Two Doting Dads with Matty J & Ash
Two Doting Dads is a podcast series that follows the parenting escapades of two good mates, Matty J and Ash Wicks. Like all good modern relationships, they met on Instagram and instantly bonded over the fact that they were both sleep-deprived Dads doing their best to dote over their two children. They share a very laid-back style to parenting, they don't pretend to be experts and they celebrate every single parenting mishap (which there are plenty). If you're listening for parenting advice, you've come to the wrong podcast.
#167 Is It Normal To Keep A Used Pregnancy Test?
The Johnson/Byrne household is holding on to a positive pregnancy test. Is this normal?
Meanwhile, Ash has received a gift from a friend...5 years after the fact! What is it and why did this happen?
We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting grievances.
We also answer your questions:
Worst things you can't say to a poor old parent! How do you genuinely ask for help?COME TO OUR LIVE SHOW SEP 4 IN SYDNEY!!!!
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#166 Sibling Smackdown: Kate vs Matty J
Despite a crazy skiing injury, the (in)famous big sister Kate has finally made her way onto the show, and Matty J is shaking in his crocs!
Kate is mum to 3 kids and often shares the aunty load with little bro Matty J - both live down the street from one another.
Ash does a fantastic job of digging up the dirt on Matty J and reveals something that not even the Daily Mail could uncover!
COME TO OUR LIVE SHOW SEP 4 IN SYDNEY!!!!
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#165 Can I Be The Godfather?
Apologies in advance for the renovations! Don't be alarmed if you hear them in the background.
Laura, Matty J's wife, has activated "nesting mode" which could mean one thing - baby is arriving soon.
Meanwhile Ash is wrangling the kids before jetting off to the USA for a top secret job.
We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting grievances.
We also answer your questions:
What do I do about my adolescent child and their peach fuzz! Who is the disciplinarian in your house...#164 Best Birthday Gift EVER?
It's the Big Dog's 35th birthday, and this year, Matty J spoils him rotten! (It's definitely not because he forgot for a second year in a row...)
Matt was also late for the recording because he was watching his little girl Marlie-Mae MC on stage for the first time!
Oscar attempts to help Dad with a roof leak, and bless his cotton socks, it's the worst attempt at help a dad could ask for.
We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting grievances.
We als...
#163 Blakey Johnston on Losing His Dad, Finding Peace In The Sea And Forgetting Lunchboxes
Blakey Johnston looks like a Viking, walks around barefoot, and once surfed for 40 hours straight to raise awareness for mental health.
A former pro surfer, dad of two, and the guy who surfed for 40 hours straight to raise awareness for mental health, Blakey opens up about the loss of his dad to suicide and what came after.
We get a glimpse into his world as a parent still figuring it out, juggling grief, school drop-offs, and the pressure to keep it together when life’s anything but.
Buy Blakey's book: https://geni.us/Sw...
#162 My Wife's Biggest Deal-Breaker
Ash has made another grand purchase this week (must be nice!), and it's taken him many years to get to this point.
He also took Oscar and Macy to a Manly Sea Eagles game, and let's just say it was a new experience for his little girl.
The Johnson's nip up to Cairns to enjoy a last-minute holiday as a family of four before it becomes five! The kids, of course, relished every moment (not).
We also answer your questions:
Is it okay to dislike your friend's kid? What is the most unhin...#161 Big Boy Purchase
Matty J and Ash are twinning this episode after making a big boy purchase in the hope of solidifying their masculinity (For the record, there's no such thing as buying your way to masculinity!)
Setting the side the purchase for a moment, Matt has become more primal during the family holidays down in Ulladullah. Spearfishing, cooking and oh, believing he's a tradie when he is, in fact, nowhere near a professional.
Oscar is causing toilet mayhem in the Wicks household and dad's copping the blame. Why? Well, Ash is overloading him with toilet instructions and it...
#160 Hugo Toovey on What Matters After Facing Death Twice
Hugo Toovey is a bloke who’s been through more than most of us could ever imagine and somehow still keeps moving forward.
An army man, two-time cancer survivor, and the founder of 25StayAlive (a movement urging young people to get checked before it’s too late), Hugo opens up about what life really looks like behind the scenes.
We get a glimpse into his world as a dad to 16-month-old Teddy while juggling surgeries, hospital visits, and all the quiet battles most people never see.
Hugo talks about what it’s like trying...
#159 Wheeping At The Wheel
Matty J's littlest (soon-to-be middle child), Lola, has unlocked a new fear - monsters! Unfortunately, mum Laura turns Daddy into a liar after telling a contradictory story.
Ash experiences a flashback to his childhood after his kids shared their fear of falling into the toilet.
And Matty J (finally) tells the story of that time he hired a babysitter for Marlie and Lola that lasted less than a week.
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We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting grievances. This week's rant hit a nerve an...
#158 Teaching Children Body Autonomy with Psychologist Victoria Barendsen
***TW***
This week we've created space to chat with registered psychologist, Victoria Barendsen, who specialises in working with children and provides sexual abuse and sexual harm prevention therapy.
Like you, we've been devastated by the Melbourne investigation of alleged incidents in childcare centres, and we want to do something about it.
Victoria explains how you can try to protect your children from vulnerable situations and how to be more proactive about your child's safety.
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We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting griev...
#157 Sam Frost On Birth Scares, Therapy And The Messy Part of Parenting
Sam Frost doesn’t do warm-ups. She knew her partner Jordie was the one from the very beginning, and so, they quickly became parents. That set the tone for everything that followed.
If you’ve only ever known Sam as the Bachelorette or from Home and Away, you'll realise she's got the energy of someone who is grounded and incredibly open.
She talks through the chaos of early pregnancy, a scare right before baby Teddy was due, and the big mistake Jordie made in the delivery room.
There’s also a really honest conver...
#156 It's A Special Little Boy's Birthday
Turns out October is baby-making season because it's everyone's birthday this June/July! Marlie-Mae celebrates her 6th birthday, and her father is sent into a tailspin trying to find a hitting stick for the piñata.
It's also Matty J's birthday, and Ash has got him a present that will last a lifetime!
We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting grievances. This week's rant hit a nerve and our pockets!
Brought to you by ALDI
Just low prices every day. ALDI. Good Different.
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#155 Preparing For Baby Number 3
Ash committed the crime of all husband crimes and, as a consequence, is left living with a stink for the next week.
Meanwhile, Ash and his wife April are planning a trip away from the kids, and it may coincide with the birth of baby Johnson no. 3!
Matty J and wife Laura also experience a personal scare that puts things into perspective as they prepare for life with a newborn.
We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting grievances. This week's rant hit a nerve and ou...
#154 The Postpartum Cliff With Australian Birth Stories Sophie Walker
Sophie Walker, host of Australian Birth Stories is here to talk all things birth, babies and what comes after.
Sophie shares the realities of postpartum recovery (aka “the cliff no one warns you about”), what partners can actually do to support mums in those blurry early weeks, and the time her baby went 10 days without a poo.
Whether you’re expecting baby number one or three, this one’s full of honest advice and a reminder that no one really has it all figured out.
Buy The Complete Guide to Postpartum by Sophie Walker he...
#153 Peanut Butter Lunch, Stool Samples And Fake Illnesses
Poor Oscar, Ash's son, has to learn one of the hardest lessons a kid has to learn this week.
Meanwhile, Ash gets recognised at possibly the worst moment imaginable, and Matt’s attempt at being a good Samaritan backfires.
We also answer your questions:
What are the top 3 lame things you do now that you're a parent? How do I tell my partner that I appreciate them without using words?BUY OUR SMELLY T SHIRTS HERE
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#152 We'd Like To Make A Formal Apology
Matty J has returned from Bali with his tail between his legs after spilling the beans about Life Uncut's Britt Hockley's wedding. Except he doesn't remember spilling the beans on the podcast...Let's run the tapes, shall we?!
Ash has found Lego bodies scattered all over his house, and he doesn't know why. Is there a serial Lego killer on the loose?
We also get into your Par-Rants for this week, where you air out your parenting grievances. This week's rant hit a nerve and our pockets!
We also answer your questions:
What...#151 What's A Doula And Do I Need One?
Have you ever thought about hiring a trained companion for your next birth?
Alice Worthy is a Modern Doula, and she is paid to hold a woman's hand as she brings new life into the world.
We chat about the differences between a doula and a midwife, how partners can support mum during the throes of birth and Alice's most memorable birth story that ended in a newly renovated bathroom.
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Buy our book, which is now available in-s...
#150 Mum Wicks Is In The House!
Gotta catch 'em all!
Mum Wicks has finally made her way onto the show!
Yes, Ashton's mother has (reluctantly) said yes to being questioned about the antics of her son growing up. Has things improved since he found himself in an overnight jail? We'll see.
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Buy our book, which is now available in-store!
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/two-doting-dads-9781761346552
If you need a shoulder to cry on:
Two Doting Dads Faceb...
#149 Never Say This To A Parent
Matty J and Ash brave the week with another set of challenges with the kids!
Who knew parenthood was such a rough sport?
Laura AND Ellie are away, living their best lives, which means Matty J has to fend for himself.
Ash has another toilet debcale and this time it ends with poo smeared on the walls.
Plus, we let you Par-RANT, a segment where Matty J and Ash listen to your parent rants.
We also answer your questions:
What family traditions do you have? Top 3 things you NEVER...#149 Never Say This To A Parent
Matty J and Ash brave the week with another set of challenges with the kids!
Who knew parenthood was such a rough sport?
Laura AND Ellie are away, living their best lives, which means Matty J has to fend for himself.
Ash has another toilet debcale and this time it ends with poo smeared on the walls.
Plus, we let you Par-RANT, a segment where Matty J and Ash listen to your parent rants.
We also answer your questions:
What family traditions do you have? Top 3 things you NEVER...#148 Trish Is The Backbone Of The Johns Family
Trish Johns is a mum, a straight shooter, and a woman with quiet strength and a wicked sense of humour.
She grew up pumping petrol at the local servo in Newcastle, was the spirited one in her massive Italian family, and somehow ended up marrying Matty Johns despite turning him down the first time.
Trish opens up about raising Cooper and Jack (and what it’s like having them move back home as adults), the chaos of parenting two very different boys, and her breast cancer diagnosis. She shares why she didn’t tell the boys...
#147 There's A Flaw In The System
Two Doting Dads dedicate this episode to those affected by suicide.
Please know that no matter how hard it is, Ash will tell you it always gets better.
If you, or anyone you know, is going through a tough time, please call
Lifeline 13 11 14
Ash has received a bit of Karma this week from the pet parents.
Matty J tackles Marlie-Mae's Oral Exam the night before it's due and let's just say, we're worried about how she went...
Plus, we let you Par-RANT, a segment where Matty J and As...
#146 One Moment You’re Fine, The Next You’re in a Neckbrace
Ash is falling apart after experiencing a dumb little injury, and Matty J is not sympathetic.
The kids are waking up to the realities of becoming a functioning human in society and complaining about doing homework.
Macy is up to her antics again, pretending to be eating all of her dinner when, in reality, someone else is eating it for her.
Plus, we let you Par-RANT, a segment where Matty J and Ash listen to your parent rants.
We also answer your questions:
What are your thoughts on letting your kids...#145 Only Thing Hughesy Loves More Than A Gig… Is His Family
Dave Hughes is a comedian, radio host, and chaotic dad of three. His stories about fatherhood, fame, and the time he got way too high on weed gummies in Hawaii.
Hughesy opens up about growing up with an alcoholic father, getting punched by Brother O’Brien at school, and the moment he met his wife Holly.
Matty J and Ash talk pocket money dramas with his kids, the realities of raising teenagers, and whether he’s actually serious about having more children at this stage of life.
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...
#144 Why Does Everything Hurt?
Is it just me, or am I hurtling towards middle age?
Ash is all backed up this week and scares Macy in the process. He also recalls #1002 of his not-so-fantastic moments that involved seeing a friend for the first time since she fell pregnant.
Matty J takes little Marlie-Mae for a bike ride around town and shows her how easily it is to fall into the trap of a miscommunication...
Plus, we let you Par-RANT, a segment where Matty J and Ash listen to your parent rants.
We also answer your que...
#143 The Great Pregnancy Leak
Nana is back on the pod, and this time she's setting things straight after being accused of spilling the pregnancy beans to Ash. Protect Ellie at all costs!
Meanwhile, Matty J takes Marlie-Mae to horse school (?) and spends his week flipping people off.
We have a new segment! It's called Par-RANT, where Matty J and Ash hear your parent rants.
We also answer your questions:
Do you think dads should receive equal parental leave as mums? Baby items that are a scam!BUY OUR SMELLY T SHIRTS HERE
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#142 Jessie Stephens On Workplace Romance, Baby Highs And Prenatal Depression
Jessie Stephens fell in love at work with her boss’s son, Luca Levigne. What started as an office romance turned into a life together, and they now have a daughter, Luna, who is almost two.
Jessie opens up about the spiciness of that early relationship, the reality of prenatal depression, and the pressure to “get everything done” before birth that left her feeling emotionally flat.
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Buy our book, which is now available in-store!
https://www.penguin.com.au/b...
#141 WE HAVE BIG NEWS
If we tell you too much, we'll give it away!
Just know that Ash is THRILLED. Matty J, too 😉
We also answer your questions:
What are your top 3 naughty names?BUY OUR SMELLY T SHIRTS HERE
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Buy our book, which is now available in-store!
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/two-doting-dads-9781761346552
If you need a shoulder to cry on:
Two Doting Dads Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/639833491568735/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoDotingDads
Inst...
#140 Two Ranting Parents
Remember when Ash was the reason why his father's car door was ripped apart and had to live with the consequences many years later?
No? Well, his sister Beth does! Matty J and Ash demand that she come clean and explain what really happened almost 28 years ago.
Meanwhile, Macy has hit another milestone, this time during swimming lessons. Her growing independence is making things extra difficult for Dad.
Let's face it, children don't know what they want. Matty J shares how he tried to prevent Lola from drowning despite demanding to be left ALO...
#139 Dad With Millions Of Followers Shares His Sobriety Journey
Ben Tate may just be the biggest social media dad we’ve had on the pod. You probably know him as one-half of Ben and Zara, the father-daughter duo behind those viral lip-sync videos. However, behind the fun and fame lies a pretty wild story.
Ben grew up in the entertainment world, acting in ads and TV shows. He lived life on unpredictable schedules and short-term contracts. That was all fine... until the birth of his daughter Zara nearly nine years ago.
Her arrival came with a dramatic birth story and a major wake-up call, one...
#138 Guilty Until Proven Otherwise
How do you know that you're "getting on"?
Some say grey spotting, perhaps rickety knees, but for Matty J and Ash...it's a hairy butt-crack.
This week, it's Marlie-Mae's turn to run the cross-country, and she's not keen. Her father gives her a pep-talk that his very own mother used to give him when he was Marlie's age.
What's the most you'll pay for school uniforms? Matty J makes a rookie move after being upsold at the local uniform shop.
Ash has had ANOTHER flashback, and there is a twist that no o...
#137 Drunk Tooth Fairies, Spicy Reno Opinions And An Expensive Accident
Today marks day one of medicated Ash! Have you noticed a difference in his "spark"? Nah, neither do we!
Matt, on the other hand, feels frosty after receiving very mixed reviews online when he and Laura reveal their bathroom reno.
Ash has another childhood flashback after visiting a gallery on the weekend. You'll understand why the flashback memory will be forever seared in his memory.
Plus, did you catch the viral clip of singer Chappel Roan and her comments about her friends who are parents? Matt and Ash share their thoughts, and things ge...
#136 Reggie "Bird' Sorensen Faces The Reality Of Never Seeing Her Kids Again
It's easy to understand why Reggie "Bird" Sorensen is so beloved by the public and the people around her.
From winning Big Brother twice, to connecting with people on this years I'm A Celebrity Get My Out Of Here Australia, you can always rely on Reggie to bring the laughs no matter how dark the situation.
But Reggie’s faced more challenges than most, from growing up in Tassie with her mum's struggles with schizophrenia to her own diagnosis of Usher Syndrome, which has left her navigating the world with pinhole vision. To top it all...
#135 Getting Caught With Your Pants Down
Ash has found himself in a compromising position after dropping the kids off at school. Will he ever recover?
Let's face it, probably not.
Over at the Johnson household, Lola has given up her dummy addiction...or has she?! You can never be too sure with that kid.
We also answer your questions:
Best TV shows that don't drive you insane!BUY OUR SMELLY T SHIRTS HERE
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Buy our book, which is now available in-store!
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#134 You've Got The Wrong Child!
🚨 Breaking news 🚨
Ash is shocked to find out that his son has been awarded a title that only well-behaved kids receive!
Ash also experiences a bout of PTSD after watching Oscar accept his award.
Matty J and Laura have decided to bring Lola's schooling forward and prepare her for Kindy.
Mr Johnson has also been up to no good - is he in the wrong?!
We also answer your questions:
What is the correct seating arrangement for flying?BUY OUR SMELLY T SHIRTS HERE
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#133 KLP Wasn't Prepared For How Different Her Births Would Be
KLP, or Kristy Lee Peters, knows exactly how to get your kids to dance silly and make the parents' feet tap.
KLP has been cooking up a tune since she was a kid, from featuring in that iconic Lube Mobil ad, Real Blonds 00s girl group, triple j's House Party, and she now fills out rooms for adults at night and kids by day.
She juggles this alongside her main gig as a mum to Sienna and Monty with her partner Nick.
KLP shares how different her girls' births were, the dilemma of waf...
#132 Daycare Contraband, Rollercoaster Bus And Lie Busting
Keeping the kids entertained is just another form of parent torture.
This week, the Wicks decided to spend "family day" at the big shops, but who needs a car when you can jump on the rollercoaster double-decker bus?
It could not have been more of a disaster.
Matty J. and Laura have gotten into a tiff about daycare contraband. Who do you think is in the right?
Parenting Lies has returned, and this week, Matty J shares an ingenious lie his mother, Ellie, told him growing up that he has only just...
#131 Body Slamming, Touching Towels And Sleeping Rules
The beach rules have changed: gone are the days when you could mark your territory with a towel.
Matty J was left SHOCKED after discovering this firsthand when he took the kids to the beach over the weekend.
Turns out it wasn't an isolated experience, as Ash found himself in a similar situation.
What do you think? What is the right way to mark your territory at the beach?
Ash also updates us on Vegas (yeah, it must be nice to be away from the kids for three nights and enjoy Sin...
#130 Becky Lucas: Preparing my newborn for open heart surgery
Becky Lucas is one of Australia's favourite comedians. She knows how to disarm a crowd with her endearing humour and quick wit as she tries to express how she really feels about the state of the world.
In 2023 when Becky was pregnant, she went in for a routine scan and found out that her baby had a complex heart condition that would require open heart surgery.
On top of the regular anxiety that follows the birth of a new baby, she was dealing with cardiologist appointments and constant fears about his health. Amongst the utter j...
#129 It's Finally Caught Up To Me
It's Ash's turn to update Matty J on what's been happening while he's been in the throws of the jungle.
During a tiny blip of focus, Ash has decided to test for ADHD, which has inevitably kicked off the process of diagnosis.
While the process has been confronting, Ash quickly discovers why being diagnosed is worthwhile.
Meanwhile, an Aussie TV star has saved Matt's life, and Ash feels forced into doing this one thing at the park.
Keep in mind this chat mentions thoughts of self-harm; here are some helpful resources in Aus...
