How Modern Fatherhood Is Changing Men’s Brains

How Modern Fatherhood Is Changing Men’s Brains

From Plain English with Derek Thompson by The Ringer

June 9, 2026 · 1h 4m

About this episode

The episode explores how modern fatherhood is reshaping men's brains and psychology through a conversation with psychologist Darby Saxbe.

Humans are unusual dads. Across the animal kingdom, dads are often absent from child-rearing altogether. But among humans, fatherhood takes many forms, and in the last half century, it has changed dramatically. College-educated American fathers now spend nearly four times as much time caring for their children as they did in the 1960s. And according to new research, this new type of fatherhood doesn't just change a man's schedule or priorities—it can literally change his brain. Today, Derek talks with USC psychologist Darby Saxbe, author of 'Dad Brain,' about the science of modern fatherhood. They discuss how active parenting affects men's psychology and how changing expectations around fatherhood are reshaping families and men themselves. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/@PlainEnglishwithDerekThompson If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek ThompsonGuest: Darby SaxbeProducer: Devon BaroldiAdditional Production Support: Ben Glicksman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: Darby Saxbe

Topics covered

  • modern fatherhood
  • psychology
  • parenting
  • men's health
  • family dynamics

Keywords

  • fatherhood
  • men's brains
  • active parenting
  • psychological changes
  • family structure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: USC, Spotify, The Ringer

Books & works: Dad Brain

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