Hi friends! Thanks so much for listening in on the last episode of the year! Today’s special guest (and a few more later on!) is Melvin Prakasan, a great friend of mine who had started on the fatherhood journey with me, and was actually on the podcast a few years back.

In this conversation, Melvin and I cap off 2024 by reflecting upon our greatest fatherhood insights, developments, and lessons since our children were born three years ago. Whether it comes to fitness as a young father, how to spend our time with our families in a meaningful way, or how to maintain our relationships with our partners over time, Melvin and I take a deep dive into what we do to cultivate a healthy learning and living environment not just for our children, but for our family.

Near the end of this episode, we are also joined in the car by our wives (and lovely children!), who offer their own perspectives on their journey as parents.

Thank you all very much for joining us on this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car! I really appreciate all the amazing support, growth, and feedback you have all given us, and simply cannot wait to see us grow bigger and better into 2025! I hope you love this episode, and I wish you and your families all the best and a happy holiday season!

Credits:

Podcast Guest: Melvin Prakasan

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“I think the idea is that ultimately you want your kids to feel confident with something, to enjoy something, and so you’re really trying to facilitate those opportunities, yet not be too heavy-handed about it.” -Scott Young

Hello friends!

Thank you so much for joining us on this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car. Our very special guest today is Scott Young, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of “Ultralearning: Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career”, and his new book, “Get Better at Anything”. Not only is Scott an influential thought leader in productivity and learning, but he is also a dedicated father to a young boy and girl! I would also like to give a huge shoutout to Cal Newport for helping make this connection and this episode a reality. 

Drawing upon his research in learning and productivity, our conversation centers around the importance of understanding the unique and sometimes distinct ways in which our children approach learning. Whether it be building fundamental skills or taking an organic approach through discovery, Scott shares his own childhood experiences with learning and development, and how they nuance his mindful approach towards fatherhood. For the parents, Scott also offers insights into parent guilt, and how parents can use those emotions to build better and more productive systems of life management and problem-solving. Ultimately, Scott emphasizes the value of encouraging his children to intrinsically enjoy what they do, and develop enthusiasm not only in the practice of their craft, but in the process of getting there.

Thanks again for tuning into this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car! Please check out Scott’s blog at https://www.scotthyoung.com/blog/ and 2dads1car.com for more exciting updates to come. Feel free to follow us on Instagram (https://instagram.com/2dads1car) and let us know your thoughts in the comments. I hope you love this episode! 

“I think the misconception is you have to be Phil Jackson to coach. You don’t have to be an expert. Can you be a good role model to these kids? Can you get their attention? Can you make it fun? That’s the number one thing: make it fun.” - Ian Chan

Hello friends! Thanks for joining us on this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car. Today’s guest is Ian Chan, a father of two young boys, and new friend who brings an athletic perspective on parenting.

In this conversation, Ian recounts the ways in which his experiences as an athlete and sports coach have influenced his parenting approach, especially in instilling strong senses of work ethic, confidence, and commitment in his sons’ lives. Reflecting on his sons’ growth journey as young athletes, Ian uses sports as a lens to appreciate the different personalities of his sons, the social aspect of teamwork, and the important role parents play as role models and supporters, even on the sidelines.

Thank you all so much for tuning in to this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car. Please check us out at 2dads1car.com, follow us on Instagram, and leave a comment to kick off (no pun intended) the conversation! I hope you love this episode.

Credits:

Podcast Guest: Ian Chan

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“It’s important that you can model a thriving life as a parent. That message can be as important as any rule you put in place. It’s the most influence parents have over their kids: how they live.” -Cal Newport

Hello friends! Thank you for tuning into this very special episode of 2 Dads 1 Car recorded outside of DC in Takoma Park, Maryland! Our guest this episode needs no introduction: Cal Newport, who is a computer science professor at Georgetown University, podcast host of “Deep Questions”, and critically-acclaimed author of “Deep Work”, “Slow Productivity”, and so many more works that have inspired me ever since I was in law school. He is also a dedicated father to three young boys.

Our conversation aims to contextualize Cal’s research and work on productivity and purpose in the modern era through the perspective of parenthood. As we reflect on the challenges of raising young children in the age of smartphones and social media, Cal offers insights on the impact of unrestricted internet access on children, and the ways in which our relationship with technology as parents can impact our attempts to build healthy habits within our children. As our conversation shifts on the discussion of productivity as a parent, Cal shares his seasonal approach to productivity throughout the year, and how he intentionally creates the space for his children not only to participate in that routine of productivity with him, but grow alongside him in their learning journeys.

A big shout-out to Cal and everyone involved in the process to make this episode happen (Jesse Miller, Daniel Marx, Amanda Lang, Jessica Phan, Baron Hsueh, and of course, my in-laws for taking care of our daughter while my wife and I were out of town). This episode was a dream come true, and I am continuously inspired to see the stories, interactions, and feedback generated in our tight-knit community.

Thank you for joining us! Please check us out at 2dads1car.com, and follow us on Instagram for any exciting updates. I hope you love this episode!

Credits:

Podcast Guest: Cal Newport

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“If you’re self sufficient, you can do anything, and its really cool seeing our kids on that journey where they’re become independent and kind, self-led adults." -Ken Sim

Hello friends! Thank you for joining us on this very special episode of 2 Dads 1 Car! Our guest today is Ken Sim, a businessman, a leader, and a father to 4 sons. He is also the mayor of Vancouver!

Our conversation includes a very candid discussion of how the experience of being a second-generation Asian immigrant and the spotlight of public office have shaped Ken’s perspective not only on fatherhood, but also on the experiences of the community. Ken also offers a refreshing commentary on how your role as a parent changes as you and your children enter different stages of life, and how to balance your commitment to your family and career in a way that encourages growth on both sides. Finally, Ken and I discuss the relationship between fatherhood, family, and personal success, and the importance of both parents and children seeing each other succeed in our joint journeys together through life.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car! Many thanks to Ken for making the time for this episode, and special shout-out to my cousin, Kristian Young, for helping me out behind the scene! Please check us out at our website 2dads1car.com, and follow us on Instagram for any exciting updates. I hope you love this episode!

Credits:

Podcast Guest: Ken Sim

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“How can I practice self-awareness, and use that self-awareness to explore how I’m teaching my kids to grow up as men in our world? I feel like that is modern fatherhood.” -Jesse Robbins

Hello friends! Thanks so much for tuning into this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car! This episode was recorded in Seattle, where our guest today is Jesse Robbins, a good friend of mine who currently runs a Krav Maga school in Seattle and is the very proud father of two young boys.

Today’s episode focuses on Jesse’s journey in fatherhood and self-discovery while going through a turbulent divorce. Touching on the pertinent role of masculinity and emotional vulnerability in his healing journey, Jesse contextualizes his path towards self-acceptance and resilience through his expressions of love for his children, and his unwavering sense of responsibility as a father. This episode ends with a powerful message on loneliness as an epidemic, the crucial need for community and connection for fathers, and Jesse’s personal experiences of support from his friends and rebirth through empowering others.

Thank you all so much for joining us on this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car, and big shout-out to Jesse for sharing his time and story with us. Please visit our website on 2dads1car.com for the latest updates, and feel free to leave a comment below to keep the conversation going! I hope you love this episode!

Credits:

Podcast Guest: Jesse Robbins

Podcast Host; Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“In this world, there is so much chaos, so much in-fighting, so many different things happening, but when we work and approach our days from a place of love and kindness, when I’m interacting with my daughter from a place of love, it just changes everything” -Steven Ngo

Hello friends! Thank you for tuning into 2 Dads 1 Car. Just to change the pace a little bit, this episode’s special guest is: me! Since my daughter’s third birthday has just passed, I wanted to take this time to thoughtfully reflect on the lessons I’ve learned, experiences I’ve internalized, and memories I’m looking back on during these last three years as a father.

In this episode, I revisit a few of the most important insights I gained from my conversations with previous podcast guests, including the ways in which I have engaged with the relationship between discomfort and growth as a father, the importance of time management when dealing with the unexpected curveballs of life, and the conscious navigation of energy in a social interaction, especially with your children. This episode concludes with a few words on the increasing role of technology in our children’s lives, the importance of remaining spiritually aligned with our parental roles, and how we as parents can strive to become better people.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you for every guest who has taken the time to be on my podcast and share their life experiences and stories with me. It is truly during these moments when I am reminded of the purpose of this podcast, which is to create a safe and open community to share the untold truths and unique experiences of fatherhood. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car. Please check out our website at 2dads1car.com. I hope you enjoy this episode!

Credits:

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“You gotta be the friend, the teacher, the coach, the mentor. You have to be all these different things because that’s what a modern dad should be.” -Ron Lo

Hi friends! Thank you for joining us on this new episode of 2 Dads 1 Car! Our special guest today is a very good friend of mine, Ron Lo, who happened to be in town from Calgary and has been a long-time inspiration and mentor of mine as the father to two young boys, a thriving legal professional, and family man.

In this conversation, Ron and I dissect the concept of fatherhood by exploring the array of identities that are encompassed within a modern definition of what it means to be a parent. While discussing our parental identities as providers, mentors, and leaders of our children, Ron and I also explore the importance of maintaining our relationship with our children by remaining cognizant of these distinct responsibilities and how sympathetic reactions can support our children’s journey to understanding themselves. Offering a psychological perspective on the conversation, Ron also describes the importance of fostering intimacy with your partner, and consciously finding the time to be present even while working on the monumental task of raising children.

Thank you all for your continued support of 2 Dads 1 Car! Please check out our website at 2dads1car.com, and I hope you love this episode!

Credits:

Podcast Guest: Ron Lo

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“Making sure that you do what little you can to make sure you hold onto the parts of you that are not just being a father, I think that’s going to be super important.” -Alex Su

Hello friends! Thanks so much for joining us on this episode of 2 Dads 1 Car (the very first recorded outside of Vancouver!). Our special guest today is Alex Su, a thought leader in the community, familiar face for those who are on the legal side of TikTok, and dedicated father to a young daughter and son.

In our conversation, Alex and I delve into the challenges we’ve faced when trying to balance parenthood with our careers. As he recounts his vibrant career in the legal industry, Alex shares valuable insights and stories about the different ways in which life as a father has diverted and inspired his work in unexpected and exciting ways. To conclude this episode, Alex and I extend our discussion of networking as a community-building tool towards fatherhood, and contemplate some unique ideas on what it would be like to build a community of dads to share each others’ experiences and insights into parenting.

Thank you for tuning into 2 Dads 1 Car! Please visit our website at 2dads1car.com for the latest updates, and feel free to leave a comment on Spotify to keep the discussion going! I hope you enjoy this episode!

Credits:

Podcast Guest: Alex Su

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh

“Have I fully grieved, compensated, and dealt with this? No, absolutely not. But part of dealing with it is not forgetting; remembering, and sharing with the boys.” -James Chang

Hello friends! Thank you for tuning in to this new episode of 2 Dads 1 Car. Our special guest today is James Chang, a great friend of mine from the Bay Area who is a thriving leader of his community, bona fide family man, and the father to two young, curious, and energetic boys.

During our conversation, James and I explore our common experience of family loss as fathers. While bonding over our journeys through grief and mourning, our discussion shifts towards the difficult question of how to address the topic of loss with our children as it inevitably occurs throughout our lives. As we contemplate the critical balance between treating death with compassion and honesty, James and I reflect on the beautiful, devastating, and inspiring ways in which our lost loved ones live on through the stories, memories, and lives we share with our children.

Thank you for joining us on this particularly meaningful episode of 2 Dads 1 Car; I appreciate you for joining us on this journey. Please check out our new website at 2dads1car.com, and I hope you enjoy this episode!

Credits:

Podcast Guest: James Chang

Podcast Host: Steven Ngo

Podcast Producer: Baron Hsueh