S12 EP35: Faithful... or Traitor?

I like a thin cheese

Jul 7, 202656 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe navigate the chaotic realities of raising children, blending personal anecdotes with their signature humor. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted debate about children’s snacks, specifically the merits of cheese strings versus Babybel, with Rob expressing a distinct preference for thin cheese. The hosts also dive into listener correspondence, highlighting a relatable submission about the importance of finding moments for intimacy, such as "snogging" on public transport, while juggling the demands of young children. The episode features a guest appearance by John Bishop, who discusses the balance between his comedy career and his life as a father. Bishop shares heartfelt reflections on his son’s experience with hearing loss and the journey of filming a documentary together, which allowed them to navigate their relationship in a new, vulnerable way. Throughout the chat, the hosts and their guest explore the challenges of modern parenting, from dealing with critical online communities to the transition from the anxious early days of parenthood to the more relaxed approach that often comes with having multiple children.

S12 EP52: I am spent

Jul 3, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe share an honest and humorous look at the challenges of balancing family life, social commitments, and personal habits. The conversation kicks off with the return of a guest from the archives—a nostalgic look back at a child who previously appeared on the show—sparking a debate about the value of children's segments versus the hosts’ desire to dive straight into their week. Josh updates the audience on his running technique and his transition to life in the countryside, noting how he and his partner have embraced a surprisingly active social calendar. He recounts a chaotic but memorable community long-table event and the subsequent exhaustion of keeping up with his children’s busy schedules. Meanwhile, Rob opens up about his own struggle to move away from overly planned, high-stress weekends toward a more relaxed approach where the children have more autonomy. The hosts also commiserate over the perils of "doom scrolling," their individual sleep routines, and the inevitable, often hilarious, interruptions that come with being a parent.

S12 EP51: The Ransom Is My Ego

Jun 30, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe navigate the chaotic realities of parenthood, renovation stress, and the unintended consequences of impulsive shopping. The hosts dive into a wide-ranging conversation that touches on everything from their children’s latest hobbies—such as a newfound obsession with megaphones and the complexities of pocket money—to the absurdity of their own home improvement projects. The discussion shifts to the trials of living through home renovations, with Josh finding himself in a makeshift, hotel-based studio, and Rob contemplating the logistics of an enormous, twelve-foot pool he impulsively installed in his garden. The hosts share lighthearted banter about their appearances, their self-described "podcaster egos," and the humorous struggles of keeping up with school schedules and family commitments during a busy summer. Throughout the episode, Rob and Josh lean into their signature relatable style, balancing stories of parental dilemmas with genuine laughter and reflections on the messy, unpredictable, and often expensive nature of raising young children. It is a candid look at the balance between maintaining one's sanity and embracing the chaos of home life.

S12 EP50: My daughter broke her arm

Jun 26, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe navigate the chaotic realities of life with young children, balancing personal anecdotes with the usual comedic commentary. The conversation kicks off with a discussion about the challenges of managing family life during an intense summer heatwave. Rob recounts the stressful experience of his daughter breaking her arm while doing a cartwheel, prompting a broader reflection on the unpredictability of parenting and the emotional impact of witnessing children in pain. The hosts also dive into the trials of pet ownership, as Josh details a frantic emergency visit to the vet for his cat, Fluffball, during a busy Father’s Day. The story highlights the absurdity of the situation, including the logistics of finding a restroom in a crisis. Throughout the episode, the duo touches on their contrasting lifestyles, from their differing opinions on beer and social activities to their personal views on sports like rugby and football. True to form, the hosts offer a humorous and relatable look at the exhaustion and small victories that define their lives as working fathers.

S12 EP49: I love the buffet

Jun 23, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe catch up on the highs and lows of navigating family life, holidays, and the logistics of modern parenting. The hosts discuss the challenges of traveling with children, contrasting the chaotic nature of resort pools with the relaxed atmosphere of villa stays. Josh shares his surprising love for the breakfast buffet, detailing his specific—and perhaps unconventional—morning routine, while Rob recounts his own battle with summer heat and the difficulties of inflating pool toys by hand for his children. Beyond holiday talk, the conversation shifts to the complexities of solo parenting and managing social commitments while balancing childcare. Josh describes his experience taking his daughter to a book launch, reflecting on the transition as his children grow older and become more independent. The hosts also touch on the bizarre realities of celebrity life, including airport experiences, public recognition, and the humor found in the occasional domestic mishap. Throughout the episode, Rob and Josh keep the tone light and self-deprecating, offering listeners a relatable look at the relentless schedule and logistical puzzles that define their lives as working parents.

S12 EP48: Stop me if you've heard this one before

Jun 19, 202651 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe dive into their usual mix of chaotic parenting updates and witty banter. The hosts attempt to list notable people from various hometowns, a challenge that quickly devolves into a hilarious debate about the merits of small-town fame. The conversation shifts to the relatable frustrations of school WhatsApp groups, where Rob shares an anecdote about a swimming lesson misunderstanding that leads to a funny back-and-forth about appropriate attire for children. The episode features two popular recurring segments. In "Imagine This," the hosts and producer Michael visualize absurd scenes, including a field mouse rocking out to Queen and talking slippers, showcasing their vivid imaginations. They also continue the segment "Solidarity or Solid Karen," discussing listener-submitted stories about social etiquette and unsolicited judgment in public spaces. The episode rounds off with some shocking "playground shagger" stories, including a particularly wild tale from a listener in rural Scotland. As always, Rob and Josh navigate the ups and downs of fatherhood with their signature blend of honesty, self-deprecation, and sharp humor.

S12 EP47: The Juggle Is Real

Jun 15, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe dive into the chaotic reality of balancing professional commitments with the demands of family life. The hosts candidly discuss the complexities of the parenting juggle, sharing their experiences with school runs, extracurricular activities, and the mental load of managing childcare during the summer holidays. A central theme of the conversation is the feeling of being "under the weather" and the personal adjustments required to maintain energy and focus. The hosts compare their different approaches to mornings, reflecting on the stress of early starts and the importance of preparing for the day ahead the night before. They also touch upon their own school-age memories, exploring how being parents has shifted their perceptions of teachers and school environments. Beyond the logistical struggles, Rob and Josh share lighthearted anecdotes about navigating their children's digital lives, including the humorous pitfalls of attempting to assist with modern video games like Minecraft. The episode balances these relatable, often frantic, parenting moments with a discussion on the importance of finding time for personal hobbies and maintaining a sense of humor amid the daily grind.

S12 EP46: Laura Smyth (The Return)

Jun 12, 202648 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe welcome back comedian Laura Smyth for a lively and candid conversation. The episode opens with a charmingly chaotic intro featuring Rob’s daughter, Mabel, and her endearing struggle with hiccups. The hosts delve into a wide-ranging discussion, starting with a practical and thought-provoking breakdown of an awareness campaign designed to help men make women feel safer when walking alone at night. The conversation then shifts to Laura Smyth, who reflects on her life as a mother of three children across different age brackets. She offers hilarious insights into the realities of parenting, including the relatable phenomenon of "fake" designer accessories and the psychological struggle of paying premium prices for items like airport water or hotel minibar snacks. The trio also touches upon the evolving nature of relationships with their parents, the nuances of staying connected with older children, and the pressures of balancing professional comedy tours with family life. The episode balances heartfelt reflections on raising children with the signature humor and relatable mishaps that define the podcast.

S12 EP45: Chat 'N That

Jun 9, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe navigate the chaotic realities of life on tour and the humorous absurdities of their daily routines. The hosts begin by dissecting the challenges of travel, with Josh recounting a particularly bleak stay in a hotel that lacked windows and basic amenities, leaving him sleep-deprived and questioning his life choices. This leads to a playful improvisation exercise where the duo imagines a fictional, low-energy podcast host named "Toby B," satirizing the common tropes of promotional tour interviews. The conversation shifts to the nuances of social interactions and celebrity encounters, specifically a tense, one-sided interaction with Rory Stewart in a communal office space. The hosts also touch on the pressures of adult social obligations, including the anxiety surrounding choosing gifts for birthday parties and the awkward reality of being recognized in public while in a vulnerable state. Between the comedic riffs on personal grooming and the stress of parenting, the episode captures the authentic, relatable, and often exhausting side of balancing high-profile careers with the mundane, sometimes bizarre, obstacles of everyday life.

S12 EP44: Jack Savoretti

Jun 5, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Parenting Hell, hosts Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe welcome musician Jack Savoretti for a candid conversation about the realities of juggling a high-profile career with the complexities of family life. Savoretti, a father of three, opens up about the chaotic yet rewarding experience of raising his children and managing a lively household that includes several dogs. The discussion traverses various topics, including the challenges of touring while balancing parental responsibilities, the midlife crises that influenced his latest creative work, and the reality of life in the public eye. Savoretti shares personal reflections on his Italian heritage, the evolution of his music career, and the importance of choosing love during difficult times in a long-term relationship. Beyond the guest interview, the hosts engage in their trademark humor, debating effective parenting strategies for managing difficult situations at the playground and sharing lighthearted anecdotes about their own children. They also explore the balance between maintaining a "cool" persona as an artist versus staying true to one's authentic, often humorous, self. The episode provides an engaging blend of thoughtful life insights and relatable parenting chaos.