In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Sean sits down to share his personal journey through fatherhood, mental health challenges, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From navigating co-parenting to the creation of the Shaka Project, Sean opens up about the importance of being present for his children, prioritizing emotional well-being, and building a community that supports open conversations about mental health.
This episode dives deep into the challenges and rewards of co-parenting, the role of emotional intelligence in raising resilient kids, and the power of celebrating small wins as a parent. With moments of humour, vulnerability, and practical advice, it’s a conversation that will resonate with any parent striving to grow alongside their children.
🍼 Key Moments:
00:00 – Introduction and background
05:54 – The birth of the Shaka Project
11:32 – Personal experiences with mental health
17:52 – Fatherhood and its challenges
22:47 – Navigating co-parenting
26:30 – Priorities and life lessons
27:21 – Co-parenting challenges and rewards
28:27 – The importance of mental health for parenting
29:54 – Lessons from childhood: understanding emotions
33:03 – Empowering children to express feelings
36:23 – Building a strong parent-child relationship
38:37 – Celebrating small wins in parenting
43:22 – Proud moments: a father’s reflection
49:26 – Humorous parenting stories and lessons learned
53:34 – Encouraging connection: checking in on friends
🌱 Takeaways & Themes:
- The Shaka Project began with a mission to support mental health through conversation.
- Being present for your children outweighs material success.
- Co-parenting takes focus, communication, and a shared commitment to the kids’ wellbeing.
- Emotional intelligence and a supportive environment help children open up.
- Proud parenting moments often come from everyday interactions.
- Mental health and parenting are deeply interconnected.
- Checking in on friends can change lives.
🌐 Support the Podcast & Learn More:
- Restless Wellbeing – Book Pete for your next keynote or retreat – Restless Wellbeing
- Power, Strength & Vulnerability – Grab Shane’s book “I Didn’t Want to Die, I Just Wanted the Pain to End” or pick up the wellbeing journal – Power, Strength & Vulnerability
🤝 Want to Partner With Us?
We’re on a mission to keep these conversations going. If you’re a business that shares our values, we’d love to hear from you!
📩 [email protected]
🙏 Special Thanks To Our Sponsors:
- Paul Snow – HG Legal (Hrkac Group)
Huge thanks to Paul and the team for backing this episode and supporting dads across the country. Let Paul know we have sent you to grab your discount – Paul Snow – Hrkac Group
🎥 Episode Details:
This episode was proudly recorded at Geelong Photo Studio. Huge thanks to their team for providing a warm and professional space for these important conversations.
🎧 Production:
Edited with gratitude by the legends at Propodcast – helping us sound good even when we’re running on no sleep and caffeine.
📌 Just a Reminder:
This podcast isn’t a licensed mental health service. We’re not psychologists—we’re just two blokes sharing our lived experience. If you need support, please reach out to a professional.