The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent - podcast cover

The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent

Maggie Dentwww.listnr.com

Aiming to be a GOOD dad is important. But you know what? Being a good ENOUGH Dad is how you ace it. 

The Good Enough Dad is hosted by Maggie Dent – parenting author, educator, and champion of boys and men. Chatting to committed, funny and loving dads about their wins and fails – Maggie offers awesome tips and insights into all the ways dads can feel good enough at this parenting gig. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

Sean Abbott - Managing fatherhood when your career takes you overseas

Sean Abbott is part of Australia’s cricket team, which means he spends a LOT of his working life away from home. A standout fast bowler, Sean made his professional debut at just 18 and has gone on to become one of the top performers in Australian cricket. From dominating the domestic scene to helping Australia win the 2023 World Cup, he's faced up to some of the best batters in the game. And while he’s known for his bowling, he’s no slouch with the bat—once scoring a blistering century in just 4...

Jul 07, 202528 minSeason 2Ep. 11

Tim Curtis - What surviving a battle zone can teach you about fatherhood

It was three weeks before Tim Curtis met his first-born child, emerging from the jungle to discover his wife had gone into labour early. Tim is a former member of the Special Air Service Regiment or SAS, and was Australia’s first principal advisor to the government of Sierra Leone during their civil war when his son was born. Tim has also served in Afghanistan and Iraq. When he had three children under six, Tim was lead planner of the Afghan parliamentary elections. Balancing family life with su...

Jun 30, 202531 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Shaun McManus - The importance of learning from your mistakes

When many people think of the Fremantle Dockers, one name often comes to mind—Shaun McManus. A cornerstone of the inaugural team in 1995, Shaun went on to play 228 games for the club, co-captain for a time, and became only the second player to reach 200 games in Dockers history. These days, he’s just as well known for his role behind the microphone as part of Perth’s beloved Nova breakfast show, Nathan, Nat and Shaun . Over his career Shaun and his wife Meegan had four children: three sons, Lach...

Jun 23, 202534 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Glenn Hall & Ace Buchan - How surfing can build strong family bonds

Professional surfing legends Adrian “Ace” Buchan and Glenn “Micro” Hall join Maggie Dent to reflect on their journeys — not just through waves, but through fatherhood. Adrian, who spent 16 years on the World Surf League tour and twice defeated Kelly Slater, now serves as chair of Surfing Australia. Glenn, a former pro who has become one of the sport’s most respected coaches, shares his experience balancing career and family life. Together, they explore the parallels between surfing and parenting...

Jun 16, 202544 min

Billy Garvey - When being an expert doesn’t give you all the answers

Dr Billy Garvey is an expert in children, working as a specialist in one of the world’s largest tertiary pediatric hospitals, and receiving a Churchill Fellowship. He’s the co-host of the Pop Culture Parenting podcast and author of 10 Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child's Mental Health. But Billy is the first to admit that being a paediatrician doesn’t mean you’ve got parenting down pat. Listen to Pop Culture Parenting here: https://www.guidinggrowingminds.com/ Find Billy’s book 10 Things I ...

Jun 09, 202540 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Brendan Hodges - Managing fatherhood when you’re a FIFO worker

Raising kids can be hard enough, but how do you manage it when you spend half of your time in remote parts of Australia? Brendan Hodges is a Fly in Fly Out Worker, and has been since before his three kids were born. Brendan shares what it’s like to live this unique lifestyle, and how he’s managed to get the balance right for his family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 02, 202525 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Jamie Durie - Building a family home with solid foundations

Australians might know Jamie Durie best for his incredible backyard makeovers and landscaping artistry, but Jamie is also a fierce environmentalist, winning an OAM for his services to the environment and Australian design. He’s also a loving dad to Taylor 30, Beau almost 3 and Nash 2. Parenting has changed a lot between the births of his first and last child. Maggie shares some encouraging wisdom about how parents can create attachment regardless of parenting styles and trends. Find out more abo...

May 26, 202541 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Cameron Daddo - Keep it simple, put your family first

Cameron Daddo’s career has spanned everything from hosting Perfect Match, to acting and working with directors like David Lynch, to writing books, making music, advocating for mental health and presenting podcasts. He and wife Alison Brahe-Daddo have three adult kids. Cameron reflects on the lessons he’s learnt as his kids grew up, including one critical piece of advice from his own dad during a moment of crisis. Listen to Cameron & Ali’s podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/t...

May 19, 202543 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Guy Sebastian - Finding common ground for connection

Guy Sebastian’s accolades have only grown since he exploded onto our screens after 2003, winning the first season of Australian Idol . Now he has a swathe of number-one singles and top albums and he sits on the other side of the stage from contestants as a judge on The Voice . Guy is also a dad to two boys. While becoming a parent wasn’t a top priority in the early years of his career, once his family began, parenting quickly became the most important thing in his life - including finding a way ...

May 12, 202543 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Josh Cunningham- Surprised by fatherhood in his 40s

In his 40s, musician and member of beloved Aussie band The Waifs, Josh Cunningham thought perhaps the ship had sailed and he was not destined to be a father in this lifetime. However, a creative connection with fellow muso Felicity Urquhart soon became a soul connection, and Josh is now a “bonus dad” to Felicity’s two girls. In true country music style, there has been tragedy and hardship along the way, but the ending is all about harmony and family. And Josh seems to have taken to fatherhood (a...

May 05, 202537 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Larry Emdur - Nice guys finish last, or do they?

Despite being the ‘most axed man on TV’ Larry Emdur is still winning Logies and celebrating his fourth decade on our screens. He’s been on Family Double Dare, The Price is Right, The Wheel of Fortune, Weekend Sunrise and has even appeared on Dancing with the Stars. These days you’ll see him on Channel Seven quiz show The Chase Australia and The Morning Show . While juggling his many different presenting roles Larry was raising two kids with his wife Sylvie. And although Larry says his career has...

Apr 28, 202528 minSeason 2Ep. 1

The Good Enough Dad with Maggie Dent - Season 2

Maggie Dent is back for Season 2 of her enormously popular podcast The Good Enough Dad. Using her famous common sense Maggie will be chatting to dads from all walks of life to show that our kids don’t need perfection, they just need dads who are “good enough.” Joining her this season are musician Guy Sebastian, podcaster and actor Cameron Daddo, a FIFO Worker, a war veteran, two professional surfers and many more dads. Follow us now to make sure you don’t miss out!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

Apr 14, 20251 min

Bruce Robinson – Fatherhood has changed, but there’s still a way to go

In this final episode for Season One of The Good Enough Dad, Maggie is joined by good friend and leading light in the fatherhood space, Dr Bruce Robinson. Around 10 years ago Bruce founded The Fathering Project, after hearing from dying men that their biggest regret was not being better dads. Bruce himself is a dad and granddad, and he chats to Maggie about the many valuable lessons he’s picked up along the way, including the ones that have had the biggest impact on fathers across Australia. LIN...

Apr 30, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Chadden Hunter – New dads can grieve the loss of their old life

For many years, Chadden’s work life consisted of travelling the world doing wild and adventurous things. Think swimming with belugas, sleeping next to volcanic lakes and close encounters with polar bears. He absolutely loved his life as a wildlife director, but when his wife fell pregnant with their second child, he knew it was time to make a big decision. Chadden talks to Maggie about how he ended up back in Australia, and the important process he had to go through to become the dad he wanted t...

Apr 23, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Graham Long - Finding solace for grief in the most unlikely place

Graham Long served an eclectic flock as the pastor at the Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross for over 14 years before he retired in 2018. The Wayside Chapel was a place where homeless and struggling people found solace, and it’s also where Graham found a reason to keep going after his son James passed away unexpectedly at 30 years of age. Graham talks to Maggie about the wonder of love, and how an unwashed, unkept man reminded him of its power at Graham’s darkest moment. LINKS: Graham’s book is calle...

Apr 16, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Jeremy Hutchings – How kids can learn true grit

Jeremy Hutchings grew up on a farm and has carried the lessons he learnt there into his own parenting experience. As a business coach and CEO of the Farm Owners Academy Jeremy is often talking to his community about resilience. It’s a trait he believes many kids develop through living and helping on a working farm – but there are also other skills he’s picked up along the way. He chats to Maggie about why he values the farming community so highly, and how it’s impacted the way he’s raised his ki...

Apr 09, 202438 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Arne Rubinstein – Stepping up as a man means putting your kids first

Founder and CEO of Rites of Passage Arne Rubinstein has spent over 20 years helping boys become men – but one of the most important decisions in his own life involved really embracing what it meant to step up as a man. Arne speaks to Maggie about when his family broke apart and why putting his kids first was the only path he could take. LINKS: Arne Rubinstein on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arnerubinstein/ and Rites of Passage https://ritesofpassageinstitute.org/ See omnystudio.com/listen...

Apr 02, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Sam Drummond – Why kids need agency

Sam’s mum worked several jobs to make ends meet when he was a child, they moved a lot, and money was tight. But Sam’s mum always made him feel like he had a say in their future. Sam tells Maggie why this was so important to him, and why he’s imparting it to his daughter today. LINKS: Sam Drummond on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samuelgdrummond/ and Sam’s book can be found at Affirm Press https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Sam-Drummond-Broke-9781922848475/ See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Mar 26, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Richard Harris – Why risk is the secret to raising resilient kids

Dr Richard Harris is most famous for his role in helping to save the Thai soccer team trapped in flooded caves in 2018. Harry (as he likes to be known) says he learnt something profound from the young boys in that team. Something he has shared with his own children, now young adults. Harry chats to Maggie about how he’s used that experience with his kids, and what he believes is the secret to raising resilient kids. LINKS: Harry’s podcast is called Real Risk https://realriskpodcast.com/ and his ...

Mar 19, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Scott Stuart – How accepting discomfort led to my greatest joy as a dad

Children’s book author Scott Stuart wrote a book for his son called My Shadow is Pink all about his son’s love of dresses. He wrote the book to start conversations and allow greater acceptance of all the ways our children can express themselves. But walking the walk wasn’t always easy. Scott talks to Maggie about his own hang ups about gender identity and how he overcame them. LINKS: Scott Stuart on Instagram . https://www.instagram.com/scottcreates/ You’ll find all of Scott’s books on his websi...

Mar 12, 202441 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Michael Ray – Becoming a dad stopped me sleep-walking through life

Michael Ray was 50 when he became a first-time solo dad to his daughter Charlie, who was then a toddler. It turned out that the steep learning curve was the thing that woke him up to life. Now Charlie is 11 which means that Michael is navigating the tween years. He tells Maggie his approach to puberty and making sure that Charlie always knows he’s got her back. LINKS: Michael Ray on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/michaelray_solodad/ and Michael’s website https://michaelray.com.au/ See omnys...

Mar 05, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Matt Formston – Shaping behaviour is key to raising successful kids

Matt Formston is not the kind of man you say no to. From a young age he was told he couldn’t do things – like rugby or surfing – because he lost 95 % of his vision when he was five. But ever since that age being told “no” has never stopped him. He’s been a professional surfer and cyclist, and today is an executive coach. Matt talks to Maggie about how he’s raising his kids to be experts in behaviour, and why that’s setting the up for life. LINKS: Matt’s website : https://www.mattformston.com/ an...

Feb 27, 202432 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Brad Kearns – Why dads need to put down their phones

Brad Kearns (known online as @DadMum) is not a preachy kind of dad. But he does do fatherhood with heart and guts. Brad explains to Maggie how he moved from consciously incompetent to being a more competent dad, and the key values he shares with his family. LINKS : Brad Kearns on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Feb 20, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Joe Williams – After five kids I’ve finally learnt what it means to be a dad

Having been both a professional NRL player and boxer Joe Williams has had some tough gigs in life, but none have been as hard or as rewarding as being a dad. Joe talks to Maggie about the winding path that has brought him to the place he’s most proud of – being an aware and present dad. LINKS : Joe Williams on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joewilliams_tew/ and website The Enemy Within https://www.joewilliams.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See ...

Feb 13, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Adam Liaw – The importance of self-awareness in being a ‘good enough’ dad

Although most Australians would love to get a home-cooked meal from former Master Chef winner Adam Liaw, his three kids prefer his wife Asami’s cooking. From growing up quickly at the age of 14 to the unexpected turn his life took with Master Chef Australia Adam chats to Maggie about what has shaped him as a man and as a dad, and some of the biggest lessons he’s learnt about being a ‘good enough’ dad. LINKS: Adam Liaw on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adamliaw/ See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Feb 06, 202440 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Mitch Tambo – Just let go and be present

When Mitch Tambo appeared on Australia’s Got Talent he blew the audience away with his rendition of You’re the Voice in Gamilaraay language. But while Mitch was kicking goals on stage, his confidence did not extend to becoming a parent. Mitch was in love with a woman with three daughters he wasn’t sure he would be good enough. Fast forward to today and Mitch shares all he has learnt from becoming part of a family with three girls and the birth of his daughter Pheonix. LINKS: Mitch Tambo on Insta...

Jan 30, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Osher Gunsberg – Mental illness is not a barrier to good parenting

Osher Gunsberg has worked in radio, podcasting and TV. He’s helped love along its way on The Bachelor and dialled up the fun on The Masked Singer. But with all his success Osher has had to contend with social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and psychosis. Osher talks to Maggie about falling in love, the joy of raising children and how he managed to do it all while navigating his mental health. LINKS: Osher’s website : https://linktr.ee/osher_gunsberg See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Jan 23, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Barry Du Bois- Why every day is a blessing

Barry Du Bois is best known for his role as the carpenter who transforms pokey bathrooms into delightful boudoirs on Channel 10’s The Living Room. He’s loved for his easy-going ocker attitude, but his life has been full of adversity. Barry talks to Maggie about how he has come to view every day as a blessing, and some very surprising thoughts on how he’s raising his kids to be resilient. LINKS: Barry’s website http://barrydubois.com.au/ , Instagram https://www.instagram.com/baz_dubois/ and Twitt...

Jan 16, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 15

The Good Enough Dad’s Guide to Re-entering the Rat Race

Heading back to work, while kids head back to school or day care can involve a fair bit of adjustment. Maggie gives some practical tips on how you can help the whole family ease back into the rat race of life. LINKS Read Maggie’s article on transitions https://bit.ly/47N8JvY or watch this video https://bit.ly/3MXXTLn on separation anxiety. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jan 09, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 14

The Good Enough Dad’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays

When you’re a kid the Christmas holidays feel like they stretch on forever. When you’re the parent of that kid it can feel the same, but for different reasons. In this episode, Maggie outlines how you can thrive through the holidays with your kids, making memories to last a lifetime. LINKS Read Maggie’s article on finding calm amidst holiday chaos https://bit.ly/46Aho3S and on making memories that matter https://bit.ly/3QLsRaK or watch a video https://bit.ly/47BSIsy on the pressure to pack thing...

Jan 02, 20246 minSeason 1Ep. 13
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