In this episode of The Healthspan Collective, host Nicole Doran sits down with Dan Baird, founder of NADS, to have a conversation that most people have never thought to have: what is your underwear actually doing to your hormones and fertility? Dan shares the story behind NADS, from a C4 fracture at 23 that led to chronic inflammation, fatigue, and dangerously low testosterone, to discovering through functional medicine that the answers were hiding in plain sight, including in the fabric closest to his body.
Dan brings an entrepreneur's honesty and a health advocate's depth to a topic that is equal parts fascinating and genuinely important. He breaks down the science behind why polyester and conventional cotton may be quietly disrupting male reproductive health, what certifications actually mean versus greenwashing, and what men and their partners should actually be doing to support fertility and testosterone long term. This one is for the guys, and for every woman who loves one.
What We Cover:
- How a C4 fracture and low testosterone at 23 led Dan to completely overhaul his approach to health
- Why polyester underwear may be affecting male fertility and the study that started it all
- The toxins hiding in conventional underwear including formaldehyde, phthalates, and PFAs
- What GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications actually mean and how to spot greenwashing
- Practical fertility tips for men including labs, sleep, whole foods, and reducing toxin exposure
- Dan's morning routine, his take on cold plunges and morning sun, and how faith shapes his approach to entrepreneurship
- What it actually takes to build a brand in the apparel industry from scratch
Chapters:
00:00 The Polyester Fertility Study That Changes Everything
04:28 How a Neck Injury Led to Low Testosterone at 23
09:18 The Sauna Moment That Sparked NADS
18:45 The Toxins Hiding in Your Underwear
22:09 What Certifications Actually Mean and How to Spot Greenwashing
24:11 Practical Fertility Tips and Sleep Optimization
31:15 Faith, Stress, and Building Something That Matters
47:13 The Fertility Basics Every Man Should Know
50:33 Founder Lessons, Mentors, and Early Hustles
01:08:51 Morning Sunlight, Vitamin D, and Where to Find NADS
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