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Forget the viral outfits—this conversation goes inside the daily decisions that shape a family. We welcome Brandon Morgan, a stay-at-home dad in LA, to talk about the real work of leading from the background while his wife practices medicine, and why choosing public school became a valued decision with very real costs, maps, and magnets attached. If you’ve ever juggled morning chaos, worried about a school switch, or sat in the dark while a child falls asleep beside you, you’ll recognize this terrain.

Brandon walks us through the practical math that made staying home the obvious choice—childcare costs, part-time schedules, and the surprising relief of removing daily friction. He doesn’t sugarcoat the labor or the privilege, and he names the double standard that still greets involved dads with applause while overlooking mothers doing the same work. We dig into postpartum realities, the mental load, and the quiet pride that comes from packing lunches, making the pickup, and being the person school calls when a snack goes missing. Along the way, he shares small wins that add up: a morning checklist that actually works, after-school yogurt bowls that stave off meltdowns, and “two dinners” that keep the pantry raids at bay.

We also get candid about money—shared budgets, annual audits, and that complicated feeling when a side gig check shows up even after agreeing that worth isn’t tied to income. And yes, we talk bedtime. Co-sleeping, Calm stories, and why so many millennial parents end up lying beside their kids until they drift off. It’s not failure; it’s a season. Brandon’s advice to new dads is simple and strong: drop the ego, be present, and enjoy your kids. If you’re navigating school transitions, redefining masculinity, or just trying to make mornings smoother, this one will feel like a friend in your ear.

If this resonated, follow and share the show with a parent who could use a little relief. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what tradeoff made your family life work better?

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