Movember Launches First Podcast for New Dads

New dad or dad-to-be currently self-isolating? Prominent men’s health charity Movember has teamed up with the Diamantina Podcast Network (The Betoota Advocate), to launch Dad in Progress, its first ever podcast for new and expecting dads.

Hosted by everyday suburban dad Raph Dixon, Dad in Progress is a warts-and-all look at the role of dads in the 21^st century. It features Aussie dads from all walks of life, from Raph’s mates to famous fathers like TV personality Osher Gunsberg, comedian Aaron Gocs, soccer star Archie Thompson and even Clarke Gayford – stay-at-home dad and husband of New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

Over five episodes, Raph and guests tackle specific themes, ranging from sustaining relationships with partners, sex, dealing with ‘dad-guilt‘, friendships, work and mental health.

Movember Global Director of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Brendan Maher says the podcast – which follows the success of the Movember-funded Man Up ABC documentary from 2016 – aims to help new dads navigate the ups and downs of becoming a father and let them know they’re not alone. “We know that transitioning into fatherhood can be tough. Every week, thousands of men are becoming dads – and might be feeling overwhelmed about their new responsibilities. 

“Dad in Progress is about fatherhood in the real world, celebrating the highs and sharing the challenges, without sugar-coating it.”

A recent Movember-funded survey conducted by Ipsos MORI suggested 65% of Australian dads experienced increased stress as a result of becoming a father, and of these, 23% say they didn’t handle the stress well.

“Becoming a dad is daunting for a lot of men,” Maher says. “While it can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences, this research shows it does have an impact on men’s mental health, particularly in the first 12 months.”

65% of Australian dads experienced increased stress as a result of becoming a father, and of these, 23% didn’t handle the stress well.

Dixon says there’s no rulebook for being a dad in 2020. “It’s an ongoing process and we’re still figuring it out,” he says. “Our grandads knew exactly what to do – they went back to work, made money and basically went back to living a similar life to the one they had before.

“As society has evolved, dads want to be more involved in the upbringing of their kids – but who do we look to for advice? What you don’t realise is that everyone else is thinking the same thing, and when you bring it up, men are keen to talk about it. It’s as simple as that. Having open and honest conversations with the people around you is the best thing you can do to make being a parent easier, and make you a better parent.”

Dad in Progress is available on iTunes, Spotify and wherever you go to listen to your podcasts. To find out more visit movember.com/dadinprogress.

If you’re a new or expecting dad (or you know one), Movember would love your thoughts on Dad in Progress. Complete this form and, if eligible, they will be in touch for more information. Participants will be compensated for their time.