Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

Osher Günsberg
  • 4.8 (46)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Semiweekly

With every new day comes the opportunity to grow. Hosted by Osher Günsberg - a best-selling author, podcaster, TV host, husband, dad, stepdad, electric mobility enthusiast and part-time climate worrier. This podcast is here to help make today better than yesterday. Since 2013, the show has set out to improve life for you and the people you love. Sometimes it’s authentic conversations. Sometimes we’ll unpack the news or hear how Osher deals with life as a sober person with a different brain. But you’ll always hear something you need to hear (and laugh while you do). Listen to feel less alone, build better habits and discover some solution-based approaches for when life gets tricky.

  1. 2d ago

    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.

  2. 4d ago

    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.

  3. Aug 4

    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.

  4. Aug 2

    Why Willpower Won’t Fix Addiction (And What Actually Does) with Tom Carroll

    Two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll scored back-to-back perfect 10s at Pipeline, one of the deadliest waves on the planet. But behind the world titles and global fame, Tom was fighting a quiet, destructive battle with methamphetamine addiction while raising three daughters. In this conversation, Tom opens up about the trauma of losing his mother as a child, what actually happens when you stop running from emotional pain, and the split-second decision at a roundabout six months into recovery that saved his life. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or trying to break free from your own unhealthy cycles, Tom’s insights offer a practical map out of isolation and into a life beyond what you thought was possible. LINKS  Listen to the full conversation with Tom here More on Tom's meditation workshop Tom's breathwork workshop 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... AFL Coach Michelle Cowan on How to Stay Confident When People Doubt You Enjoyment Is Efficiency: The Productivity Shift That Changes Everything The Iconic founder Adam Jacobs' reveals his top 3 ideas for success See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Jul 28

    Turning Pain Into Purpose: Harrison James on Surviving Child Sexual Abuse and Making A Difference

    Content warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental health and suicide which some listeners may find distressing. Resources can be found below. In this raw and real conversation, Harrison James joins Osher Gunsberg to tell his remarkable story of surviving years of child sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother, overcoming unimaginable trauma, and transforming that pain into a mission that's creating lasting change within the justice system. Harrison speaks candidly about the grooming and abuse he endured as a teenager, including fathering a child at just 15, only to have that same child ripped from his life, the devastating impact it had on his mental health, and the long road to healing. Together, they explore the many myths surrounding child sexual abuse continue that persist, particularly for male survivors, and why these conversations are essential if we are to better protect children and support victim survivors. The discussion also shines a light on hope as Harrison shares how therapy, community, and practical tools such as writing unsent letters helped him reclaim his life. His advocacy has led to legislative reform across Australia, abolishing the use of good character references during sentencing for convicted offenders in multiple jurisdictions. It's an honest, confronting and deeply moving episode about resilience, recovery and purpose.  SUPPORT: If this episode raises concerns for yourself or a loved one, help is available: 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 or https://1800respect.org.au Lifeline - 13 11 14 or https://www.lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au  LINKS  Find out more about Jon 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 books here Send a pic of what you're looking at to sendosheremail@gmail.com  LIKE THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT... 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Jul 26

    What we get wrong about conspiracy theorists and narcissists (with Jon Ronson)

    Why are we so fascinated by the people on the absolute fringes of society? When someone adopts a worldview that seems completely detached from consensus reality, what is the sequence of thoughts and experiences that led them there? In this episode, I’m joined by the legendary journalist, author, and documentary maker Jon Ronson. For twenty-five years, Jon has been doing the hard work of looking directly at human behaviour that most of us would prefer to avoid.  Jon’s career has been defined by his ability to humanise the people we’ve been taught to fear or dismiss. Taken from the full-length episode, here’s a few tasty morsels to chew on today including:  Why we often reward psychopathic traits by making those people our CEOs and political leaders. What happens when extreme personalities feed off each other, and how do they pull us into their orbit. How ordinary people drift into ideological bubbles, and what it takes to understand the urge to belong to a tribe. This is a fascinating, thoughtful, and very funny chat with one of the greats. LINKS  Harrison's book 'Transform Your Pain into Purpose' is out now Follow Harrison on Instagram 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... 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Jul 21

    How QNTM (aka Sam Hughes) Creates Mind-Bending Science Fiction Stories

    Sam Hughes isn't a name most people are familiar with. Some may know him better by the pseudonym QNTM - a software engineer turned acclaimed science fiction author known for groundbreaking novels including There Is No Antimemetics Division and Ra. In this fascinating conversation, Osher Günsberg sits down with Sam/qntm to explore the intersection of imagination, mathematics, technology, and what it means to be human. Sam reveals how he transforms complex scientific concepts into gripping stories that challenge the way we think about memory, reality, time, and the future. From his early fascination with mathematics to his career in software development, he explains how curiosity, logical thinking, and a relentless habit of asking "what if?" have shaped his creative process. The conversation ranges from the surprising lessons hidden inside game design to the promises and dangers of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and the responsibilities that come with creating powerful technology. Sam also shares why science fiction isn't about predicting the future, it's about exploring possibilities, exposing human nature, and helping us imagine better outcomes. Along the way, Osher and Sam discuss the craft of writing unforgettable stories, the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world, and why hope may be just as important as dystopia when imagining humanity's future. Whether you're a fan of science-fiction, fascinated by AI, or simply curious about how extraordinary ideas are born, this is a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you looking at the world, and the future, a little differently. It may also inspire you to look for ideas and creativity in places you had never thought of before. LINKS  QNTM's book There Is No Antimemetics Division is out now (AUS | worldwide) Check out more of QNTM's work 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... 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams How to Communicate Better in Every Conversation with Jefferson Fisher The Reality of Living In The Outback: Brendan Cullen's Journey from Pain to Purpose See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Jul 19

    Nat's What I Reckon on Panic Attacks, Purpose, and the Tram With No Stops

    In this episode of Better Than Yesterday, Osher Gunsberg revisits one of his most memorable conversations with YouTuber, author and cook Nat's What I Reckon. Beyond the humour, viral videos and online success, Nat shares the deeply personal journey that shaped his life, including his ongoing mental health battles. Together, Osher and Nat explore the quiet moments that spark lasting change, discussing how small daily decisions, rather than dramatic rock-bottom moments, can transform your life. They also unpack practical strategies for managing anxiety, the importance of asking for help, building supportive relationships, and developing simple routines that create resilience over time. LINKS  Listen to the full chat with Nat here Watch the full chat on YouTube More info on Nat's live shows and books Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter Get tickets for our next Story Club show Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube 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 Mindset Behind Daniel MacPherson's Transformation for latest film 'Beast' 'Comfort Is Holding You Back': Secrets to Growth and Confidence with Ant Williams Why Sometimes Being Miserable Is Actually A Good Thing (with Eamon Evans) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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4.8
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

With every new day comes the opportunity to grow. Hosted by Osher Günsberg - a best-selling author, podcaster, TV host, husband, dad, stepdad, electric mobility enthusiast and part-time climate worrier. This podcast is here to help make today better than yesterday. Since 2013, the show has set out to improve life for you and the people you love. Sometimes it’s authentic conversations. Sometimes we’ll unpack the news or hear how Osher deals with life as a sober person with a different brain. But you’ll always hear something you need to hear (and laugh while you do). Listen to feel less alone, build better habits and discover some solution-based approaches for when life gets tricky.

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