• 56 minutes 43 seconds
    Former Pro Surfer Cooper Chapman on the 1% Habit That Can Transform Your Mental Health

    What if happiness isn’t about achieving more, but learning to find inner peace wherever you are?

    In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, former professional surfer and mental health advocate Cooper Chapman shares with Osher Gunsberg the mindset shifts that transformed his life — from chasing success, external validation and results, to focusing on gratitude, mindfulness, resilience and service to others.

    Cooper talks openly about the pressure of high performance, the danger of tying your self-worth to achievement, and why falling into a victim mindset can leave us feeling powerless. He explains how we can instead take responsibility, learn from setbacks and focus on what is within our control.

     Cooper also explains his simple approach to mental health: small, practical habits that anyone can incorporate into everyday life. From a daily gratitude practice to spending time in nature without your phone, Cooper discusses how seemingly tiny actions can gradually retrain our minds to notice the positives. Along the way, he also shares some memorable lessons, including “get curious, not furious,” “knowledge is knowing, wisdom is doing,” and his father’s reminder that “life’s about appreciation, not expectation.”

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    CONTENT NOTE:
    Advice contained in this episode is general in nature and does not take into consideration personal circumstances. If you are concerned about a prolonged mental health challenge for yourself or someone you know, be sure to contact your health professional or Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au 

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    18 August 2026, 4:15 pm
  • 16 minutes 39 seconds
    ''Everything Happens for a Reason' Is Bullsh*t' — Quadruple Amputee Tom Nash on Reframing Adversity

    Tom Nash knows what it means to have your life change in an instant. At just 19, he contracted meningococcal sepsis, fell into a coma and woke up to find his arms and legs had been amputated to save his life.

    Looking back on his chat with me, Tom explores the power of reframing adversity, why positive thinking isn't about pretending everything is okay, and how learning to find a different perspective can become a skill that gets stronger with practice. He explains why he prefers “fear setting” to traditional goal setting, and why focusing on the next small milestone rather than an overwhelming end goal helped him learn to walk again with prosthetics.

    Tom also challenges the idea that “everything happens for a reason”, arguing instead that we have the power to give meaning and purpose to what happens to us. From everyday frustrations to life-changing adversity, his philosophy is about distinguishing between what we can and can't control — and concentrating our energy on what is directly in front of us.

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    16 August 2026, 5:15 pm
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Shaun Micallef on The Power Of Humour and Staying Relevant in the Entertainment Industry

    In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg sits down with legendary comedian, writer, actor and broadcaster Shaun Micallef for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, creativity, empathy, addiction, and so much more.

    Best known for his TV shows like Full Frontal, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation and Mad As Hell, Shaun talks about his latest role, as part of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of Uncle Vanya, and how he prepared for the show. Shaun also discusses the challenge of balancing comedy and tragedy on stage, and why breaking the fourth wall has become such a defining part of his work. He also reflects on his years in television, including his experience hosting the Logies, and working with Osher on Dancing with the Stars.

    Shaun also discusses his documentaries about addiction, particularly gambling addiction, and what he learned from listening to people whose lives have been devastated by gambling. Together, Shaun and Osher explore the complicated nature of addiction, personal responsibility and the need to show greater compassion towards people caught in its grip.

    Shaun then shares the story behind his upcoming book about explorer Matthew Flinders, his approach to writing about Australia's colonial history, and why humour can be a powerful way of confronting difficult subjects without trivialising them.

    If you love Shaun's quick wit and love of all things chaotic, you'll love this chat!

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    11 August 2026, 5:15 pm
  • 16 minutes 24 seconds
    Why I don’t want Hannah Ferguson to be our Prime Minister

    What does it take to stay true to your values in a political system that often rewards compromise?

    In this episode, I'm looking back on my interview with Hannah Ferguson, the founder of Cheek Media who recently announces she was running as an independent candidate, challenging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the federal seat of Grayndler. Though this interview was recorded before she announced her political ambitions, this chat offers a fascinating glimpse into the principles that shaped her journey long before she entered the race. But the truth is - I don't want her to be Prime Minister.

    Hannah shares with me why media literacy is one of the most important skills Australians can develop, how to identify bias, question the information you consume, and become a more informed citizen. She argues that democracy depends on people thinking critically rather than accepting headlines at face value.

    We also explore some of the biggest political and social challenges facing Australians today, including sexual violence reform, workplace relations, housing, and protecting power over creating meaningful change. Hannah discusses her passion for making complex political issues understandable and accessible for everyone.

    If you liked what you heard here, you can check out the full conversation in the link below.

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    9 August 2026, 5:15 pm
  • 57 minutes 18 seconds
    Leading with Sensitivity: How Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan Challenged 100 Years of Military Thinking

    What does it really mean to lead with strength?

    For decades, we've been taught that great leadership is about being loud, decisive and commanding. But what if the most effective leaders are the ones who listen first, lead with empathy and have the courage to challenge the status quo?

    In this episode, Osher Günsberg sits down with former Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (and first female to be promoted to rank of lieutenant general) Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan, whose remarkable career has redefined what leadership can look like. Rising through one of the world's most traditional institutions, Elanor transformed military culture by proving that sensitivity, curiosity and authenticity aren't weaknesses, but powerful competitive advantages.

    Drawing on more than 30 years of military service, Elanor shares how she overcame resistance, challenged outdated systems, and created lasting change by helping people rethink why they do what they do. From being the only woman aboard a warship with no accommodation for women, to inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace vulnerability, her experiences offer lessons that apply far beyond the military.

    This conversation also explores her extraordinary decision to leave the military after 32 years to take on one of the Netherlands' biggest challenges: helping solve the country's housing crisis as newly appointed Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning. Her deeply human perspective on the importance of creating not just houses, but homes, reveals why purpose should always be at the heart of leadership.

    Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, raising a family or navigating your own career, this episode is packed with practical insights on resilience, change, emotional intelligence and leading with courage.

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    4 August 2026, 4:15 pm
  • 20 minutes 7 seconds
    Why Willpower Won’t Fix Addiction (And What Actually Does) with Tom Carroll

    Two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll scored back-to-back perfect 10s at Pipeline, one of the deadliest waves on the planet. But behind the world titles and global fame, Tom was fighting a quiet, destructive battle with methamphetamine addiction while raising three daughters.

    In this conversation, Tom opens up about the trauma of losing his mother as a child, what actually happens when you stop running from emotional pain, and the split-second decision at a roundabout six months into recovery that saved his life.

    Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or trying to break free from your own unhealthy cycles, Tom’s insights offer a practical map out of isolation and into a life beyond what you thought was possible.

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    2 August 2026, 5:15 pm
  • 58 minutes 26 seconds
    Turning Pain Into Purpose: Harrison James on Surviving Child Sexual Abuse and Making A Difference

    Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health and suicide which some listeners may find distressing. Resources can be found below.

    In this raw and real conversation, Harrison James joins Osher Gunsberg to tell his remarkable story of surviving years of child sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother, overcoming unimaginable trauma, and transforming that pain into a mission that's creating lasting change within the justice system.

    Harrison speaks candidly about the grooming and abuse he endured as a teenager, including fathering a child at just 15, only to have that same child ripped from his life, the devastating impact it had on his mental health, and the long road to healing. Together, they explore the many myths surrounding child sexual abuse continue that persist, particularly for male survivors, and why these conversations are essential if we are to better protect children and support victim survivors.

    The discussion also shines a light on hope as Harrison shares how therapy, community, and practical tools such as writing unsent letters helped him reclaim his life. His advocacy has led to legislative reform across Australia, abolishing the use of good character references during sentencing for convicted offenders in multiple jurisdictions. It's an honest, confronting and deeply moving episode about resilience, recovery and purpose. 

    SUPPORT:
    If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available:

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    28 July 2026, 4:25 pm
  • 18 minutes 8 seconds
    What we get wrong about conspiracy theorists and narcissists (with Jon Ronson)

    Why are we so fascinated by the people on the absolute fringes of society?


    When someone adopts a worldview that seems completely detached from consensus reality, what is the sequence of thoughts and experiences that led them there?

    In this episode, I’m joined by the legendary journalist, author, and documentary maker Jon Ronson. For twenty-five years, Jon has been doing the hard work of looking directly at human behaviour that most of us would prefer to avoid.  Jon’s career has been defined by his ability to humanise the people we’ve been taught to fear or dismiss.

    Taken from the full-length episode, here’s a few tasty morsels to chew on today including: 

    • Why we often reward psychopathic traits by making those people our CEOs and political leaders.
    • What happens when extreme personalities feed off each other, and how do they pull us into their orbit.
    • How ordinary people drift into ideological bubbles, and what it takes to understand the urge to belong to a tribe.

    This is a fascinating, thoughtful, and very funny chat with one of the greats.

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    26 July 2026, 2:05 pm
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    How QNTM (aka Sam Hughes) Creates Mind-Bending Science Fiction Stories

    Sam Hughes isn't a name most people are familiar with. Some may know him better by the pseudonym QNTM - a software engineer turned acclaimed science fiction author known for groundbreaking novels including There Is No Antimemetics Division and Ra.

    In this fascinating conversation, Osher Günsberg sits down with Sam/qntm to explore the intersection of imagination, mathematics, technology, and what it means to be human. Sam reveals how he transforms complex scientific concepts into gripping stories that challenge the way we think about memory, reality, time, and the future. From his early fascination with mathematics to his career in software development, he explains how curiosity, logical thinking, and a relentless habit of asking "what if?" have shaped his creative process.

    The conversation ranges from the surprising lessons hidden inside game design to the promises and dangers of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and the responsibilities that come with creating powerful technology. Sam also shares why science fiction isn't about predicting the future, it's about exploring possibilities, exposing human nature, and helping us imagine better outcomes.

    Along the way, Osher and Sam discuss the craft of writing unforgettable stories, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and why hope may be just as important as dystopia when imagining humanity's future.

    Whether you're a fan of science-fiction, fascinated by AI, or simply curious about how extraordinary ideas are born, this is a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you looking at the world, and the future, a little differently. It may also inspire you to look for ideas and creativity in places you had never thought of before.

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    21 July 2026, 4:15 pm
  • 18 minutes 57 seconds
    Nat's What I Reckon on Panic Attacks, Purpose, and the Tram With No Stops

    In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg revisits one of his most memorable conversations with YouTuber, author and cook Nat's What I Reckon. Beyond the humour, viral videos and online success, Nat shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his life, including his ongoing mental health battles.

    Together, Osher and Nat explore the quiet moments that spark lasting change, discussing how small daily decisions, rather than dramatic rock-bottom moments, can transform your life. They also unpack practical strategies for managing anxiety, the importance of asking for help, building supportive relationships, and developing simple routines that create resilience over time.

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    19 July 2026, 4:15 pm
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Katie Noonan Opens Up About Divorce, Endometriosis and How Music Can Heal Us

    Katie Noonan is one of Australia's most acclaimed and celebrated musicians, but behind the awards, sold-out performances and extraordinary vocal talent is a story of resilience, reinvention and unwavering passion for the arts.

    Having known each other for some 40 years, Katie sits down for this deeply personal conversation with Osher Günsberg, and opens up about navigating some of the hardest years of her life, including her recent and unexpected divorce. She speaks candidly about her journey with sobriety, her painful journey to an endometriosis diagnosis, navigating motherhood, and the mental and emotional challenges that come with a life spent in the spotlight.

    They also explore Katie's lifelong love of music, from her earliest days growing up in Brisbane to building an internationally acclaimed career spanning jazz, opera, classical and contemporary music. Together, Katie and Osher discuss the transformative power of music education, why authentic voices matter in an age of autotune and AI, and the vital role Australian storytelling plays in shaping our national identity.

    They also tackle the challenges facing Australia's creative industries, including the lasting impact of COVID-19, the decline of live music venues, arts funding, gambling sponsorships, and why supporting local artists has never been more important.

    It's an honest, insightful and often hilarious conversation, and a powerful reminder that music is about far more than entertainment - it's about connection, healing, community and telling the stories that define who we are.

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    14 July 2026, 5:15 pm
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