A pair of dads

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 o...

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...

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 co...

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....

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 i...

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.

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 mak...

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.

As Singapore pulses with election fervor, host Benny and educator Chee Keong confront a burning question: Should teachers tackle politics in the classroom, or is silence the safer path? In a world where social media algorithms amplify divisive narratives, they wrestle with the educator’s role in fostering critical thinking without fueling bias. From the absence of moral education to the risks of r...

Why are so many young people today turning away from hard work and community values? Are we losing the very spirit that built our societies? In this lively and thought-provoking episode, Benny and Roel dive into packed election rallies, Italy's unexpected worker shortage, and the growing tension between gratitude and entitlement. Packed with personal stories, sharp insights, and plenty of laughs,...

Buckle up for a mind-blowing chat as host Benny teams up with visionary Calvin Soh to crack open the future! Inspired by his book The Big Red Dot, Calvin dishes out electrifying insights on steering his family through an AI-charged world of limitless possibilities—and wild uncertainties. From ditching the corporate grind to rewriting the rules of education, this episode is your front-row ticket to...

I sat down with Jay, a passionate performing artist and father, to explore how he’s navigated the highs and lows of parenting through divorce. Jay shares his relentless fight for more time with his son, the emotional challenges of co-parenting, and how the stage has become a powerful outlet for both himself and his children. Set against the backdrop of Singapore’s competitive culture, this episode...

Can running a business and raising three boys be a joyful adventure instead of a constant struggle? Amanda, a thriving entrepreneur and dedicated mom, reveals how she balances both worlds with passion, purpose, and a touch of magic. From creating a business that aligns with family life to finding daily moments of joy, this episode is packed with inspiration for parents chasing their dreams—without...

Do we work for money, fulfillment, or something more? Roel and I break down the evolving relationship between work and identity, the challenge of finding meaning beyond a paycheck, and what happens when people lose their sense of purpose.

Are men still expected to be the providers and protectors, or is fatherhood evolving? In this episode, Eric and I unpack traditional vs. modern gender roles in marriage and parenting. We discuss whether leadership in the family should always rest with the father, how respect and love factor into relationships, and whether societal expectations of men are shifting too far—or not far enough.

We push our kids to excel—good grades, prestigious schools, high-paying jobs. But is that enough? In this episode, I sit down with Li Woon to discuss what truly defines a great child beyond academic and career success. Are we raising kids who are kind, resilient, and full of integrity? Or are we unknowingly setting them up for a life where achievements matter more than character? If you’ve ever wo...

As children grow into teenagers, staying connected becomes more challenging than ever. In this episode, Marcus and I explore the delicate balance between giving kids independence and ensuring they still feel our presence. From handling late nights and peer influence to navigating the tension between discipline and trust, we share real struggles and insights on keeping the parent-child bond strong....

In this episode of A Pair of Dads, I chat with my colleague Michael about the challenges of raising kids in a world dominated by screens. We discuss the balance between enforcing rules and allowing children to learn from their own mistakes, as well as how technology is reshaping parenting. Michael also shares his journey from a high-paced corporate career to a more nurturing role in education. Tun...

Join us for a heartfelt conversation about the ups and downs of parenting and personal growth. We dive into the challenges of raising children, navigating relationships, and finding meaning in a changing world. Tune in for valuable insights, relatable anecdotes, and a healthy dose of humor.

This episode features a heartfelt chat with Eric, my friend of nearly three decades. We dive into shared stories from our school, army, and early adulthood days, before exploring how fatherhood has shaped our values. Tune in for an honest conversation about growth, maturity, and what it means to balance responsibility with staying true to oneself.

Join me as I sit down with Ronald, a seasoned financial services professional with over 25 years of experience. From his transformative time in China’s fast-evolving insurance industry to his unique approach to parenting and cultivating hunger for success in the next generation, Ronald shares valuable insights on leadership, lifelong learning, and building resilience.

In our second recording, we talked about the aftermath of the US elections, discussed on the implications of traditional media and new media and how countries like Singapore might need to adapt. We discussed about how Roel balances his life and business, his decisions to choose Singapore education for his sons, and how he is interested to find out how to react to your children asking difficult que...

In our maiden podcast, we discussed the US Presidential elections as it voting was taking place and briefly discussed the state of political involvement amongst young people in the US and how Singaporean youths might get more involved.