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 track
• Preparing 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 need
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol, weight, diet and heat exposure directly impact sperm quality — and these are fixable

More resources:

How men can improve chances of conception

Preconception health checklist for men

Healthy Father, Healthy Future

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 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” Joel
• When 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 injury
• Because he couldn’t “fix” things physically during his partner's pregnancy, he focused on empathy and listening
• He 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 challenge
• He 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 overnight
• He'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 solo
• He 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 disability

More resources:

You can follow Joel on Instagram or check out his 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.

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 IVF
• Miscarriage and pregnancy loss
• Supporting a partner during pregnancy
• Relationship changes
• Mental health
• Identity shifts
• Pressure, expectations and masculinity
• Parental leave
• Preparing for fatherhood

Because 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. 

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 [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 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 development
• How to reverse epigenetic changes from poor habits through healthier lifestyle choices
• Mental health affects epigenetic markers in sperm, with possible impacts on the next generation

Timestamps

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 [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 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 infertility
• What men go through during infertility and how to cope with shame, guilt and anxiety
• Why communication is crucial during infertility and how couples can strengthen theirs
• How opening up to your support network can help shift the conversation around male infertility

Timestamps

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 [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 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 health

Timestamps

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 [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 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 kids
• The biggest myths and knowledge gaps around male fertility
• How 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 children

Timestamps

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 [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 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 fertility
• How lifestyle habits like diet, alcohol use, exercise and chemical exposure affect sperm health
• What makes a good preconception diet (and what to cut back on)
• Whether male fertility supplements are worth it
• When to start making lifestyle changes to improve your fertility

Timestamps

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 [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.

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.