The Imperfects

Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
  • 4.7 (3.4K)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Simon Hill - Eating Imperfectly vs Perfectly Eating

    Chasing the ‘perfect’ diet is a trap; which is really great news for our brand. Simon Hill, nutritionist, physiotherapist, and host of The Proof podcast, joins us in the Academy of Imperfection to break down whether the latest dietary trends on social media actually match up with nutrition science. In this episode, Simon unpacks the role of both genetics and lifestyle choices in shaping our health, and specifically our risk of disease. Acknowledging the pressure, and sometimes shame, that comes with chasing the ‘perfect’ diet, Hugh, Ryan, and Josh discuss how to encourage kids to build positive relationships with food, and the incredible significance of ‘joy’ and ‘human connection’, that occurs when we get together to eat. And then, of course, we play Simon Says and bust some food-myths about supplements, plant protein, and whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Simon, thank you for all that you says. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4jyH2NL  🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode: Felice Jacka - Food For Thought - https://apple.co/4ciWgn5 Professor Tim Spector - Food Fight - https://apple.co/3OjRlXR Maria Ruberto - Sleep Your Way to Your Top - https://bit.ly/3E3flgi 📖 Things to read: The Proof is in the Plants - Simon Hill - https://bit.ly/4lbj7VC The Skeptics’ Guide To The Universe - Steven Novella - https://bit.ly/3QUPYjI 🎧Things to listen to: The Proof with Simon Hill - https://bit.ly/3XCCDjS The Proof - Menopause masterclass (Part 1) - https://bit.ly/42aAoXC The Proof - Your menopause questions answered (Part 2) - https://apple.co/4cx0MhW 💻Things to research: Approx. 50% of cardiac deaths are sudden cardiac deaths 50% - https://bit.ly/4juCffP 30 different plants a week study - https://bit.ly/3XIXORj To know more about ApoB, and it’s link to cholesterol - https://bit.ly/42mRL6b & https://bit.ly/426dVLe The Mind Diet - https://bit.ly/42p3zFd Mediterranean Diet - https://bit.ly/4cPqBKp To know more about the Carnivore diet - https://bit.ly/3RcMZmR & https://bit.ly/426xvqT Creatine and cognition - https://bit.ly/4j8sd4e Impact of creatine on depression and CBT - https://bit.ly/3G401AL Impact of creatine on bone health for menopausal women - https://bit.ly/4cuahym & https://bit.ly/424KxoD Impact of creatine on sleep deprivation - https://go.nature.com/4cvR0wC Simon’s Prebiotics - 38TERA - https://bit.ly/4caa96Q 🍎Use code THEIMPERFECTS for $10 off your first order with 38TERA (not sponsored at all, Simon’s just a really nice guy). 🦋If this conversation has raised some uncomfortable feelings for you around eating and food, these are some great resources to find support: Eating Disorders Families Australia - https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5 The Butterfly Foundation - https://bit.ly/48YCSZe 🩷If you want A Little More Imperfects, join our Patreon to get just that - www.patreon.com/theimperfects 🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP 🩷To subscribe to the Vulnerabilitea-mail weekly newsletter, join through our website - www.theimperfects.com.au 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.

    1h 35m

  2. 13 APR

    Courtney Ugle - Intergenerational Strength

    Trauma ran through Courtney Ugle’s family - until it ran into her. CEO and founder of Waangkiny, as well as a football superstar, Courtney is on a mission to transform her adversity into resilience, power, and love. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Courtney answers the question, “what childhood challenges best prepared you for adulthood?”, diving into how she copes with the loss of her greatest source of unconditional love and support, and how this drives the work that she does today. In conversation with Hugh, Ryan and Josh, Courtney speaks to the raw intersection of grief and joy, and what it is like to realise that the only person coming to save you, is you. Courtney, we can’t wait to have an oat magic with you soon. If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/G_Rdt1EhA0U If you would like to host your own Vulneratilitea House, you can purchase the cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP 💻 Things to checkout: Waangkiny - https://www.waangkiny.com 📺 Things to watch: Once Were Warriors - https://bit.ly/3XPMxyJ 🚨If you, or someone you know, has experienced or is at risk of domestic violence, call the 24 hour national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, or if you’re feeling unsafe, call 000.  🩷If you want A Little More Imperfects, join our Patreon to get just that - www.patreon.com/theimperfects 🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP 🩷To subscribe to the Vulnerabilitea-mail weekly newsletter, join through our website - www.theimperfects.com.au This episode of The Imperfects discusses domestic and family violence. If these topics are too much for you right now, then we suggest you skip this one and come back when you're ready. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 16m

  3. 6 APR

    Dr Emily - How to Be Leaned On

    Chances are, you’ve supported someone going through a tough time. And while the meaning sustains the sacrifice, today we want to support you ….. supporting them. A bit of support inception, if you will. To guide us through this incredibly complex and meaningful topic is our resident psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove. Navigating relationships requires awareness. Showing up as a partner, friend, parent, or sibling while holding space for pain – without being overwhelmed – is a skill that takes practice. Reminding us that no one hates their struggle more than the person suffering, Dr Em delves into some practical strategies of support, such as walking the line between respect and care, as well as always understanding the difference between effort and capacity. To all of the supporters and carers listening, we see you. We love you. And we hope you felt held, too. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3XILzEe To pre-order Dr. Em’s book Unstuck, click here - https://bit.ly/4bhmCp2 🎧 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode Dr Emily - Resent Less, Live More - https://apple.co/4hZiVWx Esther Perel - Let’s Be Better Lovers - https://bit.ly/42phpsh 💻Things to check out: Carer Gateway - https://bit.ly/41UEJhA 🩷If you want A Little More Imperfects, join our Patreon to get just that - www.patreon.com/theimperfects 🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP 🩷To subscribe to the Vulnerabilitea-mail weekly newsletter, join through our website - www.theimperfects.com.au 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.

    1h 23m

  4. 30 MAR

    Danielle Laidley PART 2 - Her Public Outing

    This is PART TWO of our chat with footballer, coach and uniter of people, Danielle Laidley. We HIGHLY recommend you go back and listen to part one if you haven’t heard it (linked below). In this episode, Danielle recounts how it felt to be publicly outed, her own voice removed as the media crafted their own narrative about her identity. A story of courage, resilience and love, Danielle vulnerably shares with Hugh, Ryan and Josh how she united her two worlds, and found the strength to live authentically for herself, and become a role model for others. To watch the entire interview with Danielle on YouTube, click here - https://bit.ly/3FJ8Lw2  📖 Things to read Don’t Look Away - Danielle Laidley - https://bit.ly/3XrTkyo 📺 Things to watch Revealed - Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes - https://bit.ly/3R8X6ct ☎ If you need support after listening to this episode, these are a few great places to start: QLife - 1800 184 527 Rainbow Door - 1800 729 367 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.

    48 min

  5. 30 MAR

    Danielle Laidley PART 1 - Her Private Struggle

    Danielle May Laidley was known by a different name for the first 53 years of her life. We are so proud that this episode is a contributing factor to her reclaiming her narrative as a transgender woman. An extremely talented AFL footballer, Danielle would go on to become a highly respected coach, always keeping within arm’s reach the version of herself which felt most authentic. Danielle’s story, in its entirety, is so incredibly important that we had to split it over two big and special episodes. In this first part, we are introduced to phase 1 of her life: the footballer, the husband and the coach and with an addictive personality that caused her to become tough, fierce and obsessed with footy. Danielle discusses with Hugh, Ryan, and Josh the strict compartmentalisation of the different parts of her life during her AFL career, and the terrifying risks she took to satisfy the cravings to be her authentic self. You can watch the entire interview (Part One and Part Two) on YouTube, here – https://bit.ly/3FJ8Lw2  🫖 Other Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode Mick Fanning - Riding The Waves of Loss - https://apple.co/4hNT0RN 📖 Things to read Don’t Look Away - Danielle Laidley - https://bit.ly/3XrTkyo 📺 Things to watch Revealed - Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes - https://bit.ly/3R8X6ct 🖼️ If you want to join out patreon A Little More Imperfects, go to www.patreon.com/theimperfects ☎ If you need support after listening to this episode, these are a few great places to start: QLife - 1800 184 527 Rainbow Door - 1800 729 367 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.

    1h 5m

  6. 27 MAR

    Let’s Talk About Hugh’s Open Letter

    It’s been a big few weeks since Hugh released his Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People (episode linked below). If you haven't heard it, it’s best to listen to that before you listen to this episode. Today we wanted to catch up and reflect on whats happened since. Hugh shares some beautiful messages, and Josh asks, practically, how we can show less judgement and more empathy to neurodivergent people and the people who care for them. Then, Ryan does some quick maths to fact check Hugh’s claim to reply to every single message he’s received since the Open Letter went live. We are so profoundly grateful for every message of love and support. Love, The Imperfects xxx 🎧 If you want to listen to Hugh’s Open Letter to Parents of Neurodivergent People, click here - https://apple.co/4l4kw0m 💻 If you want to watch this full chat on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/wFrlUkqR8y4    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min

  7. 23 MAR

    Stephen Curry - I Dug a Hole… and Found Myself

    Get excited, it’s finally Steve Curry* day. Actor, comedian, and expert hole digger (you bet we snuck this in here), Steve joins us to share his personal and professional epiphany: a ‘collaboration realisation’ his lightbulb moment about teamwork, success, and the power of vulnerability. In our Vulnerabilitea House, Steve answers the questions ‘When was a time you genuinely needed help? Were you able to ask for it?’, and discusses the joy of working in a team where success is a joint effort. This is such a joyful episode, Steve, we are definitely friends for life (can you hook us up with Helen too?) *not the basket baller If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4iv72IO 🦁 Things to check out Helen Carmichael - https://bit.ly/4hv90YU   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 10m

  8. 16 MAR

    Dr Julie Smith - Building Confidence, Brick by Brick

    Clinical psychologist Dr Julie Smith has a gift for explaining complex ideas in under a minute (which is GREAT for new-age attention spans). With over 4.8 million TikTok followers, two best-selling books and a glowing endorsement from our own Dr Em, having Dr Julie join our Academy of Imperfection is nothing short of a dream. In this episode, Dr Julie reframes the feeling of overwhelm, helping us to see it as valuable information about how we might not be meeting our needs, rather than something to fear. Then, it’s all about confidence, baby. Getting into the nitty-gritty, Ryan and Dr Julie redefine failure, showing how confidence isn’t just built from successes, but from every experience – good, bad and (luckily for Hugh) the awkward. Oh, and did we mention she’s Dr Em approved? Smithy, we’d gladly talk to you forever. If you want to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4iwtFwz  🫖  Imperfects episode mentioned in this episode Missy Higgins - Quitting Music, Depression & Connection - https://bit.ly/4fVM8Bo 📖 Things to read: Open When by Dr Julie Smith - https://bit.ly/4hq7y9T Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before by Dr Julie Smith https://bit.ly/3FkC2wH   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 9m
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
  • Show Website
    The Imperfects

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