The Fathering Project Podcast

After 16 seasons and 260 games with the Melbourne Football Club, former AFL player Tom McDonald is stepping into a new chapter — life after footy. But football has only ever been one part of Tom’s story. He’s also a dad to four children, navigating the challenges of balancing elite sport with family life and learning what it means to be present through every stage. In this episode, host Dr James B...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kirra Pendergast, Co-author of Digital Freedom and Founder of Safe on Social, to explore how parents can help children navigate technology with confidence. We talk about a young person's first smartphone, online privacy, algorithms, AI, digital safety and setting healthy boundaries without constantly monitoring or policing kids’ devices. Kirra shares practical...

What does it really mean to be present as a dad? In this episode of The Fathering Project Podcast, we’re joined by Mitesh Khatri, author of Fight or Father, to explore how stress, overwhelm and emotional triggers can shape the way fathers show up at home. We discuss practical ways to recognise when you’re running low, respond instead of react, and repair after the parenting moments we all wish we’...

How do we help our kids stay safe without making them fearful of the world? In this episode, Dr James Brown speaks with former police officer, child safety expert and online safety specialist Kristi McVee about the practical things parents can do to help protect their children – both online and offline. Drawing on 10 years as a specialist child interviewer and Detective Senior Constable, Kristi sh...

Fresh from being named 2026 Australian Father of the Year, Matt “Matty J” Johnson joins Dr James Brown for a raw, funny and honest chat about life as a dad of three. Matt opens up about the highs and challenges of fatherhood, the memories he hopes his daughters will carry with them, what they’ve taught him, and the kind of role model he wants to be. He also reflects on Two Doting Dads, the communi...

What actually happens when you become a dad — and realise you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing? To kick off Season 3 of The Fathering Project Podcast , Dr James Brown sits down with screenwriter, author and first-time dad Zachary Perez for an honest conversation about the early days of fatherhood: the identity shift, the expectations, the uncertainty, the funny moments and the things no o...

How do fathers help guide boys into adulthood in today’s complex world? CEO of The Fathering Project Káti Gapaillard speaks with Dr Arne Rubinstein, Founder and CEO of the Rites of Passage Institute, and Australian Father of the Year 2025 about why boys need connected fathers, clear boundaries, and meaningful rites of passage to grow into strong, grounded men.

In this special episode to celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday March 8th, Káti Gapaillard sits down with educator and bestselling author Michelle Mitchell to explore a topic many dads quietly struggle with — puberty and periods. While puberty is a normal and healthy part of growing up, it can still feel awkward or off-limits for fathers. Many assume it’s a conversation best left to mums....

We're excited to welcome former ABC Broadcaster Geoff Hutchison to the podcast.  Geoff joins us to talk about the personal journey behind his new book How Not to Become a Grumpy Old Bugger . He shares a powerful conversation with his father that changed everything, and what he hopes men will take away from the book.  An honest and open conversation about masculinity, fatherhood, relationship...

In this episode, Lael Stone joins us to discuss how parents can nurture emotional intelligence in their kids – even if they’re still learning those skills themselves.  Lael has worked with families for over 20 years as a birth educator, post-natal trauma counsellor, and parenting educator.  She's worked with thousands of families – from newborns through to the teen years – and spent over five...

John Pearce, known to many as one of the Purple Wiggles, has spent years entertaining and educating children through song and movement. But today, we're diving into his most personal role yet - fatherhood!  In this episode we talk about what it’s been like adjusting to life with an infant, balancing a demanding touring schedule, and the moments that have surprised, challenged, and changed him...

In this episode we sit down with former Brumbies and Wallabies star Ben Alexander. We'll be diving into Ben’s journey, from life on the rugby field to life after footy – and how becoming a father to three daughters has reshaped his perspective on success, balance, and what it really means to be a role model. We’ll also hear about the powerful work he’s doing now through his 'Running for...

In this episode, Káti Gapaillard sits down with singer, performer, and proud Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo – one of Australia’s most distinctive First Nations voices and a powerful force for cultural pride and self-expression. With ten consecutive Top 10 singles on the Australian iTunes Worldwide charts and a global following, Mitch has made an impact far beyond the stage. But today, the spotlight is...

In this episode we explore how parents can create a rich learning environment at home, the surprising power of play, how to manage screen time, and the key to balancing it all without feeling overwhelmed. Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg is an internationally recognised author, early years consultant, and speaker, known for his innovative, child-centered approach to learning. His books, including Best Pra...

In this episode we are joined by Prof. Andrew Whitehouse from CliniKids at The Kids Research Institute who has been a guiding light for parents navigating the complexities of autism, and in this episode we dive into one of the most important aspects of that journey – communication.  Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you’re looking for new ways to connect, this conversation will provide...

In this episode Káti Gapaillard sits down with AFL Premiership player and father Zach Tuohy for a heartfelt conversation that goes beyond the footy field.  From becoming a dad at 23 while building an elite sporting career, to navigating his mental health and parenting far from home, Zach shares openly about the challenges and joys of fatherhood.  He reflects on how his Irish heritage shaped his va...

We are excited to be joined by Youth Advocate and Educator Daniel Principe.  Having presented to tens of thousands of young people in every Australian state and territory, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges presented in a teen boy’s world today.   Daniel’s work is about giving young men the tools to critically think about identity, masculinity, and the media messages they’re bombarded...

The tween years (roughly ages 8–12) are a critical time for brain development, emotional growth, and identity formation. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Steve Kassem, a neuroscientist specialising in brain development, to explore what’s happening inside the tween brain and how parents can navigate this pivotal stage. From understanding mood swings to fostering independence while maintaining...

In this episode, we dive into a crucial and timely topic – gender equity and masculinity in the workplace. We explore how workplaces can foster environments that challenge traditional notions of masculinity, while also promoting gender equity in a way that includes men as part of the solution, not just the conversation. Our guest Ludo Gabriele is a thought leader and consultant, based in New York,...

In this episode, we're joined by Gen Muir from Connected Parenting. We discuss parenting in the modern world and supporting your children’s big feelings and emotions. The episode is packed with actionable tips and strategies to help you manage your child’s big emotions and challenging behaviour without feeling like you’re ‘losing control’. This episode will explore: The current landscape of p...

In this episode, we explore a critical yet often overlooked phase of parenting: the 5-10 year window. While the first five years are widely recognised as foundational for a child’s development, many parents may not realise that the 5-10 years are just as crucial. This period paves the way for smoother teen years and sets the stage for successful adulthood. We’re joined by Dr. Norman Swan, who will...

One of our most commonly asked about topics is how parents can keep their kids safe online.  The digital world is constantly changing, and navigating it as a parent can often be challenging.  We want the best for our children, and their online safety must be a top priority.  In this episode we are joined by the e-Safety Commissioner to chat all things digital safety. We will discuss the digital fo...

We are thrilled to welcome back our friend and renowned Australian best-selling author, activist and psychologist, Steve Biddulph. If you're someone who experiences anxiety, or have had anxious feelings and not entirely sure how to address them, we encourage you to listen to this episode. Steve talks us through what he refers to as our "Wild Creature Mind", and how we can leverage i...

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

In this episode we discuss anxiety, how it shows up in your life, some common symptoms and every day strategies to help manage it.  In today's world, we all experience anxious moments, and our kids can too. It's important to recognise when the anxiety is on-going and impacting your day-to-day life and signs to look out for. Dr Jodi Richardson is one of Australia’s thought leaders in mana...