1. Mindfulness begins with awareness. Bringing the subconscious to the conscious allows fathers to be truly present with their children.
2. Healing starts with connection. Therapy, lived-experience storytelling, and vulnerability create powerful pathways for men to recover and grow.
3. Redefining masculinity is generational work. By modeling emotional awareness and imperfection, fathers teach sons that strength and softness can coexist.

“Mindfulness means conscious awareness — bringing the subconscious to the conscious and being present.” — Simon Rinn

“To regain control, we often have to let go of control.” — Simon Rinne

“Identify your core values and live by them every day. That’s how we become better fathers and partners.” — Simon Rinne

“Providing money isn’t the only thing you’re supposed to be providing — you’re supposed to provide safety, comfort, and connection.” — Shaun Dawson

"It’s not the same old playbook anymore; our sons will need different skills to thrive in the world they’re growing up in.” — Shaun Dawson

• 00:00 — Welcome back + who is Simon Rinne
• 00:36 — Mindfulness defined: “conscious awareness” for parents
• 01:15 — Simon’s backstory: OCD at 8, anxiety, depression
• 02:21 — Coping with alcohol and delaying help
• 03:14 — 2020 burnout: work, study, two kids, lockdown
• 03:43 — Discovering mindfulness and “lived-experience” therapy
• 04:39 — Feeling seen and heard for the first time
• 05:12 — Why men delay getting help
• 06:04 — Growing up in Adelaide; 80s/90s “suck it up” culture
• 07:26 — Bottling emotions, anger as the only “allowed” feeling
• 08:26 — Parents split at 13; “man of the house” pressure
• 09:18 — Alcohol at 15; clinic calls for positive male role models
• 10:15 — Social constructions of masculinity across eras
• 11:37 — Reframing masculinity: healthy vs “toxic” labels
• 12:50 — Past, present, future reflection for dads and sons
• 14:30 — Biggest misconception: “men can’t seek help”
• 15:26 — Lived experience builds trust; team problem-solving
• 16:39 — Finding the right “fit” in therapy, like fitness modalities
• 17:50 — Beyond therapy: sleep, food, movement, addictions
• 18:36 — Dopamine loops and sustainable change
• 19:44 — Mindful parenting: patience, presence, emotions
• 21:08 — The playbook is changing; imperfect parenting and repair
• 23:24 — Modeling apologies and rebuilding bridges
• 24:49 — Negative vs virtuous feedback loops
• 26:15 — “Always working” anxiety and learning to unplug
• 27:22 — Provider tension in a 24/7 world
• 29:00 — Connection is what kids want most
• 30:23 — Regaining control by letting go of control
• 31:17 — Live by values; kids learn from what we model
• 32:50 — Start mindfulness “day one” by modeling, not lectures
• 34:01 — Nature slows time; fewer screens, more real life
• 35:23 — Tactical first step: “tune-up” your mind like a car
• 36:53 — Pitfalls: old pain surfaces; that is part of healing
• 38:09 — Wabi-sabi: the beauty of imperfection
• 38:46 — How to engage with Mindful Men: podcast, therapy, group
• 40:36 — One principle: identify 5–6 core values and live them
• 41:53 — Close

• Mindful Men Website: https://mindfulmen.com.au
• Mindful Men Podcast: https://mindfulmen.com.au/podcast
• Mindful Men Community (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulmencommunity
• Mental Health Awareness Month (Australia): https://www.mentalhealthmonth.org.au/
• Concept Mentioned — Wabi-Sabi (Japanese philosophy of beauty in imperfection)