Ep 32. 'Another Bloomin' Christmas Special...'

The summer holidays are officially over, the kids are back at school, college, uni or finding a job, and we're back to the usual chaos!After a few months away, we're getting together for a proper catch-up — talking about what we've been up to over the summer, family life, getting back into the school routine, work, parenting and everything else that comes with trying to keep life on track.No script, no expert advice — just four dads having an honest chat about where we're at after the summer break.We're back. 👊

School's out… now what? In this episode of Just Real Dads, we're sharing our best tips for surviving the six-week summer holidays. From keeping kids entertained and managing screen time to surviving those dreaded long car journeys, we'll talk about what actually works, what definitely doesn't, and how to make more memories and fewer meltdowns.

On this episode of Just Real Dads, Ryan sits down with Si for an honest chat about Si's mental health journey.From the struggles he's faced to the moments that changed his perspective, Si opens up about what it's been like navigating mental health as a dad, the importance of asking for help, and why talking openly can make such a difference.This isn't about having all the answers—it's about being real. It's a conversation built on honesty, vulnerability, and the hope that by sharing one story, someone else might feel less alone.If you've ever found yourself struggling in silence, or know someone who has, we hope this episode reminds you that it's okay to talk, it's okay to ask for help, and you're never alone.This is Just Real Dads—real conversations, real stories, and a reminder that strength isn't about staying silent.

In this episode, your favourite dads get stuck into two massive topics - news and finance. Yeah, seriously serious!! We talk about what's happening in the news and how to chat to your kids about it, as well as facing the huge obstacle of 'big money thinking' - debt, uni costs and all that kinda grown up thing!! Thanks, as always, for listening and hit us up on Instagram with your feedback! Til next time... Team JRD

Half the team has had a lot of change happen, so we thought we'd focus on them. Glenn has a full nest again - kids are back as adults , the house is sold and his new career is underway. Stu is finding a new leas of life - long-term listeners will be able to hear the light in Stu's voice!Make sure you follow us on Spotify and Instagram to keep up with our adventures. 😁👍🍺

New Year, New-trition! To start off 2026, we had a chat with Dan Webber, the nutritionist at Wrexham FC. We talked about food habits, about cooking with your kids, about nutritional resets and, of course, about Dan's part in the meteoric rise of Disney's favourite football team! It was both a pleasure and a bit of a challenge to sit with Dan and learn that we don't need to go big in a New Year to have a big impact.Thanks Dan! (And if this gets as far as Wrexham FC owner Ryan Reynolds, you're welcome to come on and chat to us about fatherhood anytime!!)

We've come to the end of 2025 and the boys are rounding it out, as usual, with a festival feast of frivolity and fun! Secret Santa, cracker jokes, our listener responses about their Christmas traditions and more merriment than Robin Hood could handle.Thanks for listening to us this year and have a safe and blessed 2026.

In this episode, we sit back down with Chester entrepreneur and devoted dad, Jamie Northrop, to talk about the real-life juggle of running a business while staying present at home for the children and his partner.Whether you're a busy parent, or an aspiring business owner, this episode delivers practical wisdom, laughs, and a big dose of real talk.

In this episode, we talk a bit more seriously about two big topics, from a variety of viewpoints. Si talks about beauty standards hitting an 8yo girl, Stu drops his usual pearl of wisdom, Ryan tells us about his monthly game in his household and Glenn drops a bomb about explosive boy puberty - YOU NEED TO LISTEN!!!Thanks as always for listening!JRD

In this powerful conversation with men's mental health charity Little Blackbird, we dive into why vulnerability isn't weakness - its strength. From the pressure to 'man up' to the freedom of opening up, we explore how dads and men everywhere can break the silence, share their struggles, and find real connection.