Better off Dad

The idea of a long-awaited reunion of Shannon, Nathan & James seemed like a great idea.  Get back to the roots of the Better Off Dad format and reload.  Unfortunately, we forgot one thing and that is why we changed things up.  We forgot James doesn’t talk and has bad internet and drops out during recording yet again. You couldn’t make this stuff up.In the time we did have together there were some hot topics discussed.  How to keep your wife happy according to James, how did Shannon become a snitch and is it ok to for your kids to dob on each other?  We find out that Shannon should not try and do accents, James swears a lot and what bandwagon Nathan is jumping on. It’s real high quality parenting advice in this one.

NW coast proud dad of 5 Peter Brown has quite a story.  We discuss his experiences in the armed forces, his current role as the Principal of Boat Harbour Primary School and his values regarding leadership. He tells us the positives of having his lower leg amputated, the honour of being the flag bearer in the recent Invictus Games and the return of his beloved Smithton Saints.

This week we catch up with the man behind Buttons Brewing, Josh Roberts.  How many people can honestly say they are doing their dream job?  Josh had dreams of making a career out of what was a hobby and through sheer hard work and an optimistic outlook on life, he is making it happen.  With the support of his wife and beautiful young family, Josh talks about balancing life and what he is learning along the way.We talk about what he loves most about being a dad, as well as his challenges and how becoming a dad inspired the Button Brewing story.  We also find out if his mates bring their own beer when they drop in to visit.

Our special guest Dad this week is former AFL Premiership star Campbell Brown.  A successful career at the Hawthorn Football Club and Gold Coast Suns and a much loved figure in the media, Browny's greatest achievement is his young family.He talks about the values that are most important to him as a dad of 2 young boys and what he learnt from his parents, including growing up with the legend that is Mal Brown.  We talk about his career at the Hawks and Suns, what he loves about being a dad and how well he sleeps at night.  There is even a random breath test halfway through it, proving there is never a dull moment with Browny about.  He is a great bloke, very generous with his time and we had a lot of fun recording this one.

We recently caught up with AFL legend and father of two, Paul Roos. As a player, Roosy played 356 games with the Fitzroy Lions and Sydney Swans and for a while during this time, was regarded by many as the best player in the game.  7 x All Australians with 2 as Captain, 5 x club B&F's, Team of the century and club captain for 6 years at Fitzroy.   He went on to be regarded as one of the great coaches of the modern era, leading Sydney to a flag in 2005.  He took over the Melbourne Football Club in 2013 to start the resurgence of the club that led to a premiership in 2021.  We not only discuss his amazing career but also his relationship with his two boys and wife Tami, what fatherhood means to him, leadership and the important stuff like the amazing mullet he had during his playing days.

Will Smith is a youth leadership expert, coach and speaker.  He is the founder and director of JCP youth, which is at the fore-front of personal development for at risk and vulnerable young people.  Will has won numerous awards for his work, including a Human Rights Award and being recognised in the Australian of the Year Awards.Will is on a mission to make a real difference in young peoples lives.  His passion is clear and he gives an expert insight into what values we can teach our kids to make a difference.Inspiring Leadership, building resilience and empowerment to make our kids be the best version of themselves.

The Dads caught up with Mark Orval,  aka Angry Dad.  We discuss his football career which was cruelly cut down by injury and the mental health challenges that Mark faced after its.  We talk about the overnight sensation that is loved by millions,  "Angry Dad" and how that all came about.  We talk about the positives but also the negatives that come with fame via social media and how it has affected his family. One thing is clear, Mark is a family man who has an amazing connection with his wife Sharon and their three kids.  At times he gets well, angry, but what you see he is what you get and he makes no excuses.  We loved recording this.  Mark was extremely generous with his time, he has some important lived experiences that we all need to hear.  There is more to Angry Dad than meets the eye.There is some colourful language in this one.  However if you love Angry dad like we do, you will not be surprised.

Josh Pyke is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter who has had a successful career resulting in platinum album sales and numerous ARIA awards.  His six studio albums have all debuted in the ARIA top 10 and he is widely regarded as one the country’s finest artists.He is an acclaimed children's author of titles such as “Lights out Leonard” and “A banana is a banana”.  He is a producer and most importantly he is a dad and a fine one at that.  We talk to Josh about his life as a dad, his amazing career and what the future holds.

The Dads are back, kicking off with an intro for season 2.  Some big changes have taken place over the season break, yet don't be fooled that these changes will make this podcast any better than last year.The big questions are always answered on here, such as where has James gone? Does gin really make you cry? Should kids be on leads?  Just to name a few.After spending $1000's on new recording gear, Shannon turns up with a broken microphone just to ensure the amateur hour continues. *Warning this podcast may offend listeners who enjoy quality entertainment.

The Dads are reunited for an end of year recap from sunny Hawley beach to Yorkshire England, all the way to deep creek road in Wynyard.  The Dads planned a Xmas special, talking about all the highlights of 2021 and the first year of the podcast.  What happened was 40 mins of taking the piss out of each other and some weird story about Shannon as the tooth fairy.  Maybe the dads need a break?

Whilst Shannon has fled the country due to tax fraud (*allegedly) and James remains on a podcast vow of silence, Nathan is left to hold the fort.Luckily he is joined by Tasmanian Young Australian Of The Year, Speak up Stay ChatTY founder and proud dad Mitch McPherson. They discuss a range of topics from mental health, parenting, work/life balance and Mitch produces arguably the best dad hack of the year. Mitch has a story that we need to hear and most importantly, we need to learn from. He is a ripping bloke who shares with us his dad life experiences so far,  in an honest and compelling episode.

A kid from Georgetown Tasmania, captaining his country in junior cricket and trialling with Manchester United at 15,  Brad Green went on to be an elite AFL footballer at the Melbourne Football Club.254 Games, captaincy, a best & fairest and leading goalkicker, Brad discusses his career covering the highs and the lows. Yet this is more than just another footy story.He is a proud dad of two boys, who went through the unimaginable tragedy of losing his wife suddenly in 2019.Hearing Brad's story makes you feel sad, uplifted, inspired and ultimately happy. It is certainly one that needs to be heard.

The Dads return after a long hiatus.  James is back, yet not much has really changed there apart from better internet.  Shannon is selling up and saying goodbyes.  Halloween has been and gone with a few dodgy characters.  The dads discuss challenges with kids having to move away. We answer some hard hitting questions and there is the usual non helpful dad hacks.

The boys catch up with proud new Dad, teacher and fitness enthusiast Alex Baldock to discuss life and how it has changed in the past month.  Alex describes his experiences becoming a dad including the joys, challenges and everything else that comes with it.  James makes a cameo appearance when his dial up modem kicks in and Shannon gets a bit awkward in parts.A must listen for any expecting or new dad.  It is also an episode which will likely trigger some fond memories for the more seasoned parents.

Richmond Football club CEO Brendon Gale joins the dads for a conversation about dad life in lockdown, life lessons from a football club environment, positive mental health, self care and Nick Cave.

The dads are in the same room recording for the first time. James has had cat issues .  Liam the work experience kid has landed a new job so he can earn above award wages. What the boys got up to grand final day and what Shannon shamefully did to Jen.  Oh and Luca has a new Mrs.

2/3 of the Dads are in the shed and they sound like it. How to get your kids out of furniture when they get stuck and other useless information.  Hear how life has changed now the twins are 15 month old.  How is Shannon's dad bod progressing and why is he not allowed to watch the grand final?  What the Dads did on Fathers day, as well as the usual lame dad hacks and even worse dad jokes.  If you are looking for the Tim Paine interview, this one probably isn't for you.

The Dads welcome James back from a soft injury.  Find out why he has a lot of money yet no private health insurance.  Shannon exploits young workers and the lads discuss the health risks associated with living at doctors rocks.  Some new sponsors are shamelessly promoted and there is a dad joke that is again, pretty average. If this does not make you want to download, what will.

Former Newcastle Knights captain, NSW State of origin captain and NRL legend Kurt Gidley joins the boys to discuss dad life and the joys and challenges that come with it.  We discuss Kurt's journey and what he has learnt along the way.  The usual bad jokes are here, but we openly talk about mental and physical health and how we can incorporate that into every day dad life.

What is Shannon's big news that has the other boys excited?  The dad's discuss their own dads.  Why is Shannon's father in law so happy with himself?  James has new ink.  Nathan has a crappy intro.  Mr Tickles is in big trouble.