The Imperfects

What if you were one of the best swimmers in the world, but you still couldn’t beat your older sister? That’s what Olympic swimmer Bronte Campbell has been facing for most of her career with her sister, Cate Campbell.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Bronte opens up about being at the top of the professional swimming world, but still living in someone’s shadow. And how comparison stole much of the joy she might have otherwise felt. But she also describes how the perspective provided by her brother with Cerebral Palsy made her realise what’s truly important.


To listen to Libby Trickett's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MMGupL

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This B-B-B-BONUS episode arrives thanks to Hugh - a man who claims to hate lists. At least he did until he saw a list called “40 Things I Wish I’d Known at 40” (link below).

The list of things resonated with Hugh so much, that he sent it to Ryan and Josh and they decided to do an episode about it. This is that episode. It’d be weird if it wasn’t though wouldn’t it?

There’s no guest in this one, it’s just Hugh, Ryan and Josh speaking about the things from the list that spoke to each of them most.

But we’ll be back soon with a proper guest next episode!

To read the full list of 40 things from Robin Sharma, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Mzwcci
The list is originally from The Everyday Hero Manifesto, by Robin Sharma: http://bit.ly/3KCnYh7

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When Ryan spoke about his ongoing indecision surrounding whether or not he should have children (Episode: To Breed or Not To Breed - link below), it definitely struck a chord with a lot of people who could relate. One of those people was “Parenthood Clarity Mentor” Ann Davidman, who helps people all over the world to answer the question, ‘Should I have children?’

So, as a sort-of-follow-up episode, Ann joins Hugh, Ryan and Josh in the Academy of Imperfection to provide some much-needed guidance to anyone who is also stuck in the ‘not-knowing’!

Ann started her Parenthood Clarity Course in 1991 (link below) and it has helped thousands of parents and non-parents find the clarity they needed. So Ann certainly has some experience in the area.

To listen to Ryan's episode, To Breed or Not To Breed, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3Ko2N2p

To learn more about Ann Davidman, her work and her motherhood clarity course, follow this link: https://www.motherhoodisitforme.com/

To learn more about Ann's fatherhood clarity course, follow this link: http://bit.ly/43fx7ok

To purchase the book, 'Motherhood Is It For Me?', by Ann Davidman & Denise L Carlini, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3ZZmcMU

To read Ann's article in Vox, 'Should I have kids: 6 tips to help you decide if you want to start a family', follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nXj9aF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dil’s rise from accountant, to one of Australia’s most successful stand-up comedians is incredible. But what might be even incredible…er is how he was able to finally get sober after years of relying on alcohol.

In this vulnerable episode, Dil reveals to Hugh, Ryan and Josh what his life was like when his drinking was out of control, and how when he stopped, it forced him to change the way approached his work and his life.

To purchase tickets to Dilruk's comedy show "Heart Stopper", follow this link: https://bit.ly/3zqxaQE
To listen to Dilruk's podcast 'Fitbet' with Ben Lomas, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3znp2jV
To listen to Dilruk's podcast, 'The Drivers Seat', follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nsEwAb

To listen to Dil phone into Hamish and Andy's radio show in 2010, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZCw0fr

To watch the "Life Force" clip from Jonah Hill's documentary "Stutz"  (full documentary available on Netflix), follow this link: http://bit.ly/3U1BJKw

For book recommendation 'The Tools' by Philip Stutz and Barry Michels, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3K4h8AJ

To learn more about Philip Stutz and his work, follow this link: https://www.thetoolsbook.com/

To read the article Hugh mentions, 'Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3U5zo1p

For book recommendation, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nFhZAr

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment.
This episode discusses alcohol abuse. If you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol, or other drugs, you can access free, confidential, 24/7 support from Counselling Online. https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/
Alternatively, seek support from friends and family, your local doctor, therapist, AA Group, or call lifeline on 13 11 14. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily is back in the studio with Hugh, Ryan and Josh to deliver a slightly different, but extremely practical episode.

You may not be ready to see a therapist, but even the thought of it can be really overwhelming. Where do you start? Who’s the right therapist for you? What even happens once you’re in a therapy session? And which movies or TV shows get it right?

Dr Em guides us through all of that, which will hopefully help you in your journey to find the right therapy for you. Whether that be now or down the track.


If you are thinking about seeking professional support, but are not sure where to start, try the below resources: 

To learn more about different types of mental health professionals and find services near you, visit Beyond Blue's Find a Mental Health Professional: http://bit.ly/3FMLyGs

To learn more about what is Medicare rebatable, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3nbibXP

To learn more about counselling or to find a counsellor, visit The Australian Counselling Association: https://www.theaca.net.au/

Or, visit The Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists: https://www.arcapregister.com.au/

To learn more about group therapy, visit Open Ground: https://www.openground.com.au/

For self directed workbook recommendations try:

• The Mindful Self-Compassion : http://bit.ly/3Z6nsgE
• The Mindful Way: http://bit.ly/3K3a6xb
• Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: http://bit.ly/3TBwYat

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.

This Academy of Imperfection is a Part 2, or… addendum episode… with the phenom that is Ben Crowe! So, if you haven’t heard Part 1, please listen to that one first by following the link below.

In this episode, Ben expands on what he said in Part 1 about listening to your inner fan rather than your inner critic. He guides Hugh, Ryan and Josh through some simple exercises where they access positive memories from their past, so they can reframe their belief system, that they’re worthy of love and connection and belonging, and also worthy of having the courage to chase their dreams and goals.

These are exercises anyone can do - either during this episode, or even better, with Ben’s MojoCrowe Mindset Course available at the link below.

To listen to part 1 of our chat with Ben, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3Z0duNC

To learn more about Ben Crowe, the Mojo Crowe app and course, follow this link: https://mojocrowe.com/

To watch Ryan's short film, Loop Hole, follow this link: https://bit.ly/42rAGr2

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Crowe is a huge part of our humble Imperfects history. Ben’s first episode with us in 2021 continues to be one of our most listened to episodes, helping many of you, your friends and your family members.

Ben is back in the Academy of Imperfection (split over two episodes) to spread even more wisdom that he's accrued from decades of working with elite athletes at Nike and now at MojoCrowe. Ben’s mission is simple yet powerful… be a good human-being first and a great athlete second. And the athletes he’s helped reach their peak, including Ash Barty, Andre Agassi and Dustin Martin will attest to the amazing impact his tools can have on all of us. Because it's like Ben says, if you play, have fun and compete… you’re an athlete.

Most of what Ben talks about in this 2-part Academy of Imperfection is available to you via his incredible Mojo Mindset Course and app. 

To learn more about Ben, Mojocrowe and the app, follow this link: https://mojocrowe.com/

To listen to Ben's season 3 Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MrxtRN 

For book recommendation, 'The Top Five Regrets of The Dying, follow this link: https://bit.ly/2FFejai

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us first met actor and writer Samuel Johnson - and his silky voice - when he burst onto our screens over 20 years ago in the iconic show, The Secret Life of Us. Since then Sam’s experienced a lot of good times, but also some of the most challenging times any of us could imagine.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Sam chooses to answer the card, ‘What childhood challenges best prepared you for adulthood?’. And he not only explains to Hugh, Ryan and Josh why he feels so passionately about the importance of vulnerability, but he also goes on to be vulnerable in ways that we can all benefit from.

Thank you, Sam.


To support Samuel's charity 'Love Your Sister' and purchase a copy of Dear Lover, please follow this link: http://bit.ly/3J0ZWM8

To donate directly to Love Your Sister, please follow this link: https://www.loveyoursister.org/


This episode contains frequent references to suicide. If this topic sounds like it might be distressing for you to hear right now, we recommend skipping this one and coming back to it another time. The views and perspectives expressed in this episode come from our guests personal experience of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please see a health care professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lil b-b-b-bonus ep to announce some exciting news...
Our very own Hugh van Cuylenburg has filmed and released his Resilience Project talk as a Special on Amazon Prime Video! It's called 'Hugh van Cuylenburg: G.E.M' and it's out now.
Hugh has been talking to people about Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness for a loooooong time, but now it's finally been filmed so everyone can watch it whenever they want.
Watch 'Hugh Van Cuylenburg: G.E.M'  now on Prime Video, or listen to it on Audible.


For Hugh's thickening hair spray recommendation, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3STaa5N
For Hugh's volumizing hair powder recommendation, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YpMCXl

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few years ago, Australian TV and radio legend Chrissie Swan decided to finally be honest with herself. She stopped doing the things she didn’t want to do anymore, and started doing the things that made HER happy.

In this inspiring episode, Chrissie tells Hugh, Ryan and Josh how she was able to turn her life around and live as her true self. No more role-playing, just 100% Pure Swan. 

For book recommendation 'The 12 Hour Walk' by Collin Obrady, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3KELETB

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.