

The Imperfects
Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
Imperfect Birth Stories with Sophie Walker
In this discussion, Sophie Walker shares powerful insights from making her hit podcast, Australian Birth Stories. She delves into the emotional rollercoaster of childbirth, focusing on the chaos, trauma, and joy that parents experience. Walker emphasizes the necessity of education and support for expectant parents, while also highlighting the humor found in hospital life. Personal anecdotes vividly illustrate the complexities of postpartum challenges and the primal beauty of childbirth, underscoring the importance of sharing diverse birth stories.

Jan 16, 2025 • 34min
Surprise! You’re Writing A Book!
This enlightening discussion unveils 'My Imperfect Life,' an interactive journal encouraging personal reflection through thought-provoking questions. The hosts emphasize the power of vulnerability in writing as a way to explore emotions. Fans are invited to a unique reverse book signing event, fostering a personal connection with the authors. The conversation also touches on the struggle between external validation and self-acceptance, while celebrating the therapeutic nature of journaling and the importance of community through shared experiences.

21 snips
Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Bronnie Ware - What Are Your Future Regrets?
In this enlightening discussion, best-selling author Bronnie Ware, known for 'The Top Five Regrets of the Dying', shares profound insights from her experience in palliative care. She addresses common regrets like the longing for authenticity and nurturing relationships over work. Bronnie emphasizes the courage needed to express feelings and the importance of living in the moment. The conversation encourages listeners to prioritize meaningful connections and choose happiness amidst struggles, reminding us all to embrace life fully.

Dec 22, 2024 • 28min
Little Boy Christmas - The Forgotten Son of Mr & Mrs Claus
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.

Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 4min
Michael Theo - Life on the Spectrum
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.

Dec 8, 2024 • 1h 28min
Layne Beachley - Surf’s Up… And Down
Layne Beachley, a seven-time world champion surfer known for her resilience, shares her extraordinary journey of self-discovery and acceptance. She opens up about her experience of being adopted and the impact it had on her self-worth and relationships. The conversation delves into her struggles with body image and the pressure to prove herself through competitive success. Layne emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, emotional healing, and mental health, using surfing as a powerful metaphor for navigating life's challenges.

8 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 1h 26min
Johann Hari - Beware The Thrill of The Magic Pill
Johann Hari, a prolific author and expert on the Western food system, dives into the complexities of our relationship with food. He sheds light on how processed foods disrupt our nutritional wisdom and emotional well-being. The conversation touches on the rising popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, examining both their potential benefits and emotional costs. Johann and Josh reflect vulnerably on eating habits influenced by societal pressures and delve into the intricate dynamics of diet, body image, and self-acceptance.

Nov 24, 2024 • 1h 37min
Jim Rogers - A Life Bigger Than Dementia
Jim Rogers, a vibrant storyteller diagnosed with early-onset dementia, passionately shares his life’s journey filled with love, loss, and the complexities of navigating health challenges. He reflects on the grief of losing a first love, the surprises of new relationships, and the shocking diagnosis at age 55. Jim blends humor with profound insights, emphasizing the preciousness of family and the importance of living in the moment. His candid thoughts on coping with dementia inspire compassion and gratitude for life's fleeting moments.

40 snips
Nov 17, 2024 • 1h 5min
Dr Emily - Resent Less, Live More
Dr. Emily, the resident psychologist, shares her expertise on the profound effects of holding onto resentment. She explains forgiveness as a crucial step for personal well-being, emphasizing that it’s for you, not an excuse for others. The conversation also highlights how unresolved resentment can impede relationships and emotional vulnerability. Dr. Emily offers insights into navigating these tricky emotions, underscoring the importance of open communication and actionable steps towards healing.

Nov 10, 2024 • 1h 28min
Peter Bol - 800m & 3 Free Haircuts
In this engaging conversation, Peter Bol, a three-time Olympian 800m runner, shares his inspiring journey from Sudan to Australia, highlighting the importance of family and resilience. He discusses overcoming a false-positive drug test that derailed his 2023 Olympic aspirations, emphasizing the role of gratitude and positive mindset in facing adversity. The chat touches on the profound impact of sports in building connections and the value of support from loved ones during life's challenges, all wrapped in humor and warmth.


