Today we get to sit down with Brian Underwood who is the beauty director of O, The Oprah Magazine and dad to a three-year-old girl, Parker. Growing up in a traditional family in a small town, Brian, who came out in his high school years, never imagined that fatherhood was on the cards for him as he had always known only a traditional family setting. But today, he lives with his daughter in the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Bayside with a melting pot of different cultures, ethnic groups, and family arrangements.
He shares about his and his former partner’s journey to fatherhood, the wonderful experience of having his sister as their surrogate and overcoming all the fears and self-doubt that come along with this massive life change. He also talks about what fatherhood has taught him about himself and the needs of a child and how he has learned to let go of control. We then get into juggling work and home life and the burden of social media, and he shares everything he loves about his job, including his favorite beauty products. Join us for all of this and more!
Key Points from This Episode:
Having to move to a bigger space once their baby was on the way. Why Bayside is the perfect neighborhood to raise a child. Deciding to have a family despite not thinking it was an option in his younger days. How initial concerns about being a good parent melt away once your child arrives. Going through the process of wanting to start a family and opting for surrogacy. The wonderful experience of having his younger sister as a surrogate. Why you shouldn’t worry about the doubts leading up to parenthood. How people with a negative mindset about having kids affect those around them. The importance of being honest about the family dynamic, even with a young child. His daily routine with a demanding job and juggling parental responsibilities. Having a workplace that is understanding of him as a parent. Compromising and open communication when co-parenting. The perks of working in the magazine publishing industry and in beauty specifically. His skincare regimen, the products he recommends and why sunscreen is non-negotiable. The difficulty of meeting all the demands of home and work life. Having a kid for a type A personality and learning to relinquish control. And much more!