Dad Starts Now

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 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 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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.

A semen analysis is one of the first steps in understanding male fertility — but for most men, it's also one of the most awkward. In this episode, embryologist and Scientific Director at Monash IVF Group, Dr Ryan Rose, takes the mystery out of the process, walking through exactly what happens during a semen analysis, what the results actually measure and what they mean for your fertility.

Dr Rose covers sperm count, motility and morphology in plain language, explains the difference between in-clinic and at-home testing, and talks about why getting tested sooner rather than later puts you in a stronger position — whether you're actively trying to conceive or just want to know where you stand.

If you've been putting it off, this episode will make it a lot less daunting.

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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.