The Later Dad

Dom Izzard

The Later Dad is all about real-life parenting, honest reflections, expert advice, and conversations with dads from all walks of life. Whether you became a dad at 25 or 45, we’re all figuring it out as we go. RSSVERIFY

Episodes

  1. 16 Aug

    The Imaginary Dad vs The Dad I am Becoming

    The dad you imagined before kids is not the dad you become - and that might be the best thing about fatherhood. I get brutally honest about patience, screens, discipline, money, guilt, and the gap between parenting ideals and the 5:47 pm chaos of real life. I shares the moments every parent recognises: repeating yourself until your patience disappears, negotiating breakfast battles, hiding in the toilet for five minutes of silence, and realizing that being "good" at parenting has less to do with having the perfect answers and more to do with what you do when the perfect answer fails.You'll discover: Why "my children will never..." is a dangerous sentenceThe surprising research on fathers, emotional regulation, and parental warmthHow different children can need completely different approaches, even when you use the same parenting methodWhy quality time is often found in tiny everyday moments, not big family adventuresHow being a later dad changes everything from energy and perspective to priorities and self-awarenessI also bring in insights from research and real-world parenting tools, including Dads Tuning In to Kids, the serve-and-return concept from Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, and examples from Bluey that capture parental burnout with uncanny accuracy. But this episode is bigger than tactics - it's a reflection on what children really need from their dads: presence, warmth, honesty, laughter, boundaries, and the willingness to keep showing up.If you've ever felt like you're not the parent you thought you'd be, or wondered whether that's actually the point, this one will hit home. Essential listening for dads, future dads, and anyone trying to balance love, work, identity, and the beautiful mess of family life.

  2. 30 July

    Interview with Another Dad: Matt Ottobre The Reality of Later Fatherhood

    Being a dad later in life comes with its own surprises—and its own set of advantages. For Matt Ottobre, a seasoned educator and new father at 47, the journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. In this heartfelt episode, Matt shares the raw realities of fatherhood after 40—how it transforms your perspective, priorities, and even your approach to life's simple pleasures. You’ll discover how Matt navigates the chaos of sleepless nights, the joy of teaching his son about sport and play, and the surprising insights he’s gained about balance and patience. From the hilarious mishap of locking himself out of the car with his son’s keys to the special bonds formed through daily routines and shared traditions like Friday fish and chips or lawn bowls, Matt’s story is both relatable and inspiring. We break down the key differences and unexpected perks of becoming a dad in your late 40s—like the wisdom that comes from life experience and the unique challenges of regional support networks. Matt reveals how prioritizing mental health, embracing imperfect parenting, and reaching out for help are crucial to thriving in this new chapter. If you’re considering fatherhood later in life or already navigating it, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to embrace the chaos, celebrate the small wins, and cherish every moment—even the messy, unpredictable ones. Perfect for anyone looking for honest, practical advice wrapped in real-life humor, this conversation will both challenge and uplift your view of what it means to be a late dad. Join us to hear Matt’s inspiring reflections on the responsibilities, joys, and unexpected gifts of fatherhood in your 40s and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned dad or just thinking about starting a family, this episode will remind you—you're never too old to make wonderful, lasting memories with your kids.

About

The Later Dad is all about real-life parenting, honest reflections, expert advice, and conversations with dads from all walks of life. Whether you became a dad at 25 or 45, we’re all figuring it out as we go. RSSVERIFY