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.  And right now we need your help to make sure the content we share is what actually matters to you. Answer a few quick questions, and you'll go in the draw to win 1 of 20 $50 Bunnings vouchers: https://bit.ly/4hpl9lr 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 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. Mar 18

    What dads need to know about labour and birth, with midwife Monique Maitland

    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 experiencePreparation matters — antenatal classes help dads understand labour, learn practical support techniques and feel more confident advocating for their partnerTalking 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 planDuring labour, support people should stay actively involved, using tools like massage, helping with movement and hydration, and choosing positive, reassuring languageMore 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.

    What dads need to know about labour and birth, with midwife Monique Maitland

  2. Mar 16

    Zac Perez on the best advice for first-time dads

    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 globalBefore 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 pregnancyFinding out his partner was pregnant brought immense gratitude, followed closely by anxiety that stayed through much of the pregnancyDespite 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 lifeBefore 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 experienceConnecting with other fathers through informal dads groups has become essential for coping, learning and feeling less aloneMore 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.

    Zac Perez on the best advice for first-time dads

  3. Mar 11 ·  Bonus

    Why parental leave for dads matters so much with Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood

    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 tooYou don’t need to be “naturally good” at caring for a baby — confidence comes from time spent doing it, not from instinctPaid parental leave in Australia is becoming more flexible, making it easier for dads to share the early months and learn together with their partnerEven 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 youMore 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.

    Why parental leave for dads matters so much with Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood

  4. Mar 9

    Tom Docking on the support new dads are missing and why he started Dads Group

    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 systemDad’s Group grew from informal catch-ups with other dads, creating practical, peer-led supportEarly 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.

    Tom Docking on the support new dads are missing and why he started Dads Group

  5. Mar 4

    What men need to know about miscarriage, grief and supporting their partner

    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 and how to support 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 outcomesMiscarriage grief is often minimised by society, which leaves both women and men feeling silenced, flawed and unsure whether they are “allowed” to seek supportPartners grieve too, and it’s important they’re given space for their own loss rather than being expected to only act as the supporterGrief after pregnancy loss is unpredictable and non-linear, so open communication, mutual validation and accessing support early are key to coping togetherMore 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.

    What men need to know about miscarriage, grief and supporting their partner

  6. Mar 2

    Lachlan Stuart on the isolation of infertility and feeling ready for fatherhood

    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 dadThree years of trying to conceive — with no clear cause of infertility — was mentally exhausting, especially watching his partner Amy’s heart break each monthIVF was confronting and isolating, and he struggled with not being able fix the problem, while Amy carried the physical loadHe hasn't felt an instant emotional connection to the baby during pregnancy — and learned that for many men, bonding comes after birth, not beforePreparing to become a dad has taught him that showing up, listening and making time matter more than having everything figured outMore 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.

    Lachlan Stuart on the isolation of infertility and feeling ready for fatherhood

  7. Feb 25 ·  Bonus

    IVF and men: what actually happens, what to expect and how to help

    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 bePreparing for IVF through preconception health, education and realistic expectations can improve confidence and decision-makingMen can play a meaningful role by getting informed, attending appointments, sharing lifestyle changes and taking responsibility for their own fertilityMore 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.

    IVF and men: what actually happens, what to expect and how to help

  8. Feb 23

    Matt Zukowski on navigating infertility, masculinity and first dates

    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 testedHe 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 communityInfertility has become something people “already know” about him and comes up while datingBecoming 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/nephewsHis 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 aroundMore 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.

    Matt Zukowski on navigating infertility, masculinity and first dates
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About

Dad Starts Now is a podcast created by Healthy Male to help men become — and be — the best dads possible.  And right now we need your help to make sure the content we share is what actually matters to you. Answer a few quick questions, and you'll go in the draw to win 1 of 20 $50 Bunnings vouchers: https://bit.ly/4hpl9lr 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 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
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dad Starts Now
  • Show Website
    Dad Starts Now

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