Benny Lai

A Pair of Dads

Kids EN ↓ 56 episodes

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.

Author

Benny Lai

Category

Kids

Podcast website

redcircle.com

Latest episode

Jun 22, 2026

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Episodes

No Kids, No Car, More Pets: The Gen Z Trade-Off 22.06.2026

Why buy a car when there’s Grab, and why have kids when you can be a fur parent? Benny challenges Daryl on why Gen Z views basic milestones—like a driving license or a newborn—as low-priority, high-cost liabilities. Tune in for a hilarious yet deeply insightful debate on what modern "success" looks like, why parents are terrible at advertising parenthood, and why pets are winning the gener...

Escaping the Rat Race or Just Escaping Judgment? 14.05.2026

When Singaporeans move to Canada or Australia for "better opportunities," are they actually finding more jobs, or just a place where being a plumber or a waiter is finally respected? We dig into the uncomfortable truth about the "Singaporean Dream."

International Women’s Day: Is it Still Relevant in Singapore? 18.03.2026

We’re going there. The dads discuss whether gender-specific celebrations like International Women's Day still hold weight in a society that claims to be equal. From the lack of "International Men's Day" buzz to the reality of the Women's Charter, Benny and CK debate if we should stop celebrating gender and start celebrating achievements. Jermyn joins the discussion in the secon...

Survival of the Social: Why "People Skills" are the Ultimate AI-Proof Career 13.03.2026

If AI can do the math, the marketing, and the code, what’s left for us? Christopher Magendran is an IT consultant that designs IT solutions for his clients. He reveals why your ability to network, negotiate, and problem-solve will become the key skills that will be critical in a post-generative world.

The "DINK" Lifestyle: Why "Selfishness" is the New Survival Strategy 10.03.2026

"Dual Income, No Kids" isn't just a trend; it's a survival tactic. GenZs; Ian, Geber and Teris share why government grants aren't enough to solve a mindset shift where the younger generation feels they must stabilize themselves before they can even consider a family.

Raising the "Entitled" Child: How to Be an Authority Without Being a Tyrant 05.03.2026

There is a fine line between a child-centered home and a child-run home. Dr. Kristen Cook, a pediatrician based in Chicago, Illinois shares the "Parenting Redefined" philosophy on how to provide discipline and guidance that transforms entitled kids into independent adults.

The Myth of the "Typical Singaporean" 05.03.2026

Who gave that influencer the right to speak for you? Benny and Roel kick off the episode by calling out the "marketing gimmicks" of online personalities who claim to represent the entire nation, exploring why we’re so quick to fall for—or be offended by—bold declarations.

(BCM) Pillars, Parents, and Pedagogy: Navigating Today’s Relationship Minefields 25.02.2026

In this episode, the dads question the internet’s "dump him" culture as they discuss a viral Reddit post where a sexual quirk threatens an otherwise perfect partnership. Jermyn shares the raw "low lows" of his first two months as a father, detailing the emotional exhaustion and the mystery of the "baby whisperer" effect. The conversation shifts to a deep debate on whether a...

A World of Abundance: Utopia or a Nightmare? 05.02.2026

Imagine a future where AI and robots do all the work, healthcare is free, and money is obsolete. While Benny sees a world of abundance where we are free to explore our passions, Roel fears a boring dystopian without the challenges that make us human. Can humanity thrive without the "headache" of making a day’s pay?

100km Challenges & Inflamed Knees: Pushing Limits in Your 40s 27.01.2026

After seeing a TikToker walk 100km in 24 hours, Benny and CK debate the line between being "inspiring" and just plain "demoralizing." From Benny’s grueling run with his students that left his knees inflamed to the reality of aging joints, this episode explores how dads can still push their limits without breaking their bodies. It’s a candid look at the struggle to keep the "pas...

The Illusion of Control: Lessons from the Corporate World 22.01.2026

Does believing you control every outcome lead to better performance or just more stress? Benny introduces a perspective that challenges the standard corporate narrative: you can’t control everything. By looking at professional success through the lens of external factors, Benny and Ian discussed how to maintain mental well-being in high-pressure environments. If you’ve ever felt the weight of an o...

Fatherhood and the "Safe" Bet: Parenting from a Distance 20.01.2026

Even on a guys' trip in Vietnam, the "Dad Brain" never truly shuts off. Between navigating traffic and historical sites, the conversation inevitably turns back to the kids at home. The dads discuss the balance of being interested in their children’s lives without being overbearing. From secondary school "Open Houses" to letting kids make their own mistakes, they reflect on the...

The Weight of Being There: Why Museums Matter 18.01.2026

Is it better to read about history in a book or stand where it actually happened? Benny and Roel contrast their prior knowledge of the Vietnam War with the visceral experience of seeing it firsthand. They discuss the "heavy" feeling of the museum and why it’s important to acknowledge the "inhumane" actions of the past to appreciate the peace of the present. It’s a deep dive into th...

Lost in HCMC: Maps, Motorcycles, and Memories 18.01.2026

Join Benny and Roel as they dodge construction smoke and motorcycles on a 27-minute trek to the War Remnants Museum. Between debating whether Google Maps actually knows where they are facing, the duo reflects on the "familiar strangeness" of returning to the city where the idea for this very podcast was born. It’s a candid look at travel, friendship, and the art of not getting lost—even wh...

From Yale PhD to Autism Advocate: Finding the Root Cause & Path to Independence | Dr. Theresa Lyons 06.01.2026

We're thrilled to welcome our first guest from the US, Dr. Theresa Lyons, a computational chemist from Yale, for a game-changing discussion on autism. Dr. Lyons challenges the outdated narrative that an autism diagnosis is permanent, explaining why it's crucial to look beyond symptoms and explore functional medicine testing for issues like gut health and heavy metal exposure. This episode...

From K-Pop Stalkers to AI Spouses: The Rise of Parasocial Relationships 30.12.2025

What happens when the line between fan and friend disappears? In this episode, Benny and his Gen Z guest, Ian, dive deep into the world of "parasocial relationships". From the extreme behavior of K-pop "sasaeng" fans to the growing trend of marrying AI holograms, they explore why more people are seeking emotional connections with entities that don't even know they exist. Is thi...

Defying the Odds: A 36-Year-Old Grandmother's Unapologetic Life Story 23.12.2025

In this special Christmas episode, join Benny as he sat down with the remarkable Shirli Ling, an entrepreneur, content creator, and actress who became a grandmother at the young age of 36.  In this powerful episode, that was recorded primarily in Mandarin, Shirli shares her incredible, unapologetic life journey, often contrasting it with her own challenging childhood to highlight the "so much...

Finding Emotional Foundations in a Mechanical Dating World 16.12.2025

Ching and Rick, the passionate founders of Until 11:11, discuss why dating has become "very mechanical" and transactional. They open up about their mission: to host social mixing events for singles that go beyond mere networking, focusing on increasing "organic touch" and emotional attachment. They share success stories (even if their couples are 'low-key' about it) and rev...

(GTD Series) Fur Babies vs. Real Babies: Why Are We Judging the Next Generation? 09.12.2025

In this second part of the 2-part GTD in Sentosa series, hosts Benny and Roel dive into the controversial trend of Gen Y and Gen Z choosing pets over children. They confront their own "cringy" judgments about "fur baby" culture and discuss whether their generation's judgmental mindset is hypocritical. Join us as they explore the real reasons they had children and why the younge...

(GTD Series) Bare Ass and Big Tech: The Mortifying Truth of the 32km March 03.12.2025

This episode has everything: old war history, the future of work, and a painful National Service story. While exploring Sentosa’s hidden trails, Benny recounts the most exposed moment of his life during a 32km commander march. Warning: it involves torn boxers and a very red backside. Plus, they explore why Roel thinks AI cooks are the solution to Singapore’s manpower crisis.

Is Being Single the Ultimate 'Flex' for Gen Z? 28.11.2025

In a world that tells you to find 'The One,' why are so many Gen Zs in Singapore choosing to go solo? Ian and Sarah share their perspectives on whether the traditional relationship model is broken. They discuss how self-focus, personal development, and the fear of compromise are shaping a generation's view on commitment.

Real Life Is a Distraction: The Young's Battle with Gaming's New Business Model 18.11.2025

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 absorb...

Stop Probing: The Manager's Guide to Setting Boundaries and Saving Your Sanity 12.11.2025

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 manage...

The 10-Year Itch: Escaping Your Hewlett-Packard Moment and The Challenge of Friend-Colleagues 04.11.2025

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...

(GTD Series) Appearance vs. Ethics: The Night Hike That Went Deep 29.10.2025

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 w...

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