Fathering First

In this episode we are joined by Prof. Andrew Whitehouse from CliniKids at The Kids Research Institute who has been a guiding light for parents navigating the complexities of autism, and in this episode we dive into one of the most important aspects of that journey – communication. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you're looking for new ways to connect, this conversation will provide understanding, support, and practical strategies. About Andrew: He is the Deputy Research Director at The Kids Research Institute Australia, where he also leads CliniKids – a national network, embedding clinical trials into everyday care for children with neurodevelopmental differences. He has published over 300 scientific papers, attracted more than $80 million in research funding, and presents the international video series 60 Second Science. He is a Eureka Prize winner, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, was named Western Australian of the Year in 2023 and, in 2024 was inducted as a Fellow to the International Society for Autism Research!

In this episode Káti Gapaillard sits down with AFL Premiership player and father Zach Tuohy for a heartfelt conversation that goes beyond the footy field. From becoming a dad at 23 while building an elite sporting career, to navigating his mental health and parenting far from home, Zach shares openly about the challenges and joys of fatherhood. He reflects on how his Irish heritage shaped his values, how he and his partner parent as a team, and what he hopes other dads take from his journey. This is an honest, reflective chat about identity, vulnerability, and showing up for your kids.Zach also shares about his book The Irish Experiment, if you haven't already, grab yourself a copy: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Irish-Experiment/Zach-Tuohy/9781923022096If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to hit subscribe on your preferred podcast app so we can continue to bring you legendary guests like Zach! 

We are excited to be joined by Youth Advocate and Educator Daniel Principe. Having presented to tens of thousands of young people in every Australian state and territory, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges presented in a teen boy's world today.  Daniel's work is about giving young men the tools to critically think about identity, masculinity, and the media messages they're bombarded with.In this episode we unpack what is currently going in in a teen boy's world today, how social media is shaping their world and the messages they're hearing and masculinity. An episode not to miss, packed with incredible insights. Learn more about Daniel here: https://www.danielprincipe.com.au/

The tween years (roughly ages 8–12) are a critical time for brain development, emotional growth, and identity formation. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steve Kassem, a neuroscientist specialising in brain development, to explore what's happening inside the tween brain and how parents can navigate this pivotal stage.From understanding mood swings to fostering independence while maintaining strong connections, Dr. Kassem shares the science behind tween behaviour and offers practical strategies to support your child's emotional, social and cognitive growth before they enter the teenage years.Tune in for insights that will help you build a deeper bond with your tween and set the foundation for a positive adolescence!

In this episode, we dive into a crucial and timely topic – gender equity and masculinity in the workplace. We explore how workplaces can foster environments that challenge traditional notions of masculinity, while also promoting gender equity in a way that includes men as part of the solution, not just the conversation.Our guest Ludo Gabriele is a thought leader and consultant, based in New York, who helps organisations connect men to gender equity, effectively. His work centres on engaging men in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, while addressing the common disconnects that can arise between men and these initiatives. An interesting discussion which will have you re-framing the way you think about masculinity, especially in the workplace and society as a whole. Learn more about Ludo here: https://www.ludogabriele.com/aboutAccess more resources like this on The Fathering Channel: https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/

In this episode, we're joined by Gen Muir from Connected Parenting. We discuss parenting in the modern world and supporting your children's big feelings and emotions. The episode is packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you manage your child's big emotions and challenging behaviour without feeling like you're ‘losing control'.This episode will explore:The current landscape of parenting in 2024How fathering has evolved and their role in supporting their child's emotions and behaviourTop three tips for dads to help them navigate their child's big feelingsStrategies to stay united on discipline and emotional support for their kidsLearn more about Gen and her work here: https://www.connectedparenting.com.au/Visit The Fathering Channel to access more parenting resources: https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/

In this episode, we explore a critical yet often overlooked phase of parenting: the 5-10 year window. While the first five years are widely recognised as foundational for a child's development, many parents may not realise that the 5-10 years are just as crucial. This period paves the way for smoother teen years and sets the stage for successful adulthood.We're joined by Dr. Norman Swan, who will discuss insights from his new bookSo You Want to Know What's Good for your Kids?, where he highlights the importance of these formative years and shares practical advice for guiding your children through this key stage of growth. Don't miss this valuable conversation about how to navigate and make the most of this pivotal time in your child's life.Purchase Norman's book here: https://www.hachette.com.au/dr-norman-swan/so-you-want-to-know-whats-good-for-your-kids-the-ultimate-parenting-guide-on-what-matters-from-birth-to-ten-by-one-of-australias-most-trusted-doctorsAccess more practical tips and advice on The Fathering Channel: https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/ As a not-for-profit, The Fathering Project relies on the generosity of our followers and audience to continue our mission of supporting children and families across Australia, so no child goes without an engaged and positive father or father figure.If you liked this episode we encourage you to make a tax-deductible donation: https://thefatheringproject.org/donate/ 

One of our most commonly asked about topics is how parents can keep their kids safe online. The digital world is constantly changing, and navigating it as a parent can often be challenging. We want the best for our children, and their online safety must be a top priority. In this episode we are joined by the e-Safety Commissioner to chat all things digital safety. We will discuss the digital footprint and why it's important for children to understand the concept, what potential risks parents should be aware of, as well as tips to keeping our kids safe online. 

We are thrilled to welcome back our friend and renowned Australian best-selling author, activist and psychologist, Steve Biddulph. If you're someone who experiences anxiety, or have had anxious feelings and not entirely sure how to address them, we encourage you to listen to this episode. Steve talks us through what he refers to as our "Wild Creature Mind", and how we can leverage it and use it to our advantage when experiencing anxiety. Steve also shares some strategies for adults and children, and how he has used them in his day to day life to help him overcome anxious feelings. Wild Creature Mind is also the name of his new book which is due to be released on August 22nd. You can pre-order it from: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761560781/

Early childhood, especially the first 1 – 5 years is key for child development outcomes. How a parent engages with their child during these key years will influence their long-term development. Not only this, a child's educator also plays an important role. In this episode we are joined by Prof Karen Thorpe and Dr Laetitia Coles to discuss what the research says about parental involvement in early childhood. 

In this episode we discuss anxiety, how it shows up in your life, some common symptoms and every day strategies to help manage it. In today's world, we all experience anxious moments, and our kids can too. It's important to recognise when the anxiety is on-going and impacting your day-to-day life and signs to look out for.Dr Jodi Richardson is one of Australia's thought leaders in managing anxiety and amplifying wellbeing.She supports parents, teachers and other professionals in understanding anxiety, changing their relationship with it, dialling it right down, and showing how others in their lives can do the same.Jodi is an international speaker, best-selling author of “Anxious Kids” and “Anxious Mums”, a wellbeing science consultant, creator and host of the award winning podcast, “Well, Hello Anxiety”, and a respected media commentator.

Mental health for new dads is critical. Just like mothers can struggle with their mental health during pregnancy and post-pregnancy, dads can struggle too.Statistics find that 1 in 10 men will experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy and the first post-partum year. This new life stage is exciting, but it can be challenging as you navigate new territory. Self care is important.About our guestDr. Da Costa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University and Scientist at the Centre for Outcomes Research & Evaluation at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.Her research focuses on conducting prospective studies to better understand determinants of psychological difficulties and health behaviours for mothers and fathers during the transition to parenthood.These studies have laid the foundation for the knowledge-transfer phase of her research program, which focuses on designing and evaluating evidence-based gender-tailored web-based psychoeducational interventions to promote the mental health and health behaviours of expectant mothers and fathers during this critical life stage.

In this podcast episode, we are delighted to have Prof. Andrew Whitehouse join us for a conversation on the challenges and joys of raising children with autism. Our focus extends to the available support for fathers in tailoring care to the unique needs of their children.We also delve into effective ways in which fathers can contribute to the development of their child's social and communication skills through meaningful play and engagement.Drawing on his wealth of knowledge, extensive research, and genuine passion for these extraordinary children, Prof. Whitehouse shares invaluable insights and offers practical advice for dads navigating the journey of raising children on the autism spectrum.

In this episode, we'll be in conversation with Laurie as we delve into his latest book, "Love, Dad: Confessions of an Anxious Father." Our discussion will revolve around the experience of fatherhood, the influence of our upbringing on our parenting styles, and strategies to overcome challenges in order to be the best support for our children.A podcast not to miss where Laurie's dedication to fatherhood and deep affection for his kids shines through. He candidly discusses his challenges, encouraging dads to understand that perfection isn't the goal – we're all doing our best whilst never letting it hinder our love for our children.

In today's episode Brad will delve into the world of technology and how we can find a balance in our work and personal life. We will discuss how technology can contribute to workplace stress, especially due to the rise of hybrid and remote work, and discover as individuals, as well as businesses, how we can work to keep a healthy balance. This is the second time we welcome Brad on the podcast. His expertise in this space is second to none. Whether you want to get a hold on your own technology use or you're a workplace leader looking to support your employees, this podcast is for you! 

Josh is a father of two teenage boys and recently made an appearance on Channel Nine's reality TV show, The Summit. In an insightful conversation, Káti delves into Josh's journey as a father, his experiences on The Summit, and how this extraordinary challenge significantly impacted his path towards self-discovery and a fresh perspective on life.Josh opens up about his role as a dad, his mental health struggles during his separation, and how he emerged from this difficult phase with a renewed outlook on life. His participation in The Summit pushed him to his limits, igniting a newfound passion within him and reinforcing the belief that one is never too old to embrace a fresh challenge and venture beyond their comfort zone.He emphasises the dangers of lingering in one's comfort zone for too long, observing that many people tend to slow down and settle into their comfort zones as they age, missing out on opportunities for personal growth and development.

In this episode we welcome back Dr Vanessa Lapointe who shares her parenting wisdom on understanding how to create an emotionally healthy and safe home for our children. We explore the unique role fathers play and how this impacts a child's ability to feel safe, express their emotions and depend on their dad. She also delves into emotional triggers as parents and how we can become curious with our own emotions to avoid projecting it onto our kids. As Vanessa says "When you are raising a child, it will bring you to your knees, the degree to which it will stir emotions from childhood and beyond..." We are excited to share this podcast with you! 

Sleep is key! Becoming a new dad can be daunting and getting your newborn to sleep and settle can be a source of anxiety for many new parents.Don't fear. In this podcast Donna Moala certified Sleep Sense Consultant provides you with many key tips and tricks you need to know. Having a newborn is an exciting time. Take each day as it comes. You've got this!

A Father's Day special - Hamish Blake Father of the Year 2023 provides a glimpse into his fatherhood journey, dad-life and how he spends quality time with his kids, plus the important message of spending 10 more minutes with your kids!

A Father's Day special - we speak with Professor Natasha Cabrera about the research on fathers and their significant impact on child development. This episode is proudly sponsored by AFA Insurance. 

In this episode we chat to Sean about his newly released bookNot like other dads, navigating parenting and family life, and raising his two boy-girl twins! Sean Szeps is an award-winning podcast host, presenter, content creator and author.His hilarious Instagram videos about his love-hate relationship with parenting often go viral, garnering millions of views! He can currently be heard as the host of LISTNR's Come Out Wherever You Are podcast, Radio Today's 2022 Australian Podcast of the Year. Sean lives in Sydney with his husband and their boy-girl twins, Stella and Cooper. 

Dr. Chu and CEO of The Fathering Project, Káti Gapaillard, have a conversation about raising boys. They talk about the research on boys' development and how they build relationships while dealing with societal expectations that enforce gender stereotypes. They delve into the concept of masculinity and how society often restricts boys to fit traditional ideas of what it means to be a man. Judy discusses ways in which parents can support and encourage their boys as they grow, empowering them to embrace their true selves as they become men.If you have a son, no matter their age this is a podcast not to miss. 

In today's episode we explore masculinity, the importance of men making connections with other men and the impact of this on the type of dad they are for their kids, as well as the impact on wellbeing. Jason has been working for 25 years to support individuals, groups, families, organisations and businesses. With two decades of work in offices, institutions, kitchens, farmers' markets, woodlots and boardrooms, to wild new environments. Whether as a psychotherapist, the creator and founder of JourneyMen, public speaker, thought leader or narrative consultant, Jason believes that our lives are adventurous, and we can and should be an active, engaged author of our own adventure stories!Tune in – It's one not to miss this Men's Health Week

TFP CEO Káti Gapaillard sits down with Michelle Mitchell, tween and teen parenting expert, speaker and author. In this episode, Michelle reveals the crucial window of opportunity parents have during their child's formative years to ensure they thrive in their teenage years.Listen in as they discuss navigating boundaries, communicating effectively with your tween, initiating conversations about intimate relationships, and empowering your child. Gain valuable insights that will help you raise a happy, confident, and well-adjusted tween.

In this episode CEO Káti Gapaillard speaks with guest Greg Bridge. Káti and Greg discuss the balance of our work life and being a parent, and the impact of workplaces on our own health and wellbeing, as well as our children and family's.Greg is an indigenous man from the Gija people of the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Author of two books, Yes Health Matters in the Workplace and Growing up Together, and co-founder and director of Legendary Training, and other business ventures based in Perth.He has over twenty years' experience passionately commentating and facilitating his human behaviour excellence programs which promote positive workplace changes and self-development, with the objective of health and wellness in mind. 

In celebration of World Pride Month our CEO and host, Káti Gapillard speaks with best selling children's book author and content creator Scott Stuart (@scottcreates). In this heartwarming episode Scott reveals his parenting style and the emphasis he places in giving his son the freedom to express himself and show up authentically in this world. We discuss the important role parents have in encouraging their child's self-expression and empowering and accepting them just as they are. Dads and father figures play a critical role in how their children show up in this world, and the adult they become. When you provide them the space to feel loved, comfortable and safe, great things happen. Visit https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/ to read more about Scott and his content available. 

We are thrilled to be joined by Ben Bravery this week. He has quite a story and he was generous enough to take us on the journey with him. From his battle with cancer, to the heartfelt story of how he found a father, to becoming a dad himself. Ben has also recently written a book 'The Patient Doctor' which delves into  the challenges of the healthcare system and his passion to make a change by becoming a Doctor. Ben goes into the detail of his life which is both inspiring, but also makes you realise just how fragile it is, and the importance of making the most of every day you have.

In this week's episode we are thrilled to be joined by Dr Michael Flood who is an internationally recognised researcher on men, masculinities, and violence prevention. He has made a significant contribution to scholarly and community understanding of men's and boys' involvements in preventing and reducing violence against women and building gender equality.In recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25th November) we discuss fatherhood, the role of the father in modelling positive masculinity to both sons and daughters, as well as what the research says around a fathers' involvement in violence prevention.

In this episode we'll be discussing all things relationships and finding balance between raising kids, work and family life, and how to strengthen the connection with your partner. Derek is a father of four and is a relationship psychotherapist specialising in the Attachment bond between parent and child and the implications for adult relationships - the attachment bond between couples.He has helped many couples and parents (and hence children) move from a disorganised unsatisfying relationship to a more stable, secure, thriving and safe environment.  Derek also facilitates the Dads Group at Gidget Village, supporting men who struggle to express their feelings in their intimate relationships. 

In this podcast episode we are joined by James Brown, Clinical Psychologist and board member at The Fathering Project. Becoming a new dad can be an exciting but daunting experience and can often cause challenges in regard to wellbeing and mental health. James provides some great insights and highlights the importance to raise awareness around perinatal and post-natal mental health for dads.

Joining us on the podcast for mental health month is Health & Community Psychologist, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Media Commentator, Dr Marny Lishman. In this episode we are chatting about the importance of mindset, and how it impacts fathering, our children and our overall wellbeing.The Fathering Project is an Australian charity working to change children's lives by encouraging dads to be the best they can be. We rely on the generosity of the community to continue our work. If you would like to make a donation visit: thefatheringproject.org/donate/ 

In this podcast we talk all things sleeping and settling your infant with special guest Tracey Cassels PHD.A really insightful and informative discussion. We're grateful to have Tracy join us to provide all the advice and tips for new parents. The Fathering Project is an Australian charity that works to change children's lives through better fathering. If you like our podcast and want to help support us, you can donate here: https://bit.ly/3MV7Fvd

In this episode John Rutter speaks with Nick Bourke's journey of running to his kids - 60 days and 600km. He is running for his kids, running for dads, and raising awareness around mental health. Listen as Nick talks us through his journey to-date and what motivated him to embark on this journey. The Fathering Project is a charity and maintains it's momentum from the generosity of the public. If you enjoy our podcasts and would like to contribute, you can make a donation here: https://bit.ly/3MV7Fvd

It's Foster Care Week in NSW and on the podcast we are joined by Australian Community Father of the Year Winner - Rick Pekan, and Foster Care Recruitment Officer - Teigan Reilly from the Department of Communities in WA. Foster carers are critical to our communities, providing care, love and support to children in need. In this podcast we discuss Rick and Teigan's journey, what foster care involves and how you can get involved. If you enjoy our podcasts, we would love for you to review it on your podcast app of choice.The Fathering Project is an Australian Charity and rely on the generosity of the public. If you would like to donate to help us continue our work, visit: https://bit.ly/3MV7Fvd 

It's child protection week, so we brought Kayelene Kerr from eSafeKids onto the podcast to talk all things body boundaries and protective behaviours. Dads play a critical role in talking to their children about body boundaries. The Fathering First Podcast is run by The Fathering Project, a National not-for-profit Organisation changing children's lives through better fathering. Your donation can help us to continue our work in supporting fathers and children. You can donate here: https://bit.ly/3MV7FvdCheck our more resources on The Fathering Channel: https://thefatheringproject.org/fathering-channel/

This podcast with author, journalist and speaker; Madonna King,  discusses raising teen girls and highlights the important role fathers play in their teen daughter's life. Madonna provides practical tips on how dads can best support them through their journey to becoming young women. Madonna also speaks of the current climate parents are facing with teen girls having to grow up faster than ever before and what they need to know.

In this podcast, Maree Crabbe from It's Time We Talked joins us to chat about an often taboo topic – children and teen's access to pornography.Maree shares the current research and provides parents with practical tips and strategies to get the conversation started with our young people.

We chat with Michael Ray – father, speaker, author and advocate for parental equality. Michael is passionate about fatherhood and being the best dad and role model he can possibly be for his daughter. He also continues to advocate and raise awareness about the outdated parental roles and unconscious gender bias that still exists today, affecting families and children. 

Dr Karyn Healy shares strategies for parents on how to have a conversation with their children on bullying and also effectively deal with the situation.

In this podcast we sit down with 2021 Community Father of the Year Award Winner, Dr. Mark Cross, and his husband and partner of 20 years, Jon Coll. We talk all things fathering, what it's like to co-parent with their two boy's mothers, raising boys and looking towards the future. 

On this podcast, we talk with the team who helped create the new Beacon app and unpack all the features and benefits it has to offer to parents to educate and support the development of healthy and protective online behaviours.

Luke Toki is a reality TV star who is well known for his humorous confessionals and witty personality on Australian Survivor 2017 and Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders 2019.Toki shares his life journey from his teenage years to becoming a dad and being present with his three kids.

Johnny Shannon, motivational speaker of the year 2020  joins us on The Fathering First podcast. 

The last few years have been incredibly tough for everyone and it's no surprise that many individual's mental health has suffered because of it. In this podcast we sit down with Dr Mark Deady from the Black Dog Institute to discuss mental health post-COVID, what some of the research says and strategies we can use to help ourselves, children and loved ones move forward.  

Joined by special guest, The Hon. Dr Tony Buti, the West Australian minister for finance, lands, sport and recreation, citizenship and multicultural interests. In this episode, Minister Buti opens up about his fathering journey of raising three children, and how it's shaped him into the father he's become today. He discusses his family's journey to-date, being an advocate for his daughter who has cri du chat syndrome, and delves into some detail about his new book 'Alkira'; both a story of the love between mother and daughter and father and daughter, as well as her struggle to reach developmental milestones and ‘fit in'. 

In this week's episode we speak with speech pathologist, Annie Hamilton. Annie works with families and children aged 0-3 years and specialises in working with children to develop early communication skills. We discuss the importance of early intervention to support children who may be experiencing challenges with their language development and social communication.

In this week's episode we speak with James Brown, who is a registered Clinical Psychologist and has been working with families for over 15 years. He has a particular interest in assisting men relating to their psychological health and well-being. Our discussion today will be about fathers of children with additional needs, and managing and looking after their own mental health and wellbeing, so they can be the best dads they can be for their child. 

We speak with human performance researcher, speaker and consultant, Dr Adam Fraser. Adam studies how organisations can adopt a high-performance culture to thrive in this challenging and evolving business landscape. Adam helps us unpack the notion of finding a work life balance, providing strategies and advice, so fathers can be the best version of themselves in and out of the home. 

In this episode we speak with clinical psychologist Jeroen Decates. He has over 45 years experience working with both children and adults on the autism spectrum. He gives us an expert insight into this complex topic and provides parents with some advice and strategies around raising children with a disability, and specifically on the autism spectrum. 

Relationship and family mediator, Lisanne Iriks, provides her expert insight into relationship mediation and conflict resolution. During this podcast she provides some tips, strategies and advice for fathers around communication, what to do and what not to do in high conflict situations, and how to best move forward without getting the kids negatively caught up. 

The Fathering Project are thrilled to be joined by TV personality, social media sensation and picture book author, Jimmy Rees. He was the star on the ABC children's show Giggle and Hoot, and became well known for his hilariously relatable viral videos on social media. We chat to Jimmy about the challenges of 2020, which also brought about silver linings. His new book Bedtime Sorted! and being a husband and dad to three boys.