PODCAST · kids
Dadfocals
by Sam & Tom: Life through the lens of a Dad
We’re just dads talking about the triumphs and tribulations of dadding. No one is perfect, we’re doing the best with what we’ve got. We want to encourage dads to reach out; a problem shared is a problem halved.
Episodes
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#29 Meet Dadfocaler Dan Haumschild
Meet Dadfocaler Dan Haumschild (recorded 11.06.25 during Men's Mental Health Week). Dan, his wife and two young kids moved from Wisconsin, US, to Victoria's Mornington Peninsula mid-2024. As an husband, dad, active community member, ultra-runner, educator and public historian, University at…
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#28 Meet Dadfocaler Ben Smith
Meet Dadfocaler Ben Smith (recorded 19.03.25). Ben took time out of schedule campaigning for the Federal seat of Flinders in the 2025 election to speak to us! This is in no way a political episode; just a chance to get to know Ben as a personal and a Dad. Ben's day job is CEO of Mornington...
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#27 Meet Dadfocaler Arne Rubinstein
Following Sam's Rites of Passage Institute leadership course with Cade (Ep #26), we were stoked to have founder Dr Arne Rubinstein on Dadfocals. Arne has committed his life and career to supporting young people on their journey to adulthood – and it's an incredible listen (and watch!) With Arne…
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#26 Meet Dadfocaler Cade Whitnish
In Episode 26 Dadfocaler Cade Whitnish is in the box with Tom and Sam to talk about his upbringing in Albury, balancing life and business with his wife Amy and their three boys, being a stay-at-home dad, how rights of passage can help, and everything in between, including some TOP DADFOCALER…
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#25 Meet Dadfocaler Mick Simmons
*Please be aware that this episode contains content around mental health issues* If you or anyone you know needs help, here are the details for lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Call 13 11 14 Text 0477 13 11 14 Mount Martha Dad and community stalwart Mick Simmons joins us to share his…
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#24 Meet Dadfocaler Merv Stewart
Growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, Mount Martha community man Merv Stewart has quite a story to tell, from an extremely tough upbringing to raising his own two teenagers on the Mornington Peninsula today. Merv forgave his dad many years ago, understanding that he did the best…
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Mini-Series Opener
We’re back to blow off the cobwebs ahead of a blockbuster mini-series! This is the show where we look at life through the lens of a dad! We're no experts and we're not here to offer advice; we're here to exchange stories on the triumphs and tribulations of dadding. Sam is dad to three boys Sonny,...
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#22 Meet Dadfocaler Alex Presutti
Former US Navy diver (SEAL) Alex Presutti is now dad to two boys and living on the Mornington Peninsula with his Australian wife Chelsea. Alex shares the triumphs and tribulations of his family's journey and his transition from the US military to civilian life on the Australian beach. Check out...
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#21 Death, Sex and Context
Tackling the hard-hitting issues as always, Sam and Tom cover everything from sex, vasectomy, tattoos, chess and death, following the passing of Tom's grandmother "Great Nanny Jo". Underpinning the episode, is language and context – and how we're trying to equip our kids for life with emotional...
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#20 Meet Dadfocaler Ben McDonald-Watson
Yeah, Man Founder and Dadfocaler Ben takes us on his journey to date; growing up in Victoria and now sharing four beautiful kids with his wife Tess. With a wonderful sense of community, connection and belonging, Ben talks about why he founded Yeah, Man and how it can help men and dads to invest…
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#19 Meet Mumfocaler Lauren
In Episode 19 Lauren Trueman is in the box with Tom and Sam to talk about life through the lens of a mum who tragically lost her husband and Ayla's dad Glyn in 2021. Their story is one of courage – and today, Lauren raises Ayla with the support of a great community. Important links: Never 2 Young...
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#18 Meet Fellow Dadfocaler, Mark Corduff
In Episode 18 Mark Corduff is in the box with Tom and Sam to talk about life with his partner and their two boys, how his relationship with his own father impacts the way he dads, and everything in between, including some TOP DADFOCALER TIPS! Important links: Book Tickets for 'A Night With The...
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#17 The Subtle Art Of Being A Father
In Episode 17 Tom and Sam chew the fat on travelling with kids, nature/nurture learning and how to make sure you focus on what matters! Important links: Book Tickets for 'A Night With The Blokes of The Mornington Peninsula' (a series of workshops run & facilitated by Tomorrow Man, one of the...
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#16 Meet Grandadfocaler Joe Gawenda
Kicking off Season 2 with a bang, we meet the Dad behind Sam. Joe Gawenda is in the box, talking about his life as the son of Polish holocaust survivors who moved to Australia after the War. Joe remembers his relationship with his own father, talks about Sam as a boy, and now Sam as a Dad – a…
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#15 The important things at Christmas
Whatever Christmas means to you, focus on the important things at the end of one year and the beginning of another. At the end of the day, it's all that matters. Sam and Tom focus on what's important to them in the moment, in 2022 and in 2023. Featuring a guest appearance from two of those 10 who...
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#14 Meet Fellow Dadfocaler, Glenn Watson
In Episode 14 Tom and Sam speak to Glenn Watson. Glenn has had a huge influence on Sam and his dadding style so it was a must to get him on Dadfocals! Glenn shares his experience on raising a family focused on relationship, including discipline and faith. Important links: Endometriosis Info and...
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#13 Mums behind the Dadfocalers
In Episode 13 Tom and Sam talk about their mums and the incredible journeys they're on; negative and positive feedback to their kids, and leading by example. Important links: Book Tickets for 'A Night With The Blokes of The Mornington Peninsula' (a series of workshops run & facilitated by…
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#12 Meet Fellow Dadfocaler, Tyson Day
In Episode 12 Tom and Sam speak to Tyson Day, a co-worker and fellow Dadfocaler at Co.Co Place. Tyson talks about his upbringing and the strong family values his parents instilled in him and his brother. He opens up about the challenges he and his wife faced with Endometriosis and then losing one...
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#11 To snip or not to snip?
Tom and Sam discuss the decision-making process for having more kids. Tom talks about his experience visiting Dr Snip and shares a great story about Maeve catching him and Flick having some "mama/dada wrestles"! About Dadfocals: This is the show where we look at life through the lens of a dad!...
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#10 Meet Fellow Dadfocaler, Jason Knorr
In Episode 10 Tom and Sam speak with Jay, a dad from the local primary school. Jay talks about losing his father at the age of 9, and how the grieving process has impacted his life. He also opens up about his own physical and mental challenges, and how he parents in a different way as a result....
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#9 Intensive care with a newborn
Sam and Mel's youngest boy Otis didn't have the easiest start to life, but like his mum and dad, he's a fighter. In this episode, Sam recalls Otis' birth in 2020. Amidst COVID, an epidural was delayed and by the time it was ready, Mel was in deep labour. Distressed, Otis required resuscitation…
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#8 Meet Fellow Dadfocaler, Dan Steele
Friend of the show and father to two girls, with a third on the way, Dan Steele has also had a stand-out career in education. In a feature-length episode, Dan imparts knowledge from lived experience inside schools as a teacher, an assistant principal, a coach and now as a Dad. He also shares...
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#7 Periods and unwanted dad traits
In Episode 7 Tom and Sam debrief on an emotionally heavy week following the recording of Episode 6 (with Brownie) and then attending a men's group called Yeah Man. Sam retells a conversation with his boys, explaining about women's periods and tampons. They then unpack having awkward conversations...
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#6 Meet fellow Dadfocaler, Brownie
In Episode 6 Tom and Sam speak with Chris Browne, dad to two beautiful boys in their early teens. At very early ages Brownie's boys were diagnosed with autism. Brownie bravely unpacks his life with the boys on the pod – the triumphs and tribulations. He also offers advice to anyone experiencing...
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#5 Fairground Frenzy & Trusting Your Dad Gut
Episode 5 hits the high notes and low notes of Dadding: When you leave the house to reconnect as a family When your three-year-old nails 1,000 steps When to listen to medicene-craving five year-olds When you push your kid to experience the merits of courage over fear behaviour Don't forget to...
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#4 Dadtears and F-bombs
Your episode 4 dose of #Dadfocals covers all the big topics as always; When your seven-year-old son invites 15 mates to his party at home When said seven-year-old son tries out swearing When your five-year-old daughter won't get changed on the beach When Bluey has the parents sobbing When you…
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#3 The pros and cons of screen time
This episode of #Dadfocals is all about the big screen debate and the trade-offs of TV – both man's greatest and worst invention! About Dadfocals This is the show where we look at life through the lens of a dad! We're no experts and we're not here to offer advice; we're here to exchange stories…
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#2 When your cup over fills
Dadfocals #2 drop tackles the home truth of trying to do too much. Most of us have done it and some of us continue to do it – you're not alone! About Dadfocals This is the show where we look at life through the lens of a dad! We're no experts and we're not here to offer advice; we're here to...
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#1 The dads behind Dadfocals
Welcome to #Dadfocals! The show where we look at life through the lens of a dad! We're no experts and we're not here to offer advice; we're here to exchange stories on the triumphs and tribulations of dadding. Sam is dad to three boys Sonny, Vann and Otis. And Tom is dad to three girls Bela…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We’re just dads talking about the triumphs and tribulations of dadding. No one is perfect, we’re doing the best with what we’ve got. We want to encourage dads to reach out; a problem shared is a problem halved.
HOSTED BY
Sam & Tom: Life through the lens of a Dad
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dadfocals have?
Dadfocals currently has 29 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dadfocals about?
We’re just dads talking about the triumphs and tribulations of dadding. No one is perfect, we’re doing the best with what we’ve got. We want to encourage dads to reach out; a problem shared is a problem halved.
How often does Dadfocals release new episodes?
Dadfocals has 29 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Dadfocals?
You can listen to Dadfocals on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dadfocals?
Dadfocals is created and hosted by Sam & Tom: Life through the lens of a Dad.
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