The Men's Fertility Nutrition Podcast

In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaksdown the nutritional foundations that support sperm health — before supplements or optimisation strategies enter the picture.Rather than focusing on individual nutrients, this episodeexplains why overall diet quality and eating patterns matter, how sperm are built and maintained, and why consistency over time is key.This episode sets the groundwork for the episodes thatfollow on supplements, alcohol, sleep, and hormones.What You’ll LearnWhy sperm are biologically fragile and highly responsive to lifestyle inputsHow nutrition influences sperm structure, DNA integrity, energy production, and resilience to damageWhy most fertility issues aren’t driven by major nutrient deficienciesThe role of overall dietary patterns in sperm healthHow oxidative stress affects sperm and why food quality mattersWhy short-term fixes rarely lead to meaningful changeKey TakeawaysSperm are produced continuously and respond to daily inputsDiet quality matters more than individual nutrients in isolationNutrition forms the base layer for all other fertility interventionsSperm health develops over weeks to months, not overnightFoundations come before refinementEpisode OutlineWhy nutrition matters for sperm healthFoundations vs hacks: adequacy before optimisationWhat the research consistently shows about dietary patternsThe four biological roles nutrition supports in sperm: Building structure, Synthesising DNA, Powering movement, Protecting against oxidative stress Why time and consistency matterDisclaimerThis podcast is for general education only and does notreplace individual medical or nutrition advice. If you’re navigating fertilityconcerns or treatment, please consult your healthcare team.Want Support?If you or your partner are looking for personalisedfertility nutrition support, Alex works via telehealth with clients across Australia.🌐 Website: AxisDietetics.com📸 Instagram: @axisdieteticsWhat’s NextNext episode: Supplements — what’s worth it, what’s not,and when food is enough.

Men’s fertility is often discussed in simplified, reassuring ways that don’t tell the full story. In this episode, Alex breaks down the most common misconceptions that can quietly undermine fertility outcomes, even when men feel they’re doing everything right.This episode focuses on understanding risk, timing, and preparation, not blame or guarantees.In this episode, we cover:Why fertility is often framed as pass/fail, and why thatcauses problemsWhy “normal” semen results don’t always mean optimalpreparationHow male fertility changes with age, and why riskaccumulates quietly over timeWhy lifestyle factors matter earlier than most men realiseWhy IVF and ICSI don’t remove the importance of spermqualityThe difference between control and certainty in men’sfertilityKey takeawayMen don’t control fertility outcomes, but they do influence risk. Understanding that distinction is the foundation for better timing, preparation, and decision-making.What’s nextIn upcoming episodes, we’ll start unpacking what actually helps, what matters when, and how men can approach fertility in a more proactive, informed way.DisclaimerThis podcast is for general education only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare team about your specific situation.

In Episode 2, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaksdown the 12-week sperm development cycle and explains why this timeline matters. We explore the biology of sperm formation, the key areas men can influence, and the deliberate habits that support healthier sperm and better fertility outcomes.What You’ll Learn:• What happens during the 12-week sperm cycle• Why the 12-week window matters• How nutrition, lifestyle, and harmful exposures influence sperm development• The key areas men can influence• When changes tend to show up• Practical habits you can start nowKey Takeaways:• Sperm take around 72 days plus maturation to develop• Sperm are sensitive to oxidative stress and inflammation• Deliberate lifestyle changes can meaningfully influence sperm quality• The habits that support sperm also support long-term health• Men have more influence over fertility outcomes than they often realisePractical Tips:Prioritise whole foods Choose one “sperm defensive move”Anchor your sleep scheduleLinks:Website: axisdietetics.comInstagram: @axisdietetics

The Men’s Fertility Nutrition Podcast delivers clear, evidence-based conversations to help make sense of male fertility.Hosted by Alex Hardy, Men’s Fertility Dietitian, the show explores how nutrition and lifestyle influence sperm health, fertility outcomes, and preparation for pregnancy and fertility treatment.Men’s fertility matters — not just for conception, but for embryo development, miscarriage risk, and the long-term health of future children.If you’re planning ahead, going through treatment, or simply want clarity on what actually helps, this podcast is for you.

Episode Summary: In this first episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down why men are so often left out of fertility conversations and why that needs to change.We explore common misconceptions, how sperm health affects conception and early embryo development, and three practical steps men can start today.What You’ll Learn:• Why fertility isn’t just a women’s issue• How male factors contribute to 50% of fertility challenges• Why sperm health isn’t fixed• What oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, and epigenetics mean for fertility• Three simple habits that help• What’s coming in future episodesKey Takeaways:• Men play an equal role in fertility but often receive less guidance• Sperm are vulnerable but highly responsive to change• A man’s health affects conception, miscarriage risk, and long-term child health. Small, consistent shifts matter. Practical Tips:1.    Add more colour to your plate2.    Include oily fish 2–3 times per week3.    Move most days + prioritise good sleepLinks:Website: axisdietetics.com Instagram: @axisdietetics