When a child throws a public tantrum, the most effective response might just be lying down next to them on the floor and whispering softly that everyone is looking at them. It is a bold strategy that leaves a lasting impression, even if it instils a lifetime of crippling insecurity.

Marcus and Rob tackle the complex realities of modern fatherhood, starting with the deeply personal choice to be a 'one and done' family. Rob opens up about the expensive and emotionally taxing surrogacy process that brought his daughter Billy into the world, and the annual subscription-like decision of whether to keep leftover embryos in storage. Marcus reflects on the financial and emotional bandwidth required to raise his daughter Sabrina, noting that dedicating 99 percent of his time to one child feels like the least selfish thing a parent can do.

The conversation shifts to the inevitable and heavy questions children eventually ask. From explaining why parents live in different houses to navigating the reality of growing up with two dads, the hosts explore how they plan to tackle these complex truths. They also confront the daunting task of explaining death to a toddler, sharing stories of one-eyed pet fish and beloved family dogs shuffling off the mortal coil, all while debating the fine line between protecting their kids and being completely honest.

Chapters

00:00 The tantrum whisperer
01:09 The anatomy of a dad joke
04:12 Deciding to be one and done
04:48 The human subscription of embryos
06:21 Navigating only child stereotypes
08:46 The Guardian on compassionate parenting
11:09 The joy and pain of kids craft
14:50 The true financial cost of parenting
19:46 Explaining separate houses to kids
21:04 Growing up with two dads
23:02 Time magazine on questions dads want
26:49 Explaining death through a pet fish
30:08 The Finding Nemo parenting dilemma

References

‘One and done’ parents are some of the most thoughtful and compassionate I have met, the Guardian, Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, 31 March 2023
9 Questions Dads Wish Their Kids Would Ask Them, TIME, Angela Haupt, 18 June 2026

Mentioned in this episode

Play-Doh: playdohstore.com
Lego: lego.com
Moana: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moana_(2016_film)
Disney on Ice: disneyonice.com
Finding Nemo: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finding_Nemo

Read more on Man of Many

Why We're Launching 'Daddies', A New Podcast About Modern Fatherhood
The 'Co-Worker' Trap: An Expert Guide to Rebuilding Intimacy After Kids
INTERVIEW: Anthony Minichiello on Fatherhood, the Roosters and Life in Lockdown
10 Best Dad Blogs for New Parents
Louis Theroux's 'Manosphere' Doco Is Compulsory Viewing for Dads Everywhere
100+ Best Dad Jokes, Ranked by Cringe/Pun Level

What to listen to next

Becoming a Grandpa at the Age of 37 | Matty Acton
Gay Dad, Single Dad

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Credits
Hosts: Rob Stott and Marcus Hurley
Producer: Amelia Navascues
Videographer: Jordan Yankov
A Man of Many production. New episodes every Thursday.