Season 3 - Episode 1

In Season 3 of Under the Microscope, our comedy talk show hosted by Riaad Moosa, we explore the often-overlooked link between men’s mental health and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Developed in collaboration with our long-standing partners at the Centre for Analytics & Behavioural Change (CABC), the series forms part of the HeCareZA initiative — an innovative online peer support network aimed at engaging men in emotional reflection, responsibility, and healing.

The brief to Iron Heart was clear: bring CABC’s data and behavioural insights to life in a way that would be both relatable, disarming, and motivational. Our approach centred around accessible storytelling, community dialogue, and digital reach. Each episode was anchored in evidence-based research, yet crafted to feel deeply human, encouraging men to consider the emotional legacies they carry, and the futures they can help shape.

Promoted via the HeCareZA Facebook page, the series quickly became a catalyst for conversation — reaching new audiences, sparking debates, and attracting both support and critique. While the content was aimed at men, many women joined the conversation. Some affirmed the message that emotionally present fathers are key to raising mentally resilient children. Others — particularly single mothers — offered counterpoints, proudly stating that their children were thriving despite, and possibly because of, the absence of fathers.

This diversity of perspectives reinforced just how necessary the conversation is. In Episode 1, Dr Riaad Moosa set the tone by challenging outdated ideas of masculinity and exploring how fatherhood, when done with intention and emotional presence, can transform families and communities, and is healthy, both mentally and physically, for dads themselves. 

Through this series, Iron Heart helped shift the narrative from shame and silence to awareness and accountability — using digital video storytelling through a YouTube channel to drive positive change in fathers.

Because building a safer, more empathetic society starts by changing how men see themselves and how they show up for others.