It was an honour to join Dads4Kids’ friend Rev. Ian Barnett and Hope 103.2 FM Sydney presenter Ben McEachen recently on their excellent podcast Grandparenthood. Ian hosts the fantastic, annual National Grandparent Conference (more on that shortly), which Dads4Kids has supported since 2017. You can listen to our 30-minute Grandparenthood conversation below.

Huge thanks to Ian and Ben for the opportunity to talk about Dads4Kids, and here’s a summary of the conversation from Hope 103.2 Podcasts, including some notable quotes:

Ben, Ian and Nat chat about the significant role fathers play in shaping the lives of their children and the community at large. In both the challenges and hopes associated with modern fatherhood, the discussion touches on societal perceptions and the importance of engaged fathers for a healthier society.

Key Takeaways:

• The Critical Role of Fathers: Engaged fathers are crucial for the positive development of children, reducing potential social issues like substance abuse and crime.
• Intergenerational Influence: Grandparents play a pivotal role in the upbringing of grandchildren, potentially stepping in as father figures in single-parent circumstances.
• Marriage and Stability: Strong family units provide security and stability for children, emphasising marriage’s role in societal health.
• Community and Support: Fathers benefit from community and support networks like Dads4Kids and other groups, which help men navigate fatherhood challenges.
• Faith and Fatherhood: Understanding and embracing Biblical principles can enhance one’s role as a father, contributing towards transformative societal impacts.

Notable Quotes:

1. “If all the fathers in Australia were being the best they could be, it would literally transform Australia for the better.” – Nathaniel
2. “Men as fathers, we set the tone in our homes… Leading in love is powerful.” – Nathaniel
3. “There’s been such a moral decay… we need to focus again on fatherhood.” – Ian
4. “Now is the time to make a difference… the best place to start, actually, is the Bible.” – Ian
5. “Remember that dads are important… try to be the best dad you can be.” – Nathaniel

We also talk about the state of fathering in Australia today. I clumsily quote Charles Dickens’ famous opening line from his classic 1859 novel A Tale of Two Cities (thanks to Ben for jumping in), ‘it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ It’s the best of times for fathering as young and middle-aged dads are more engaged in the lives of their children. But at the same time, men and fathers are maligned and sidelined more than ever today.

Ian mentions an interesting anecdote from the 1960’s TV program The Addams Family. The show and its spin-off movies aren’t my cup of tea, but Ian reminds us about one of the main characters, Gomez Addams, played by John Astin. In the show, he’s the enthusiastic patriarch of the strange Addams family and is madly in love with his wife, Morticia. An unexpected example for sure, but perhaps Gomez’s love for his wife and the mother of his children could inspire dads and granddads?

We discuss the overarching theme of The Bible, that God our Father in Heaven loves us, His children, so much that He sent His son Jesus to the world. And we end by talking about how Australia would be transformed if fathers were truly empowered to be the best they could be, which is the mission of Dads4Kids.

This year, unbelievably, I managed to book next weekend’s Men’s Summit on the same day as the National Grandparent Conference! The good news is, Ian and I have compared notes for 2027, and thankfully, I won’t be making the same mistake again. Which reminds me: THIS WEEKEND is your last chance to register for the 2026 Men’s Summit at Stanwell Tops. Click here for all the details, or watch the video below to find out more.

If you’re not able to join us for the Men’s Summit, make sure you check out the National Grandparent Conference taking place next Saturday, 29 August. This year, the in-person conference is at EV Church Erina on the Central Coast, New South Wales, or you can join in online. It’s a wonderful day with a packed program of great speakers, and Ian’s heart is inspiring grandparents to leave a living faith legacy – click here for all the details.

If you’re able to join the National Grandparent Conference in-person, make sure you say hi to my mother, Dads4Kids cofounder Alison Marsh, and Dads4Kids friend and volunteer Kim Stylianou at their table in the expo area. They’re very kindly flying the flag for Dads4Kids in Erina while my father, Dads4Kids cofounder Warwick Marsh, and I are hosting the Men’s Summit at Stanwell Tops. I’m looking forward to a great weekend!

Lovework

Check out the Empowering Dads and Grandads conversation and other episodes from the Grandparenthood podcast. Whether you’re a dad or a granddad, I hope it encourages you! If you haven’t already, make sure you REGISTER TODAY for the Men’s Summit, 28^th – 30^th August 2026 at The Tops Conference Centre (just south of Sydney) – registrations close midnight 23^rd August. I’d love to see you there!

Yours for empowering dads and granddads,
Nathaniel Marsh

PS: If you’re encouraged by the work of Dads4Kids and can support our vision to help dads be the best they can be for their children, please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

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Image courtesy of Pexels.