The Imperfects

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!

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.