
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

8 snips
Oct 6, 2024 • 56min
Dr Emily - The Certainty of Uncertainty
Dr. Emily Musgrove, a resident psychologist known for her expertise in worry and uncertainty, engages in a deep dive into the complexities of our modern lives. She discusses how an intolerance of uncertainty can fuel anxiety and impact decision-making. Emily reflects on childhood games like Jinx, revealing how they teach us about stress and joy. The conversation shifts to our digital age, where immediate information clashes with the beauty of curiosity. Ultimately, she encourages embracing uncertainty as a path to personal growth and gratitude.

Sep 29, 2024 • 57min
Zoë Foster Blake - Zero Lucks Given
In this episode, Zoë Foster Blake, an acclaimed author and skincare expert, shares her journey through loneliness and the pressures of success. She emphasizes the dirty word 'luck' and discusses the toll of striving for perfection on mental health. Zoë tackles the importance of sleep and managing anxiety, revealing her strategies for better nights. She also explores navigating friendships and parenting while balancing career demands, and sheds light on women's health challenges, making the conversation both insightful and relatable.

45 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 1h 8min
Dr Billy Garvey - From Boyz II Men
Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental and behavioural paediatrician with over two decades of experience, discusses vital parenting insights. He sheds light on the challenges of modern parenting, particularly around mental health and masculinity. The conversation dives into boys' emotional development, emphasizing empathy and emotional regulation to counter aggression. Billy shares personal stories about toxic masculinity, the impact of pornography on youth, and the importance of kindness and vulnerability in role modeling, making for an engaging and heartfelt dialogue.

22 snips
Sep 15, 2024 • 1h 27min
Nathan Buckley - Out of The Woods
Nathan Buckley, a former professional Australian rules football player and coach, discusses the transformative power of self-reflection. He shares how he shifted from a harsh, critical mindset to one grounded in empathy and collaboration, reshaping his approach to both playing and coaching. Buckley reflects on the pressures of being in the spotlight and how vulnerability led to personal growth. Touching on themes of mental health, parenting, and the importance of community, he also shares humorous anecdotes that highlight his journey.

54 snips
Sep 8, 2024 • 1h 8min
Dr Emily - Compassion of The Self
Dr. Emily is a clinical psychologist who dives into the challenges of self-compassion and its transformative power. She reveals how self-compassion differs from self-pity and stresses its importance in healing after trauma. The conversation also explores the role of the inner critic, highlighting how our upbringing can shape self-judgment. Dr. Emily encourages embracing kindness toward oneself while balancing accountability, making for a deeper understanding of personal growth and resilience.

29 snips
Sep 1, 2024 • 1h 25min
Grace Tame - "Sexy-time, Scissoring, Autism"
Grace Tame, an Australian of the Year and ultra-marathon runner, opens up about her journey of survival and advocacy against child sexual abuse. She shares powerful insights on confronting trauma and the challenges of living with anorexia and endometriosis. Grace discusses her autism diagnosis candidly, blending humor with vulnerability. She emphasizes the need for conversations about mental health and healing, illustrating how personal struggles shape resilience and intimacy. Her story is one of strength, hope, and an unwavering quest for truth.

Aug 25, 2024 • 1h 16min
Rana Hussain - Belonging For Connection
In this engaging conversation, Rana Hussain, founder of Good Human and board member of Reconciliation Australia, shares her insights on the essential human need for belonging. She discusses the importance of curiosity and listening in fostering genuine connections. Rana reflects on her experiences as a Muslim Indian migrant, navigating the complexities of identity and cultural expectations. With a heartfelt love story and her belief in positive connections, she highlights how small interactions can transform relationships and promote inclusivity in all spheres of life.

Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 6min
Jack Steele - Socials Anxiety
Jack Steele and Matt 'Falcon' Ford, creators of 'The Inspired Unemployed', share their journey from tradies to social media stars. Jack bravely discusses his struggles with social anxiety, panic attacks, and the pressure of staying relevant. They delve into the importance of vulnerability, mental health, and the impact of friendships on well-being. The duo also explores lighthearted topics like hair loss while emphasizing deeper discussions on ADHD and personal growth. Their candid insights will resonate with anyone grappling with similar issues.

20 snips
Aug 11, 2024 • 1h 24min
Maria Ruberto - Advancing Despite Adversity
Maria Ruberto, director of Salutegenics Psychology and co-designer of an acclaimed resilience certification, shares transformative insights from her impactful career. She explores the connection between biology and behavior and defines resilience as an active process of overcoming adversity. The conversation touches on screen time's negative effects, the power of collaboration in fostering resilience, and practical techniques like breathing exercises for anxiety management. Listeners gain valuable tools for emotional regulation and learn how nurturing connections enhance well-being.

4 snips
Aug 4, 2024 • 1h 14min
Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me
In this engaging conversation, Jackson Tozer, a talented actor known for sharing the screen with stars like John Cena and Zac Efron, opens up about his personal battles with addiction and mental health. He reflects on the profound grief stemming from the loss of his best friend, navigating the complexities of bulimia, anxiety, and depression. Jackson discusses the superficiality of nightlife and his journey through undiagnosed ADHD, emphasizing the healing power of vulnerability, community, and self-acceptance as essential themes for overcoming challenges.