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

💻 ADHD Resources to check out:

• ADHD Foundation Australia Hotline - https://adhdfoundation.org.au/adhd
• Stardust Support - https://www.stardustsupport.com.au/
• Curtin University ADHD Support Group - https://bit.ly/40fIm14
• For support groups at other universities, contact your counselling or psychology service

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Fern Brady - Autistic in a Non-Autistic World - https://apple.co/48nT3Ax
• Jackson Tozer - Don’t Give Up On Me - https://apple.co/3yHdawf
• Dr. Emily - Truth vs Harmony - https://apple.co/40pgYO7

📖 Things to read:

• Elaine Aron’s work on HSP - https://bit.ly/4eYlO9H
• Research paper on ADHD genes - https://go.nature.com/3YGcgui

📺 Things to watch:

• ADHD Meme Account Recommended by Ryan - https://bit.ly/3YrxwCt

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.

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

📖 Things to read:

• Uses for Obsession by Ben Shewry - https://bit.ly/4f8Z6eA

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Ben Shewry (Pt 1) - The Other Side of Excellence - https://apple.co/4hhc2RB
• Ben Shewry (Pt 2) - How The Chef Was Made - https://apple.co/48hrQiQ
• Rana Hussain - Belonging for Connection - https://apple.co/3NwftWC
• Slip Slidin’ Away by Paul Simon - https://bit.ly/3NyRqGL

🍴Things to check out:

• Attica - https://www.attica.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

The birth of a child is completely overwhelming, in every way. What gets you through is your newfound love and connection. Right?

But what happens when your heart doesn’t break open with love? What happens when you don’t feel what you’re meant to be feeling?

Jack Post is a pillar of Australian radio. Cackling Jack of Hamish and Andy, Side-Kick of the Christian O’Connell Show, Jack has worked hard to always be in the right place at the right time.

In this Vulnerabilitea House, Jack is so remarkably honest about his experience with post-natal depression. The shame, the unbearable expectation, the support, and the newfound self-love, Jack shares his journey and the hard work that he has done to get here.

This is not an easy conversation, but it is such a very important one.

We don’t have favourites, but this episode is an exception. Jack, it was an honour speaking to you. We love you so much.

To watch this full episode on YouTube, click here - https://youtu.be/1ly4jm4vrqA

🎧 Things to listen to:

• Hamish & Andy Podcast- https://apple.co/47YDVJC
• The Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show - https://bit.ly/47VdSTK
• Ryan Shelton - Shame, Jealousy & Purpose - https://apple.co/4gWYZEs

💻 Things to check out:

• SYN FM Radio Program - https://bit.ly/47WXhis

If you, or someone you know, is struggling with post-natal depression, these are a few great resources:

• PANDA - https://panda.org.au
• DadSpace - https://www.dadspace.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.

We’re gettin’ vullllnnnnyyyyy. Oooohhhhh yeahhhhhh.

Yeah, that’s right. We’re trying something new. And, in the coolest way possible, we really hope you like it.

Specifically, Josh is gettin’ vulny, and letting us in on a little something he’s been working on (or hoping to work on) (he’s nervous).

We’re so proud of you Josh, and we can’t wait to see everyone there x

TO BUY TICKETS TO JOSH’S GIG (!!!!!) - follow this link: https://bit.ly/3zG9XxG

To watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3YiWANo

🎧 Things to listen to:

• The Vulnerabilitea House - Josh van Cuylenburg - https://apple.co/4dKKbpI
• Vulnerability Update - Josh Wrote a Song! - https://bit.ly/3Nld9BV
• James Clear - Down The Habit Hole - https://bit.ly/3XZhQGr

📺 Things to watch:

• we were here - Josh van Cuylenburg Official Video - https://bit.ly/405eFzs
• Nick Cave Australian Story - https://bit.ly/4858zRY

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you believe that if you stop worrying, the worst-case scenario will happen?

According to Dr Emily, uncertainty, is the only certainty (mic drop) (jaw drop) (the crowd goes silent).

If you weren’t having an existential crisis yet, strap yourself in, because today we’re talking worry and uncertainty.

In this emisode, our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove talks us through our new-age uncertainty intolerance, and why we continuously seek reassurance and data to drive our decision-making process.

We talk big, global-warming size unpredictability, and also small, picking a restaurant without reading reviews uncertainty, to explore the role of worry in our lives.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the unknown and find safety in the present moment.

You can watch this full episode on YouTube here - https://youtu.be/jo5Ex1a2OwM

🎧Things to listen to:

• Myf Warhurst - The Anxiety of Uncertainty - https://apple.co/3Z2KKYj
• Dr Louise Newson - Maybe It’s Menopause - https://apple.co/4cAKDq8
• Sean Turnell - A Prisoner’s Guide to Life - https://apple.co/3yGPick
• Ann Davidman - Should You Have Children? - https://apple.co/3MivhMn
• Dr Emily - The Risk of Avoiding Risk - https://apple.co/4fZpp8c
• Elizabeth Day - The Me-est Version of Me - https://apple.co/47PubRU

📺Things to watch:

• Brene Brown - The Call to Courage - https://bit.ly/3AD6XSR

💻Things to check out:

• Mother of Mindfulness (Ellen Langer) - Making the Decision Right - https://bit.ly/4eKjoLa
• Increasing Intolerance of Uncertainty Over Time - Nicholas Carleton - https://bit.ly/47PMRB8
• Rick Hanson - I am all right, right now - https://bit.ly/3AFIe07

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.

Author, business lady and skincare wizard (according to her customs card), Zoë Foster Blake is nothing short of prolific.

Chatting with Hugh, Ryan and Josh in this Vulnerabilitea House, Zoë talks through the pressure and responsibility she felt during her loneliest time.

Striking ‘luck’ as a dirty word, Zoë’s compulsion to be productive and produce ‘good work’ has earned her a multitude of publishing awards for her numerous books, the production of one of her novels into a TV show, the stocking of her skincare brand Go-To in Mecca and Sephora, and a cult following.

But something’s gotta give when you’re striving to have it all, and Zoë knows better than anyone how relationships, mental and physical health can all suffer when you’re burn-out adjacent.

Zoë preaches the importance of sleep, and discusses how she combats anxious thoughts before bedtime, as well as perimenopause (and how you’re probably gaslighting yourself into thinking you aren’t going through it).

Zoë, what a joy.

To watch this episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/cfaS-lIj9Mk

📖 Things to read:

• Things Will Calm Down Soon (Zoë’s BRAND NEW book) - https://bit.ly/3XWiTIA
• Scaredy Bath by Zoë Foster Blake - https://bit.ly/3XQ3A3Q
• No One Likes A Fart by Zoë Foster Blake - https://bit.ly/3Xz3wEu
• Zoë’s entire back catalogue of books - https://bit.ly/3ZyMQj2
• How To Be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson - https://bit.ly/3Zto6Zs
• This Is Marketing by Seth Godin - https://amzn.to/4dhxh2f

💻 Things to Check Out

• Go-To, Bro-To and Gro-To Skincare - https://gotoskincare.com
• Balance App - https://bit.ly/3FOhpWS

📺Things to Watch

• The Wrong Girl - https://apple.co/3Bg5nqe
• Michael Phelps Doorway Technique - https://bit.ly/3XAT9Qz
• Slumdog Millionaire - https://bit.ly/3Zw2lIj

🎧Things to listen to

• Dr Louise Newson - Maybe It’s Menopause - https://apple.co/4cAKDq8

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.