
The Imperfects
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.
Latest episodes

42 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 53min
Maria Ruberto - Sleep Your Way To Your Top
Maria Ruberto, founder of Salutogenic Psychology, shares insights on the critical role of sleep for health and well-being. She discusses the biology of sleep, including the impact of light and melatonin on our sleep cycles. Maria emphasizes the importance of sleep hygiene and myth-busting around sleep deprivation in high achievers. Personal anecdotes and practical tips make the science relatable and actionable. From understanding sleep stages to addressing modern lifestyle challenges, this conversation is a comprehensive guide to improving our nightly rest.

Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 40min
Mick Fanning - Riding The Waves of Loss
Join a heartfelt conversation with a legendary surfer who not only overcame a shark attack but also faced profound loss. The talk delves into the healing power of surfing, humorous childhood tales, and the complex journey through grief. Listeners will appreciate the blend of lighthearted sibling rivalry stories and deep reflections on resilience, community, and personal growth. Experience the unique balance of joy and sorrow as emotional connections are made through shared experiences, and discover the lasting impacts of friendship on life's challenges.

Feb 2, 2025 • 28min
We're Back! And A Little More Imperfect
The co-hosts kick off the new year with lively banter and reflections on their time apart. Hilarious holiday tales from adventures in New Zealand set a playful tone. Eerie ghostly encounters spark a humorous investigation into the supernatural. Exciting announcements hint at new projects, including a Patreon community and a book release. The anticipation for the new season grows, with sneak peeks of upcoming content featuring the likes of Mick Fanning. Join them for a mix of laughter, curiosity, and genuine connection!

Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 35min
James van Cuylenburg - What’s Your Relationship Status?
James van Cuylenburg, a clinical psychologist and cousin of Hugh and Josh, dives deep into the intricacies of relationships. He discusses attachment styles and how they shape our connections. James tackles the importance of communication and emotional independence while navigating intimacy. He provides tips for parents on discussing pornography with their kids, emphasizing trust. The conversation highlights the significance of empathy in heartbreak and cherishing all types of connections in life.

Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
Imperfect Birth Stories with Sophie Walker
In this discussion, Sophie Walker shares powerful insights from making her hit podcast, Australian Birth Stories. She delves into the emotional rollercoaster of childbirth, focusing on the chaos, trauma, and joy that parents experience. Walker emphasizes the necessity of education and support for expectant parents, while also highlighting the humor found in hospital life. Personal anecdotes vividly illustrate the complexities of postpartum challenges and the primal beauty of childbirth, underscoring the importance of sharing diverse birth stories.

Jan 16, 2025 • 34min
Surprise! You’re Writing A Book!
This enlightening discussion unveils 'My Imperfect Life,' an interactive journal encouraging personal reflection through thought-provoking questions. The hosts emphasize the power of vulnerability in writing as a way to explore emotions. Fans are invited to a unique reverse book signing event, fostering a personal connection with the authors. The conversation also touches on the struggle between external validation and self-acceptance, while celebrating the therapeutic nature of journaling and the importance of community through shared experiences.

21 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Bronnie Ware - What Are Your Future Regrets?
In this enlightening discussion, best-selling author Bronnie Ware, known for 'The Top Five Regrets of the Dying', shares profound insights from her experience in palliative care. She addresses common regrets like the longing for authenticity and nurturing relationships over work. Bronnie emphasizes the courage needed to express feelings and the importance of living in the moment. The conversation encourages listeners to prioritize meaningful connections and choose happiness amidst struggles, reminding us all to embrace life fully.

Dec 22, 2024 • 28min
Little Boy Christmas - The Forgotten Son of Mr & Mrs Claus
Quick heads up: Little Boy Christmas has a tenuous relationship with his parents, and therefore, this episode isn’t suited for kids. Have you ever wondered about Little Boy Christmas, the forgotten son of Santa and Mrs Claus? Nope, neither had we. That’s probably why he’s forgotten. Looking like an unbelievably shredded Dickensian orphan (you’re going to want to watch the YouTube for this one), Little Boy Christmas chats to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the physical and psychological pressures of being in the most famous family in the world. A BIG thank you to Guy Montgomery who introduced us to Little Boy Christmas. All ad revenue from this episode will be donated to Guy Montgomery’s chosen charity of Auckland City Mission. Auckland City Mission responds to poverty, aiming to help people find permanent housing and food. If you’d like to donate, or check out what they’re about, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3VB0dfM 🎧Things to listen to: Mrs Claus - Santa’s Better Half - https://bit.ly/4gns2zX Santa Claus - A Special Vulnerabilitea House - https://apple.co/40Y7HNs Guy’s podcast - The Worst Idea of All Time - https://apple.co/3DkUYKI 📺 Things to watch: Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee - https://ab.co/4izbmay 🎟️ Things to buy tickets to: I’ve Noticed So Many Things, It’d Be Unfair To Keep Them To Myself tour Australian Tickets - https://bit.ly/3DczzDx NZ Tickets - https://bit.ly/49BCuC4 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 4min
Michael Theo - Life on the Spectrum
You may know Michael from Love on the Spectrum, or his podcast Mr A+, or even his appearance on Ellen – he’s done it all and has gained an incredible amount of wisdom on his journey so far. We’ve been doing this show for six years, and no-one has ever summarised it as well as Michael Theo: trying to be perfect is a wild goose chase. In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to Michael about how he found his voice after growing up as a non-verbal kid, and instils on the guys some advice on how to handle nerves (and do some proper improv). Michael, we had an absolute blast. We’ll see you for a Yowie sometime soon. If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/eVtYKdJUpVU 🎧 Things to listen to: Mr. A+ - https://apple.co/3C3kS5i Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World - https://apple.co/48nT3Ax Grace Tame - “Sexy, Scissoring, Autism!” - https://apple.co/404jXv7 Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me - https://apple.co/3yHdawf Jack Steele - Socials Anxiety - https://apple.co/41jNSjL Janelle Booker - Living With ADHD - https://apple.co/41nL456 Santa Claus - A Special Vulnerabilitea House - https://bit.ly/40Y7HNs Mrs Claus - Santa’s Better Half - https://apple.co/4gns2zX 📺 Things to watch: Love On The Spectrum - https://ab.co/48r5iwb Austin - https://ab.co/4eYmvQl Michael’s Interview on Ellen - https://bit.ly/4eXRYBX Puss In Boots - The Last Wish - https://bit.ly/4foCuqF 📱Things to check out: Wable - https://www.hellowable.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 8, 2024 • 1h 28min
Layne Beachley - Surf’s Up… And Down
Layne Beachley, a seven-time world champion surfer known for her resilience, shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and acceptance. She opens up about her experience of being adopted and the impact it had on her self-worth and relationships. The conversation delves into her struggles with body image and the pressure to prove herself through competitive success. Layne emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, emotional healing, and mental health, using surfing as a powerful metaphor for navigating life's challenges.