What happens when men are given space to feel? In this powerful episode, Paula MacNeill sits down with Zak Johari, founder of Happy Dads UAE — a movement that's changing the conversation around fatherhood, masculinity, and emotional expression.Zach opens up about growing up in Singapore, discovering dance, stepping into sudden fatherhood, and why he believes every dad needs a safe space to speak. 🎧 Tune in to hear:What most dads are secretly struggling withWhy Zak launched weekly men’s circles in DubaiThe emotional moment that changed his life as a fatherHow vulnerability became his strength🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts 🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered, real-life conversations.Follow us on socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastportraits_TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@portraits_podcastFollow Zak: https://www.instagram.com/happydaduae/ Chapters:00:00 Episode Highlights01:34 Meet Zak Johari: Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach01:52 Zak's Childhood and Early Influences02:56 The Impact of Mandatory Service in Singapore03:51 Navigating Cultural Expectations and Personal Passions07:03 The Journey from Dance to Fitness10:23 A Life-Changing Phone Call17:25 Meeting His Future Wife20:18 Stepping into Fatherhood30:12 Navigating Relationships with Stepchildren and Biological Parents31:08 Balancing Discipline and Understanding in Parenting31:53 Reflecting on Expectations and Realities of Fatherhood32:20 Challenges and Insights of Being a Stepfather38:17 Moving to Dubai and Homeschooling45:05 Creating a Supportive Community for Dads49:05 Encouraging Open Communication Among Fathers56:08 Closing Thoughts 

Ver todos los episodios