Why Movember Matters - Dads and the Men’s Health Movement

Episode 207 - Why Movember Matters - Dads and the Men’s Health Movement

Movember matters deeply to fathers and families everywhere because it’s not just about moustaches—it’s about men showing up for their health, their families, and each other. The movement, founded through movember.com, focuses on tackling the biggest health issues facing men today: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

The Why Behind Movember

Men, especially dads, are often the rock of their families—but sometimes that means they avoid asking for help or checking in on their own health. Movember’s research shows that the quality of men’s social connections is one of the strongest predictors of mental and physical wellbeing. Dads who maintain real, supportive friendships are less likely to experience anxiety and depression, and they model healthy emotional openness for their kids.

Movember also highlights that 1 in 10 new dads experience depression during the transition to fatherhood and can be up to 47 times more at risk of suicide during this period compared to other times in life. That’s why Movember funds programs like Family Man, a free, evidence-based online parenting program that helps fathers connect, build skills, and improve family relationships.

The Movember Institute: Turning Research into Action

Through the Movember Institute of Men’s Health, the organization brings together experts, partners, and communities to advance early detection, treatment, and support programs that transform men’s health outcomes. The goal is clear: Healthy men, healthy world.

How Dads Can Take Action This Movember

Here’s how fathers can get involved and make this November meaningful—for themselves and for the next generation:

Grow a Mo

Start November clean-shaven and grow your moustache proudly. Use it as a talking point to start important conversations about men’s health with friends, family, and coworkers. Create your Mo Space at movember.com and share your story.

Move for Movember

Run or walk 60km through the month—that’s 60km for the 60 men lost to suicide every hour worldwide. Get moving solo, with your kids, or as a family. You can track your progress and raise funds while teaching your children the importance of mental health and community.

Host a Dad Space Event

Bring your buddies together for a “Dad Space Mo Night.” Whether it’s watching a game, having a firepit chat, or doing a group workout, turn it into an opportunity to raise awareness and funds—and check in on each other.

Share Your Story

Record a short video or podcast segment about why Movember matters to you. Encourage vulnerability by sharing something you’ve learned about health, fatherhood, or mental resilience.

Book That Check-Up

Use Movember as a cue to schedule your annual physical, learn about testicular self-exams, or encourage a friend to do the same. Health conversations save lives.

Stay Connected

Make a list of three mates you haven’t talked to lately and check in. A simple “How are you, really?” could make a huge difference for someone struggling in silence.

A Message for Dads

Movember is about more than awareness—it’s about action and connection. It reminds dads everywhere that taking care of your health isn’t selfish; it’s one of the most powerful gifts you can give your family. When...