PODCAST (2)

Episode 115: How to “digital detox” for Dads

Endless alerts, video calls and screen time – what’s the real impact, and how can we manage our health around it? Doctor Kristy Goodwin wrote a book about it, and is here to give our Dads some expert advice.

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Episode 114: What parenting’s actually like

Acclaimed Aussie comedian & mum Amy Hetherington breaks down parenthood without all the BS. She also gives some gold advice on how we as dads can “reconnect” with our partners post baby.

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Episode 113: Work vs. family overwhelm – and how this dad handled it

Ryan was a high flyer in the corporate world, managing a group of execs and earning good money… but overwhelm crept in when he was caught between work and family time. Find out how he changed his life and handled the challenge so many dads face every day.

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Episode 112: Can you fix fussy eating?

Dads, this is a big one. There is now actual scientific research about fussy eating – and we’ve tracked down the researcher, Dr Georgie Russel from Deakin University. Learn what makes a fussy eater and what strategies can help you get new and healthy foods into your kids.

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Episode 111: Silly season dad hacks

Two battle-tested Dads share the best ways to cope with the chaos that comes with the silly season. They also tackle the million dollar question: how early is too early for Christmas?

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Episode 110: Renovation tips for Dads

Expert tips on home renos, man caves and “kiddy proofing” your house from proud father and renovation judge from The Block, Darren Palmer. Plus a crazy story of how Darren’s building a LEGO house on the Channel 9 special, LEGO Masters Bricksmas.

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Episode 109: Dads chat about bullying

Proven strategies for kids and parents to talk about, manage and overcome bullying and cyber-bullying. From the incredible teacher, author, and founder of a children’s mental health foundation, Di Wilcox.

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Episode 108: Dads need playtime too

Dr Marny Lishman breaks down how playtime can improve your health, happiness and relationships. Turns out adults have been playing for millennia, across cultures, and it’s literally unhealthy to be a boring adult.

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Episode 107: The secret joys of non-alcoholic beer

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It tastes good, it’s healthier than beer, and it might be a pathway for happier Dads. Ross and Dan break down the process of brewing non-alcoholic beer and how it’s potentially a game-changer for those dads who need a beer or two to unwind.

Episode 106: When should Dads (and mums) get therapy?

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Everyone says “it’s hard” but when should you actually get help? Mum of 2 Nikolina Kharoufeh dispels the silly idea that it’s ‘weak’ to get help, and shares how she and her partner went about it.

Episode 105: Money tips for Dads

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An accountant joins us with some advice on interest rates, tax and how to save some cash. It’s been quite the year for families, with the cost of living seemingly on the continual up! Dan and Ross talk with friend of the podcast, Michelle Maynard, who gives a whole bunch of advice on how to save some cash and maximise what you can at tax time.

 

Episode 104: NRL Star Michael Morgan on Losing a mate

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Former Cowboy Michael “Morgo” Morgan was a player for the late, great Paul Green, who sadly passed aged just 49 years old. Morgo talks about how he’s dealing with the grief that comes from losing a great mate, countered with the emotion that his own family of 3 is about to become a family of 4.

Episode 103: When does being a dad get easier?

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We’ve all been there. Those times where it all feels like it’s getting a bit too much. Ross and Dan count down the 5 things you can look forward to getting easier, the older your kids get.

Episode 102: What does Father’s Day really mean?

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You might have just gotten socks and jocks, but being a dad means more than that… right? Well we asked, and Aussie dads answered! Dig into this hearty episode where Dan and Ross react and reflect on our fans responses to the big question: What does Father’s Day mean to you?

Episode 101: What to look out for if your kids love to play video games


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Ross taps into Dan’s expertise in video games. It turns out that Dan knows quite a lot about the subject, and the boys take a deep dive into what you need to be aware of should your child show an interest in gaming.

Episode 100: Teaching kids the skill of decision making

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David Gribble is the CEO of the Constable Care Foundation, a WA based organisation that focuses on keeping our kids safe and educating them to be so. David chats about their brand-new initiative, taking the issue of ethics and “making good decisions” by teaching it in schools as part of a trial curriculum. A powerful episode on empowering our kids to make good life decisions.

Episode 99: A doctor’s advice on screen time for kids

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It’s the battery powered elephant in the room for you and your kids. How much screen time is too much screen time? The boys chat with Dr Rosa Virgara from the University of SA, who has recently completed a study on this very same issue. She breaks down quality screen time over “junk” screen time, and reveals not only how much screen time our kids should be getting, but how much “huff and puff” time they should be doing daily too.

Episode 98: Dad and the workplace

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Friend of the pod, The Fatherhood’s Jeremy Macvean, is back to share his work in changing workplace attitudes. In particular, why it’s okay to be “there” for your kids when they need you. Jeremy shares a deeply personal story about navigating a divorce and how coming through that, as well as a pandemic, has changed him as a man and a dad.

Episode 97: Being ninja fit with Sam Goodall from Ninja Warrior Australia

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Is it all getting away from you? You’re not alone, but that’s why we got Ninja Warrior and dad of three (and about to be four), Sam Goodall. He shares a whole bunch of gold about what it takes to stay fit and continue to be the best version of a dad you can be.

Episode 96: How to be a fun Dad


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For most dads, it’s why we sign up to be a dad, right? To have lots of fun with your kids. Ross and Dan are fun blokes who have made it their quest to be the “fun” dad, and they both share some personal tips and tricks on how you can make some of the more mundane dad stuff a little bit more fun.

Episode 95: Keeping your kids in sport with Mark Lee


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What can we can do to keep our kids playing and engaged with sport? Hint: it’s not about us anymore dads. Former representative soccer player, Mark Lee, shares his advice. Mark now spends his time coaching the next stars of the beautiful game.

Episode 94: Pete Rowsthorn – the forefather of the modern dad


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Australians have known Pete Rowsthorn for years during his time on The Comedy Company and of course, his role as the long-suffering Brett Craig on Kath and Kim. But what makes Pete tick as a dad? Ross and Dan get to know the Australian comedy legend in a ‘warts and all’ chat about his journey as a dad and husband.

Episode 93: Are you fit to be a dad?


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Ross and Dan deep dive into a rather deep question. Are you fit to be a dad? In the wake of the sudden deaths of Shane Warne and Taylor Hawkins, the boys reckons it’s time to take stock of our health and ask yourself honestly, are you fit to be a dad?

Episode 92: 5 man cave “must haves”

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Dan reveals the 5 “must-have” items that every man cave should feature. Every Dad needs a space to call their own, right?

Episode 91: Why is LEGO so important to kids and dads?


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LEGO fanatic and star of TV show LEGO Masters Australia Ryan McNaught talks about why LEGO is so important to him and his two twin boys.

Episode 90: Why is my dad always angry?


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Psychologist Dr Marny Lishman talks us through common anger issues that most of us, as dads, will no doubt encounter on the journey. In this episode, Ross also bravely admits how he sought professional help as a result of his anger issues. A revealing thought-provoking episode for dads (and mums) alike.

Episode 89: 5 things I wish I knew before becoming a dad


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There is so much that changes when you become a dad. In this episode, Dan & Ross give all the best advice they wish they knew before having kids.

Episode 88: Why a staycation is important for your relationship


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This episode is all about the importance of having time with your partner to let sparks fly and how that can be the key to a healthier relationship.

Episode 87: Why being a parent is exactly like being a rock star


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Ross and Dan have worked out that there are 10 very good, valid reasons why the life of a rock star is EXACTLY the same as the life of a parent. It starts with blue M&M’s and ends with multiple people in your bed at night.

Episode 86: Juggling dad life with Guy Sebastian


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Guy Sebastian is a dad to two boys and in a revealing episode, Guy shares the ups and downs of juggling a successful music career with being a regular, hands-on dad. Guy also shares an amazing cause that he and his best mate are raising awareness for, by walking from Wagga Wagga to Sydney. That’s a lot of chafing!

Episode 85: Christmas is not always the happiest time of the year

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Amelia Walker, from the Gidget Foundation, talks about how Christmas time can trigger feelings and emotions that are not welcome. In this episode, Amelia walks through the danger signs and steps we can take to stay relatively sane through the silly season.

Episode 84: Screen time for kids – how much is too much?


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Derek Ebbs is a clinical relationship psychotherapist who has studied the effects of screentime on children and how much of it is in fact negative. For any parent who is curious about how much is too much screen time, then this episode is for you.

Episode 83: Fitness for Dads – Part 2 with Andrew Jax


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In this episode, we dive a little deeper with a dad that helps everyday dads ditch the fat. A motivational and practical episode with fitness expert and long-time listener, Andrew Jax.

Episode 82: Fitness for Dads with Danny Green


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He’s arguably one of Australia’s best boxers, the Green Machine – Danny Green, gives us an overview of how we as Dads can change our ways to find the time to get fit.

Episode 81: Parental burnout: What you need to know


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Parental burnout is a relatively new phenomenon with lots of research being done in France. What is it, how do we know we have it and how can it be treated? All this was answered by an award-winning international psychologist, Hélène Gatland. An expert on the subject and yes, she’s French.

Episode 80: Parental Guidance’s Dr Justin Coulson: The “levers” of parenting


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You may know him from Channel 9’s show, Parental Guidance. Dr Justin Coulson is also a dad to SIX girls! This episode is an open and forthright discussion about modern-day parenting.

Episode 79: Postnatal depression in men is a thing – Dr Marny Lishman breaks it down

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In Postnatal Depression week, the boys chat with ‘friend of the podcast’, Dr Marny Lishman, who reveals just how prevalent the scourge of PND is in both mums AND dads. She talks us through the steps and processes we can follow to take care of ourselves.

Episode 78: Managing money as a parent with Michelle Maynard

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You’re about to become a parent. Do you know what that means? Lots and lots of spending. Ross and Dan chat with money expert Michelle Maynard on breaking down exactly what you need to do in order to be in a better financial position for your impending arrival.

Episode 77: The other side of IVF: Kate Bateman’s egg donor story

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What would compel a woman to give up her eggs to a complete stranger, so that they can fulfil their dream of starting a family? Life coach and airline pilot, Katie Bateman, is doing exactly that and she tells Ross and Dan all about her experience.

Episode 76: Former Socceroo Archie Thomson: How Celebrity Masterchef gave him a new lease on life as a dad


A legend of “the beautiful game”, Archie Thomson reveals how life post-representative career has panned out, culminating in his starring performance in Celebrity Masterchef. We know that as dads, we’ve got to lift our game in the kitchen and Archie’s flying the flag for us all.

Episode 75: Mark “MG” Geyer – “There’s no manual on how to be a good dad”


He’s a former Rugby League champion who went through a very public battle to protect his daughter’s name. In this enlightening episode, MG explains how he and his daughter kept an open and honest dialogue throughout the battle to keep the nasty stuff at bay. MG also shares what he learnt from the experience and how he sees social media’s all-encompassing role in our kids’ lives.

Episode 74: My kid’s been diagnosed with coeliac disease. What now?


Penny Dellsperger is an Accredited Practising Dietitian specialising in coeliac disease. She also suffers from the disease and helps Ross and Dan understand the implications and solutions around kids and coeliac. A must-listen for anyone close to a coeliac sufferer.

Episode 73: The dos and don’ts of coaching your kids in sport


Mark Lee is an ex-professional soccer player who now runs a very successful coaching academy in Perth. He shares a fountain of knowledge with Ross and Dan on the very best ways you can be involved with your children’s sport, without overstepping the mark.

Episode 72: Five tips from a fathering expert


Luke is a regular dad like the rest of us, but he happens to help manage a website that’s all about helping us to be the best dads we can be. Ross and Dan present five big challenges that dads face in this day and age to Luke, and hear how he handles them with aplomb. A fantastic, relatable chat with a bloke seriously in the know.

Episode 71: Being away from your kids is hard – Ronnie from The Block shares his story


He’s a fan fave on the current series of The Block, but Ronnie Caceres reveals just how hard it is to do work that separates you from your kids.

Episode 70: Father’s Day… clearly the GREATEST day of the year!


It’s that time of year fellow dads! The greatest, most beautiful day of the year… FATHER’S DAY! Ross and Dan break down why it simply is the greatest day ever, and why we need to celebrate it wholeheartedly. Did we mention it was the greatest day of the year?

Episode 69: Matt Okine: Possibly the busiest man in showbiz (and he’s juggling #dadlife as well)


You’ve probably seen Matt Okine on any one of multiple ABC shows. He’s also in a band, recording podcasts and yes, he’s a dad as well. Ross and Dan drill down on just how Matt manages to stay as busy as he is, all the while juggling the demands of toddlers around the house.

Episode 68: Why is ear health surprisingly important for dads?


Are headphones destroying your kids ears? Why is ear health important for mental health? And is there any way you can blame ear health on not listening to your partner? (Just kidding on that last one). But seriously, let’s break down why ear health is surprisingly important for dads with the Ear Science Institute’s Professor Marcus Atlas.

Episode 67: Raising a kid with special needs: Luke Toki on how to be a survivor


Luke Toki has been on our screens for years, but behind the scenes, he’s been dealing with the trials and tribulations of having a child with autism and another child diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. This is an open, forthright chat with a bloke who’s taking it all in his stride and doing his best to help his kids shine. 

Episode 66: Jimmy Giggle (Jimmy Rees): Life as an idol to your kids

He’s the man that’s kept your babies entertained for years, but how’s life been for him as a dad?

Episode 65: Divorce and separation advice from an expert mediator


This week, the boys chat with award winning relationship mediator Lisanne Iriks, who walks us through the do’s and do not’s of separation and divorce, should things not be working out for you and your partner. Hot tip – most of this advice works for ALL dads, not just those going through a split.

Episode 64: Dealing with a divorce – Andrew Embley on making the best out of it

Andrew Embley is a premiership player AND Norm Smith medallist for the West Coast Eagles. He’s also a dad who’s gone through a divorce. In this episode. ‘Embers’ walks us through his personal experience and how it’s affected his life as a dad.

Episode 63: Five reasons fatherhood is inspiring

Let’s face it, us dads need a bit of inspo from time to time, so who better to give it to us than glorious celebrities. Ross and Dan have found five epic quotes that they reckon every dad needs to hear. From the time they enter the world until the time they leave your house, there’s something in here for everyone. 

Episode 62: Giving up alcohol as a Dad


Dicko” is a name synonymous with Australian reality TV, but he’s also a dad. In this episode, the boys have a chat with a man who famously chose to give up alcohol and how that affected him as a man in Australia, but more importantly, as a father. 

Episode 61: Wippa’s secret to happiness is progress 

Work / Life balance is the goal for all parents, but how achievable is it? Fresh from his starring role in Celebrity Apprentice, radio star Wippa talks us through how he constantly looking to balancing a busy work schedule with being a father to three kids. 

Episode 60: Top fathering tips

The boys reflect on another bunch of episodes of Direct Advice For Dads, and touch on the multiple pearls of wisdom shared by Justin Langer, Shannan Ponton, Dr Nikki Goldstein and more. It’s a who’s who of fatherly gold! 

Episode 59: Raising girls: playing the straight bat with Aussie cricket coach Justin Langer

Justin Langer played and coaches at the highest level of cricket. He’s also the dad to four girls and in this episode, the first in our series of raising gall girls or boys, Justin reveals how he and his wife Sue have come out of the other side with four strong, confident and able daughters. A fantastic chat with a legend of the game. Seriously.  

Episode 58: DIY gold with Mr DIY himself, The Living Room’s Barry Du Bois

Pencils at the ready fellow dads. Barry Du Bois shares a wealth of knowledge here in this fantastic chat with Ross and Dan. There’s not only a lot of handy (pun intended) DIY advice but so much more from a bloke who’s survived a life-threatening accident and a couple of bouts of cancer. What a legend! 

Episode 57: Should I have a third child?

The boys get stuck into an old-fashioned debate about whether you should take the plunge and go for a third child. It’s a light-hearted look at the decision with Ross suggesting it’s a no-go zone, and Dan going all-in on the idea. It’s one that you and your partner won’t want to miss if you are thinking about fitting that next car seat. 

Episode 56: We’re having TWINS! Here’s what you need to know

So… you’re having twins. The boys speak with Perth dad Patrick Prendiville, whose family has just grown from 4 to 6 with the addition of his brand-new twin girls. Pat reveals how he and his wife have navigated this brave new world, juggling two babies with the demands of their older siblings as well.

Episode 55: The Dadpod Mailbag: your questions answered

Does my child have ADHD? What do women really want? When should we lie to our kids? Ross & Dan bumble their way through these questions and more in this episode, made up entirely of your Facebook questions.

Episode 54: The dreaded sideline parent with Dr Marny Lishman 

You know who you are. You cheer a little too much at your child’s sporting game. You ride every bump, curse every free-kick and complain about every foul. You might also be doing the wrong thing by your kid. Dan and Ross speak with Dr Marny Lishman, who breaks down the psychology behind why we can tend to care too much when it comes to supporting our kids from the sidelines. 

Episode 53: Adopting from a surrogate mother in Ukraine – PART 2

In Episode 48, the boys spoke with Neil Pagett, who was about to embark on the journey of his life to pick up his brand-new baby, born to a surrogate mother. After taking on cancelled flights, the language barrier AND a world riddled with Covid-19, Neil’s back with baby and quarantining in a tiny hotel room with baby in arm. What could go wrong? 

Episode 52: Putting the step in “Stepdad” with Matt Dyktynski


The quadruple threat himself, Matt Dyktynski. Actor, singer, radio star AND now, a stepdad. Matt shares his experience on becoming a stepdad and what the journey’s been like to date. He shares some tips and tricks based on his experience and yes, once again we highlight just how important the village is. 

Episode 51: Bringing sexy back with Dr Nikki Goldstein – PART 2

This is what the boys have dubbed ‘The Sealed Section’ – we ask Dr. Nikki your questions about anything and everything to do with your sex life once kids have come into your life. Be warned, it’s getting hot in here in this ‘warts and all’ chat with sex doctor, Dr. Nikki Goldstein.  

Episode 50: Bringing sexy back with Dr Nikki Goldstein – PART 1

She’s a qualified sex doctor and Dr Nikki Goldstein is here to talk the boys through some of the tips and tricks to bring some magic back to the bedroom, for parents new and old. An enlightening, open and honest chat on the importance of conversation, care and creativity when it comes to reconnecting with each other. 

Episode 49: Go away worry monster with Brooke Graham

Out of a painful family tragedy, author and mother Brooke Graham has created a book that helps kids deal with the scourge of worry and anxiety. She shares how she learned to empower her own daughter to cope with life’s issues and problems as they get dealt, and how we can all empower our kids to confront “the worry monster”.  

Episode 48: A dad’s first year: how to get help if you’re struggling with Julie Borninkhov

PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. Ross and Dan speak with its CEO Julie Borninkhov, who reveals how much new dads are reaching out for help in this, a year like no other. A must listen to know the warning signs and know what to do should it all seem to be too much. 

Episode 47: 5 things that will change now you’ve got a kid


Yes, there’s a bit of poo talk, but so much more than that. Ross and Dan expand on what changed in their life once kids came along. Some for the better, others, not so much. A must-listen for new and prospective Dads, with some serious discussion about the importance of mental health.

Episode 46: The “Father” Christmas edition!

John Lennon once asked: So this is Christmas. And what have we done?
Well, in short, John, we spoiled our kids rotten, told them a bunch of lies (ahem “magic”), and filled them with copious amounts of sugar. There’s really no way to avoid some collateral damage at this time of year, so the boys attempt to keep the “excess-train” from falling completely off the tracks 

Episode 45: Fast Ed’s food-safe tips: keeping your kids healthy

TV chef and Dad Fast Ed, otherwise known as Ed Halmagyi, shares some gold tips to ensure your kids are not only eating correctly but eating safely. In particular, Ed reveals why you shouldn’t be storing cooked pasta for any length of time, which is crucial advice for those of us with pasta-loving kids. 

Episode 44: Adopting from a surrogate mother in Ukraine

The boys talk with Neil Pagett, whose baby has been carried in Ukraine by a surrogate mother. All was going to plan until a once in a lifetime pandemic struck the world and literally, turned his world upside down. Now, he’s got to find a way to get to Ukraine, in time, to pick up his new baby boy.

Episode 43: Going back to work: tips and tricks as a dad

No matter where you are in the world, there would have been moments where you would have had to juggle the stresses of a full-time job and doing it from home, whilst juggling the challenges of “Dad Life” with the kids at home too. Ross and Dan speak with Marny Lishman, who guides us through some wellness techniques to help maintain a sense of mental wellbeing whilst trying to be all man to all people, especially when it comes to going back to the workplace and leaving the tribe at home.

Episode 42: Shannan Ponton: How the SAS experience made me a better dad

The bloke that’s famous for helping Dads across Australia lose the “Dadbod”, Shannan reveals how his recent experience on the TV Show SAS Australia helped him to confront his own fears and subsequently become a better man – and dad. PS: He gives some epic tips on how you can shape up your Dadbod.

Episode 41: Rocking the Dadbod with Nick Cody

Aussie comedian and radio broadcaster Nick Cody is 9 months into working off his Dadbod, and he’s given up the booze to prove it. A laugh a minute chat with a fellow Dad who can’t wait for that first beer in 2021.

Episode 40: The Movember Special: Ultimate toolkit for dads

Ross and Dan are again joined by Jeremy and Jane from Movember. In this episode, Jeremy delves into his book The Father Hood and Jane reveals what tools are available to help dads in the journey to be the best dad possible.

(there’s also some gold tips on how to grow the perfect ‘mo)

Episode 39: The Movember Special: Doing it for dads

Dadvocates Jeremy and Jane from Movember join the boys to share all the great things Movember are doing for “Fatherhood” and men’s mental health. They give a revealing insight into how the foundation works and what they’re doing to help men as they transition into the “dad” role.

Episode 38: The IVF rollercoater

Dan and Ross speak with Queensland radio personality Cliff Kern, who walks them through the highs and lows of the IVF journey. For anyone who’s facing a similar journey, let Cliff walk you through what you need to know.

Episode 37: Boom time with Damian Martin


Australian basketball legend, Damian Martin, joins the boys for an entertaining, enlightening chat about choosing your baby’s birth over your spot in the team, whether having a baby makes you play better and yes, we talk about his steal off Kevin Durant AND his family connection to the Wiggles. A must listen!

Episode 36: #dadhacks

Every dad worth their salt knows just how valuable a good #dadhack can be. Ross and Dan count down their top 5 #dadhacks, with some absolute rippers that are sure to be of use to all dads.

Episode 35: Life as a Same-sex parent

Yeah, being a dad has its moments but how does it all go down in a same-sex relationship? Dan and Ross speak with same-sex parent Georgia, who shares her experience as a new parent in a world which might not be as progressive as you might think.

Episode 34: Giving up something you love

Becoming a dad means a whole bunch of sacrifices that have to be made. In this revealing episode, Ross and Dan talk about their personal experience of giving up something they loved to do, for the sake of their new family life. The question remains though, can a compromise be reached that still allows new dads a bit of “me” time?

Episode 33: Tips to survive your first night alone with baby

Every dad will go through the panic and mayhem of “the first time” they are left alone, at home, with the baby. Ross and Dan share their experiences and reveal some tips and tricks that just might make the experience a little more enjoyable (and a little less stressful).

Episode 32: Our baby was a premature

As two Dads who experienced relatively “normal” births, Ross and Dan speak with fellow Dad Andrew Stewart, who went through the roller coaster ride of having his baby born 11 weeks premature. This revealing, confronting episode will lift the curtain on what goes through a Dad’s mind with his new baby in such a critical condition.

Episode 31: How my single mum taught me to be a dad


Ross and Dan speak with Direct Advice For Dads’ feature writer, Stephen Corby. His article, How My Single Mum Taught Me To Be A Dad, is a revealing insight into how Stephen tackled the journey of fatherhood, using his single Mum as inspiration. In this episode, Stephen reveals what he learnt from his journey so far.

Episode 30: When dads have to travel for work


Parenting is a whole different game when your work takes you regularly away from home. We talk to travelling dad Darren Stralow about how he and his family do it.

Episode 29: Should I get a vasectomy?


For many dads, there comes a time when you have to make THAT choice. To snip, or not to snip? Ross recently took the snip option and he shares the ins and outs of what happens should you choose to do the same. If it’s something that’s on your radar, you best listen to this.

Episode 28: Let’s talk about sex, baby!

Those fun times you knew as your active sex life sort of go out the door for a bit once kids come along. So we thought we’d have an open conversation about it and what new and soon-to-be Dads can expect once baby comes along. And yes, we’ve got psychologist Dr Marny Lishman to discuss the psychological changes in both a new Mum and new Dad when bub comes along. Sorry boys, it’s not all about you anymore!

Episode 27: The importance of ‘me’ time for Dads

Does going on a boys’ trip make you a better dad? We all hope it does – but we’ve (foolishly?) put the question to the test. Listen to Aussie dad Dan give his theory on why boys’ trips make a better parent, and then feedback from renowned psychologist and media commentator Dr Marny Lishman, in this episode of the DAD Podcast!

Episode 26: Kids these days have too many toys


As a dad, you won’t see much more extravagance than when your child’s birthday comes around. And let’s not even mention Christmas. Ross and Dan ask the question, how much is too much when it comes to presents for your kids?

Episode 25: Hey celebrity dads – tone it down!


Ross and Dan lament the celebrity Dad, and how most of them are setting too high a bar when it comes to being a good dad. Regular Direct Advice for Dads writer, Ben Pobje, joins the guys to share his feelings on the matter.

Episode 24: How to be a good man with Gus Worland

A revealing, intimate chat with an Aussie radio legend, who reveals his personal struggle with conceiving initially, and how that struggle led to three wonderful children and a crusade for championing men’s mental health amongst fellow dads. As Gus says, it’s more than okay to show vulnerability.
Also, Gus spills the beans on his best mate, Hugh Jackman. What’s he really like as a fellow dad?

FOOTNOTE: If you, or someone you know is struggling, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Episode 23: Gadgets for Dads


Australia’s tech guru himself, Trevor Long, joins the boys to chat all things “Dadtech”. Trevor goes through the do’s and don’ts of what to look for in some of the techie things you’ll need as a dad, including baby monitors, apps and thermometers. A must listen for expecting and new dads, with a little bonus for the dads amongst us with older kids.

Episode 22: Dads in COVID iolation – Part 2


Ross is now out of isolation and back in the real world, but now he’s in the same boat as the rest of us, and doing our bit to limit the horrendous scourge of COVID-19. Ross and Dan share their experiences of self isolation and reveal their tips and tricks to try and stay “normal” in a world turned upside down. Can any good come out of this situation for Dads and their families?

Episode 21: Dads in COVID isolation- Part 1


We’re stuck in a crazy time at the moment – parenting during COVID-19. Ross calls in on the last day of his enforced fortnight of COVID-19 isolation and reveals to Dan what it’s been like to be stuck in the house with wife and kids.

Episode 1: All your relationships change


When you become a father, all your relationships change – sometimes in unexpected ways. Ross Edwards and Dan Van Der Meer spill the beans on how their mates have come and gone and how they have a new level of respect for and from their own parents.

Episode 2: Take it or leave it – parenting advice


Hosts Ross Edwards and Dan Van Der Meer do their best to distil their years of sleepless nights and utter helplessness into advice you can use in your own fathering journey.

Episode 3: Work-life balance…is it possible?


When you have a new human being in the house, you need to figure out what works for everyone. Going to work is a break from the stresses of looking after your kid, but when you’re home, it’s game on. Is work-life balance possible? Is leisure allowed outside of work hours?

Episode 4: The main event – birth


Enough with the books and fluffy blog articles, we want to know what birth is really like. Dan and Ross spare no details as they recount their birth experiences and provide seasoned advice for expecting dads. For guys who’ve been through it, this will be a chuckle-inducing trip down memory lane.

Episode 5: What kids need from their dads


SPECIAL GUEST: STEVEN RUSHFORTH
How can I be a good dad? How can I give my kid the very best? What does my kid really need from me as a dad? We dive into some research-based tips and proven methods from special guest Steven Rushforth of The Fathering Project.

Episode 6: You think you’ve made mistakes… #dadguilt


Raise your hand if you’re a perfect parent who never stuffs up. Ok, you can all leave. For the rest, here’s how to deal with all the mistakes you’ll make. Plus a few funny stories from Ross and Dan!

Episode 7: Parties, presents & eating out


Birthday parties with dads you don’t know. A billion presents you may or may not have any use for. Crazy aunts and grandparents with houses full of sharp corners and expensive vases and the tragic circus that is eating out with young children. Here’s how to limp through these experiences without stepping on too many landmines.

Episode 8: Kicking goals through 3 pregnancies


SPECIAL GUEST: AFL Legend Drew Petrie
What’s harder: going full tilt on the oval or raising three kids? Hear what this footy and fathering legend has to say about it, plus work-life balance and the controversial combo of kids and technology.

Episode 9: Fathering vs Mothering


Wrestling versus cuddling. Indoor versus outdoor play. Discipline versus nurture. We pull apart some cliches in male vs female parenting, and give you some advice on how to make it all work.

Episode 10: Should you join a dads’ group?


SPECIAL GUEST: STEVEN RUSHFORTH
Are dads’ groups worth it? What do dads get out of it? What about kids? We bring in an expert involved in over 200 groups to tell us what happens when dads connect.

Episode 11: How to adjust to being a dad


You have to give up things you used to do. You have to take on new responsibilities and build new habits. You have another tiny life depending on you, for crying out loud! Here’s how all this went for Ross and Dan, and some advice on how to deal with it.

Episode 12: Preparing for battle: male nesting


We’re not about to clean the house and reorganise the nappy draw five times, but we might find our selves building stuff, checking locks and worrying about money. This is male nesting or ‘mesting’. And it’s real. And it’s manly.

Episode 13: What to expect when you become a dad


Close the internet tabs. Ditch the books. This is what you can really expect and how to deal with it from dads who’ve been there.

Episode 14: How our dads did it


Times are changing, and so is fatherhood, but what has changed over the years? Does the apple fall far from the tree? We ask a father and son about their parenting experiences.

Episode 15: How to find meaning as a dad


SPECIAL GUEST: JOSH WITHERS
As dads, we get told how to do stuff all the time. Here’s how to press pause on the instructions and traditions so you can enjoy the journey and be the dad YOU want to be.

Episode 16: A dad’s role in pregnancy and birth


SPECIAL GUEST: RON HASTIE
Expecting dads: have no fear. You grab a beer, we’ll grab a midwife with 25 years experience and together we’ll unpack a dad’s role in pregnancy and birth.

Episode 17: Feeling isolated? Men’s Shed can help


Social isolation is a major factor in depression, emotional issues and suicide in men. It’s easy to get isolated as a dad, so we’ve invited Bill Johnstone from Men’s Shed who explains why it’s so important to connect, and how to do that at one of the almost 1,000 Men’s Sheds across Australia.

Episode 18: Being a single dad


Being a single parent is hard. But it can be joyful, too. We discuss both with single dad Michael Ray.

Episode 19: The first 3 months


Any dad will tell you – the first 3 months are hell. Here’s what to expect and how to thrive from post-natal support specialist Dr. Stuart Prosser.

Episode 20: What makes it all worthwhile


When you’re tired, frustrated, sore and staring down the barrel of another hectic day (or year), this is the stuff you need to remember.

ABOUT THE DAD PODCAST

The Direct Advice for Dads Podcast brings the stories we love to the world of audio. In this podcast you will hear from our hosts Ross Edwards and Dan Van Der Meer as well as a bevy of guests.

Listen in as radio hosts and proud parents Ross Edwards and Dan Van der Meer bravely recount their experiences as dads, and sprinkle in some words of wisdom from the DAD blog articles on this site.

The podcast will tackle all of the subjects we care about as expecting and newly minted dads and deliver it to your ears when you have the time to listen: while you’re ironing your shirts, on the bike or the bus on the way to work or while you’re mowing the lawn.

Dads have limited time to read and if we can help you get a little more help, a little more information or a little more laughter in your dad-life, then we’ve done our job.

OUR HOSTS

Ross Edwards

Ross Edwards is a Dad of two. He’s also the co-host of The Direct Advice For Dads Podcast.

Ross’s day job sees him hanging around at a radio station but by night he usually finds himself in an epic tug-of-war battle trying to get his kids to bed. And then to stay in bed.”

Ross acts as “Producer” of the podcast, which includes organising guests, writing up episodes and also anchoring the pod.

“This project continues to teach me so much as a dad that I forget there is an audience out there! I have to remind myself this a podcast and not a self-help group!

We also take the piss a lot. Like, a lot.”

Dan van der Meer

Dan van der Meer is a father of three and one half of the Direct Advice for Dads podcast.

When he’s not cooking dinner or ferrying any one of the kids to any one of multiple directions, he’s probably on his XBOX or bugging his wife about something.

Dan’s the one that puts the podcast together and shoots all the video, so if a random swear word sneaks through, it’s his fault.

“I just bloody love doing this little podcast. Ross and I are privileged to be able to bring all sorts of inspirational dad stories to other regular dads like us, and yes, even I have learnt a lot of valuable stuff along the journey.”

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