2 Gay Dads

What if the biggest threat to your relationship isn’t fighting—but functioning?In this heartfelt and candid episode of Two Gay Dads, Jason and Nathaniel explore what happens when a marriage slowly turns into a calendar-management system: schedules, school forms, groceries, chores, finances, and bedtime—everything gets done, except having a real conversation.Inspired by a listener question from Chad in Milwaukee, they talk honestly about finding your way back to your partner after children, without pretending you can—or should—return to who you were before parenthood. They discuss the grief that comes with changing identities, the importance of small moments of connection, love languages, emotional and physical intimacy, household labor, gratitude, family rejection, relationship expectations, and the intentional conversations that can keep couples from drifting apart.With plenty of vulnerability, humor, and a classic Papa fail involving a forgotten dance class, Jason and Nathaniel offer a simple challenge: make time for an uninterrupted conversation with your partner and ask, “What are you not getting that you need from me?”Because reconnecting doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it starts with thirty undistracted minutes—and the choice to find each other again.

In this episode, Jason and Nate reflect on the overwhelming response to last week’s conversation with Frankie and BJ, and unpack what their viral photo says about visibility, privacy, and the power — and risk — of sharing family stories online. They respond to listener questions about how to talk to kids who feel different, how to handle staring and public curiosity, and whether adoption or surrogacy makes one path to parenthood more “legitimate” than another. Along the way, they open up about parenting challenges, the emotional adjustment of Lizzy’s second year of kindergarten, the frustrating reality of trying to access mental health care, and a very cheesy dad fail. Honest, funny, and heartfelt, this episode is a reminder that families come in many forms — and that love, not a template, is what makes them real.

What does it mean to build a family on your own terms? In this heartfelt episode of Two Gay Dads, Jason and Nate sit down with Toronto-based dads Frankie and BJ, whose journey to parenthood is a powerful story of love, resilience, and hope.Together for 16 years, Frankie and BJ share how they met, navigated addiction recovery, discovered surrogacy, and welcomed their son Milo—born during Toronto’s WorldPride in 2014. A deeply moving photo of the moment they first met their baby went viral around the world, inspiring countless LGBTQ+ families. Years later, that same image was used without their permission in an anti-surrogacy and anti-gay political campaign, prompting Frankie and BJ to fight back.The conversation explores partnership, patience, raising a child with intention, setting boundaries around social media, traveling the world as a two-dad family, and the importance of visibility. At its heart is a simple but powerful message: there’s no single template for family. Family is about love.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Frankie and BJ’s nearly two-decade love storyTheir path to parenthood through surrogacyThe unforgettable photo that became known as the “Pride Baby” imageTurning a painful political attack into advocacyParenting, patience, and raising their son MiloTraveling as an LGBTQ+ familyWhy representation and authenticity matterTune in for an inspiring conversation about love, courage, and the families we create.

Most parents face the emotional rollercoaster of the first day of school—it's nerve-wracking, exciting, and full of unknowns. But for LGBTQ+ families, that milestone comes with an added layer: questions about visibility, acceptance, and safe belonging. In this heartfelt episode, Jason and Nate share their own journey navigating starting school as a same-sex family, revealing the thoughtful conversations, unexpected challenges, and joyful moments along the way.From approaching teachers about family stories to advocating for inclusive classrooms, this episode offers concrete strategies for building supportive school communities that celebrate all kinds of families. You'll discover how to foster open dialogue with educators, reinforce your child's identity, and create safe spaces where they can thrive—and how to do it all without feeling overwhelmed or exposed. They break down actionable tips like sharing family narratives on the first day, choosing identity-affirming books, and connecting with community resources that support diverse families.But it’s not just about the logistics—this conversation sparks a deeper look at the importance of belonging. What happens when your child feels different or isolated? How can caregivers help them navigate those feelings with confidence and pride? Jason and Nate emphasize the vital role of authentic communication, community, and simple, age-appropriate responses that reinforce love and acceptance. They remind us that every step we take to foster inclusion offers our children a foundation of resilience and self-worth.Whether you're a seasoned LGBTQ+ parent or just starting to think about how to give your child the best possible school experience, this episode is essential listening. It blends relatable humor with practical advice, ensuring you feel less alone and more empowered in your advocacy. Creating inclusive, welcoming schools isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared responsibility, one child at a time.Hosts Jason Brunner-Burns and Nate Brunner-Burns are experienced parents and advocates who share their personal stories and insights. They bring a warm, relatable voice to complicated topics, making this episode both inspiring and actionable.

Parenting Meltdowns, Pride in Family, and Fighting Back Against Harmful Slogans — our latest episode digs deep into what it truly means to raise resilient, proud kids in a world that’s still fighting to accept all types of families. When a simple bike outing turns into a neighborhood scare, we reveal how everyday moments highlight the importance of teaching independence and safety, even when it’s uncomfortable. Plus, we tackle tough questions from listeners expecting their first child, sharing our biggest lessons on navigating curiosity, boundaries, and the importance of visible pride for queer families.In this episode, Jason and Nate share the raw realities of managing big feelings in young children — from tantrums fueled by dysregulation to the balance of gentle and consequence-based parenting. You'll discover how to affirm your family’s love and diversity, no matter how society tries to simplify or shame it. We break down the impact of recent anti-LGBTQ billboards that dismiss our families and explain why standing tall, being out, and teaching resilience is more critical than ever. We also explore how strangers’ questions—like “who's the mom?”—are really opportunities to be quiet advocates. Jason and Nate discuss how sharing our pride and setting boundaries helps shape confident kids who see their uniqueness as strength. Plus, we FIGHT back against misleading slogans about families, emphasizing that every child deserves respect and love, regardless of how their family looks. Ideal for LGBTQ+ parents, allies, and anyone determined to build a more inclusive future, this episode invites you to celebrate the diverse, beautiful realities of family and community. If you're committed to raising leaders, teaching resilience, and challenging harmful narratives, this is your go-to listen. Join us as we reflect on the small victories and big battles shaping the next generation—because our families are not just real; they are vital.Prepare to feel inspired, validated, and ready to stand tall — because your family’s story matters. Don't miss out—hit play now and be part of the movement to normalize all families, one conversation at a time.