What Does it Take to Make a Tiny Human?
The Human Race is a new podcast from Stuff presented by Nadine and Dan Higgins who look at New Zealanders in the race of their lives - to make a tiny human.
Hosts Nadine and Dan Higgins. Image courtesy of Stuff
Sex education at school warns you, or scares you - that one night of passion, one furtive backseat fumble can result in a baby. But more Kiwis are finding the thing they spent years trying to avoid isn't that easy to do.
Enter The Human Race, a podcast by Stuff and Wabi Sabi Media Group.
Hosts Nadine and Dan Higgins have been candid about their four-year struggle to have a child and see the podcast as a way to support people who are feeling alone on the fertility journey.
Image courtesy of Stuff
“We interview high-profile and everyday Kiwis who’ve faced challenges posed by age, health, sexual orientation, prejudice and plain bad luck in the race to make a tiny human,” says Nadine.
As many as one in four New Zealanders experience infertility when trying to conceive, and half of them need medical help to get pregnant. But it’s not usually a topic that’s discussed around the dinner table.
The Human Race uncovers powerful and moving tales of resilience, tenacity, heartache and hope.
“The race to make a baby before your child-bearing years are behind you can be frustrating, depressing, confusing – and isolating,” says Nadine.
“People are happy to ask ‘so, do you have kids?’ but recoil when you mention the truth: you’re struggling with infertility.”
The couple have a combined background of 30 years working in media - Nadine has worked in TV, radio, newspapers and magazines. Her husband Dan has worked in film and TV with some of Australasia’s leading production and post-production houses.
They say the series is about creating “a safe space where a range of Kiwis can share their stories”.
“It will be a supportive environment that helps create a community, and it’ll shed light on the fact that procreating can be much more difficult than a roll in the hay,” says Dan.
The Human Race launched on 13 April with 8 episodes in the series.
Listen at Stuff, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Or follow the Instagram page @humanracenz