The Imperfects

You may know Michael from Love on the Spectrum, or his podcast Mr A+, or even his appearance on Ellen – he’s done it all and has gained an incredible amount of wisdom on his journey so far.

We’ve been doing this show for six years, and no-one has ever summarised it as well as Michael Theo: trying to be perfect is a wild goose chase.

In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to Michael about how he found his voice after growing up as a non-verbal kid, and instils on the guys some advice on how to handle nerves (and do some proper improv).

Michael, we had an absolute blast. We’ll see you for a Yowie sometime soon.

If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/eVtYKdJUpVU

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Mr. A+ - https://apple.co/3C3kS5i
• Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World - https://apple.co/48nT3Ax
• Grace Tame - “Sexy, Scissoring, Autism!” - https://apple.co/404jXv7
• Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me - https://apple.co/3yHdawf
• Jack Steele - Socials Anxiety - https://apple.co/41jNSjL
• Janelle Booker - Living With ADHD - https://apple.co/41nL456
• Santa Claus - A Special Vulnerabilitea House - https://bit.ly/40Y7HNs
• Mrs Claus - Santa’s Better Half - https://apple.co/4gns2zX

📺 Things to watch:

• Love On The Spectrum - https://ab.co/48r5iwb
• Austin - https://ab.co/4eYmvQl
• Michael’s Interview on Ellen - https://bit.ly/4eXRYBX
• Puss In Boots - The Last Wish - https://bit.ly/4foCuqF

📱Things to check out:

• Wable - https://www.hellowable.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.