Welcome to the newly rebranded Dad's Mental Health

The podcast for new and seasoned dads navigating the rollercoaster of fatherhood with a smile, a groan-worthy dad joke, and honest conversations about mental health.

In this intro episode, host James (a happily married dad of three living near Brighton) shares why he changed the podcast name from Dad Mind Matters, what you can expect moving forward, and how stories from other dads—along with some cold showers, jujitsu, and questionable songs—have helped him manage anxiety, OCD, and daily stress.

Whether you're wiping bums before breakfast or sneaking chocolate biscuits during nap time, this podcast is your reminder: you’re not alone, and it’s okay to laugh while figuring it all out.

👉 Subscribe for biweekly episodes packed with relatable stories, mental health tips, and a healthy dose of humour.

📩 Want to share your story or join James on a future episode?

Email: mydadmissions@gmail.com

To buy my book click this link

First Time Dad

Have you ever had a moment where your body seemed to betray you—your heart racing, your palms sweating, and your mind spiralling out of control?

What if you could take back control and stop anxiety from ruling your life?

Anxiety and panic attacks can feel like a relentless cycle, leaving you exhausted and overwhelmed.

Whether you've experienced your first panic attack or have battled anxiety for years, you're not alone.

In this episode, bestselling author Brian Sachetta shares his personal struggles and hard-won strategies for overcoming anxiety.

You'll hear about the first time he had a panic attack, the surprising lessons he learned, and the techniques that helped him regain control of his mental health.

By listening to this episode, you will:

✅ Discover why anxiety thrives on secrecy and how opening up can instantly weaken its grip.

✅ Learn simple but effective techniques to calm your nervous system and prevent panic attacks.

✅ Gain a fresh perspective on mental health that will make you feel less alone in your struggles.

Hit play now to hear Brian’s powerful insights and start taking back control of your anxiety today! 🎧

To contact Brian click this link

In this episode, I'll reveal the real reason my guest started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Iowa.

Find out how this martial art can truly change your life for the better!

🎥 In this BJJ podcast episode, I'm joined by Brett, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and fellow dad over 40, from Iowa, USA.

We discuss why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best martial arts for men in their 40s and beyond, especially for dads seeking fitness, mental health, and community.

Brett shares his inspiring journey—training BJJ for several years, taking a long break due to life and injuries, and then passionately returning to the mats.

If you're a dad over 40 thinking about starting BJJ or returning to it after a break, this episode offers valuable insights into why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is so addictive and beneficial.

We discuss how BJJ boosts mental toughness, ego management, and physical longevity.

You'll learn why BJJ is called "human chess," offering mental challenges and strategic thinking similar to golf, and how training partners play a crucial role in your journey.

We also touch on why BJJ is ideal for older men: patience, a supportive community, and the endless puzzle-like challenge that keeps it fresh and exciting.

Brett shares honest thoughts on surviving tough rolls, setting realistic goals, and balancing training with family life.

Whether you're a white belt or seasoned brown belt, this episode highlights how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can dramatically improve your mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life—no matter your age.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for men over 40

Managing ego and expectations on the mats

Returning to BJJ after a long break

Why BJJ is perfect for dads and older beginners

The importance of choosing the right training partners

Mental health benefits and overcoming challenges through BJJ

BJJ vs. other martial arts (Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing)

Practical self-defense skills learned through Jiu-Jitsu

👉 Who Should Watch This?

Dads and older men starting BJJ

Experienced practitioners returning after a layoff

Anyone seeking inspiration for lifelong fitness and mental resilience through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

🥋 Join the community of dads transforming their lives through BJJ. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment sharing your own BJJ journey!

#BJJOver40 #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJforDads #MartialArtsForOlderMen #BJJCommunity #JiuJitsuMentalHealth #BJJPodcast #BJJLifestyle #DadLifeBJJ #BJJJourney

More From Dad Mind Matters

If you have a story you'd like to tell about living with a mental illness or about how you escaped the rat race that you'd like to share with my podcast listeners, please book a chat via

this link.

CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?

Dear Podcast Listener, Thank you for your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.

This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.

To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,

here is the link where you can leave a tip.

ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next...

In this episode of Dad Mind Matters, I’ll share 5 powerful reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can actually help you live longer—both physically and mentally.

🥋 As a brown belt who’s been training since 2016, I know first hand how Jiu-Jitsu improves cardiovascular health, mobility, mental well-being, and overall longevity.

If you want to stay fit, active, and be there for your kids for years to come, BJJ is the perfect lifestyle choice.

🔥 Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

✅ BJJ strengthens your heart & cardiovascular system – Say goodbye to high blood pressure & heart disease.

✅ Enhances mobility, flexibility & joint strength – Avoid injuries and stay agile as you age.

✅ Reduces stress & boosts mental health – Improve focus, relieve anxiety, and feel part of a supportive community.

✅ Encourages healthier habits – Eat better, sleep better, train smarter.

✅ Improves brain function & cognitive health – Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s & dementia with Jiu-Jitsu’s problem-solving aspects.

💡 Whether you’re a new BJJ parent or a seasoned practitioner, this video will give you motivation, advice, and emotional support to help you balance training, family life, and longevity.

👇 Let’s build a supportive community! Drop a comment below:

✅ How has BJJ impacted your life?

In this episode, I sit down with Dominique Padurano, a top SAT prep expert who helps students navigate the overwhelming process of college admissions in the U.S

📌 Topics We Cover:

✅ Is a university degree still a good investment in today’s economy?

✅ The real cost of college in the U.S. & U.K.—and how student debt impacts future opportunities.

✅ Ivy League universities: Are they truly worth it? Or is it all about networking?

✅ The college vs. trade school debate—who benefits more in the long run?

✅ Why some universities are shutting down, and what that means for students.

✅ The growing political battle over student loan forgiveness & education reform.

🚀 If you're a student, parent, or professional questioning the value of higher education, this episode is for you!

🔔 Enjoying the Podcast? Follow to never miss an episode!

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & More!

📚 My book "First Time Dad: A 42-Week Guide to Pregnancy" is available on Amazon & Audible!

📩 Sign up for my newsletter at DadMindMatters.com

#CollegeAdmissions #HigherEducation #StudentDebt #SATPrep #IvyLeague #CareerSuccess #UniversityVsTradeSchool

More From Dad Mind Matters

If you have a story you'd like to tell about living with a mental illness or about how you escaped the rat race that you'd like to share with my podcast listeners, please book a chat via

this link.

CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?

Dear Podcast Listener, Thank you for your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.

This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.

To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,

here is the link where you can leave a tip.

ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next birthday.

Just contact me via the website

Thanks again for your support, and take care of yourself

James

To sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter - CLICK HERE

ABOUT ME

Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.

After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.

As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.

Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.

In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.

To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link

FREE & "HOPEFULLY" USEFUL RESOURCES

Please click this link

For your free digital copy of my book One

What if you could build a deep and meaningful connection with a complete stranger in just three questions?

In today’s fast-paced world, where genuine human interaction often feels like a rarity, this episode explores the power of intentional connection.

If you’ve ever struggled with loneliness, mental health challenges, or just longed for more fulfilling conversations, this episode provides a roadmap to deeper, more authentic relationships.

1. Discover the three transformative questions that unlock deep conversations with anyone—even a stranger.
2. Learn how social media and surface-level interactions can be replaced by meaningful, face-to-face connections.
3. Gain insights from a police negotiator on listening techniques and strategies to create space for others to open up, no matter the situation.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode—press play now and start transforming your interactions into life-changing connections.

If you have a story you'd like to tell about living with a mental illness that you'd be happy to share with my podcast listeners, please book a chat via

this link.

CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?

Dear Podcast Listener, Thank you for your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.

This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.

To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,

here is the link where you can leave a tip.

ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next birthday.

Just contact me via the website

Thanks again for your support, and take care of yourself

James

To sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter - CLICK HERE

ABOUT ME

Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.

After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.

As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.

Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.

In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.

To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link

FREE & "HOPEFULLY" USEFUL RESOURCES

For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog

Please click this link

Again to be double awesome & leave a review on Amazon

Please click this link

Affiliate links

If you're a content...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the challenges of mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of empathy, featuring the extraordinary journey of Terry Tucker.

From police negotiator to cancer survivor, Terry shares his unique perspective on navigating life’s darkest moments.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders or questioned how to truly connect with those in pain, this episode offers powerful insights and practical lessons.

In this episode, you will:

1. Gain actionable strategies to support someone struggling with mental health issues or considering self-harm.
2. Learn how empathy and tactical communication can de-escalate high-stress situations.
3. Be inspired by Terry Tucker's resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges.

Click play now to discover how empathy and courage can transform lives, including your own.

If you have a story you'd like to tell about living with a mental illness that you'd be happy to share with my podcast listeners, please book a chat via

this link.

CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?

Dear Podcast Listener, Thank you for your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.

This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.

To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,

here is the link where you can leave a tip.

ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next birthday.

Just contact me via the website

Thanks again for your support, and take care of yourself

James

To sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter - CLICK HERE

ABOUT ME

Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.

After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.

As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.

Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.

In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.

To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link

FREE & "HOPEFULLY" USEFUL RESOURCES

For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog

Please click this link

Again to be double awesome & leave a review on Amazon

Please click this link

Affiliate links

If you're a content creator looking to try some state of the art...

Are men and women truly free to embrace their natural strengths, or has society pushed us away from what makes us unique?

In today's world, many feel disconnected from traditional gender roles—often struggling with mental health, career expectations, and family life.

In this episode, we explore why letting men be men and women be women might be the key to a healthier, more balanced society.

In this episode, you will:

1) Discover why embracing natural instincts can lead to stronger families and communities.

2) Learn how mentorship and positive role models shape the next generation.

3) Understand why personal responsibility, not just equality, is the foundation for success.

Hit play now and gain a fresh perspective on masculinity, femininity, and the importance of embracing who we truly are!

this link.

CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?

Dear Podcast Listener, thank you, I appreciate your support. This podcast aims to support dads all over the world, especially those struggling with their mental health.

This podcast is my hobby, but I'd like it to become much more than that one day. For that to happen, I need the support of either one very wealthy angel investor or a few thousand, possibly slightly less wealthy (but no less generous) angel investors.

To develop the podcast and hopefully support more dads, I need some help. With that in mind, if you enjoyed this episode and want to help me with what I'm trying to do,

here is the link where you can leave a tip.

ALL tips, regardless of size, are hugely appreciated, and as a thank you, anyone who leaves a tip will be entitled to a voice note message from me on their next birthday.

Just contact me via the website

Thanks again for your support, and take care of yourself

James

To sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter - CLICK HERE

ABOUT ME

Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad.

After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad.

As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health.

Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with.

In 2010, my GP suggested I do a 12-week CBT course with the NHS. During this course, I was diagnosed as having Pure OCD, which explained a lot.

To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click this link

FREE & "HOPEFULLY" USEFUL RESOURCES

For your free digital copy of my book First Time Dad

Please click this link.

To be really quite awesome & leave me a review on Amazon

Please click this link

For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog

Please click this link

Again to be double awesome & leave a review on Amazon