UniDad

Hey legends. This episode is a legal Q&A with my friend Rohan McAdam who is a family lawyer in Queensland, Australia (https://www.mcadamfamilylaw.com.au/). Rohan and I discuss some topical questions I've been coming across in my discussions on family law, and we broadly explain and outline the issues I raise. Whilst not legal advice it'll hopefully help explain a few common terms or issues others might come across too in any family legal proceedings. Thanks to Rohan for his time and peace out until 2019.

Hey again, today I caught up with the legendary Ben Fragar to discuss latest developments with his son who was in the sole custody of his ex partner. Following some concerns raised about Ben's son raised at school, there was governmental intervention and Ben's son ended up in foster care. We discuss how this worked and why Ben wasn't considered as an alternative to take care of his son...it's all a bit baffling but hopefully it provides some valuable insight. Happy listening. 

Hey all. It's been a while. I'm sorry! I've let other distractions get in the way and it hasn't felt good. Today I sat down with my amazing friend Kirsten and we recorded what I think is an exceptional podcast where Kirsten shares her experience growing up and her parent's separation. Kirsten is one of the most amazing people I know and this year hiked all the way from Mexica to Canada - yes the whole fecking U.S.A. She's warm, honest, brave and full of love and I think all of that comes out in this episode and I hope you learn as much from it as I did. Thanks for listening!

Hey friends! I was lucky enough to meet Jason Spaull at a Dads In Distress (DIDS) meeting on the Gold Coast, Australia, a few months ago. Jason attended to share the story about his brother’s suicide which is a sad subject but somehow, I think, the message from Jason is a positive one. Jason gives off an aura of acceptance about the experience that is inspirational and hopefully that also comes across in this podcast. If you or anyone you know is feeling hopeless, please speak to someone! One charity I recommend for separated parents in Australia who are struggling is Parents Beyond Breakup - https://parentsbeyondbreakup.com/ - but I am sure you can find a lot on Google and you'll find the right one for you!

Heather and Gerrard are AMAZING! I feel lucky to know Heather and Gerrard and call them my friends. I feel especially lucky Heather and Gerrard were willing to give up their valuable time to sit down and talk about parenting. Gerrard has been blind since birth, so faces more challenges than most. But, as we discuss, this certainly doesn't hold him back. This podcast is my favourite yet (sorry everyone else - you're also f#$king awesome). Whenever Gerrard and Heather aren't busy podcasting they are busy making chocolate at the amazing Chocolate Moments in Brisbane - http://chocolatemoments.com.au/ or https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateMomentsChocolateMagic/

Rohan is a family lawyer on the Gold Coast I met recently and I really like his values and the direction he is moving in. I really think Rohan just wants to help people which, if you believe what you hear, is rare in a lawyer. Rohan and I hope to set up a regular Q&A podcast to answer questions we gather from the public on family law, but for now you'll have to make do with the wisdom he shares on this episode. Rohan can also be contacted on his website at - https://www.mcadamfamilylaw.com.au/

This time I get my chat on with Mark Turner. Mark is an every day hero that gives himself 1% of the credit he deserves. Mark is a very giving, caring and gentle man and I'm grateful to have him as a friend, and to discuss what he's been through with his ex-wife and where he is currently. Check Mark out at www.live-the-best-life.com We also discuss our friend Gerrard Gosens who Mark coaches in triathlon and I help to guide. Gerrard was born blind but kicks more goals every day that I do in a year. Gerrard and his amazing wife Heather make the best chocoloates and they can be found at chocolatemoments.com.au. If you're in the Brisbane area go chase them down. Wish us luck for the World Champs on the Gold Coast in just under 3 weeks!

Izzy is da best! I met Izzy working at a local restaurant in Burleigh Heads, Justin Lane, and the only thing I don't like about her is that she'll never let me help her without resistance. Izzy talks with me about her childhood and growing up, which may explain her independent streak.  My cat Taco also crashes the party. I hope you enjoy listening.  Izzy writes an awesome blog which can be found here - https://heresthethingfuckeveryone.wordpress.com/ Izzy is also raising money for a mental health charity in Australia. Please support her here - https://beyondblue-individual.everydayhero.com/au/izzy-s-shave-for-mental-health-awareness

Stephen Holden is a scholar and delightful person to be around. I met Stephen at a local men's support group in the Gold Coast, Australia, and Stephen quickly stood out for his strong, well-thought out and reasonable opinions. Stephen has been through a lot and we talk through his story, with his tit-bits of wisdom thrown in and me trying to keep up whilst Stephen's brain moves too fast. Stephen has a book that I'm really enjoying reading - http://www.theotherglassceiling.com/  I've only read half but so far I think its both funny and informative, and really well balanced (maybe anti-male, but reasonably so). If you are a parent in Australia that has experienced a break up, please check out at https://parentsbeyondbreakup.com/ as a potential source of support. Consider attending a meeting, I don't think you'll regret it.  

Ben Fragar is one of my favourite human beings. Ben leads a men's support group in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, called Dads In Distress (DIDS). Men meet up each week to share whatever it is they are going through - usually a messy separation involving alienation from their kids. Ben generously and bravely shares some of his wisdom about what he has been through and what he has learnt. You can find out more about DIDS here or you can call them on 1300 853 437 (in Australia).