Australian comedian, actor, radio presenter, television personality, host and writer
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Troy Kinne’s heart is in the right place. As in, it’s on the wrong side.
Do you ever feel anxious about your health?
Not to be dramatic, but Bryan Brown is an Australian icon of the silver screen.
Hugo Toovey has beaten cancer, twice. But this is far from the whole story.
Have you ever dated someone you knew, logically, was a bad idea? A puppeteer twenty years your senior, perhaps?
Whether you’re a ‘new year new me’ aficionado, a 5-year planner, or get sweaty at the thought of setting goals, this episode is for you.
If you’re not navigating your life through your values, what are you using?
The mid-life update we've all been waiting for.
It’s a different sort of episode(s) this week.
This moment is bigger than Mitch Brown.
Matt Okine has been privy to a few life changing events.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44.
Mid-life crises have a bad rap.
Not shut down by the fear of humiliation, Hannah Ferguson believes her biggest failure would be to never try in the first place.
Inside what might be the biggest scandal in Australian sporting history, Dyson Heppell, at 23 years old, found himself at the centre with a choice to make.
Hey Babe, what’s for (vulnerabili)tea?
Well, well, well, it’s time to prove things.
I couldn't be more excited to share this episode with you! Ryan Shelton has been on the top of my guest wish list since I started Pass Around the Smile. His episode on the Imperfects Podcast on Shame, Jealousy and Purpose changed my life. And today, I hope this episode can have a similar effect on my beautiful community!Ryan and I have a very open, casual, yet vulnerable conversation about the struggles we have both faced within the film and television industry. We dive into everything from rejection and competition, to the emotional resilience it takes to keep going ~ and the tough inner dialogue that shows up when we feel like we've failed. Ryan is so generous in sharing his thoughts ~ which I know will help my Smilie's feel understood on many different levels. We also chat about how our goals can shift over time, and how doing the inner work can reveal that the big milestone we were chasing may not actually be what brings us happiness. Often, we place so much pressure on one “peak moment” that we forget to celebrate the beautiful things happening in between. This episode is a powerful reminder that joy, success, and fulfilment aren't reserved for some far-off finish line ~ they're available to us now, in the everyday.A BIT ABOUT RYAN: Ryan Shelton is a writer, actor, comedian, producer and podcast host who somehow manages to keep heart at the centre of everything he does. From Rove Live to We Can Be Heroes, to writing for award-winning shows with Hamish and Andy, his creative work has shaped some of Australia's most iconic entertainment. But it's his honest, vulnerable work on The Imperfects podcast that's creating a deeper kind of impact ~ helping people feel seen, heard, and understood. I know, because one episode in particular changed my life.Listen to Ryan's episode on The Imperfects on Shame, Jealousy and Purpose here. Find Ryan's Instagram here, he has his film SEEN pinned at the top of his profile. LSKD LINKS AND CODES BELOW!Here is the link to LSKD! And use the following code for $30 off when you spend $100 or more.CODE: PAS-LSKDBP (Available until June 30 2025! Can be used online across AU/NZ and USA/Rest of world stores) Scroll down for T&C'sView the Pass Around the Smile website here! (My very own oracle cards, journals, meditations, courses + more magical stuff available!)Join my Facebook community group here!Find me on Instagram below:@passaroundthesmile@cleomasseyThe Pass Around the Smile podcast is recorded on Bundjalung Country, in South East Queensland, Australia. We acknowledge the Yugambeh people of the Bundjalung Nation, the traditional owners of this land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.T&C's for LSKD: Discount code must be applied during checkout, before the order is completed. $100AUD minimum spend. One use per customer. Voucher not valid in conjunction with any other discount, offer or promotion. Other exclusions may apply.
Quick! Is anyone here an author? Yes! And her book is finally here! Our favourite psychologist, Dr Emily Musgrove, has published the most anticipated book of the year, Unstuck: A guide to finding your way forward to the life you want to live. Feeling stuck, and the yearning for something to change, is a human experience. And in Unstuck, Dr Emily doesn’t just acknowledge this feeling, she walks with you through it. We’re talking values, we’re talking an introduction to acceptance commitment therapy, and we’re talking self-compassion (among many, many other things). At its core, this book is a model for how we might approach change. It’s compulsory reading. Unstuck is available now in all good bookstores, or you can order it online here - https://bit.ly/4bhmCp2. If you want to watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/4mvgSgE
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
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
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
Today we get under the hood of one of the most popular podcasts in the country when Hugh + Josh +,Van Cuylenburg & Ryan Shelton from The Imperfects sit down for a chat. We find out how exactly Ryan became friends with Josh + Hugh (hint: there was a proposal involved) and where they came up with the idea for the podcast. Plus, what are some of the best lessons they've all learned from their podcast journey + what they've learned about themselves too. Of course we talk vulnerability, but we also tackle how we teach the younger generations to be vulnerable & how to keep the conversation safe. Josh, Hugh + Ryan are incredibly personal and open up in this episode, and we'd like to thank them for trusting us with their stories. Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. LINKS Follow @itsmattymills on Instagram Follow @brooke.blurton on Instagram Follow @theimperfectspodcast on Instagram Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram Find tickets to see the upcoming Imperfects Live Shows here: https://www.livenation.com.au/the-imperfects-tickets-adp1391610 CREDITSHosts: Brooke Blurton and Matty MillsGuests: Josh Van Cuylenburg, Hugh Van Cuylenburg & Ryan SheltonExecutive Producer: Rachael HartManaging Producer: Ricardo Bardon Listen to more great podcasts at novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is an open letter to parents of autistic and neurodivergent people. It may be confronting. Please take care when listening. Love, Hugh See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After more than 150+ episodes, the ChurchGear podcast finally landed a pod with the most elusive guest we've ever had: DiGiCo's Ryan Shelton! Come for the heck the hosts give him for finally recording with them. Stay for the expertise Ryan shares on essential soft skills, top AVL mistakes he is seeing and a fun update on all things DiGiCo. In this episode you'll hear1:00
We recorded this either very late or very early depending on which Fwend you are, and you cam let us know if you can easily tell! Send us your thoughts, on that or anything else, to fwendspod@gmail.com or, now, you can pop it in the mail to Fwends, PO Box 24144, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001 #noanthraxYOUTUBESoon you can watch clips of the show on YouTube, click through and hit subscribe now: Fwends Pod YouTubeSUBSCRIBEPlease hit follow or subscribe or whatever they call it in your favourite podcast app so you never miss a beat.Follow us all on the Instagrams to see highlights of the show:Fwends PodGeorgia MooneyRhys NicholsonKyran Nicholson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hello hello hello. Ryan Shelton has spent his life making people laugh, he's gotten real good at it you guys. But then he joined this podcast you see, called The Imperfects, and it's really really big. And because it's about sharing imperfections and personal struggles, has now gotten real good at making us all better people. This chat is extraordinary. Can't wait for you to hear it.Subscribe to The Imperfects here: The ImperfectsFollow Ryan on Instagram: Ryan's InstaThe Imperfects are also going on tour (again), tickets here: Imperfects LiveEMAILIf you have some thoughts and want to feature in our Mailbag Ep this Friday send us an email to fwendspod@gmail.comSUBSCRIBEPlease hit follow or subscribe or whatever they call it in your favourite podcast app so you never miss a beat.Follow us all on the Instagrams to see highlights of the show:Fwends PodGeorgia MooneyRhys NicholsonKyran NicholsonYOUTUBESoon you can watch clips of the show on YouTube, click through and hit subscribe now to get them the second they appear: Fwends Pod YouTubeSKIP AHEAD00:00 - Georgia, Kyran and Rhys catch up24:53 - Our chat with Ryan Shelton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Fifi, Fev & Nick Catch Up – 101.9 Fox FM Melbourne - Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola & Nick Cody
ON TODAY'S SHOW: Catch Them If You Can - Double Trouble Brunch GUEST: Ryan Shelton - The Imperfects Nick Kidnapped Someone Josiah On Channel 7 Fev's DM's SNL Cue Card Wally Update [The Kiki, Booboo & Bopbop Show] Neighbours Cancelled......Again Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/fifi-fev-and-nickSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matthew Murphy, front-man of the iconic UK band The Wombats, joins us in our first VulnerabiliTea House of 2025. In this episode, Murph answers one of life’s most terrifying questions, “In what ways do you fear you could negatively impact your children?” He also shares his experience with panic attacks, anxiety and depression and is extremely honest detailing how alcohol became a crutch. Becoming sober, which Murph describes as the best decision of his life, was not easy. Murph goes into detail about what the withdrawal process was like and how he began to find joy in activities again. Murph, thank you for soundtracking our youths (and current lives), and thank you for this incredibly helpful conversation. If you would like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4i6hRRi
Resilience is a journey we’re all on - and it's the cornerstone of one of Australia’s top podcasts, The Imperfects. Hosted by Hugh van Cuylenburg, Josh van Cuylenburg, and Ryan Shelton, the show has become a go-to for authentic conversations about life’s challenges. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, The Imperfects pour themselves a cup of vulnerabilitea and get real about toxic masculinity, making friends as adults and what Americans really think of them. Find tickets to their live show here. Tickets go on sale on Monday 24 February at 11am, local time. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: Pose on SBS on Demand TO READ: Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty TO DO: Line Dancing at your local pub or club TO WATCH: Mo on Netflix Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s time for Announcement Number Three! A brand-new Imperfects Live Show (!!!!!!). That’s right, we’re going on the road again. In October, November, and December of this year (2025), we’ll be performing a brand-new stage show, around the country! It’s gonna be bigger, it’s gonna be better, and we promise we won’t let Hugh (or Chat GPT) write the show. All responsibility will henceforth be given to Random Word Generator! We would love and adore to see you there!
Psychologist Maria Ruberto is back to talk about one of the most important parts of our day: sleep. Starting off with the biology of sleep, Maria takes us through how we get to sleep, what happens when we sleep, and why we desperately need to sleep for good health and longevity. With metaphors galore to make the science as relatable as possible, we discuss the role of melatonin, the impact of screens on our suprachiasmatic nucleus and whether it’s worth cutting your sleep short to exercise? In more practical terms, Maria shares what sleep hygiene actually looks like, and, to Hugh and Josh’s relief, how hormones released during parenthood act to buffer against sleep deprivation. So set your sleep alarms, get comfy, and tuck yourself in for a BIG episode! Sweet dreams x If you would like to watch this full video on YouTub, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4htdJLj If you’d like to subscribe to our Patreon, A Little More Imperfects, sign up here: Patreon.com/theimperfects
Health & Fitness and Education - Hugh van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton & Josh van Cuylenburg
It’s our last episode of Summer School, and today we welcome back clinical psychologist (and “clinical cousin” of Hugh and Josh), James van Cuylenburg. In this episode, James tells us EVERYTHING we need to know about our relationships… well almost everything…there’s a lot to cover. From attachment styles, to breaking trust, to learning how to own your feelings and navigating coupledom through life’s changing seasons. Getting into the nitty gritty, Hugh asks James about intimacy and what happens when you’re not…. having any. And how to start a conversation with your kids about pornography. Relationships make life worth living and whether they’re with an intimate partner, a friend, or yourself, they should be cherished and treated with care. James, we thank you for your guidance. If you liked this episode, and wanted to do some further reflection on it, each week our Vulnerabilitea-mail newsletter shares a question to get you thinking deeper. We’d love to hear from you, so please send your reflections in to the link provided. Subscribe here! If you would like to watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://bit.ly/3WwDguJ
In this episode of our Summer School, we are joined by Sophie Walker, creator, and host of Australian Birth Stories. With over 17 million downloads, and 500 episodes, Australian Birth Stories podcast has been accredited by the Australian College of Midwives and has been instrumental in educating and empowering both people who are giving birth, as well as birthing partners. Hugh shares the incredible trauma and fear involved with his first experience of birth, and how tools of education and empowerment, such as Lael Stone’s excellent counselling, helped him prepared for birth a second time around. The power of information is invaluable, and Josh opens up about how Hugh’s experience with birth shaped his own, and what the experience was like for him. Sophie, it was such a pleasure. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/3sey26-L4Rw
There will come a time for all of us (unless we REALLY make some improvements with bio-hacking) where we are faced with our own mortality. Who is at your hypothetical bedside? Are you happy with how you’ve lived? Do you have any regrets? In this Summer School edition of the Academy of Imperfection, we are joined by Bronnie Ware. Bronnie found herself in palliative care, caring for, and listening to, the dying. And boy, are we glad she did. Bronnie collated, and published, the Top 5 Regrets of the Dying (listed below for your convenience), and this episode is devoted to talking through what each of these might mean for Hugh, Ryan and Josh. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me I wish I hadn’t worked so hard I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends I wish that I had let myself be happier Perfectly timed for the New Year, we hope you get as much out of this episode as we did. Bronnie, thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://www.theimperfects.com.au/episode/bronnie-ware-wha…r-future-regrets/
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
Today we welcome into the studio 7 time world champion surfer, and all-round legend, Layne Beachley. Layne, who had the self-described ‘compassion of a tiger shark' during her competition days, has lived an incredible journey to learn how to love others, and more importantly, herself. Upon discovering that she was adopted, Layne internalised a fear of rejection and intense need to prove herself. What's one way to prove yourself, you may ask? Becoming a world champion, no matter the cost. In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh talk to Layne about the narrative that she created for herself, and how this affected her self-worth, body image and relationships. There is SO MUCH good stuff in this episode, and we can't wait for you to enjoy your day at the Beach(ley). Layne, you are an absolute legend. Thank you for your generous vulnerability. If you would like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3VsnIrd ALSO if you would like to buy tickets to Josh's gig (!!!!!) click here - https://bit.ly/3ZO6ojf
Johann Hari is a prolific author, deep thinker, and seasoned guest of The Imperfects. In this episode, Johann takes the guys on a deep dive into the Western food system, and how processed food has completely derailed our nutritional wisdom. Our relationship with food is a very personal one, and Johann and Josh get vulnerable about how they have used food to manage emotions. They discuss how vanity comes into play, the plethora of risks and benefits to the new weight-loss drug like Ozempic, and if their introduction of could derail any notion of self-acceptance. This episode does discuss eating disorders and suicidal ideation so tread carefully, and only listen to this episode when you're ready. Johann, it is always a pleasure. This is a big and tricky conversation, and we thank you for having it with us. To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://youtu.be/2rcWI8zSOvE
Today we are introducing you to Jim Rogers, who, in amongst a wild and vibrant life, has been diagnosed with younger-onset dementia. So generous, and such an amazing storyteller, Jim tells us the three acts of his life, so far. The grief of losing his first love, the surprise of his second, and the shock of a dementia diagnosis at 55, this conversation left Hugh, Ryan, and Josh with an invigorated sense for the preciousness of life, love, and family. In Jim's words, dementia strips you of the most important things: your memory and recognition of your loved ones, as well as your ability to make choices for your own wellbeing. Dementia affects the lives of more than 421,000 individual Australians, and countless family members, loved ones and carers. There is no known cure for dementia, however there are treatments for many of the symptoms. This episode is heart-breaking and heart-warming in the same breath, and we know you're about to fall in love with Jim, just like we did. Special thanks to Hamish Macdonald, and the Dementia Australia team, who introduced us to Jim. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/MUk5ED2Ppug
You may know Peter Bol as the 800m runner, who came fourth in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and second in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Or, if you're Hugh, you may have hundreds of photos of Peter training. Wherever you are on the Peter-obsession-meter, we think you're going to love this episode. Our chat with Peter starts in Sudan, where Peter and his family moved as a unit, through Egypt, before settling in Australia. They were chasing safety and opportunity, two values that continue to ground Peter through all of his sporting success. In 2023, Peter was on the most amazing upward trajectory, he'd just become the WA Young Australian of the year and things were looking good for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Then he was completely derailed with a false-positive drug test. Hugh, Ryan, and Josh talk to Peter about how he remained consciously grateful and resilient throughout the entire saga and was able to instil within himself such fundamental lessons around positivity, justice and mindset. Peter, we (Hugh) will see you on the track soon. To watch this full video on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4hC3CnP
In this long-awaited Academy of Imperfection, we chat to psychologist Janelle Booker, who specialises in ADHD and Highly Sensitive Person trait. There is SO MUCH to learn (and love) about an ADHD brain. We learn how ADHDers are often extremely creative, innovative, and talented, and in the right conditions, absolutely thrive. However, ADHDers may struggle with executive functions such as time keeping, organisation and emotional regulation, which can make daily life really hard and exhausting. People with ADHD can be more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as dopamine boosting activities such as risk-taking behaviour, addiction and disordered eating. This is why seeking the right diagnosis and treatment plan can be really impactful. With school as a battleground, and friendships sometimes hard to maintain, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat through how neurotypical people can be better allies and support systems to ADHDers, as friends, partners, employers, and parents. On a HSP note (not the snack pack, unfortunately), we bet a few of you might resonate with Janelle's explanation, especially since 15-20% of the population have the Highly Sensitive Person trait. Janelle, it was an absolute pleasure, and we can't believe we didn't do this sooner. Janelle is based in Western Australia, and her practice Janelle Booker Psychology, will be accepting new clients in February 2025. Click here to find out more - https://bit.ly/3BZimwO To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3NPDDf7
Chef extraordinaire, creative genius and owner of Attica, Ben Shewry is welcomed back to the studio, this time into the Vulnerabilitea House. In this episode, Ben answers the question, “When was a time you stayed silent, and regretted it?” and talks about his own culpability in racism, and how this event shaped the person that he is today. Hugh and Josh share a moment they wish they could have back, and how they have been moving through the shame to do better next time. In determining what success means to him, Ben talks so graciously about how showing sensitivity and love within relationships leads to deeper connections, and a more enriching life. Ben, we're IN LOVE with you. To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/s2ZnJ1fw35w
It's tiiimmmmeeee, to get vulnyyyyy (again). And this time, we're talking about year 12 exams. With the WHOLE TEAM! Whether you've hid a possum in your cupboard the night before your English exam, or lost your voice on stage in your drama final, or maybe didn't even take exams, we've been there, and we're here to tell you, it will be okay. So, get out your papers and pens (do kids still use these?), sit down and enjoy. Love, The Imperfects. To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link - https://bit.ly/3YkRBuk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
ICYMI earlier in the year The Imperfects were on The Hook Up
When Ryan Shelton traded in his iPhone for a flip-phone with no internet connectivity, he took to calling it his SmugPhone, because he felt so smug watching the rest of us stare down at our little pocket computers all day every day. He was smug for other reasons, too: the new level of silence allowed for more clarity of thinking, and he quickly noticed he was having more creative ideas more often. He also began to appreciate his in-person interactions more now that he wasn't entertained by podcasts, music, movies and social media at every moment of the day. So why did the comedian and podcast host go back to the iPhone in the end? Ryan shares why he's no longer using his flip-phone, and explains how he modified his iPhone to give him the same benefits without the drawbacks. Connect with Ryan on Instagram or listen to The Imperfects podcastYou can find the full interview here: https://amantha.com/podcasts/what-comedian-and-podcast-host-ryan-shelton-learned-after-ditching-his-smartphone/ My new book The Health Habit is out now. Order your copy hereConnect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more life-improving tips, sign up for my weekly newsletter at https://amantha.substack.com/. Questions or feedback? Email me at amantha@inventium.com.au. Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.