

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

Dec 22, 2021 • 57min
Georgia & Hugh
In this extremely special episode, Hugh reads the opening chapter from his second book, ‘Let Go’ to his younger sister (and Josh’s older sister) Georgia van Cuylenburg - a heartfelt letter from him to her. What follows is an incredibly powerful conversation between the two of them that, for the first time, addresses unspoken feelings and issues that have existed for years. We’ve been fortunate to have witnessed many beautiful examples of vulnerability on this podcast over the years… but guys… seriously… this is next level. (And I can say that because it’s me Ryan writing this) Thank you Georgia for allowing us to share this. At times it doesn’t feel like we should be listening in, but gee whiz, I think I can pre-speak for everyone here and say we feel so lucky and privileged that we are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 16, 2021 • 29min
Almost end of year wrap - (Part 2)
A Part 1 wouldn't be complete without a Part 2. So here it is... wrapping up the wrap up! After Hugh kicked things off with a beautiful bang in Part 1, Part 2 sees Josh and Ryan follow suit and reflect on 2 moments from the podcast that meant a lot to them in 2021 - powerful moments from Martin Heppell and Ben Crowe. Once again, thank you for your ears. We love you. Now go tell someone special that you love them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 8, 2021 • 32min
Almost end of year wrap - (Part 1)
We had to split our "End of Year Wrap" into 2 parts because of what came up in this ep. Without wanting to spoil it, it's yet another example of what can happen when we start the conversation and show a lil vulnerability to the ones we love. There will obviously be a Part 2, and then a few more very VERY special episodes to round out the year. Thank you for listening to us. We love you and appreciate you a LOT. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 22, 2021 • 51min
The Vulnerabilitea House - Peter Helliar
Whether it’s TV, film, stand-up comedy, radio, books, podcasts... or... Straughanie, Peter “Pete” Helliar has been making us laugh for over 20 years and has found a lot of success doing it. But like anyone, Pete’s life has at times been imperfect. In this episode of The Vulnerabilitea House, Pete speaks with Hugh, Ryan and Josh about one of the most difficult times in his life when one of his close friends and colleagues, Richard Marsland, took his own life. Hugh then shares some practical ways you can talk to people in your life who you think might be struggling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 2021 • 25min
Your Non-Free Gift! (Unannounced Surprise Podcast Episode)
Surprise! We have something special for you. Okay fine... it MAY be merchandise. Fine, you twisted our arm... it IS merchandise. But GOOD merchandise! PUN merchandise!!! Have a listen and go to thevulnerabiliteabag.com. BUT BE QUICK! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 8, 2021 • 1h 13min
The Academy of Imperfection - Jeff Warren
You may have an image of what a “meditation teacher” sounds like. Whatever you’re thinking of, we’re pretty sure you’re not thinking of Jeff Warren. Jeff Warren is not your traditional meditation “guru”. He’s just... well, a guy. A Canadian guy! And alongside his own challenges with ADD and Bipolar diagnoses (among other things), he’s found a life and successful career in mindfulness and meditation. And if you’re like us, you’ll want to be his best friend. Jeff is currently best known for his “Daily Trip” meditations on the Calm app. But he’s also written books and taught meditation to all walks of life around the world. For everything you need to know about Jeff including his weekly Do Nothing Project, go to jeffwarren.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 1, 2021 • 1h 16min
The Dyl & Friends crossover episode
We’ve been big fans of the Dyl & Friends podcast for a long time now. We love everything about the former AFL footballer and host of the Dyl & Friends podcast, Dylan Buckley. To that end, we are very excited to release this episode of our podcast as a Dyl & Friends and The Imperfects collaboration. As you will hear, Dylan is authentic and open. He embraces his imperfections and as such this chat is a true mix of both shows. Dylan starts off interviewing us about how The Imperfects started, and then we welcome Dylan into the Vulnerabilitea House where he delivers one of the most vulnerable and heart felt tea house shares we’ve had to date. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 25, 2021 • 58min
The Vulnerabilitea House - Dr Yves Rees
Today we welcome Dr Yves Rees into The Vulnerabilitea House. One morning, in a hotel room in Canada, aged 30, Yves had a life changing epiphany. With this came a range of emotions - happiness, confusion, pain, joy...and almost everything in between. As well as being a renowned history professor at La Trobe University, Yves is transgender. In today’s episode of The Imperfects, Ryan, Josh and Hugh are educated and enlightened by the insightful and vulnerable Dr Yves Rees. Dr Rees has recently released their memoir, All About Yves. If this episode sparks anything for you that you wish to explore further, we recommend transhub.org.au as a fantastic resource to learn more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 12, 2021 • 1h 22min
Becky Lucas - The power of laughter
On this week's episode of the podcast we talk to Australian comedian Becky Lucas. Becky has written a book -Acknowledgements, and as you will hear Hugh is BIT of a fan. We cover a-lot in this ep, from bitchy English exchange students, Becky’s parents' divorce, 'dick-lit’, the stresses of lock down; and somehow we manage to squeeze in a discussion of 90s NBL basketball under the ‘auspice’ of a special birthday surprise. Afterwards we discuss the role of laughter and comedy in our lives and why laughter is such an incredible thing for changing our mood and improving our mental health. Yep, as I said, we cover quite a lot... If this chat has brought up any troubling emotions or thoughts for you, as always we strongly recommend Lifeline on 13 11 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 28, 2021 • 46min
The Vulnerabilitea House - Martin Heppell
There is no one else in the world quite like our guest this week. For years people kept telling Hugh he needed to bring on a new presenter to meet the demand from schools and workplaces around the country. He said he would only ever do it if he found someone extraordinary. In 2015, Hugh found that extraordinary person - Martin Heppell. In today’s episode, Ryan, Hugh and Josh are both moved and inspired as Martin steps into the Vulnerabilitea and shares a heart breaking story from his childhood. As only Martin can do, he starts the interview by sharing the trauma of his past, but ends the interview leaving the boys inspired to be better people. Warning. This episode contains references to child abuse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.