Show Notes
If you have ever wondered:
“What do I do when I get it wrong with my kids, or my team?”
“How do I stop being so hard on myself for not being perfect?”
“What am I actually in such a hurry to prove?”
- this episode is for you.
You do not have to get it right every time. You only have to get it right about 30% of the time, and then repair the rupture. This week, Maggie Dent joins Layne and Tess for a warm, honest conversation about perfection, pressure and what to do when you get it wrong.
Maggie Dent is one of Australia's most trusted parenting authors and educators, often called the queen of common sense. A former high school teacher, palliative care counsellor, funeral director and celebrant, she has spent more than 20 years working with parents, and especially dads, on how we raise boys and teenagers. She is the author of books including Mothering Our Boys, From Boys to Men, Girlhood and Help Me Help My Teen, a mother of four sons and a grandmother, and in 2026 received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wollongong. On A Wake Up Call she explains why you only have to get it right 30% of the time, how to repair the rupture, and the question that stopped her rushing to prove herself.
Along the way: holding the no without nastiness, saying “I’ve got a deadline coming up” before the pressure shows, talking to boys, why good men stay silent, and two questions to ask your kids or your team. It closes with Maggie’s 21 lessons at 71 and the AIA Do It For Life toolkit: there is no perfect. Proudly brought to you by AIA Vitality. Content note: this episode includes discussion of a suicide attempt (from 42:44). If this raises something for you, Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue is on 1300 22 4636.
You will hear about: Why you only have to get it right 30% of the time, and how to repair the rupture How to hold the no without nastiness: “I know you’re unhappy. It’s still no.” Saying “I’ve got a deadline coming up” before the pressure shows Two questions to ask your kids or your team: what am I doing that’s great, and what do I need to work on? The question that stopped Maggie rushing to prove herself: what was I in a hurry for?
Links
Get Awake's transformative book: Know Yourself Grow Yourself to live a happier more purposeful life. https://www.penguin.com.au/books/awake-academy-9781761345869 Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer Follow AWAKE on Instagram @awake_academy Awakes TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@awakeacademy_ Sponsor our podcast https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact Book us for a workshop https://www.awakeacademy.com.au/contact Maggie Dent: https://www.maggiedent.com
Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you're experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you've heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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If you have ever wondered: “Why do I feel off when my blood tests say I'm fine?” “How do I know if I'm stressed when I don't feel stressed?” “Where do I even start when I'm exhausted and overwhelmed?” - this episode is for you.