Podcast: Child Safety Online & Offline with Kristi McVee
How can parents help their children stay safe – both online and offline? In Episode 3 of Season 3 of The Fathering Project Podcast, Dr James Brown speaks with child safety expert and online safety specialist Kristi McVee about the practical things parents can do to help protect their children, build trust and create an […]
Australian Father of the Year Matty J: The real, messy and meaningful side of fatherhood
Fresh from being named 2026 Australian Father of the Year, Matt “Matty J” Johnson joins Dr James Brown for a raw, funny and honest conversation about fatherhood on The Fathering Project Podcast. From the highs and challenges of raising three daughters to the everyday memories he hopes they’ll carry with them, Matt reflects on what […]
Becoming Dad: Zachary Perez on New Fatherhood
What does it really feel like to become a dad for the first time? In the first episode of Season 3 of The Fathering Project Podcast, Dr James Brown sits down with screenwriter, author and first-time dad Zachary Perez to talk about the reality of becoming a father – the uncertainty, identity shifts, unexpected emotions […]
The Power of Small Moments: Building Connection When Life Gets Busy
Between work, family responsibilities, school runs, sport, household jobs and everything else life brings, it can be easy for dads to wonder whether they are spending enough time with their children. The good news is that being a great dad is not about having endless hours available. It is often the small, everyday moments that […]
Struggling to Connect With Your Baby or Child? A Gentle Guide for Dads
Not every dad feels an instant bond. Some dads do. They hold their baby and feel something immediate and life-changing. Others feel protective, but not connected. Some feel awkward. Some feel like a helper standing outside the main relationship. Some feel more connected once their child can smile, talk, play or respond. If that is you, there is […]
When New Dads Feel Like They’re Failing: Why It Happens and What Helps
Becoming a dad is often described as one of life’s happiest moments. But for many fathers, it can also bring a quiet, constant feeling of failure and isolation. You may look around and feel like everyone else knows what they’re doing. Your partner may seem more naturally connected to the baby. Your routines have disappeared. Sleep is […]
Podcast: Purple Wiggle John Pearce Talks Fatherhood
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, […]
Podcast: Mitch Tambo on fatherhood, music and identity
In this episode, we sit down with Mitch Tambo — Australia’s most distinctive First Nations entertainer and the “new voice of a generation.” From topping iTunes charts to performing on global stages, Mitch shares what fatherhood means to him, the importance of staying connected to culture and country, and the lessons he’s passing on to […]
Podcast: The power of play and creating a rich learning environment
A jam-packed and informative podcast where we talk all things play, creating a rich learning environment for your child at home, and the importance of managing screen time. In this episode on The Fathering Project Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg , an internationally recognised author, early years consultant, and […]
Father involvement in early childhood development
Father involvement in early childhood development has a deep impact on a child’s healthy development in all domains: language, thinking, physical, and social–emotional. When fathers spend quality time with their children, playing or doing activities together, they can expect their children to grow more resilient and healthily. This evidence does not show fathers’ influence as […]
Podcast: The role of supportive caregiving in early childhood
In this podcast episode we are discussing early childhood and the role of supportive care during these key developmental years. A child who has an engaged, loving and supportive upbringing both in early childhood and in their education influences a variety of developmental milestones and is also a predictor of their success in transitioning to […]
Building creative thinking and language
Building creative thinking and language from an early age is key to child development outcomes. From a very early age, most children have great imaginative power and creative ability. This is often expressed in creative role play which helps children to explore the world around them. Children will role play scenes they have participated in […]