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.

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