The Fathering Project Podcast

The Fathering Project
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Biweekly

The Fathering Project podcast is hosted by CEO Káti Gapaillard who is joined by experts in their field and Australia's favourite personalities, influencers and authors to tackle parenting challenges, discuss the journey of fatherhood and everything in between. 

  1. 1d ago

    Australian Father of the Year 2026 Matty J on The real, messy and meaningful side of fatherhood

    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.

    Australian Father of the Year 2026 Matty J on The real, messy and meaningful side of fatherhood

  2. Aug 27

    So, You’re a Dad… Now What? With Zachary Perez

    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.

    So, You’re a Dad… Now What? With Zachary Perez

  3. Mar 16

    Strong, Connected, and Present: The Father’s Role in Raising Boys

    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.

  4. Mar 2

    Dads, Daughters & Puberty: Breaking the Taboo with Michelle Mitchell

    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.

  5. 12/02/2025

    Softening With Age: Geoff Hutchison on Healthy Masculinity and Fatherhood

    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.

  6. 10/14/2025

    Nurturing your child's emotional intelligence

    In this episode, Lael Stone joins us to discuss how parents can nurture emotional intelligence in their kids – even if they’re still learning those skills themselves.  Lael has worked with families for over 20 years as a birth educator, post-natal trauma counsellor, and parenting educator.  She's worked with thousands of families – from newborns through to the teen years – and spent over five years in secondary schools working with teens around sexuality, wellbeing and relationships. Lael is also the creator of Woodline Primary School, a groundbreaking school centred on emotional wellbeing.  Her bestselling first book Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children has helped transform how parents connect with their kids, and her upcoming second book Own Your Story will be released in July 2025.

  7. 08/26/2025

    From Wiggle to Dad: John Pearce Opens Up on Fatherhood

    John Pearce, known to many as one of the Purple Wiggles, has spent years entertaining and educating children through song and movement. But today, we're diving into his most personal role yet - fatherhood!  In this episode we talk about what it’s been like adjusting to life with an infant, balancing a demanding touring schedule, and the moments that have surprised, challenged, and changed him along the way. If you've just become a dad, on the journey to becoming one, or thinking about fatherhood – have a listen!  The Wiggles are going on their National Tour starting in November 2025!  If you have a little Wiggles fan, don't miss out on securing your tickets – new shows have been added in most states: https://thewiggles.com/live

    From Wiggle to Dad: John Pearce Opens Up on Fatherhood

  8. 07/29/2025

    Tackling Fatherhood: Ben Alexander’s Journey Beyond the Game

    In this episode we sit down with former Brumbies and Wallabies star Ben Alexander. We'll be diving into Ben’s journey, from life on the rugby field to life after footy – and how becoming a father to three daughters has reshaped his perspective on success, balance, and what it really means to be a role model. We’ll also hear about the powerful work he’s doing now through his 'Running for Resilience' initiative, helping to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.  Learn more about Running for Resilience at: https://www.runningforresilience.com/

See All (74)

About

The Fathering Project podcast is hosted by CEO Káti Gapaillard who is joined by experts in their field and Australia's favourite personalities, influencers and authors to tackle parenting challenges, discuss the journey of fatherhood and everything in between. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Fathering Project
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Fathering Project Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Fathering Project Podcast

You Might Also Like