Shows
Jobsharing And BeyondFollow up with Ian DinwiddyIan Dinwiddy is the founder of Inspiring Dads, a coaching and mentoring business, specialising in working with men who want to be great dads and have great careers. Ian believes strongly that supporting Dads with their work and life balance, normalising flexible working and parental leave has powerful benefits for improving well-being and retention, building diverse and inclusive workplaces and closing the gender pay gap. In today's conversation we spoke about flexible work, the pandemic and care work, transferable skills from unpaid care work, Ian's Lockdown Dads' podcast together with James Millar and why men's w...2021-09-1034 min
Lockdown DadsThe Final One with James and IanIn this, the last episode of Lockdown Dads, James and I reflect on 18 months of pandemic podcasting as England celebrates "Freedom Day."The truth is that the fear of catching Covid, home school disruption, and getting through the days are as prevalent as ever. We consider some of the hopelessly optimistic predictions we made in year - lockdown could be all over by June!? But also the certainty of the stay at home messaging v the weariness and low level anxiety of July 2021.We talk about some of the guests that stuck in our minds...2021-07-2835 min
Lockdown DadsWill McDonald - The Job Share DadOur final guest on Lockdown Dads is Will McDonald, Group Sustainability and Public Policy Director at Aviva plc aka "The Job Share Dad."As one half of the most senior male job share in the UK, Will is a bit of a hero in the dad space, shining a light on the rare world of job sharing (especially when it comes to men)We learn about Will's path at Aviva and how a conversation about wanting to explore a job share became a work "marriage" to Sam that has lasted 4 years already.We...2021-07-1343 min
Lockdown DadsOlga Fitzroy - Self Employed Parent CampaignerOlga Fitzroy, award winning sound engineer and parental pay equality campaigner joins us to discuss inequalities faced by the self employed. We discover her role in Pregnant Then Screwed's legal challenge against the government and discuss the legislative environment around self employment and shared parental leave.Plus school is out again, with education disruption only just starting to be discussed in government. Ian's garden gets short listed for a prize and we briefly ponder the upcoming England v Scotland Euro clash (!)Olga's pathWhen her son was born in 2015, she was a...2021-07-0135 min
Lockdown DadsSimon Gregory - Talking About Dad ReturnersSimon Gregory, Managing Partner of GPS Return joins us to talk about parental return to work and we explore the differing challenges faced by men and women.We discuss how societal expectations influence the opportunities to return to work and later access flexible working and how Simon's business supports and coaches individuals and businesses to find the right person or right opportunity for now.James explains why T.W.A.T working is the next big trend while Simon talks about his 288 mile 24 hour cycle from Harrogate to Southampton raising money for Macmillan in memory...2021-06-1637 min
Lockdown DadsDr Jeremy Davies - The Fatherhood Institute's Untold StoryTo mark the publication of the Fatherhood Institute's new report "Lockdown Dads - the Untold Story", we sat down with Dr Jeremy Davies, Head of Communications, to discuss fatherhood, the opportunities presented by the pandemic and what exactly is "the untold story" After we covered dodgy backs, out for beers and Moroccan pandemic experiences, we learnt about Jeremy's path. Journalist, becoming a father in 1999, a PhD and joining Father's Direct, the organisation that later became the Fatherhood Institute with the benefits of living the values of flexible working and active and involved fatherhood. What is...2021-06-0141 min
Lockdown DadsEthan Salathiel - Normalising Different Pathways to Fatherhood.Coach, consultant and 'living system', we talk to Ethan about his journey from googling 'male trapped in female body' to father of two, including a lockdown baby.We discuss the power of flexible working as an enabler for Ethan to be the person and the dad he wanted to be and how a throw away comment about a new kitten - 'Look! Two mummies' was the catalyst for the addressing the fundamental identity crisis his life and ultimately lead to visiting the Alternative Parenting Show.We cover the role of allies, the things Ethan has...2021-05-1736 min
Lockdown DadsSimon Kettlewell - The Eternal DadEternity Leave is a wry, semi autobiographical novel about being a stay at home dad, and the author, Simon Kettlewell, joined James and Ian to talk about his inspiration from over 20 years as primary carer to his four children. It's story that had extra chapters added in Lockdown as older children returned home and his 16 year old son struggled with remote learning.We learn about his path from NHS clinician and manager via working in mental health services in Eastern Europe to a rural idyll in Devon, where he combined novel writing, growing vegetables and raising chickens...2021-05-0537 minLockdown DadsLooking Back at Lockdown Dads Season 3We look back at the guests, the stories and the tips that caught our eye since January.00:30 Weathermen, Ian’s course development, Covid scare at school and Couch to 5k 03:00 James finally gets physio on his back05:15 Working from home with kids around06:30 The return to office life and the Goldman Sachs way of working 09:00 Are the government actually consulting on flexible working rights?11:00 Linking working patterns to gender equality12:00 Home-school sinc...2021-04-0137 min
Lockdown DadsRhian Mannings MBE - 2 Wish Upon A StarIn 2012 Rhian Mannings’ life suddenly and tragically changed when first her young son George died, followed 5 days later by her husband Paul.In this important and uplifting conversation, we explore how support was missing for bereaved parents like Rhian and Paul and how, what she imagined would be “hobby”, turned into a nationwide charity called 2 Wish Upon A Star providing immediate and ongoing bereavement support for families, individuals and professionals affected by the sudden and traumatic death of a child or young adult aged 25 or under.We learn about the importance of the elephant in the be...2021-03-2333 min
Lockdown DadsBrian Ballantyne - Why Men and Inclusion MattersBrian Ballantyne, Co-Founder of Men for Inclusion, author of “Confessions of a Working Dad” and one time Babycenter moderator joins James and Ian in Episode 37 of Lockdown Dads.It’s an open and honest discussion in which we discuss what it means to be good ally, how Brian’s own family were a prompt to volunteer in diversity and inclusion voluntary work and why men must be involved if we aren’t just creating inclusion echo chambers.Plus “Centrist Dads”, Burnout and recharging batteries and how to argue well.Contents01:00 2021-03-1533 min
Lockdown DadsNicki Seignot - Author, Coach and Working ParentNicki Seignot, Author of 'Mentoring New Parents at Work' and founder of The Parent Mentor talks to James and Ian in episode 36 of Lockdown Dads.We discuss why supporting new dads matters, the role single dad Phil played to broadening Nicki’s horizons, beyond just supporting the maternity journey and what the post pandemic work landscape could look like.Plus the usual podcast musings about schools going back, sunshine (!) and looking forward to better future.Contents00:50 The power of daylight in the mornings 02:15 Sch...2021-03-0836 min
Lockdown DadsWill Champion - Coldplay's drummerThe musician who doesn’t read music, the drummer who didn’t play the drums and a calming, pragmatic influence in Coldplay. In this episode of Lockdown Dads, we discover how a focus on their relationships has been as important as the music, what work life balance means in a band when you have kids and what Will is looking forward to most when lockdown finishes.Self described (with tongue in cheek) “soft rock dinosaur,” we find out how Will feels about the A Head Full of Dreams documentary - the good, the cringe-worthy and the comforting.We...2021-03-0147 min
Lockdown DadsJamie Beaglehole - Daddy and DadA trailblazer for same sex adoption, Jamie is the Daddy of Daddy and Dad. What started as an exploration of the highs and lows of Jamie and Tom’s story of adopting two young brothers from foster care, became an award winning blog key agency resource and an opportunity to work with major brands.A timely redundancy lead to a focus on blogging, before dipping their toes into Instagram (not just for vintage cat photos…) and moving into the realms of influencing.We explore the journey into fatherhood, how navigating trauma from previous lives is part...2021-02-2234 min
Lockdown DadsDan Stanley - Becoming Better MenDan Stanley - Becoming Better MenIn a powerful discussion about masculinity, purpose, and self awareness, ex Army Commando Instructor Dan describes how, far from being a magical time, becoming a new dad led to a 8 month separation in his marriage.We discover how a chance meeting with an ex premiership footballer, helped him drop his people pleaser mask and literally stop running from his problems.We discuss the impact of a dad who wasn’t present in his life, running so much your dog gets injured, and seeking to normalise th...2021-02-1537 min
Lockdown DadsNigel Clarke, CBeebies TV Presenter and Dadvengers founder.There’s just not enough time! Nigel Clarke, CBeebies presenter, explains how Dadvengers started from an all Dads episode of The Baby Club, the groundbreaking show for mums, dads and carers with babies under 18 months old. The Baby Club reflects the important CBeebies mantra that “Everyone’s Welcome”. We talk about a generational shift in what is expected from and expected by dads and the importance of dads having the skills and confidence to be alone with their kids. Ian and Nigel try and explain to James what the Clubhouse excitement is all about and w...2021-02-0834 min
Lockdown DadsNathan McGurl, Founder of The Study BuddyAs a newly married 23 year old, apprehensively mulling over his thoughts about impending fatherhood while driving the A39 to and from Bristol, Nathan McGurl, founder of The Study Buddy did what we now take for granted - he started blogging. The My First Kid website has sadly gone the way of our My Space profiles, but the story Nathan tells of dads sidelined from parenting will still resonate to many, even if supermarket parenting clubs no longer limit you to identifying as “Ms, Mrs or Miss”We blend discussion about bad broadband, good haircuts and expens...2021-02-0138 min
Lockdown DadsPaul Bulos - Executive, Leadership & Wellbeing CoachTime to ponder… what colour are you today and why? Paul Bulos, Executive, Leadership & Wellbeing Coach and publishing professional joins us for this and other profound questions on the Lockdown Dads podcast. We dig into the benefits of lockdowns - including connecting with your kids and we touch on the importance of empathy and understanding the transition between work and home life. Plus we discuss dad ‘presence’ - how important is secondary school transition, what does the “right train” mean to you and taking time to involve yourself in the things that are important to your children.Tips i...2021-01-2534 min
Lockdown DadsSteve Myall - Journalist and PodcasterLiving 50m from Central Park in Upper West side Manhattan sounds incredibly glamorous but not if you've swapped a house for a pandemic apartment in lockdown. This week's guest Steve Myall, former deputy features Editor of the Daily Mirror and co-host of the highly successful First Time Dads podcast joins James and I as the circle of podcasting is complete.We talk shared parental leave, finding space in a big city and why diplomatic status is this year's must have accessory for the Real Brit Dads of New York. Steve talks about what it is like on...2021-01-1834 min
Lockdown DadsLouise Goss - Founder of The Homeworker MagazineOne time self employed journalist based in Australia, we discover how interviewing and profiling home working entrepreneurs for a tech start up was the start of the idea that became The Homeworker magazine. Louise Goss joins us for episode 28, drawing upon her husband's experiences we reflect on how attitudes towards home working have changed from both an individual and business perspective. Why her magazine is much more useful than googling the top 5 productivity tips and how the Homeworker blends key themes around business, productivity, mindset, wellbeing and your work environment. Contents02:30 Jam...2021-01-1134 minLockdown DadsLooking back at 2020 with James and IanA look back at 26 episodes of Lockdown Dads - the good, the bad and the ugly as we ponder the "annus horribilis" that was 2020. We talk guests and the tips that inspired us and the tips that shocked us, it's all here as we discuss what 2021 has instore for dads and their families and how as a show we can continue to bring you interesting and informative content onward into season 3 of a project we wanted to kill off. Too much lockdown...!(Recorded pre-Tier 4 / Christmas cancellation)Contents1:30 This week - Webinars...2020-12-1834 min
Lockdown DadsMartin Robinson - Founder of the Book of ManFrom lad mag to expert on modern masculinity. This episode is loaded with content "for him" as Martin Robinson, editor of digital magazine, the Book of Man, gives us the lowdown on why it was time for content that explicitly put men's mental health, front and centre of the conversation. We learn about the human zoo that was working for Maxim in the 1990s and how going a little bit nuts was seen as an occupational hazard that shouldn't distract from the "fun". Fortunately the world has moved on a bit and Martin talks about how a n...2020-12-0936 min
Lockdown DadsDavid Willans - Founder of Being DadsDavid Willans, founder of the website Being Dads joins the show as we discover what is behind his thoughtful and informative weekly emails. We learn how a typical dad moment - losing your rag with your kids, and lacking role models the resonated, turned into a project to educate himself and others about fatherhood - our behaviours and how they impact on others. David talks convincingly about how definitions of fatherhood lack "depth." Content03:00 We discuss the burning question in November - is it too early for Xmas?!06:30 The euphoric feeling bumping int...2020-12-0235 min
Lockdown DadsNadia Nagamootoo - Coach, Consultant and PsychologistNadia Nagamootoo, founder & CEO of Avenir Consulting Services, speaker, chartered psychologist, coach and expectant mum joins Lockdown Dads to talk about her path to "complete inclusion" and how her own experiences of shared parental leave and equal parenting led to seeking greater understanding of the organisational limits to men's access to flexible working and extended leave.We discuss the challenges and disappointments of men's lack of access to maternity services in 2020 and reflect on whether Covid is a moment in time or a fundamental culture shift for working dads. Plus strong tips on what steps men can...2020-11-2433 min
Lockdown DadsAdy Griffiths - The Mindful DadAdy Griffiths, author of Mindful Thoughts for Fathers joins James and Ian to explain how mediation and mindfulness have helped him to cope with 3 core aspects of fatherhood - worrying about becoming a dad, being a stressed dad and relating to his own father. It's a powerful episode that explores the reality of being a dad, coping with lockdown and grief, plus surviving the 80s rave scene. As James so eloquently surmised Ady's book - "it's not some hippy sh1t"Contents 02:30 James finds Lockdown v2 harder this time04:00 Ian got away to C...2020-11-1735 min
Lockdown DadsDr Laura Radcliffe - Focusing on Dads at WorkThis week’s guest is Dr Laura Radcliffe, Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour at the University of Liverpool Management School. We explore why a focus on dads in the workplace is of vital importance and how society needs to see the bigger picture – gender equality is good for everyone’s well-being and relationships. We discuss the type of messaging for mums that Laura can say, but James, Ian and David Lammy really can’t. Plus, we bust the myth that mums are more skilled...Contents04:30 Manchester v the Government06:30 Empathy08:00 Laura’s pa...2020-10-2735 min
Lockdown DadsYash Puri - Founder of Papa PenguinYash Puri, Founder of Papa Penguin and Finance Tech Specialist joins, James and Ian to discuss the ups and down of lockdown – doing everything and then having to slow down. We learn how moving away from cultural expectations and taking shared parental leave led to a feature with the BBC and creation of the Papa Penguin platform.Plus night-time ninja nappy changing (definitely worth watching that bit on You Tube), trying to get to Center Parcs for half term and how just telling your story helps other dads to reassess their lives. Contents01:30 Family comm...2020-10-2035 min
Lockdown DadsJessica Chivers - The Talent KeeperJessica Chivers, Psychologist & CEO of The Talent Keeper Specialists & Author "Mothers Work!" joins James and Ian to discuss how feeling "confident, connected and cared for" isn't just for new mums, and why line managers and senior male role models are essential to drive change for working dads.Plus learn about "Awe walks", "Office Osmosis" and how to be a "Active Actor" in your day Contents02:20 Stroking clients, flow and avoiding the media 05:30 Recognising stress - Ian's daughter gets real life experience07:00 James' 20 year golf losing streak and why covid is like a...2020-10-1235 min
Lockdown DadsDan Reed - Founder of Career DadDan Reed, father of 2, founder of the Career Dad and Head of Digital and Platform Delivery at Barclays joins James and I to discuss lockdown, finding your own path, managing judgement and creating choices that work for you and your family.01:30 Riding the “Corona-coaster” – good hours and bad hours02:50 Covid at Ian’s children’s school04:20 AIBU? Morality and Train rides05:30 Post Traumatic Stress?07:50 James back in Westminster10:00 The Path to Career Dad – creating your own narrative12:00 Guilt and the perception of guilt15:40 Self-confide...2020-10-0536 min
Lockdown DadsElliot Rae - Founder of Music. Football. FatherhoodFounder of Music. Football. Fatherhood and Diversity and Inclusion Expert, Elliot Rae joins James and I to talk Covid, Black Lives Matter, and being kind to yourself, plus a bit of football, a touch of music and plenty of fatherhood.Contents02:40 Major stress and anxiety - my wife got ill, I got ill and an ambulance came to the house. 04:20 Elliot's reaction to the death of George Floyd 05:05 "Sounds weird me saying this, I'd probably do the whole thing again"06:10 The benefits of things being out of our hands10:15 Not the fi...2020-09-2834 min
Lockdown DadsDr Jasmine Kelland - Researcher and LecturerDr Jasmine Kelland, Lecturer in Human Resource Studies at Plymouth Business School is this week's guest on Lockdown Dads.With a PhD that was titled “Father’s at work: challenges and stereotypes facing fathers with caregiving responsibilities in employment”, Jasmine is a perfect guest to discuss dads, equality and evidence-based research.Contents01:30 Jasmine is loving the routine of being in the office. 02:50 James is ahead of the curve – stinky crisps and Dads Don’t Babysit 2nd anniversary 06:30 We talk about Jasmine’s research focus07:00 HR Manager to PhD researcher...2020-09-2135 min
Lockdown DadsMari Williams - The Mind ArchitectThis week we are joined by Mari Williams, a leadership coach who blends therapy, conflict mediation and coaching interventions into a compelling action orientated package that men have described as "challengingly empathetic" Contents02:20 James reflects on the R going up...03:15 Ian at Flexpo 04:30 What did Mari's clients find - denial, imposter syndrome and your version of success07:40 Working with male energy 09:30 Reflecting on what changes you want to make11:20 Intent v Action13:10 Why Ian goes to Costa15:00 Mari's coaching approach - it's all about foundations16:25 Men and los...2020-09-1434 min
Lockdown DadsMichael Ray - Equality Advocate and Solo DadIn the first episode of Season 2 we are joined by Michael Ray - equality advocate and solo dad from AustraliaIn a wide ranging chat we cover everything from the Ashes to a very Australian coronavirus outbreak via how a disagreement over which parents were allowed backstage at a 4 year old's ballet show propelled Michael into the national spotlight and the journey to becoming an equality advocate.Michael talks about gaining "clarity from crisis" and how it's the "moments between the moments" that really matter.Contents01:00 Emotional challenge of 2nd Lockdown 2020-09-0733 min
Lockdown DadsChris Dinwiddy - Brotherly LoveIn Episode 14 Ian is joined by his brother, Chris Dinwiddy. Dad of 4, Chris, talks about becoming a father again during Lockdown, from the disengagement he felt from being unable to attend maternity appointments to the joy of being allowed to take the facemask off when Suri was born.He talks too about the struggles of physical separation from family - his mother in law stuck in South Africa, while he narrowly missed the chance to visit his oldest 2 children in Cape Town before lockdown restrictions took hold.We talk about the humanising benefits o...2020-08-0440 min
Lockdown DadsFidel Beauhill - The Modern Man CoachIn Episode 13 we are joined by Fidel Beauhill, The Modern Man Coach Father of 3 daughters and a master coach, Fidel doesn't hold back when describing how his perfect life came abruptly to a halt when lockdown started. He talks candidly about the emotional impact faced by an extrovert who struggled after a manic 2 weeks of putting everyone else's "mask on first" - no one to see and nowhere to go. Fidel gives us an insight into his own journey into the spiritual - tapping into feminine energy, getting naked on top of a mounta...2020-07-2635 min
Lockdown DadsRob Taylor - Founder of Dads in BusinessIn Episode 12 we are joined by Rob Taylor, Marketing Man, Yorkshire Man and founder of Sheffield based "Dads in Business"Rob talked about the pressures of being a dad of three and an entrepreneur and how meeting coach Angga Kara shone a light on his burnout and lead to the creation of Dads in Business.Dads in Business is a forum in which entrepreneurial dads gain permission to have the type of honest conversations about Business, Family, Money and Life that they struggle to have with other people in their lives.We talked...2020-07-1932 min
Lockdown DadsFreddie Bennett - Starting at ZeroIn Episode 11 James and Ian are joined by Guinness Marathon World Record Holder and founder of Starting at Zero, Freddie Bennett.When lockdown started Freddie was plunged into the world of 'single' parenting, while his wife worked 60 hour weeks on the frontline in the NHS, he tackled Zoom calls and supervising 2 young sons.It wasn't all plain sailing as he struggled with uncertainty, lack of control and how to talk to his boys about what was going on.We talk about presence and balance and how sometimes its the simple things in life...2020-07-1237 min
School For Fathers Podcast#37: RELATIONSHIPSWhat does it take to navigate a relationship and parenting? In this compilation episode my guests share their experiences and wisdom. Fancy listening to the full episode? Click the links below >> PAUL JOHNSON MICHAEL RAY TIM HILLEGONDS RODD STOCKWELL JAMIE BEAGLEHOLE IAN DINWIDDY BRYAN SEELY JAMES MILLAR2020-07-1016 minLockdown DadsJames and Ian - in reflectionIn Episode 10 James and I reflect back on the previous 10 weeks and think about what the return to "normal" means for Dads.We discuss the green shoots of normality - a trip to TK Maxx, cat vaccinations and bringing your cleaner back from paid leave, but also the anxiety of taking advantage of the opportunites.James talks about the return from furlough to his job as editor of WorkingDads.co.uk - the practical and emotional challenges of actually doing that role again. In many ways men are getting to experience a new retun to...2020-07-0633 minSchool For Fathers Podcast#36: WORK LIFE BALANCELooking for that elusive work-life balance? I’m sharing the wisdom from a selection of my guests on what work-life balance looks like for them (if it exists at all). Click the links below to enjoy the full episodes: IAN DINWIDDY DAN FLANAGAN IAN FARRAR DARYL WOODHOUSE RODD STOCKWELL CARL READER BRYAN SEELY JAMES MILLAR SchoolForFathers.com 2020-07-0315 min
Lockdown DadsRachel Vecht - Parent EducatorJames and Ian are joined by Parent Educator Rachel Vecht, Founder of Educating Matters.We discuss the benefits of teenagers at home without FOMO replaced instead with a sense of connection to family but also screen time and body clocks (!)Rachel talks about the importance of self reliance, emotional intelligence and how anxiety is contagious. We also discuss important life skills for kids around multi pack beer buying (James) in the supermarket and the "chicken challenge" (Ian)Rachel shines a light on the type of support that she has been supplying to business:2020-06-2833 min
Lockdown DadsHan-Son Lee - Founder of DaddilifeJames and Ian are joined by Han-Son Lee, Founder of Daddilife We talked to single dad Han-Son about how his son's Lego depiction of him as "Wolfman" sitting at a desk was a trigger point to make changes in how he was working in during lockdown.In the light of James and Ian discovering they have walked the same route 24 hours apart, we reflected on the importance of outdoors and being grateful for that access. Plus Ian demonstrated the benefits of a power nap!We discussed new Daddilife lockdown research showing that "76% of r...2020-06-2134 min
Parents Who ThinkFATHER'S DAY - SUNDAY SUPPLEMENT We've rather cheekily pinched an episode from the School for Father's podcast for today's podcast! We just couldn't resist sharing this compilation of the high & lows of fatherhood (and more). If you've not tuned in to the School for Fathers Podcast before why not click the links below to listen to the full episodes (in running order): TIM HILLEGONDS DAN FLANAGAN DAVE WILSON BRYAN SEELY RODD STOCKWELL DAN KNOWLTON TIM BENTINCK JAMIE BEAGLEHOLE IAN FARRAR MICHAEL RAY ACE RUELE IAN DINWIDDY NEIL HINDER JAMES MILLAR PAUL JOHNSON TIM WORLOCK JOSH CONNOLLY CLAY GORDON 2020-06-2116 minSchool For Fathers Podcast#34: FATHER'S DAYWhat does fatherhood mean to you? In celebration of Father’s Day, I’ve gathered up nuggets of wisdom that SFF guests have shared on what it means to be a father and more. In running order: TIM HILLEGONDS DAN FLANAGAN DAVE WILSON BRYAN SEELY RODD STOCKWELL DAN KNOWLTON TIM BENTINCK JAMIE BEAGLEHOLE IAN FARRAR MICHAEL RAY ACE RUELE IAN DINWIDDY NEIL HINDER JAMES MILLAR PAUL JOHNSON TIM WORLOCK JOSH CONNOLLY CLAY GORDON 2020-06-2016 min
Lockdown DadsDouglas Ross - Scottish Conservative MPJames and Ian are joined by Douglas Ross, Scottish Conservative MP for Moray We talked toddlers, tatties and tories and what it was like to hit the headlines in the wake of the Dominic Cummings lockdown travel controversy.Douglas talks about how the pandemic meant he was there when his son started walking, while the increase in constituent work offset the lack of travel to Westminster. We talk about steps towards modernising parliamentary work - for instance nearly 150 MPs are Proxy voting on Wednesday, including Douglas, whose wife is on a night shift as...2020-06-1433 min
Lockdown DadsPhilip Simon - ComedianJames and Ian are joined by comedian, Philip SimonPhilip talks about the profound difficulties trying to make a living as a comedian at the moment and how his focus and creativity has massively increased as he struggles to earn a living and provide for his family..Ian talks about solo babysitting his 2 year old niece and we contrast her simple needs with the challenges that James' 12 year old daughter is facing. Philip shares his experience of his son's return to school and the excitement of the yellow table.We talk politics and...2020-06-0734 min
Lockdown DadsNoel McDermott - PsychotherapistIn Episode 5 James and Ian are joined by expert Psychotherapist , Noel McDermottWe talk about the some of the upside of lockdown - more opportunities for self care, better diet and exercise, but at the same time the risk of a 'tsunami' of mental health issues as people move out of survival mode.Noel explains the importance of the 3 core elements of mental health stability - home, work and relationships and how this pandemic undermines each of them.We discuss opportunities for improved equality and the challenges that we face along the way...2020-05-3134 min
Lockdown DadsJames Frith - ex Labour MP, business owner and dad of 4In Episode 4, James and Ian are joined by former Labour MP, business owner and dad of 4, James Frith.We talk about the competing needs of 4 kids of different ages and the struggle to find 1 on 1 time with children and your partner - in fact we go as far as to wistfully remember "Date Night."Join us as we dig deeper into the debate on reopening schools: Covid safety v equality issues. James Frith brings his perspective as a Dad and as a former member of the Education Select Committee.We discuss the need t...2020-05-2533 min
Lockdown DadsTiernan Douieb - ComedianIn Episode 3, James and Ian are joined by Comedian Tiernan Douieb.We talk about how to explain Covid to a 2 year old, the struggles of the self employed, private renters and how comics are adapting to the new world.Plus tales of excessive present buying for the kids aka "The Christmas of Death", should pandemics be more interesting and why does Ian have a cat called Boris?Join us as we discuss the fortunate (suspicious?!) timing of the Disney+ launch, learn about the Immortal Jellyfish and discover exactly what upsets Tiernan about the...2020-05-1734 min
Lockdown DadsJohn Adams - #1 Dad BloggerIn Episode 2, James and Ian are joined by #1 Dad Blogger and LinkedIn "Changemaker", John Adams.We discuss the Covid 19 opportunity to embed flexible working, the potential pressures on families when workplaces open but schools and childcare don't and legal and moral challenges facing employers of trying to return "to normal."Discover why it's important to keep "your hand in" even if your furloughed and the benefits of involving the whole family in chores, all that, plus we talk about the community aspect of football and whether we will remember this as the year of the...2020-05-1034 min
Lockdown DadsKicking Things Off with James and IanIn the debut episode of Lockdown Dads, James Millar and Ian Dinwiddy get competitive about press-ups, discuss tips for coping with lockdown and reflect on what we might remember "When I'm 64".Discover the importance of non-iron shirts and how real dads are re-evaluating their work and family priorities. About Lockdown DadsJames and Ian are recording a weekly ‘show’ exploring the impact of lockdown, self isolation and social distancing on working dads. We’ll share tips, thoughts and stories with special guests, discuss our hopes for the future and the opportunities that all this re...2020-05-0334 min