“It Was Forced on Me — and It Changed Me Forever”: Paul Bugg on Family, Sport & Inclusion
In this episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with Paul Bugg — long-time president of the Sharks Basketball Club, husband, dad, and proud “Pa Bugg” to his grandkids. Paul opens up about raising his son Andy, who has Down syndrome, and how advocating for him shaped both his family life and his leadership in the community. From coaching under-10s to creating opportunities for all abilities teams, Paul shares what it means to step up when you see gaps, why anger doesn’t solve problems, and how love and persistence can spark lasting change. Plus, hear Andy drop in at the end with his take on basketball, lunch, and who his favourite parent really is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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33:38
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33:38
Parenting Plot Twists: When Kids Rewrite the Rules & Managing Change
Justin and Heath dive deep into the ever-changing world of parenting - from the chaos of newborn days and surprise birthing stories to the challenges of raising teens in a digital age. They share honest reflections on how kids reshape family life, what it means to navigate constant change, and the small anchor points that help dads (and kids) find stability. With plenty of laughs, real-life stories, and raw honesty, this conversation reminds us that while change is inevitable, how we manage it makes all the difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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34:22
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34:22
Laying It Down, Leaving a Legacy: Father’s Day with Phil Gaudion & Don Gall
In this touching episode, hosts Justin & Heath share their own experience and key memories of previous Father's Days. Justin and Heath sit down with two inspiring dads. First, they chat with Phil Gaudion, who shares stories from his unique journey as a drummer and a football club chaplain. Phil opens up about what fatherhood truly means to him - laying down personal ambitions to make his family his top priority. Later, Justin has a heartfelt conversation with his own dad, Don Gall, who reflects on the ups and downs of fatherhood and the reality of not always getting it right. It’s an honest, moving, and hope-filled episode about legacy, sacrifice, and the imperfect but beautiful role of being a dad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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58:17
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58:17
"That Guilt and Shame Just Vanished": Matt 360's Journey Through Addiction & Redemption
In this powerful episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with Australian rapper Matt 360 to explore a raw and redemptive story of family, addiction, and faith. Matt opens up about his journey from a middle-class Lutheran school kid in Croydon, Melbourne, to becoming a platinum-selling artist caught in the grip of prescription drug addiction, and ultimately finding healing through Christ. The conversation delves deep into the complex relationship between Matt and his father - a man who sacrificed everything to provide for his family while trying to protect his sons from the very demons that had claimed his own parents to alcoholism. We hear about the guilt, shame, and people-pleasing that nearly destroyed Matt, his overdose on tour, and the moment everything changed when he encountered the gospel. Matt shares candidly about living with his parents and brother today, the regimented life that keeps him grounded, and how his understanding of God as Father has transformed his relationship with his earthly father. This episode explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, the power of authentic masculinity, and what it means to be "perfected" rather than perfect in faith. A story of second chances, family restoration, and the healing power of understanding our identity as beloved sons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1:00:40
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1:00:40
The Man Behind the Golden Buzzer: Mitch Tambo's Raw Truth About Healing and Fatherhood
Indigenous Australian artist Mitch Tambo went from social worker to AGT sensation in a whirlwind journey that would test everything he thought he knew about himself. But behind the golden buzzers and stadium crowds was a man learning to heal childhood anxiety, navigate blended family life, and break generational patterns. In this raw conversation, Mitch shares how holding his 18-month-old daughter helped him finally understand his absent father, why he had to learn to "father the younger version of himself," and how surfing with his late dad's boards became a turning point in his healing journey. From singing in his native language to create "true reconciliation" with audiences, to the daily juggle of being both a touring artist and present father of four, this is a story about courage, culture, and the ongoing work of becoming the man your children need you to be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Father Figures is a podcast designed for fathers, hosted by two experienced dads with diverse parenting backgrounds. Justin, a pastor and father of five, and Heath, a single parent and comic, discuss fatherhood through a Christian faith perspective. They aim to make fathering and faith real, relatable, and relational, offering listeners practical advice, wisdom, and encouragement.
Australia