A pair of dads

Raising kids, strengthening relationships, and finding joy in the everyday—A Pair of Dads is where fathers come together to talk about it all. Hosted by Benny Lai, this podcast invites fellow dads and others to share their joy, insights, and experiences in parenting and life. Sometimes, we step back to observe the world around us, but at its core, this is a podcast about fatherhood, family, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Real Life Is a Distraction: The Young's Battle with Gaming's New Business Model

For some, games aren't a hobby—they're the priority. Join us as we dissect the exorbitant cost of modern gaming, from $100 titles to endless subscriptions.Benny explores the shift from "pay once" to "pay to look good" (or even "pay to win") with his guests, and why the industry is driving a major skills disparity between young people focusing on AI vs. those absorbed in chasing the next digital trophy.

11-18
01:37:02

Stop Probing: The Manager's Guide to Setting Boundaries and Saving Your Sanity

Are you carrying your employees’ emotional baggage? Our hosts tackle the evolution of their management styles. Roel explains why he consciously shifted away from his earlier habit of deeply probing staff members about their personal problems. He shares why trying to be both a boss and a therapist is a "waste of time" that often leads to burnout. Learn the new mantra for professional management: "Don't probe. Listen."

11-12
58:53

(GTD Series) Appearance vs. Ethics: The Night Hike That Went Deep

In a new series, Go-The-Distance, GTD, Benny and CK took the conversations outdoors! In this first episode, what started as a conversation "about nothing" during a night hike, quickly turned into a deep dive on ethics and appearances. The duo explores the charged issue of domestic helper uniforms, the symbolic nature of Alfred the butler analogy for employment, and the sticky question of whether seemingly benign games, like the arcade claw machine, are actually unregulated scams. What do you think?

10-29
01:45:03

"More Conversations, Less Wokeism": Chermaine Kumar on Bridging the Divide

Actress Chermaine Kumar argues that while diversity efforts are important, "wokeism works against itself" by focusing too heavily on what divides us. She and Benny discuss the importance of having more open conversations to foster true understanding, rather than being quick to label every misunderstanding as "racism." \Hear Chermaine's definition of true racism and why she believes we need better dialogue to bring the majority and minority communities together.

10-23
01:40:51

"Don't Be a Burden!": Roel's Simple Advice for Guiding Your Children’s Big Choices

In one of the most insightful moments of the episode, both dads discuss their differing parenting stance: when your kids face major life decisions (like career or education decisions), should we burden them with too many considerations that might become obstacles? This pair of dads wonder if parents should take a step back and provide only guiding questions so the children can explore the options and develop their own thoughts and narratives, ultimately making a decision that belongs entirely to them.

10-16
01:19:16

Has City Life Made Us Soft? A Conversation with Michelle Wee

Is our modern, city-based lifestyle hindering our children’s development? We speak with Parenting coach Michelle Wee about the concept of “unnatural” city living, the impact of constant noise, and the importance of unstructured play. Michelle argues that by removing risks and over-scheduling our kids, we may be unintentionally limiting their potential for self-discovery and confidence.

10-01
01:15:32

Is Your Purpose Your Paycheck?

Is purpose a monetary thing, or is it something more? Roel and I challenge the notion of "flat pay" and explore whether employees can find purpose when there is no financial incentive to go above and beyond. This episode also touches on the importance of recruitment in finding people who share your purpose and beliefs, ensuring that your team is a family, not just a group of individuals 

09-24
01:19:44

From Outfield to Forest School: A Father's Leap of Faith

From a happy-go-lucky outfield warrior in the army to a founder of a forest school, Jenson shares his personal journey and the leap of faith he took to start his business. He reveals how his love for the outdoors, which he initially saw only from a physical perspective , evolved into a deeper, more meaningful philosophy about child development. This episode is a conversation about following your passion, finding purpose, and creating a life that is truly aligned with your values

09-04
01:19:23

Confessions of a Former Bully

In a segment that will have you on the edge of your seat, one of the podcast hosts makes a stunning confession: he was a bully in primary school. He shares a story of how he abused his position as a class monitor, extorted money from a female classmate, and had a friend take up martial arts to defend himself. This personal and vulnerable admission anchors a broader discussion on the long-lasting impact of bullying and the complex motivations behind it

08-27
59:57

The 10-Year Itch: Escaping Your Hewlett-Packard Moment and The Challenge of Friend-Colleagues

After a long career at one place, you start to feel it: The 10-Year Itch.CK experienced it at HP, and now he's feeling the stagnation in his current institution, leading to a self-requested deployment. But leaving isn't just a career move—it's personal.We scrutinize the cost of uprooting when your workplace is also your social world. Tune in as we debate the difficulty of maintaining boundaries when friends are colleagues and colleagues are friends, and whether those deep personal bonds make taking a leap for professional growth exponentially harder.

11-04
01:34:33

The Big Question: Why Do We Want to Leave Singapore?

Benny sits down with his guests to discuss the future.In a wide-ranging discussion, they share their honest thoughts about why staying in Singapore "just doesn't make financial sense".Get a raw, personal perspective on the economic reality pushing young adults to save, hustle, and ultimately plan their lives abroad.

10-07
02:03:28

Can We Learn to Love? The Case for Relationship Courses

Is the secret to a healthy relationship something you can learn in a class? While Benny believes structured courses are the key to preventing infidelity, CK and Jermyn passionately disagree. Listen in as we explore the controversial idea of "scheduled love" and whether intentional learning can save a marriage.

09-17
01:40:18

Maslow's Modern Crisis: Is the Pursuit of Self-Achievement Making Us Unhappy?

In a world of constant connection, why do we feel more isolated than ever? Join Benny and father-of-two, Roel, on a powerful episode of "A Pair of Dads" as they tackle a modern paradox: are we so focused on climbing the ladder of self-achievement that we're sacrificing the very things that make us happy? Inspired by acts of graciousness displayed crowded trains, they dive into Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and question if our pursuit of personal success is coming at the cost of love and belonging. This episode is a wake-up call to re-prioritize empathy and connection, challenging listeners to reconsider what truly matters in a hyper-individualistic world. Tune in to find out if small acts of kindness can be the key to rediscovering our humanity.

08-19
01:21:48

From Self-Harm to Self-Love: A Journey Through Youth Mental Health

In a powerful "A Pair of Dads" session, Benny, Ian, and Sarah explore the profound challenges facing youth mental health. Featuring a poignant personal story of a friend's battle with self-harm and recovery through faith and support, this episode shines a light on the critical role of understanding, empathy, and professional help. They discuss the surprising awareness of mental health issues even in young children , the journey of cultivating self-confidence, and practical ways to navigate the pressures of modern life.

08-11
01:20:28

Beyond the Screen: Navigating Intelligence, Dependency, and the Human Edge in a Digital Age

What defines 'smart' in a world where technology does so much for us? Benny, CK, and Jermyn of "A Pair of Dads" engage in a lively debate about the true meaning of intelligence and the growing dependency on digital tools. From contrasting old-school taxi drivers with modern Grab drivers to questioning if we still need to memorize phone numbers, this episode challenges listeners to consider what core skills remain essential when technology offers boundless convenience

07-31
46:08

From Catwalk to Critical Thinking: A Gen Z Model's Take on Career & Society

How does a young model's journey in Singapore’s dynamic industry offer a unique lens on broader societal shifts? "A Pair of Dads" welcomes Ian to explore not just the ins and outs of his modeling career—from casting calls to career progression—but also his insightful Gen Z perspective on critical issues like income expectations, the job market, and the impact of digital media on public discourse. Get ready for a conversation that blends glamour with deep societal reflection.

07-27
01:34:52

The Crossroads of Legacy: Career Choices, Cost of Living, and Cultivating Resilience in the Next Gen

How do modern career paths intertwine with the surging cost of living, and what does this mean for raising resilient, independent children? In this episode, "A Pair of Dads" openly explores the surprising reasons behind contemporary career decisions, grapples with the practicalities of managing household finances (including cross-border opportunities!), and shares their own journeys in fostering independence and grit in their children. Tune in as these two fathers candidly unpack these critical connections and uncover insights that link today's choices to tomorrow's lasting legacies.

07-23
01:39:25

"Excuses, Reasons & Roadworks: A Dad’s Journey from Johor to Fukuoka"

What starts as a hilarious tangle of late arrivals and traffic lights quickly dives into deeper discussions—from the logistics of road trips in Japan to how we judge others’ reasons (or excuses). Join Benny and Roel in navigating between everyday annoyances and big-picture reflections.

07-15
01:07:55

Not a Victim: One's Challenge to Those Who Whine Louder Than They Try

Hana doesn’t want your pity. She wants you to think. In this episode, she calls out the culture of victimhood and entitlement she sees around her—and urges listeners to humble themselves, appreciate what they have, and stop comparing wounds. This is the first of what will be a series of episodes with guests from Generation Z to offer their perspectives on parenting, relationship management and make and comment on various societal observations.

07-15
54:45

Talent, Tests & Tech: Raising Kids in a Confusing World

Can doing three things make you talented? Should PSLE still decide a child’s fate? And is critical thinking just code for questioning everything? Benny, CK, and Jermyn take on the complex task of parenting in a world full of contradictions, cultures, and crazy gadgets.

05-25
01:02:40

Recommend Channels