Épisodes

  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 h et 4 min
  • Investigating male infertility and the common medical conditions that could be at play

    Investigating male infertility and the common medical conditions that could be at play
    May 4 2025
    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 healthTimestamps02:24 Understanding andrology and male reproductive health06:36 Defining male infertility and its prevalence12:29 Navigating the doctor’s visit for fertility concerns18:03 The complexity of male infertility22:00 Signs and symptoms of potential fertility issues30:27 Understanding pre-conception health33:45 The role of urologists in male fertility34:13 Advancements in male infertility treatment39:02 Exploring varicoceles and their impact44:18 Consultation expectations for male fertility51:25 Surgical options for male infertility54:19 Understanding a no sperm diagnosis58:10 Signs of potential fertility issues01:00:28 Future advancements in male fertilityLearn 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 h et 7 min
  • What is preconception health for men and why does it matter so much?

    What is preconception health for men and why does it matter so much?
    Apr 27 2025
    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 childrenTimestamps01:31 What preconception health means02:47 Tim Moss on his personal experience with preconception health04:39 Why men's health before conception is so important07:22 Practical tips for improving preconception health12:54 How a dad's health can affect his kid's health14:24 Understanding male fertility18:56 When to start caring about preconception health24:47 Final thoughts and key takeawaysLearn 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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    27 min
  • Sperm health and male fertility: The lifestyle habits that help and hurt

    Sperm health and male fertility: The lifestyle habits that help and hurt
    Apr 27 2025
    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 fertilityTimestamps02:55 Common misconceptions about male infertility05:04 Lifestyle factors that affect sperm quality07:53 The role of diet and whether male fertility supplements work12:48 How alcohol impacts sperm health14:15 When to start making lifestyle changes15:27 Environmental toxins, endocrine disruptors and male fertility18:08 Preventing trauma, avoiding STIs and protecting your fertility22:13 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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    25 min
  • Welcome to Dad Starts Now

    Welcome to Dad Starts Now
    Apr 21 2025
    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.
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    1 min