Published 19 March 2026
Heading back to Play School
"Success is the alignment between what you truly value and how you live"
Ben Crowe
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of imperfection.
So when the opportunity came up to step back into the studio with long-time friends of Mojo and all-round legends Hugh Van Cuylenburg, Ryan Shelton and Josh van Cuylenberg — it was a no-brainer.
Recorded just before the official launch of Where the Light Gets In, Crowey joined The Imperfects podcast for the third time to talk all things play, purpose and love.
Let’s look at some of the highlights from this jam-packed episode:
Reward effort, not outcome.
Many of us grew up being celebrated for our external wins, first and foremost - whether that’s in the classroom, on the sports field, or in social situations. More often than not, it came with good intentions. But we now know there’s a hidden cost to that kind of recognition that we’re particularly vulnerable to at a young age, especially if no one’s told us that an ‘internal scorecard’ even exists.
You might have heard us say before that six of the most powerful words you can say to your kid are “I love to watch you play.” But as Ben shares with Hugh, Josh and Ryan, there are three more words just as powerful… And they might not be what you expect.
Many of us grew up being celebrated for our external wins, first and foremost - whether that’s in the classroom, on the sports field, or in social situations. More often than not, it came with good intentions. But we now know there’s a hidden cost to that kind of recognition that we’re particularly vulnerable to at a young age, especially if no one’s told us that an ‘internal scorecard’ even exists.
You might have heard us say before that six of the most powerful words you can say to your kid are “I love to watch you play.” But as Ben shares with Hugh, Josh and Ryan, there are three more words just as powerful… And they might not be what you expect.
We don’t have to wait to be successful.
What if success wasn’t something that relied on an if/when formula? What if we’re putting too much focus on the gap between where we are and where we’re going? Here, Ben walks through a simple but profound exercise for kids and adults like: I know I’m being successful when...
This isn’t about shying away from growth or new challenges. It’s about recognising that the process is precious, there are wins worth celebrating right now, and measuring success on our own terms is always 100% within our control.
What if success wasn’t something that relied on an if/when formula? What if we’re putting too much focus on the gap between where we are and where we’re going? Here, Ben walks through a simple but profound exercise for kids and adults like: I know I’m being successful when...
This isn’t about shying away from growth or new challenges. It’s about recognising that the process is precious, there are wins worth celebrating right now, and measuring success on our own terms is always 100% within our control.
Navigating doubt, live on air.
Josh opens up about something a lot of us quietly carry: the struggle to translate our experiences into genuine belief in our future potential. Six years of building one of Australia’s most beloved podcasts, and still the niggling thoughts: What if it’s all been a fluke? Am I just riding on the coattails of others?
It takes real courage to say that out loud, let alone on mic. Ben and Josh work through a perspective shift in real time, because as it turns out, this is less of a confidence issue and more about the power of belief.
Josh opens up about something a lot of us quietly carry: the struggle to translate our experiences into genuine belief in our future potential. Six years of building one of Australia’s most beloved podcasts, and still the niggling thoughts: What if it’s all been a fluke? Am I just riding on the coattails of others?
It takes real courage to say that out loud, let alone on mic. Ben and Josh work through a perspective shift in real time, because as it turns out, this is less of a confidence issue and more about the power of belief.
Molly Picklum and the ‘Just Admit It’ List.
You’ve heard of a to-do list, and maybe even our favourite, a to-be list. But what about a Just Admit It list? When Molly Picklum hit a wall mid-season, Ben introduced a new tool built around vulnerability, radical acceptance, and curiosity. A process of asking yourself what you’re most in denial of, and finding the courage to write it down, or say it out loud.
You’ve heard of a to-do list, and maybe even our favourite, a to-be list. But what about a Just Admit It list? When Molly Picklum hit a wall mid-season, Ben introduced a new tool built around vulnerability, radical acceptance, and curiosity. A process of asking yourself what you’re most in denial of, and finding the courage to write it down, or say it out loud.
The opposite of play isn't work.
It’s fear. And when you start to pull on that thread, something unexpected emerges… Play and Love might be more connected than we ever realised. As human-beings, we need love. As human-doings, we need play. And most of us might be more play deprived than we care to admit. Which makes play so much more than a frivolous pastime. It’s how we find our way back to ourselves.
It’s fear. And when you start to pull on that thread, something unexpected emerges… Play and Love might be more connected than we ever realised. As human-beings, we need love. As human-doings, we need play. And most of us might be more play deprived than we care to admit. Which makes play so much more than a frivolous pastime. It’s how we find our way back to ourselves.
Five a-ha moments, but we’re just warming up! There’s so much more to discover in the full conversation.
As always, Hugh, Ryan and Josh - it’s been an absolute pleasure.
Thanks for having us on the show 🙏
