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Dad Starts Now

Dad Starts Now

Written by: Healthy Male
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 Dad Starts Now
Episodes
  • Your most common questions about men's preconception health, answered

    Your most common questions about men's preconception health, answered
    May 25 2025
    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.Timestamps01:15 Signs of male infertility07:30 The impact of age on male fertility12:38 Debunking myths about male infertility and whether male fertility is declining globally16:48 Impact of caffeine, coffee and energy drinks on male fertility22:07 Affect of steroid use on male fertility27:44 Occupational hazards and men's fertility30:34 Health checks before conceptionLearn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au.Got questions or feedback? Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.auThis 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 and TikTok.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.
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    38 mins
  • Your health, your baby’s health: explaining epigenetics

    Your health, your baby’s health: explaining epigenetics
    May 18 2025
    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 generationTimestamps01:00 Understanding epigenetics and its importance10:42 Everyday choices and their impact on epigenetics20:02 Health before conception: Timing and importance27:37 Mental health and its influence on future generations30:16 Key takeaways for future dadsLearn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au.Got questions or feedback? Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.auThis 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 and TikTok.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.
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    33 mins
  • Experiencing male infertility: What happens when pregnancy doesn’t come easily

    Experiencing male infertility: What happens when pregnancy doesn’t come easily
    May 11 2025
    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:What men go through during infertility and how to cope with shame, guilt and anxietyWhy communication is crucial during infertility and how couples can strengthen theirsYou're not alone — many men and couples experience infertilityHow opening up to your support network can help shift the conversation around male infertilityTimestamps05:56 Reece on seeking help and support09:08 The emotional toll of diagnosis11:54 Communication in relationships during infertility15:12 Navigating medical procedures and options like micro-tese surgery18:01 The impact of changing specialists20:53 Reflections on the journey and moving forward37:16 Embracing fatherhood38:53 Messages for men facing infertility43:18 The role of fertility counselling44:37 Men's emotional responses to infertility46:01 Breaking the stigma of male infertility48:25 Processing emotions and seeking support52:05 Navigating relationships during infertility55:27 Opening up about emotions59:16 Changing the narrative around male infertility01:01:11 Psychological advice for men struggling with infertilityLearn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au.Got questions or feedback? Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.auThis 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 and TikTok.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.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
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