In this mini-episode, embryologist and Scientific Director at Monash IVF Group, Dr Ryan Rose, answers listener questions about getting a semen analysis — a process many men find awkward, embarrassing or confusing. He breaks down what actually happens, why the test matters and how guys can feel more comfortable and prepared.

Key takeaways:

• Feeling anxious about fertility testing and semen analysis is common
• Semen analysis checks sperm count, motility, and morphology
• It can feel more comfortable doing the test at home, but most labs prefer it to be done in person
• Open communication with partners is essential during this process

More resources:

Can you do a semen analysis at home?
What happens during a semen analysis for male fertility
Are at-home semen tests for male fertility accurate?

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode, we chat with Hugo Toovey, a two-time cancer survivor and founder of 25 Stay Alive — a charity that helps young adults take charge of their health through prevention, early detection and action. He speaks about the emotional experience of trying to conceive for a year and comparing it to friends who fell pregnant quickly, what it was like when their "miracle baby" Teddy came along and what he'll pass on to his son about health.

Key takeaways:

• At 21, Hugo found a pea-sized lump in his testicle and ignored it for months until his dad pushed him to get checked — a delay he regrets, but one that shaped everything that followed
• Testicular cancer, chemotherapy and major surgery taught him the importance of early detection the hard way and years later, that experience directly saved his life when he recognised bowel cancer symptoms and acted fast
• Fertility wasn’t on his radar at 21, but his mum suggested freezing his sperm before treatment
• While Hugo and his partner, Amber, didn't need the frozen sperm, trying to conceive took close to a year and it was tough to see negative pregnancy tests over and over
• Their “miracle baby” Teddy arrived two years ago after a challenging pregnancy — parenting gave both him and Amber joy and grounding when they needed it most
• Becoming a dad deepened Hugo’s sense of gratitude and purpose, and reshaped how he thinks about masculinity — from getting checked early, to being emotionally open, to teaching his son that health and honesty aren’t weaknesses

More resources:

You can follow Hugo and 25 Stay Alive on Instagram, and find their website here.

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode of Dad Starts Now, host Nick West speaks with two of Australia’s leading male fertility specialists — Professor Rob McLachlan and Associate Professor Darren Katz — to unpack the process of investigating infertility. From low sperm counts and varicoceles to genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, they explain some of the medical reasons behind male infertility, what symptoms to watch out for and why getting checked early can make a big difference to your chances of becoming a dad.

You'll learn: 

• What a semen analysis can and can’t tell you about fertility 
• How underlying health conditions can affect male fertility and the symptoms to look out for 
• Practical steps men can take to improve their reproductive health

Timestamps

02:24 Understanding andrology and male reproductive health

06:36 Defining male infertility and its prevalence

12:29 Navigating the doctor’s visit for fertility concerns

18:03 The complexity of male infertility

22:00 Signs and symptoms of potential fertility issues

30:27 Understanding pre-conception health

33:45 The role of urologists in male fertility

34:13 Advancements in male infertility treatment

39:02 Exploring varicoceles and their impact

44:18 Consultation expectations for male fertility

51:25 Surgical options for male infertility

54:19 Understanding a no sperm diagnosis

58:10 Signs of potential fertility issues

01:00:28 Future advancements in male fertility

Subscribe for season two

Follow us to get season two of Dad Starts Now when it drops on February 3. We'll unpack what it really means to prepare for fatherhood, with real stories and expert advice on everything from fertility and IVF to supporting your partner and taking care of your mental health. ⁠

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In the first episode of Dad Starts Now, host Nick West chats with Associate Professor Tim Moss — a biomedical research scientist and Health Content Manager at Healthy Male — to unpack what preconception health means for men, why it matters and what to do about it. They explore how a man’s health before trying for a baby can impact his fertility, his partner's pregnancy outcomes and even the long-term health of his future children.

You’ll learn:

• What preconception health is and why it’s relevant to all men thinking about having kids
• The biggest myths and knowledge gaps around male fertility
• How sperm health is measured (and why it’s more than just sperm count)
• Simple steps men can take today to boost fertility and improve outcomes for future children

Timestamps

01:31 What preconception health means

02:47 Tim Moss on his personal experience with preconception health

04:39 Why men's health before conception is so important

07:22 Practical tips for improving preconception health

12:54 How a dad's health can affect his kid's health

14:24 Understanding male fertility

18:56 When to start caring about preconception health

24:47 Final thoughts and key takeaways

Subscribe for season two

Follow us to get season two of Dad Starts Now when it drops on February 3. We'll unpack what it really means to prepare for fatherhood, with real stories and expert advice on everything from fertility and IVF to supporting your partner and taking care of your mental health. ⁠

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode of Dad Starts Now, host Nick West is joined by endocrinologist, andrologist and fertility specialist, Dr Sarah Catford, to unpack the everyday habits that can make or break your sperm health. From diet and alcohol to chemical exposure and exercise, they explore how lifestyle choices impact male fertility and what men can do to boost their chances of starting a family. If you’ve ever wondered whether that weekend bender or dodgy takeaway habit could affect your future kids, this episode has answers.

You'll learn:

• The most common misconceptions men have about their fertility
• How lifestyle habits like diet, alcohol use, exercise and chemical exposure affect sperm health
• What makes a good preconception diet (and what to cut back on)
• Whether male fertility supplements are worth it
• When to start making lifestyle changes to improve your fertility

Timestamps

02:55 Common misconceptions about male infertility

05:04 Lifestyle factors that affect sperm quality

07:53 The role of diet and whether male fertility supplements work

12:48 How alcohol impacts sperm health

14:15 When to start making lifestyle changes

15:27 Environmental toxins, endocrine disruptors and male fertility

18:08 Preventing trauma, avoiding STIs and protecting your fertility

22:13 Key takeaways for future dads

Subscribe for season two

Follow us to get season two of Dad Starts Now when it drops on February 3. We'll unpack what it really means to prepare for fatherhood, with real stories and expert advice on everything from fertility and IVF to supporting your partner and taking care of your mental health. ⁠

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

Dad Starts Now is a podcast to help men take charge of their health before trying for a baby and make the changes necessary to be the best dad possible — a process that starts earlier than you might think.From lifestyle choices that affect your sperm quality to navigating infertility, we’re having honest chats with leading experts and blokes who’ve been there. Whether fatherhood is just around the corner or still a future plan, it’s never too early to start improving your preconception health, and tuning in to Dad Starts Now is the first step.This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health.

Jason Seeman is an educator, dad of two, and he's the founder of Raising Fathers — an organisation that helps through the identity-shaking transition into fatherhood. In this mini-episode of Dad Starts Now, Jason answers listener questions about this often-overlooked journey from man to father, covering everything from parenting when you didn't have a solid role model to how to best show up during your partner's pregnancy.

Key takeaways:

• Becoming a dad involves a major internal shift in identity and emotions, not just practical preparation
• Continuing life exactly as it was before a baby arrives can put pressure on relationships and family wellbeing
• Parenting doesn’t always come instinctively, especially without strong role models, so learning and support are key
• Simply asking your partner what she needs — and listening without trying to fix — can make a real difference

More resources:

You can follow Jason and Raising Fathers on Instagram and check out his website here.

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode, we chat with Dr Zac Seidler, the global director of research at Movember and part of the team at Orygen – a youth mental health organisation. He’s a clinical psychologist and researcher who has dedicated his career to understanding manhood and men’s mental health. And, he’s just welcomed his first son, Arty. We recorded this episode in the weeks before his baby’s birth, covering the biggest challenges men face in transitioning to fatherhood, why men need to be proactive about the parent they want to be and his reflections on becoming a dad after losing his own.

Key takeaways:

• From years of working with men as a psychologist, Zac notes that many approach fatherhood from a “I don’t want to repeat my dad’s mistakes” mindset — but struggle to articulate what they do want to be instead
• He talks about fatherhood as a rare pause point where men are open to reflection, change and meaning-making — and argues it’s a missed opportunity when health systems fail to engage dads early
• Zac shares that many men feel anxious about losing their freedom when they become dads, and that not working through that can be a risk factor for postnatal depression
• He speaks about losing his father and how becoming a dad himself has deepened that connection, bringing up grief and reflection about what kind of presence he wants to be for his own child
• Zac shares that his partner's pregnancy triggered a shift in priorities he didn’t fully expect — from being highly output-driven at work to feeling a strong urge to slow down, be practical and support his partner in very ordinary, hands-on ways
• Zac emphasises that being a “three-dimensional” dad — showing emotion, uncertainty and care — matters more than fitting any ideal of masculinity or having parenting perfectly worked out

More resources:

You can follow Zac on Instagram and see more of his work in action over at Movember.

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

If starting a family is on your 2026 to-do list, there are a bunch of things you can do right now to improve your chances of conceiving, support your partner’s pregnancy and benefit the health of your kids. In this mini-episode of Dad Starts Now, host Dr Tim Moss breaks down the 10 practical, evidence-based steps all men should take before trying for a baby. From understanding how conception actually works to improving sperm health and knowing when to see your GP. 

Key takeaways:

• Becoming a dad starts months before trying for a baby, because sperm health today affects your chances of conceiving down the track
• Preparing for pregnancy works best as a team, with men actively supporting their partner and getting involved early 
• See your GP for a preconception health check first — they will talk with you about your medical history, any changes you should make to your health and any screening tests you need
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, weight, diet and heat exposure directly impact sperm quality — and these are fixable

More resources:

How men can improve chances of conception

Preconception health checklist for men

Healthy Father, Healthy Future

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode of Dad Starts Now, we’re joined by Joel Sardi, a military veteran and dad of two who became a father after sustaining a spinal cord injury that left him with quadriplegia. Joel talks candidly about life before and after his injury, how his identity shifted and what it really means to show up as a dad when the physical side of parenting looks different. He shares how he and his partner navigated IVF, pregnancy and the early months of parenthood, including the challenge of feeling like a spectator at times and how emotional presence and support have become central to his role as a dad and partner.

Key takeaways:

• In 2014, a three-storey fall shattered his C5 and left him with quadriplegia, and he described the next year in hospital as “really dark” — but also the start of a long identity shift into “mark two” Joel
• When it came time to start a family, IVF was straightforward for them because his fertility wasn’t the issue — it was sexual function after the spinal injury
• Because he couldn’t “fix” things physically during his partner's pregnancy, he focused on empathy and listening
• He couldn’t do the usual hands-on baby care and said that made him feel like a “spectator” for the first six months, which was a real challenge
• He said what surprised him most was the relationship dynamic shift after the first baby — after years of it being just him and Elisa, everything changed overnight
• He's found more freedom and joy as the girls got more independent — like his youngest learning to do her seatbelt — and he loves being able to take them out solo
• He wants his girls to grow up with resilience and courage, and he links that back to his own mindset of “adapt and overcome” from the army and living with disability

More resources:

You can follow Joel on Instagram or check out his website here.

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

Dad Starts Now — a podcast from Healthy Male, helping men become — and be — the best dad possible. The responsibility of fatherhood starts well before the birth of your baby, with big decisions, plenty of uncertainty and sometimes a lot that goes unspoken.

In season two of Dad Starts Now — hosted by Dr Tim Moss — we discuss what it really means to prepare for fatherhood in honest conversations with well-known guests. Some are dealing with infertility, some are about to welcome their first babies, and others are in the thick of parenting. We'll cover topics including:

• Fertility and IVF
• Miscarriage and pregnancy loss
• Supporting a partner during pregnancy
• Relationship changes
• Mental health
• Identity shifts
• Pressure, expectations and masculinity
• Parental leave
• Preparing for fatherhood

Because becoming a dad starts now. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Subscribe to Dad Starts Now wherever you listen to your podcasts, or follow us on YouTube, to get the series when it drops on February 3. 

In the final episode of this season of Dad Starts Now, Associate Professor Tim Moss joins our host Nick West again to tackle your most common questions about men’s preconception health. They cover everything from whether you can tell if you're infertile, how age and certain drugs affect fertility, to the impact of steroids on starting a family.

Timestamps

01:15 Signs of male infertility

07:30 The impact of age on male fertility

12:38 Debunking myths about male infertility and whether male fertility is declining globally

16:48 Impact of caffeine, coffee and energy drinks on male fertility

22:07 Effect of steroid use on male fertility

27:44 Occupational hazards and men's fertility

30:34 Health checks before conception

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode of Dad Starts Now, host Nick West unpacks how a man's health before conception can influence his future kids with Professor Patrick Western. He's a researcher at the Centre for Endocrinology and Reproductive Health at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science at Monash University. Professor Western breaks down epigenetics — the way your lifestyle choices can switch genes on or off without changing your DNA — and what that means for your child’s long-term health. They cover how things like diet, chemical exposure and even your mental health can have an impact. 

You'll learn:

• That sperm carries epigenetic information that can influence your future child’s health and development
• How to reverse epigenetic changes from poor habits through healthier lifestyle choices
• Mental health affects epigenetic markers in sperm, with possible impacts on the next generation

Timestamps

01:00 Understanding epigenetics and its importance

10:42 Everyday choices and their impact on epigenetics

20:02 Health before conception: Timing and importance

27:37 Mental health and its influence on future generations

30:16 Key takeaways for future dads

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode of Dad Starts Now, host Nick West speaks with fertility counsellor Narelle Dickinson and former AFL player Reece Conca to unpack what happens when pregnancy doesn’t come easily. Reece shares his personal story of being diagnosed with male infertility and the emotional rollercoaster he and his partner faced on their path to parenthood. Narelle offers expert advice on navigating the mental and relational impacts of infertility, and why opening up can make all the difference. 

You'll learn:

• You're not alone — many men and couples experience infertility
• What men go through during infertility and how to cope with shame, guilt and anxiety
• Why communication is crucial during infertility and how couples can strengthen theirs
• How opening up to your support network can help shift the conversation around male infertility

Timestamps

05:56 Reece on seeking help and support

09:08 The emotional toll of diagnosis

11:54 Communication in relationships during infertility

15:12 Navigating medical procedures and options like micro-tese surgery

18:01 The impact of changing specialists

20:53 Reflections on the journey and moving forward

37:16 Embracing fatherhood

38:53 Messages for men facing infertility

43:18 The role of fertility counselling

44:37 Men's emotional responses to infertility

46:01 Breaking the stigma of male infertility

48:25 Processing emotions and seeking support

52:05 Navigating relationships during infertility

55:27 Opening up about emotions

59:16 Changing the narrative around male infertility

01:01:11 Psychological advice for men struggling with infertility

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this mini-episode, clinical midwife specialist, childbirth educator and founder of The Middee Society, Monique Maitland, answers your questions about preparing for birth as a dad — from understanding the stages of labour to knowing how to advocate for your partner when things get intense.

• Many dads assume birth is something they just “show up” for, but feeling supported by a partner or support team can significantly improve a woman’s birth experience
• Preparation matters — antenatal classes help dads understand labour, learn practical support techniques and feel more confident advocating for their partner
• Talking through birth preferences and possible scenarios beforehand helps couples get on the same page and prepares dads to step up if things don’t go to plan
• During labour, support people should stay actively involved, using tools like massage, helping with movement and hydration, and choosing positive, reassuring language

More resources:

You can follow The Middee Society on Instagram and check out their website here.

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode, we chat with Zac Perez, who you might know by his moniker ‘non-practising genius’ on social media, where he’s racked up hundreds of thousands of followers, and millions more views on his inspiring but relatable content. We cover his globally viral “Wednesday Waffle” movement and keeping up connections with mates, plus what preparing for fatherhood involved for him and how he’s finding these first few months in the job.

Key takeaways:

• Zac and his mates invented the Wednesday Waffle as a simple way to check-in and it unexpectedly went global
• Before trying for a baby, he visited his GP for a preconception health check — he felt it was the least he could do, given what many women do to prepare for pregnancy
• Finding out his partner was pregnant brought immense gratitude, followed closely by anxiety that stayed through much of the pregnancy
• Despite advice, preparation and support, the early weeks of fatherhood have still been confronting and all-consuming — he deeply loves his son while also accepting the loss of independence and an abrupt transition to a new life
• Before the baby arrived, Zac asked other dads for advice and later shared that wisdom publicly, reinforcing how much men learn best from each other’s lived experience
• Connecting with other fathers through informal dads groups has become essential for coping, learning and feeling less alone

More resources:

You can follow Zac — the non-practising genius — on Instagram and TikTok. You can make Zac’s extra sleep deprivation worth it by signing up to his Substack — The First 50 Days. 

Looking for a dad’s group? You can find a bunch through Dads Group here. 

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this mini-episode, we’ll get into the life-changing benefits of dads taking parental leave. Georgie Dent, CEO at The Parenthood — an organisation advocating for better parental leave, child care and flexible work — answers your questions about how paid parental leave works in Australia, the common misconceptions men have about it and why it's so critical for dads and their families.

Key takeaways:

• When dads take time off to care for a new baby, it’s not just good for kids — it’s better for both parents’ mental health too
• You don’t need to be “naturally good” at caring for a baby — confidence comes from time spent doing it, not from instinct
• Paid parental leave in Australia is becoming more flexible, making it easier for dads to share the early months and learn together with their partner
• Even if some people judge the choice, taking parental leave can be one of the most important things you do for your family — and it helps make it easier for the dads who come after you

More resources:

You can follow The Parenthood on Instagram and check out their website for more resources here.

What it’s like to take parental leave as a dad

Why paid parental leave for dads is so important

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode, we chat with Tom Docking, founder and CEO of Dads Group — an organisation reshaping how Australia supports new and expectant fathers. Tom shares his experience discovering first-hand the gaps there are for men during the perinatal period and why community connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for dads’ mental health.

Key takeaways

• Tom's partner Kate fell pregnant unexpectedly right at the start of a planned two-year lap of the world — he felt excited and overwhelmed at the same time 
• His inclusion during his partner's pregnancy, his baby's birth and the postpartum period depended on medical staff going above and beyond, not the system
• Dad’s Group grew from informal catch-ups with other dads, creating practical, peer-led support
• Early on, he realised dads often don’t have a space to unpack the fear, shame, uncertainty and identity shift from “dude to dad”

More resources:

You can follow Dads Group on Instagram. You can join a Dads Group and find more info about their work here.

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this mini-episode, Sam Payne — the CEO and co-founder of the Pink Elephants Support Network — answers listener questions about early pregnancy loss — what men (and couples) need to understand about miscarriage, supporting their partner and themselves.

Key takeaways:

• Pink Elephants exists because early pregnancy loss is deeply isolating, and lack of support in the first trimester can compound grief and lead to poor mental health outcomes
• Miscarriage grief is often minimised by society, which leaves both women and men feeling silenced, flawed and unsure whether they are “allowed” to seek support
• Partners grieve too, and it’s important they’re given space for their own loss rather than being expected to only act as the supporter
• Grief after pregnancy loss is unpredictable and non-linear, so open communication, mutual validation and accessing support early are key to coping together

More resources:

How miscarriage can affect men

Help a loved one 

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode, we chat with Lachlan Stuart, an endurance athlete (who’s run 58 marathons in 58 days) and a high-performance coach (who helps men build mental resilience). Lachlan and his wife, Amy Sheppard, just welcomed their first child, Frederick, after years of navigating unexplained infertility. In the weeks before their baby's arrival, we spoke to Lachlan about finding out they were pregnant over the phone, feeling worried about not connecting with the baby pre-birth and what he's learned from the dads he's worked with.

Key takeaways:

• Lachlan spent years getting his life "sorted" before trying for a baby and figuring out whether he felt "ready" to be a dad
• Three years of trying to conceive — with no clear cause of infertility — was mentally exhausting, especially watching his partner Amy’s heart break each month
• IVF was confronting and isolating, and he struggled with not being able fix the problem, while Amy carried the physical load
• He hasn't felt an instant emotional connection to the baby during pregnancy — and learned that for many men, bonding comes after birth, not before
• Preparing to become a dad has taught him that showing up, listening and making time matter more than having everything figured out

More resources:

You can follow Lachlan on Instagram and tune into his podcast — The Man That Can — here.

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

Lucy Lines is an IVF scientist, fertility educator and patient advocate with more than 20 years’ experience, and in this mini episode, she unpacks what assisted reproductive technology (ART) means for men who are trying to conceive. From IVF and ICSI to what men can expect during testing and treatment. We also talk about how male fertility can affect success rates, the emotional and physical impact of treatment, and what men can do to support their partners and their own wellbeing through the process.

Key takeaways:

• IVF is not a guaranteed fix, and many people underestimate how complex, demanding and emotionally taxing the process can be
• Preparing for IVF through preconception health, education and realistic expectations can improve confidence and decision-making
• Men can play a meaningful role by getting informed, attending appointments, sharing lifestyle changes and taking responsibility for their own fertility

More resources

You can follow Lucy and Two Line Fertility on Instagram and find more resources on her website here.

A man's guide to going through IVF

Understanding assisted reproductive technology (ART) for men

Guidelines for the management of male infertility

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

In this episode, we chat with Matthew Zukowski — host of the Where’s Your Head At? podcast and I'm a Celebrity... contestant — about finding out he was infertile in his early 20s, long before fatherhood was front of mind. Matt opens up about the shock of being told he had no sperm count, finding out he had undescended testes as a child and the complicated emotions that surfaced around the diagnosis. He also reflects on masculinity, dating with an infertility diagnosis and using his platform to talk openly about men’s fertility.

Key takeaways:

• Matt found out he’s infertile after a girlfriend made an offhand comment about his semen and it prompted him to get tested
• He was born with undescended testes, had surgery as a baby, and was told he should check his fertility around age 25 
• He talks honestly about the masculinity hit: His first reaction is “what a man’s meant to do is have kids”
• Being public about infertility has become part of his coping: using his platform to normalise it, hearing from other men with similar histories, and feeling less alone through community
• Infertility has become something people “already know” about him and comes up while dating
• Becoming a stepdad to his ex-wife's children helped him realise parenting isn’t only biological, and he's kept space for multiple futures — sperm retrieval, donor sperm, adoption, stepkids, nieces/nephews
• His learning is that infertility is not your fault, it’s not a “problem” that defines you — it’s a complication you can face, talk about, and make a plan around

More resources:

You can follow Matt on Instagram and listen to Where’s Your Head At?

Got questions or feedback? 

Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes.

The end bits:

This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram, TikTok and our website.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.