Benny Lai
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.
Where to listen?
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Episodes
"More Conversations, Less Wokeism": Chermaine Kumar on Bridging the Divide 23.10.2025 1:40:51
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 bel...
"Don't Be a Burden!": Roel's Simple Advice for Guiding Your Children’s Big Choices 16.10.2025 1:19:16
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...
The Big Question: Why Do We Want to Leave Singapore? 07.10.2025 2:03:28
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.
Has City Life Made Us Soft? A Conversation with Michelle Wee 01.10.2025 1:15:32
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.
Is Your Purpose Your Paycheck? 24.09.2025 1:19:44
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
Can We Learn to Love? The Case for Relationship Courses 17.09.2025 1:40:18
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.
From Outfield to Forest School: A Father's Leap of Faith 04.09.2025 1:19:23
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 p...
Confessions of a Former Bully 27.08.2025 59:57
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 i...
Maslow's Modern Crisis: Is the Pursuit of Self-Achievement Making Us Unhappy? 19.08.2025 1:21:48
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&#...
From Self-Harm to Self-Love: A Journey Through Youth Mental Health 11.08.2025 1:20:28
In a powerful "A Pair of Dads" session, Benny, explored the profound challenges facing youth mental health with his guests. 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 healt...
Beyond the Screen: Navigating Intelligence, Dependency, and the Human Edge in a Digital Age 31.07.2025 46:08
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...
From Catwalk to Critical Thinking: A Gen Z Model's Take on Career & Society 27.07.2025 1:34:52
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...
The Crossroads of Legacy: Career Choices, Cost of Living, and Cultivating Resilience in the Next Gen 23.07.2025 1:39:25
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 fos...
"Excuses, Reasons & Roadworks: A Dad’s Journey from Johor to Fukuoka" 15.07.2025 1:07:55
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.
Not a Victim: One's Challenge to Those Who Whine Louder Than They Try 15.07.2025 54:45
She doesn’t want your pity. She wants you to think. In this episode, Benny's guest 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.
Talent, Tests & Tech: Raising Kids in a Confusing World 25.05.2025 1:02:40
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.
Shaping Young Minds: Can Educators Navigate a Polarized World Without Bias? 04.05.2025 1:05:42
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...
Elections, Youth, and the Vanishing Kampung Spirit 28.04.2025 1:40:55
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 laug...
From Little Red Dot to Big Bold Future 15.04.2025 1:46:17
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...
From Courtroom to Stage: A Father’s Story of Love and Art 04.04.2025 1:43:12
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...
The Magic of Motherhood & Business: Amanda’s Secret to a Joyful Life 28.03.2025 1:20:45
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...
Passion, Purpose, or Just Survival? Rethinking What We Work For 21.03.2025 1:02:31
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.
Masculinity, Marriage & Modern Fatherhood: Are Gender Roles Changing? 19.03.2025 1:26:31
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.
Beyond Success: What Really Makes a Child Great? 08.03.2025 1:32:37
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...
Keeping the Bond: How to Stay Connected with Your Growing Child 22.02.2025 53:56
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....
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