The Imposter Podcast AU

Chris Burson

Ever feel like you're winging it through life? You're not alone.Welcome to The Imposter Podcast AU — the down-to-earth Aussie show where real people tell unreal stories. Hosted by Burso, a former soldier and cop turned community mischief-maker, this podcast dives into raw conversations with everyday legends, underdogs, and the occasional wildcard.We unpack life behind the titles: the messy middle, the quiet wins, the funny fails, and the moments no one sees. No fluff, no filters — just banter, bold stories, and a few brutal truths.Whether it’s trail running disasters, near-death moments, or figuring out what the hell we're doing with our lives... this is a space for the honest, the hilarious, and the human.

  1. We Tried to Be a Failure (And Still Got 18,000 Downloads)

    May 3

    We Tried to Be a Failure (And Still Got 18,000 Downloads)

    The one we've been paying for without releasing anything for 12 months. The farewell — and it's a good one. Burso and Almo are back together — two out of three original co-hosts (Fedora's too cool for us now, fair enough) — to wrap up The Imposter Podcast AU the way it was always meant to end. No script, no agenda, no idea what we're doing. Just the way it always was. We started in January 2024 by venting into microphones for our own mental health. Went live in April. Somehow wound up with nearly 18,000 downloads across 83 countries — Australia, America, New Zealand, then Algeria, which we still can't explain. Hiroshima had more listens than Geelong. Geelong knows what it did. In this one we catch up on where everyone's landed. Almo's out in the country now with a beehive he didn't ask for, neighbours who loan him excavators, and a life that's turned out better than expected. Burso's been making reels with Jarryd, appearing in War Machine for approximately 1.5 seconds, and finally painting the studio he's been promising himself since episode one. We look back at the guests who made this thing worth doing — Matty Morris unearthing us, then coming to breakfast the morning after and showing us his fame when the local cops recognised him, Mark Thomas talking about being in his undies, the negotiator, Jess Taylor somehow cracking the top four most downloaded episodes even though we are the least likely pregnancy story hosts. We revisit the Simpson Desert, the Waves of Wellness wave pool, the sorting hat reel that got two million views, and what it actually meant to sit across a kitchen table from people we'd known for years and ask them real questions for the first time. And we talk about what's next. Mad Dog Show for the banter, the chaos, and the content that'd get a guest fired. Wings Out for the career stuff, the transitions, and the conversations you can actually share with your boss. Two shows, two audiences, and a much better chance of not confusing everyone. We genuinely tried to be a failure. Didn't quite manage it. Thanks for being part of it. Black/Dark Humour is confronting for some people. It is however, how Veterans and First Responders try and shine some light on otherwise dark and hard to discuss topics. The topics and the way they are spoken about, don't actually show the real feelings of such events that occured.  Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.  Savvy Use IMPOSTER code at checkout to support the podcast. You save 17% and we get 17% of each sale! Camo RollYou're not just stocking up on bathroom essentials,You're joining a movement to support our heroes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    1h 49m
  2. Four Blokes, Two Mics & a Surf Park - The Waves Of Wellness Debrief

    06/29/2025

    Four Blokes, Two Mics & a Surf Park - The Waves Of Wellness Debrief

    In this chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly meaningful episode, Burso is joined by Fitzy, Juzzy, and Dave “Johnno” at Melbourne’s URBNSURF to reflect on their eight-week journey through the Waves of Wellness surf program—a mental health initiative blending group therapy and man-made waves. The episode opens with mic mishaps, Ricky Bobby impressions, and awkward lollipop-style handling of audio gear—before settling into a rich and relatable conversation about why the surfboard might be the new couch for veterans and first responders. They discuss what it was like stepping into a wetsuit for the first time in years—especially ones that feel more like sieves than insulation—and how man-made barrels (even if only 4 seconds long) created space for real emotional release. Amongst the banter, one surprising revelation stood out: the real healing didn’t happen in the chat circles—it happened during party waves and post-surf coffees. The team jokes about flaps, velcro shoes, and microphones that feel like Cossack hats, but also get deep: Why are younger veterans so hard to reach?Why is it easier to open up during a wipeout than in a psychologist’s office?Has the loss of the “after-shift beer” killed off one of the best support tools we had?Anecdotes You’ll Love: Dave Johnno DJ... pees in his wetsuit (accidentally?), only to discover it was a drysuit.Fitzy openly admits if he’s not having fun surfing, “no one’s getting up”—sabotage is the name of the game.Dave finally talks… and ends up being the most poetic, describing mic windscreens as “Russian hats for mice in Stalingrad.”They debate shrimp breeds and the philosophical merit of Neocaridina.Multiple running jokes around “adages,” eventually becoming a game of Adage Bingo.Despite the laughs, there’s real substance here. They talk about how this kind of surf-based therapy helps where traditional models don’t—no pressure to perform, no clinical coldness, just mateship, motion, and momentum. They reflect on the disconnect between veterans and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), pointing out the flawed communication systems and outdated platforms like DVA TV. Even with good programs like this one, they say, “How do you help people if you can’t even contact them?” The episode closes with a discussion on sustainability—can the crew keep surfing after the program ends? Would they pay to come back? Can this model work nationally? They’re not sure, but one thing's clear: connection, even over shrimp jokes and cold water, can be life-changing. Black/Dark Humour is confronting for some people. It is however, how Veterans and First Responders try and shine some light on otherwise dark and hard to discuss topics. The topics and the way they are spoken about, don't actually show the real feelings of such events that occured.  Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.  Savvy Use IMPOSTER code at checkout to support the podcast. You save 17% and we get 17% of each sale! Camo RollYou're not just stocking up on bathroom essentials,You're joining a movement to support our heroes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    58 min
  3. Salt in My Weet-Bix and Sand in My Shoes

    06/22/2025

    Salt in My Weet-Bix and Sand in My Shoes

    Welcome to a very real, slightly unhinged debrief from the Surf Coast Trail Marathon — where fitness meets dysfunction and high-vis Team Veteran shirts try to outshine deep sand and cramping quads. Recorded on the move with DJI mics (and some very questionable mic technique), this episode captures Joe, Chris, and Burso unpacking the pain, pride, and hilarity of trail running in Torquay. What does it take to run a trail marathon on zero prep? How do you survive when your legs lock up halfway through the course?  And what happens when your support crew keeps popping out of bushes like budget wildlife photographers? Joe kicks things off with a solid dose of humility — recovering from the flu, aiming for sub-2 hours, and ending up somewhere in the 2:15 range with calf cramps from the first hill. He shares how practicing gratitude kept him going when breathing felt impossible and feet kept finding puddles. His run started on the beach, ended in pain, and included two surprise ambushes by Burso and Fitzy hiding in the shrubbery like amateur trail trolls. Meanwhile, Chris starts his day by accidentally salting his Weet-Bix, easing into the second leg of the race after a high-five handover, and immediately running into deep sand and a monster hill. The two teammates joke about their “very average” performance but somehow still manage a third-place finish — in a field of six, but who's counting? Highlights & Laughs: Bush-Banter Ambushes: Burso and Fitzy pop out from behind bushes mid-race, leading to Joe swearing, forgetting questions, and nearly throwing the mic in a cramp-fueled rage.Socks, Sponsors & Silence: Asked live mid-run about sponsors, Joe blanked entirely. “His brain stopped,” Burso notes. “All of the above,” Joe replies.Post-Race Pub Chat: The lads recap over beers at Four Pines in Torquay, where even the winner of the marathon casually mentions he's gunning for a 2:30 at the Gold Coast — on a deload week.Podium Ditching: Despite coming third, the boys skip the ceremony to eat chips and get home to stretch and sulk.Parkrun Shade: The friendly rivalry continues as Chris edges Joe in both trail and Parkrun times, though Joe claims moral victory for showing up sick.Future Fun: Spartan races in Geelong? Stadium stomps? Highlander trail events? Burso’s working on it.Puffing Billy run in September? Maybe. If Blue doesn’t explode another hammy first.🔥 What This Podcast Answers: How do two untrained blokes survive a trail marathon without killing each other?Is there any dignity in being overtaken by a 14-year-old mountain goat?Can you really hide in bushes twice and still be invited back?Why are Snickers and salted cereal now part of elite-level nutrition?Black/Dark Humour is confronting for some people. It is however, how Veterans and First Responders try and shine some light on otherwise dark and hard to discuss topics. The topics and the way they are spoken about, don't actually show the real feelings of such events that occured.  Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.  Savvy Use IMPOSTER code at checkout to support the podcast. You save 17% and we get 17% of each sale! Camo RollYou're not just stocking up on bathroom essentials,You're joining a movement to support our heroes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    41 min
  4. The Sweaty Sock Symphony: Tales from Amateur Marathoners

    06/15/2025

    The Sweaty Sock Symphony: Tales from Amateur Marathoners

    This episode brings the trio—Burso, Fitzy, and Joe—back together for a mix of trail-running prep, personal stories, and absolute chaos. With Joe signed up to run the first 19km leg of the Surf Coast Trail Marathon (while still recovering from Influenza A), and his mate Chris doing the second leg, the episode dives into the unfiltered realities of amateur endurance sports: the motivation, the gear, the setbacks, and the questionable preparation. There’s no shortage of friendly roasting and classic Fitzy shade as the boys cover everything from text message ghosting, to accidental podium finishes, to toe trauma. Joe admits to doing “almost zero prep” for this race, aside from a solid pasta meal and packing some emergency Skittles. He reflects on the brutal Wilson’s Prom Marathon, where dehydration and searing granite heat saw him sheltering under a tree for 15 minutes before walking the final 6K—only to discover he’d placed on the podium due to mass DNFs. Open-ended questions this episode answers: Can you run a trail marathon without training and still have fun—or even place?What’s more important—running tech or snacks?Why do your toenails always betray you when the running gets tough?Can banter, resilience, and a bit of stubbornness carry you through a cold 19km?The episode also explores the infamous Surf Coast Century, the appeal of team-based endurance events, and the possibility of putting together veteran teams for bigger challenges. Fitzy, ever the pragmatist, gives gear tips while shaming everyone’s Strava usage. Meanwhile, Joe’s story about getting his best half-marathon time after stepping off a submarine becomes one of the many “how the hell did that happen?” moments. But it’s not all running. From Burso being taunted by an 11-year-old parkrun assassin, to Fitzy’s blackened toenails, and heated arm-wrestle rivalries with tattooed authors, there’s no shortage of off-track stories that make this episode a rollercoaster of laughs and relatable chaos. 🧩 Anecdotes Listeners Will Enjoy Joe’s surprise podium at Wilson’s Prom because no one else finished.Burso’s park run rivalry with a child who stops, stares, then sprints away just to mock him.Fitzy pulling off his sock mid-episode to show a still-black, half-missing toenail.The tragic tale of a ring camera catching Burso in a shirt-over-head stealth mission.The running gear debate that somehow ends in a savage takedown of Dave’s pace.Black/Dark Humour is confronting for some people. It is however, how Veterans and First Responders try and shine some light on otherwise dark and hard to discuss topics. The topics and the way they are spoken about, don't actually show the real feelings of such events that occured.  Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.  Savvy Use IMPOSTER code at checkout to support the podcast. You save 17% and we get 17% of each sale! Camo RollYou're not just stocking up on bathroom essentials,You're joining a movement to support our heroes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    58 min
  5. Axes, Algorithms & ASMR: Sam Wride’s Warhammer World

    04/06/2025

    Axes, Algorithms & ASMR: Sam Wride’s Warhammer World

    In this episode of The Impostor Podcast, Burso is back on the couch with the absolute madman himself — Sam Wride — a former soldier turned armored brawler, fitness coach, Warhammer nerd, and part-time Twitch goblin. What starts as a messy chat about cake, clapping, and dodgy audio syncs quickly spirals into a full-blown ride through Sam’s chaotic content creator life. He’s hurt his ankle (again), but instead of resting like a normal person, he’s throwing on some armor, launching a Twitch channel, and screaming at his mate Josh during Warhammer matches like it’s the World Cup. “The ruler never lies,” Sam says — just before accusing Josh of cheating live on stream.Spoiler: Twitch chat was the judge. It got heated.We talk losing 7,000 followers, why being funny on Instagram doesn’t pay, and why TikTok is just a flashy portfolio for sponsors who’ll never pay you in cash, but might send you a t-shirt. Sam’s building a bunch of YouTube channels: BooHurt fighting, tactical shooting, camping, and a Warhammer one “so nerdy it might cause shrinkage.” There's also a potential TV gig in the pipeline (“rhymes with Little Sister”), a chat about whether Heston Russell is the most elite bloke on earth, and the realization that commentating on medieval sport in full kit is the real dream job. Other gems include: Sam's $11-a-week fitness program that helps Buhurt warriors, future soldiers, and probably a few broken tradies.The idea of filming a two-man podcast in an ice bath (“Kevin Hart did it, we can do it. Just need to squish in.”)Burso accidentally riding an unregistered bike for 3 years — until a mate dobbed him in mid-ride.Discovering a new Australian combat sport that literally allows headbutts and chokes, but bans sucker punches. Good to know where the line is.🔥 Questions This Episode (Kinda) Tries to Answer: How many YouTube channels is too many before Centrelink calls?Can you make money yelling about Warhammer on the internet?What happens when you mix PTSD, paint, and plastic figurines?Why do men in armor always end up starting a podcast?Is it possible to Twitch stream in an ice bath without freezing your left nut off?Want to understand the weird Venn diagram that is veterans, nerds, influencers and full-contact medieval fighting? This episode’s got you covered. It’s raw, loose, and hilariously unhinged — like any good catch-up between mates should be. Black/Dark Humour is confronting for some people. It is however, how Veterans and First Responders try and shine some light on otherwise dark and hard to discuss topics. The topics and the way they are spoken about, don't actually show the real feelings of such events that occured.  Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.  Savvy Use IMPOSTER code at checkout to support the podcast. You save 17% and we get 17% of each sale! Camo RollYou're not just stocking up on bathroom essentials,You're joining a movement to support our heroes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    45 min
  6. Cake, Combat, and Cracked Ankles: The Life of a Modern Knight

    03/30/2025

    Cake, Combat, and Cracked Ankles: The Life of a Modern Knight

    “What do you get when you mix full-contact medieval fighting, international travel, injuries, Instagram fame, and a whole lot of cake?” That’s exactly what you’ll discover in this unfiltered, laugh-out-loud episode with Sam Wride, Australia’s rising Buhurt champion and content creator. Burso sits down (cake in lap, mic in hand) with Sam for a conversation that’s equal parts comedy, chaos, and insight into the brutal yet fascinating world of armored combat. From the very first clap to the final sign-off, this episode doesn’t let up. ✊ What does it take to be a modern-day knight? Sam walks us through his journey from Australia to Finland, Germany, and the USA, where his team Kraken dominated tournaments — including becoming the best team in Finland and placing 4th in the world at “Way of Honour.” He even fought in Carolina Carnage, where his American teammates covered his flights and called the squad “My Bloody Pony” (a mashup of Aussie and Canadian teams). Oh, and he got engaged in Amsterdam between battles. “We were meant to fight in Germany. Finland just slid into our DMs and invited us. So we said… why not?”😬 What happens when things go wrong? You’ll hear about the moment Sam heard a snap in his ankle — and still fought on it. He later flew home with a side of COVID. Add a moon boot, missed saunas, and an all-you-can-eat pasta night, and you’ve got a recovery arc that’s as funny as it is painful. “The sauna invite was a flex. But we were cooked. Like... already cooked.”💸 Is there money in medieval cage fighting? Short answer: not really. But sponsors and social media help. Sam’s built a following by posting GoPro-fueled fight content, fitness programs, and chaotic Twitch streams (including one with 4,500 viewers). “They don’t pay much when you win. But sponsors do if you post the right story.”🎮 Influencer meets gladiator The episode dives into how Sam balances brutal sport with content creation — using DJI gear, Twitch streaming, and even joking about ChatGPT as a fake podcast producer. There's talk of gear setups, GoPro chin mounts, social media strategy, and that one reel that blew up. “I usually say GoPro ‘cause no one knows what an Action 5 is.”🍻 Anecdotes to love: Being spotted on Afghan news smoking a dart during a “no-smoking-on-duty” brief.Explaining “Machine Gun Fellatio” and “dog cop” rules mid-cake.Getting decked by a former teammate turned British ringer.Comparing Boo Hurt to UFC in armor or “rugby with axes.”Debating sauna beers and the danger of still-active WWI mortars in Belgium.🎧 This episode answers: How do you train for full-contact medieval battles?What’s it like competing overseas in a niche sport?Can you turn armored fighting into a full-time gig?What are the highs and lows of growing a sport in Australia?Black/Dark Humour is confronting for some people. It is however, how Veterans and First Responders try and shine some light on otherwise dark and hard to discuss topics. The topics and the way they are spoken about, don't actually show the real feelings of such events that occured.  Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.  Savvy Use IMPOSTER code at checkout to support the podcast. You save 17% and we get 17% of each sale! Camo RollYou're not just stocking up on bathroom essentials,You're joining a movement to support our heroes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    53 min
  7. Old Dog, New Tricks: How to Survive Being the Campus Grandpa

    03/24/2025

    Old Dog, New Tricks: How to Survive Being the Campus Grandpa

    In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, Burso sits down with his mate Fitzy — a former Blackhawk mechanic turned first-year Marine Science student at Deakin University. At nearly 45 years old, Fitzy is navigating a new world of lectures, labs, and lingering imposter syndrome while surrounded by classmates half his age. Fitzy shares the unorthodox path that led him to university. Unlike most fresh-faced students who arrive straight from Year 12 with an ATAR, Fitzy had to apply via a written submission, leveraging his Defence experience and mechanical training. “I didn’t finish high school,” he says. “I had to show them I could still learn — promise I’d study and not just talk about octopuses the whole time.” The episode answers questions many older listeners might be quietly wondering: Am I too old to go to uni?What’s it really like studying alongside 18-year-olds?How does a veteran even get accepted without an ATAR?Can life experience give you an edge in academic or fieldwork?How do you even use a microscope if you’ve never touched one before?Between the laughs, there are moments of real vulnerability. Fitzy admits he’s overwhelmed at times — especially in content-heavy subjects like biology and chemistry — but he’s determined. He talks about using YouTube channels like The Amoeba Sisters to simplify concepts, and relying on note-taking strategies like pausing recorded lectures to catch up. “Every word they say feels like a new language,” he says, “but it’s fascinating stuff.” There are plenty of anecdotes to enjoy, from Fitzy waiting awkwardly to be assigned a group because he felt too old to add himself, to him realizing half his classmates didn’t know how to use email. He even jokes about being the creepy old guy sitting alone in class — to which Burso quips, “That makes you more of a creep, Fitzy, if you sit there saying nothing!” One highlight? Fitzy’s snorkelling field trip in Queenscliff, where he observed sponges and seals for the first time. “Some of the students had never even snorkelled before,” he says. “I was like, finally, something I can do!” Burso, ever the instigator, suggests that Fitzy’s moment to shine won’t come until post-uni — when his life experience, independence, and ability to “survive without partying” make him the ideal candidate for high-stakes fieldwork or research expeditions, possibly even in Antarctica. Whether you’re a veteran thinking about a career pivot, a mature-age student, or just someone curious about what it takes to reinvent yourself, this episode delivers laughs, lessons, and loads of inspiration. Black/Dark Humour is confronting for some people. It is however, how Veterans and First Responders try and shine some light on otherwise dark and hard to discuss topics. The topics and the way they are spoken about, don't actually show the real feelings of such events that occured.  Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.  Savvy Use IMPOSTER code at checkout to support the podcast. You save 17% and we get 17% of each sale! Camo RollYou're not just stocking up on bathroom essentials,You're joining a movement to support our heroes.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

    59 min

About

Ever feel like you're winging it through life? You're not alone.Welcome to The Imposter Podcast AU — the down-to-earth Aussie show where real people tell unreal stories. Hosted by Burso, a former soldier and cop turned community mischief-maker, this podcast dives into raw conversations with everyday legends, underdogs, and the occasional wildcard.We unpack life behind the titles: the messy middle, the quiet wins, the funny fails, and the moments no one sees. No fluff, no filters — just banter, bold stories, and a few brutal truths.Whether it’s trail running disasters, near-death moments, or figuring out what the hell we're doing with our lives... this is a space for the honest, the hilarious, and the human.

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