by James Macdonald
Hello, I'm James Macdonald and a decade ago, I was stressed and overwhelmed at my role as a husband and (exhausted) father of 3, not really knowing how to be the best man I could be. Many years, pitfalls and enough flat whites to sink a battleship later, I’m a lot happier and confident and on a mission to help other dads be the best family man they can be without losing their minds. Dad's Mental Health is for all dads who sometimes feel overwhelmed at their responsibility and feel like their mental health may be on a slow and silent decline. For the men who always feel like they’re in the doghouse but don’t know why. Here you’ll learn effective and actionable ways to deal with things such as toddler tantrums, passive aggressive partners and hopefully getting more happiness and laughter into your life. You are not alone in how you are feeling, and in Dad's Mental Health you will find a much-needed place where hopefully you’ll realise that you're doing much better than anyone, including you, is giving you credit for. With new advice and stories every week you can learn to safely navigate family life AND have a laugh, all in the time it takes you to walk to the shop on your completely made mission to get milk. If you’re ready to be the happier, more confident family man you know you can be, scroll up and click ‘FOLLOW’.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/17/2022
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April 15, 2025
<p>Ever had a morning where just getting out of bed feels impossible? </p><p>You're not alone and this episode is for those moments when the weight of everything feels like too much.</p><p>As a dad, the pressure to always be strong, present, and put-together can be overwhelming especially when you're navigating depression or low mental health.</p><p>This episode speaks directly to those mornings when hope feels distant but the need to show up still lingers.</p><p>Whether you're currently struggling or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers grounded, real life strategies to help break through the fog.</p><p>In this episode, you will:</p><p>1) Discover 5 powerful mindset shifts to help you move forward, even on the hardest days.</p><p>2) Learn how simply being present can have a lasting impact on your children—even when you're not at your best.</p><p>3) Gain perspective, comfort, and a few laughs from a fellow dad who's walked through the same darkness and is here to remind you: you're not broken, you're human.</p><p>Press play now to hear five down-to-earth thoughts that might just help you win today even if winning just means getting out of bed.</p><p><strong>Dad's Mental Health Podcast</strong></p><p>👉 Follow for weekly episodes packed with relatable stories, mental health tips, and a healthy dose of humour.</p><p>📩 Want to share your story or join James on a future episode? </p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">[email protected]</a></p><p>To buy my book click this link </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Time-Dad-Confident-Pregnancy/dp/173932160X" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">First Time Dad</a></p><p><strong>ABOUT THE HOST</strong></p><p>Hello, I'm James & not long ago, I was a very anxious and somewhat overwhelmed husband & dad. </p><p>After about a decade of setbacks & enough coffee to sink a ship, I’m a much happier dad. </p><p>As previously mentioned, I want to try & help other dads be the best they can without losing their mental health. </p><p>Mental health battles are something I am all too familiar with. </p><p>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.</p><p>To Buy My Audiobook, First Time Dad, Click<a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/First-Time-Dad-Audiobook/B0CGY588HP?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> this link </a></p><p><strong>USEFUL RESOURCES</strong></p><p>For your free digital copy of my book One Dad & His Dog</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BfWlRM0vSUy2gIG-SIjx4hcjt29zI3zq?usp=drive_link" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Please click this link</a></p><p>Again to be double awesome & leave a review on Amazon</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1739321618" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Please click this link</a></p><p><strong>Affiliate links</strong></p><p>If you're a content creator looking to try some state of the art production & editing software you really need to check out Descript. </p><p>Descript has made my life so so much easier. </p><p>It's AI clever ness makes everything so much quicker which leaves me more time to make up some genuinely terrible Ukulele songs.</p><p><a href="https://get.descript.com/muutj8mmufzb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to check out Descript</a></p><p>Looking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics?</p><p>Try Captivate: Get A FREE - <a href="https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=mgjhotf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Day Trial Here</a></p><p><strong>Wanna Help?</strong></p><p>If you want to help me develop this podcast please let a friend know about it. I hear you, no one has any spare time so here's an email template you could use.</p><p>Thanks in advance...
April 8, 2025
<p>Welcome to the newly rebranded <strong>Dad's Mental Health</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>👉 Follow for weekly episodes packed with relatable stories, mental health tips, and a healthy dose of humour.</p><p>📩 Want to share your story or join James on a future episode? </p><p>Email: <strong>[email protected]</strong></p><p>To buy my book click this link </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Time-Dad-Confident-Pregnancy/dp/173932160X" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">First Time Dad</a></p>
April 7, 2025
<p>In this episode, I'll reveal the real reason my guest started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Iowa. </p><p>Find out how this martial art can truly change your life for the better!</p><p>🎥 In this BJJ podcast episode, I'm joined by Brett, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and fellow dad over 40, from Iowa, USA. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>We discuss how BJJ boosts mental toughness, ego management, and physical longevity.</p><p> 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.</p><p>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. </p><p>Brett shares honest thoughts on surviving tough rolls, setting realistic goals, and balancing training with family life.</p><p> 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.</p><p>🔑 Key Topics Covered:</p><p>Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for men over 40</p><p>Managing ego and expectations on the mats</p><p>Returning to BJJ after a long break</p><p>Why BJJ is perfect for dads and older beginners</p><p>The importance of choosing the right training partners</p><p>Mental health benefits and overcoming challenges through BJJ</p><p>BJJ vs. other martial arts (Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing)</p><p>Practical self-defense skills learned through Jiu-Jitsu</p><p>👉 Who Should Watch This?</p><p>Dads and older men starting BJJ</p><p>Experienced practitioners returning after a layoff</p><p>Anyone seeking inspiration for lifelong fitness and mental resilience through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu</p><p>🥋 Join the community of dads transforming their lives through BJJ. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment sharing your own BJJ journey!</p><p>#BJJOver40 #BrazilianJiuJitsu #BJJforDads #MartialArtsForOlderMen #BJJCommunity #JiuJitsuMentalHealth #BJJPodcast #BJJLifestyle #DadLifeBJJ #BJJJourney</p><p><strong>More From Dad Mind Matters</strong></p><p>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 </p><p><a href="https://calendly.com/mydadmissions/dad-mind-matters-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link. </a></p><p><strong>CAN YOU HELP THE PODCAST?</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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, </p><p><a href="https://dadmindmatters.captivate.fm/support" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here is the link where you can leave a tip</a>. </p><p>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...
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