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.
Book cover titled "Dad Brain" by Darby Saxbe, PhD, with illustrations of a small and a large bicycle.
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

“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
“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
Simplistic line drawing of a brain at the top center of the image.
Pattern with wavy, maze-like lines on a beige background.
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.
FULL BIO →
A woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair, wearing a green dress with black accents, smiling and leaning against a wall in a well-lit room.
Colorful plastic toy building blocks arranged in the shape of the political map of the United States.

Sign up for Darby’s newsletter,
Natal Gazing

A textured pattern with wavy, maze-like lines in shades of beige and light gray.

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

    Read
  • 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

    Listen
  • 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.

    Read