By Bretto - Next Chapter Mates Co-Founder Most days, my life feels solid. Not perfect. Not effortless. But good . And that didn’t happen by mistake. It’s because I work bloody hard to keep it that way, especially for my son. I’ve got just over 50% care, and I genuinely, wholeheartedly love it. There’s something about being a dad that forces you into a higher version of yourself. He makes me go the extra mile on a million things I would never do for my own benefit. He brings o

By Pratty Christmas used to be predictable. One tree, one house, one routine. After separation, everything changes — suddenly the one time of year that was supposed to feel warm and familiar becomes a negotiation, a juggling act, and a test of patience. I remember my first separated Christmas… sitting there with a calendar and a sinking feeling in my gut. I didn’t want conflict. I didn’t want to feel robbed. And more than anything, I didn’t want the kids to feel like Christma

Life hits hard sometimes. Separation. Step-parenting. Work pressure. Exhaustion. A sense that you’ve lost momentum or direction. When I coached athletes who were mentally cooked or physically burnt out, we didn’t ask them to “push harder.” We reset them. Not with motivation. Not with pressure. With structure. Structure creates momentum. Momentum creates confidence. Confidence creates your comeback. Here’s the exact 30-day athlete-inspired reset I give the athletes I coach....

Most men underestimate this: Recovery isn’t a solo sport. Yes, you can be resilient. es, you can tough it out. Yes, you’ve survived things that would break other people. But long-term recovery - emotionally, mentally, identity-wise - requires connection. And when you go through separation, fatherhood stress, or a major life reset, something happens that most men don’t talk about: Your circle shrinks overnight. You lose mutual friends. People take sides. Your routine changes.

By Bretto and Slacky If there’s one thing elite athletes do better than everyday blokes, it’s this: They stay in their lane - ruthlessly. Not because they’re stubborn. Not because they’re selfish. Not because they don’t care about what others think. But because performance requires focus. And focus requires boundaries. Most men don’t realise this until their life falls apart. Especially in separation. Especially in co-parenting. Especially when emotions are high and everyone

By Bretto & Slacky When people look at Olympians, they see the highlight reel. The podiums. The uniforms. The focused stare before a big match. The moment you walk out into a stadium and feel the whole world watching. What they don’t see is the real story: The choices. The sacrifices. The stuff you give up - every single day - to stay in the game. And the older I get, the more I realise something: Parenting requires the same discipline as elite sport. Step-parenting requires

A subscriber story When life takes a turn—like separation or divorce—it’s tempting to look for quick fixes to numb the pain. For many men, that can mean turning to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even work as a way of coping. The truth is, these habits often provide temporary relief but long-term damage. The good news? There are healthier ways forward. Why Men Are Vulnerable After Separation Separation, whether it be from a romantic partner or a significant relationship, often l

By Pratty 1. The Moment I Realised My Circle Had Shrunk There was a weekend not too long ago when I looked at my phone and realised I hadn’t had a proper chat with a mate in months. Not a quick text, not a meme in a group chat or a quick spray at a mates disc golf score — an actual chat. When I was younger, my weekends were full — basketball on Saturday, basketball on Sunday, a few beers before or after either. There was always a crew around. But over time, those catch-ups tu

By Pratty 1. Pick Up the Phone — Literally It sounds obvious, but I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve thought, “I should call him…” and then let weeks slip by. The easiest way to reconnect is just to reach out. A simple: “Hey mate, been a while. Want to grab a beer?” “Saw this local club game is on this weekend and thought of you — you in?” No pressure, no long messages. Just a nudge. You’d be surprised how many mates are waiting for someone else to make the first move —

By Pratty 1. Lacing Up Again After Years on the Sidelines It had been a long time since I’d laced the Jordans up. The last proper game of basketball I played was before my 17 year old was born — back when recovery was a cold beer and a pub meal, not a week of sore knees and early nights. For years, I told myself I’d get back into it when things settled down . But the truth is, life never really does. There’s always work, kids, money, something. One day, a mate texted: “We’re

By Pratty 1. When Life Feels Like a Three-Ball Juggle Some days it feels like I’m juggling three balls — family, work, and money — and someone keeps tossing in a fourth labelled “mateship.” When I was younger, balance just sort of happened. I’d work enough to pay rent, play basketball on weekends, and hang out and party with mates without thinking twice about it. These days, between kids’ activities, work deadlines, and mortgage payments, that carefree balance feels like a li

By Pratty 1. The Moment I Realised a Mate Was Struggling I’ll never forget the time I noticed one of my footy mates had gone quiet. He wasn’t responding to group texts, stopped showing up to training and games, and just generally seemed… off. I wanted to reach out, but I stalled. I didn’t want to seem like I was prying. I didn’t want to make it weird. So, I said nothing. Weeks went by, and eventually, I finally sent a simple text: “Hey mate, haven’t seen you around. You good?

By Pratty 1. When Life Got Busy and the Mates Drifted Somewhere along the way, between juggling work, family, and just trying to keep my head above water, I realised my circle of mates had shrunk to almost nothing. When I was younger, weekends were all about the boys — basketball on Saturdays, beers after the game, talking rubbish, and giving each other stick. Even into my mid-20s, basketball was my thing, and there was always someone up for a run, a barbecue, or a shootaroun

By Pratty In life, men face a complex mix of expectations and responsibilities. From managing finances to navigating relationships, decisions can be overwhelming. However, certain rules can provide clarity and direction. In this second part of our series, we present five essential rules that every man should consider adopting. These rules not only support personal growth but also help in building better connections with others and improving overall well-being. 1. Never Go Bro

By Watty Life has a way of throwing curveballs. One moment you’re cruising along, following the plan you thought you had locked in, and the next - everything flips upside down. For me, it all hit while we were building a house, stretching our finances right to the edge. Then, out of nowhere, my wife developed a rare brain condition. It took three and a half years just to get a diagnosis, and another two before we even began to understand what it meant. In the meantime, she lo

In today's fast-paced world, navigating relationships, personal growth, and self-respect can be challenging for men. Whether you're looking to improve your personal life or enhance your mental well-being, adhering to a few essential rules can make a significant difference. Here are five rules that every man should live by to cultivate success and earn respect. 1. Never Go Back to a Woman Who Cheated Trust is the foundation of any relationship. If someone has broken that trust

Welcome to our blog! We’re excited to invite you into a welcoming space filled with real-life stories, shared experiences, and unwavering support. Our mission is straightforward: to provide a platform for men seeking direction, inspiration, and community while navigating their unique journeys. Whether you are facing relationship challenges, pursuing a sense of purpose, or simply seeking fresh perspectives, you are in the right place. Our stories aren’t mere tales; they reflec

By Bretto Why Blokes Need Mates (and How Sport Brings Us Together) When I was a kid, half my life seemed to revolve around basketball. After school, on weekends, sometimes even during the holidays if we could grab a key to the local court, you’d find me out there with my mates. It wasn’t about trophies or trying to be the next NBL star - we were just mucking around, having a laugh, and enjoying the game. Those weekends weren’t just about improving my jump shot; they were abou