The Understanding Boys Podcast

The Hon Jeff Kennett AC is a former politician who was the 43rd Premier of Victoria between 1992 and 1999 and a member of Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1976 – 1999. He is the founding Chairman of Beyond Blue, a national organisation that has worked to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community since 2000. He is President of Hawthorn Football Club and currently works as a media commentator. Jeff and his wife Felicity are the proud parents of four children.

Liz Dawes is a savvy businesswoman and passionate about helping her community. Liz founded the Robert Connor Dawes foundation after her son passed away from brain cancer in 2013. Five years on, she has grown the charity to be the biggest paediatric brain cancer foundation in Australia. As CEO and Chairwoman of the board, Liz now manages Connor’s Run, the country’s largest paediatric brain cancer event with 4000 participants, and has been crucial in lobbying the Federal Government to secure funding for a disease which kills more young people than any other cancer.

Mental health is a growing concern for young people in our community. Dr Simon Rice is a leading researcher in mental health for young men and has a background in elite sport and education. In this podcast with Dr Ray Swann, he shares insights on the topic of stoicism and discusses a collaborative research project around positive masculinity to improve outcomes for boys' mental health.

Steve Biddulph AM is an Australian author, activist and psychologist who has written a number of influential bestselling books; and lectures worldwide on parenting, and boys' education.

James Kerr, author of Legacy speaks with Dr Ray Swann on his views on modern manhood, values and the importance of relationships. He shares his experience working with the world’s most successful sporting team, the All Blacks. Through the power of storytelling, James offers sound advice to younger men to have a good understanding of self and authenticity.

Lisa McCune speaks on the power of mentorship through her journey in the performing arts – benefiting from challenges resulting from working outside the comfort zone. Through an open discussion, Lisa shares her experiences of motherhood and what she believes are the most important qualities to impart in shaping the modern man.

Reverend Tim Costello, Chief Executive of World Vision Australia discusses his views on humanitarianism and how to encourage younger people to be actively involved in making a difference. He speaks with Dr Ray Swann about his passion for justice, faith and the importance of modelling empathy in the shaping of good men. 

Conversations about what makes a good man and more.