Sometimes the most intentional choices begin with the most unexpected moments. In this episode, we sit down with Brian and Jason, a husband-and-dad duo whose story starts on the floor of a political convention in 2009. What began as a chance encounter quickly turned into a grounded friendship, a surprise engagement in 2015, and a wedding in 2016. But their real adventure was just beginning.
Together, they navigated two completely different adoption journeys—each with its own timelines, paperwork, and emotional pivots—and welcomed their children, Sydney and Boston, into their lives.
Along the way, they documented the remodel of their family home, their path to parenthood and what their daily life looks like and they do it with raw honesty and sometimes a dash of humour, building a beloved Instagram community (@dadsbydesign) that celebrates queer family life, adoption transparency, and the beautiful chaos of modern dadhood.
What You’ll Hear
• How a chance meeting at a political event sparked a lifelong partnership • The reality of two very different adoption processes—and what they taught them about patience and advocacy
• Balancing public storytelling with private family boundaries
• Practical wisdom for 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and prospective adoptive families
• Why “designing” your family takes courage, flexibility, and a whole lot of heart
Whether you’re navigating your own path to parenthood, supporting a loved one through adoption, or simply looking for a story that celebrates unconventional love, this episode will stick with you.
Listen & Connect
🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.
📸 Follow Brian & Jason on Instagram: @dadsbydesign
