Fathernetics

What does it look like to spend every day helping children grow, while also raising your own daughter in a loving queer family? In this episode of Fathernetics, Friend of the Show Benji Moorman-Fuzi, a UK-based childminder, educator, author, and dad, shares his journey through parenting, childcare, community, and the ten-year road to welcoming his daughter, Phoebe, through surrogacy.

Benji opens up about why making children feel safe, happy, and seen is at the center of everything he does. From his approach to early childhood education to the importance of LGBTQ+ representation, this conversation explores how small everyday moments shape confident, compassionate children. He also reflects on finding community as a queer family, navigating Pride, and how writing became another way to tell meaningful family stories.

Whether you’re a queer parent, intended parent, educator, or simply someone who believes every family deserves to be celebrated, this episode is full of warmth, honesty, and practical parenting wisdom.

• What it’s like working as a childminder in the UK
• Why individualized attention helps children thrive
• How Benji’s parents shaped the father he is today
• Raising children through encouragement instead of pressure
• Navigating life as a queer caregiver and father
• Why representation matters for LGBTQ+ families
• Finding community as queer parents
• Honest conversations about identity and acceptance
• The emotional ten-year journey to parenthood
• How surrogacy brought Phoebe into their lives
• Why every family story deserves to be told
• How writing helps preserve family experiences for future generations

• Parenting begins with making children feel loved, safe, and valued.
• Exposure and curiosity create stronger learners than pressure and perfection.
• Supportive parenting leaves lifelong impressions.
• Representation helps children understand that every family belongs.
• Community is vital for queer families navigating parenthood.
• Prejudice often comes from unfamiliarity, making conversation and visibility powerful tools for change.
• Surrogacy and adoption are deeply personal journeys built on hope, resilience, and love.
• Every family’s path is different, but every child deserves to feel celebrated.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Benji

03:00 The Role of a Childminder in the UK

06:08 Passion for Parenting and Childcare

08:48 Navigating Queer Identity in Parenting

12:01 The Influence of Family on Parenting Style

14:59 Engaging Children in Learning

17:58 The Importance of Individualized Attention

20:54 Reflections on Supportive Parenting

24:10 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

26:51 Building a Supportive Community for Queer Families

31:54 Navigating Pride and Representation

36:42 The Importance of Open Conversations

44:29 The Journey to Parenthood Through Surrogacy

52:55 Celebrating the Gift of Family

57:25 Becoming an Author and Sharing Family Stories

Instagram: @b.f.moormanfuzi

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Keywords

parenting, childminder, UK childminder, queer parenting, LGBTQ parenting, LGBTQ+ families, gay dads, queer dads, intended parents, fatherhood, family stories, child development, early years education, childcare, positive parenting, inclusive parenting, representation, Pride, surrogacy, adoption, family building, two dads, queer families, parenting podcast, LGBTQ podcast, family community, children’s learning, author interview, Fathernetics

Thinking about surrogacy? Wondering how gay couples, LGBTQ parents, single parents, and cancer survivors build families through gestational surrogacy? In this episode of Fathernetics, host Jameel Mayers sits down with Sunshine and Casey from Surrogacy Is to answer the questions people are often afraid to ask.

They break down the surrogacy process, explain how intended parents choose the right agency, discuss surrogate screening, costs, legal considerations, and the biggest myths surrounding modern family building. From debunking the misconception that surrogacy is “buying a child” to explaining why education matters more than ever, this conversation provides practical guidance for anyone exploring surrogacy.

Whether you’re researching surrogacy for gay couples, LGBTQ family building, IVF, gestational surrogacy, or simply want to understand how families are created today, this episode offers honest insight from people who live this work every day.

In This Episode

• Surrogacy for LGBTQ couples and intended parents
• How gestational surrogacy works
• Choosing the right surrogacy agency
• Questions every intended parent should ask
• Surrogate qualifications and screening
• Surrogacy costs, insurance, and financial planning
• Adoption vs. surrogacy
• Building families after cancer and infertility
• Common myths about surrogacy
• Supporting surrogates and intended parents throughout the journey
• Why education helps combat misinformation
• The future of ethical family building

Resources

• Surrogacy Is
• The Ultimate Surrogacy Guide
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)
• ReproductiveFacts.org

Connect with Sunshine & Casey

Instagram: @surrogacyis

TikTok: @surrogacyis

Facebook: Surrogacy Is

Website: https://surrogacy.is

What does it take to build stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and more connected families? In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Dr. Arnel to explore how a passion for helping others shapes leadership, parenting, and personal growth.

From preparing for fatherhood to embracing self-care without guilt, this conversation highlights how investing in yourself allows you to better support the people around you. Dr. Arnel also shares how his Filipino heritage has influenced his perspective on culture, community, and creating lasting impact.

In this episode:

• Why passion is more than a career—it’s a calling
• Building healthier cultures at work and at home
• Why self-care isn’t selfish
• Preparing for the journey into fatherhood
• The influence of Filipino culture on leadership and family
• Creating environments where people can thrive
• Why every parent’s story matters

Chapters:

00:00 – Passion for Helping Others

01:19 – Building Healthier Cultures and Stronger Teams

01:50 – The Journey to Fatherhood

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more stories and insights from fathers, parents, and leaders making a difference. Share your thoughts in the comments—what has had the biggest impact on your parenting journey?

#FatherNetX #Fatherhood #Parenting #Leadership #SelfCare #Culture #PersonalGrowth #Filipino #DadLife #Podcast

Think surrogacy is just a fancy way to skip the line? Think again! Today, we're diving into real-life stories of LGBTQ surrogates, unexpected family ties, and the magic moments that make this journey so uniquely human and humanizing.

In this episode:

• The inspiring story of Lindsay, a surrogate with a heart as big as her city of North Carolina
• How LGBTQ families redefine heroism and parenthood by choice, not chance
• The importance of agency, support, and honesty in surrogacy journeys
• Behind-the-scenes of a birth involving intended parents, surrogates, and emotional choreography
• How open communication creates a family in and out of hospital walls
• The role of agencies that treat surrogates like humans, not checkboxes
• Kids’ hilarious (and adorable) take on how families are "baked"
• Surrogacy as a tool for education, acceptance, and community building

Resources & Links:

• Surrogacy Is Agency | A supporter of inclusivity and surrogates’ well-being
• Amazon - Surrogacy and Family Building Books

Connect with Lindsay:

• Instagram - L Strickland 1026
• TikTok - NCMama and Surrogate

Closing thoughts:

Surrogacy isn’t just about creating a family, it’s about rewriting what family looks like more love, more diversity, and more stories that inspire smile-inducing, tear-jerking, "Wow, that’s real life" moments. Buckle up, and let’s celebrate the human side of making families one extraordinary journey at a time.

Fatherhood doesn’t come with a blueprint, but it does come with opportunities to grow.

This week on Fathernetics, Friend of the Show Lance Souter (LGBTQ+ Ally) joins me for a conversation about becoming a better parent through accountability, communication, and intentional living. We talk about navigating family illness, setting goals that actually matter, challenging toxic masculinity, building stronger support systems for dads, and why the smallest moments with our kids often become the biggest memories.

If you’re a queer dad, intended parent, or simply someone striving to raise great humans, this episode is for you.

What resonated with you most? Share your thoughts in the comments. I read every one.

Whether you’re new here or you’ve been part of the Fathernetics family from the beginning, thank you for being here. Subscribe for more conversations with queer dads, intended parents, and experts helping us build stronger families.

This is Fathernetics. Let’s get into it.

Guest links:

Website: https://fatherfigureformula.com

Instagram: @fatherfiguerformula

#fathernetics #Fatherhood #LGBTQParenting #GayDads #ParentingPodcast

What happens when a Britney Spears superfan, Pride celebrations, and the emotional journey to parenthood all collide?

In this episode of Fathernetics, Jameel Mayers sits down with Chris and Robbie to talk about building a family through surrogacy, celebrating Pride as parents, and finding joy in the unexpected moments along the way. Their story moves from unforgettable pop culture memories to the realities of fertility treatment, financial planning, and raising a daughter in today’s world.

Whether you’re exploring surrogacy, already parenting, or simply looking for an honest conversation about LGBTQ family life, this episode is full of laughter, practical insight, and encouragement.

In this episode

• Their unforgettable Britney Spears concert story and the fan moment they’ll never forget
• The debate over which anniversary actually counts
• How Pride celebrations changed after becoming parents
• Why representation matters for LGBTQ families
• The emotional and financial realities of surrogacy
• IVF transfers, setbacks, and staying hopeful
• Parenting fears, school acceptance, and preparing for the future
• Building a family through patience, community, and resilience
• Why love, consistency, and yes… snacks, solve more problems than you’d think

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Britney Spears concert memories

02:28 Proposal plans in Las Vegas

03:52 Anniversary debates and family traditions

10:52 Pride before and after becoming parents

26:34 Why LGBTQ representation matters

36:43 The surrogacy journey begins

47:58 Parenting fears and navigating acceptance

51:01 Dreams for their daughter’s future

51:52 The parenting essentials: love, patience, and snacks

Connect with our Friends of the Show

Chris & Robbie - @keepingupwiththecordovas

If you’re considering surrogacy, IVF, adoption, or simply want to hear authentic stories from queer parents building their families, subscribe to Fathernetics for new conversations every week.

Ever wonder what it's like to carry hope—literally—for a family in need? Tasha Field breaks down the ins and outs of surrogacy from her unique perspective as a two-time surrogate and advocate for LGBTQ families. Grab a cup of tea—this episode is full of heart, science, and some seriously funny stories.

Main Insights:

• Tasha’s journey started at age 16 and evolved into helping others build families
• How she explains surrogacy to her young children (spoiler: honest and adorable)
• The importance of transparent communication within families about surrogacy
• The role of men in surrogacy—like her husband’s evolving support
• Navigating legal, emotional, and physical hurdles in the US and abroad
• Supporting other surrogates with community and fashion (yes, fashion)
• The mental health support systems that should come with surrogacy journeys
• How surrogacy’s public perception is changing (or not) across borders

Resources & Links:

• Surrogacy is — Support Organization & Community
• Book: The Business of Surrogacy by Susan K. Marshall
• Tasha Field on Instagram
• Supporting Surrogates: Saroswag Clothing Line

Connect with Tasha:

• Instagram
• Email/Message through surrogacy.is

In this heartfelt interview, ally and friend of the show, Dr. Adam Anthony, shares his journey as a black adoptee, the importance of transparency in adoption, and how his experiences shape his advocacy for supporting young men of color and adoptive families. Discover insights on navigating identity, family connections, and fostering understanding in the Black community.

resources

Empowerment by Dr Adam - https://www.empowermentbydrad.com

Yes We Adopt (Stacey Gatlin) - https://www.yestweadopt.org

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/empowermentby_dradam

• Adoption and foster care experiences
• Identity and connection for adoptees
• Support systems for young men of color in foster care

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an LGBTQ+ couple navigating the wild world of adoption, parenting, and good old southern hospitality? Well, buckle up because this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and heartwarming insights straight from parents who’ve done it all from adopting multiple kids to cooking, traveling, and dreaming of Coachella.In this episode:

• The joys and challenges of adopting multiple children quickly and unexpectedly
• How they navigate connection with birth families and keeping the community close
• The role of culture, food, and family traditions in shaping their everyday lives
• Their thoughts on race, identity, and advocating for kids in a changing world
• Honest fears about the future and excitement for what’s yet to come

Let's celebrate diverse families, authentic stories, and the power of love, one chapter at a time!

Dom came through and brought it the whole time.. Thank you, Dom!

We’re talking surrogacy from the inside, what people don’t tell you, how a destination wedding sounds cute until you’re actually planning it, and what parenting really looks like day to day as a gay dad. It’s the kind of convo that feels like you’re sitting across from someone who’s already been through it and isn’t sugarcoating anything.

We also get into why being visible matters. Not in a performative way, but in a “somebody out there needs to see this” kind of way. Social media, family building, patience, all of it shows up here.

Watch and listen on YouTube @fathernetics

Friend of the Show: @dadstimestwo

#fathernetics #lgbtqdads #surrogacy #gaydadlife #fatherhood