Former Pro Surfer Cooper Chapman on the 1% Habit That Can Transform Your Mental Health
What if happiness isn’t about achieving more, but learning to find inner peace wherever you are? In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, former professional surfer and mental health advocate Cooper Chapman shares with Osher Gunsberg the mindset shifts that transformed his life — from chasing success, external validation and results, to focusing on gratitude, mindfulness, resilience and service to others. Cooper talks openly about the pressure of high performance, the danger of tying your self-worth to achievement, and why falling into a victim mindset can leave us feeling powerless. He explains how we can instead take responsibility, learn from setbacks and focus on what is within our control. Cooper also explains his simple approach to mental health: small, practical habits that anyone can incorporate into everyday life. From a daily gratitude practice to spending time in nature without your phone, Cooper discusses how seemingly tiny actions can gradually retrain our minds to notice the positives. Along the way, he also shares some memorable lessons, including “get curious, not furious,” “knowledge is knowing, wisdom is doing,” and his father’s reminder that “life’s about appreciation, not expectation.” LINKS More on Cooper's Good Human Factory here Follow (@thegoodhumanfactory) on Instagram (and DM “Good Club” to join the free community Cooper mentioned) Watch Cooper's 'Good Humans' podcast on YouTube Listen to Cooper's Good Humans podcast Cooper's book 'The 1% Good Club' is out now Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube Get tickets for our next Story Club show Get Osher's latest books here Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com CONTENT NOTE:Advice contained in this episode is general in nature and does not take into consideration personal circumstances. If you are concerned about a prolonged mental health challenge for yourself or someone you know, be sure to contact your health professional or Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT... Why Winning Doesn’t Always Make You Happy with Ben Crowe How Social Media And Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Brains with Dr. Mark Williams 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
''Everything Happens for a Reason' Is Bullsh*t' — Quadruple Amputee Tom Nash on Reframing Adversity
Tom Nash knows what it means to have your life change in an instant. At just 19, he contracted meningococcal sepsis, fell into a coma and woke up to find his arms and legs had been amputated to save his life. Looking back on his chat with me, Tom explores the power of reframing adversity, why positive thinking isn't about pretending everything is okay, and how learning to find a different perspective can become a skill that gets stronger with practice. He explains why he prefers “fear setting” to traditional goal setting, and why focusing on the next small milestone rather than an overwhelming end goal helped him learn to walk again with prosthetics. Tom also challenges the idea that “everything happens for a reason”, arguing instead that we have the power to give meaning and purpose to what happens to us. From everyday frustrations to life-changing adversity, his philosophy is about distinguishing between what we can and can't control — and concentrating our energy on what is directly in front of us. LINKS Listen to the full episode with Tom here Follow Tom (@djhookie) on Instagram More from Tom on Substack Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube Get tickets for our next Story Club show Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shaun Micallef on The Power Of Humour and Staying Relevant in the Entertainment Industry
In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg sits down with legendary comedian, writer, actor and broadcaster Shaun Micallef for a wide-ranging conversation about comedy, creativity, empathy, addiction, and so much more. Best known for his TV shows like Full Frontal, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation and Mad As Hell, Shaun talks about his latest role, as part of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of Uncle Vanya, and how he prepared for the show. Shaun also discusses the challenge of balancing comedy and tragedy on stage, and why breaking the fourth wall has become such a defining part of his work. He also reflects on his years in television, including his experience hosting the Logies, and working with Osher on Dancing with the Stars. Shaun also discusses his documentaries about addiction, particularly gambling addiction, and what he learned from listening to people whose lives have been devastated by gambling. Together, Shaun and Osher explore the complicated nature of addiction, personal responsibility and the need to show greater compassion towards people caught in its grip. Shaun then shares the story behind his upcoming book about explorer Matthew Flinders, his approach to writing about Australia's colonial history, and why humour can be a powerful way of confronting difficult subjects without trivialising them. If you love Shaun's quick wit and love of all things chaotic, you'll love this chat! LINKS Catch Shaun in Uncle Vanya at the Arts Centre Melbourne until August 22 - tix and info @ mtc.com.au Shaun's book 'Matthew Flinders' is released on September 29 Shaun's book 'DeAth Takes a Holiday' is out now Shaun's documentary 'Shaun Micallef's Going For Broke' is available now on ABC iview Shaun's documentary 'Shaun Micallef's On The Sauce' is available now on ABC iview Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube Get tickets for our next Story Club show Get Osher's latest books here Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT... Natalie Bassingthwaighte Lifts the Curtain on Her Career & Personal Struggles Alex Lee on using improv and comedy to bring history to life When Australian Idol's Wes Carr Picked Up A Shovel It Changed What Happens When He Picks Up A Guitar See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why I don’t want Hannah Ferguson to be our Prime Minister
What does it take to stay true to your values in a political system that often rewards compromise? In this episode, I'm looking back on my interview with Hannah Ferguson, the founder of Cheek Media who recently announces she was running as an independent candidate, challenging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the federal seat of Grayndler. Though this interview was recorded before she announced her political ambitions, this chat offers a fascinating glimpse into the principles that shaped her journey long before she entered the race. But the truth is - I don't want her to be Prime Minister. Hannah shares with me why media literacy is one of the most important skills Australians can develop, how to identify bias, question the information you consume, and become a more informed citizen. She argues that democracy depends on people thinking critically rather than accepting headlines at face value. We also explore some of the biggest political and social challenges facing Australians today, including sexual violence reform, workplace relations, housing, and protecting power over creating meaningful change. Hannah discusses her passion for making complex political issues understandable and accessible for everyone. If you liked what you heard here, you can check out the full conversation in the link below. LINKS Listen to the full episode with Hannah here Follow Hannah (@hannahferguson___ ) on Instagram Read more on Cheek Media Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube Get tickets for our next Story Club show Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leading with Sensitivity: How Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan Challenged 100 Years of Military Thinking
What does it really mean to lead with strength? For decades, we've been taught that great leadership is about being loud, decisive and commanding. But what if the most effective leaders are the ones who listen first, lead with empathy and have the courage to challenge the status quo? In this episode, Osher Günsberg sits down with former Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (and first female to be promoted to rank of lieutenant general) Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan, whose remarkable career has redefined what leadership can look like. Rising through one of the world's most traditional institutions, Elanor transformed military culture by proving that sensitivity, curiosity and authenticity aren't weaknesses, but powerful competitive advantages. Drawing on more than 30 years of military service, Elanor shares how she overcame resistance, challenged outdated systems, and created lasting change by helping people rethink why they do what they do. From being the only woman aboard a warship with no accommodation for women, to inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace vulnerability, her experiences offer lessons that apply far beyond the military. This conversation also explores her extraordinary decision to leave the military after 32 years to take on one of the Netherlands' biggest challenges: helping solve the country's housing crisis as newly appointed Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning. Her deeply human perspective on the importance of creating not just houses, but homes, reveals why purpose should always be at the heart of leadership. Whether you're leading a business, managing a team, raising a family or navigating your own career, this episode is packed with practical insights on resilience, change, emotional intelligence and leading with courage. LINKS Elanor's book 'Armed With Sensitivity: A General's Perspective On Leadership' is out now Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube Get tickets for our next Story Club show Get Osher's latest books here Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT... Kids Don’t Need Perfect Parents, Just Present Ones with Lisa Taylor How The Netherlands Turned an Oil Crisis Into a National Opportunity The New Leadership Playbook: Why Caring Workplaces Win with Graeme Cowan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.