The Imperfects

Hugo Toovey, a two-time cancer survivor and mental health advocate, shares his journey through cancer and its aftermath. He delves into the emotional struggles of living with health issues, including vulnerability and the toll it takes on loved ones. Hugo also discusses the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking help, along with his efforts in founding the 25 Stay Alive movement to encourage proactive health in young people. Plus, he reflects on fatherhood and the impact of a recent miscarriage on his outlook.

Comedian Melanie Bracewell shares candid stories from her life, including dating a 40-year-old puppeteer and navigating family dynamics post-ADHD diagnosis. She explores the lessons learned from toxic relationships that have shaped her understanding of love. Melanie reflects on the challenge of making adult friendships, the complexities of self-worth in relationships, and the importance of self-compassion. With humor, she discusses the fallout of family boundaries and the significance of community, all while showcasing her unique insights.

Dr. Emily Musgrove, a clinical psychologist and author of *Unstuck*, joins the hosts to tackle the often daunting subject of goal setting. She explores how goals relate to behavior change and why they can feel intimidating. Emily introduces a strengths-based approach, emphasizes the importance of SMART goals, and encourages self-compassion. Listeners also learn about temptation bundling and the idea of building slack into goals, showing that small, consistent efforts lead to significant change. It's a practical guide to overcoming fears and making growth achievable.

Kemi Nekvapil, an executive coach and author of Grounded Success, dives deep into the significance of personal values. She reveals how values shape our decisions and contribute to a thriving culture. Kemi introduces concepts like val-rules and umbrella values, highlighting the difference between modeling behaviors and manipulation. The conversation shifts to how values play a crucial role in parenting, team dynamics, and personal fulfillment, emphasizing curiosity as a guiding principle. Tune in for practical tips on aligning your life with your true values!

In a heartfelt discussion, Josh reveals the pivotal moment from his life that led to profound change, centering on a powerful conversation about midlife struggles. He shares his journey through depression, including a wake-up call from a psychologist that prompted him to take action. Josh outlines his two-week recovery plan, emphasizing the power of self-compassion and connection. He reflects on the joy of adopting a beginner's mindset and celebrates the positive impact of supportive friendships on his wellbeing and parenting.

Hugh opens up about his intense burnout and the overwhelming pressures he's facing. He shares his fantasy of needing a hospital stay to rest, revealing the weight of work and parenting during a challenging year. Discussing clear symptoms like constant exhaustion and irritability, he reflects on the difficulty of asking for help. The team brainstorms ways to lighten his load while emphasizing small acts of kindness that can make a difference. Ultimately, they rally around Hugh, encouraging open conversation about mental health.

In this enlightening conversation, Ryan Shelton dives into the theme of vulnerability, sharing reflections on relationships and personal regrets. He candidly discusses the weight of guilt over not supporting his friend Hugh during tough times. The hosts also introduce their new deck of vulnerability cards, designed to spark authentic dialogues. With humor and heartfelt stories, they explore how small gestures can create meaningful connections. Listeners will appreciate the warmth and honesty that drives these discussions.

Mitch Brown, a former AFL player and the first openly bisexual man in the league's history, shares his groundbreaking journey with the hosts. He discusses the profound impact of visibility and belonging, reflecting on the struggles of navigating hyper-masculinity and imposter syndrome. Mitch delves into a traumatic experience and its lasting effects on his identity, as well as the support from his ex-wife during his path to authenticity. Emphasizing empathy and understanding, he advocates for kinder, more inclusive spaces in sports.

Matt Okine, a talented comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on Triple J and The Other Guy, shares his journey of navigating profound loss and personal growth. He opens up about the devastating experience of losing his mother at a young age and how it shapes his perspective as a new parent. The discussion touches on overcoming trust issues after infidelity, the cathartic process of self-representation in writing, and the importance of vulnerability. With humor and sincerity, Matt reflects on friendship and the complexities of human relationships.

Karissa Lewis, a lived experience practitioner with Social Futures, provides valuable insights into the aftermath of suicide. She highlights the importance of postvention as an essential form of prevention and discusses the emotional impact on communities, especially in schools. Karissa shares strategies for communicating honestly with children about grief and suicide, aiming to reduce stigma. The conversation emphasizes that every life matters and the powerful role of community support in mental wellness and healing.