Brain researcher,
fatherhood
enthusiast
ABOUT DARBY ABOUT THE BOOK
A woman sitting at an outdoor cafe table, smiling, with a large book titled 'Dad Brain' in front of her. The background shows colorful umbrellas and outdoor seating.
AVAILABLE JUNE 2026
The Book
Every Dad
With a
Brain Needs

Leveraging over 15 years of research, this book is a captivating deep dive into the science of fatherhood—how it changes men's brains, bodies, mental health and relationships.
ABOUT THE BOOK →

PRE-ORDER

"Superb. Engaging, authoritative and uplifting. Saxbe shows how men become fathers at the level of biology, exploding stubborn myths about Dads not being suited for parenting. Impressive and inspiring. A book for everyone."
—Richard Reeves, New York Times bestselling author of Of Boys and Men and Dream Hoarders
"Dad Brain is the smartest book about fatherhood I've ever read, and it might be the most sophisticated book about fatherhood ever written. If you want to understand how fatherhood is changing, and how being a dad changes men, you have to read this book."
—Derek Thompson, New York Times bestselling author of Abundance and Hitmakers
"Dad Brain offers a fascinating look at fatherhood, bringing cutting-edge research to life with clarity and heart. By taking fathers seriously as caregivers―and by making the science both accessible and compelling―this must-read book expands how we understand parenting itself."
—LISA DAMOUR, New York Times bestselling author of Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
“An eye-opening exploration of fatherhood and its impact on a child's life—and on a partnership, a family, and society at large. With equal parts science and story, Darby Saxbe sheds new light on an untold and misunderstood narrative. If you are a dad, if you're married to a dad, or if you have a dad—you want this book.”
—ALIZA PRESSMAN, PhD, author of The Five Principles of Parenting and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast
“Make no mistake: Darby Saxbe has achieved something even broader and deeper than her title promises.Dad Brain is a wonderful book about the biology of fatherhood and an important text about parenthood from the perspective of an accomplished scientist.”
—ANTONIO DAMASIO, renowned neuroscientist, head of the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, and author of Descartes' Error."
“Dad Brain is a masterful, science-packed, story-full journey for moms and dads alike to understand how the role of parent changes our brains... This is a wonderful contribution to the parenting library recommended for anyone interested in improving children’s and parents’ lives!”
—DANIEL SIEGEL, New York Times bestselling author of The Whole Brain Child and Parenting from the Inside Out
“In this entertaining and fascinating book, Darby Saxbe unpacks how fatherhood transforms men's lives, from their brains to their careers. It's a must-read for everyone who values the importance of dads and believes in the power of care.”
—EVE RODSKY, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Darby Saxbe, PhD

I'm a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, and professor at the University of Southern California. My lab studies the neurobiology of parenting and how it shapes the development of children and their parents. I'm also the author of the forthcoming book Dad Brain, an entertaining look into the science and culture of fatherhood.
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Press & Media

  • A child being carried on an adult's shoulder, facing forward, in a black and white photo.

    New York Times

    Dad Brain Is Real, and It’s a Good Thing

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  • Logo with the text 'Speaking of Psychology' and an illustration of a brain and speech bubble for the American Psychological Association.

    Speaking of Psychology

    ‘Dad brain’: How becoming a parent changes the brain, with Darby Saxbe, PhD

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  • Man holding a newborn baby close to his chest

    Slate

    How Dads Can Fix the Birth Rate It’s not just a job for women.

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