Parenting Through Meltdowns

Jason and Nate are back after two busy weeks: Jason is traveling again, there was a Masonic open installation in DC, and the whole family dressed up for the Renaissance Festival.Then it's off to Lizzy's first parent-teacher conference. They expected to hear they were "screwing up as parents." Instead they got a student-led conversation, goals Lizzy set for herself, and a surprise about how neat she keeps her school supplies compared to her bedroom. They also talk about school counseling access and why they feel validated in their decision about Lizzy's kindergarten year.This week's Letter from a Listener comes from Nervous in Nashville, who is struggling with election anxiety. Jason and Nate share how they cope: find an outlet, vote, limit the news, plan without letting fear take over, and remember you're not alone. They also talk about talking to kids about a tense moment.The episode ends with dad fails, small joys and Halloween plans.New to the show? Subscribe, leave a comment, and watch us on Apple Podcasts, now with video.

Parenting gets weird when your six-year-old has a favorite parent, school thinks one of you is always the problem, and a simple mall trip turns into a full-blown moral debate. Jason Brunner-Burns and Nathaniel A. Brunner-Burns turn a chaotic week into a hilarious, painfully relatable conversation about the roles couples fall into, what kids actually notice, and why “fun dad” and “caretaker dad” are both doing essential work.The episode starts with a brutally honest check-in: board week, family visits, a new bi-weekly schedule, and the constant juggling act of school emails, calendars, and kid logistics. Then the real chaos hits when Lizzy gets in trouble for hugging her school boyfriend, forcing Jason and Nate to wrestle with the early signs of growing up, affection, boundaries, and the very real fear of what the teen years might bring.You'll hear them break down a listener letter from a dad in Chicago who feels like his husband has become the kid’s favorite parent, while he’s stuck doing the invisible work. Jason and Nate get into the caretaker vs. playmate dynamic, why kids rotate between parents depending on what they need, and how appreciation, structure, fun, and discipline all matter more than who gets the most bedtime points.They also play a rapid-fire “which one of us is more likely to...” game that becomes a surprisingly revealing inventory of their marriage, from forgetting school events and losing phones to getting manipulated by a six-year-old and being the one most likely to embarrass Lizzy in public. It’s funny, self-aware, and just messy enough to feel completely true.Then comes the dad fail of the week. Nate recounts a mall meltdown over a squishy toy that ends with a tired kid, a frazzled parent, and a reminder that sometimes the best parenting move is stepping in with calm when everything is sideways. Jason follows with his own dance-class disaster, complete with backwards shirts, mismatched outfits, and the kind of small mistake that turns into a 15-minute standoff if you let it.Perfect for anyone parenting with a partner, figuring out family roles, or just looking for an episode that mixes real insight with the kind of sibling-level trash talk only two gay dads can deliver. If you love honest parenting stories with actual stakes, this one’s for you.Jason Brunner-Burns and Nathaniel A. Brunner-Burns host Two Gay Dads, where they tackle parenting chaos, relationship dynamics, and the everyday absurdity of raising a kid with humor and heart.

Four weeks, one chaotic work schedule, and a household running on pure survival mode - Jason and Nate are finally back, and they’re not sugarcoating what happens when one parent is traveling nonstop while the other is holding down the fort. If you’ve ever wondered how much absence a marriage and a kid can absorb before the whole system starts to creak, this one will feel very real.Jason’s work travel has been relentless, Nate’s been managing the emotional and logistical load at home, and Lizzy is in the middle of a huge adjustment: new school, new routines, new expectations, and a lot of apps. The result is a candid look at what it takes to keep a family functioning when life gets messy, schedules break down, and everyone is just trying to get through the week.You’ll hear them break down:how routines can stabilize a kid who craves structurewhy constant school communication feels like a second jobthe hidden strain of being the parent who “keeps the home fires burning”what happens when a marriage starts feeling more like a coworker relationship than a partnershiphow boundaries around texts, email, and after-hours communication can protect your sanityNate opens up about a rough stretch with his mental health and the changes he’s making to reclaim some breathing room, while Jason reflects on the toll of being away, the guilt that comes with travel, and why honest conversations at home matter more than pretending everything is fine. They also get into practical fixes that actually help, from Sunday family meetings to date nights and phone-free evenings.Jason and Nate are the voices behind Two Gay Dads, a show about parenting, marriage, family life, and the chaos in between. In this episode, Jason brings the perspective of the parent who’s been on the road, while Nate shares the reality of running the house, managing school logistics, and trying to keep everyone afloat with a six-year-old who needs structure and a spouse who’s often in another city.This conversation is for anyone juggling kids, careers, travel, and the quiet fear that closeness has been replaced by logistics. It’s honest, funny, and surprisingly practical - a reset for couples who need to remember they’re still on the same team. Plus, there are dad fails, a listener letter that hits way too close to home, and one very strong opinion about Great Wolf Lodge.

Four Weeks Away, 37 Hours HomeAfter four weeks and eight states on the road, Jason is back with the real reason Two Gay Dads disappeared: he was home for only 37 hours.In this quick and honest catch-up, Jason shares the travel chaos, exhaustion, family time, and the decision to pause the podcast rather than record on empty. Plus, he talks about returning home, a pumpkin patch outing, Great Wolf Lodge, and the everyday parenting moments that made the break worthwhile.

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.

Moving cross-country with a kid is chaos wrapped in a rollercoaster—and juggling it all can feel like an impossible feat. In this season two premiere, Jason and Nate pull back the curtain on their recent wild move, sharing the real, raw struggles behind the scenes and the unexpected joys that come with building a new life. From hoisting furniture over balconies to navigating toddler emotions, they reveal how honesty, humor, and a dash of patience keep them moving forward—and how you can do the same. In this episode, you'll discover practical tips for managing the emotional toll of uprooting your family and turning stressful moments into memorable milestones. Jason shares his lessons learned in downsizing, dealing with moving companies, and the importance of involving your child in the process—making goodbyes meaningful and new spaces feel like home. Nate offers insights on balancing logistics and mental health, including how to keep humor alive amid chaos, and the value of leaning on friends when the unpacking gets overwhelming.We break down:How to involve your kids in saying farewell to their old home in a way that eases their transitionStrategies for handling late-night frustrations and unexpected setbacks, like damaged furniture or missed deadlinesCreative ways to make moving fun for kids, from shopping for decor together to celebrating their new space with silly traditionsWhy making space for honesty and emotional expression helps parents and children adapt faster and happierThe importance of building community and asking for help when the stress peaksWhy does all this matter? Because moving with a family is one of life's most demanding projects—and doing it with humor and heart turns it into a story you'll look back on with pride. The lessons shared in this episode empower you to face your next move—big or small—with confidence, resilience, and a few laughs along the way. Perfect for parents in the midst of a move, those planning their first cross-country transition, or anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by change, this episode offers real talk and practical insights you won’t find elsewhere. Tune in, and discover how to turn chaos into new beginnings—because you’re not alone, and you’ve got this.