From hitting rock bottom in his twenties to leading some of the largest breathwork and ice bath events in the world, Ryan’s story is one of resilience, healing, and redefining what true strength means.
This Father’s Day, we sit down with Ryan Hubbard, breathwork facilitator and new dad, as he shares how becoming a father has deepened his purpose, tested his resilience, and opened his heart to an entirely new way of being.
Ryan, you’ve dedicated so much of your work to helping others connect to their breath, body and being. Can you share a little about your own journey, and how becoming a father shifted or expanded that path?
For me, breath-work was the first gateway into a feeling I had been longing for without realising it. My coping mechanisms in the form of alcohol, party drugs and hook ups weren’t working well anymore which led me to rock bottom; the beginning of my journey back to health in 2020. Growing up on the farm in North Canterbury gave me many opportunities to learn and develop as a young man, yet it fell short in other areas. Emotional intelligence was not passed down through the lineage of farmers as well as raising beef stock or driving machinery was and I bunkered down to the echoes of “real men don’t cry” & “get over it” from my step father.
With little space or support to express my feelings, I can now see why my body became uncomfortable to be in for most of my late teens and early 20’s which led me to seek the coping mechanisms unknowingly. Over time this ended up turning into physical illness along with mental and emotional. After working with a psychologist I got curious about other ways to support myself which led to discovering Breathwork. The dramatic and rapid transformation that came from simply breathing differently led me down a path I never could have imagined — leading Australia’s largest breathwork movement and finding myself standing in front of tens of thousands of people each year, sharing the practice that saved my life. My body is completely different now inside and out, it is quite unfathomable.
Becoming a father has deepened my drive and my why. Experiencing firsthand the challenges of parenthood has strengthened my appreciation for these practices. I now see not only how they impact individuals, but also the ripple effect they have on the family unit.
What has becoming a dad brought up for you - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually? What surprised you? What challenged you?
A lot. It has amplified my gratitude for my parents. It’s easy to blame or critique the way we were raised once we gain awareness of how our childhood shaped us. But now I can look at both of my biological parents with compassion, understanding how challenging it must have been to be in their shoes. This has deepened our relationships, which was needed.
When our daughter was born, my routine came to a halt. Priorities shifted — what once seemed important quickly took a back seat. I’m only just now reintroducing my former “non-negotiables.” Parenthood stretches you physically and emotionally in a way nothing else can. Jess and I are both stay-at-home parents while I work from home, and even between the two of us we still end most days flat on our backs wondering, How the F** would anyone do this alone?*
It’s non-stop. They say it gets easier, but with no clear “finish line,” the real work is in practicing patience, compassion, and love — both with each other and with ourselves.
How has your definition of strength evolved since becoming a dad?
I now see strength differently. I once thought it was purely about physicality and presence. Now, strength is about connection with family — the unity and bond we shape in our home. It’s about standing together through everything life throws our way. That strength grows a little more every day.
In the early days of parenthood, routines and rituals often go out the window. Were there any grounding practices, foods, or tools that helped you stay centred during those more intense seasons?
The first few months were a blur. We were unprepared, to say the least. Honestly, Uber Eats was our saviour once our prepped meals ran out — what was once an occasional treat became a daily survival tactic. Every ounce of energy was being used 24/7, and for the first month, we barely had time to leave the house or make meals. We were still landing in the reality of what had just happened and the responsibility now in our hands.
You’ve always been a big advocate for nourishing from the inside out. What role does nutrition play in your own performance, recovery, and mental clarity - and how has that shifted since becoming a parent?
I’ve always practiced intermittent fasting and been particular about what I consume — especially avoiding sugar, seed oils, and gluten. But during the first few months of parenthood, all of that went out the window. We were in survival mode. As long as food was going in, that was good enough for me.
For Jess, as a breastfeeding mum, we had to make sure her food wouldn’t negatively affect Florence. Now, 10 months in, I’ve returned to clean eating and my cleansing protocols. I understand how easy it is to gain the “dad bod,” and I’m not letting it happen. Nutrient-dense, organic food is key for me. After experimenting with many eating styles over the past five years, I’ve found a combination that works really well for my body.
Do you incorporate things like Bone Broth or organ meats into your diet - and if so, what benefits have you noticed in energy, resilience, or recovery?
Yes. Jess makes homemade broth, which has been huge for my gut health. My first 18 years were heavily filled with antibiotics and pain medication due to a disease I experienced called perthese, so gut healing has been a big priority. I’ve been eating raw organs for a few years now and have noticed much more stable, consistent energy. The micronutrients help recovery, and I’ve noticed my body repairs faster. Now that I’m training again, I’m excited to push myself further — I’ve just bought a road bike for summer and look forward to pushing my perceived physical limits.
You’re leading some of the largest breathwork and ice bath events in the world. But when it comes to your own nervous system, how do you protect your peace amidst the demands of business, fatherhood, and service?
My breath practice is constant — it’s what keeps me balanced and stable. Without my protocols, I couldn’t do what I do. Confidence and intelligence come from a deep sense of safety and trust in self, and that always begins with how I’m breathing. Being able to shift my state through breath is profoundly powerful.
What are you learning from fatherhood right now - in this season of life?
I’m learning that the most important thing in life is family. No matter what we achieve in the world — impact, success, recognition — it has little meaning without people to share it with.
I’ve noticed the pressure I put on myself has eased. Knowing my family will love and support me no matter what allows me to facilitate my work with a new energy — one of full trust in myself.
If you could share one message with other fathers - whether new dads or seasoned ones - what would it be?
Remember: this is what it’s all about — becoming a dad, building a family, and cherishing the moments that may seem small or mundane. Let go of the need to make it “perfect.” Be present in each moment as it arises. Our greatest gift as fathers is our unwavering presence in challenging times, as a family or in small moments of rupture & emotion. Plant your feet firmly and be the foundation for your family to lean on in these moments, let that be your purpose.
Where can people find you and follow along with the journey?
I’ve been quiet online during this chapter of parenthood, but I’m ready to share again — offering insights and ways of living that have supported me. You can find me on Instagram at @ryanhubbards, and for more on the events I run, follow @cool2beconscious.
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