The Secret Life of Dads Podcast

Relationships, parenting and all the things we probably need to talk about more!

This week on The Pints & Ponytails Show, we're joined by the brilliant Alex Trippier, aka @beahappierparent!

From the everyday tensions between mums and dads to the challenges of keeping our relationships strong whilst raising a family, we get stuck into some of the difficult conversations so many of us are navigating as parents.

Because let's face it… parenting can be hard enough without trying to figure out how to be a great partner at the same time!

It's an...

Our first ever BOY DAD on The Pints & Ponytails Show!

This week we're joined by the brilliant Ryan Libbey for a conversation about fatherhood, family life and raising the next generation of boys.

We had a question for Ryan…

Why is it important for your son to see you doing something like Pints & Ponytails?

Because teaching dads to do hair has always been about so much more than hairstyles. It's about showing our children that strength, kindness and care can all be part of what it means to be a man.

From exploring the world's wildest places to navigating the adventures of fatherhood…

This week on The Pints & Ponytails Show, we're joined by the brilliant Steve Backshall!

Explorer, adventurer, wildlife presenter and dad, Steve brings a fascinating perspective on raising children in a world that looks very different from the one we grew up in.

We talk childhood adventures, risk-taking, resilience and the importance of giving our children the freedom to explore, make mistakes and discover what they're capable of.

Are we becoming so focused on protecting our children that we're forgetting to...

Only our SECOND ever mum on Pints & Ponytails, and what a guest! 😂

This week we’re joined by the brilliant Louise Boyce, aka @mamastillgotit, for a hilarious, honest and refreshingly open conversation about the realities of parenting.

From the everyday tensions between mums and dads to the differences in how we experience parenthood, we get stuck into the conversations that so often divide us…with plenty of laughs along the way!

Because ultimately, we're all on the same team.

A huge thank you to Louise for being such a brilliant sport!

T...

Just three weeks after welcoming her baby boy, Chessie becomes the first-ever mum to join us on Pints & Ponytails!

She gives us an honest insight into the early days of postnatal life in the King Carter household - as Mat and Lawrence put her hairstyling skills to the test and ask her ALL the questions… with baby Huxley in tow.

Meet PrepGo UV from Tommee Tippee — the portable formula feed maker with built-in UV sterilisation, designed to make feeding on the go easier.
Prepare a fresh feed in just 2 minutes and sterilise your flask on t...

This week on The Pints & Ponytails Show… we’re joined by JLS star, performer and dad of three, Aston Merrygold

But how will years of choreography prepare him for five increasingly difficult levels of hairstyling?

As the hairstyles get harder, so do the questions - as Lawrence and Mat chat to Aston about fatherhood, family life, his career and what he’s learned about himself since becoming a dad.

Can Aston make it all the way to Level 5?

Meet PrepGo UV from Tommee Tippee — the portable formula feed maker with built-in UV steri...

Ollie Proudlock joins Mat & Lawrence down at the pub for the latest episode of The Pints & Ponytails Show.

Entrepreneur, designer, former Made in Chelsea star and, most importantly for this conversation, dad - Ollie opens up about his journey into fatherhood, how it’s changed him, his relationship with his own identity and the kind of father he wants to be.

But there’s a catch…

Can he make it through all 5 increasingly difficult hairstyle levels, while Mat & Lawrence hit him with increasingly challenging questions along the way?

Hair gets harder. Questi...

James Haskell is an ex England & British Lions rugby player, a DJ, celebrity reality TV star...and recently separated Girl Dad.

He is a hugely physical man, larger than life 'alpha' character...but he is also soft and reflective, gentle & aware - we couldn't think of anyone better to join us for this episode of The Pints & Ponytails Show!

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Our first-ever Pints & Ponytails podcast guest episode is here... featuring Cam Holmes!

Five hairstyles. Each one harder than the last...

At the same time, the questions go deeper - exploring fatherhood, mental health, relationships and modern masculinity.

Can Cam keep up as the pressure rises on both fronts?

Tune in to find out how far he gets...

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We have some explaining to do...its been a whirlwind 4 months since we launched our events for dads, Pints & Ponytails...the SLOD podcast is now The Pints & Ponytails Show!

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We are joined by Dr Anna Machin - evolutionary anthropologist, author and one of the leading voices on modern fatherhood.

Anna’s work explores the biology, anthropology and emotional realities of being a dad, and how men’s brains, hormones and identities change when they become fathers.

We often call her the godmother of dads - because few people have done more to understand, advocate for and humanise the role of fathers in the modern world.

Anna is currently writing her next book on fatherhood, and in this conversation we explore what science and...

Peloton star coach Ben Aldis has built a career on strength, discipline and momentum. But becoming a dad has asked something very different of him.

In this conversation, Ben reflects on the man he became through his relationship with his own father, and the man he is becoming now he’s a dad himself. We talk identity, pressure, purpose - and how fatherhood reshapes what “strong” really means.

It’s a story about legacy. About choosing the kind of man your children get to grow up with.
And about learning that the hardest work often be...

What if adventure didn’t disappear when you became a parent… it just changed shape?

In this episode, Lawrence and Mat sit down with world-renowned author and performance scientist Alex Hutchinson to explore how curiosity, motivation and endurance really work - not just in athletes, but in everyday life as parents.

Alex’s work shows us that growth isn’t only about physical limits or epic expeditions. It’s about how the mind and body work together to keep us engaged with life, even in the small, ordinary moments.

We talk about:

Why curi...

When kids arrive, the relationship doesn’t disappear - it just gets pushed to the edges of life.
Between sleepless nights, work stress, logistics and constant responsibility… it can feel like there’s no space left for “us”.

In this episode, Lawrence and Mat sit down with therapist and author Eli Weinstein, to explore what really happens to a relationship in the parenting years - and how couples can stay connected through it.

We talk about:

The identity shift from partners to co-parents

Why resentment quietly builds (and how to spot it ea...

What if most of what you’ve been told about kids’ nutrition… doesn’t apply to sporty kids? This week we sit down with Performance Canteen - the team who fuel young athletes across academies, clubs and schools - to unpack the myths parents keep seeing online. Is sugar really the enemy? Do overeating rules change when your kid trains for sport? And what are the real risks of under-fueling active teens? If you’re raising a sporty child, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.

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Lawrence and Mat sit down with ex England rugby captain Chris Robshaw and professional singer Camilla Kerslake for an honest conversation about performing at the highest level in both the sport and entertainment industries, Chris’s vulnerable adventure on Strictly Come Dancing and how the couple navigate parenting whilst juggling demanding careers. It’s a grounded, insightful and fun look at resilience, identity and keeping your family steady when life gets loud.

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On the eve of England competing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, we sit down with former England star and TV pundit Ugo Monye to explore the unstoppable rise of women’s rugby — a sport now packing out stadiums and inspiring the next generation.

We discuss how over £6 billion of National Lottery funding into grassroots sport has helped pave the way for this moment and Ugo shares his own rugby journey from the pitch to punditry.

As dads, we also talk about the role fathers play in shaping opportunities for our children — especially our daugh...

Jake's career has spanned over a decade in the public eye, from football to singing, reality TV to presenting, acting and musical theatre...he has never been afraid to try something new. Mat and Lawrence explore his willingness to be vulnerable in the name of growth and how this shapes his 'action led' approach to fatherhood - stemming from the impact his late father had on him growing up. This episode is as emotional as it is inspiring - we hope you take a lot from it, we certainly did.

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Ryan chats to Mat & Lawrence about male fertility and where he is currently at with his family goals, the life changing experience of the Marathon Des Sables on both body & mind...plus how finding other men who are prepared to open up & go deep is now a priority in his life.

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The most successful female British swimmer in Olympic history, Rebecca Adlington joins Lawrence and Mat for a powerful conversation that spans grit, gold and growing up. From early days training in Mansfield, through navigating family challenges, to double Olympic gold in Beijing 2008 and multiple World and Commonwealth medals, Rebecca shares the mindset behind her success. She also opens up about the quiet role her father played, the identity shift after elite sport, and her evolution into motherhood. Having felt the physical toll of the sport, Rebecca was ready to step away on her own terms — embracing the next chapter wi...

Mat and Lawrence chat with Charlie Launder, founder of Bumps & Burpees, about how dads can support their partner’s fitness and recovery during and after pregnancy.

Charlie shares what’s really going on in a woman’s body post-birth, why movement is about more than “bouncing back,” and how men can offer support that builds strength, confidence and connection.

A must-listen for any dad who wants to show up better - not just at home, but as part of a stronger team.

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Comedian and cultural commentator Russell Kane joins Lawrence and Mat for a raw & frank conversation on modern fatherhood - covering intimacy after having a baby, the male fertility crisis, staying young through biohacking and fitness, baby sleep hacks that actually work...and the pressures of modern masculinity faced by dads. A mixture of comedy, common sense...and wisdom.

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In this episode, Lawrence and Mat sit down with Lucy Upton, founder of The Children’s Dietitian, for an honest conversation about the often stressful realities of feeding kids. A leading paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist with over a decade of NHS and private sector experience, Lucy has supported thousands of families through challenges ranging from fussy eating and allergies to feeding difficulties linked to neurodivergence and medical conditions. Together, we unpack the daily struggle of getting children to the table, the impact of language and tone around food and how common parent-child dynamics can unintentionally fuel anxiety or re...

This week, Lawrence and Mat sit down with Esther Marshall - founder of Sophie Says and passionate advocate for emotional wellbeing, inclusion and breaking down childhood stereotypes.

From the spark that led her to write her first book, to how grief and motherhood shaped her mission, Esther shares a powerful, personal journey that turned into a movement helping kids believe, feel and grow.

For 15% off Sophie Says books use this link: https://www.sophiesaysofficial.com/discount/SLOD15

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From West Ham to fatherhood - Anton Ferdinand sits down with Lawrence and Mat to reflect on the highs and lows of his football career, the powerful influence of his own dad and the evolving lessons he's learning as a father today. A conversation about identity, legacy and what it really means to show up as a man.

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In this heartfelt episode, Mat and Lawrence sit down with Dr. Julie Smith to explore the evolving landscape of fatherhood. They discuss the power of vulnerability in parenting, the challenges of balancing ambition with family life, and the importance of self-compassion and choosing 'healthy comparison'. Dr. Julie shares insights from her own experiences as a mother and psychologist, offering practical advice for dads striving to be present and emotionally attuned. Whether you're a new father or navigating the complexities of parenthood, this conversation provides valuable perspectives on embracing imperfection and fostering deeper connections with your children.

In this episode, Mat and Lawrence sit down with journalist Sam Parker, author of the upcoming book Good Anger, to explore the hidden ways suppressed rage can manifest as anxiety, depression and chronic health issues. Together, they unpack why ignoring our anger is often more harmful than feeling it - and how learning to channel anger productively can lead to personal growth, stronger relationships and a healthier, more authentic life.

This week’s episode includes a paid advertisement for Better Help. You can get your exclusive discount as Secret Life Of Dads listener by using the link ht...

Lawrence and Mat sit down with renowned clinical psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Wendy Mogel to delve into the pivotal role dads play in guiding their children from childhood through adolescence. Drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her acclaimed books, including The Blessing of a Skinned Knee, The Blessing of a B Minus and Voice Lessons for Parents/Parent Talk, Dr. Mogel discusses how fathers can foster resilience, self-reliance and open communication in their children.

We explore practical strategies for dads to support their children's growth, navigate the challenges of adolescence and build strong, enduring...

Lawrence and Mat sit down with Nik Payne - father of four, widower and the heart of the Sundance-winning documentary A New Kind of Wilderness.

They talk about raising kids in the Norwegian wilderness, life after the loss of his wife Maria and what it really means to hold onto your values as a man and father when life takes you far off the map - emotionally, physically and spiritually.

It’s a raw, honest conversation about resilience, grief and intentional parenting in a world that doesn’t always make space for it.

Brand builder. Rule breaker. Dad - Peter Williams founded Jack Wills at 23 and turned it into an iconic British style brand. Now he’s back with Aubin — and some serious wisdom on business, identity and raising kids whilst raising brands.

Mat and Lawrence dig into the highs, the lessons and what it really takes to build something that lasts - in work and in life.

This episode contains a paid advertisement by Better Help. Try convenient and affordable online therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/slod to get on your way to being your best...

Mat and Lawrence sit down with Dr. Joshua Wolrich - NHS doctor, nutritionist and author of Food Isn't Medicine - to discuss how dads can foster a healthier, more relaxed relationship with food. They explore the pitfalls of diet culture, the benefits of weight-neutral health and how to model positive eating habits for the whole family. Tune in for practical insights and a fresh perspective on nutrition that challenges the status quo.

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Raised in a family that ran a McDonald’s franchise, Dr. James Morehen now fuels some of the world’s toughest athletes as Lead Performance Nutritionist for England Rugby. In this episode, we dive into his fascinating journey from fast food to elite sport and the philosophies that guide his approach to food, family, and performance. Listen for...

His take on parenting and food in a world of ultra-processed choices.

The mindset shift everyday parents can learn from elite athletes.

Performance nutrition tips that actu...

Dr Megan Rossi - also known as The Gut Health Doctor - is a leading gut health expert, award-winning scientist and mum of two. She founded The Gut Health Doctor platform to make cutting-edge science accessible and practical for everyday families. As a Research Fellow at King’s College London, she investigates nutrition-based therapies, including prebiotics, probiotics and plant-based diversity. She also leads The Gut Health Clinic, offering personalised support for digestive and overall health.

Dr Rossi is the author of Sunday Times bestsellers Eat Yourself Healthy and Eat More, Live Well, and co-founder of...

In this episode, Jamie Clements of The Breath Space joins Mat and Lawrence for a real, no-fluff conversation about breathwork — not as some mystical fix, but as a simple, science-backed tool to handle the mental weight that builds up in modern life.

Fatherhood’s full on. Your mind’s racing, your patience is thin and your nervous system’s shot. In this episode, we explore how breathwork can pull you out of the noise and back into your body — with real talk, practical tools and a bit of a laugh along the way.

After becoming a mother, no one asked Helen Glover if she’d return to elite sport. It wasn’t a question - it was an assumption. That silence lit a fire.

In this honest and inspiring conversation, Olympic champion Helen Glover OBE reflects on the quiet power of holding on to your dreams, even when the world moves on. She shares how motherhood challenged her identity, fuelled her comeback and helped her discover a new kind of strength.

Because parenthood isn’t the end of your ambition - it can be...

Join Lawrence and Mat as they sit down with Hugh Wahla to hear his incredible life story — from growing up amidst childhood trauma and challenges, to rising through the ranks of global fashion and design brands as CEO. Hugh shares how hitting burnout led him to step away, rebuild and find a new path focused on health, balance and meaning — including cold water swimming, breathwork and rethinking success.

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Jacob Mitchell, the award-winning teacher turned MC Grammar, joins Lawrence and Mat to share the real story behind his journey — from leaving school with just one GCSE to becoming a global sensation blending hip-hop and education. Discover how his viral raps like The Gruffalo sparked a mission to make learning engaging, accessible and fun for kids everywhere.

This episode contains a paid advertisement by Better Help. Try convenient and affordable online therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/slod to get on your way to being your best self and get 10% off your first mo...

Saracens scrum-half and former Springbok international Ivan van Zyl, alongside senior academy coach James Tirrell, are not just leaders in elite sport - they’re also dads. In this special episode of Fatherhood in Elite Sport, Mat and Lawrence dive into the balancing act of high-performance sport and fatherhood. How do they maintain elite-level focus under intense pressure while being present for their families? What lessons can we pass on to kids aspiring to reach the top? From mindset to sacrifices, they share invaluable insights from the frontline of professional sport and parenting.

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Mat and Lawrence sit down with Zoe Blaskey, founder of Motherkind, to explore the evolving dynamics of modern parenthood. We delve into the psychological shifts that come with raising children, the shared challenges faced by both mothers and fathers in the unique modern era and strategies to foster resilience and confidence in our parenting journeys.

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In 2007, while on tour in Afghanistan, Mark Ormrod triggered an IED, resulting in the loss of both legs and his right arm. But his story is about far more than what he lost - it's about resilience, mindset and redefining possibility. In this episode, Mark shares his hard-earned lessons, the philosophies that shaped his journey and his personal approach to fatherhood as a dad of three.

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