, they unpack where those beliefs come from, why so many of us unknowingly sabotage our own happiness, and what it really takes to create lasting personal change.

Osher and Jaemin also discuss the hidden "secondary gains" that keep us stuck, why agency is one of the most powerful tools we have, how our childhood experiences shape adult behaviour, and what parents can do to help their children build genuine confidence.

Whether you're navigating self-doubt, feeling trapped by old patterns, or simply curious about challenging preconceived notions about yourself or your life, this episode offers practical insights that challenge conventional thinking and encourage a deeper understanding of yourself.

LINKS 

• Jaemin's book 'Unhindered - The Seven Essential Practices for Overcoming Insecurity' is available now
• Follow Jaemin(@jaeminfrazer) on Instagram
• More info on The Insecurity Project
• 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
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
• The New Leadership Playbook: Why Caring Workplaces Win with Graeme Cowan
• How Social Media And Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Brains with Dr. Mark Williams

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, I'm revisiting a powerful conversation I had with world-renowned psychologist and author Dr Susan David about the science of emotions, resilience, and creating meaningful change.

Susan shares the ideas behind her groundbreaking work on emotional agility - the ability to accept difficult emotions, understand what they’re telling us, and respond in ways that align with our values. We explore why fighting uncomfortable feelings often makes them stronger, how simply naming our emotions can change the way we experience them, and why discomfort is an essential part of living a meaningful life.

She also offers practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, comparison, and self-doubt — including how to move from 'have to' goals to 'want to' goals, and how small habit changes through “piggybacking” can create lasting transformation.

LINKS 

• Listen to my first chat with Susan here
• Listen to my second chat with Susan here
• More info on Susan here
• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter
• Get tickets for our next Story Club show
• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube
• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube
• Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here
• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT...

• The Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast'
• The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose
• When Australian Idol's Wes Carr Picked Up A Shovel It Changed What Happens When He Picks Up A Guitar

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.