S2 • 13:35
How miscarriage and grief affects men with Sam Payne, CEO of Pink Elephants
- Mental health
- Parenting and relationships
In this episode, we chat with Tom Docking, founder and CEO of Dads Group — an organisation reshaping how Australia supports new and expectant fathers. Tom shares his experience discovering first-hand the gaps there are for men during the perinatal period and why community connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for dads’ mental health.
Episode highlights
- Tom’s partner Kate fell pregnant unexpectedly right at the start of a planned two-year lap of the world — he felt excited and overwhelmed at the same time
- His inclusion during his partner’s pregnancy, his baby’s birth and the postpartum period depended on medical staff going above and beyond, not the system
- Dad’s Group grew from informal catch-ups with other dads, creating practical, peer-led support
- Early on, he realised dads often don’t have a space to unpack the fear, shame, uncertainty and identity shift from “dude to dad”
Appearing in this episode
Tom Docking
Thomas Docking is a passionate father, husband, community leader and social entrepreneur. He is the President of CAPEA Queensland (The Childbirth and Parenting Educators Association) Chief Executive Officer of Dads Group and the Founder of “Man With A Pram”.
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.
