Giving fathers a voice: how a podcast in Hungary is helping families learn and grow together

These are some of the questions explored by APA!, meaning “DAD!” in Hungarian, a podcast supported by The Human Safety Net Hungary. Dedicated to children and parents, and particularly to the evolving role of fathers, the series creates a space where families can find practical information, hear from specialists and recognise that they are not alone in navigating the everyday challenges of parenthood.

Launched by The Human Safety Net Hungary in collaboration with leading Hungarian lifestyle magazine NLC, the podcast brings together NGO partners, specialists in education and psychology, The Human Safety Net volunteers and other experts. Its episodes have addressed subjects ranging from the changing role of fathers to the skills children will need for the future.

Supporting parents in their everyday role

Across its For Families programme, The Human Safety Net supports families living in vulnerable circumstances during the early years of their children’s lives. APA! contributes to this broader ambition by making expert knowledge accessible through familiar situations and open conversations.

Placing fathers at the centre of these discussions is particularly important. The podcast recognises their evolving role within the family and gives them a stronger voice in conversations about parenting, children’s development and family wellbeing. At the same time, its practical approach helps translate complex topics into actions that parents can apply in their daily lives. 

One recent episode focused on financial education, exploring how families can begin developing a healthy relationship with money. Generali financial expert and father of three József Kali joined journalist Péter Bognár to discuss pocket money, saving, cash and digital payments, as well as the importance of allowing children to make choices and learn from small mistakes. 

A local conversation with wider relevance

APA! shows how a locally developed initiative can speak to challenges shared by families everywhere. By combining the voices of parents, specialists, NGO partners and volunteers, the podcast turns parenting knowledge into practical and relatable conversations.

Its focus on fathers is equally significant. Supporting children during their earliest years means engaging the people around them and recognising the contribution each caregiver can make. By giving fathers the space to share experiences, ask questions and take an active role in their children’s development, APA! helps strengthen the wider environment in which children grow.