Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

Natalie Bassingthwaighte is an icon of the Australian entertainment industry. Best known for fronting dance act Rogue Traders (plus her stellar solo career) and playing troublemaker Izzy Hoyland on Neighbours, Natalie also has an extensive musical theatre background. But more recently, it's her personal life that has taken centre stage. In this deeply honest and wide-ranging conversation, Natalie joins me to unpack the realities behind living life in the spotlight — from rejection and self-doubt to relationships and identity. Natalie shares what it really takes to survive and stay grounded in an industry where people are easily overlooked and dismissed, and how her relationship with herself has evolved through career highs, personal loss, and major life transitions. From being told she’d never make it at 16, to navigating fame, online criticism, and burnout, this episode is a powerful look at resilience in action. Nat and I dive into the mental health tools that actually help — including therapy, meditation, and learning how to interrupt negative thought spirals — and why success alone doesn’t fix how you feel inside. We also explore the complexity of relationships including co-parenting and separation, and the courage it takes to live truthfully, even when it’s messy, misunderstood and open to criticism. If anyone embodies resilience and determination in Australia's entertainment industry, it's Natalie Bassingthwaighte. I know you'll enjoy this chat, and her book is a cracker.  LINKS  Grab a copy of Nat's book 'Love Like This' here Check out the audiobook here Follow Natalie on Instagram Check out brand new Rogue Traders music and tour dates 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  LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT... Daniel Sloss Gets Brutally Honest About Fatherhood and Becoming Bitter When Australian Idol's Wes Carr Picked Up A Shovel It Changed What Happens When He Picks Up A Guitar Connecting Communities Through Creativity with Diesel (aka Mark Lizotte) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no denying that we’re living in a time where misinformation spreads faster than ever, and shared reality is breaking down. But what if the biggest threat to society isn’t the misinformation, but our relationship with truth itself? In this powerful conversation, Osher Günsberg sits down with behavioural expert and author Dom Thurbon to unpack why humans lie, how beliefs are formed, and why facts alone rarely change our minds. From climate anxiety and AI-generated misinformation to vaccine debates and identity-driven beliefs, this episode dives deep into the psychology of truth in a world where reality feels increasingly unstable. Learn why many people don’t respond to logic, how 'ease' often drives behaviour more than truth, and what it actually takes to create honest conversations in your relationships, your work, and society at large. LINKS  Grab a copy of Dom's book 'To Be Honest...' here More from Dom here 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  LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT... The Concept Of Common Knowledge with Steven Pinker Why Winning Doesn’t Always Make You Happy with Ben Crowe How Social Media And Smartphones Are Rewiring Our Brains with Dr. Mark Williams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Alistair Sproul has been building solar technology since the 1980s. As head of the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering at UNSW, he's watched Australia lead the world in solar adoption often without realising it.  As the nation, and indeed the rest of the world, grapples with a mounting energy crisis and growing oil prices, I thought it would be a great time to revisit my chat with Alistair and his insights into Australia's transition towards renewable energy. That transition isn't coming. It's already here. And it's happening faster than anyone in Canberra is telling you. LINKS  Listen to the full interview with Prof. Alistair Sproul here 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  LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT... The Psychology of Climate Anxiety, Climate Denial and Talking to your Kids about it with Psychologist Dr Susie Burke The Wonder and Hilarity of Nature - and How to Keep Fighting for It, with Natalie Kyriacou, OAM Why Winning Doesn’t Always Make You Happy with Ben Crowe  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do boy bands, modern dating and unhealthy masculinity have in common? According to today's guest - comedian, writer and performer Bridie Connell - more than you think. In this hilarious conversation, Bridie joins me to talk about her wildly original musical F*ccbois: Live In Concert — a sharp, affectionate and very funny satire about a fictional boy band, performed entirely by a female and non-binary cast in drag. Bridie shares how years of observing modern dating culture, “love bombing”, gaslighting and the strange choreography of bad male behaviour inspired the show. And how what began as a desire to write about “f*ck boys” eventually became a full-scale musical and a love letter to the boy bands of the ’90s and 2000s, like Backstreet Boys, *NSync and Westlife. The show is hilarious - if you get the chance to see it, you won't regret it! LINKS  Catch F*ccbois: Live In Concert at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Follow F*ccbois: Live in Concert for future show announcements 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.

If you've wondered whether electrification is actually feasible, affordable, or secure — this episode answers those questions with data, not hope. Saul Griffith — MIT engineer, inventor, and author of Electrify: An Optimist's Playbook for Our Clean Energy Future — reveals why Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the world's energy transition, starting with transport. In this Best Of episode focused on energy security and transportation, Saul explains why electric vehicle adoption will happen faster than anyone expects once price parity hits, how EVs actually make the grid more resilient by serving as distributed battery storage, and why hydrogen vehicles are a fossil fuel industry distraction that can't compete with batteries on physics or economics. You'll hear: The 35-second plan that could decarbonize Australia by 2030 Why rooftop solar's explosive growth previews what's coming for EVs How the Ford F-150 going electric changes cultural perceptions overnight Why Australian households with EVs could go off-grid for 10+ days The engineering reality that kills hydrogen's viability for transport LINKS  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.

What does it actually mean to live a good life in a world that feels increasingly complex, divided, and emotionally charged?  In this conversation, I speak with world-renowned moral philosopher and professor of bioethics Peter Singer to unpack some of the hardest questions of our time—from the ethics of global conflict and public discourse, to why we ignore suffering we could prevent, and what we really owe one another.  We explore the tension between outrage and empathy, the psychology behind why we cling to certain beliefs even when faced with evidence, and how identity can quietly shape (and limit) our thinking. Peter also shares the personal story of how he radically changed his own views, and why being willing to revise your beliefs isn’t just intellectual humility… it’s a moral responsibility.  And Peter explains how to make donations to charity have the greatest impact in 2026.   LINKS  More info on The Life You Can Save’s work  Grab Peter’s book ‘The Life You Can Save’ for free  Listen to Peter’s podcast ‘Lives Well Lived’  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.

Rich Roll gets brutally honest about the seven-year financial nightmare that nearly broke him — cars repossessed, dumping rubbish behind grocery stores, racing against house foreclosure while being featured on the cover of Outside Magazine.  This isn't the polished hero's journey.  This is the real thing. Part of a longer conversation form ep 484, today Rich and Osher discuss:  The dissonance between public success and private collapse How his wife Julie's "Jedi mindset" became their survival strategy Why he treated the repo man with dignity instead of resentment The neuroscience of movement as a pattern interrupt for stuck thinking The single question that kept him from going back to his old job.  If you've ever been one bad month away from losing everything or wondered whether your dream is worth the cost, this conversation will stay with you. LINKS 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'm joined again by the brilliantly fearless comedian Daniel Sloss. We take a deep dive into a wide range of topics, including the realities of fatherhood, the dark side of anonymity on the internet, and the crucial distinction between kindness and weakness. Daniel shares his experiences navigating the emotional rollercoaster of going from performing for thousands of adoring fans to the daily grind of parenting young children. We also explore how the line of what's acceptable in comedy is constantly shifting, the challenges of being a "sexist feminist", and the importance of self-compassion. Daniel reveals how embracing his flaws through parody on stage has helped him become more humble in real life. And based on his new comedy show, we also discuss the bitterness that can creep in when comparing oneself to others and how focusing on what truly matters, like the love of family, can bring genuine happiness. LINKS More info on Daniel's 'Bitter' tour: danielsloss.com 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.

Broden Kelly is best known as one of the members of comedy team Aunty Donna. But he's also a mad footy fan who started a podcast called The Footy with Broden Kelly. With the footy season kicking off in Australia, I thought it would be a good time to look back on my chat with Broden from a few years ago, where we discussed the power of sport, particularly AFL, to unite people in cheering for a common goal. In a world that often lacks connection, sport can provide both social connection and physical movement. If you're not currently barracking for a team, I'm going to try my best to convince you it's a good idea to start. And if you are already following a team, I'll give you some reasons why it's a good thing (even if other people are telling you otherwise). LINKS Listen to the full interview with Broden here Check out The Footy with Broden Kelly podcast 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.

Today’s guest works with some of the most elite performers in the world — AFL premiership captains, Grand Slam champions, world title surfers and Olympic athletes. But this conversation isn’t about winning. It’s about what happens before the win. And what happens when there isn’t one.  In this powerful conversation, author and mindset coach Ben Crowe explains the psychology of elite performance, pressure, identity, and what it really means to succeed. While Ben has worked with elite athletes and world champions, helping them navigate the mental side of performance, this conversation goes far beyond sport. It’s about self-worth, perfectionism, vulnerability, and why so many high performers struggle when their identity becomes tied to outcomes. We explore the hidden pressure behind success, why chasing perfection can lead to shame, and how separating who you are from what you do can transform both performance and wellbeing. Ben shares practical insights from working with the likes of Ash Barty, revealing the mindset shifts that allow people to perform at their best while still living a meaningful life. If you’ve ever felt the weight of expectations, whether in your career, relationships, or personal ambitions, this conversation will help you reframe the way you think about success. Daniel will tour Australia in April 2026 - check the link below for shows near you. LINKS Ben's book 'Where The Light Gets In' is available now More on Ben's company Mojo Crowe 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.

Trauma psychologist Tahnee Schulz—a critical incident first responder who has worked with those affected by events like the Sydney Lindt Café siege and the Nepal Earthquakes—offers a forensic, compassionate map for finding meaning when life's floor falls away.  In this quick hit with Tahnee, you’ll hear about: The Jelly Bean Jar: The deceptively simple neuroscience of small pleasures and why they are the foundation of resilience. The Definition of Trauma: Why trauma is defined not by what happened, but by how it made you feel, and the profound, genetic stakes of leaving it unprocessed. The Suffering Witness: How to recognize that your empathy is a strength, not a wound, and why seeking help is vital even if the trauma didn't happen to you directly. This is a conversation about the extraordinary human capacity to build meaning, move through uncertainty, and choose a full, thriving life. SUPPORT For immediate support in a crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 More resources are available from Beyond Blue LINKS Listen to the full episode with Tahnee Schulz here 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.

Alex Lee is a well known face in television and comedy, so it's no surprise she was chosen to host the ABC's new comedy game show 'Tonight At The Museum' - filmed inside a real, working museum! In this episode, Alex talks about how she transitioned from a career in news to writing and starring in hit comedy series, the complexities of filming inside the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and why it's important to keep learning about and from our history.  LINKS Watch Tonight At The Museum on ABC iview Follow Alex on Instagram @aalleexxlleeee Check out Alex's 'Baby Shoes' podcast 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.

Today we have a rev-up from the incredible Australian musical theatre star Lucy Durack. She is living proof that persistence, strategic preparation, and a little bit of hope can open doors you never thought possible. Lucy Durack is and always will be the original Glinda in the Australian production of the smash hit musical Wicked. But she didn't get that job by accident. In fact, she decided she was going to get it and started preparing for it before the show even existed.  This segment from our longer conversation is all you need to know about dedicating yourself to preparing for the best version of what it is that you want, and regardless of the outcome, being better for it.  LINKS Listen to the full episode with Lucy Durack here Follow Lucy on Instagram @lucydurack 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.

If you’ve stopped and looked up in the middle of a shopping centre or on your train or bus commute, there’s probably one think you’d notice – almost everybody you encounter having their faced buried in their phones. The growth of social media and smartphones means we are constantly looking to be entertained. Today’s guest says – that’s a problem. And he would know, he’s an acclaimed cognitive neuroscientist who has studied behaviour and brain imaging research for more than 25 years. In his new book, Dr Mark Williams reveals how screen exposure is rewiring our brains, especially those of our children. From dopamine loops and social media addiction… to loneliness, parenting, and the subtle ways technology reshapes memory and relationships - this is a conversation every parent needs to hear. While there’s plenty that is scary in our discussion, Mark also has some simple and effective solutions to help build real-life resilience and connections in a digital world. LINKS Grab a copy of Mark and Gavin's book 'Screen Smart Children' 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.

This episode features some of the most powerful messages from when parenting and resilience educator Maggie Dent came to the house. Maggie’s got some simple, immediately actionable ideas that can radically change your experience as a parent (and theirs). Key Takeaways: Build your tribe, not your village Focus on connection, not perfection Create pockets of joy to protect your family from the tough days Invaluable insights into behaviour by understanding how teenage brains work.  LINKS Listen to the full episode with Maggie Dent here Find out more about Maggie's books and seminars here 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.

In 2008, Wes Carr had the things most artists dream of - national fame, chart-topping success, and millions of eyes watching him perform on the iconic Sydney Opera House steps. What followed was a whirlwind of promotion, performing and recording sessions that strayed from Wes' authenticity as an artist. In this raw and reflective conversation, Wes opens up about success, identity, burnout, and the quiet cost of ambition. He talks about nuturing his passion for music growing up, the spiritual reckoning that followed his Australian Idol win, and why reinvention sometimes feels like survival. From changing his name and starting again in America, to returning home to Australia with his family and a new understanding of who he is without the noise, Wes is candid about where he's been and where he's going. LINKS Catch Wes playing live at the Birdsville Big Red Bash & Mundi Mundi Bash Follow Wes on Instagram: @wescarrmusic 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.

Dr. Sarah Woodhouse, a trauma expert and psychologist, shares transformative insights on parenting. When I spoke with Sarah, she talked about the power of self-compassion, the importance of modelling healthy behaviours, and how to help children navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re a parent or simply curious about breaking generational cycles, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable advice. LINKS More on Dr Sarah Woodhouse Listen to the full conversation with Sarah here 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.

When we tell ourselves stories about who belongs and who doesn’t: what’s that person doing in my street? How’d a person dressed like that get in here? Who let that guy who works for that politician who says those things into this birthday party? When we really think about it - how often are we wrong? Today’s guest, deals with those judgements all day, and how she handles them is well worth listening to. Let’s test your who belongs and who doesn’t story. My guest today is a stand up comedian, a former stripper, an OnlyFans creator - and a mother. How did you go? Did you check out? Still with me?   Nikki Justice has a story you just have to hear to believe. It’s just your standard story of growing up around addiction, joining the circus when she was still a kid, then making a career as an adult entertainer and a standup comedian. Her life has been interesting to say the least.  In this conversation, we talk about what it really means to be judged - and how much of that judgment actually lives inside us. We also explore motherhood, shame, sex work, comedy, trauma, and the strange ways we all try to fit in, or belong. Nikki is candid and authentic in telling her story, and her perspective may just change your mind about how you look at and judge others. LINKS Follow Nikki on Instagram (@nikkijusticecomedy) Nikki's tour info and updates here Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter 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.

As comedian and radio legend Merrick Watts prepares for his Grapes Of Mirth festival in Tasmania, I thought it would be a good time to look back at a couple of interesting things that we learned about Merrick from the times I've spoken with him over the years. You'll hear about his unique approach to resilience, his thoughts on parenting, and the really interesting way that he revived a 2000 year old Roman drink for modern tastes. There is so much more to Merrick than his resume. He's a fascinating man, and I hope you enjoy these highlights from our conversations. LINKS More on Merrick's Grapes Of Mirth More on Posca Listen to past episodes featuring Merrick Watts here and here 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.

What if I told you that the secret to happiness was to pay more attention to the times when life absolutely sucks? How can that make sense?  Everything I scroll past berates me with a message about finding happiness, treating myself, pushing me to constantly be seek out the good at all costs. While it’s absolutely important to discover and nurture those things that make life pleasurable and even tolerable, my guest today argues that we also need to also sit with and even embrace misery to truly appreciate what makes life great. Eamon Evans is a prolific author, writing 15 books on everything from sport to crime, urban legends and great Aussie scandals. His latest book, The Importance of Being Miserable: A Short History of Human Happiness, and Why Sometimes It's Good to Feel Bad, challenges the notion that life should always be good, happy and sparkly; and suggests that negative emotions have been historically important, and still are.Today, Eamon unpacks the fantasy we’ve been sold over the years - that happiness is something you can achieve, lock in, and never lose, and argues that, ironically, chasing it might actually be what’s making us miserable. Fear not, Eamon is hilarious and delivers his message in a coating of laughter and delicious irony - so he’s able to get the idea across incredibly well. He's even written a book about it, "The Importance of Being Miserable". Now that I think about it, the title of the book might just be the closest thing that's ever got me to understanding why Morrissey exists. LINKS Grab a copy of Eamon's book The Importance of Being Miserable Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter 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.