Episode 33

full
Published on:

13th Dec 2025

Why Dads Matter? with Dr. Anna Machin | Christmas Countdown 🎄 Day 13

This one was a fascinating discussion with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin.

Dr. Machin explains why dads aren't just 'male mums' and how our unique way of parenting is vital for our kids.

And I finally understand not only why I love to wrestle with my kids, but why they love it too.

đź’¬ What to Expect in This Episode

•The myth of maternal instinct vs. learned fatherhood

•The science behind the fatherhood transition and prenatal bonding

•The unique and vital evolutionary role of human fathers

•Why dads aren't 'male mums' and the importance of challenging play

•The critical need for support for men transitioning into fatherhood

🎙️ Guest Details

Dr. Anna Machin, Evolutionary Anthropologist

•Website: annamachin.com

•Instagram: @dr_amachin

•Book: The Life of Dad: The Making of the Modern Father (Available in bookshops and online retailers)

📲 Connect & Follow

•Join our community: nexysfertility.com

•Subscribe on YouTube: The Male Fertility Podcast

•Follow us on Instagram: @themalefertilitypodcast

•Follow Ciaran: @themalefertilitypt

•Follow Shaun: @knackered_knackers

•Contact us: themalefertilitypodcast@gmail.com

🔍 Navigating Male Fertility

Looking for support and insight on male infertility? This podcast offers you stories, expert advice, and our NeXYs community ready to listen. Subscribe and follow to join the journey and never miss an episode.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast provides information and support but should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised care.

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Male Fertility Podcast

About the Podcast

The Male Fertility Podcast
The UK’s leading podcast on male fertility. Real stories, expert advice, and the conversations men aren’t having.
The Male Fertility Podcast is the UK’s leading show dedicated to male fertility, hosted by Ciaran and Shaun, two men who’ve lived the reality of infertility diagnoses, fertility treatment, and everything that comes with it.

Whether you’re dealing with low sperm count, poor motility, low morphology, azoospermia, or a varicocele diagnosis, this podcast is the resource you wish you’d had from day one.

Each episode covers what actually matters: IVF and ICSI from the male perspective, navigating NHS referrals and waiting lists, the real cost of private treatment in the UK, lifestyle changes that can improve sperm quality, and the emotional and mental health impact that often goes unspoken.

We speak to fertility specialists, urologists, andrologists, and men sharing real, unfiltered stories — from difficult diagnoses through to successful pregnancies.

Topics we cover:

Male factor infertility: diagnosis and treatment options
Sperm health: count, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation
IVF, ICSI, MESA, TESE, micro-TESE
Varicocele surgery and recovery
Supplements, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes
Mental health, relationships, and coping strategies
NHS vs private fertility treatment in the UK
Costs, funding, and access to treatment
Supporting your partner
Real stories and success journeys

This podcast exists because male fertility is too often overlooked. Half of all infertility involves a male factor, yet most support is aimed elsewhere. We’re changing that.

If you’re facing fertility challenges, or supporting someone who is, subscribe now — you’re not alone.

About your host

Profile picture for Ciaran Hannington

Ciaran Hannington