• 1 hour 43 minutes
    Janelle Booker & Hamish Blake - The ADHD Playbook for Parents

    How do you raise a child whose brain works differently?

    This episode is for parents of kids with ADHD. And parents who have ADHD. And people who don’t have a diagnosis, but would consider themselves ‘fast and loose’. And for everyone who knows someone who fits the above criteria.

    💌Join 8,300+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Janelle Booker, a psychologist who specialises in ADHD, is BACK, this time, to talk to parents of ADHD kids, and how to parent when you yourself have ADHD.

    And also, ADHD-curious Hamish Blake is here too.

    We look at the role of dopamine, energy vs stressors, and how to make your mornings less chaotic and more compassionate.

    Hamish and Janelle. What a duo.

    0:00 – A dynamic duo: Hamish and Janelle
    5:58 – The penny drop moment for Hugh
    11:35 – ADHD or Fast and Loose?
    19:56 – The beauty and beast of ADHD brains
    22:38 – The life of an ADHD kid
    27:16 – A crash course on dopamine
    37:26 – Structure, sleep and school
    44:38 – Identity and diagnosis
    55:13 – ADHD kids and friendships
    1:02:50 – Parenting WITH ADHD
    1:16:29 – Finding and supporting regulation
    1:23:13 – Slo-pamine
    1:28:54 – Let’s talk about the strengths
    1:34:35 – Get ‘em outside!

    If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/WwEBTIMohwg

    🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

    💻Things to check out

    📖Things to read

    • ADHD: A Delightful Human Difference. Reframing ADHD for Good, by Janelle Booker and Matthew Johnson - https://bit.ly/4w7scU3

    🎧Things to listen to

    🏆Competitions to enter

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 June 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia) - In Trust We Trust

    How do you choose who to trust? And how do you show others that you are trustworthy?

    💌Join 8,100+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    In this Academy of Imperfection, we are joined by Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia. No biggie (BIG biggie).

    And if there’s one thing Jimmy knows, it's how to garner and imbue the trust of millions.

    You’re right in feeling like the general level of trust globally is low right now, but this episode is here to step through Jimmy's 7 rules which will help you build, rebuild, and solidify what is in our innate human behaviour.

    Trust is important, and so is this conversation.

    0:00 – BIG deal on the internet
    8:41 – The heart behind it all
    14:57 – Trust is always personal
    20:22 – It’s human nature
    23:33 – Good guys of the internet
    30:35 – Don’t take sides
    38:23 – The circle of trust
    40:15 – Own up
    46:03 – Let’s call them a civil person

    If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/Z1SPClxSfYI

    📖 Things to read

    🎧Things to listen to

    🏆Competitions to enter

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 June 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    Dr Emily - You're Full of Grit

    Do you think you have grit?

    💌Join 8,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Research has shown that the most common characteristic of elite performers and high achievers is grit.

    Understood as the passion and perseverance for very long term goals, Grit is not about natural ability or talent, but rather how we choose to grow.

    Your favourite resident psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove, is back in the studio this week to talk about how you can become a grittier person!

    We also look inward, as Josh asks how to maintain grit when it feels like your inner critic is overwhelmingly loud.

    Dr Em, so great to have you back.

    0:00 – Down with the nonchalance!
    5:43 – Talent vs Excellence
    10:40 – Interested in finding your interests
    16:42 – For the non-naturals in the room
    24:22 – Effort is essential for excellence
    32:17 – Practicing, kindly
    35:01 – Hope is earned
    42:06 – The good and bad criticism
    53:45 – Encountering pain and discomfort
    59:54 – For the greater good
    1:06:09 – The dark side of perseverance

    If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/JmcLV7DGL4k 

    🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode

    📚Things to read

    📺Things to watch

    ⭐️Things to donate to

    🏆Competitions to enter

    🎟️Things to buy tickets to

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 June 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 20 minutes
    Ellyse Perry - It Starts With Trying

    At just 16, Ellyse Perry was the youngest person to ever debut for the Australian International Cricket team. 13 days later, Ellyse debuted for the Matildas.

    💌Join 7,800+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Arguably one of the greatest athletes of our time, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to Ellyse about how she stays so grounded amidst her incredible success, and whether she is able to separate who she is from what she does.

    Ellyse chats to the guys about her relationship with her dad (Josh and Hugh furiously take notes), and how both her parents were able to instil a love of trying rather than winning.

    And then we get onto social anxiety; what it feels like for Ellyse, why she loves silent retreats, and how she manages it in front of her fans.

    Ellyse, you are a literal ray of sunshine. Please come back anytime.

    If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/xAZeLzcG43Y 

    0:00 – Is THAT AI?
    5:05 – Running (and bowling) it’s natural course
    11:24 – The feeling of not trying
    17:18 – Parents: Be A Good Sport
    29:22 – Prepare to be disappointed
    40:23 – Bitter sweet World Cup
    46:48 – The complexity of ego
    1:03:54 – Practicing presence
    1:10:30 – Hugh’s advice for big moments

    🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode

    📖 Things to read

    📺Things to watch

    🏆Competitions to enter

    🎟️Things to buy tickets to

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    7 June 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 9 minutes 50 seconds
    We're Doing a One-Off Live Show!

    We have a BIG announcement.

    August 19. Balwyn Cinema. Our first ever live podcast recording. With Hugh, Ryan, Josh, Dr Emily, and you?

    ARE YOU AS EXCITED AS WE ARE?!

    And you could win your way there! THE ULTIMATE GOLD CLASS DOUBLE PASS includes: 2 x tickets, flights or a limo if you're already in Melbourne, accomodation for the night, popcorn, choc top, sparkling wine and a personal escort to your seats by former Balwyn Cinema employee Hugh van Cuylenburg!

    🏆 Enter here NOW - https://www.theimperfects.com.au/balwyn-entry/

    Tickets will go live Monday June 8.

    🎟️ Buy here - https://bit.ly/4ecYtTw

    BUT to enter the competition OR buy tickets, you need a codeword (lowercase). And the only way you will hear the codeword is to be a Little More Imperfects subscriber and listen to the latest episode!

    So quick, subscribe here!

    🩵Patreon - patreon.com/theimperfects

    🩷Apple Podcast - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    We can’t wait to see you there x

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 June 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Ryan Holiday - A Stoic Life & Death

    We can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. At least, that’s what the Stoic’s say.

    💌Join 7,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Today we are joined (deep breath Hugh) by Stoic philosopher Ryan Holiday.

    Using the wisdom of the past to appreciate the present, Ryan’s work is dedicated to communicating how the practicalities of stoic philosophy can help us lead more present, mindful and resilient lives today.

    In this incredible chat, Hugh, Josh and Ryan (our Ryan), each present Ryan Holiday with something they have been struggling with in their own lives. Through the lens of Stoic philosophers Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, Ryan Holiday talks to how stoicism can really help us to live into our values, prioritise presence, and deal with existential dread.

    We discuss with Ryan the importance of understanding what will actually make you happy (spoiler: it’s not a billion dollars), and how to reframe death as a reminder that we must appreciate every moment (or not waste anymore with shame and guilt).

    This episode, and its practical take-aways (which you can find listed in our newsletter), has been a long time coming.

    Ryan, what an absolute honour.

    0:00 – What is Stoicism?
    13:26 – For the Josh’s of the world
    17:07 – Time and Energy of Worrying
    27:01 – The illusion of freedom
    33:50 – Am I a bad friend?
    38:58 – Practicing what you preach ft. presence
    45:42 – If today was your last day
    50:22 – 5 quotes for a Stoic life

    If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -

    🫖 Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

    📖 Things to read

    ✍️Journals to journal

    🎟️ Things to get tickets to

    💻Things to check out

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 May 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 29 minutes
    Joel Pearson - I Think, Therefore AI

    In the age of AI, do you feel that your future is more uncertain?

    💌Join 7,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    In today’s Academy of Imperfection, we’re joined by Dr Joel Pearson; a neurofuturist, whose work centres around predicting how AI will impact every aspect of our lives from now on.

    While many of us (us included) first and foremost imagine the impacts of AI in a tech-revolution-y, robot butler-y, terminator-adjacent way, this episode goes deeper.

    Joel discusses how young people are forming attachments with AI companions and how we might see, perhaps the first generation in known history with a lower IQ than the one beforehand.

    We talk about the tangible and interconnected mental health impacts that this major societal disruption will have, and Hugh and Josh ask how in the world can we broach this topic with our kids?

    BUT, this episode isn’t all doom and gloom. Joel is a tech-optimist, after all.

    We talk to Joel about how we can foster human connection, and continue to develop our critical thinking skills, whilst not turning away from AI altogether.

    Joel, this has been invaluable.

    If you want to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPGa6heppjE 

    0:00 – The episode we’ve been putting off
    10:10 – The only certainty is disruption
    14:15 – Impact of AI on the brain
    21:23 – Rewards and moral responsibility
    27:11 – A scary mental health spiral
    30:31 – Think of the children
    35:10 – You may now kiss the AI
    45:06 – Purposeful Utopia
    58:42 – Seeing is no longer believing
    1:02:21 – The Roadmap to AI
    1:11:35 – Finding Motivation in Limbo
    1:18:15 – Let’s Stack Some Habits

    🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

    📖 Things to read

    💻Things to check out

    📺 Things to watch

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 May 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 18 minutes
    Dr Emily - What To Do With Envy

    What is your envy telling you?

    💌Join 7,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Dr Emily Musgrove, our resident psychologist, is back in the studio to talk about the green-eyed monster, and more importantly, how we can work with it to incorporate more gratitude, appreciation and awareness into our lives (hallelujah).

    Founded in the evolutionary practice of assessing our status in comparison with others, envy comes from the feeling of lacking something that someone else has.

    In what may have been an adaptive function for a cave person to secure their basic needs, our brains are not equipped for the intense comparison fed to us via social media.

    Dr Emily chats to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the layered experience of envy, and how often, it stems from feeling not-enough or unworthy.

    Of course, Dr Emily brings the strategies. We explore how to work with envy in our own lives, and how to acknowledge it in the lives of our friends and family to protect important relationships.

    Dr Em, we’ll see you for the sequel on jealousy soon.

    To watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/B7acUnoekSc

    0:00 – Envy vs Jealousy 9:08 – Keeping up with the Jones’ 8:16 – A message around ‘enoughness’ 25:12 – The energy of being a hater 36:50 – A deep longing for a difference experience 42:13 – On the flip side 52:45 - Acknowledge the hard 59:18 – The social emotion 1:07:18 – Working with envy

    🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

    💻Things to check out

    📺Things to watch

    📖Things to read

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 May 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 28 minutes
    Reuben Williams - What Happened After My Sexual Assault

    Can you think of a moment that turned your life into ‘before’ and ‘after’?

    For Reuben Williams, that moment was not his sexual assault, rather, the decision he made in the aftermath to pursue justice.

    💌Join 7,000+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Incredibly vulnerable, Reuben talks Hugh, Ryan and Josh through what it felt like in the 24 hours after the assault, how he knew, undeniably, what happened to him was wrong, and why he chose to report it.

    We talk about the intricacies of healing, privilege, and having a world class difficult conversation with the ones you love.

    And then, Josh asks Reuben how you can best show up for your friends who might be going through something similar.

    Reuben, it was such a privilege having you in the studio.

    If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/okQnOwV2MJE 

    0:00 – An Imperfect Meet-Cute
    6:44 – The night of the assault
    19:28 – Identity, privilege, and idealism
    33:09 – Family Dynamics
    41:16 - World Class Difficult Conversation
    47:39 – The Waiting Game
    59:15 – Reuben’s Letter
    1:04:24 – A divine test
    1:10:30 – Just help
    1:18:46 – How can you be a better friend?

    🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned on this episode

    🎧Things to listen to

    💻Things to check out

    🚨If you’d like to reach out to someone for support after listening to this episode, here are some great places to start

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 May 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    Jan Fran - Wars For Your Attention

    In a world so divided by hate, how can we choose to show love?

    This week we are joined by journalist Jan Fran, who unpacks the horror of witnessing horror.

    💌Join 6,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Talking through her unravelling relationship with social media and the utter helplessness she feels watching atrocities cut into 30 second clips, Jan explores how becoming a mother cracked her open in ways she didn’t know possible.

    Joining us in the Vulnerabilitea House to answer every question in the deck (kidding), Jan and Josh discuss the guilt of turning away, and the consequences of leaning in.

    And finally, Jan bonds with the Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the fundamental importance of deliberately creating community.

    Jan, you are remarkable.

    0:00 – Introducing Josh’s housemate
    8:42 – The art of being vulnerable
    17:19 – I wish I could stop going on social media.
    27:13 – Being cracked open
    35:32 – Deliberately building community
    46:39 – Anticipating the Comments
    53:34 – Optimist by will

    If you’d like to watch this full video on YouTube (and see Josh’s Frant banner), follow this link - https://youtu.be/BRoyNdZEZD0 

    🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

    💻Things to check out

    🎧 Things to listen to

    📱Things to help you set social media boundaries

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    3 May 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 35 minutes
    Dr Edna Lekgabe - New Baby… New Brain… Matrescence.

    According to perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist Dr Edna Lekgabe, matrescence is the motherhood equivalent of adolescence. Puberty 2.0, if you will.

    💌Join 6,500+ people getting our takeaways and favourite moments from this episode in our weekly newsletter - http://bit.ly/45NyQDy

    Joining us in the academy of imperfection, Dr Edna explores the cataclysmic identity shift women undergo during motherhood, and how partners can best support them.

    Exploring the impacts of mastrescence with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Dr Edna breaks down the difference between matrescence, anxiety and depression, and why mental illness is the number one pregnancy complication.

    We’re talking hormonal changes, physiological changes, sociological changes that are SO significant, you can see them in brain scans. Matrescence is messy, a developmental earthquake, and it’s not talked about nearly enough.

    This episode might just break the internet (and your heart) wide open.

    0:00 – Introducing Hugh’s perinatal psychiatrist
    7:30 – Matrescence? Huh?
    21:14 – The biology of baby brain
    34:10 – The difference between matrescence and depression
    40:46 – Reasonable worry vs anxiety disorder
    47:40 – The emergence of neurodivergence
    54:04 – Post-natal depression
    1:00:04 – Matrescence after loss
    1:05:50 – Getting to know a brand new person
    1:11:19 – Can women have it all?
    1:18:32 – On a societal scale
     1:26:12 – The paternal earthquake

    If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link -

    🫖 Other Imperfect’s episodes mentioned in this episode

    📖 Things to read

    🎧Things to listen to

    📺 Things to watch

    💻Things to check out

    🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuWz

    🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - http://bit.ly/4lyuuW

    🩵To join our subscriber community, A Little More Imperfects, follow this link - http://bit.ly/4mqunxu

    🩷 AND you can subscribe to A Little More Imperfects through Apple Podcasts too, here - http://apple.co/theimperfects

    The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 April 2026, 7:00 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App