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 hug

Rich

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 hug

Rich

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 Hug

Rich

If 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 Storytelling

Life Treats You Better When You Change Your Perspective

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 Hug

Rich

Here are some useful links from the episode:

SEEN The Film

School Mum

ParentTV

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 families

Whether 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 hug

Rich

Vist Ahna’s website

Connect with Ahna on Linkedin

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.org

Big hug

Rich

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 Hug

Rich

You can find more about Brenton below:

Effortless Swimming

Brenton’s YouTube Channel

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,Rich

Here are the links mentioned by Terry in the episode:

Cashflow Co.

How to get your partner on board with your finances

Money Minded podcast

Determine your financial skill score.