What Happens to Your Brain When You Become a Dad?

What Happens to Your Brain When You Become a Dad?

From Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta by CNN Podcasts

June 19, 2026 · 29 min

About this episode

The episode explores how becoming a father impacts men's brains, hormones, and mental health.

Becoming a dad can change your life overnight. But it may also be changing your brain in ways you don’t even realize. Sanjay sits down with USC psychologist Dr. Darby Saxbe, author of Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives to explore how becoming a father impacts men’s brains, hormones, and body... and what those changes can mean for mental health and longevity. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai. Video Editor: Ross Helman with support by Jasmine Brooks. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Sanjay

Guest: Dr. Darby Saxbe

Topics covered

  • fatherhood
  • brain changes
  • mental health
  • hormones
  • longevity

Keywords

  • fatherhood
  • brain
  • hormones
  • mental health
  • longevity
  • psychology
  • dad brain

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USC, CNN Podcasts

Books & works: Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How It Shapes Men’s Lives

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