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. 

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

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/

In this episode, Káti Gapaillard sits down with singer, performer, and proud Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo – one of Australia’s most distinctive First Nations voices and a powerful force for cultural pride and self-expression. With ten consecutive Top 10 singles on the Australian iTunes Worldwide charts and a global following, Mitch has made an impact far beyond the stage.

But today, the spotlight is on fatherhood. Mitch opens up about raising four daughters in a blended family, what inspired his new children’s book I AM ME, and how he’s helping the next generation embrace their identity with confidence and pride.

This is a warm, honest conversation about parenting with purpose, staying true to yourself, and the beauty of encouraging children to do the same.

In this episode we explore how parents can create a rich learning environment at home, the surprising power of play, how to manage screen time, and the key to balancing it all without feeling overwhelmed.

Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg is an internationally recognised author, early years consultant, and speaker, known for his innovative, child-centered approach to learning. His books, including Best Practice in the Early Years, have become essential reading for parents and educators alike ­– and has transformed how parents and educators approach early learning! 

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn everyday moments into powerful learning experiences for your child, this episode is for you.

In this episode we are joined by Prof. Andrew Whitehouse from CliniKids at The Kids Research Institute who has been a guiding light for parents navigating the complexities of autism, and in this episode we dive into one of the most important aspects of that journey – communication. 

Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you’re looking for new ways to connect, this conversation will provide understanding, support, and practical strategies. 

About Andrew: 

He is the Deputy Research Director at The Kids Research Institute Australia, where he also leads CliniKids – a national network, embedding clinical trials into everyday care for children with neurodevelopmental differences. 

He has published over 300 scientific papers, attracted more than $80 million in research funding, and presents the international video series 60 Second Science. He is a Eureka Prize winner, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, was named Western Australian of the Year in 2023 and, in 2024 was inducted as a Fellow to the International Society for Autism Research!