More than 250 parents, couples, and individuals gathered for an evening with power duo Matt and Cameron Fradd, who captivated their Sydney audience with a blend of comedy, wisdom and heartfelt stories drawn from their experience as parents and popular Catholic personalities.
For more than two hours, their audience was enthralled as they unpacked their 18 years of marriage in all its messiness, beauty and chaos in a tour de force of insight, honesty, vulnerability and storytelling.
“This is a date night for us, you guys just got to sit in on it,” Cameron told the audience.
Matt, known for his Pints with Aquinas podcast, has become a respected and renowned Catholic voice, while his wife Cameron recently stepped into the spotlight, particularly after a joint appearance on her husband’s podcast that resonated deeply with listeners.
In an interview with The Catholic Weekly, Cameron expressed her excitement about the event.
“It’s a gift, we don’t often get to tour together. I’ve been home schooling the kids and busy being a mum, but it’s been wonderful to meet so many beautiful people and share our story tonight.
“We are very imperfect, and couples will feel better about their marriage because ours is a hot mess living on sacramental grace!”
Matt was looking forward to discussing dating, marriage and sex with the attendees from across the Archdiocese of Sydney and beyond.
“I love my wife and I think she’s very good at communicating, so people tend to enjoy it when we riff together,” he said.
“Marriages need some guidance and I do think we have some good, beautiful things to say that will be helpful.”
The dynamic duos’ presentation included an on-stage heart-to-heart in which they spoke candidly with one another and engaged deeply with their audience, captivating everyone present with their humour and wisdom.
Held together masterfully by compere and MC Helena Romanus of the archdiocesan Life Marriage Family team, the night was brought together by the team within the Sydney Centre from Evangelisation in partnership with Parousia Media.
Cameron, originally from Texas, shared openly about her struggles with post-natal depression, while Matt infused the night with humour and valuable lessons about surviving as a couple.
“We are each an island and need each other to communicate to get through these tough times,” he told the audience.
“Always put your partner before your kids. Always assume the best of the other.”
They reflected on their childhoods and how their parents shaped them, with Matt stating, “The best gift my dad gave me was loving my mum well.”
The Fradds also offered parenting insights, with Cameron emphasising, “We can’t be everything for our kids. As long as they know where to find healing, it’s okay when they mess up.”
Matt humorously recounted lessons he learned about his wife: “It’s taken me 18 years to realise that if she does something wrong, she’ll apologise within eight hours. Now, I know to let that one go and just start the timer,” he joked, bringing laughter from the audience.
Their combined wisdom provided practical advice for marriage, resonating with attendees such as Michael and Cvija Ner from the St Nikola Tavelic Catholic Church in St John’s Park, who have been married for 18 years.
“Everything they spoke was truth,” Michael reflected.
“We come from different backgrounds, but our faith brings it all together. We just need to teach our kids our faith, and they’ll be okay.”
Cvija added, “They’re amazing, honest, raw, and an inspiration. They understand that parenting isn’t always beautiful, but we get through it as long as we try our best.”
The Fradds also shared invaluable lessons for parents, especially as they navigate the challenges of raising teenagers.
Matt admitted, “As a young dad, I feared that my kids would one day complain about my parenting. I was often crippled with anxiety. But now, I don’t care at all.”
Young parents Emily and Ari Casanova, who have a 10-month-old, appreciated the enriching experience.
Emily noted, “What I really liked was when Matt said, ‘Don’t compare someone’s outside to your inside.’ It makes a lot of sense, especially in a social media world where we often compare lives.”
Ari found Matt’s reassurances particularly impactful: “It’s essential to remember that things are okay, even when they’re tough.
“As Matt says, it’s fine for things not to be perfect, as long as we’re striving to improve. That’s the most important thing.”
Following the event, Cameron expressed her excitement about the audience’s response and the vibrant community within the Archdiocese of Sydney. “Tonight was such a gift! Whatever you’re doing, keep it up! Everyone we met is so serious about their faith, and it gives me so much hope. The archdiocese is on fire!” she said.
“I’ve really missed the Australian sense of humour,” added Matt. “It’s been wonderful, beautiful, and the faith here is rock solid. Sydney is on fire!”
