Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered

Dean and Sara do a brutally honest run-through of the parenting milestones that actually matter (and the ones we all pretend we’ve nailed). From starting reception basics like toilet training, getting dressed, and tidying up without a full-scale protest, to starting secondary school with reading confidence, sport, emotional resilience, and actually being able to hold a conversation without hiding behind WhatsApp. Then it gets spicy with this week’s You Be The Judge: if your 10-year-old wants to invite every girl in the class to her birthday… except one mean kid - do you respect your child’s boundaries, or is it cruel to exclude a single child? Relatable, sarcastic, slightly chaotic - standard service.

You told us the parenting beliefs you refuse to budge on, your total non-negotiables, and we’re debating them properly. After surviving Christmas Jumper Day chaos, we get into your strongest takes: no major life decisions in the first year after having a baby, whether kids should hit back if they’re hit, the whole united front thing (and why it falls apart in real life), sleep training, counting down discipline, TVs in bedrooms, and the never-ending argument about food rules and “picky eaters.” Plus: You Be The Judge: in-laws who say they want to see the kids but never invite you over. Do you stop hosting, or keep the peace?

Dean and Sara are weekly for now (for their sins), and this episode they’re dragging modern parenting trends straight to the bin. From gender reveal parties and pre-teen skincare “glow ups”, to phones in primary school and screens before the school run, they’re asking: are we all just sleepwalking into raising addicted, anxious mini adults? They also get into the pressure of kids “choosing” their secondary schools, OTT advent calendars that are basically 25 days of presents, and the ever-present “Mama needs a wine” culture now that Sara’s taken a long, hard look at her own relationship with booze. Plus, Dean has a go at shouty sideline sports parents, there’s a Movember moustache mishap, and in this week’s “You Be The Judge” Sara puts Dean on the stand over one very serious domestic crime: doing a poo with the bathroom door wide open. If you like your parenting chat honest, sweary, a bit judgy (but self-aware) and genuinely useful, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Dean and Sara tackle two big parenting headaches: whether kids should be watching I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (and all the adult chat that comes with it), and the growing pressure around Christmas.   They chat about what age they let their girls watch the show, how much of the jungle drama and sex talk is suitable for little ears, and whether Dean could actually survive the trials himself. Then it’s onto Christmas: the unseen mental load, how much to spend on presents, whether siblings need equal-value gifts, if Santa should get all the credit, and whether we’re accidentally raising kids to expect too much.   They finish with a listener dilemma: a 21-year-old son’s girlfriend who eats, stays over, but never says hello or thank you. Is Mum being unreasonable, or is it just bad manners?   Perfect for anyone juggling screen time, Christmas pressure and grown-up kids with partners – with plenty of laughs (and a few savage truths) along the way.

This week, Dean and Sara wade back into the wonderful, chaotic, emotionally charged swamp that is the mental load - and they swear it’s a discussion, not an argument… despite already having an argument about the argument earlier that morning. With no guest to interrupt them, it’s full unfiltered Dean vs. Sara energy as they unpack: 🔥 What’s Inside This Episode Why mums often end up the default parent (and why Dean sometimes forgets the tumble dryer even exists) Emotional vs. financial responsibility - the invisible tug-of-war How “helping” isn’t helping if it’s your house too Childcare, societal expectations, and why breakfast clubs are both a blessing and a sad indictment of modern family life The constant project management mode of parenting The big question: Should society adapt work to fit parenting instead of forcing parenting to fit work? Why Sara dreams of a world where she can actually cut toenails on time Why Dean would absolutely leave washing up for 24 hours without blinking   Here's where you can find us on our other socials... Instagram: 👉 Dean 👉 Sara 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast YouTube: 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast TikTok: 👉 Dean 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   Sign Up for Our Parenting Unfiltered Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe Here

Half-term’s over and the house is loud again. Dean stayed home for football duty while Sara hid in a rain-lashed caravan with the Halloween-hating six-year-old - guess who actually parented? We swap notes on one-on-one time vs the chaos of two kids, then play Fact or Fiction with research-ish claims about family dinners, letting kids win, boredom, late nights, and whether dads doing housework really changes daughters’ ambitions. Also on the docket: the roast dinner that turned into a row (Celine Dion at full blast may have featured), a mini-war over swearing rules, and You Be The Judge: should Dean take our anxious 11-year-old to her first West Ham match? It’s relatable, honest, sarcastic, and just enough stats to sound clever without being boring.

Fresh off their family holiday, Dean and Sara unpack the highs, the lows, and the absolute chaos of travelling with kids. From lost laptops and water slide injuries to BBQ boat trips with zero health and safety, it’s a mix of laughs and lessons learned. The pair dig into how they handle stress, who really stays calm in a crisis, and why disappointment is totally valid - even on a dream holiday. Plus, it’s game time with “Dean or Sara,” and the listeners weigh in with “You Be the Judge.”

1995 vs 2025: Which era makes parenting easier? We trade 90s freedom for today’s phones and constant pings. A baby sepsis scare shows why an ear thermometer mattered. Plus the motherhood pay hit, the cost squeeze, and that weekly golf debate

Some parenting habits aren’t just annoying - they’re red flags waving in your face. Dean and Sara are back, unfiltered as ever, breaking down four big ones that make them want to scream into a pillow. Plus, the debut of their new feature You Be the Judge, starting with a sick-bowl showdown that splits opinions and stomachs. Get ready for laughs, debates, and the brutally honest parenting chat you came for.

This week, it's all kicking off—literally and figuratively. Dean shares his latest venture helping out with a girls’ football team, and the challenges that come with it. Dean and Sara also talk about teachers who might be overstepping boundaries, makeup in school, and teen house parties gone wrong—plus a few funny (and slightly embarrassing) stories from their own teenage years. Expect opinions, laughs, and a bit of nostalgic cringe.

In this episode, Dean and Sara dive into the chaotic joys of parenting — from crying on camera, to kids sneaking tablets to bed, to the hell that is American kids' TV. They also get serious (well... kinda) about the dangers of teens and sexting, and share some wild stats that will leave any parent shook. Expect laughs, raw honesty, and a good old British parenting meltdown. If you've ever been sabotaged by a bedtime routine or traumatised by Bluey, this one's for you.   🎒 USE CODE FUNDAD10 for 10% off AirBack bags – perfect for parents who pack like Dean

What do teachers really think about school rules, homework, the curriculum, and parents who take kids on holiday during term time? In this hilarious and brutally honest episode, we sit down with viral teacher and parenting hero Mr P (Lee Parkinson) to uncover the truth. From outdated subjects and social media chaos to competitive sports days and school trip madness, this is the teacher tell-all you didn’t know you needed. 🔥 Featuring: The worst parts of the curriculum School fines & parent guilt Why social media is messing with kids A savage “Toss or Keep” school game Mr P’s parenting tips that actually make sense

This week got deep. After a rare night out clubbing (yes, actual clubbing), Sara has a bit of an emotional breakthrough… and ends up in tears on the podcast 😅   We dive into what it really feels like to lose your identity after having kids, the pressure mums face, and that moment you realise you’ve been running on empty for years. But it’s not all tears and tissues — we’re talking clubbing disasters, chicken fillets, fake IDs, and kids hijacking every corner of your life (even the sofa, fridge, AND front seat!)  

In this episode, Dean and Sara have a casual breakdown (the parenting kind) over the fact that their eldest is almost in high school. Cue the spiraling. We dive into the big question: if we could gift our kids three life skills or traits, genie-style, what would they be? From emotional resilience to learning not to give a crap, we explore the serious skills wrapped in sarcasm that we wish someone had handed us on a silver platter before adulthood smacked us in the face. It’s honest, relatable, and full of the usual banter (and maybe some unfiltered regrets). Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, you’ll laugh, nod, and maybe cry a little — but in a cool, emotionally-resilient way   #ParentingUnfiltered #LifeSkillsForKids #EmotionalResilience #FunDadDean #ModernParenting #HonestParenting  

In this hilariously relatable episode of Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered, Dean and Sara dive into the maddening world of irritating questions and baffling modern obsessions. From the dreaded “Are we there yet?” on long drives to the daily frustration of deciding what’s for dinner, the duo vent about the small but mighty annoyances that every parent (and partner!) knows all too well. Expect a raw, funny, and slightly savage breakdown of pointless questions, surprise house visits, ketchup-on-lasagna offenders, and things they just don’t get—like horror films, reality TV, and why anyone needs a personalised number plate. Unfiltered, unapologetic, and full of laughs!   Here's where you can find us on our other socials... Instagram: 👉 Dean 👉 Sara 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast YouTube: 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast TikTok: 👉 Dean 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   Sign Up for Our Parenting Unfiltered Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe Here   Let’s keep it real—parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, and we’re here to talk about it ALL! Join the conversation and be part of our journey.     

In this honest and eye-opening episode, Dean and Sara get real about a topic many parents quietly stress over: our kids’ teeth. Sara admits their 6-year-old just saw the dentist for the first time (oops), and Dean opens up about how his childhood nickname “Beaver” still stings thanks to some serious dental insecurities. To break the cycle and get some actual answers, they’ve invited expert dentist Dr. Kunal Patel—who not only runs a chain of clinics called Love Teeth but also opened one with a surprising twist that caught Sara's eye. They ask him all the real parenting questions, like: Are dummies/thumb-sucking really that bad? When should we actually start brushing baby teeth? What’s the deal with fluoride, sealants, and clear aligners? And… is it really that awful if they eat a lollipop before bed just once in a while? From TikTok dental myths to teenage whitening strip obsessions, this episode is full of practical advice, funny confessions (hello, Bacardi bottle party trick), and the one thing every parent should know to help their kids have great teeth for life.   Here's where you can find us on our other socials... Instagram: 👉 Dean 👉 Sara 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast YouTube: 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast TikTok: 👉 Dean 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   Sign Up for Our Parenting Unfiltered Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe Here   Let’s keep it real—parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, and we’re here to talk about it ALL! Join the conversation and be part of our journey.     

This week on Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered, Dean's nursing a busted toe and Sara’s not holding back on the mockery (spoiler: she still thinks childbirth wins). We dive into how parents should react when injured in front of kids—are you modelling calm or chaos? Then we shift gears and tackle a big one: your child’s digital footprint. From oversharing online to AI dangers, school uniforms in photos, and the blurry line between memories and privacy—this episode is real, raw, and full of laughs (and a few uncomfortable truths)   Here's where you can find us on our other socials...   Instagram: 👉 Dean 👉 Sara 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   YouTube: 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   TikTok: 👉 Dean 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   Sign Up for Our Parenting Unfiltered Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe Here  

In this episode, we dive into an unexpected and eye-opening situation where our 10-year-old daughter became the target of bullying on WhatsApp—despite not even owning a phone. What started as a troubling experience turned into a powerful moment of growth and learning for our daughter.  In the second half, we lighten the mood with a fun (and slightly petty) rant about the lazy habits people have that drive us crazy—including some of our own! Expect laughs, real talk, and maybe a little friendly roasting.   Here's where you can find us on our other socials... Instagram: 👉 Dean 👉 Sara 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast YouTube: 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast TikTok: 👉 Dean 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   Sign Up for Our Parenting Unfiltered Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe Here

In this episode, we dive into the new drama Adolescence—and let’s just say, the school portrayal was... something else. We unpack how it was depicted and what it stirred up for us, especially with our eldest heading into those years soon.   We also get personal, sharing some of the things we do as parents that don’t always make it into conversation. It’s honest, a little messy, and definitely real.   Here's where you can find us on our other socials... Instagram: 👉 Dean 👉 Sara 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast YouTube: 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast TikTok: 👉 Dean 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   Sign Up for Our Parenting Unfiltered Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe Here

Sara's sister has just had a baby, which got us reminiscing about our own experiences as new parents. Looking back, there are definitely things we would do differently—hindsight is a wonderful thing! We’re not parenting experts, but if we could give our past selves some advice, we certainly would. And just to be clear—there are no more babies in our future… we’re done!   Here's where you can find us on our other socials... Instagram: 👉 Dean 👉 Sara 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast YouTube: 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast TikTok: 👉 Dean 👉 Fun Dad Dean & Wife: Unfiltered Podcast   Sign Up for Our Parenting Unfiltered Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe Here   Let’s keep it real—parenting isn’t always picture-perfect, and we’re here to talk about it ALL! Join the conversation and be part of our journey.