The Real Parent Podcast

The Real Parent Podcast

Parenting is easy! Said no parent ever. On the Real Parent Podcast, hosted by Jarrod Kayler-Thomson (father to three children), Jarrod will be speaking with real everyday parents sharing real stories, celebrating the wins and normalising the struggles of what being a parent involves.

Episodes

  1. 09/08/2025

    Family First: Ray Smithers on Education, Leadership & Fatherhood

    For episode 8 on The Real Parent Podcast, we sit down with Ray Smithers - a man whose journey weaves through education, elite sport, and the heart of family life. With nearly two decades in teaching across primary, secondary, and boarding at Wesley College (Perth, Western Australia), Ray has shaped young minds both in and out of the classroom. On the field, he tasted premiership glory with South Fremantle in 2005 and 2009, while also experiencing the highs and lows of grand finals across the 2000s. Beyond football, Ray served as Player Development Manager at the Fremantle Dockers, guiding athletes through the pressures of professional sport. But perhaps his most meaningful role to date has been stepping back from career ambitions to support his wife’s growing business and dedicate himself to raising their two young daughters. In this conversation, Ray opens up about leadership, resilience, and what it really means to redefine success when family comes first. Please remember to leave a review or rating to help share the podcast further into the community. This podcast was recorded in the Katitjin blue mind place in Scarborough (Perth, Western Australia), and is powered by the Western Australian Mental Health Commission and Men’s Talk. Hosted by Jarrod Kayler-Thomson from The Growth Hunting Company and produced by Sam Witness. Katitjin Blue Mind Place Men's Talk The Growth Hunting Company SOCIAL MEDIA: Men's Talk - Instagram Growth Hunting - Instagram The Real Parent Podcast - Instagram The Growth Hunting Company - LinkedIn The Real Parent Podcast - LinkedIn

    1h 22m

About

Parenting is easy! Said no parent ever. On the Real Parent Podcast, hosted by Jarrod Kayler-Thomson (father to three children), Jarrod will be speaking with real everyday parents sharing real stories, celebrating the wins and normalising the struggles of what being a parent involves.