The Fathering Project Podcast

How setting limits helps children feel safe, navigate big emotions and build stronger connections.What happens when your child pushes back, has a meltdown or tells you you're the worst parent ever?Setting boundaries can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. But boundaries aren't about control or punishment. They're about helping children feel safe, supported and secure.In this episode, Dr James Brown is joined by parent educator and author Gen Muir (founder of Connected Parenting) to explore why children need boundaries and how parents can hold limits without losing connection.Drawing on her new book, Why Kids Need Boundaries, Gen shares practical advice on navigating big emotions, responding to challenging behaviour, working together as co-parents and helping children develop independence as they grow.They also explore how dads can break generational patterns, build confidence in their parenting and create a different experience for their own children.Because being a connected parent doesn't mean saying yes to everything. Sometimes, holding the boundary is exactly what your child needs.Listen now for practical, compassionate advice to help you navigate the challenging moments of parenting.

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 Brown and Dads Group Manager Rodney Eade chat with Tom about identity, retirement and navigating his fatherhood journey. They explore the challenge of switching off from footy, the lessons children teach us about what really matters, and what Tom is most looking forward to as he has more time to simply be Dad.Plus, Tom shares the lessons from elite sport that he brings into fatherhood – and what he hopes his kids will remember about the dad he was.Because being a great dad isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, staying connected and making the everyday moments count.In this episode:Navigating life and identity after professional sportHow fatherhood changes your definition of successBalancing the demands of a career with being present at homeWhat elite sport teaches us about parentingMaking time for the moments that matterThe dad Tom hopes his children will rememberListen now for an honest conversation about fatherhood, change and what matters most.

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 advice for helping children develop the critical thinking and skills they need to make safer, smarter choices online as they become more independent.To learn more about Kirra's work, visit: https://www.safeonsocial.com/Purchase Digital Freedom: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761902871/

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’d handled differently.This is a compassionate conversation about choosing connection over perfection— and why those everyday moments of emotional presence can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.In this episode:The hidden pressures facing modern fathersUnderstanding the emotions beneath angerMitesh’s practical CALM frameworkHow to repair and reconnect with your childWhy emotional presence matters for lifelong wellbeing

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 shares what parents need to know about body safety, consent, boundaries, grooming and the risks children can encounter online.They also explore why child safety isn't about having one big conversation. It’s about building trust, keeping communication open and making sure our kids know they can always come to us when something doesn’t feel right.In this episode:Starting age-appropriate conversations about body safety and consentUnderstanding grooming behaviours and warning signsNavigating online safety and digital risksCreating a relationship where children feel safe to speak upWhy parents don’t need to have all the perfect wordsA practical and important conversation for parents and carers about helping children feel safe, confident and supported.

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 community he’s built with co-host Ash Wicks, and why creating space for dads to talk honestly about parenting — including the messy and difficult parts — matters.A warm and relatable conversation about modern fatherhood, showing up and accepting that none of us gets it right all the time.

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 one really prepares you for.Zachary is the author of Becoming Dad, a candid account of his first 100 days as a father, written in real time as he navigated life with a new baby.Together, James and Zachary unpack the gap between the dad you imagine you’ll be and the reality once your baby arrives — and why figuring it out as you go might actually be the point.They talk about:How becoming a dad can change your sense of identityExpectations vs reality in those first few monthsThe pressure dads can feel to know what they’re doingFriendship, loneliness and finding your tribe as a new dadAsking for help — and why dads need support tooTaking what you learnt from your own upbringing while deciding what you want to do differentlyWhy being a good dad isn’t about having all the answersWhether you’re expecting your first child, deep in the newborn haze or a few years down the track, this episode is a reminder that there’s no perfect way to become a dad.You learn. You adapt. You keep showing up.Listen to Season 3 of The Fathering Project Podcast.

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. But when dads show up with calm, confidence and respect, they can become a powerful source of reassurance and safety during this stage of their daughter’s life.Michelle Mitchell — widely known as “the teenage expert” — brings more than 20 years of experience supporting families through the tween and teen years. In this conversation, she shares practical strategies to help fathers break the taboo, strengthen trust, and build a lasting connection with their daughters.

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 and living an optimistic life as we age. A great conversation that will get you thinking. Thinking of Christmas gifts? Go purchase the book for your local bookstore.