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. 

Episodes

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

    2D 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
  2. Psychologist Dr Zac Seidler on how to become the dad you want to be

    4D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 05/11/2025

    Experiencing male infertility: What happens when pregnancy doesn’t come easily

    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 infertilityWhat men go through during infertility and how to cope with shame, guilt and anxietyWhy communication is crucial during infertility and how couples can strengthen theirsHow opening up to your support network can help shift the conversation around male infertilityTimestamps 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.

    1h 4m

  9. 05/04/2025

    Investigating male infertility: Causes, symptoms and common conditions

    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 healthTimestamps 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.

    1h 7m

  10. 04/27/2025

    Sperm health and male fertility: The lifestyle habits that help and hurt

    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 fertilityHow lifestyle habits like diet, alcohol use, exercise and chemical exposure affect sperm healthWhat makes a good preconception diet (and what to cut back on)Whether male fertility supplements are worth itWhen to start making lifestyle changes to improve your fertilityTimestamps 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.

    25 min

  11. 04/27/2025

    What is preconception health for men and why does it matter so much?

    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 kidsThe biggest myths and knowledge gaps around male fertilityHow 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 childrenTimestamps 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.

    27 min
  12. Welcome to Dad Starts Now

    04/21/2025

    Welcome to Dad Starts Now

    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.

    1 min

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
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dad Starts Now
  • Show Website
    Dad Starts Now

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