In this deeply honest conversation, musician and NDIS support worker Andrew Kitchen (Antiskeptic) sits down with host Justin to discuss his recent journey through chronic anxiety, the deconstruction of ego, and discovering what remains when achievement can no longer define you.

Andrew opens up about canceling his band's tour in November 2024 due to a severe anxiety episode, the wisdom his wife Katie offered about thirty years of buildup requiring more than twelve months to heal, and learning to recognize when his body was misinterpreting basic needs as anxiety. From his childhood as a pastor's kid to his work helping others write songs through the NDIS, Andrew reflects on the pastoral heart that runs through both his music and his mental health journey.

This episode explores the reality of middle-aged fatherhood, the challenge of "limping in public" as musician Ben Harper encouraged him to do, and the semicolon movement for those who've faced suicidal ideation. Andrew shares the tattoos on his arms written in Star Wars Aurebesh script—"beauty from brokenness" and "strength in dependence"—and how these themes have become the anchors of his life.

For fathers navigating their own mental health struggles, those supporting loved ones through anxiety, or anyone reconsidering what defines them beyond their achievements, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom, practical encouragement, and the reminder that sometimes "this is all I have left" is exactly where transformation begins.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental health challenges, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

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In this deeply moving episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with counselor and pastor Dave Drummond for a raw conversation about overcoming childhood trauma and finding authentic purpose. Dave shares his journey from a broken home marked by abuse to becoming a father, minister, and healer who has literally died and come back to serve others.

From their unlikely first meeting when Justin was 14 (involving a Larry Norman album and a youth rally poster), to Dave's massive heart attack that left him dead for 45 minutes, this conversation explores the cost of serving others and the power of authentic living. Dave opens up about growing up without a father figure, finding safety in an empty church as a child, and how his own wounds became the source of his calling to "comfort others with the comfort he received."

Whether you're struggling with your own past, questioning your purpose as a father, or simply trying to live authentically in a world full of expectations, Dave's story offers hope and practical wisdom. He discusses his counseling practice, the difference between happiness and contentment, and why he believes our authentic selves—not our wounds or unrealistic dreams—are our greatest gifts to the world.

This isn't just another feel-good story—it's an honest look at what it means to be whole enough to serve others while staying true to who you really are.

Note: This episode contains discussions of childhood trauma and abuse.

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In this episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with Paul Bugg — long-time president of the Sharks Basketball Club, husband, dad, and proud “Pa Bugg” to his grandkids. Paul opens up about raising his son Andy, who has Down syndrome, and how advocating for him shaped both his family life and his leadership in the community. From coaching under-10s to creating opportunities for all abilities teams, Paul shares what it means to step up when you see gaps, why anger doesn’t solve problems, and how love and persistence can spark lasting change. Plus, hear Andy drop in at the end with his take on basketball, lunch, and who his favourite parent really is.

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Justin and Heath dive deep into the ever-changing world of parenting - from the chaos of newborn days and surprise birthing stories to the challenges of raising teens in a digital age. They share honest reflections on how kids reshape family life, what it means to navigate constant change, and the small anchor points that help dads (and kids) find stability. With plenty of laughs, real-life stories, and raw honesty, this conversation reminds us that while change is inevitable, how we manage it makes all the difference.

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In this touching episode, hosts Justin & Heath share their own experience and key memories of previous Father's Days.

Justin and Heath sit down with two inspiring dads. First, they chat with Phil Gaudion, who shares stories from his unique journey as a drummer and a football club chaplain. Phil opens up about what fatherhood truly means to him - laying down personal ambitions to make his family his top priority.

Later, Justin has a heartfelt conversation with his own dad, Don Gall, who reflects on the ups and downs of fatherhood and the reality of not always getting it right.

It’s an honest, moving, and hope-filled episode about legacy, sacrifice, and the imperfect but beautiful role of being a dad.

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In this powerful episode of Father Figures, Justin sits down with Australian rapper Matt 360 to explore a raw and redemptive story of family, addiction, and faith. Matt opens up about his journey from a middle-class Lutheran school kid in Croydon, Melbourne, to becoming a platinum-selling artist caught in the grip of prescription drug addiction, and ultimately finding healing through Christ.

The conversation delves deep into the complex relationship between Matt and his father - a man who sacrificed everything to provide for his family while trying to protect his sons from the very demons that had claimed his own parents to alcoholism. We hear about the guilt, shame, and people-pleasing that nearly destroyed Matt, his overdose on tour, and the moment everything changed when he encountered the gospel.

Matt shares candidly about living with his parents and brother today, the regimented life that keeps him grounded, and how his understanding of God as Father has transformed his relationship with his earthly father. This episode explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, the power of authentic masculinity, and what it means to be "perfected" rather than perfect in faith.

A story of second chances, family restoration, and the healing power of understanding our identity as beloved sons.

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Indigenous Australian artist Mitch Tambo went from social worker to AGT sensation in a whirlwind journey that would test everything he thought he knew about himself. But behind the golden buzzers and stadium crowds was a man learning to heal childhood anxiety, navigate blended family life, and break generational patterns.

In this raw conversation, Mitch shares how holding his 18-month-old daughter helped him finally understand his absent father, why he had to learn to "father the younger version of himself," and how surfing with his late dad's boards became a turning point in his healing journey.

From singing in his native language to create "true reconciliation" with audiences, to the daily juggle of being both a touring artist and present father of four, this is a story about courage, culture, and the ongoing work of becoming the man your children need you to be.

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Welcome to Season 3 of Father Figures! Hosts Justin and Heath reunite to share what's changed in their lives over the past year - and what hasn't. Heath opens up about his intense hostile environment training course for his new role at World Vision, complete with mock hostage situations and cable-tie escape techniques. Meanwhile, Justin reflects on finally doing his graduation ceremony and the surprising power of marking life's milestones.

Both dads discuss the ongoing challenge of work-life balance, the importance of recognising when your nervous system needs a reset, and why calling a friend during tough moments can make all the difference.

From celebrating small wins to navigating major life transitions, this episode captures the reality of fatherhood in your 40s. The guys remind us that sometimes the best part of change is simply having the courage to jump - even when you can't see where you'll land.

Plus, stick around for a multi-layered dad joke courtesy of Heath's middle child that might just keep you thinking for the next 30-40 minutes.

Father Figures: Real conversations about fatherhood, faith, and finding your way through the middle-age grind.

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