Dad Starts Now

Healthy Male
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Dad Starts Now is a podcast created by Healthy Male to help men become — and be — the best dads possible. In season one, we covered preconception health for men — what it is, why it's so important and what it involves — with a range of Australia's top male reproductive health experts.  Our second season — launching 3 February, 2026 — explores the diverse and often unspoken experiences of men on the path to fatherhood. From infertility and IVF, to pregnancy complications, parental leave, perinatal mental health and early parenting, the podcast brings together real stories and expert insights to offer practical guidance and perspective for men at every stage of the journey. 

  1. Hugo Toovey on his 'miracle baby' after surviving two cancers

    1D AGO

    Hugo Toovey on his 'miracle baby' after surviving two cancers

    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 followedTesticular 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 fastFertility wasn’t on his radar at 21, but his mum suggested freezing his sperm before treatmentWhile 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 overTheir “miracle baby” Teddy arrived two years ago after a challenging pregnancy — parenting gave both him and Amber joy and grounding when they needed it mostBecoming 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 weaknessesMore 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.

    34 min
  2. What no one tells men about preparing for fatherhood, with Jason Seeman

    6D AGO · BONUS

    What no one tells men about preparing for fatherhood, with Jason Seeman

    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 preparationContinuing life exactly as it was before a baby arrives can put pressure on relationships and family wellbeingParenting doesn’t always come instinctively, especially without strong role models, so learning and support are keySimply asking your partner what she needs — and listening without trying to fix — can make a real differenceMore 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.

    23 min
  3. Psychologist Dr Zac Seidler on how to become the dad you want to be

    FEB 9

    Psychologist Dr Zac Seidler on how to become the dad you want to be

    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 insteadHe 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 earlyZac 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 depressionHe 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 childZac 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 waysZac 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 outMore 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.

    38 min
  4. 10 things all men should do before trying for a baby, with Dr Tim Moss

    FEB 4

    10 things all men should do before trying for a baby, with Dr Tim Moss

    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 trackPreparing 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 needLifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, weight, diet and heat exposure directly impact sperm quality — and these are fixableMore 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.

    8 min
  5. Veteran Joel Sardi on becoming a dad of two when you have quadriplegia

    FEB 2

    Veteran Joel Sardi on becoming a dad of two when you have quadriplegia

    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” JoelWhen 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 injuryBecause he couldn’t “fix” things physically during his partner's pregnancy, he focused on empathy and listeningHe 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 challengeHe 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 overnightHe'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 soloHe 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 disabilityMore 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.

    50 min

  6. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    We're expecting... season 2 of Dad Starts Now

    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 IVFMiscarriage and pregnancy lossSupporting a partner during pregnancyRelationship changesMental healthIdentity shiftsPressure, expectations and masculinityParental leavePreparing for fatherhoodBecause 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.

    1 min

  7. 05/25/2025

    Your most common questions about men's preconception health, answered

    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.

    38 min

  8. 05/18/2025

    Your health, your baby’s health: Explaining epigenetics

    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 developmentHow to reverse epigenetic changes from poor habits through healthier lifestyle choicesMental health affects epigenetic markers in sperm, with possible impacts on the next generationTimestamps 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.

    33 min
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Trailer

About

Dad Starts Now is a podcast created by Healthy Male to help men become — and be — the best dads possible. In season one, we covered preconception health for men — what it is, why it's so important and what it involves — with a range of Australia's top male reproductive health experts.  Our second season — launching 3 February, 2026 — explores the diverse and often unspoken experiences of men on the path to fatherhood. From infertility and IVF, to pregnancy complications, parental leave, perinatal mental health and early parenting, the podcast brings together real stories and expert insights to offer practical guidance and perspective for men at every stage of the journey. 

Information

  • Creator
    Healthy Male
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dad Starts Now
  • Show Website
    Dad Starts Now

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