The Secret Life of Dads Podcast

James Haskell is an ex England & British Lions rugby player, a DJ, celebrity reality TV star...and recently separated Girl Dad. He is a hugely physical man, larger than life 'alpha' character...but he is also soft and reflective, gentle & aware - we couldn't think of anyone better to join us for this episode of The Pints & Ponytails Show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Our first-ever Pints & Ponytails podcast guest episode is here... featuring Cam Holmes! Five hairstyles. Each one harder than the last... At the same time, the questions go deeper - exploring fatherhood, mental health, relationships and modern masculinity. Can Cam keep up as the pressure rises on both fronts? Tune in to find out how far he gets... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

We have some explaining to do...its been a whirlwind 4 months since we launched our events for dads, Pints & Ponytails...the SLOD podcast is now The Pints & Ponytails Show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are joined by Dr Anna Machin - evolutionary anthropologist, author and one of the leading voices on modern fatherhood. Anna’s work explores the biology, anthropology and emotional realities of being a dad, and how men’s brains, hormones and identities change when they become fathers. We often call her the godmother of dads - because few people have done more to understand, advocate for and huma...

Peloton star coach Ben Aldis has built a career on strength, discipline and momentum. But becoming a dad has asked something very different of him. In this conversation, Ben reflects on the man he became through his relationship with his own father, and the man he is becoming now he’s a dad himself. We talk identity, pressure, purpose - and how fatherhood reshapes what “strong” really means. It’s...

What if adventure didn’t disappear when you became a parent… it just changed shape? In this episode, Lawrence and Mat sit down with world-renowned author and performance scientist Alex Hutchinson to explore how curiosity, motivation and endurance really work - not just in athletes, but in everyday life as parents. Alex’s work shows us that growth isn’t only about physical limits or epic expedition...

When kids arrive, the relationship doesn’t disappear - it just gets pushed to the edges of life. Between sleepless nights, work stress, logistics and constant responsibility… it can feel like there’s no space left for “us”. In this episode, Lawrence and Mat sit down with therapist and author Eli Weinstein, to explore what really happens to a relationship in the parenting years - and how couples ca...

What if most of what you’ve been told about kids’ nutrition… doesn’t apply to sporty kids? This week we sit down with Performance Canteen - the team who fuel young athletes across academies, clubs and schools - to unpack the myths parents keep seeing online. Is sugar really the enemy? Do overeating rules change when your kid trains for sport? And what are the real risks of under-fueling active tee...

Lawrence and Mat sit down with ex England rugby captain Chris Robshaw and professional singer Camilla Kerslake for an honest conversation about performing at the highest level in both the sport and entertainment industries, Chris’s vulnerable adventure on Strictly Come Dancing and how the couple navigate parenting whilst juggling demanding careers. It’s a grounded, insightful and fun look at resil...

On the eve of England competing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, we sit down with former England star and TV pundit Ugo Monye to explore the unstoppable rise of women’s rugby — a sport now packing out stadiums and inspiring the next generation. We discuss how over £6 billion of National Lottery funding into grassroots sport has helped pave the way for this moment and Ugo shares his own rugby...

Jake's career has spanned over a decade in the public eye, from football to singing, reality TV to presenting, acting and musical theatre...he has never been afraid to try something new. Mat and Lawrence explore his willingness to be vulnerable in the name of growth and how this shapes his 'action led' approach to fatherhood - stemming from the impact his late father had on him growing up. This ep...

Ryan chats to Mat & Lawrence about male fertility and where he is currently at with his family goals, the life changing experience of the Marathon Des Sables on both body & mind...plus how finding other men who are prepared to open up & go deep is now a priority in his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The most successful female British swimmer in Olympic history, Rebecca Adlington joins Lawrence and Mat for a powerful conversation that spans grit, gold and growing up. From early days training in Mansfield, through navigating family challenges, to double Olympic gold in Beijing 2008 and multiple World and Commonwealth medals, Rebecca shares the mindset behind her success. She also opens up about...

Mat and Lawrence chat with Charlie Launder, founder of Bumps & Burpees, about how dads can support their partner’s fitness and recovery during and after pregnancy. Charlie shares what’s really going on in a woman’s body post-birth, why movement is about more than “bouncing back,” and how men can offer support that builds strength, confidence and connection. A must-listen for any dad who wants to s...

Comedian and cultural commentator Russell Kane joins Lawrence and Mat for a raw & frank conversation on modern fatherhood - covering intimacy after having a baby, the male fertility crisis, staying young through biohacking and fitness, baby sleep hacks that actually work...and the pressures of modern masculinity faced by dads. A mixture of comedy, common sense...and wisdom. Learn more about your a...

In this episode, Lawrence and Mat sit down with Lucy Upton, founder of The Children’s Dietitian, for an honest conversation about the often stressful realities of feeding kids. A leading paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist with over a decade of NHS and private sector experience, Lucy has supported thousands of families through challenges ranging from fussy eating and allergies to feeding di...

This week, Lawrence and Mat sit down with Esther Marshall - founder of Sophie Says and passionate advocate for emotional wellbeing, inclusion and breaking down childhood stereotypes. From the spark that led her to write her first book, to how grief and motherhood shaped her mission, Esther shares a powerful, personal journey that turned into a movement helping kids believe, feel and grow. For 15%...

From West Ham to fatherhood - Anton Ferdinand sits down with Lawrence and Mat to reflect on the highs and lows of his football career, the powerful influence of his own dad and the evolving lessons he's learning as a father today. A conversation about identity, legacy and what it really means to show up as a man. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, Mat and Lawrence sit down with Dr. Julie Smith to explore the evolving landscape of fatherhood. They discuss the power of vulnerability in parenting, the challenges of balancing ambition with family life, and the importance of self-compassion and choosing 'healthy comparison'. Dr. Julie shares insights from her own experiences as a mother and psychologist, offering pract...

In this episode, Mat and Lawrence sit down with journalist Sam Parker, author of the upcoming book Good Anger, to explore the hidden ways suppressed rage can manifest as anxiety, depression and chronic health issues. Together, they unpack why ignoring our anger is often more harmful than feeling it - and how learning to channel anger productively can lead to personal growth, stronger relationships...

Lawrence and Mat sit down with renowned clinical psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Wendy Mogel to delve into the pivotal role dads play in guiding their children from childhood through adolescence. Drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her acclaimed books, including The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, The Blessing of a B Minus and Voice Lessons for Parents/Parent Talk, Dr. Mog...

Lawrence and Mat sit down with Nik Payne - father of four, widower and the heart of the Sundance-winning documentary A New Kind of Wilderness. They talk about raising kids in the Norwegian wilderness, life after the loss of his wife Maria and what it really means to hold onto your values as a man and father when life takes you far off the map - emotionally, physically and spiritually. It’s a raw,...

Brand builder. Rule breaker. Dad - Peter Williams founded Jack Wills at 23 and turned it into an iconic British style brand. Now he’s back with Aubin — and some serious wisdom on business, identity and raising kids whilst raising brands. Mat and Lawrence dig into the highs, the lessons and what it really takes to build something that lasts - in work and in life. This episode contains a paid advert...

Mat and Lawrence sit down with Dr. Joshua Wolrich - NHS doctor, nutritionist and author of Food Isn't Medicine - to discuss how dads can foster a healthier, more relaxed relationship with food. They explore the pitfalls of diet culture, the benefits of weight-neutral health and how to model positive eating habits for the whole family. Tune in for practical insights and a fresh perspective on nutri...

Raised in a family that ran a McDonald’s franchise, Dr. James Morehen now fuels some of the world’s toughest athletes as Lead Performance Nutritionist for England Rugby. In this episode, we dive into his fascinating journey from fast food to elite sport and the philosophies that guide his approach to food, family, and performance. Listen for... His take on parenting and food in a world of ultra-pr...