Paternal Postpartum Depression: What Every New Dad Needs to Know | Kevin Maguire & Dr. Becky

ℹ️ EPISODE INFO

Released

June 18, 2026

Duration

32m

Channel

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

Watch on YouTube

▶ Open ↗

📝 EPISODE DESCRIPTION

When Kevin Maguire became a dad for the second time, he experienced something few new fathers are screened for or even warned about: paternal postpartum depression. His son wouldn't stop crying, and Kevin couldn't make it stop. He took the dog out, sat on a bench, and started bawling himself — because he didn't understand what he was experiencing. Kevin is the author of The New Fatherhood, a Substack he started after his own experience with PPD, as well as **a book** by the same name. He and Becky talk about why new fathers are largely unscreened for postpartum depression, what the symptoms actually look like in men, and what Kevin built after being completely broken open by fatherhood. If you're a new dad, a dad-to-be, or you love one — this episode is worth sending to someone. Dr. Becky & Kevin get into:

• why becoming a parent can feel like a demotion, and why that framing is more useful than it sounds;
• the video game that gave Kevin something his baby couldn't: a sense of control;
• what it means to sit in the mess when you've spent your whole life fixing things;
• the line Kevin keeps coming back to: "If you don't deal with your demons, your demons will raise your kids."

Kevin has a free, anonymous online PPD screening tool designed with UK psychologists. He also funds direct access to therapy for dads through his newsletter. https://checkup.thenewfatherhood.org/ Looking for more support navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and life with a new baby? **Good Inside Baby** gives you practical tools, scripts, and expert guidance for the moments that can feel most overwhelming in early parenthood. Thank you to our partners for making this episode possible:

• Bobbie: Learn more about Bobbie’s organic formula and support for every feeding journey at hibobbie.com
• Airbnb: Host your home or book your next stay on Airbnb: https://click.pscrb.fm/2f
• Coterie: Get 20% off with the code GOODINSIDEBABY20 https://www.coterie.com/

Learn more about Good Inside: https://www.goodinside.com/ Follow Dr. Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbeckyatgoodinside/

🎤 SPEAKERS

• Kevin Maguire

  guest

  Writer and author of the Substack “The New Fatherhood,” discussing his experience with paternal postpartum depression.

• Dr. Becky

  host

  Clinical psychologist and host of “Good Inside,” interviewing guests about parenting and family mental health.

🧾 EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Good Inside with Dr. Becky, featuring Kevin Maguire and Dr. Becky, Paternal Postpartum Depression: What Every New Dad Needs to Know | Kevin Maguire & Dr. Becky explores a candid guide to paternal postpartum depression and emotional fatherhood Paternal postpartum depression is real, often misread as anger, disengagement, or “being difficult,” and many fathers never get screened or seek help.

🔗 RELATED EPISODES

When Depression Doesn't Look Like Depression | Dr. Becky and Dr. Chris Choukalas

Walking on Eggshells With Your ADHD Tween? Here’s What May Be Happening Underneath

AI, Kids, and the Skills We Can’t Afford to Lose

How to Set a Curfew — Brought To You by Life360

Coming Soon

Talking About Peer Pressure with Your Teen — Brought To You by Life360