Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg

What are we actually teaching young people about consent?
In this episode, Osher looks back on his powerful conversation with Chanel Contos, where they explored how children and teenagers learn about sex, relationships, boundaries and consent — often from sources far beyond the classroom.
Chanel, whose campaign for better consent education began after thousands of young people shared their experiences of sexual assault, argues that education needs to go much further than simply teaching “no means no”. Young people need to understand empathy, recognise boundaries and learn what healthy, mutually desired relationships actually look like.
The conversation examines the influence of pornography, movies and popular culture, and how romantic storylines can normalise jealousy, coercion, obsession and controlling behaviour. Chanel also discusses the different ways boys and girls are socialised — including the pressure on girls to be accommodating and the importance of helping boys develop empathy beyond their immediate social circles.
They also explore what consent can look and sound like in real life, including the importance of paying attention to body language and creating space for someone to change their mind. As Chanel explains, consent isn't simply about hearing an explicit “no”; it is about actively checking that another person is comfortable and genuinely wants to participate.
Despite the difficult subject matter, Chanel remains hopeful. She believes sexual violence is preventable, but that doing so requires adults to have uncomfortable conversations, challenge their own assumptions and make these lessons part of everyday life.
Because teaching consent isn't a one-off conversation. It's something we teach through the small, ordinary moments in which young people learn what love, respect, boundaries and healthy relationships look like.
SUPPORT
For domestic or sexual abuse support: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)
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 Chanel here
Follow Chanel (@chanelc) on Instagram
More from Chanel's Teach Us Consent initiative
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

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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
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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
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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.

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
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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.