Psychologist Dr Zac Seidler on how to become the dad you want to be

In this episode, we chat with Dr Zac Seidler, the global director of research at Movember and part of the team at Orygen – a youth mental health organisation. He’s a clinical psychologist and researcher who has dedicated his career to understanding manhood and men’s mental health. And, he’s just welcomed his first son, Arty. We recorded this episode in the weeks before his baby’s birth, covering the biggest challenges men face in transitioning to fatherhood, why men need to be proactive about the parent they want to be and his reflections on becoming a dad after losing his own.

Episode highlights

From years of working with men as a psychologist, Zac notes that many approach fatherhood from a “I don’t want to repeat my dad’s mistakes” mindset — but struggle to articulate what they do want to be instead
He talks about fatherhood as a rare pause point where men are open to reflection, change and meaning-making — and argues it’s a missed opportunity when health systems fail to engage dads early
Zac shares that many men feel anxious about losing their freedom when they become dads, and that not working through that can be a risk factor for postnatal depression

Appearing in this episode

Dr Zac Seidler

Dr Zac Seidler is a clinical psychologist, researcher and leading men’s mental health expert. He’s the Global Director of Men’s Health Research at Movember and Associate Professor with Orygen at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Tim Moss (Host)

Tim is Healthy Male’s Health Content Manager and a biomedical scientist with expertise in male reproductive health, translating complex medical evidence into clear, practical advice for men.