The Imperfects
Episodes
The Little Drummer Girl - A Christmas Scandal
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Little heads up, this episode contains some language that is exclusively found on the naughty list, and therefore, isn’t suitable for kids. Now,...
Dave Hughes - Me, Myself & Ego
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Hughes has a complicated relationship with his ego. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale! One show left! Tickets here - https://b...
Mary Fowler - Forgiving Yourself-Harm
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re nervous. We’re excited. We’re nervous and excited. Because it’s Mary freaking Fowler day. 🎟️ Our live show Tog...
Dr Emily - You Had Me At Communication
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is your communication style a red flag? 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep It’s our...
Jamila Rizvi - Awoken by a Broken Brain
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jamila Rizvi has not been the perfect sick person. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Whe...
Troy Kinne - It’s What’s Inside That’s Backwards
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Troy Kinne’s heart is in the right place. As in, it’s on the wrong side. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets...
Dr Emily - Am I Sick or Is It Anxiety?
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel anxious about your health? 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep Same. And ...
Bryan Brown - The Value of Being Alive
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not to be dramatic, but Bryan Brown is an Australian icon of the silver screen. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here...
Hugo Toovey - The Reality of Surviving Cancer. Twice.
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hugo Toovey has beaten cancer, twice. But this is far from the whole story. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - h...
Melanie Bracewell - Untangling a Toxic Relationship
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever dated someone you knew, logically, was a bad idea? A puppeteer twenty years your senior, perhaps? 🎟️ Our live show Together Ag...
Dr Emily - Goals For Your Goals
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re a ‘new year new me’ aficionado, a 5-year planner, or get sweaty at the thought of setting goals, this episode is for ...
Kemi Nekvapil - A Compass for When You're Lost
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re not navigating your life through your values, what are you using? 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets he...
Josh van Cuylenburg - Midlife Crisis Averted
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The mid-life update we've all been waiting for. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep ...
Hugh van Cuylenburg - This Is Burnout
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hugh’s turn! 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep This week, to celebrate the launch ...
Ryan Shelton - The Friend I Want To Be
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a different sort of episode(s) this week. 🎟️ Our live show Together Again is on sale now! Tickets here - https://bit.ly/4mEK9Ep B...
Mitch Brown - AFL’s First Openly Bisexual Man
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This moment is bigger than Mitch Brown. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy. Tie up your laces and...
Matt Okine - Comedy & Tragedy
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Okine has been privy to a few life changing events. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Haili...
Karissa Lewis - We're Not Better Off Without You
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4...
Dr Emily - The Meaning of Mid-Life
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mid-life crises have a bad rap. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy Joined by our resident psychol...
Hannah Ferguson - Outspoken But Not Broken
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not shut down by the fear of humiliation, Hannah Ferguson believes her biggest failure would be to never try in the first place. 💌 subscribe t...
Dyson Heppell - Whatever It Takes… To Forgive
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inside what might be the biggest scandal in Australian sporting history, Dyson Heppell, at 23 years old, found himself at the centre with a choice to ...
Andy Cooks - Andy Doesn't Drink (Anymore)
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hey Babe, what’s for (vulnerabili)tea? 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj Andy Hearnden, be...
Dr Emily - We're Longing for Belonging
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever wonder whether you belong? 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj According to Dr Emily M...
Dis Works - A Game-Changing Study of The Resilience Project
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Well, well, well, it’s time to prove things. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://bit.ly/4lMOdTj Today we&rs...
Joe Williams - Concussion, Bipolar & Being a Dad
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Approached by 5 NRL clubs by the time he was 13, Joe was a sporting prodigy. 💌 subscribe to our newsletter, my imperfect email, here - http://...
Jess Hill - A 'love' of Control
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Domestic violence is an epidemic in Australia, and Jess Hill has dedicated a good chunk of time trying to understand why. 💌 Subscribe to our...
Vincent Fantauzzo - A Brush With Pain
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Art saved Vincent Fantauzzo’s life. 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au In t...
Dr Emily - That Guilty Feeling
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How often do you feel guilty? Guiding us on a guilt trip today is our resident psychologist (and published author) Dr Emily Musgrove. 💌 Subscr...
Cate Campbell - Even Olympians Have Depression
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au - this week, featuring a reflection from none other than Cat...
Campbell "Struthless" Walker - Withdrawing with Drawing
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you think of yourself as a creative person? How does being creative make you feel? 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail -...
Isaac Humphries - Coming Out On Court
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au There is currently only one gay man actively playing in a pr...
Dr Emily - Using The Force For Good
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is where the fun begins. 💌 Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilitea-mail - www.theimperfects.com.au Today we welcome the ...
Nas Campanella - The First Blind Newsreader in the World
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the title suggests, Nas Campanella is really cool (and accomplished and driven and resilient). Subscribe to our newsletter, the Vulnerabilit...
Dr Louise Newson - It's Hormones. Period.
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ti...
Dr Emily - How To Get UNSTUCK
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Quick! Is anyone here an author? Yes! And her book is finally here! Our favourite psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove, has published the most anticipated ...
Monty Dimond - Sick & Tired of Being Sick & Tired
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Dr Emily - Grief Lightening
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Lauren Zonfrillo - Grief: The Shittest Greatest Gift
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren Zonfrillo knows grief - intimately, devastatingly, and meaningfully. Almost two years since the sudden death of her husband Jock, Lauren descri...
Hugh’s ADHD…brief (Bonus From Patreon)
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the episode we’ve all been waiting for – a peek inside Hugh’s brain. After our episode with psychologist and ADHD expert ...
Simon Hill - Eating Imperfectly vs Perfectly Eating
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chasing the ‘perfect’ diet is a trap; which is really great news for our brand. Simon Hill, nutritionist, physiotherapist, and h...
Courtney Ugle - Intergenerational Strength
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Dr Emily - How to Be Leaned On
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chances are, you’ve supported someone going through a tough time. And while the meaning sustains the sacrifice, today we want to support you &he...
Danielle Laidley PART 2 - Her Public Outing
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Danielle Laidley PART 1 - Her Private Struggle
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
Let’s Talk About Hugh’s Open Letter
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Stephen Curry - I Dug a Hole… and Found Myself
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Dr Julie Smith - Building Confidence, Brick by Brick
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Hugh's Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is an open letter to parents of autistic and neurodivergent people. It may be confronting. Please take care when listening. Love, Hugh See omnyst...
Hannah Diviney - Disabled in an Able-Bodied World
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 L...
Dr Emily - Hope
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. I...
Matthew Murphy - A Sober Wombat
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Get Ready. We’re Touring A Brand New Live Show!
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for Announcement Number Three! A brand-new Imperfects Live Show (!!!!!!). That’s right, we’re going on the road again...
Maria Ruberto - Sleep Your Way To Your Top
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 take...
Mick Fanning - Riding The Waves of Loss
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 g...
We're Back! And A Little More Imperfect
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Well, well, well. We’re (officially) back for 2025, baby! On Hugh’s agenda for today’s episode: nugatory chat, ghosts, general excit...
James van Cuylenburg - What’s Your Relationship Status?
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s our last episode of Summer School, and today we welcome back clinical psychologist (and “clinical cousin” of Hugh and Josh), Ja...
Imperfect Birth Stories with Sophie Walker
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, a...
Surprise! You’re Writing A Book!
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 boo...
Bronnie Ware - What Are Your Future Regrets?
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There will come a time for all of us (unless we REALLY make some improvements with bio-hacking) where we are faced with our own mortality. Who is at y...
Little Boy Christmas - The Forgotten Son of Mr & Mrs Claus
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Quick heads up: Little Boy Christmas has a tenuous relationship with his parents, and therefore, this episode isn’t suited for kids. Have you ev...
Michael Theo - Life on the Spectrum
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Layne Beachley - Surf’s Up… And Down
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we welcome into the studio 7 time world champion surfer, and all-round legend, Layne Beachley. Layne, who had the self-described ‘compassi...
Johann Hari - Beware The Thrill of The Magic Pill
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 W...
Jim Rogers - A Life Bigger Than Dementia
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Dr Emily - Resent Less, Live More
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 forg...
Peter Bol - 800m & 3 Free Haircuts
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 H...
Janelle Booker - Living With ADHD
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this long-awaited Academy of Imperfection, we chat to psychologist Janelle Booker, who specialises in ADHD and Highly Sensitive Person trait. There...
Ben Shewry - Making It Right (And Delicious)
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chef extraordinaire, creative genius and owner of Attica, Ben Shewry is welcomed back to the studio, this time into the Vulnerabilitea House. In this ...
What's Your ATAR?
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s tiiimmmmeeee, to get vulnyyyyy (again). And this time, we’re talking about year 12 exams. With the WHOLE TEAM! Whether you’ve h...
Dr Julia Baird - An Awe-full Conversation
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As an author, journalist and broadcaster, Dr Julia Baird has spent the last decade researching awe, wonder, grace and forgiveness (...and now the titl...
Jack Post-Natal Depression
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The birth of a child is completely overwhelming, in every way. What gets you through is your newfound love and connection. Right? But what happens whe...
Getting Vulny - Josh’s Big Announcement
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re gettin’ vullllnnnnyyyyy. Oooohhhhh yeahhhhhh. Yeah, that’s right. We’re trying something new. And, in the coolest way po...
Dr Emily - The Certainty of Uncertainty
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you believe that if you stop worrying, the worst-case scenario will happen? According to Dr Emily, uncertainty, is the only certainty (mic drop) (j...
Zoë Foster Blake - Zero Lucks Given
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Author, business lady and skincare wizard (according to her customs card), Zoë Foster Blake is nothing short of prolific. Chatting with Hugh, Rya...
Dr Billy Garvey - From Boyz II Men
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Billy Garvey gets kids. A developmental and behavioural paediatrician with over twenty years experience, Billy is an expert at up-skilling kids wit...
Nathan Buckley - Out of The Woods
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For Nathan Buckley, self-reflection is critical for becoming the person he wants to be. Placed on a pedestal during his playing career (for good...
Dr Emily - Compassion of The Self
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you feel like you're on your own side? Are you able to speak to yourself with kindness? Or stick up for yourself in front of others? That, my frien...
Grace Tame - "Sexy-time, Scissoring, Autism"
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Vulnerabilitea House, Grace addresses her adolescent self with a simple message - “It wasn’t your fault.” Australian of the ...
Rana Hussain - Belonging For Connection
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt excluded? Or like you don't belong? It turns out that belonging is a fundamental human need. To thrive, we need to feel safe, we n...
Jack Steele - Socials Anxiety
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
‘The Inspired Unemployed’ began when a couple of tradies, Jack Steele and Matt ‘Falcon’ Ford, began an Instagram to catalogue ...
Maria Ruberto - Advancing Despite Adversity
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Settle in and grab your notebooks, you’re in for a good one. We’re joined by Maria Ruberto, director and founder of Salutegenics Psycholog...
Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jackson Tozer embodies the essence of The Imperfects podcast. Well, that’s what Ryan thinks, and we’re pretty keen to agree. Hugely succes...
Another Imperfect Chat About Men
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is not compulsory listening, but then again, it kind of is. We’re back to have another imperfect conversation about men, violence and conse...
How I Built Dis - The Resilience Project Story
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dis episode is a little bit different, but if you’re as obsessed with Hugh van Cuylenburg as we are, we think you’ll enjoy it. The Resilie...
Dr Emily - What Are Your Values?
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Your values are perfect - according to our resident psychologist Dr. Emily Musgrove. Although this sounds counter intuitive to what we usually say&hel...
Zan Rowe - If I Had A Year To Live
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the ultimate power move, we interview Zan Rowe, ‘one of Australia’s best interviewers’. Talk about pressure. Champion of th...
Poh Ling Yeow - When The Relationship Ends
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever made a really bad decision? Made a call that you couldn’t undo? It's a fear for many, and for others, living with the reality of a...
Professor Felice Jacka - Food For Thought
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How does food affect our mood? Does diet actually impact our mental health? What is a gut micro-biome, and can we still eat a few chips without ruinin...
IMPERFIX: What is Rape Culture? with Chanel Contos
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last season we met Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent and we were completely blown away by her courage and the work she's taking on. So much so, that...
Michael Klim - The Race of His LIfe
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What would it feel like to have the very thing that mad you great - your body, strength and co-ordination - slowly and painfully taken away from you? ...
Dr Emily - What Are Your Boundaries?
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have boundaries? Have you ever crossed someone else’s boundaries? How would you react if someone crossed yours? It is WAY easier to ignor...
IMPERFIX: How Rick Davies Deals with His OCD
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not a life sentence, as Rick Davies so eloquently tells Hugh and Josh in this episode of The Imperf...
Yumi Stynes - Me and Alcohol Don’t Mix
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From being ‘canceled’, to alcoholism and post-natal depression, Yumi Stynes knows how to get vulnerable in the Vulnerabilitea House. Start...
Billy Slater - Leading from the (Full)Back
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unfortunately, we all know what bad leadership looks like, for many of us, it doesn’t take long to think of examples…but what does it act...
IMPERFIX: Dr. Em - Befriending Your Inner Critic
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How kind is your inner voice? What does it say to you when your with friends, having family dinner, at work, when you mistakes, or, when you look in t...
Nathan Cavaleri - The Ups & The Blues
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Its hard to imagine a life more remarkable, or as unique as that of Nathan Cavaleri. Nathan rose to fame as an 8 year old blues prodigy, regularly app...
IMPERFIX: Believing Women with Tarang Chawla
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After his sister, Niki, was murdered by her ex-partner, Tarang Chawla made a decision - that he wouldn’t allow Niki to be remembered as just ano...
Dr Emily - The Risk of Avoiding Risk
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Taking a risk, by definition, is hard. A lot of us spend most of our life avoiding risks, under the assumption that it’s the ‘safe’ ...
IMPERFIX: Dr. Kiran Martin - Leadership
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We mean no disrespect to any of our other guests, but when Hugh says that Dr. Kiran Martin, is the most impressive person he has ever met, it’s ...
Reece Conca - Tackling Male Infertility
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All too often when talking about infertility, we only tell one side of the story. Traditionally in the public discourse, it has very much fallen into ...