The Fathering Project Podcast

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 identity
Expectations vs reality in those first few months
The pressure dads can feel to know what they’re doing
Friendship, loneliness and finding your tribe as a new dad
Asking for help — and why dads need support too
Taking what you learnt from your own upbringing while deciding what you want to do differently
Why being a good dad isn’t about having all the answers
Whether 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.