Father Figures
Father Figures
Father Figures is a podcast designed for fathers, hosted by two experienced dads with diverse parenting backgrounds. Justin, a pastor and father of five, and Heath, a single parent and comic, discuss fatherhood through a Christian faith perspective. They aim to make fathering and faith real, relatable, and relational, offering listeners practical advice, wisdom, and encouragement.Social links:
Personal Pivots for Parents and Preachers
In this season finale of Father Figures, Justin and Heath reflect on what makes change worthwhile as parents navigating the constant evolution of family life. From discovering new levels of exhaustion to learning when to hold on and when to let go, they explore the delicate balance between providin…
48:42
Steve Biddulph's Blueprint for Raising Boys: A Real Test with Four Sons
In this special episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with his sons Noah (19), Luca (17), Ari (12), and Quinn (9) for an honest conversation about growing up male. Using Steve Biddulph's "Raising Boys" framework as a starting point, they discuss the three key developmental stages boys go thro…
26:09
When the Fixer Needs Fixing: Matthew Cheal on Parenting, Loss, and Learning Vulnerability
In this deeply personal episode, Justin sits down with Matthew Cheal-a management professional who's spent his career fixing broken organisations, but discovered that life's biggest challenges can't be solved with an org chart. From navigating the emotional rollercoaster of eleven rounds of IVF to …
1:08:32
From Rock Star Dreams to Holy Dependence: Andrew Kitchen's Anxiety Journey
In this deeply honest conversation, musician and NDIS support worker Andrew Kitchen (Antiskeptic) sits down with host Justin to discuss his recent journey through chronic anxiety, the deconstruction of ego, and discovering what remains when achievement can no longer define you. Andrew opens up abo…
56:36
5 Deaths, 50 Street Kids, 1 Life-Changing Lesson with David Drummond
In this deeply moving episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with counselor and pastor Dave Drummond for a raw conversation about overcoming childhood trauma and finding authentic purpose. Dave shares his journey from a broken home marked by abuse to becoming a father, minister, and healer who…
45:00
“It Was Forced on Me — and It Changed Me Forever”: Paul Bugg on Family, Sport & Inclusion
In this episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with Paul Bugg — long-time president of the Sharks Basketball Club, husband, dad, and proud “Pa Bugg” to his grandkids. Paul opens up about raising his son Andy, who has Down syndrome, and how advocating for him shaped both his family life and his…
33:37
Parenting Plot Twists: When Kids Rewrite the Rules & Managing Change
Justin and Heath dive deep into the ever-changing world of parenting - from the chaos of newborn days and surprise birthing stories to the challenges of raising teens in a digital age. They share honest reflections on how kids reshape family life, what it means to navigate constant change, and the …
34:21
Laying It Down, Leaving a Legacy: Father’s Day with Phil Gaudion & Don Gall
In this touching episode, hosts Justin & Heath share their own experience and key memories of previous Father's Days. Justin and Heath sit down with two inspiring dads. First, they chat with Phil Gaudion, who shares stories from his unique journey as a drummer and a football club chaplain. Phil op…
58:17
"That Guilt and Shame Just Vanished": Matt 360's Journey Through Addiction & Redemption
In this powerful episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with Australian rapper Matt 360 to explore a raw and redemptive story of family, addiction, and faith. Matt opens up about his journey from a middle-class Lutheran school kid in Croydon, Melbourne, to becoming a platinum-selling artist ca…
1:00:40
The Man Behind the Golden Buzzer: Mitch Tambo's Raw Truth About Healing and Fatherhood
Indigenous Australian artist Mitch Tambo went from social worker to AGT sensation in a whirlwind journey that would test everything he thought he knew about himself. But behind the golden buzzers and stadium crowds was a man learning to heal childhood anxiety, navigate blended family life, and brea…
51:11