The Imperfects

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!