Hello and welcome to my final episode of season two. I hope you have enjoyed listening as much as I’ve loved creating every moment of this show.

This week, I’m chatting with Matt Young, a storyteller, performer, long time foster carer, and proud adoptive rainbow dad. Matt and his family have lived a truly global life, with a journey into parenthood that has carried them across continents, through many different communities, and ultimately into the heart of regional Queensland.

Matt is also an accomplished actor and playwright. His work is shaped by his lived experience, from coming out, to meeting his husband Peter, to stepping into fatherhood. His most recent piece, The Sky Is Falling, premiered in Blackall in 2025 and explores the tender space where family, culture, and the language of parenthood meet. Matt shares the rainbow road that led him to become a dad and everything that has unfolded since.

Be sure to check out Matt's website to keep up to date with what he is up to these days and details of his latest play: www.mattyoungactor.com

Thank you to every single person who has supported this season and this little project of mine. To stay up to date, follow @overtherainbowpod on Facebook and Instagram. Bye for now.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

I am so thrilled this week to be chatting with Daniel Brushweeler, a Queensland national, proud trans man, comedian and step dad.

Daniel talks about the moment that changed everything for him: accidentally coming across a TV show discussing what it means to be trans. In that instant, a lifetime of confusion, anxiety and feeling out of place finally made sense. We talk about what that experience was like and how his step son reacted to it all.

As if that were not remarkable enough, Daniel then followed his passion for stand up comedy, using humour to explore life as a trans man, the reality of having lived on both sides of the gender fence and the joy of being your authentic self.

When I started this podcast, my goal was to explore the many different ways we become rainbow dads. Daniel is a perfect example of what can happen when you start living as your true self and how children often recognise and respond to that honesty with such simple clarity.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week I’m joined by Rav and Phil, who open up about their journey adopting their three children in the United Kingdom. They walk me through the process from start to finish, including how they were first placed with their two sons and later surprised with the arrival of their daughter, a joyful and unexpected addition to their family.

This conversation was a long time coming for reasons you will hear, and I am so glad we finally made it happen. Rav and Phil talk honestly about the highs and lows of parenthood and the realities of raising three children with very different needs and personalities.

I was already a big fan of Rav and Phil, but after sitting down with them my admiration grew even stronger. I loved this conversation and I know you will too.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week I’m chatting with Ashley, a rainbow dad and the Executive Officer and one of the founders of Rainbow Families, an Australian charity that supports, connects and empowers LGBTQ+ parents and their families.

When Ashley became a dad in 2012, he was surprised by the lack of support available for LGBTQ+ parents. Rather than accepting that gap, he joined with other queer parents and helped establish Rainbow Families in 2015. Since then, he and the organisation have supported thousands of parents across Australia to feel confident, connected and true to themselves.

Our conversation explores everything you would hope to hear from someone with Ashley’s experience. If you are on the pathway to becoming a dad, or already a dad wondering what support is available for you and your family, this episode is made for you.

https://www.rainbowfamilies.com.au/

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

When I started this series, my aim was to share stories from Rainbow Dads that reflect the full spectrum of how our families are created.

This week, I chat with Choon, a Perth local who chose the foster care path and was placed with twin boys alongside his then-partner, Milton. In this heartfelt conversation, Choon opens up about his experience navigating the foster care system and why it was the right choice for his family.

I found myself getting emotional throughout this chat — it’s a powerful reminder of the love, patience, and courage it takes to foster. After hearing Choon’s story, I think you’ll agree… he’s one truly remarkable human being.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

Last season, I released an episode exploring some of the relationship challenges that can arise when creating a rainbow family. It turned out to be our most-listened-to episode, which made me wonder: are relationship challenges more common than we’re letting on?

To dive deeper into this topic, I invited my good friend and relationship expert, Anthony Lekkas, back to the show.

Anthony is a family violence consultant, trainer, relationship counsellor, and accredited mental health social worker. With over two decades of experience working across the LGBTI and mainstream not-for-profit health sectors, as well as in private practice - Anthony brings a wealth of insight to the conversation.

He’s also a passionate advocate for the Bi+ community, the founder of the Melbourne Bisexual Network, and was a co-creator of one of the worlds first radio programs dedicated to Bi+ people; Triple Bi-Pass.

Anthony is a proud rainbow dad to two gorgeous boys, and I’m lucky to call him a good friend. I loved our chat and I know you will too.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

I am so fortunate this week to be talking to my friend and business mogul, Damien Chambers. 

Damien is a proud rainbow dad and co-founder of NewGen Families. After becoming a father through surrogacy and developing a passion for helping others build their families he packed up his bags in Melbourne Australia with his son Nate and they ventured over to the US where he now operates the hugely successful new gen families which are helping to create a new generation of families for intended parents all over the world! 

If you are listening today and wondering where do I even start with having a baby, this chat is most definitely for you. 

https://newgenfamilies.com/

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week, I’m joined by Rodney Chiang-Cruise — an OG rainbow dad here in Australia. Rodney and his partner Jeff, together for 25 years, began their surrogacy journey in the U.S. back in 2007. That journey brought them their son Ethan — no longer a rainbow child, but now a fully fledged rainbow adult.

Rodney shares what it was like to start a rainbow family at a time when society’s idea of family was far less inclusive than it is today. By day, he’s a lawyer; by night, an activist who’s helped pave the way for thousands of rainbow dads in Australia to find connection and resources. In 2006, Rodney co-founded Gay Dads Australia and Gay Dads Surrogacy — social community hubs that have supported countless dads on their family journeys.

And if that wasn’t enough, Rodney has also helped create more rainbow babies through donor and co-parenting arrangements. With an impressive total of FIVE rainbow kids in total — one big blended family that, as Rodney explains, “just works.”

Rodney and his family are true trailblazers for rainbow dads in australia. I think the biggest takeaway (and there were many) was the importance of commumity and having them close for guidance and resource sharing… I found our conversation not only educational but deeply inspiring. Let’s dive in and take a listen shall we…

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

Hello and welcome to the brand new season of, Over the Rainbow… A Queers Dads Podcast Series… 

My first chat to kick off the second season is with Rhys, a rainbow dad who started his journey to becoming a dad with his long term partner Dale, who sadly passed away after their son Lucas was born. Rhys is joined by his surrogate and all around amazing human Nat. Together, I talk to them about altruistic surrogacy, love, loss, their journies and the role the universe played in making this chain of events trulty so remarkable… I want to say a huge thank you to Rhys for being so brave to share his story, I know it wasn’t easy! 

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

Becoming a dad is a transformative experience—one that reshapes nearly every part of your life. But perhaps the most profound shift happens in the relationship with your partner. What was once your top priority suddenly takes a backseat as the demands of parenthood take over. This week, I sit down with Anthony Lekkas, a relationship expert who specializes in queer relationships, to explore this dynamic. Together, we dive into the challenges and rewards of maintaining a strong connection with your significant other when a newborn (or young children) enters the picture. Anthony offers invaluable insights on how to navigate the complexities of love, intimacy, and partnership amidst the whirlwind of parenthood.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week, I'm excited to chat with Sarah Jefford, one of Australia's leading family creation lawyers specializing in surrogacy and donor conception. With extensive experience in this field, Sarah has made a significant impact on the surrogacy community.
She is the author of More Than Just a Baby: A Guide to Surrogacy for Intended Parents and Surrogates and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2023 for her outstanding contributions to law and the surrogacy community. In addition to her legal work, Sarah hosts The Australian Surrogacy Podcast, where she shares her wealth of knowledge on all things surrogacy.
As if that wasn't enough, Sarah has also been a surrogate herself, helping a gay couple create their family. With her depth of expertise and personal experience, there is no one more qualified to discuss surrogacy than Sarah Jefford.
For more information and to get in contact with the wonderful Sarah, head over to her website: www.sarahjefford.com 

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week, I sit down with intended rainbow dads Paul and Glenn, who take me on their heartfelt journey to parenthood through altruistic surrogacy. They delve into the array of options they considered, weighing the pros and cons before ultimately choosing this path to have their child. However, our conversation takes a poignant turn when they reveal had they tested their embryos they would have destroyed due to a known genetic complication. This discussion not only highlights the joys of their journey but also uncovers the complex challenges and barriers that can arise along the way. Join me for an eye-opening exploration of love, hope, and the hurdles faced on the road to becoming rainbow dads.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week, I chat with Santosh, who shares his journey of becoming a dad while living in a heterosexual relationship with his then-wife. Santosh goes on to tell me about the events in his life that eventually led him to bravely come out at 46 and start living as his authentic self.
There’s a touching moment in our conversation when Santosh describes coming out to his kids. Without giving too much away, I can say that this heartwarming moment serves as a reminder that kids have a way of simplifying things, while we adults tend to overcomplicate them.
In this episode, Santosh refers to the support he received from GAMMA, which stands for the Gay and Married Men’s Association.
GAMMA is for men who are married to or partnered with women but are coming to terms with same-sex attraction. It provides safe and confidential opportunities to discuss issues related to their sexuality and relationships. GAMMA is a peer support group—not a professional counseling service—run by volunteers, ordinary men who have been through their own struggles and journeys.
For more information, visit www.gamma.org.au.

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week, I’m excited to speak with Kenny, a rainbow dad and a doctor. I thought it would be beneficial to sit down and discuss the practical aspects of parenting, which included me asking your burning questions. We cover baby preparation, what defines a fever, when to consult a doctor, and how dads can better understand the menstrual cycle. It's a jam-packed episode filled with insights that I learned a lot from, and it will be invaluable for both new and seasoned dads!

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week I chat with Luke and Darren who went through international surrogacy in the US. They tell me how it all started and take me through the steps they undertook to have their beautiful son, Dustin. I have heard so many times people refer to the USA as the gold standard for surrogacy; however, after listening to some of the things Luke and Darren went through, it had me wondering! The boys drop a bombshell revelation that will make your jaw drop, mine certainly did... suffice to say, it centres around the egg donation process and the potential for sibling matches!!

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week on Over The Rainbow, I chat with Sam and Johnny who tell me about their beautiful family which was created with a lesbian couple. 
This heartfelt, informative, funny and at times deeply emotional chat takes a glimpse at what it’s like to create a family with four parents in the mix. 
A must listen episode! 

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week I chat with Rob and Duncan about their journey to Canada to undertake altruistic surrogacy in Canada. They take me through the entire process, the steps and costs involved and the legalities of such an undertaking... which resulted in the birth of their beautiful daughter Bella!
A revealing chat which had me wondering, is surrogacy in Canada truly altruistic or something more complex?! 

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

Have you ever heard the term 'donor dad' and wondered, what exactly does that mean? This week I chat with Anthony who tells me his journey to becoming a donor dad. A lighthearted, at times laugh out loud chat that really unpacks what exactly a donor dad is and why, anyone who is considering this pathway needs to think carefully if it's the right choice for them.

I really enjoyed my chat with Anthony and think you will too... 

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

This week I sit down and chat with Rainbow Dads, Andrew and Adam who own and operate their own childcare centre. They take me behind the walls of the childcare world and reveal, not all childcare centres are the same! 
We explore what to look out for when choosing a childcare provider for your child, questions to ask to work out if your childcare centre is truly inclusive of your rainbow family and we even touch on the child care subsidy.
The boys also unpack their own pathway to fatherhood, which includes both altruistic surrogacy in Australia and commercial surrogacy in the states.
I learnt so much from our chat, but I think Adam summed it up best when he said, "Children are learning and taking cues from us well before they speak"

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina

In the first episode of my debut series, I sit down with Luke and Jason and discuss their journey to becoming dads via altruistic surrogacy. 
The saying "loves makes a family" could not be more true when hearing Luke and Jason speak about bringing their beautiful son Atticus into the world. A true family affair!
The boys speak about their experience with altruistic surrogacy within Australia and to add to an already very informative episode, go on to discuss commercial surrogacy via Argentina in their attempts to bring Atticus a baby brother or sister!

Episode edited by: David Willett of Double T Media (www.doubletmedia.com.au)

Artwork created by: James Molina