The Imperfects

Courtney Ugle, CEO of Waangkiny and a talented football player, transforms personal tragedy into empowerment. She discusses the profound impact of childhood traumas and the importance of resilience. Exploring her journey of grief after losing her mother, Courtney highlights the duality of joy and sorrow. She emphasizes how embracing one's identity and heritage can strengthen community ties and support, particularly for young Aboriginal girls. In a heartfelt conversation, she underscores the need for open discussions around trauma and healing.

Emily Musgrove, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Unstuck', shares insights on the delicate balance of supporting loved ones during tough times. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, active listening, and self-care for caregivers to avoid burnout. The conversation also highlights the emotional dynamics in parenting and the complexities of authentic communication. Listeners are reminded that showing up for others is meaningful, yet it’s crucial to maintain one's own well-being. Practical strategies for navigating these relationships are discussed throughout.

Danielle Laidley, a former footballer and advocate for gender diversity, shares her powerful journey of transitioning and overcoming adversity. She candidly discusses the pain of being publicly outed, emphasizing the loss of agency and the media's narrative about her identity. Danielle also reflects on the significance of authenticity, personal growth, and the importance of support in navigating life's challenges. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the drive to empower others in their own journeys.

Danielle Laidley, a former AFL player and coach turned advocate for transgender rights, shares her powerful journey toward authenticity. She discusses her experiences with gender dysphoria and addiction, revealing the compartmentalization of her life during her football career. Danielle opens up about the emotional turmoil of living in a traditionally masculine environment while striving to be true to herself. Her candid insights on mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community are both moving and enlightening.

The hosts reflect on the impact of a heartfelt open letter addressing the struggles of neurodivergent families. They share personal stories about the emotional journey of parenting children with autism and ADHD. The conversation turns to the challenges of managing overwhelming messages with humor and insight. They express gratitude for community support and discuss the importance of empathy in understanding neurodiversity. Overall, it’s a touching and thought-provoking exploration of connection, vulnerability, and inclusivity.

Stephen Curry, the beloved Australian actor and comedian known for his role in 'The Castle,' dives into a heartfelt conversation. He reflects on his personal journey of self-discovery in acting, the pressures of vulnerability, and the joy of collaboration. From witty gardening tales to the importance of teamwork, Stephen shares his lightbulb moment about genuine connections. He candidly discusses the emotional challenges of performing and how creating an inclusive environment leads to shared success. Expect laughter, insight, and warm camaraderie!

Dr. Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist and best-selling author, shares invaluable insights on building confidence and resilience. She reframes feelings of overwhelm as signals for self-care rather than failures, promoting the idea that confidence grows from all experiences, not just successes. The discussion dives into how personal challenges and vulnerability can foster growth, emphasizing the importance of connection and emotional support during tough times. Dr. Smith’s engaging approach makes mental health concepts accessible and relatable.

An open letter shares heartfelt insights and emotional depth for parents of autistic and neurodivergent individuals. The discussion highlights the psychological struggles they face, combined with the resilience and love needed to navigate societal misunderstandings. Themes of compassion unfold as it recognizes not only the challenges but also the brilliance of their children. The speaker expresses gratitude for community support, fostering connection among those on this journey. It's an emotional yet uplifting conversation that champions family bonds.

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 Lizzo for using an ableist slur—she also took on Queen B herself. And she succeeded on both fronts. Which, once you get to know her, isn’t surprising at all. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Hannah reflects on the questions: “How do you see yourself? Is it the same way your loved ones see you?” Answering with incredible vulnerability, Hannah shares how her relationship with her disability has evolved over time and what it was like growing up in a world where the Paralympics seemed like the only visible marker of success. We talk to Hannah about being a part of intimate television history, and Ryan, the love doctor, Shelton manifests a Brad (or Stewie, or Chris, or Michael-Angelo) in her future. Hannah, we are so desperate to be your friend. To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here: https://bit.ly/41vzALg 🫖 Imperfects episode’s mentioned in this episode Grant Denyer - Self Worth Was Worth Fighting For - https://apple.co/4fyvmsj 🎟️ Things to go see Audrey at the Melbourne Women in Film Festival - https://bit.ly/4bvMHkq 📺 Things to watch Latecomers - https://bit.ly/4kBLFaG Hannah’s speech at the National Press Club - https://bit.ly/3QJPzQZ 📖 Things to read I’ll Let Myself In by Hannah Diviney - https://bit.ly/3DjeffZ 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.

Dr. Emily Musgrove, a Melbourne psychologist and author of 'Unstuck,' dives into the enlightening world of hope. She redefines hope as a learnable belief rather than just an emotion. The discussion highlights strategies for fostering both individual and collective hope, stressing the importance of vulnerability and connection. Exploring the active pursuit of hope in a cynical society, Dr. Emily emphasizes the transformative power of kindness and small, intentional choices to enhance well-being, particularly during challenging times.