96 episodes

Helping men safely navigate family life without losing their mind.

I am James Macdonald and 5 years ago, I was stressed and overwhelmed at my role as a husband and (exhausted) father of 3, not really knowing how to be the best man I could be.

Many years, pitfalls and enough flat whites to sink a battleship later, I’m a lot happier and confident and on a mission to help other dads be the best family man they can be without losing their minds.

Dad Mind Matters is for the new(ish) dads who feel totally overwhelmed at their new responsibility and feel like their mental health is on a slow and silent decline. For the men who always feel like they’re in the doghouse but don’t know why.

Here you’ll learn effective and actionable ways to deal with things such as toddler tantrums, passive aggressive partners and hopefully getting more happiness and laughter into your life. You are not alone in how you are feeling, and in Dad Mind Matters you will find a much-needed place where hopefully you’ll realise that you're doing much better than anyone, including you, is giving you credit for.

With new bite-sized episodes every week you can learn to safely navigate family life AND have a laugh, all in the time it takes you to walk to the shop on your completely made mission to get milk.

If you’re ready to be the happier, more confident family man you know you can be, scroll up and click ‘FOLLOW’.

Dad Mind Matters: Parenting, Marriage & Mental Health For Men James Macdonald

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 6 Ratings

Helping men safely navigate family life without losing their mind.

I am James Macdonald and 5 years ago, I was stressed and overwhelmed at my role as a husband and (exhausted) father of 3, not really knowing how to be the best man I could be.

Many years, pitfalls and enough flat whites to sink a battleship later, I’m a lot happier and confident and on a mission to help other dads be the best family man they can be without losing their minds.

Dad Mind Matters is for the new(ish) dads who feel totally overwhelmed at their new responsibility and feel like their mental health is on a slow and silent decline. For the men who always feel like they’re in the doghouse but don’t know why.

Here you’ll learn effective and actionable ways to deal with things such as toddler tantrums, passive aggressive partners and hopefully getting more happiness and laughter into your life. You are not alone in how you are feeling, and in Dad Mind Matters you will find a much-needed place where hopefully you’ll realise that you're doing much better than anyone, including you, is giving you credit for.

With new bite-sized episodes every week you can learn to safely navigate family life AND have a laugh, all in the time it takes you to walk to the shop on your completely made mission to get milk.

If you’re ready to be the happier, more confident family man you know you can be, scroll up and click ‘FOLLOW’.

    #96 | How To Tell If You're Suffering From Burn Out & What To Do If You Are? - Dad's Mental Health Podcasts

    #96 | How To Tell If You're Suffering From Burn Out & What To Do If You Are? - Dad's Mental Health Podcasts

    Feeling exhausted, stressed, and on the brink of losing it?
    In this eye-opening episode, discover the signs of burnout and how to prevent it.
    In today's fast-paced world, burnout is becoming increasingly common, especially among parents juggling family, work, and personal life.
    The stressors of the pandemic, coupled with the demands of modern life, can lead to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.
    But don't worry—this episode doesn't just discuss burnout. It provides practical tips on how to implement and overcome it immediately.
    By understanding burnout and implementing effective strategies, you can reclaim your well-being and navigate life's challenges with greater resilience.
    In this episode, you will:
    Gain insight into the signs and symptoms of burnout, helping you identify if you're on the verge of burning out.Learn actionable strategies to prevent and overcome burnout, promoting better mental, emotional, and physical health.Understand the importance of setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and seeking support to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
    Take control of your well-being today.
    Tune in to this episode to learn how to recognise the signs of burnout and discover practical strategies to prevent it.
    Your mental and emotional health matter—prioritise yourself now.
    More From Dad Mind Matters
    If you have a story you'd like to tell about living with a mental illness or about how you escaped the rate race that you'd like to share with my podcast listeners, please book a chat via
    this link.
    CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?
    Dear Podcast Listener, thank you, I appreciate your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.
    This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become much more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.
    To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,
    here is the link where you can leave a tip.
    ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next birthday.
    Just contact me via the website
    Thanks again for your support, and take care of yourself
    James
    To sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter - CLICK HERE
    ABOUT ME
    Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.
    After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.
    As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.
    Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.
    In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.
    To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link
    FREE & "HOPEFULLY"...

    • 13 min
    #95 | What Advice Did The Mum Give Her Son About Nettles? Dad's Tuesday Bed Time Story

    #95 | What Advice Did The Mum Give Her Son About Nettles? Dad's Tuesday Bed Time Story

    Ever feel like you're drawing the short straw when it's your turn for bedtime stories?
    What if there was a way to make those moments bearable and enriching for you and your kids?
    Immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom of Aesop's Fables and unlock the transformative power of these stories in your bedtime routine.
    See how they can captivate your children and empower you to impart valuable life lessons in a way that deeply resonates with their young minds.
    In this bite-size episode, you will:
    1) Gain insight into making bedtime storytelling engaging and meaningful for both parent and child.
    2) Learn how Aesop's Fables can be powerful tools for instilling children's moral values and critical thinking.
    3) Discover simple yet effective strategies for fostering empathy and kindness in your family dynamics through storytelling.
    Ready to transform bedtime struggles into memorable moments of learning and connection?
    Tune in to this episode of Dad Mind Matters and start your journey with Aesop's Fables tonight!

    • 2 min
    #94 | Why Does This Attorney Turned Author Want Parents To Embrace Weird? - Dad's Mental Health Podcast

    #94 | Why Does This Attorney Turned Author Want Parents To Embrace Weird? - Dad's Mental Health Podcast

    Have you ever wondered how embracing your uniqueness as a parent could shape your child's future?
    In this episode, we delve into why it's crucial for parents to fully embrace their "weird" and the impact it can have on the next generation.
    In a world filled with societal norms and pressures, parents often struggle to balance conforming and being true to themselves.
    This episode explores how embracing your authenticity as a parent fosters a healthier family dynamic and sets a powerful example for your children.
    By breaking free from societal expectations, parents can help their children embrace their uniqueness and confidently navigate the world, free from the fear of judgment and limitations imposed by labels.
    In this episode, you will:
    1) Gain insights into how embracing your authenticity as a parent can positively influence your child's development and open up a world of future opportunities for them.
    2) Discover the importance of breaking free from societal norms and expectations to create a more inclusive and empowering environment for your family.
    3) Uncover the power of leading with vulnerability and authenticity and how it can foster deeper connections within your family.
    This is about inspiring your children to embrace their true selves and finding strength and inspiration in your authenticity as a parent.
    Scroll up & press play to listen to this episode and discover how embracing your "weird" as a parent can shape a brighter future for your children.
    THE GUEST SPEAKER
    Shari Leid is the dynamic force behind An Imperfectly Perfect Life, LLC, where she specializes in guiding clients who feel trapped in stagnation, empowering them to sculpt the life of their dreams.
    Renowned as a friendship expert and national speaker, Shari’s insights reach far beyond individual coaching sessions.
    She’s been interviewed on major networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and CTV, and was profiled on the TODAY show in April 2023.
    She’s written for and shared her expertise with HuffPost, Real Simple, PureWow, AARP, Woman’s World, Toronto Sun, and Shondaland. 
    She's the author of The Friendship Series books and host of the podcast, An Imperfectly Perfect Life: Life Unscripted. Find her online at animperfectlyperfectlife.com and follow her on Instagram (@an_imperfectly_perfect_life) and TikTok (@sharilei
    MORE FROM DAD MIND MATTERS
    If you have a story you'd like to tell about living with a mental illness or about how you escaped the rate race that you'd like to share with my podcast listeners, please book a chat via
    this link.
    CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?
    Dear Podcast Listener, Thank you for your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.
    This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become more than that one day. For that...

    • 8 min
    #93 | Dad Joke Two - Dads Mental Health Podcast - Embrace Your Cringe

    #93 | Dad Joke Two - Dads Mental Health Podcast - Embrace Your Cringe

    Welcome back to another episode of Dad Mind Matters, the podcast that's here to help dads navigate the rollercoaster ride of parenthood with humour, insight, and a healthy dose of dad jokes.
    I'm your host, James, and I'm thrilled to have you join me again for another week of dad-related activities.
    Whether you're a seasoned dad, a new dad-to-be, or just someone who appreciates a good dad joke, this podcast is for you.
    Each week, we tackle the joys, challenges, and everything in between of fatherhood, offering practical advice, heartfelt stories, and, of course, plenty of laughs along the way.
    We cover everything from diaper disasters to teenage tantrums, from bedtime battles to proud parenting moments.
    So grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favourite dad chair, and get ready to explore the wonderful, wild world of dadhood with Dad Mind Matters.
    And hey, if you've got a dad joke you're dying to share or a parenting topic you want us to discuss, we're all ears.
    Don't hesitate to reach out through our website at www.DadMindMatters.com. After all, in the world of parenting, laughter truly is the best medicine.
    Thanks for tuning in, and let's dive into another episode of Dad Mind Matters!
    More From Dad Mind Matters
    
    If you have a story you'd like to tell about living with a mental illness or about how you escaped the rate race that you'd like to share with my podcast listeners, please book a chat via
    this link.
    CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?
    Dear Podcast Listener, thank you, I appreciate your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.
    This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become much more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.
    To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,
    here is the link where you can leave a tip.
    ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next birthday.
    Just contact me via the website
    Thanks again for your support, and take care of yourself
    James
    To sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter - CLICK HERE
    ABOUT ME
    Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.
    After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.
    As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.
    Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.
    In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.
    To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link
    FREE & "HOPEFULLY" USEFUL RESOURCES
    For your free digital...

    • 1 min
    #92 | Are Men Only Valued By What & How Much They Provide? Dads Mental Health Podcast

    #92 | Are Men Only Valued By What & How Much They Provide? Dads Mental Health Podcast

    Are outdated gender roles holding your family back?
    To buy Kristal's superb book visit this link.
    In today's episode, we delve into the complexities of modern gender roles and how they affect family dynamics.
    From the pressure to be the primary breadwinner to societal expectations of nurturing, we uncover how these roles impact relationships, mental health, and overall family happiness.
    In this episode, you will:
    1) Gain insight into how redefining gender roles can lead to stronger, happier relationships.
    2) Understand the importance of mutual support and understanding in modern families.
    3) Learn practical strategies to navigate outdated societal expectations and build a more equitable family life.
    Ready to reshape your family's dynamics for the better?
    Tune in to this episode for eye-opening discussions and actionable advice.

    • 14 min
    #91 | Does The 4B Movement Signal The End For Men? Dad's Mental Health Podcast

    #91 | Does The 4B Movement Signal The End For Men? Dad's Mental Health Podcast

    Are you curious about the 4B Movement and its impact on societal norms?
    Join us as we explore why saying "no" might be the key to empowerment.
    In this podcast episode, I'm lucky enough to be joined by a marriage and family therapist, Kristal DeSantis.
    To buy Kristal's superb book visit this link.
    Among other things, we'll be talking about the three B movement and how it's reshaping perspectives on gender roles.
    In this episode, you will:
    1) Gain insights into the 4B Movement and its goals of challenging traditional gender roles.
    2) Understand how societal norms around sex, marriage, and parenthood affect both men and women.
    3) Explore practical strategies for promoting equality and partnership within families and society.
    Don't miss out on this insightful discussion about reshaping gender norms and promoting equality.
    Scroll up & press play to gain valuable insights and perspectives!
    CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?
    Dear Podcast Listener, Thank you for your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.
    This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.
    To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,
    here is the link where you can leave a tip.
    ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next birthday.
    Just contact me via the website
    Thanks again for your support, and take care of yourself
    James
    To sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter - CLICK HERE
    ABOUT ME
    Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.
    After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.
    As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.
    Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.
    In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.
    To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link
    FREE & "HOPEFULLY" USEFUL RESOURCES
    For your free digital copy of my book First Time Dad
    Please click this link.
    To be really quite awesome & leave me a review on Amazon
    Please click this link
    For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog
    Please click this link
    Again to be double awesome & leave a review on...

    • 9 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
6 Ratings

6 Ratings

Simonwparsons ,

This podcast has my name all over it!

So glad to find this fun podcast for dads. I got a late start as a dad so most of my friends have kids in their teens. I feel a sense of community when I listen to this and not just doing this all on my own. Excited to have this on my weekly playlist!

J.R. Roper ,

Great Dad Podcast

As a father of 3 myself, I really appreciate this podcast and its message. Thank you for producing this and for all the great wisdom and reminders.

alextheviking ,

10/10 podcast

I love this show. I have been married for three going on 4 years and we are navigating toddlerhood. Love this intro, this podcast is easily consumable. Releases often and super relatable. 100% recommending this to all my friends.

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