DBC - Dad Bro Club

Meet Adrian Liew.

We explore his journey moving from a regular primary school to a new “home school” experience. 20+ years ago, being home schooled felt “weird” to many, especially for an 11 year old boy who already made his own friends.

We dive into Adrian’s early challenges and reasons why his parents made this difficult decision.

But the end product was positive. Adrian is now an accomplished IT professional who is one of the kindest, social and happiest people I know.

He shares his tips to parents considering this alternative education and whether he will follow the same approach for his future kids.

This conversation explores how there are many parenting styles and what our definition of “family” is all about.

The education journey can be complex for many and everyone's situation is different. But Adrian's story is a reminder that sometimes, “home is where the heart is”.

Links to home school:

https://www.kidspot.com.au/parenting/primary-school/homeschooling-is-on-the-rise-in-australia-who-is-doing-it-and-why/news-story/d1349c1376de825d2a8c3ae6df36331a

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/resources-homeschooling/

Part 2 of 2.

James shares his career highlights, including a small part that got him the most public attention (Disney's Star Wars Andor). We go behind the scenes when scripts don’t quite go to plan and how he replayed his grief journey on stage. Staying resilient through multiple audition rejections and other daily sacrifices about this job. Finally, James reveals his next special project in the Philippines, retirement and tips for aspiring actors.

If you want to know more, then just google James Cooney or..... ask your own questions in the Q&A below (DBC will make sure he answers you back!)

Bio Links below:

James Cooney - IMDb

Bottleneck (whatsonstage.com)

Andor (TV Series 2022– ) - IMDb

Royal Shakespeare Company: Hamlet (2016) - IMDb

Link to Episode Part 1:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Juya98hVgfnjsBfc7wmyX?si=ZC0IAvx6Qwykjv5a1id67g

Part 1 of 2.

We talk to the "baby bro" James Cooney. The Actor and his many winding roads to get where he is now. Seeking to live a normal life, he shares his early memories, mixed race background and first movie influences that made him chase a potentially risky career.

When he landed his first breakthrough role in the unique play 'Bottleneck', it gave him the launchpad to more opportunities on the big stage.

New year and new season 2 for DBC!

Today we talk to Mike, an old friend and Dad of 2 kids, both diagnosed with Autism. We dive in to the science and myths around this condition that affects 1% of children worldwide. The daily challenges in caring for them, the silver linings in being a positive parent and what the future holds for this dedicated father.

Mike admits he has learnt infinite amounts from the eyes of his children and how they have changed his outlook on life for the better. Compassion, empathy and understanding are what we need to see how amazing these kids are. If we take time to really understand these special needs, then Mike reminds us that “the simplest things in life can be the most beautiful”.

The final episode of DBC Season 1 and we have the full Dad Bros squad in the house to countdown the New Year.

This time with a twist, where the other Dads take turns asking all the questions about me and unpacking my past, present and future. My memories of Philippines, UK and Australia. I finally explain what I do for a job, how I deal with stress and how I can't stop planning for future retirement.

It's great to look ahead to the future, but also important to look back on the past and enjoy the present. Wishing everyone a happy and meaningful New Year. I leave you with this movie quote:

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it".

We do a quick recap of recent guests and unpack the feeling of “Christmas Blues”. This time of year can be difficult for some for various reasons. Why do we feel like this and how can we manage these situations?

Andy and Damon share different views of the festive spirit and what Christmas really means to them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from DBC! Hope you find your own version of a perfect Christmas.

🙏🎄🎅

1. Christmas in the Philippines:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-19/why-many-filipinos-celebrate-christmas-from-september-1/100677072Christmas — One Down

2. Top 100 Christmas Movies:

100 Best Christmas Movies of All Time – Classic Christmas Films | Rotten Tomatoes

3. Lifeline Mental Health Guide during holiday season:

Lifeline releases new mental health guide for the holiday season - ABC NewsMental wellness during the holiday season (lifeline.org.au)

Introducing Darren Parry or just Daz - just one of his many nicknames.

Join us delve into his journey of raising children of diverse backgrounds (half English and half Filipino) navigating the complexities of cultural integration, and preserving their heritage.

Daz candidly shares his reflections on the unique experiences and challenges of parenting in a multicultural world, drawing from his own time spent in the Philippines with his wife Cindy. From cherished memories to encounters with natural disasters, every moment has contributed to shaping his role as a father and his aspirations for the future.

Now settled in England, will his children continue to embrace their Filipino roots and embark on their own adventures in the Philippines? Tune in to find out.

This is bonus content following on from DBC's "Episode 5 - Scientist".

From the archives, this is the original recording of my best man speech for Danny's wedding in August 2017 (while practicing in my mum’s attic).

Remembering how nervous I was to deliver this speech on the day, I think this sums up Danny's life and how he found happiness (despite losing his golden locks).

If anyone has any tips/stories in dealing with best man duties and nailing 'the speech' then please add to the Q&A.

Meet Danny aka The Scientist.

We dive into his diverse career journey alongside his experience of losing his golden hair locks. Did you know stats say that "1 in 2 men over 40 years old will have male pattern baldness"?

Danny opens up about how he dealt with this setback in his early 20s, inspired by a Shane Warne advert that motivated him to take action. Hear about his journey through hair treatments and how he ultimately rediscovered self acceptance.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on empowering our children and future generations to handle similar insecurities. This story highlights how physical appearance can play a massive role to mental health. Science can fix many things in this world but not how we can feel about ourselves.