Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

He’s snapping, shutting down, or pulling away… but what if it’s not anger at all?
In this powerful conversation, psychologist Craig Russouw unpacks what’s really going on beneath the surface for so many men and boys — and why most never ask for help until it’s too late.
From hidden signs of depression to the quiet crisis facing Aussie men, this episode will shift how you see behaviour, masculinity, and mental health — and give you practical ways to support the men and boys in your life.
KEY POINTS
Why men’s mental health struggles often show up as anger, irritability, or withdrawal
The alarming gap between men experiencing issues and those actually seeking help
How outdated ideas of masculinity keep men silent
What “mental health literacy” is — and why many men don’t have it
The concept of “mental maintenance” (and why prevention matters more than crisis care)
Simple, practical habits that protect mental wellbeing
Why connection for men often looks different — and how to support it
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Anger is often just the surface. Underneath, there’s anxiety, sadness, or something much deeper.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Mental Maintenance Manual (free guide for men’s mental health)
Someone Health (telehealth psychology service across Australia)
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Look beyond behaviour — ask what might be underneath anger or withdrawal
Normalise conversations about emotions early, especially with boys
Encourage regular “mental maintenance,” not just crisis support
Help boys identify feelings (not just react to them)
Prioritise sleep, connection, and enjoyable activities as non-negotiables
Model vulnerability — show that talking is strength, not weakness
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the nightly homework battle… isn’t worth fighting?
In this episode, we unpack a surprising truth about primary school homework that challenges everything parents have been told. Plus, breaking global news reveals a major court ruling against social media giants, and why it should completely change how we think about screens at home.
If you’re exhausted by homework resistance or worried about screen time, this episode will shift your perspective fast.
KEY POINTS
Why primary school homework often does more harm than good
The real reason kids resist homework (and it’s not laziness)
What actually improves academic outcomes in younger children
The one simple habit that matters more than any worksheet
Landmark court ruling finds social media platforms contributed to harm
How persuasive tech design is keeping kids hooked
Why this changes the conversation around screens for parents
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Kids don’t hate homework because they’re lazy. They hate it because it’s either pointless or painful.”
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Drop the pressure around primary school homework
Prioritise reading daily (together or independently)
Protect unstructured play time after school
Limit passive screen use where possible
Focus on connection and curiosity over compliance
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What your child is watching matters more than you think.
From movies to games to social feeds, today’s kids are exposed to more violence and sexual content than ever before - and most parents don’t realise just how much it’s shaping their behaviour, beliefs, and even empathy.
In this episode, we unpack eye-opening research on how repeated exposure changes what kids see as “normal”… and why even well-meaning parents slowly lower their guard.
If you’ve ever thought, “It’s probably fine” - this conversation might change your mind.
KEY POINTS
Why parents gradually become more lenient with screen content
How repeated exposure leads to desensitisation
The powerful truth: seeing is believing for kids
How violent and explicit content reshapes behaviour and empathy
The difference between passive TV and algorithm-driven content
Why ages 6–12 are a critical window for screen habits
The simple safeguards that make the biggest difference
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Seeing is believing - and what kids see becomes what they believe is normal.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Common Sense Media (for age-based content reviews)
Parent chat groups / “village” support systems
Happy Families resources & Parenting ADHD course
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Check before you say yes - Look up content before allowing it
Co-watch when you can - Context matters more than control
Delay exposure - Younger brains aren’t ready for adult themes
Avoid algorithm-driven platforms for younger kids
Find your village - Lean on like-minded parents for guidance
Hold your standards - Don’t let gradual desensitisation lower your boundaries
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A song lyric stopped us in our tracks… and turned into one of the most powerful parenting conversations we’ve ever had.
In this episode, a casual car ride, a classic song, and a teen’s perspective collide, revealing how differently our kids see relationships, accountability, and respect.
If you’ve ever struggled to start “the talk” (or worried you’re doing it wrong), this episode will change everything. Because the best conversations don’t start with scripts… they start with moments.
KEY POINTS
Why we overcomplicate “big talks” with our kids
The surprising power of everyday moments (music, movies, car rides)
What one teen girl noticed in a famous song lyric - and why it matters
The difference between explaining behaviour and excusing it
How to build trust so kids want to talk to you
Why timing and tone matter more than the “perfect words”
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Big conversations don’t need big moments — they just need small openings.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Consent Can’t Wait campaign
Boys by Dr Justin Coulson (releasing June - preorder now)
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Use what’s already around you - songs, shows, social media - as conversation starters
Keep it short and low-pressure (think 10 minutes, not a lecture)
Let your child lead when possible - curiosity beats control
Ask more questions than you answer
Revisit conversations later to deepen understanding
Focus on connection first, correction second
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your child is learning to gamble… without ever placing a bet?
From loot boxes to “harmless” game rewards, today’s episode exposes the subtle systems inside kids’ games that are shaping how they think about money, risk, and reward.
New research shows a clear pattern: exposure leads to normalisation—and normalisation leads to real gambling.
If your child plays games, this isn’t optional listening.
KEY POINTS
75% of kids (10–17) are exposed to gambling-like features in games
Loot boxes mimic poker machines with random reward systems
Watching gambling-style content normalises the behaviour
“Practice gambling” (social casino games) builds familiarity without risk
Attitudes - not peer pressure - drive real-world gambling behaviour
Early exposure significantly increases the likelihood of gambling later
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
“Once gambling feels normal, the step to doing it for real becomes tiny.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Belgian longitudinal study on kids and gambling exposure
Games referenced: Roblox, Fortnite, FIFA
Boys: Raising Strong Young Men from the Inside Out by Dr Justin Coulson
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Know the game mechanics (not just the game name)
Call it out clearly: explain how it mirrors real gambling
Set firm spending boundaries (no in-game purchases)
Watch what they watch (streams matter more than you think)
Have ongoing conversations about how games are designed to hook them
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.