S12 EP24: Chantel Nash

S12 EP28: Emma Doran

Apr 10, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe are joined by comedian Emma Doran for an open and candid conversation about her life and experiences as a parent. The episode begins with some lighthearted banter regarding Josh’s unconventional tea-making habits—specifically his use of his fingers to manipulate tea bags—which sets a humorous tone for the show. The conversation soon shifts to a deeper, more personal discussion with Emma about her experience of becoming a mother at eighteen while still in school. She recounts the surprising circumstances of her pregnancy and the reality of navigating that life-changing event within the context of the cultural landscape in Ireland at the time. Emma shares her story of managing her final state exams shortly after the birth of her daughter, highlighting the challenges of balancing motherhood with academic pressures. Through this conversation, the hosts and their guest explore themes of family support, personal resilience, and the transition into parenthood at a young age, blending their trademark comedy with genuine, thoughtful reflection on the complexities of raising children.

S12 EP27: A Couple of Petrolheads

Apr 6, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe embrace the chaos of raising children with their signature blend of self-deprecating humor. The conversation kicks off with listeners sharing hilarious parenting anecdotes, including a rather grim story about a misunderstood pet euthanasia incident and another about a nine-year-old being left to fend for themselves in the Colosseum. The hosts quickly pivot to one of their favorite pastimes: discussing cars. Despite neither being a self-proclaimed car expert, they dive into a lively debate about modern vehicle features, their own driving histories, and a bizarre encounter involving a new car release. Between car talk, they reflect on the realities of travel, including the specific dread of bumping into people they know while on holiday. Throughout the episode, Rob and Josh lean into the blitz spirit of parenting—acknowledging that while they may not have all the answers or the perfect advice, simply surviving the daily grind with a laugh is what keeps them and their listeners going. It is a candid, relatable, and chaotic look at the ups and downs of family life.

S12 EP26: Jamie Laing

Apr 3, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe welcome television personality Jamie Laing to discuss the chaotic, sleep-deprived reality of new parenthood. The conversation begins with a lighthearted look at the hosts' own technical setup and their banter regarding the use of AI in podcasting. The focus shifts to Jamie’s experience welcoming his son, Ziggy. Jamie opens up about the intensity of the first few months, admitting to feeling absolutely exhausted while navigating the demands of feeding schedules and sleep regression. He shares a candid look at the challenges he and his wife, Sophie, faced during her pregnancy—including health complications and the emotional toll of having their journey documented on camera for their new reality series. Jamie explains why they decided to film this intimate period of their lives, noting the desire to capture authentic moments despite the inherent pressures. Throughout the chat, the trio bonds over the universal hardships of raising children, the balance between personal life and public work, and the comedic side of modern family life. It is an honest, energetic, and highly relatable episode.

S12 EP25: Who don't you like?

Mar 30, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe navigate the chaotic realities of balancing professional demands with family life. The duo kicks off with a candid catch-up on their recent weeks, which were filled with school events, illness, and travel mishaps. Rob shares details about his hectic schedule—including filming, awards ceremonies, and the logistical nightmare of train travel—while Josh reflects on managing his son’s sudden illness and the stress of missing school activities. The hosts delve into the relatable trials of parenting, discussing the transition children make toward self-consciousness during school music concerts and the bittersweet feeling of realizing their kids are growing up. They also find time for lighthearted detours, debating their favorite roller coasters and sharing amusing stories about snack choices at the school gates. Amidst the humor, they address recent internet rumors regarding their rapport, dismissing claims of tension with characteristic banter and confirming their genuine friendship. This episode captures the candid, relatable, and often exhausting highs and lows of modern parenthood, blending personal anecdotes with the pair's signature observational comedy.

S12 EP23: The One Where Rob Poops The Bed

Mar 24, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe navigate the chaotic realities of balancing professional comedy careers with the unpredictable demands of raising children. The hosts open with their signature banter, discussing the nuances of podcast production, awkward public encounters, and the relatable struggle of managing indigestion after a particularly heavy lunch. A central theme of the episode is the disparity between city and suburban life. Josh shares his recent observations after returning to London, reflecting on the stress of living in hip, trendy neighborhoods compared to the practical ease of life further out. The conversation shifts toward their children’s school milestones, with Rob recounting a hilarious anecdote about his daughter’s school assembly. Despite the sentimental nature of the event, his daughter’s choice of an obscure historical figure for an inspirational presentation left both parents baffled and amused. Throughout, the pair examines the "fine line" between parenting responsibilities and personal ambition, questioning whether they could ever truly sit down and watch their own recorded stand-up specials. It is a candid, humorous look at the pressures of fame and family life.

S12 EP22: Lauren Laverne

S12 EP21: What is this life?

Mar 17, 202656 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe catch up while navigating their contrasting professional and personal lives. Rob is currently filming in Langkawi, Malaysia, for a reality show, sharing humorous updates about his makeshift recording setup in a hotel room and his experience managing work commitments from abroad. Meanwhile, Josh recounts the logistical chaos of his own week, including a comical misunderstanding at his daughter’s netball match and the frustration of dealing with delayed birthday balloons. The hosts explore the highs and lows of modern parenting, from managing school schedules to the surreal nature of touring as a comedian, specifically touching on Josh’s recent gig in the Isle of Man and his observations on the unique atmosphere there. They also dive into the relatable, often exhausting, realities of balancing family life with work travel. As always, the duo keeps the tone light and self-deprecating, reflecting on the unpredictability of raising children and the small, often bizarre challenges that accompany their hectic schedules. The conversation balances these personal anecdotes with their trademark wit, making for an engaging look at what it truly means to navigate the chaos of parenting.

S12 EP20: Charlie Baker (The Return)

S12 EP19: Tom Rosenthal

S12 EP18: Kamille