

The Imperfects
Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
We’re all imperfect. On this podcast, founder of The Resilience Project Hugh van Cuylenburg, his good friend Ryan Shelton, and only one of their brothers, Josh van Cuylenburg, talks to a variety of interesting people who vulnerably share their own struggles and imperfections, or expertly pass on their wisdom on the subject of imperfection. Whether it’s in The Vulnerabilitea House, The Academy of Imperfection, or with our very own psychologist, Dr Emily, The Imperfects are here to find some valuable takeaways we can all apply to our own imperfect lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 18, 2026 • 40min
Spooky Summer - Hugh’s Haunted House
In this playful discussion, hosts dive into the spooky world of ghosts, exploring differing beliefs between Josh and Ryan. Hugh shares his haunting experience, complete with terrifying sightings and a shamanic healer named Geraint who attempts to clear the unsettling presence. Listeners will be intrigued by tales of cursed artwork, the entity's sinister purpose targeting children, and the unexpected positive changes in Hugh's household after the haunting was addressed. Skepticism and belief clash hilariously while reflecting on personal perspectives.

Jan 11, 2026 • 1h 8min
Psychology Summer - Your Inner Fan with Dr Emily
Dr. Emily, a clinical psychologist known for her expertise in trauma and ADHD, joins the hosts to unpack the powerful impact of ADHD diagnoses. They dive into the emotional rollercoaster of grief and anger that often accompanies such revelations. The discussion also highlights the importance of self-compassion and reframing negative thoughts triggered by the inner critic. Dr. Emily shares techniques like imagery re-scripting and bottom-up therapy approaches that help in fostering positive neuroplasticity, allowing listeners a compassionate path toward self-discovery.

Dec 21, 2025 • 39min
The Little Drummer Girl - A Christmas Scandal
In a festive twist, a character from 20 AD addresses her grievances about the infamous 'pa rum pum pum pum.' She recounts the drama surrounding her camel ride and a disappointing performance, where her song was claimed by someone else. With a comedic yet heartfelt take, she explores themes of recognition, gender bias, and family dynamics. Comedian Becky Lucas joins to share a poignant story about HeartKids, highlighting the importance of support for families affected by childhood heart disease. Expect humor, honesty, and holiday reflections!

11 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 1h 27min
Dave Hughes - Me, Myself & Ego
Dave Hughes, a renowned Australian comedian and radio personality, shares his humorous yet heartfelt journey navigating ego and vulnerability. He candidly discusses how feelings of unworthiness affect love and connections. With anecdotes about early struggles, quitting drinking, and the adrenaline rush of performing, Dave reveals the dangers of comparison and metrics in measuring success. He emphasizes the joy of giving and finding balance between family and work, and offers insightful strategies for letting go of ego.

Dec 7, 2025 • 1h 22min
Mary Fowler - Forgiving Yourself-Harm
Mary Fowler, a rising star in professional soccer and author of "Bloom," shares her inspiring journey through mental health and self-harm recovery. At just 22, she candidly discusses the struggle of being a role model while still growing up herself. Mary highlights her experiences with public pressure, and the importance of having hard conversations about self-harm. She emphasizes self-forgiveness and finding beauty after pain, advocating for empathy and connection. Her wisdom encourages listeners to embrace authenticity over perfection and cherish small joys.

29 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 26min
Dr Emily - You Had Me At Communication
Dr. Emily Musgrove, a clinical psychologist known for her engaging insights on communication and emotional regulation, dives into how our early experiences shape our communication styles. She explains that successful communication is rooted in emotion regulation rather than just language. Listeners learn practical strategies, such as the DEAR MAN technique for assertive requests and the BIFF method for handling high-conflict interactions. Emily emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags in dating and offers tools to practice effective communication in real-time.

Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 13min
Jamila Rizvi - Awoken by a Broken Brain
Jamila Rizvi, a bestselling author and gender equality advocate, shares her profound journey of living with a brain tumor and its repercussions on her identity. She discusses the emotional struggle of redefining herself after losing cognitive functions and how her health challenges affected her relationships. Jamila opens up about developing an eating disorder as a means of control and the subsequent battle with body image. Through therapy, she explores new narratives about her life, ultimately finding pride in her vulnerabilities and redefining her sense of self.

10 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 1h 14min
Troy Kinne - It’s What’s Inside That’s Backwards
Troy Kinne, a stand-up comedian known for his engaging sketches, opens up about living with dextrocardia, a rare condition where his organs are mirrored. He shares humorous hospital experiences and reflects on how chronic illness has shaped his mental health and career. Troy discusses the shame tied to his underdog identity and the resilience gained from past depression. He emphasizes the importance of compassion for oneself and the challenges of defining success beyond others' perceptions, all while illuminating the light he found during dark times.

12 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
Dr Emily - Am I Sick or Is It Anxiety?
Dr. Emily Musgrove, a clinical psychologist, dives into health anxiety and its complexities. She explains how worries about health can mimic physical illness and why that cycle of reassurance-seeking is hard to break. Dr. Emily discusses the intertwining fears of mortality and their impact on daily living. She offers practical strategies like mindfulness and urge surfing for managing anxiety. Additionally, she highlights the role of technology in amplifying health worries and emphasizes the importance of compassionate self-talk.

Nov 2, 2025 • 56min
Bryan Brown - The Value of Being Alive
Bryan Brown, a veteran Australian actor known for his extensive work on screen and stage, shares powerful insights into his life. He recounts harrowing near-death experiences, including a dangerous stunt and a devastating fire, which reshaped his outlook on life. Bryan discusses battling anxiety, his journey towards vulnerability, and the societal pressures of masculinity. He emphasizes the importance of asking for help and reflects on the value of close friendships and storytelling in understanding the human experience.


