How does food affect our mood? Does diet actually impact our mental health? What is a gut micro-biome, and can we still eat a few chips without ruining it?

In this Academy of Imperfection episode, we are joined one of the worlds leading experts on the relationship between what we eat, and how it effects our mental health, Professor Felice Jacka.

And if can we trust anyone to get to the bottom of the vagus nerve ‘highway’; our hippocampus shrinking; our mitochondrial reaction to ultra-processed foods (don’t worry we didn’t know these words before either) - it’s her. 

There was a lot to 'digest' in this chat (so to speak), but thankfully, there is so much we can do, by making informed choices about what we put in our bodies, to improve our mental health. 



See below for links & research mentioned in this episode, information on Felice and her work and extra resources:

📖 Things to read
The Food and Mood centre - https://bit.ly/3xdmkjw.
Felice’s published research - https://deakin.au/3VWggpb,
Felice’s shorter articles - https://bit.ly/3RvfeO2.
Felice’s recent research in Molecular Psychiatry Review -https://go.nature.com/3xozlqq.
SMILEs trial - https://bit.ly/3KLjGEL.
Kevin Hall’s study on Ultra-Processed food - https://bit.ly/3z7akjY.
Brain Changer, Felice Jacka, https://bit.ly/3xpYGjJ,
There’s a Zoo in my Poo, Felice Jack & Rob Craw https://bit.ly/3RrHxNd.



🎧 previous Imperfects Episodes mentioned in this episode:
Tim Spector -https://link.chtbl.com/timspector.



This episode with Professor Felice Jacka includes a discussion about disordered eating. If this feels like too much for you right now, please come back to this episode when you're feeling ready.

If you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations:
The Butterfly Foundation https://bit.ly/48YCSZe
Eating Disorders Families Australia https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5
Uncovery https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO

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.

How does food affect our mood? Does diet actually impact our mental health? What is a gut micro-biome, and can we still eat a few chips without ruining it? In this Academy of Imperfection episode, we are joined one of the worlds leading experts on the relationship between what we eat, and how it effects our mental health, Professor Felice Jacka.
And if can we trust anyone to get to the bottom of the vagus nerve ‘highway’; our hippocampus shrinking; our mitochondrial reaction to ultra-processed foods (don’t worry we didn’t know these words before either) - it’s her. 
There was a lot to 'digest' in this chat (so to speak), but thankfully, there is so much we can do, by making informed choices about what we put in our bodies, to improve our mental health. 
 
See below for links &amp; research mentioned in this episode, information on Felice and her work and extra resources:
📖 Things to read
<ul>
<li>The Food and Mood centre - <a href="https://bit.ly/3xdmkjw">https://bit.ly/3xdmkjw</a>.</li>
<li>Felice’s published research - <a href="https://deakin.au/3VWggpb">https://deakin.au/3VWggpb</a>,</li>
<li>Felice’s shorter articles - <a href="https://bit.ly/3RvfeO2">https://bit.ly/3RvfeO2</a>.</li>
<li>Felice’s recent research in Molecular Psychiatry Review -<a href="https://go.nature.com/3xozlqq">https://go.nature.com/3xozlqq</a>.</li>
<li>SMILEs trial - <a href="https://bit.ly/3KLjGEL">https://bit.ly/3KLjGEL</a>.</li>
<li>Kevin Hall’s study on Ultra-Processed food - <a href="https://bit.ly/3z7akjY">https://bit.ly/3z7akjY</a>.</li>
<li>Brain Changer, Felice Jacka, <a href="https://bit.ly/3xpYGjJ">https://bit.ly/3xpYGjJ</a>,</li>
<li>There’s a Zoo in my Poo, Felice Jack &amp; Rob Craw <a href="https://bit.ly/3RrHxNd">https://bit.ly/3RrHxNd</a>.</li>
</ul>
 
🎧 previous Imperfects Episodes mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li>Tim Spector - <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/timspector">https://link.chtbl.com/timspector</a>.</li>
</ul>
 
This episode with Professor Felice Jacka includes a discussion about disordered eating. If this feels like too much for you right now, please come back to this episode when you're feeling ready.
If you or someone you love is experiencing disordered eating, we recommend the following organisations:
<ul>
<li>The Butterfly Foundation <a href="https://bit.ly/48YCSZe">https://bit.ly/48YCSZe</a></li>
<li>Eating Disorders Families Australia <a href="https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5">https://bit.ly/3TLU7J5</a></li>
<li>Uncovery <a href="https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO">https://bit.ly/3x4IOCO</a></li>
</ul>
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 <a href="http://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

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.

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.

Interesting people, allowing themselves to be vulnerable, sharing with us, their imperfect lives.

The Imperfects

We're all imperfect. On this podcast, Hugh van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project chats to a variety of interesting people who are willing to make themselves vulnerable, by sharing their own struggles and imperfections. Hugh and good friend Ryan Shelton then discuss some valuable take aways we can all apply to our own imperfect lives.

Professor Felice Jacka - Food For Thought

Last season we met Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent and we were completely blown away by her courage and the work she's taking on. So much so, that within minutes of Hugh opening and reading Chanel’s book, “Consent Laid Bare”, he had nominated her for Australian of The Year. 

In this snippet from the full episode, Hugh, Ryan, Josh and Chanel discuss the normalised and systemic nature of sexual violence against women and the pervasive issue of rape culture; including what it is and how we can all take steps to dismantle it. 

To learn more about Chanel, her work and the Teach Us Consent campaign, follow this link: https://bit.ly/3QVhlK0

🎧 Things to listen to
Chanel Contos - https://link.chtbl.com/mhDPOcpH

📖 Things to read


Consent Laid Bare - https://bit.ly/40Z0Xgh


To view a version of the 'rape culture pyramid' - https://bit.ly/49XPFgh

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.

Last season we met Chanel Contos from Teach Us Consent and we were completely blown away by her courage and the work she's taking on. So much so, that within minutes of Hugh opening and reading Chanel’s book, “Consent Laid Bare”, he had nominated her for Australian of The Year. 
In this snippet from the full episode, Hugh, Ryan, Josh and Chanel discuss the normalised and systemic nature of sexual violence against women and the pervasive issue of rape culture; including what it is and how we can all take steps to dismantle it.  To learn more about Chanel, her work and the Teach Us Consent campaign, follow this link: <a href="https://bit.ly/3QVhlK0">https://bit.ly/3QVhlK0</a>
🎧 Things to listen to
<ul>
<li>Chanel Contos - <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/mhDPOcpH">https://link.chtbl.com/mhDPOcpH</a></li>
</ul>
📖 Things to read
<ul>
<li>
Consent Laid Bare - <a href="https://bit.ly/40Z0Xgh">https://bit.ly/40Z0Xgh</a>
</li>
<li>
To view a version of the 'rape culture pyramid' - <a href="https://bit.ly/49XPFgh">https://bit.ly/49XPFgh</a>
</li>
</ul>
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.

IMPERFIX: What is Rape Culture? with Chanel Contos

What would it feel like to have the very thing that mad you great - your body, strength and co-ordination - slowly and painfully taken away from you?

As a swimmer, Michael Klim was on top of the world - he was literally ‘World Swimmer of the Year’. Trips to the Olympics, medals of every colour, 21 world records AND his face on the cover of a Foo Fighters Album, Michael really did have it all.

However, in 2022 Michael was diagnosed with a life changing condition, wherein your body attacks it’s own tissue - chronic inflammatory demyelination polyneuropathy (CIDP).

In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to Michael about his equally impressive life out of the pool, and how his CIDP diagnosis has taught him a lot about identity, grief and relationships.

In 2023, Michael partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to help raise awareness for the vital role blood donation plays in not just his life, but the 1 in 3 Australians who will need blood products in their lifetime. To help recipients like Michael and countless others book a blood donation here. https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN

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



Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:



📺 Things to watch
Homer Simpson’s journey through the Stages of Grief - https://bit.ly/4epRAMJ.
The Imperfects x Lifeblood video - https://bit.ly/3z0Suiv



🎧 Previous Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode:
Tim Minchin - Lucky To Be Here https://link.chtbl.com/6kCw7ZR0
Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life https://link.chtbl.com/Ginachick
Elizabeth Day - The Me-est Version of Me https://link.chtbl.com/elizabethday
Reece Conca - Tackling Male Infertility https://link.chtbl.com/reececonca



📖 Things to read
Kubler-Ross Grief Cycle is here https://bit.ly/45tThVu



⛑️ To support
Lifeblood - https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN
The Klim Foundation - bit.ly/4ejtGTj



🎧  Things to listen to:
Milkshakes for Marlee - https://bit.ly/4cwRDEW



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 would it feel like to have the very thing that mad you great - your body, strength and co-ordination - slowly and painfully taken away from you?
As a swimmer, Michael Klim was on top of the world - he was literally ‘World Swimmer of the Year’. Trips to the Olympics, medals of every colour, 21 world records AND his face on the cover of a Foo Fighters Album, Michael really did have it all.
However, in 2022 Michael was diagnosed with a life changing condition, wherein your body attacks it’s own tissue - chronic inflammatory demyelination polyneuropathy (CIDP).
In this episode, Hugh, Ryan and Josh chat to Michael about his equally impressive life out of the pool, and how his CIDP diagnosis has taught him a lot about identity, grief and relationships.
In 2023, Michael partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to help raise awareness for the vital role blood donation plays in not just his life, but the 1 in 3 Australians who will need blood products in their lifetime. To help recipients like Michael and countless others book a blood donation here. <a href="https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN">https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN</a>
To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link. <a href="https://bit.ly/3RHPUoi">https://bit.ly/3RHPUoi</a>
 
Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:
 
📺 Things to watch
<ul>
<li>Homer Simpson’s journey through the Stages of Grief - <a href="https://bit.ly/4epRAMJ">https://bit.ly/4epRAMJ</a>.</li>
<li>The Imperfects x Lifeblood video - <a href="https://bit.ly/3z0Suiv">https://bit.ly/3z0Suiv</a></li>
</ul>
 
🎧 Previous Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li>Tim Minchin - Lucky To Be Here <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/6kCw7ZR0">https://link.chtbl.com/6kCw7ZR0</a></li>
<li>Gina Chick - Don’t Fight Life <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/Ginachick">https://link.chtbl.com/Ginachick</a></li>
<li>Elizabeth Day - The Me-est Version of Me <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/elizabethday">https://link.chtbl.com/elizabethday</a></li>
<li>Reece Conca - Tackling Male Infertility <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/reececonca">https://link.chtbl.com/reececonca</a></li>
</ul>
 
📖 Things to read
<ul>
<li>Kubler-Ross Grief Cycle is here <a href="https://bit.ly/45tThVu">https://bit.ly/45tThVu</a></li>
</ul>
 
⛑️ To support
<ul>
<li>Lifeblood - <a href="https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN">https://bit.ly/4c8Z6tN</a></li>
<li>The Klim Foundation - <a href="https://bit.ly/4ejtGTj">bit.ly/4ejtGTj</a></li>
</ul>
 
🎧  Things to listen to:
<ul>
<li>Milkshakes for Marlee - <a href="https://bit.ly/4cwRDEW">https://bit.ly/4cwRDEW</a></li>
</ul>
 
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 <a href="http://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Michael Klim - The Race of His LIfe

Do you have boundaries? Have you ever crossed someone else’s boundaries? How would you react if someone crossed yours? It is WAY easier to ignore it. Avoiding potential conflict and awkwardness is second nature to most of us. For those of us with people-pleasing tendencies, telling someone they have violated a boundary can be an acute version of living hell.

Luckily for us, our resident psychologist Dr. Emily is here to help us navigate what a healthy boundary looks, feels and sounds like. And why understanding, implementing and protecting heathy boundaries is good for all of us...even if it does feel a little awkward.

Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:

🎧 Previous episode of The Imperfects
Grant Denyer - https://link.chtbl.com/grantdenyer
Dr. Emily - Truth v Harmony - https://link.chtbl.com/R8gly4ci
Dr. Emily - Social Anxiety, They’ve Got It Too - https://link.chtbl.com/socialanxiety
Chrissie Swan - Honesty - https://link.chtbl.com/chrissieswan
Lael Stone - Take Care of Yourself - https://link.chtbl.com/Laelstonetakecareofyourself

📱 Things to follow
Nedra Glover Tawwab’s instagram - bit.ly/4bWnvCK

📖 Things to read
Nedra Glover Tawwab’s ‘Set Boundaries, Find Peace’ -bit.ly/3xpFKBw.
Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild’ - bit.ly/4emwAXa

📺 Things to watch
Curb Your Enthusiasm - https://bit.ly/3VCsXVH
Poor Things - https://bit.ly/3VmQ3OJ

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.

Do you have boundaries? Have you ever crossed someone else’s boundaries? How would you react if someone crossed yours? It is WAY easier to ignore it. Avoiding potential conflict and awkwardness is second nature to most of us. For those of us with people-pleasing tendencies, telling someone they have violated a boundary can be an acute version of living hell.
Luckily for us, our resident psychologist Dr. Emily is here to help us navigate what a healthy boundary looks, feels and sounds like. And why understanding, implementing and protecting heathy boundaries is good for all of us...even if it does feel a little awkward.
Links mentioned in the episode and extra resources:
🎧 Previous episode of The Imperfects
<ul>
<li>Grant Denyer - <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/grantdenyer">https://link.chtbl.com/grantdenyer</a></li>
<li>Dr. Emily - Truth v Harmony - <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/R8gly4ci">https://link.chtbl.com/R8gly4ci</a></li>
<li>Dr. Emily - Social Anxiety, They’ve Got It Too - <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/socialanxiety">https://link.chtbl.com/socialanxiety</a></li>
<li>Chrissie Swan - Honesty - <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/chrissieswan">https://link.chtbl.com/chrissieswan</a></li>
<li>Lael Stone - Take Care of Yourself - <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/Laelstonetakecareofyourself">https://link.chtbl.com/Laelstonetakecareofyourself</a></li>
</ul>
📱 Things to follow
<ul>
<li>Nedra Glover Tawwab’s instagram - <a href="http://bit.ly/4bWnvCK">bit.ly/4bWnvCK</a></li>
</ul>
📖 Things to read
<ul>
<li>Nedra Glover Tawwab’s ‘Set Boundaries, Find Peace’ -<a href="http://bit.ly/3xpFKBw">bit.ly/3xpFKBw</a>.</li>
<li>Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild’ - <a href="http://bit.ly/4emwAXa">bit.ly/4emwAXa</a></li>
</ul>
📺 Things to watch
<ul>
<li>Curb Your Enthusiasm - <a href="https://bit.ly/3VCsXVH">https://bit.ly/3VCsXVH</a></li>
<li>Poor Things - <a href="https://bit.ly/3VmQ3OJ">https://bit.ly/3VmQ3OJ</a></li>
</ul>
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.

Professor Felice Jacka - Food For Thought

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