The Dad Mindset Show

This week I’m joined by the founder of More Than Happy—Matty Lawrence. What I love about Matty is that he’s never satisfied with surface-level answers—especially when it comes to happiness, purpose, and what it actually means to live well.In this conversation we talk about transitions, the kind you choose, and the kind that choose you. We explore why happiness is fleeting, why life is more than happy, and how nature, walking, and journaling can become powerful tools for clarity and healing. Matty also shares his experience walking the Kumano Kodo in Japan—a pilgrimage trail thousands of years old—and how that journey helped shape the work he’s offering now: guiding others through their own ‘journeys in true nature.’We also get into rites of passage, why modern life often misses them and how kids and parents alike can benefit from healthy initiation, mentorship, and community as they move through change.If you’d like to connect with Matty or find out more about potentially joining the next pilgrimage in Japan, visit morethanhappy.lifeI hope you enjoy this conversation with Matty.Big hugRich Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

If your child suddenly got all their screen time back…What would they actually do with it?That’s the question at the heart of this week’s podcast episode.I sat down with Kai Tang, founder of the Light Phone, and John Stewart, founder of Living School, to talk about:* Why the real problem isn’t phones… it’s the business model behind them* How Kai went from building smartphones for Motorola, Nokia and BlackBerry to walking away from the attention economy and creating Light Phone — a “tool, not a toy” that’s designed to be used as little as possible* What John is seeing in the classroom: how phones are reshaping kids’ social lives, learning and independence* And why Living School is about to trial Light Phones as intentional learning tools on buses and expeditions, instead of portable slot machines in kids’ pockets.We also dig into:* Australia’s upcoming under-16 social media ban* The uncomfortable but accurate analogy between smartphones and cigarettes* Why our kids don’t just need new rules — they need a change in environment and for us to model a different relationship with tech.Underneath it all is this one big idea:If we stop letting tech hijack our attention,what kind of parents — and what kind of humans —do we get to become instead?If you’ve ever looked at your phone after scrolling Instagram for an hour and thought “Why did I just waste all that time?”, I think you’ll really get a lot from this episode.And if it sparks something for you, I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories—just hit reply.Big HugRichClick here to find out more about Light’s new Light Phone III being trialled at Living School.Click here to find out more about Living School. Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Hi there,What if the way you react today has more to do with your past than you think? In this episode, Lael Stone and I dive into how our childhood experiences—and even the stories passed down through generations—shape the way we show up in the world now.We talk about why self-awareness matters, how healing old wounds can transform your relationships, and what it really means to come home to yourself. If you've ever felt stuck in old patterns or wondered why certain triggers hit so hard, this one's for you. Let’s explore how understanding your past can help you live a more connected, compassionate, and fulfilling life.If you’d like to find out more about Lael and read her new book, Own Your Story visit her website here.Also, if you like consuming your podcasts via YouTube, this episode is the first to be published on the Dad Mindset YouTube channel. Check it out, if you like it, please subscribe and give it a thumbs-up. I’d also love to hear what you think in the comments.Big hugRich Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

What would make a family pack up their lives and move 1,800km for a school?That’s exactly what we did after stumbling across Living School while road-tripping around Australia.So this week I’m chatting with someone at the heart of what makes that place so special—Emma Wilson, my daughter’s teacher and the award-winning Head of Middle School.Emma’s not just a phenomenal educator—she’s a national teaching award winner, a Children’s Champion, and has even caught the attention of UN delegates. But what sets her apart isn’t just the accolades—it’s the way she sees kids. And learning. And life.Living School isn’t big on self-promotion, so I wanted to lift the lid and share a little of what’s happening behind the scenes—and why bringing the kids to Living School has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our family.This one’s full of insight, heart, and hope. Enjoy the chat with the quietly brilliant Emma Wilson.Big hugRich Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Why become a better storyteller?……Because it’s how we’re wired to learn and connect.In this Dad Mindset Moment, Matthew Dicks introduces a deceptively simple practice to improve your storytelling ability: Homework for Life. The idea? Spend just a few minutes each day capturing a meaningful moment — a “first,” a “last,” or even an everyday experience that made you see the world a bit differently.This habit not only makes you a stronger storyteller, it makes you more present, more reflective, and better able to connect with your children through the power of shared narratives.Matthew shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for building this practice into your life. The result? A deeper understanding of your own journey—and a richer bond with your kids.Storytelling isn’t just entertainment. It’s a parenting superpower.Big HugRichIf you enjoyed this moment, check out the full interview with Matthew here and a more recent one discussing storytelling for business here.Find out more about Matthew and his book, Storyworthy, it’s a corker!If you’d prefer those episode links on Spotify:The Power of Good StorytellingLife Treats You Better When You Change Your Perspective Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Sam Jockel is a social entrepreneur, author, and passionate advocate for emotional resilience, drawing on her experiences founding parent-focused communities like ParentTV and School Mum.In this deeply moving conversation, Sam and I dive into something every parent feels but few of us talk about openly — the emotional weight we carry into parenthood.We explore how our own childhood experiences, especially the hard and often hidden parts, shape the way we show up for our kids today. Sam opens up about her personal journey through trauma, healing, and self-discovery, and how that process has completely transformed the way she parents.This isn’t a chat about quick parenting hacks. It’s about long-game thinking. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. And it’s about building the kind of emotional resilience that helps our children thrive — not by being perfect, but by being present.If you enjoy this episode, you have to watch SEEN, the film that Sam has recently launched. It’s beautifully filmed and a poignant reminder that healing ourselves is possibly one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.Big HugRichHere are some useful links from the episode:SEEN The FilmSchool MumParentTV Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a skill.In this episode, I chat with Ahna De Vena, a self-proclaimed sleep superstar that will help you reclaim your rest. After years of her own struggles, Ahna now teaches how to design better sleep—for kids and adults alike.We cover:* Morning rituals & calming night routines* Reframing bedtime fears* Creating sleep-friendly environments* Why sleep education is essential for familiesWhether your child treats bedtime like a battleground or you just can’t switch off, this conversation’s packed with practical tips to help you and your family rest well.Enjoy the chat. And your next nap.Big hugRichVist Ahna’s websiteConnect with Ahna on Linkedin Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

In all his thinking about the future, Kevin Kelly has never lost sight of what matters most: being present.In this Moment, Kevin reflects on parenthood—not from a place of perfection, but from perspective. He shares some of the things he wishes he’d done more of as a father—those small, everyday choices that shape a lifetime.It’s gentle. It’s honest. And it’s a beautiful reminder that even the great futurists come back to the simple, timeless truths of being human.Find out more about Kevin at kk.orgBig hugRich Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

In this week’s episode of The Dad Mindset, renowned swim coach Brenton Ford joins us to explore why swimming is one of the most important life skills for your kids—far beyond competitive sports. Whether you're a parent looking to help your child build water confidence or aiming to improve your own swim technique, this conversation is packed with insights.Brenton shares practical strategies to introduce your kids to swimming without pressure, explains how video feedback and visualisation can fast-track improvement, and highlights the subtle art of developing efficient swim technique over power. If you want to raise strong, confident swimmers—or simply understand the value of swimming as a tool for resilience, focus, and joy—you won't want to miss this one.Big HugRichYou can find more about Brenton below:Effortless SwimmingBrenton’s YouTube Channel Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

This week, high-performance coach, podcaster, and co-founder of Cashflow Co., Terry Condon, returns with powerful insights and mental models to help you build financial confidence while strengthening your most important relationship. He challenges traditional views of wealth, emphasising that true success isn’t just about money—it’s about aligning your finances with your values to create a more fulfilling life.In this episode, you’ll learn how to define personal values, create a shared financial vision with your partner, and navigate money conversations without conflict. Whether you're looking to gain clarity on your financial goals or simply want a healthier relationship with money, this conversation is packed with game-changing advice you won’t want to miss.Big hug,RichHere are the links mentioned by Terry in the episode:Cashflow Co.How to get your partner on board with your financesMoney Minded podcastDetermine your financial skill score. Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Ever wondered what it would be like to take your family on an extended adventure? In this week’s episode, you'll hear firsthand insights on the highs, challenges, and unexpected lessons of traveling as a family. You'll discover what it takes to balance work on the road, how to navigate the emotional transition back to everyday life, and the rewards (and realities) of homeschooling while traveling.We also dive into the power of stepping away from routine, the impact of travel on wellbeing, and the deep lessons gained from engaging with Indigenous culture. If you've ever dreamed of making travel a bigger part of your life—or just want to hear how a nomadic lifestyle can reshape your perspective—this conversation should leave you inspired to take action, slow down, and connect more deeply with the world around you.I hope you enjoy, this conversation with Max Van Biene…Big HugRichHere is the link to Max’s travel blog article detailing the trip.Here are some epic photos and videos of their trip on Instagram.Connect with Max on LinkedIn. Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Hi there, how are you doing? I hope you’re well and feeling ready to tackle 2025 with fresh energy and enthusiasm—whatever that looks like for you.Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken some time to revisit the episodes from 2024, and it’s been a real treat.Re-listening to the episodes from 2024 has been a bit like finding a $50 bill in the pocket of a jacket you haven’t worn for months—a delightful surprise that sparks a renewed sense of possibility :-)My hope is that these curated moments will potentially do the same for you, offering you ideas, inspiration, and even maybe a nudge to show up as a better version of yourself this year.Here’s to making 2025 an epic one!Big hugRichLinks to the full conversations included in this episode:Matthew Dicks on storytellingGordo Byrne on true wealthClaire Emerson on personal kanbanDerek Sivers on authenticityJonny Miller on nervous system masteryTristan de Montebello on public speakingCole Imperi on deathloss and shadowlossDr Arne Rubinstein on rites of passageLael Stone on setting family values Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Hello, how are you doing? I hope you’re well.What a year it has been. We’ve had so many great guests on the podcast that I wanted to compile some of the highlights as a reminder if you’ve already listened to them, and as a taster to help you work through the back catalogue if you’re new to the show.if you want to dive into a particular episode, I’ve put links below so that you can navigate straight to them.I’ve got to say I really enjoyed re-listening to these episodes and it’s been a good prod for me to incorporate more of the insights into my own parenting.Anyway, I hope you enjoy listening to snapshots of guests from the first half of 2024, and I’ll publish another episode covering the second half of 2024 next week.Big hugRichLinks to guest episodes included:Rob PoytonJohn StewartAndy NcNeillyNed JohnsonDr Hannah BereznickiScott H Young Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Lucy Peach is back on the show. Lucy is an award-winning musician and menstrual cycle educator who has been empowering people to embrace their natural rhythms through her show, My Greatest Period Ever and book, Period Queen.But here’s the twist: this interview isn’t just me chatting with Lucy.My eldest daughter, Annika, is stepping into the interviewer’s seat as part of her school’s 'Changemaker' project to ask Lucy questions about how to navigate and embrace her menstrual cycle.This conversation is especially important because understanding the menstrual cycle isn’t just about biology—it’s about building empathy, fostering healthier relationships, and creating supportive environments for the people we care about. For us dads, this awareness can be transformative. It can help us better connect with our partners, support our daughters as they grow, and even model open, informed discussions about topics that have been taboo for far way too long.So I hope you enjoy as Annika takes the lead in what promises to be an inspiring and potentially eye-opening conversation with Lucy Peach.Big HugRichCheck out Lucy’s website here.If you’d like to listen to the initial interview with Lucy, click here, it’s a corker! Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Dr. Arne Rubinstein is a former family and emergency doctor who shifted gears after witnessing the alarming rates of risky behaviour and mental health struggles among teenagers. Deeply moved to find solutions, Dr Arne discovered the transformative power of Rites of Passage—ceremonial traditions used by Indigenous and traditional communities for millennia to guide young people safely into adulthood.Now the CEO and Founder of The Rites of Passage Institute, Dr. Arne has dedicated his life to helping families and young people navigate this critical transition in a way that fosters healthy relationships, lifelong success, and personal empowerment. Some of the things, I think you’ll agree with me, that we all want for our children.I hope you enjoy this conversations with Dr Arne Rubenstein.Big hugRichIf you’d like to find out more about Arne’s programs visit the Rites of Passage institute here.If you’d like to find out more about Arne you can find his own website here, and his TED talk here.You can find The Artist’s Way book here. Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

When you love what you do and you also love being a parent, how do you strike an appropriate balance between the two?Vice-president of Global Marketing Operations at Google, Sarah Armstrong, made sure that she was the mom she wanted to be, and the mom that her daughter Grace needed, by being incredibly deliberate in how she balanced life and work. In this podcast episode we dive into Sarah’s book The Art of the Juggling Act: A Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents, that breaks her approach down.Some of my key takeaways are:* Birthday Questions to ask your child and record each year* Be deliberate with how you want to end each day* How to set time, physical and mental boundaries (with work, that is)I hope you enjoy this conversation with Sarah.Big HugRichP.S. a great question Sarah suggests to ask when you’re transitioning your career is: “What do you want to talk about everyday?”If you’d like to find out more about Sarah click here and to check out Sarah’s book click on the image below. Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Hi there, Lael is back today with even more insights to help with your parenting journey quest. Lael has some great suggestions on what we can do now that will have ramifications for not just our children but our children’s children. Lael Stone is a Speaker, Educator and Author who’s passion is supporting parents to understand their children, helping adults process their own childhood trauma and creating education systems that value emotional awareness.I’ve taken so much inspiration from the previous conversation I had with Lael, and this next instalment is just as helpful.What you are doing by reading this and listening to podcasts like this is so important. You totally got this!I hope you enjoy this chat with Lael Stone.If you’d like to check out Lael’s courses and book you can find her website here.Big HugRich Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

We are all going to experience grief and loss, and as parents, I think it’s especially important for us to be able to show up for, and help normalise conversations around these massive life experiences for our families. There is no better person I can think of than Cole Imperi to give us a framework and useful tools for being able to navigate the challenging times of grieving loss. Cole is an award-winning author, chaplain, deathworker, and founder of the School of American Thanatology. Thanatology being the study of death and dying.I took so much away from this week’s chat with Cole, and I really hope you do too.If you’re currently working through grief, here’s a big hug from me.RichIf you’d like to find out more about Cole’s work check out her website here.Here new book A Guide to Grief is also a great resource to have in your home.And this is the link to Cole’s free column Grief or Madness. Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Ever feel like the plastic problem is just too big to tackle? Well, Mike Smith is committed to doing the heavy lifting to re-invigorate us and show that a company can make a very dig difference.If we can inspire one person, it’s worth it - Mike SmithMike’s passion for creating a sustainable future (now super-charged as a dad) is matched only by his incredible enthusiasm and massive heart. He’s one of those people whose energy is truly infectious—and it’s the kind of energy we could all use more of in our lives.Mike is the visionary founder and CEO of Zero Co, an Australian company dedicated to tackling the global plastic crisis. Mike and his fast growing team are on a mission to eliminate single-use plastics from households and at the same time, clean up plastic waste from our oceans, rivers, and beaches worldwide. And you know what, they’re actually doing it. If you’re keen to transform your daily routine check out Zero Co’s website.Big hugRichCheck out ZeroCoConnect with Mike Smith on LinkedInConnect with ZeroCo on Instagram Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe

Hi there, Have you ever wondered if there’s something missing? Or maybe you are not quite present when you feel you should be? Well this week’s podcast guest, Mykel Dixon (award winning speaker, MC, musician and author) has some ideas that might help you shake things up.If you’d like to check out Mykel’s work you can find him here. Also, if you’d like to add a spark of joy to your day, I’d recommend following him on LinkedIn—he brightens the place up, so to speak ;-)Big hugRich Get full access to The Dad Mindset at www.thedadmindset.com/subscribe