The world’s longest running radio program on fathers’ issues
Latest Shows…
The Little Book of Cosmic Catastrophes
Dr Sara Webb
… Latest shows may be found in Archives…
Problems listening to the shows? Click here
Coming up…
August 13: The Natural: Richard ‘Dick’ Thornett
Brendan Morris & Stephan Wellink … in conversation with Bill Kable
A prodigy from his school days, Dick Thornett’s exceptional abilities blossomed in adulthood, cementing his legacy as a world-class athlete in the 1960s. The youngest of three remarkable brothers, Dick’s achievements are nothing short of astounding. By the age of 22, he had represented Australia in water polo at the Rome Olympics, toured with the Wallabies to South Africa and New Zealand alongside his brother John, and, with his brother Ken, played a pivotal role in the historic success of the 1963-64 Kangaroos.
Brendan Morris and Stephan Wellink go beyond the scores and records to explore the profoundly human story behind the athlete. They delve into Dick’s journey, not only on the summits of global success but also through the valleys of personal struggle.
August 20: Reckless
Jeff Apter … in conversation with Bill Kable
When Australian Crawl first appeared on Countdown in 1979 no one knew what to make of them. The band was quirky, charismatic and unmistakably different. But they quickly proved they were no novelty act. Over the next seven years, this band of high school mates produced two of Australia’s bestselling albums, The Boys Light Up and Sirocco, and a string of major hits. Their success would launch the solo career of lead singer James Reyne.
To the public, Australian Crawl were sun-kissed surfies. They toured relentlessly, partied hard and built a huge and loyal following. Yet behind the scenes, tensions simmered. Disputes over songwriting credits, musical direction, money and status gradually frayed the once tight-knit group. The tragic death of guitarist Guy McDonough in 1984 left a big hole in the band from which they never fully recovered. Decades later their songs still command the airwaves and are streamed by millions. Jeff Apter brings us a poignant account of this legendary group.
Vale Glenn A Baker (1952–2026)
August 27: Woodstock 50 Years On – A Tribute Broadcast
In memory of Glenn A. Baker we replay his insightful conversation with Bill Kable.
Widely described as “not just Australia’s top pop scholar but a world-class rock journalist,” Glenn A. Baker was a three-time winner of the BBC’s Rock Brain Of The Universe title. He possessed a legendary knowledge of music well beyond rock and famously led music enthusiasts to Woodstock and the sacred sites of music in the USA.
Dads on the Air acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.