The Dad Train

Brandon Miller is an expert in Strengths-Based Organizational Development, who has helped businesses such as Bank of America and Tesla implement leadership and company culture programs. He is also a father of 7, who has co-authored two books about Strengths-Based Parenting.Brandon believes there are skills we learn as fathers that can help make us better managers and leaders in the workplace. In this interview, Brandon shares his story and explains some of the key lessons he has learned along the way. What you will learnThe story behind Brandon's business, 34 Strong How organisations can apply strengths-based principlesThe three categories of timeGrind timeGreatnessGeniusBrandon's fatherhood journey, with 7 kids and 4 grandchildren. How to manage work-life balance at different stages in your careerThree ways managers (and parents) can be perceived by staff (and kids)Advocate AdversaryAmbivalent  Leadership skills we learn as dads, that can also be applied in the workplaceWhy he and his wife decided to write a book about parentingWhat is Strengths-Based Parenting What are some of the strengths we can look for in our kidsThe difference between core and growth strengthsUnique strengths Brandon identified in his children About Brandon's organisation: ‘incredible parents'More informationShow notes and links to the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/56 

Will McMahon is an Australian comedian and radio personality. He co-hosts the KISS Network's national drive time show ‘Woody and Will' with his best-mate Woody Whitelaw.On-air it's mostly shits and giggles, as Will's job is to entertain and make people laugh. But in his personal life, he continues to live with regular bouts of depression.Depression is a mental illness that affects 1 in 7 people. And typically men are not very good at talking about it. This is something Will is trying to change.Will understands how hard it is for men to let their friends and family know they are struggling, but he also believes it's the most important thing you can do to help yourself. In this interview, Will shares his personal story of living with depression and explains why it's so important to talk about it.What you'll learnThe Catch-22 of depression – where the best thing you can do is to speak to someone, but it's also the hardest thing to doWhy he created the ‘share my mood' appSome lessons from Roman Kemp's documentary ‘Our silent Emergency'Two ways for society to tackle depressionInterventionPreventionTips to help guys talk to their mates about depressionShoulder to shoulder activities‘The 2-okay rule'Things Will does to help maintain his mental healthExerciseMeditationDiet and lifestyleHow the symptoms of depression show up in WillThe power of vulnerability – why telling your friends about your depression is the best thing you can do to help yourself. Resources men can use if they need to get helpMore informationLinks to resources mentioned in this interview, as well as further information about the guest, can be found at https://thedadtrain.com/55Need help?If this topic triggers anything and you need to speak to someone, please call LifeLine on 13 11 14 (in Australia) or an equivalent helpline in your local country. 

Craig Kessler is COO of one of the world's fastest-growing sports and entertainment companies. He's also a father of three young boys. After realising he had a lot to learn about parenting, Craig reached out to his network and asked them to write him a letter on “how to be a good dad”. After receiving responses from a wide range of dads, including athletes, TV personalities, businessmen and civic leaders, Craig compiled the advice into a book, which became known as ‘The Dad Advice Project'In this interview, Craig discusses some of the common themes he discovered and shares a few stories that had the biggest impact on his life as a dad. What you'll learnAbout Craig's career as COO of TopGolfHis fatherhood story and what he has learned along the wayWhat inspired him to launch ‘The Dad Advice Project'Some of the well-known names who contributed storiesThe three common pieces of parenting advice he learned from interviewing over 40 dads for the bookTwo parenting ideas that really stood out for CraigHow other dads can get involved with The Dad Advice ProjectMore InformationShow notes and links to references mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/54

The culture of fatherhood is undergoing a transformation. Dads today spend three times as many hours with their kids as they did in the 1960s. And traditional gender roles are being reinvented in incredible ways. Whilst this puts greater demands on fathers, it also presents a golden opportunity for dads to redefine the concept of a modern dad. Jeremy Macvean is co-founder of The-Father-Hood, an online business that offers support, advice and inspiration for dads.As a single father of three girls, Jeremy understands some of the unique challenges and opportunities of the modern dad. In this interview, he shares the story behind The-Father-Hood, discusses some key issues faced by dads and explains why the workplace is an important environment to harness the changing culture of fatherhood. What you'll learnThe story behind the-father-hood.com How the culture of fatherhood has changed in one generationHow Australia compares to the rest of the worldHow organisations can help support the changing landscape for fathersReasons why men don't take advantage of parental leave optionsWhich topics are dads engaging withJeremy's experience raising three girls The importance of self-care for dadsHow to manage separation and divorce as a fatherHow Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth inspired The Father Hood book.More informationShow notes and  links to the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/53

Have you ever found yourself thinking – ‘I wish I understood what women want'? If so, then this week's guest could provide the answer. Shana James has a masters in psychology and over 20 years of experience working with men to help them find love, rekindle the spark and bring intimacy back into their relationships.Her clients call her ‘the secret weapon' because she helps men translate women's needs and understand their attraction and motivations.In this powerful interview, Shana shares some insightful and counter-intuitive tips that can help men find the love and intimacy they seek, whatever stage of their relationship they are at. What you'll learnCommon issues that Shana helps her male clients withSome powerful skills that will help you in the workplace and in the bedroomHow to tap into what your body is telling youHow men can be more vulnerable without appearing weakHow to master your attention and focusHow to reignite the spark and bring intimacy back into a relationship What is Nice Guy Syndrome?How to communicate your desires without complainingHow men can reinvent themselves after divorce What inspired Shana's Ted X Talk about male vulnerabilityMore informationShow notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/52 

Matis Miller is a licensed clinical social worker and certified cognitive-behavioural therapist. He specialises in treating children with emotional regulation issues such as ADHD, ODD and DMDD. He also helps parents learn how to manage their expectations and acceptance.In this interview, Matis shares strategies from his new book: The Uncontrollable ChildAs a father of six and a therapist with over 15 years of experience, Matis has plenty of experience working with strong-willed children from all walks of life. Whether your child has a diagnosis or is simply displaying normal developmental behaviour, we could all use some extra parenting skills to help manage the situation. And that's exactly what this interview provides. What you'll learnWhat are some of the common diagnoses, such as:Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)How to differentiate a behavioural disorder from normal development behaviourWhat environmental issues are contributing to increased rates of behaviour disordersHow to harness a ‘behavioural disorder' and turn it into a superpowerWhat percentage of children have ADHDIs ADHD more common in boys or girlsWhat is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)Top tips for managing an emotionally sensitive childMore informationShow  notes and links to the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/51

Many girls suffer from low self-esteem and negative self-image. This can cause them to date the wrong guys, be subjected to bullying and accept a life that is less than what they are worthy of. As dads, this is not what we want for our daughters. But as today's guest explains, dads can play a vital role in helping our daughters grow up to be strong, confident and successful women.The things we say and the example we set for them in their early years helps form a program that they will take with them for the rest of their lives. Stefanie Fields is a trained hypnotherapist who understand the importance of words and actions. As someone who has suffered from low self-esteem and body image issues, she is on a mission to make sure other girls don't have to go through the same thing. Stefanie now writes children's books that help embed positive affirmations in young girls minds so they can grow up to be strong and confident women. For dads who want to raise confident daughters, this interview provides some practical advice on how you can help.What you'll learnWhy children's brains are open to suggestion right before sleepHow all our beliefs stem from childhoodWhy the way we talk about ourselves affects how our children talk about themselves What does the term ‘daddy issues' refer to6 tips for dads to help embed a positive self-image in their daughtersMirror affirmations Play the “I'm Great Too” gameGood night gratitude Seeking beauty in actions  Lead by exampleDaddy-daughter dates Why we search for evidence for what we believeHow dads can help raise confident daughtersThe story behind Stefanie's book ‘You're Beautiful When'More informationShow notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/50

Have you ever found yourself saying “there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done”?If so, you are not alone. This is one of the most common complaints shared by many busy dads. And while it's true fatherhood brings increased responsibilities, that just means you need to be even more productive with the time you do have available. For anyone who battles with procrastination, or would like to be more productive at work, home or other areas of their life….. this is the episode for you. Nick Wignall is a clinical psychologist by day and a blogger, course creator and author by night. He's also a husband and busy father with three young girls. So he knows a thing or two about how to get stuff done.In this interview, Nick shares his top tips from the field of psychology and his own experience about how to stop procrastinating and stay productive.What you'll learnThe two key areas that contribute to productivityHabits and routinesMindset and values “the inner game”The four factors that lead to procrastinationValue – how valuable is the thing you are doing?Confidence (Self-efficacy)  – how much confidence do you have in your ability to do that task well?Impulsivity or Distractibility – are you or your environment prone to distraction? Delay – is there a deadline and how far off is it? How to stop procrastinatingHow to create a productive environmentThe Seinfeld Strategy for productivityThe 4:55 drillWhy self-compassion is so important for being productiveMore InformationShow notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/49

Matthew Turner is a British author who interviewed 163 Succesful Entrepreneurs from all around the world to try and identify some common traits. One thing he discovered, that all these people had in common, was their attitude towards failure. In order to become successful, these people had all learned to embrace failure and learn from their mistakes. In fact, they viewed making mistakes as an essential part of achieving success. This attitude is what's known as a ‘Growth Mindset' and it's something that Matthew has spent a lot of time researching, reading and writing about. And it's a mindset he tries to apply to his own life as an author, entrepreneur and father. In this interview, Matthew explains the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset and why we all have the choice to develop a growth mindset if we want to. What you'll learnHow Matthew discovered his love of writing and became a professional writerMatthew's experience becoming a fatherWhat he learned from interviewing 163 successful entrepreneurs The story of entrepreneur Dan Miller who overcome bankruptcy to build an online empireWhat is a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?How can parents help their children develop a growth mindset?Books he recommends on mindsetMindset, by Carol DweckThe Code Of The Extraordinary Mind, by Vishen LakhianiMatthew's new book – Beyond The Pale. “A modern version of The Alchemist”More informationshow notes and links to related resources from this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/48

Have you ever considered taking a break from alcohol? Maybe you've tried and failed. Or maybe you've done a ‘Dry July or ‘Feb Fast', only to immediately slip back into old habits. If so, you are not alone.For many of us, myself included, our relationship with alcohol is on auto-pilot. We often drink out of habit, without stopping to think why. And sometimes we end up regretting it later. Ruari Fairbairns is the Co-Founder and CEO of ‘One Year No Beer', an organisation that has helped over 100,000 members change their relationship with alcohol. In this interview, Rauri shares the story and inspiration behind OYNB and explains some of the hidden benefits of taking a tactical break from alcohol. What You'll LearnThe story behind One Year No BeerWhy Ruari decided to take a break from alcohol and what he discovered about himselfHow he inspired his wife to follow his leadHow different countries have different cultural attitudes towards alcohol How taking a break from alcohol can help make you a better dadSome of the other hidden benefits of taking a break, such as sleep, anxiety, weight loss, mental health and happiness.Behaviour change tips to help you succeedAnd… Listen to Rauri convince Scott to take the 90-day challenge (he's a hard man to resist)More informationShow notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/47

Jamie Keeling is a father to seven children in a blended family (yes, he needs a bigger TV). He is also a successful entrepreneur, business coach and former world champion in the sport of Taekwando, who once dropped out of college to tour Europe as a long-haired wannabe rockstar. So, as you can see, he's had a diverse life. And he's learned a few things along the way.In this interview, Jamie talks about the challenges of raising a blended family and shares his thoughts on what's really important in life. If you are offended by either strong language or strong opinions, then this is not the episode for you  But if you want to hear someone tell it how it is and share their “no B.S.” philosophies on life, then Jamie is your kind of guy. What you'll learnHow Jamie ended up with 7 kidsHow being a stepdad is different from having your own kidsSome hard-to-hear home truths about raising a blended familyThe number one challenge to be aware ofThe three really important questions dads need to ask themselvesMistakes he's made along the wayThe work Jamie does with startup businessesHow he grew his TickTock account to 30,000 followers in six monthsMore informationLinks to resources mentioned in this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/46

This is the third and final episode in a mini-series about life lessons. There are lessons to be learned from any experience. And in this episode, Scott shares some of the valuable life lessons he learned from running his first marathon. These lessons included:A goal without a plan is just a wishSmall steps will get you there fasterTaking a rest will improve your performanceThese lessons come from an article published on The Dad Train blog. To read the full article including the other 9 life lessons learned, please visit https://thedadtrain.com/45To listen to the previous episodes in this series, please visit:Ep. 43 - Life Lessons From Farming, with Kane BriscoEp. 44 - Life Lessons From Gaming, with Eric SiuFor more information about The Dad Trainplease visit: https://thedadtrain.com Or follow us on social @thedadtrain

Eric Siu is a successful entrepreneur who has founded multiple businesses and worked with leading technology companies such as Amazon, Airbnb, Salesforce and Uber. In his youth, Eric was not academically or socially successful, but he was a serious high-level eSports and poker player. He ultimately found how to convert his focus and success in gaming into a very successful career in marketing. In this interview, Eric shares some of the key concepts he learned from gaming that can be applied to other areas of life. What you'll learnWhy online gaming appeals to so many young menHow Eric got into gaming from a young ageWhich online games Eric was involved with The three things you want in life – Contribution, Health and ConnectionHow eSports is now one of the top 3 sports in many countries How parents can balance the benefits and risks of gamingWhat he wishes his parents would have done differently to connect with a teenager who likes gamingA few key concepts that Eric learned from gaming, such as:The wealth ladder Thievery The Newbie MindsetHow to apply some of these lessons to fatherhoodWhat is Eric working on at the moment?All about his new book: Leveling Up – How to Master the Game of LifeMore InformationShow notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/44

Life on a farm can be tough, but it also teaches you some valuable lessons about awareness, acceptance and resilience. These are all things that can be applied to other areas of life, including your role as a father. Today's guest is Kane Brisco, a dairy farmer from Taranaki in New Zealand, who has founded a business called Farmfit, to help support the mental wellbeing of his local community. In the interview, Kane gives a first-hand account of life on a farm and shares some valuable lessons it has taught him. Farming, fatherhood and philosophy – this interview covers them all. What you'll learnWhere the hell is Taranaki?A day in the life of a dairy farmerKane's family life with a wife and three young kidsThe story behind Farmfit – ‘no gym, no worries'Why so many farmers suffer from mental health problemsThe importance of community and connections for mental healthTools that Kane uses to manage his mental healthWhy he takes cold water trough baths in the middle of winterLife lessons he has learned from the farmSome of his most popular social videosMore informationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/43 

Compared to previous generations, today's children have more homework, more adult-led activities and less free time to just play. According to psychologist Dr Peter Gray, this is a worrying trend that is having a negative impact on society. Dr Gray's research shows that free-play is an important part of child development. It's where they learn things like courage, creativity and social skills. In this interview, Dr Gray explains why it's important for parents to step back and let their kids play, even (and sometimes especially) if it involves risk.What you'll learnWhy Dr Gray decided to specialise in free-playHis research into The Sudbury Valley School in Massachusetts, where the children design their own curriculumWhat are the key features in the Sudbury education philosophy?Mixing kids of all ages togetherStaff are voted in by the studentsAll decisions need to be approved by a committee of students and staffAbout Dr, Gray's book: Free to learnHow child-led play helps children develop important life skillsWhat are the negative impacts of too much adult-led education and playInternal versus external locus of control More informationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/42

“The warrior archetype is a strong, powerful, masculine archetype. He's a great archetype for just getting shit done!”Archetypes are universal, inborn personality traits that have been referenced throughout human history.They were introduced to the field of psychology by Carl Jung, who identified twelve major archetypes, but also believed there was an infinite number of potential archetypes that could exist. An example of a masculine archetype is ‘The Warrior' archetype, which is particularly useful when you need to take action.In this interview, Nic Tovey explains why the warrior archetype is so powerful and how you can access your inner warrior. What you'll learnAbout Nic's new book: The (Re)Volutionary ManThe Pillar of Potency – 4 step model:PresencePowerPassionPurposeWhat are archetypes?What is the Warrior Archetype and how do we embrace it?Joseph Campbell's formula for the hero's journeyWhat are some masculine and feminine archetypes that we can all tap in toWhy we need polarity in our relationshipsMore informationShow notes and links to references used in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/41 About Nic ToveyNic is a Relationship, Intimacy and Sexuality Coach, who wants to help people experience a rich, joyful and authentic experience of life through their relationships, their love life and their life's work. He can be found at NicTovey.com Nic was previously on The Dad Train Podcast in episode 22 talking about Conflict and Intimacy In Relationships. 

Did you know that at least 1 in 10 dads experience depression or anxiety related to the arrival of a new baby? It's a condition known as PPND – Paternal Post Natal Depression and it's much more common than most people realise. Unfortunately, many men suffer in silence and never seek help. Howard Todd-Collins  is a psychotherapist who helps men deal with the emotional changes that occur when they become fathers. In this interview, he explains why so many dads experience PPND, what it looks like and how to deal with it. What you'll learnWhy Howard started specialising in Men's mental health issuesThe Active Fathers Group – a men's group that Howard founded for new dads Why men neglect their mental health once they become fathersHow your relationship with your dad can impact your fatherhood styleHow men experience hormonal changes during pregnancy and beyondWhat is Paternal Post Natal Depression (PPND)How common is PPNDWhat are the symptoms and when do they appearWhat to do if you think you are experiencing PPNDHow to be more emotionally present with your kidsMore InformationShow notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/40

Hugh van Cuylenburg is the founder of The Resilience Project, an organisation that provides mental health and wellbeing programs to schools, businesses and individuals. In this interview, Hugh explains how the key concepts of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (G.E.M.) can be applied to fatherhood and why being a parent is a great test of your resilience. Hugh also shares stories about his family, his relationship with his dad and what's on the horizon for the Resilience Project. This is a fascinating chat with an inspirational person, who is also a passionate father of two young children. For any parents out there, I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as I did.What you'll learn How dad's become part of a brotherhoodThe challenges of managing a 'threeanger'How being a father has tested his resilience. How being a father has changed Hugh's relationship with his dadHugh's dad's story – immigrating from Sri-Lanka to Australia by boatHow men can either follow in their dad's footsteps or choose to take a different routeGratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness – the three key tools for resilience  How Hugh practices gratitude with his 3-year-old son each nightThe results of the Resilience Project's schools program The Imperfects Podcast with Ryan Shelton What's on the horizon for The Resilience Project Hugh's next book – a sneak preview into what it might be aboutMore informationShow notes and links to the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/39 

At the age of 18, Richard Maloney was recruited to play AFL for the St. Kilda Football Club. Unfortunately, he wasn't mentally equipped to handle the pressure of being an elite sportsman and his AFL career was cut short.However, this set Rich on a journey of personal development to understand how the human psyche worked and reprogram himself to be more resilient. In this interview, Rich shares his story of personal discovery and explains the system he has developed that can help reprogram your subconscious mind and change your trajectory in life.What you'll learnRichard's background including his behavioural problems at school, his AFL experience and his journey to find himselfHis undiagnosed ADHD and how it helps him be creativeHis work with elite athletes The system he developed to help sports teams win premierships About the two companies he has founded – Engage and Grow and Quality MindBlokes United – a Facebook Group for dads with over 20,000 membersHow our subconscious is programmed during our first 7 years of lifeHow to reprogramme your subconscious mindHow to manage aggression and frustration The importance of men talking with other menThe law of attractionThe link between the mind and the body – how Rich learned to predict injuries in elite sportspeopleAbout his latest book: Stress-FreeMore informationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/38 

Dr Warren Farrell is a political scientist, activist and author of seven books including ‘The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It”In this interview, we discuss some of the societal issues that are negatively impacting boys and contributing to what Dr Farrell calls The Boy Crisis. We also explore the important role that fathers play in the raising of children and why it's so crucial for dads to be actively involved.What you'll learnDr Farrell's work on the National Organisation for Women (NOW)How he became known as the world's leading male feminist The research that caused him to switch his focusThe myth of male privilege – how the feminist movement got it wrongWhat is the boy crisis? How boys have fallen behind girls academically How suicide affects boys and men so profoundly How dad deprivation affects boys in negative waysThe seven areas where dad style parenting is different from mum style parentingThe developmental benefits of roughhousing The importance of family dinner nights and how to structure themHow to discuss controversial topics at family dinner nights and why boys love it. The benefits to dads who get more involvedIn the event of divorce – the four must do'sMore informationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/37 

If you have pre-school aged kids, you've probably come across the concept of Montessori education. But if you are like me, you may not understand exactly what it involves. In this interview, with Simone Davies from The Montessori Notebook, we take a deep dive into the Montessori Method to understand how it can be applied in an educational context, but also how you can use the same principles at home to help develop creative, independent and resilient children. What You'll LearnWho was Dr Maria Montessori?The history of the Montessori MethodWhat age groups does Montessori apply to? The current resurgence of the Montessori CurriculumSome of the cultural difference in parenting in the NetherlandsHow to apply Montessori methods at homeThe SHOW technique for teaching toddlers How is The Montessori Method different from Reggio Emilia and Rudolf Steiner? Resources available on The Montessori Notebook websiteSimone's new book “The Montessori Baby” Three other books that Simone recommendsMore informationShow notes and links to the references mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/36 

Chris Anstey is a two times Olympian and former professional basketballer who played in the NBL, NBA and Europe. In this interview, Chris shares his experiences of living abroad with a young family, returning home, surviving two relationship breakdowns, learning how to co-parent his three kids and being happy as a single dad. What You'll LearnHow Chris almost became a professional tennis playerHis career as a professional basketballer in the NBL, NBA, Russian and Spanish leaguesThe challenges of living alone in RussiaBecoming a father at 25Handling separation and custody issuesBeing a single dad and the importance of looking after yourselfChris's advice for other single dadsHow tall people are subjected to bullying and how he teaches his kids to handle itThe new book he is working onSome of the mentors who have influenced Chris along the wayMore informationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/35 

Did you know that many countries now offer shared parental leave, meaning it is available for both mums and dads? And the average amount of paid parental leave in OECD countries is 55 weeks?Compare this to Australia where it's 18 weeks, for mothers only, and you can see how we are trailing the rest of the world.In this interview, Emma Walsh, from Parents at Work, explains why shared parental leave is so important and the positive impact it can have on families, kids and dads.What you'll learn The story behind ‘Parents at Work'Australia's history of paid parental leaveWhat parental leave options are available for dadsWhy some organisations are now offering shared leaveWhich Australian organisations are leading the wayExamples from Nordic countries with family-friendly culturesThe positive impact of men taking parental leaveMore informationShow notes and resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/34 

One of the biggest challenges facing all new parents is the lack of sleep. Particularly during the first few months, it can put a big strain on a relationship. And it's not unusual for dads to feel a bit useless. But as today's guest explains, there are plenty of things dads can do to help get a baby to sleep. Emma Purdue is the founder of Baby Sleep Consultant, who have helped thousands of parents with their baby sleep challenges. In this interview, she shares some of her best tips for how to get a baby to sleep. What you'll learnWhy sleep deprivation is such a big issue for new parentsHow long do newborn babies typically sleep for?How long before a baby can sleep through the night?How to survive the first few months with a newborn. How a lack of sleep can trigger postnatal depression (PND)What factors help babies sleep through the nightHow to spot your baby's ‘tired signals'How dads can help settle a newborn babyThe 5-Ss to trigger the calming reflexWhat is the four-month regression?The three types of stress, including ‘positive stress' Emma's top tips for How to Get a baby to sleepWhen and how to get help from a professional sleep consultantMore informationShow notes and resources are available at https://thedadtrain.com/33 

Did you know that men on average will die six years younger than women? And there is no justifiable reason for this. Most of the causes of premature death are things that could easily be prevented if men learn to take better care of themselves. The Movember Foundation is on a mission to tackle three of the biggest issues facing men's health, which are: suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. In this interview, Liam Cavanagh from Movember explains how these issues are affecting men, what we can do to prevent them and how to get on board the Movember movement. What you'll learnLiam and Scott's experience at The Men of Moreland programThe ALEAC Model for healthy conversationLiam's new role as the coach of the Coburg Women's Football ClubThe story of how Movember started in 2003 at a pub in RichmondThe three big causes that Movember supportsMental health and Suicide Prevention Prostate cancerTesticular cancerThis year's “Know thy nuts” campaign“The most important mo you'll ever grow”The four ways to get involved with MovemberMore informationShow notes and resources are available at https://thedadtrain.com/32 

There are many benefits of mindfulness and meditation, but there are also many ways they can be practised. Experimenting with different techniques can be a good way to discover what works best for you. Chibs Okereke is a mindfulness and meditation teacher, who discovered his calling after suffering a good old fashioned nervous breakdown. This set him out on a mission to learn techniques that could help him improve his mental health and create a more balanced emotional state. What you'll learnChib's background – from successful multimillion-dollar CEO to Mindfulness CoachThe nervous breakdown that changed his lifeHow mindfulness helped him recoverWhat is the difference between mindfulness and meditation?Different styles of meditation such as Vedic transcendental meditation (TM) and mindfulness-based meditationHow to teach your children mindfulness and meditationTechnologies that can assist meditation such as the Muse HeadbandHow to get started with a meditation practice.More informationShow notes and links to references from this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/31 

Today I chat with AFL legend, Paul Salmon (a.k.a. The Big Fish), who played 324 games with Essendon and Hawthorn. His football achievements include 561 goals, two premierships, three All Australians and selection in the Hawthorn Team Of The Century and the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He is also a successful entrepreneur, businessman, husband and father of three, who is about to become a grandfather. In this interview, we discuss football, business, marriage, fatherhood and his son's struggles with mental health, which has been the inspiration for Paul's latest business venture.What you'll learnThe early days, being recruited to Essendon at 15Why his knee injury was one of the best things that happened to himWhich is the more difficult task – ruckman or full-forward?Paul's business ventures including gyms, travel, hospitality and tech companiesLessons he learned from football that apply to fatherhoodHis son's battle with mental illness and how they got through it as a familyHis new venture to create a mood monitoring technology to track mental healthMore informationShow notes for this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/30 

Helicopter parents hover above their children, trying to protect them from getting hurt. And according to today's guest, it's a worldwide trend that is contributing to increased anxiety amongst children. Lenore Skenazy, President of LetGrow.org, believes kids are more capable than we think. If we step back and give them more freedom, they will step up and work things out for themselves. In this interview, Lenore explains the cultural pressures that are causing helicopter parenting and provides some amusing examples of extreme helicopter parents she has encountered. Whilst there's a fun element to this interview, it highlights an important issue. In order to develop resilient children, we need to give them space to be children and stop over-protecting them.  And dads have an important role to play in this process. What you'll learnHow Lenore earned the title of “America's Worst Mom”Why she let her son take the New York subway alone when he was 9 years oldWhat is Helicopter Parenting (also known as snow-ploughing or curling)What are the causes of helicopter parentingHow helicopter parenting is contributing to child anxietySome extreme examples of helicopter parents, including:The mum who still spoon-fed her 10-year-old sonThe boy who was only allowed to ride his skateboard on the grassWhy she founded the Free-Range Kids MovementSome of the programs offered by the Let Grow FoundationMore informationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/29

Kamal Sarma spent seven years training as a monk in India, before returning to Australia to embark on a successful corporate career. He has held executive positions at companies including McKinsey and AMP, as well as founding two venture capitalist businesses in the IT and biotech industries. As a young parent, he endured a difficult experience with the death of his first daughter when she was 3 days old. This caused Kamal to re-examine his life and look for his true calling. In this interview, Kamal shares some of the lessons he learned as a monk and how they've helped him in his career and his role as a father. He also talks about finding his calling and how it has helped motivate him to do more community work supporting the causes he believes in.What you'll learnWhy Kamal's parents sent him to a monastery in IndiaWhat did he learn from his monastic experience?Why he and his son launched a not-for-profit: CaptivateTheFuture.comKamal's work with the RUOK foundationHow the death of his first daughter caused him to reevaluate his lifeThe one thing he'd do differently as a dad if he had his time againThe importance of one-to-one time with each kidMore InformationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/28

Today's kids have more stuff, are faced with more choices and have less spare time than any previous generation. For many kids (and parents) it can all feel a bit overwhelming. Meanwhile, we have record rates of ADHD, ODD and various other behavioural disorders. Kim John Payne from Simplicity Parenting believes that many of these behavioural issues are caused by our hectic lifestyles, which are causing children to feel stressed and anxious.   In this interview, Kim explains the philosophy and research behind the Simplicity Parenting movement and provides practical ideas on how to simplify your life for the benefit of your kids. What you'll learnKim's background working with troubled teensHow he noticed similarities between PTSD symptoms of war veterans and behavioural issues in kidsThe common issues faced by kids all across the worldDisorders he has treated including ADHD, ODD, OCDHow to simplify your lifestyle to help your kidsWhy Steve Jobs didn't let his kids use devices at homeWhy marketers refer to parents as ‘Purchasing Friction'More informationShow notes and resources referenced in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/27 

Let's have a look at the 80/20 Rule (also known as the Pareto Principle) and discuss how this concept can be applied to our role as men, husbands and fathers. In this solo episode, I share a few examples of the 80/20 Principle in practice, including:80/20 Self-Care80/20 Relationship-Care80/20 ParentingResources referenced in this show:Read the full article at https://thedadtrain.com/26Download the free eBook: 7-Steps To Be A Better Man, Partner and DadTake the 'love languages quiz' here

FIRE is a worldwide community of like-minded people, who share ideas and strategies on how to reach financial independence and retire early. Generally, this involves a combination of aggressive saving (up to 70% of their income), investing in shares or property, and cutting their cost of living. By doing this, they aim to quit their jobs, remove themselves from the rat race and live off investment income for the rest of their lives. Today's Guest is Dave from Strong Money Australia, who retired at the age of 28 and now lives in Perth with his partner and their dog. In this interview, Dave shares his story and explains how the FIRE philosophy has helped him adopt a simpler lifestyle, save money and retire early.What you'll learnHow Dave reached Financial Independence in less than 10 yearsThe lifestyle philosophy behind the FIRE movementHow much you need to save to retire earlySaving More or Earning More – what's the quickest way to retire early?Shares versus Property – what's the best strategy?How he and his partner live off $45,000 a yearDave's top tips for living frugallyWhy he started blogging and podcastingMore informationShow notes and resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrainlcom/25

Whether to send your kids to a private school is a big decision. And if you want to have that option, it's probably something you need to plan for as early as possible. In this interview, Michael Chew from Orange Wealth explains the typical cost of private school education in Sydney and Melbourne. He also provides estimates of what it is likely to cost in the future.As you would guess, it's a pretty scary figure. And for most families, paying those fees out of your disposable income is going to be difficult or impossible. Michael outlines three strategies that can be used to help finance your kids' education and explains how you can reduce expenses elsewhere to help lighten the load.What you'll learnThe typical range of private school fees in AustraliaWhat are some of the other related costs you need to considerHow do people pay these fees (e.g. savings, income, family support)What are some investment strategies you can use to fund a private educationSmart ways to reduce your cost of livingSome common financial challenges Michael helps clients withAnd, a bonus – Michael's whisky recommendationsMore informationShow notes and related resources are available at https://thedadtrain.com/24 

Ben Ford is a seasoned marathon runner, personal trainer and fitness enthusiast who after becoming a dad, struggled to find the time and motivation to maintain his health and fitness. Realising this was a common problem for many other dads, he set up a blog called superfitdad.com.au which aims to help time-poor dads get the biggest bang for their buck with their fitness and health. In this interview, Ben shares a few of his favourite hacks that can help improve your health and fitness in the shortest time possible. What you'll learnBen's own struggles with maintaining fitness once he became a dadThe various fitness protocols Ben has explored including F45, Zuu, Tabata, Bootcamps and HIIT workouts3 hacks to help with your fitness3 hacks to help with your diet1 hack for your overall wellbeingHow to set up a home gym for under $100The apps and resources Ben recommendsMore informationLinks to the resources Ben mentioned in this interview along with detailed show notes are available at https://thedadtrain.com/23 

Nic Tovey is a Relationship Coach who helps individuals and couples improve intimacy, sexuality and emotional connection in their relationships. Nic believes that conflict is an important part of intimacy but something that most couples struggle with. In this interview, he explains why and provides tools and strategies that can help you deal with conflict in healthier ways. What you'll learnWhat does a relationship coach do?Some common issues Nic helps his clients withThe fundamental skills that we need in intimate relationshipsWhy conflict is important in relationshipsHow to do conflict the right wayWhy men are not very good with emotions How to teach your children about emotionsNic's story of self-discovery and evolutionThe coaching programs Nick offers for couples and individualsMore informationShow notes and related resources available at https://thedadtrain.com/22 

Jesse Simpson had a rough start in life and a different upbringing to most of us. At the age of 4, he and his brother were removed from their family due to neglect and abuse by their biological parents and grandparents. They were then moved to a foster home and taken in by an amazing couple who provided them with a second chance in life. Jesse is now about to turn 21 and studying biomedicine at Melbourne University. He still lives with his foster parents, along with his biological brother and 4 foster siblings.In this interview, Jess tells his story of growing up in a foster home and shares a very powerful lesson that he learned from his foster dad. Jesse's story shows that everyone can teach us something and that we learn lessons from both the positive and negative role models in our lives. What you'll learnJesse's childhood experience of abuse and neglectHow he took on a protector role for his younger sibling What it was like moving to a foster homeThe incredible influence his foster parents have had on his lifeThe most valuable lesson his foster dad ever taught himThe important role and responsibility of a father figureHow young people talk about mental health these daysJesse's thoughts on the Foster Care SystemJesse's work as an ambassador for The Homestretch CampaignMore informationShow notes available at https://thedadtrain.com/21 

Today I share a list of 20 habits that I believe can help make you a better man, a better partner and a better dad. I'm not suggesting you should immediately adopt all of these habits, it's up to you to pick and choose the ones that suit you best. Some you may already be doing and others may not be right for you. But hopefully, there are few ideas on the list that you want to try for yourself. These 20 habits are research-backed ways to improve your health, your mindset and your time management, so you can lead a happier and more productive life. More informationThis episode is based on an article I wrote for The Dad Train blog.  You can find the article, along with links to supporting research at: https://thedadtrain.com/20 

Sex is an important part of a healthy relationship but can also be a source of frustration for some couples. As today's guest points out, it's a topic that need not be taboo.By opening the lines of communication and listening more deeply to our partner's needs, we can achieve a more fulfilling and rewarding sex life. Nick Perry is a holistic lifestyle coach, who guides clients on the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of living authentic lives. In this interview, he explains how these concepts can be applied to relationships and sex. What you'll learnNick's background as a professional surferWhat led him to the field of holistic lifestyle coachingWhy so many couples have unsatisfactory sex livesHow relationships have a polarity of feminine and masculine energyHow we can start to define sex more broadly What we can learn from Tantric PhilosophyHow to connect with your partner in a way that will turn her onHow you can make yourself sexierThe importance of fun and play in your sex lifeThe importance of communication and listening skillsWhy men are such bad listeners What is “Men's Work” and how you can get involvedMore informationShow notes and links to resources mentioned in this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/19

Are you trying to raise a bilingual child? Or would like your kids to learn a second language, even if you don't speak one yourself?Whatever your objective and whatever the scenario, there are strategies you can use to improve your chances of success. Adam Beck is the founder of Bilingual Monkeys and has written a book called ‘Maximize Your Child's Bilingual Ability'. In this interview, Adam tells us about his own experience raising bilingual children, some of the strategies he has learned along the way and how you can apply these ideas to help your kids develop their language abilities from a young age.What you'll learnWhy Adam moved to Hiroshima, JapanHow he has raised his two bilingual childrenThe two key ingredients for raising bilingual children: exposure and need. The number one challenge – when your kids only want to speak one language. The different family scenarios and relative odds of success What to do if you don't speak a second language but want your kids to learn oneSome other surprising benefits of helping your kids to learn a second languageMore informationShow notes and resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/18 

Hadleigh Fischer is the founder of Resilience Agenda and is on a mission to change the way we think about Mental Health.In this interview, we explore the next five tools in the Mental Fitness Toolkit, which are:OptimismMindfulnessGratitudeReframingPerspectiveThese are skills that can be practised and developed to help build your resilience and proactively manage your mental health. Hadleigh explains how they work, some of the research behind them and also how they can be implemented into your daily life so they become habits and rituals.If you haven't heard part one yet, it won't be a problem. You can catch up afterwards.More information:Part one of this interview was published as episode 16The show notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this interview are available at https://thedadtrain.com/17 

Resilience helps you adapt and recover when faced with challenges, stress and adversity. It's an important skill to have and fortunately, it is something that can be proactively developed.Hadleigh Fischer is the founder of Resilience Agenda and is on a mission to change the way we think about mental health. Often, people wait until they have a problem or a diagnosis, before taking an active interest in their mental health. However, Resilience Agenda encourages us to take a more proactive and preventative approach. They want us to think about mental health in the same way we think about physical health.They have created a Mental Fitness Toolkit, which includes ten research-backed strategies for building your resilience.In Part One of this two-part interview, we cover the first five tools in the toolkit and discuss how you can apply these concepts in your life.They are considered the 5 Pillars of Wellbeing and include:MovementNutritionSleepConnectionMindsetMore informationShow notes and links to all the resources mentioned in this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/16 Part two of this interview will be published in episode 17, coming soon!

Joe Newman is the author of Raising Lions and he specialises in helping parents manage strong-willed children.These are the kids who are often labelled as ‘problem children'. But Joe calls them Lions and he can identify with them because he was one of them.Growing up with ADHD in the 1970s, he was lead to believe there was something wrong with him. But after leaving school, he learned to embrace his personality and has dedicated his life to helping children who are just like him.He works with parents, teachers and therapists to help children overcome behaviour problems without undermining their confidence and individuality.In this interview, Joe explains the Raising Lions Method and describes how it can be applied to everyday parenting challenges such as managing tantrums, setting boundaries, administering time-outs and teaching delayed gratification. What you'll learnJoe's childhood experience having ADHD in the 1970sHow he started working with difficult kids in schools and summer camps How cultural change has influenced parenting stylesWhy so many kids are diagnosed with ADHD and other ‘behavioural disorders'How to spot a lionWhat is “the raising lions” method?How to do time-outs the right wayHow to deal with tantrumsHow to develop confident, independent kids who also understand boundariesMore informationFull show notes with references are available at https://thedadtrain.com/15 

Glen ‘Doc' Murdoch is a successful entrepreneur, coach and author of multiple books. He has trained, mentored and coached thousands of people around the world and inspires many with his enthusiasm and positivity. However, it hasn't always been this way. After experiencing abuse as a child, Glen struggled with mental health problems including anorexia, bulimia and depression for over thirty years. He eventually managed to turn things around using techniques he learned from NLP and other personal development training.In this interview, Glen gives us a raw and honest account of his thirty-year battle with bulimia and explains the exact three tactics he used to defeat it.He also provides some insightful thoughts on parenting and the importance of having a balanced approach to fatherhood. This is an inspiring story with some powerful lessons to be learned. What you'll learn:Glen's abuse as a childHow he found peace with his dad on his father's deathbedHis battles with homelessness, depression and multiple suicide attemptsA 30-year struggle with anorexia and bulimiaThe important role the Cricket Club has played in Glen's lifeStudying Sports Psychology and learning about NLPThe 3 tools that allowed Glen to turn his life around in a matter of weeks.The 3 distinct roles of a dad: coach, mentor and teacherWhy many dads struggle with “daddy guilt”The importance of having a passion and balance in your life as a dad.More informationShow notes and related resources are available at https://thedadtrain.com/14 

Strength-Based Parenting is a style of parenting where you deliberately focus your attention on harnessing your kids' strengths before you start trying to fix their faults or weaknesses. This may sound simple, but humans have a negativity bias, which means we are programmed to notice negative things first. Learning to focus on strengths, therefore, takes practice and skill. Dr Lea Waters is a world-leading expert in this field, which is a branch of Positive Psychology and she has published a book called The Strength Switch.In this interview, she explains how to spot strengths in your kids, the different types of strengths to look out for and how focussing on strengths can also help address weaknesses. This episode is full of practical research-based ideas to help build resilient, confident and successful kids.What you'll learnWhat is Positive PsychologyHow Lea overcome depression, an eating disorder and PTSDWhy she moved into the field of Strength-Based ParentingThe two reasons we are programmed to focus on our kids' faultsThree techniques to help identify and focus on strengths. Different types of strengths to look out for How to apply Strength-Based Parenting to kids on the spectrum or with ADHDWhy focusing on strengths actually makes it easier to work on weaknessesHow to deliver constructive criticism to our kids (3-step approach) The role of fatherhood in Strength-Based ParentingMore informationShow notes and resources referenced in this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/13

Do you struggle with anger issues? If so, you are not alone. Many dads share this problem. But as psychologist Nick Wignall explains, anger is not the real issue and the concept of anger management is a bad idea.Anger, like other emotions, is not something you can control. So trying to manage anger doesn't work. A better strategy is to accept the emotion, validate it and try to manage how you react to it. It's a subtle difference, but a very important one. In this interview, we discuss why dads often get overwhelmed with anger and react in negative ways such as yelling, becoming physically aggressive or ruminating and having negative thoughts. Nick provides some practical advice on how to deal with anger more effectively and how to teach your kids to deal with their anger.This interview is a must-listen for anyone who struggles with anger or has children who are learning to deal with anger. What you'll learnWhy anger management is a mythWhy so many dads feel overwhelmed by angerHow we respond to anger in negative ways such as verbal aggressionWhy releasing your anger and ‘letting it out' is a bad strategyHow to accept your anger and manage your aggressionHow to break the cycle of ruminating How to help your kids deal with anger in a positive wayThe 2 habits every dad should practise with their kidsWhy men are less likely to seek therapy compared to womenDifferent types of therapy and how to choose the right one for youMore informationShow notes and references for this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/12 The Dad Train Feeling Wheel - a tool for improving emotional literacy, is available for download from https://thedadtrain.com/feelingwheel 

When you first become a dad, it can be a very challenging time. Something which can help a lot is to be able to talk with other dads who are going through the same thing. Whilst local mother's groups provide a support network for new mums, traditionally there has not been the same system in place for dads. One group that is working to change this situation, is an organisation called Dads Group.In this interview, I chat with Tom Docking and Adam Tardiff from Dads Group. We talk about why the organisation was set up, how it has grown over the past five years and how new dads can get involved with a local Dads Group. We also discuss some of the mental health benefits that can come from getting men to connect and have a conversation about fatherhood.  What you'll learnWhy Tom originally stated Dads GroupHow the organisation has evolvedThe Dads Group partnership with MovemberHow Dads Group has adopted to COVID-19 by moving their meetups onlineHow they are working with local councils What are some of the secondary benefits to societyHow Dads Groups can help support men's mental healthThe annual “Man with  Pram” Father's Day EventHow to get involved with a local Dads Group or set up a new one in your areaWhat are the plans for Dads Group going forwardMore informationShow notes and links to resources referenced in this episode can be found at https://thedadtrain.com/11

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a valuable skill for dads and is also something we can teach our children. In this episode, Scott shares five practical ideas to help you and your kids develop emotional intelligence.What you'll learnWhat is EQ and how is it different from IQ?Why is Emotional Intelligence important?5 ways to develop your own Emotional Intelligence5 ways to teach your kids Emotional intelligenceMore informationA video replay of this presentation, as well as a blog post with links to all the resources quoted in this episode, are available at https://thedadtrain.com/10 

Leroy has been helping dads regain their fitness and confidence for over a decade. The Fit Dad Lifestyle supports a worldwide community of dads who are on a mission to be good role models and leaders for their children. In this interview, Leroy shares his story of working in the military before moving to the fitness industry where he founded two group fitness businesses. He then became a dad and discovered his calling to help other dads live fitter and healthier lives. Leroy gives some great insights on how men can use fitness to rebuild their confidence. What you'll learnWhy he founded The Fit Dad LifestyleTheir mission to help fathers regain their fitness and confidenceCommon reasons dads neglect their fitnessWhat's included in The Fit Dad Lifestyle App:How to set up a home gym for about $100Leroy's daily fitness routineRecent changes in the business directionLaunching - Fit Dad Fuel. A big announcement regarding The Fit Dad Lifestyle app - it's now free!More information:Show notes and further information can be found at https://thedadtrain.com/9 

The birth of your child is an amazing experience, but it can also be scary. It's common for dads to feel a bit useless. That's where Brian Salmon “The Birth Guy” can help. He teaches dads how to be better birth partners via his Rocking Dads Course and he has written a book called The Birth Guy's Go-To Guide For New Dads.Brian says the secret is to start well before you get to the birth room. Get to know your partner, show her compassion and get actively involved in the pregnancy. By being more engaged from the beginning, you will show your partner that you've got her back. And research shows that the more involved a dad is in the pregnancy, the more engaged they will be as a parent. In this interview, Brian provides his top three tips for first-time dads, explains why mums can get a little crazy during the pregnancy (hint: it's an evolutionary thing) and how men can show their partner compassion and get surprising benefits with what he calls his ‘Pregnancy Panty Droppers (PPDs)'.He also gives advice on how to support your partner during labour, breastfeeding and beyond so you can build strong emotional ties with your partner and the baby. What you'll learnHow to be a good birth partner - the secret is to start before you get to the birth roomWhy women get so crazy when they are pregnant - apparently it's a survival skill :-) How to make that transformation from dude to dadTactics Brian uses with his clients to help them prepare for childbirthHow Brian supports both dads and mums through childbirth in his role as a doulaBrian's top tips for first-time dads. Why C-sections should never be viewed as a failureThe importance of Oxytocin in the birth processWhy there is so much pressure on mums to deliver a baby in a certain wayTips for dads to help mum while she is breastfeedingAnd Brian's famous “Pregnancy Panty Droppers” (PPDs) :-) More informationShow notes and further resources are available at https://thedadtrain.com/8 

If you are looking for an easy way to lose weight, without losing muscle, then Intermittent Fasting could be the answer. What started as a trend amongst bodybuilders, has since become mainstream and is now used by many everyday dads as their preferred weight-loss or weight-maintenance strategy. The concept is simple. Instead of having to follow a strict diet and count your calories each day, you simply refrain from eating for set periods during the week. Brad Pilon is recognised as a leader in this area. He has done a lot of scientific research into Intermittent Fasting and wrote the original book on the topic, called Eat, Stop, Eat. Brad is a dad himself and understands the real-life challenges of dieting. In this interview, he shares his own experience of Intermittent Fasting and offers practical guidance on how and why it can be an easy and effective option for busy dads who want to shed a bit of weight. What you'll learnBrad's first interest in Body Building His 6 years doing R&D for a Canadian supplement companyHis graduate degree into no-nutrition (fasting) How your metabolism is affected by what you eat and whenHow the body burns fat (not muscle) during fastingOther benefits of fasting outside of weight loss and muscle buildingDifferent ways of doing Intermittent FastingHow Brad manages his own weight using Intermittent FastingWhy IF makes sense for busy dads like BradMore informationShow notes and resources for this episode are available at https://thedadtrain.com/7 

There's no secret to happiness, but there is a science. That's what today's guest is here to tell us. Dr Melissa Weinberg is a Psychologist who specialises in ‘Subjective wellbeing' and has done a lot of research into what makes people happy.In this interview, Dr Mel explains the two different types of happiness and why we all have a base level of happiness that remains relatively consistent over time. She also explains how happiness can be measured and shares some interesting research from Australia and around the world into different country's levels of subjective wellbeing. You'll learn about the seven domains that contribute to happiness and some useful buffers we can use to help improve our happiness. We also look at some research into parents, which shows that men with children are statistically happier than men without children - good news for all the dads out there. And…... find out how many children you should have if you want to maximise your level of happiness (statistically speaking of course :-) This is a fun episode with lots of interesting facts you can pull out at your next dinner party. I hope you enjoy it. What you will learnThe two types of happinessAre people born happy? Setpoint theory and homeostasis theory What happens if we are too happy?How Do we measure happinessThe 7 domains that contribute to our happiness:The world happiness report (produced by the UN)Which countries do well and why? How to improve your happinessResearch into the wellbeing of parents - does being a dad make you happier?How many children you should have to maximise your happiness. More infoShow notes, links to all the research mentioned in this episode, as well as book recommendations from Dr Mel Weinberg are available at https://thedadtrain.com/6