Dad Starts Now

• Your most common questions about men's preconception health, answered

  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 Affect of steroid use on male fertility 27:44 Occupational hazards and men's fertility 30:34 Health checks before conception Learn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au. Got questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] 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 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.

  --------  

  37:35

  --------

  37:35
• Your health, your baby’s health: explaining epigenetics

  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 Learn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au. Got questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] 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 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.

  --------  

  32:47

  --------

  32:47
• Experiencing male infertility: What happens when pregnancy doesn’t come easily

  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 anxiety Why communication is crucial during infertility and how couples can strengthen theirs You're not alone — many men and couples experience infertility 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 Learn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au. Got questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] 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 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.

  --------  

  1:03:43

  --------

  1:03:43
• Investigating male infertility and the common medical conditions that could be at play

  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 Learn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au. Got questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] 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 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.

  --------  

  1:07:09

  --------

  1:07:09
• What is preconception health for men and why does it matter so much?

  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 Learn more about men's preconception health at dadstartsnow.com.au. Got questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] 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 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.

  --------  

  27:09

  --------

  27:09

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About Dad Starts Now