The Imperfects – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.

As an author, journalist and broadcaster, Dr Julia Baird has spent the last decade researching awe, wonder, grace and forgiveness (...and now the title makes sense!).

Finding joy and purpose through ocean swimming, Julia shows us how impactful nature and community can be when we say yes to adventure (and also what to do when caught in a rip).

With Josh out sick, Ryan and Hugh do the heavy lifting with bountiful good questions, Ryan becomes enlightened and discovers the meaning behind church (no really, he’s onto something), and Hugh and Ryan get deep with Julia and discuss the role of justice in forgiveness and the place of grace in today’s society.

Julia, it was such an honour, and definitely a name ticked off our dream-guest bucket list.

To watch the full episode on YouTube click here - https://youtu.be/3Xjy4eABOQ4

🎧Things to listen to:

• Not Stupid podcast with Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez - https://apple.co/4h3mhIS
• Grace Tame - “Sexy-time, Scissoring, Autism” - https://apple.co/404jXv7
• All that really matters - Teddy Swims - https://bit.ly/3NmAt26
• Renegades: Born in the USA with Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen - https://apple.co/3BJbhQW

📖 Things to read

• Julia Baird’s ‘Staying Upright’ ABC column - https://ab.co/4f31HGN
• Phosphorescence by Julia Baird - https://bit.ly/3Y2MK0M
• Bright Shining by Julia Baird - https://bit.ly/4eNfaCX
• Silent Spring by Rachel Carlson - https://bit.ly/3NpOhcf
• The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carlson - https://bit.ly/3A5UPcP
• The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey - https://amzn.to/3A1w3L1
• AWE by Dacher Keltner - https://amzn.to/3BGEk7E
• The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

📺 Things to watch

• Barack Obama singing Amazing Grace - https://bit.ly/3BG1WsV
• The Pool documentary - https://thepoolfilm.au

🌊 Information about Ocean Swimming Groups

• Phosphorescence Swimming Group (Melbourne) - https://bit.ly/488EWPp
• Margaret River Swimming Group - https://ab.co/4dKT02P

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all get angry. Some of us show our anger and some of us suppress it, but at the end of the day, we’re all susceptible to being angry.

In this episode, Dr Emily goes into the many aspects of anger - how it can show up in our lives, how it affects us and the people around us, and of course, what we can do about it.


If you liked this episode, you might be interested in book recommendation, When the Body Says No, The Hidden Cost of Stress, by Dr Gabor Mate: https://bit.ly/3NcTFQS

To view research and studies around emotional suppression, anger and mortality, follow these links, https://bit.ly/3UZvOGr , https://bit.ly/3H5h8zS and https://bit.ly/3LlBDup

To learn more about Chris Germer's work, around anger as information, mindfulness and self-compassion, follow this link: https://chrisgermer.com/
 
To lean more about Robyn Walser's work on the four components of anger and to purchase a self-directed, commitment and acceptance therapy based workbook on managing emotions and anger, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3H6QINY

To listen to Tarang Chawla's Imperfects episode about men's violence against women,  follow this link: https://bit.ly/3N4altS

To listen to Tarang Chawla's podcast, There's No Place Like Home, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3H5w2Wy

To learn more about the Oura Ring Hugh spoke about, follow this link: https://ouraring.com/

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.

What if you were one of the best swimmers in the world, but you still couldn’t beat your older sister? That’s what Olympic swimmer Bronte Campbell has been facing for most of her career with her sister, Cate Campbell.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Bronte opens up about being at the top of the professional swimming world, but still living in someone’s shadow. And how comparison stole much of the joy she might have otherwise felt. But she also describes how the perspective provided by her brother with Cerebral Palsy made her realise what’s truly important.


To listen to Libby Trickett's Imperfects episode, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3MMGupL

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This B-B-B-BONUS episode arrives thanks to Hugh - a man who claims to hate lists. At least he did until he saw a list called “40 Things I Wish I’d Known at 40” (link below).

The list of things resonated with Hugh so much, that he sent it to Ryan and Josh and they decided to do an episode about it. This is that episode. It’d be weird if it wasn’t though wouldn’t it?

There’s no guest in this one, it’s just Hugh, Ryan and Josh speaking about the things from the list that spoke to each of them most.

But we’ll be back soon with a proper guest next episode!

To read the full list of 40 things from Robin Sharma, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Mzwcci
The list is originally from The Everyday Hero Manifesto, by Robin Sharma: http://bit.ly/3KCnYh7

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ryan spoke about his ongoing indecision surrounding whether or not he should have children (Episode: To Breed or Not To Breed - link below), it definitely struck a chord with a lot of people who could relate. One of those people was “Parenthood Clarity Mentor” Ann Davidman, who helps people all over the world to answer the question, ‘Should I have children?’

So, as a sort-of-follow-up episode, Ann joins Hugh, Ryan and Josh in the Academy of Imperfection to provide some much-needed guidance to anyone who is also stuck in the ‘not-knowing’!

Ann started her Parenthood Clarity Course in 1991 (link below) and it has helped thousands of parents and non-parents find the clarity they needed. So Ann certainly has some experience in the area.

To listen to Ryan's episode, To Breed or Not To Breed, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3Ko2N2p

To learn more about Ann Davidman, her work and her motherhood clarity course, follow this link: https://www.motherhoodisitforme.com/

To learn more about Ann's fatherhood clarity course, follow this link: http://bit.ly/43fx7ok

To purchase the book, 'Motherhood Is It For Me?', by Ann Davidman & Denise L Carlini, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3ZZmcMU

To read Ann's article in Vox, 'Should I have kids: 6 tips to help you decide if you want to start a family', follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nXj9aF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dil’s rise from accountant, to one of Australia’s most successful stand-up comedians is incredible. But what might be even incredible…er is how he was able to finally get sober after years of relying on alcohol.

In this vulnerable episode, Dil reveals to Hugh, Ryan and Josh what his life was like when his drinking was out of control, and how when he stopped, it forced him to change the way approached his work and his life.

To purchase tickets to Dilruk's comedy show "Heart Stopper", follow this link: https://bit.ly/3zqxaQE
To listen to Dilruk's podcast 'Fitbet' with Ben Lomas, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3znp2jV
To listen to Dilruk's podcast, 'The Drivers Seat', follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nsEwAb

To listen to Dil phone into Hamish and Andy's radio show in 2010, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3ZCw0fr

To watch the "Life Force" clip from Jonah Hill's documentary "Stutz"  (full documentary available on Netflix), follow this link: http://bit.ly/3U1BJKw

For book recommendation 'The Tools' by Philip Stutz and Barry Michels, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3K4h8AJ

To learn more about Philip Stutz and his work, follow this link: https://www.thetoolsbook.com/

To read the article Hugh mentions, 'Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health', follow this link: https://bit.ly/3U5zo1p

For book recommendation, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3nFhZAr

The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment.
This episode discusses alcohol abuse. If you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol, or other drugs, you can access free, confidential, 24/7 support from Counselling Online. https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/
Alternatively, seek support from friends and family, your local doctor, therapist, AA Group, or call lifeline on 13 11 14. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Emily is back in the studio with Hugh, Ryan and Josh to deliver a slightly different, but extremely practical episode.

You may not be ready to see a therapist, but even the thought of it can be really overwhelming. Where do you start? Who’s the right therapist for you? What even happens once you’re in a therapy session? And which movies or TV shows get it right?

Dr Em guides us through all of that, which will hopefully help you in your journey to find the right therapy for you. Whether that be now or down the track.


If you are thinking about seeking professional support, but are not sure where to start, try the below resources: 

To learn more about different types of mental health professionals and find services near you, visit Beyond Blue's Find a Mental Health Professional: http://bit.ly/3FMLyGs

To learn more about what is Medicare rebatable, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3nbibXP

To learn more about counselling or to find a counsellor, visit The Australian Counselling Association: https://www.theaca.net.au/

Or, visit The Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists: https://www.arcapregister.com.au/

To learn more about group therapy, visit Open Ground: https://www.openground.com.au/

For self directed workbook recommendations try:

• The Mindful Self-Compassion : http://bit.ly/3Z6nsgE
• The Mindful Way: http://bit.ly/3K3a6xb
• Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: http://bit.ly/3TBwYat

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.

This Academy of Imperfection is a Part 2, or… addendum episode… with the phenom that is Ben Crowe! So, if you haven’t heard Part 1, please listen to that one first by following the link below.

In this episode, Ben expands on what he said in Part 1 about listening to your inner fan rather than your inner critic. He guides Hugh, Ryan and Josh through some simple exercises where they access positive memories from their past, so they can reframe their belief system, that they’re worthy of love and connection and belonging, and also worthy of having the courage to chase their dreams and goals.

These are exercises anyone can do - either during this episode, or even better, with Ben’s MojoCrowe Mindset Course available at the link below.

To listen to part 1 of our chat with Ben, follow this link: http://bit.ly/3Z0duNC

To learn more about Ben Crowe, the Mojo Crowe app and course, follow this link: https://mojocrowe.com/

To watch Ryan's short film, Loop Hole, follow this link: https://bit.ly/42rAGr2

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.