Most blokes underestimate how much their presence—not their perfection—shapes their kids’ future. In this episode, Josh and Kieran sit down and gets real about what fatherhood means in 2025: the pressures, the guilt, the wins, the repair work. We’ll unpack how your role as a dad has shifted, why your presence matters more than the paycheck, how to navigate fatherhood after divorce or separation, and the legacy you’re building simply by showing up. Backed by the latest Australian stats, grounded in story, and packed with practical tools to help you step up in the day-to-day. If you’re a dad, thinking of becoming one, or trying to reconnect—this episode is for you.
🔍 Key Facts, Stats & Resources (for Show Notes)
The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) “Fathers and Work: A Statistical Overview” shows that while fathers’ employment patterns change little after having children, their ability to shape care roles is increasing. Australian Institute of Family Studies
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) projections, one-parent families headed by male lone-parents are set to increase the fastest by 2046—between 40% and 69%. ABC
Research shows that stay-at-home fathers remain rare in Australia (~4-5% of two-parent families) and that the traditional model of fathering is still deeply embedded in culture despite evolving roles. Australian Institute of Family Studies+1
A comprehensive review by Save the Children Australia titled “State of Australia’s Fathers” highlights that many Australian fathers consider themselves “helpers” rather than primary carers—even as they want more involvement with their kids. Equimundo+1
Health outcomes among first-time fathers in Australia show that while fatherhood brings many positives, there are also challenges around sleep, mental health, and service use—highlighted in the AIFS Ten to Men Insights report.
✅ Call to Action for Listeners
Reflect on one small thing you’ll do this week to increase your presence with your kids (a check-in, an activity, letting the phone go away for 10 minutes).
Write down one “legacy moment” you want your kids to remember you for—not the big trophy, but the quiet ordinary habit.
Share this episode with another dad and commit together to one ritual you’ll keep.
Kieran and Josh torch the biggest bloke myths with a mix of evidence and straight talk—plus plenty of banter.
We cover:
Food myths:
Red wine & the 90s “French Paradox,” why eggs/yolks aren’t the villain, why protein shakes are supplements (not meals), snap-frozen veg can be more nutritious, and how 2–3 coffees can still fit hydration if you drink water too.
Fitness myths:
Cold plunges = short, meaningless T bump (but good for mood); “no pain, no gain” vs overtraining (injury risk goes up); crunches don’t spot-reduce fat; sauna is recovery, not “detox”; recreational running tends to strengthenjoints.
Relationships myths:
“Real men don’t show emotion” (why expressing it helps), “once a cheater, always a cheater” (context + change), who should pay (offer, then share—depends who’s organising), and why divorce isn’t failure if you learn and rebuild.
Grooming & bedroom myths:
Baldness genes come from both parents (treat early: finasteride + minoxidil). Men don’t think about sex every 7 seconds (more like ~19/day). “Men peak at 18” ignores strength peaking ~25–35 and emotional maturity later on.
Running gags & moments: Huberman name-drop, “swallowed a sheep,” felt sauna hats, avocado law, Northern Beaches “cougars,” and Josh’s ice bath going green.
Next week: Showing Up for Your Kids (Even When You’re Falling Apart) — practical ways to be present, not perfect.
In this episode, Josh and Kieran close out the Reset Trilogy with the toughest challenge yet: your mental game.
We dive into why silence is killing blokes, the real impact of loneliness (as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day), and why one in eight Aussie men face depression each year. Suicide is still the leading cause of death for men 15–44, and we’re pulling no punches on what that means.
From workplace stress and burnout to mateship, stoic wisdom, and simple tools like breathwork, exercise, and setting boundaries—this is a practical conversation every man in midlife needs to hear.
🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why loneliness can cut years off your life.
• The biggest shifts in men’s causes of death from the 1930s to now.
• Stress and burnout: how to recognise the signs and reset.
• Why mateship and connection might be the strongest medicine.
• How to choose the right help (and why not all psychologists are equal).
📲 Listen to the full episode:
• Spotify → Steak Dinner Podcast on Spotify
• Apple Podcasts → Steak Dinner Podcast on Apple
• YouTube → Steak Dinner Podcast on YouTube
🛠️ Resources & Links from this episode:
• Beyond Blue — info, support & mental health toolkit.
• Lifeline Australia — 24/7 crisis support (13 11 14).
• Men’s Line Australia — support service for men.
• Black Dog Institute — fact sheets, resources & research.
• Smiling Mind — free Aussie meditation app.
• AHPRA Register of Practitioners — check psychologist/health professional credentials.
• Book: Burnout by Emily & Amelia Nagoski → Penguin Books link
• Daily Stoic (Ryan Holiday) → Daily Stoic Website
✅ Calls to action:
• Call one mate this week with no agenda.
• Try a non-drinking catch-up (gym, walk, surf, or just coffee).
• If you’re struggling, reach out: GP, Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Men’s Line, Black Dog Institute.
Blokes, strength isn’t silence—it’s having the courage to speak up.
Poor sleep. Missed check-ups. A couple of beers too close to bed. These “small” habits are quietly wrecking men’s health — cutting testosterone, raising blood pressure, and putting blokes at higher risk of cancer, depression, and early death.
In this episode, JP and Kieran cut through the noise with:
Why less than 5 hours of sleep can tank testosterone (and even shrink testicles)
The link between alcohol, caffeine, blue light and wrecked recovery
Practical hacks for better sleep: room setup, routine, and tracking
The silent killers: high blood pressure, bowel cancer, prostate cancer
Skin checks, dental health, and mental health — the overlooked check-ups that save lives
Easy, low-cost ways to get all your health checks done in a single day
💡 Takeaway: These aren’t “sexy” habits, but if you want to live longer and stronger, you need to nail your sleep and schedule your check-ups.
👉 Calls to Action:
Try one sleep tweak this week (ditch the nightcap, set a bedtime, charge your phone outside your room).
Book a GP visit, send back the bowel kit, or line up a skin check before summer.
Ask a mate to do the same — you might save their life.
Next week in Episode 11, we tackle the mental game: stress, mateship, and depression — the battles too many men fight alone.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical, nutritional, or financial advice. We’re not doctors or dietitians. Everything discussed here is general in nature — things for you to consider, not prescriptions. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medical care.
Nearly 70% of Aussie men over 40 are overweight or obese (by BMI standards) — and while BMI isn’t perfect, it’s a clear signal that too many blokes are carrying more risk than they should.
In this episode, Josh and Kieran kick off the Steak Dinner Podcast Health Trilogy by looking at physical health. We break down four key areas every bloke in midlife should think about:
🍳 Nutrition: Why protein matters, how to swap out servo pies and sugary drinks, and the role of ultra-processed foods.
🏋️ Exercise: What “moderate” really means, why Zone 2 and Zone 5 cardio matter, and the role of resistance training.
😴 Sleep & Recovery: Why alcohol wrecks your deep sleep, the power of routine, and how naps can help without hurting.
🩺 Medical Check-ups: The GP appointments you shouldn’t skip after 40, from blood pressure to bowel screening.
It’s practical, real-world stuff with a side of banter — tools and resources you can actually use to make changes that stick.
Nutrition:
Eat for Health – National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
The Drive podcast – Dr. Peter Attia
Alcohol & Liquid Calories:
Exercise:
Sleep & Recovery:
Call to Action
👉 Try one small change this week: log your protein for a day, swap one processed snack for a whole food, or book a GP check-up. Then share your own midlife health hacks with us — what’s worked for you?
In Episode 8 of the Steak Dinner Podcast, Josh and Kieran keep the rebuild series rolling with the next four pillars:
Investing basics — from ETFs and shares to property and super funds.
Insurance & estate planning — why most Aussies are underinsured and why half of us die without a will.
Tracking your net worth — simple spreadsheets, free tools, and budgeting hacks that actually work.
Mental bandwidth & support — GP mental health plans, EAPs, men’s sheds, mateship, and community groups.
We also share some listener feedback on “investing in what can’t be split,” swap a few stories (including a $6,000 French poodle disaster), and remind blokes that rebuilding after separation—or any major life event—isn’t just about money.
👉 This one’s packed with practical resources, plain-English tips, and a few laughs along the way.
MoneySmart (ASIC) – calculators, guides, budgeting tools
https://moneysmart.gov.au
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) – market info, education, listed products
https://www2.asx.com.au
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – superannuation rules, contributions, tax concessions
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super
Law Society of NSW – Find a Lawyer
https://www.lawsociety.com.au/for-the-public/find-a-lawyer
LawAccess NSW – Free legal help
https://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au
Beyond Blue – mental health support
https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline – crisis support (24/7)
https://www.lifeline.org.au
Mens Shed Australia – find a local shed
https://mensshed.org
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – usually via your workplace (check HR or intranet)
St Vincent de Paul Society – community support & volunteering
https://www.vinnies.org.au
🔗 Resources Mentioned in Episode 8
Back from Greece (Kieran) and Colombia (Josh), we map out a clear 12-month plan for men rebuilding after separation or a financial hit. Today’s four pillars: housing & living decisions, debt strategy beyond triage, building a safety buffer, and rebooting superannuation. It’s practical, direct, and designed for real life — no fluff.
What you’ll learn
How to choose short-term living arrangements (house share, granny flat, family stay) to cut costs while you stabilise.
Debt tactics that actually stick: avalanche vs snowball, when consolidation helps, and where to aim windfalls.
A simple path to a starter emergency fund so you stop leaning on credit.
A superannuation reboot: check beneficiaries (binding vs non-binding), find/consolidate lost super in myGov, understand carry-forward concessional contributions, and when hardship access might apply.
Mindset cues for 12 months of compliance: automate savings, avoid weak-spots, buy for utility.
Breakups suck — but going broke after one sucks more.
In this episode of the Steak Dinner Podcast, Josh and Kieran tackle financial first aid for separated dads: how to stop emotional spending, understand your debts, create a simple budget, and avoid the most common mistakes blokes make in the chaos of separation.
We cover:
What to do immediately when you move out
Joint accounts, credit cards, and the “fun dad” trap
How to survive rent + mortgage pressure
CSA vs private child support: what it covers, and what it doesn’t
When to seek professional help (and where to get it free)
Why cash is king — and what JP learned from a $5K cycling splurge
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about taking control, one smart step at a time.
👂 Tune in, breathe deep, and start rebuilding.
📌 Like, follow, and share this with a mate who's trying to get back on his feet.
⚠️ FULL EPISODE DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer: The content of this episode is not financial advice and should not be taken as legal or professional guidance. Josh Peterson and Kieran Martin are sharing personal stories and lived experience only. They are not financial advisors, lawyers, or accountants, and this podcast does not provide tailored advice.
Every bloke’s situation is different. Before making any financial or legal decisions, speak to a licensed professional who understands your circumstances.
This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only — mate-to-mate chat, not expert gospel. Use your head, protect your wallet, and don’t sue us.
80% of separated men leave the family home, but how do you actually make life work after that?
In this raw, no-BS episode, Josh (the Sultan of Separation) and Kieran break down what really happens when blokes have to start again after a breakup — from caravans and couches to building a new home and headspace.
We cover:
✅ How to set up a kid-friendly space without blowing cash
✅ How to keep your head straight after tough drop-offs
✅ Why “being present” beats being perfect
✅ How to communicate clearly with your ex (and avoid legal landmines)
✅ Why every bloke needs to compartmentalise their life post-separation
Plus, plenty of laughs, footy banter, and hard-won wisdom along the way.
Whether you’re in the thick of it or helping a mate who is — this one’s for you.
👉 Follow us on Spotify + socials @SteakDinnerPod.
What happened to just grabbing a drink and seeing where it goes? In this episode, Josh and Kieran swap stories about dating back in the day—sweaty school dances, awkward house phone calls, and the original ghosting—before diving into the chaos of modern app culture. From filtered photos to scammy bots, we break down the numbers, share what works, and offer solid advice for blokes trying to date without losing their minds.
💡 What you'll learn:
📣 Got a dating fail or win? DM us—we might read it next episode.
Are you thinking about separating from your partner—or already halfway out the door?
Before you make that move, this episode is your pause button.
We dive into:
The real reasons men leave (they’re not what you think)
Why introspection matters more than blame
How to do a 4-part self-audit: physical, emotional, spiritual, relational
What you might lose if you leave too soon
Why marriage might be salvageable—and what that actually takes
The brutal truths about separation: custody, finances, identity fallout
How to leave with clarity, not chaos, if you still decide to go
Featuring real stats:
69% of divorces initiated by women (Divorce.com, 2023)
Only 11% of separated dads get sole custody (Australian Institute of Family Studies)
Divorced men are 2.5x more likely to die by suicide (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
Married men live 7–10 years longer (Harvard Study of Adult Development)
This episode isn’t about judgment. It’s about getting clear—so you don’t walk away from a relationship and find yourself facing the same demons later.
🎧 Listen. Reflect. Then act like a man who’s done the work.
🔔 Subscribe for more real talk on separation, fatherhood, identity and rebuilding.
Pull up a chair — The Steak Dinner Podcast is served. In this opening episode, hosts Josh and Kieran dish out what this show is all about: helping men rebuild their lives with straight talk, sharp humour, and zero fluff. If you’re navigating separation, searching for purpose, or just craving deeper conversations that actually go somewhere, this is your table.
🔥 Real talk. Well done.
⚠️ May contain traces of nuts.
You didn’t plan for this—but here you are. The house feels empty, your head’s spinning, and you’re wondering what the hell to do next.
In this episode, Kieran and Josh walk through the first 30 days after separation. It’s a no-fluff triage kit for men: legal steps, money moves, emotional control, parenting traps, and how to stop spiralling when everything feels unsteady.
This isn’t therapy. It’s not a pity party either. Just real talk and practical advice to help you stabilise, think clearly, and take back some control.
