Parenting is a Joke

In this snack episode, Andrea Marie talks about what it's like dating as an empty nester after her “Zoom divorce” during the pandemic, and how she approaches relationships differently in her fifties—more confident about saying no, more aware of her priorities, and less interested in rushing toward marriage. She shares the efficiency of dating apps (though admits to fantasizing about faking an ankle injury to escape a bad hiking date), the humor of having a boyfriend eight years younger who referred to things as being from “her era,” and the fact that she has still never received a dick pic. Andrea contrasts her own parenting years with today's challenges, especially the role of phones and social media, and recalls her kids joking about her “weird rules,” including banning SpongeBob and punishing them with a month-long Walgreens ban over a two-for-one candy fight. She reflects on moments of losing her temper—her kids nicknaming her “crazy eyes”—but also on the joy of finding the right activities, like her son's lasting love of Ultimate Frisbee. The conversation closes with Andrea laughing at the memory of strategizing free Bible camps as summer childcare, a reminder that resourcefulness (and comedy) often go hand in hand in parenting.

In this Parenting is a Joke episode, comedian Andrea Marie talks about founding the Moms Unhinged Comedy Tour after becoming an empty nester and realizing she finally had the freedom to hit the road. She shares with host Ophira Eisenberg how her unconventional upbringing with a prank-loving mom who once greeted boyfriends in a gorilla costume—and even trained as an Italian-style clown—shaped her sense of humor. Andrea describes her first career as a Facebook marketing expert and author before pivoting into stand-up, where her earliest jokes came from midlife crises and parenting fails rather than ad campaigns. She reflects on juggling speaking gigs while raising kids, from blogging under an umbrella at water parks to arranging her schedule around school breaks. The conversation also covers her divorce, the loss of her mother, and the strange world of “cemetery surge pricing.” Andrea recalls wild moments from Moms Unhinged shows, like a woman breaking her ankle in Bend, Oregon, another falling down the stairs in Fort Dodge, and having to bounce a disruptive audience member in her hometown. She admits producing and performing can feel like being “the mom” of the show, but the sold-out theaters and grateful audiences—especially women new to comedy—have made it worthwhile. The episode closes with Andrea laughing about the Chardonnay shortages that nearly sparked a mutiny at Martha's Vineyard, proof that the “unhinged” part of the tour title is sometimes more literal than metaphorical.

In this Parenting Is a Joke snack episode, Ophira Eisenberg talks with bestselling author Domenica Ruta about the messy, improvised reality of writing and parenting while raising kids. Domenica describes how her creative process has nothing to do with 4 a.m. routines—rejecting Glennon Doyle's approach with a “bitch, please” and instead likening her schedule to a Jackson Pollock painting made of poop. She recalls pounding out an “ugly” first draft while pregnant, then facing the absurd parent math of paying more for childcare than she earned from freelancing. The two trade stories about breast pumps that seemed to chant insults—never encouragement—and even hatch the idea of a pump that offers affirmations instead of taunts. Domenica also reflects on the painful friend attrition after her baby shower, the pushback she got from publishers who didn't want a book about motherhood, and her insistence on telling her novel All the Mothers through many voices—including even babies' points of view. The conversation ends with her pride in shaping a book that reflects the real chaos and shifting center of family life, even if, as Ophira jokes, the next draft should just add a sniper.

Bestselling author Domenica Ruta joins Ophira Eisenberg on this episode to talk about her new book All The Mothers, and about the family dynamics that shaped her memoir With or Without You, including her relationship with her strong-willed, drug-dealing mother and her complicated bond with her father. She explains how turning those memories into a book forced her to confront the contradictions of love, resentment, and survival, and why she believes humor is sometimes the only way to tell the truth about painful experiences. Domenica and Ophira also discuss generational differences in parenting styles, from guilt and rage bubbling up in small daily battles to the impossibility of living up to “perfect parent” ideals. The conversation closes with Domenica recalling how readers insisted her father character must have been directly lifted from her own life—proof of just how thin the line between lived experience and literature can be.

In this snack-sized follow-up, Ophira Eisenberg leads rapid-fire parenting confessions with Gaytriarchs podcast hosts David FM Vaughn and Gavin Lodge. David admits the last thing he said “no” to was sending an iPad to camp—earning him a daily pout and a stompy “I don't even like this house anyway.” Gavin, meanwhile, cops to banning extra TikTok time, while also offering his trademark “just you wait” warnings to David's younger-dad optimism. The trio skewer “gentle parenting” as equal parts guilt trip and impossibility, swap stories of murderous rage over mis-put-on shoes, and debate whether edibles really improve playtime. Both dads confess what they'd do anything to avoid—David votes small talk with other parents, Gavin volunteers trampoline duty—and end with a top-three list of the worst parts of back-to-school, from endless colds to forgotten assignments to being forced into yet another Parent Square group. As Gavin sums up, it's hard to focus on gentle parenting when your kid slaps you with baloney.

In this kickoff to Season 4, Ophira Eisenberg is joined by Broadway veterans turned podcasters David FM Vaughn and Gavin Lodge, hosts of The Gaytriarchs. The dads share how their show began almost as a “you're a gay dad, I'm a gay dad, let's talk” experiment, and how it's evolved into 113 episodes, complete with recurring jokes like referring to their audience as “our listener.” They talk about the strange intimacy of podcasting, meeting each other's kids for the first time only after years of recording together, and the moments that nearly made them quit—until a fan's oddly specific comment kept them going. The conversation spans their careers pivoting from Broadway to TV writing and arts advocacy, the realities of raising kids via surrogacy, and the endless cycle of coming out in playgrounds, school forms, and even Dairy Queen drive-throughs. There are tangents about LaGuardia airport feeling like a spa, the economics of summer camp, and the universal awkwardness of “the talk.” The episode ends, fittingly, with Gavin recalling his daughter casually outing him to a car full of teens before they all nodded in recognition and said, “Oh, my mom used a surrogate too.”

In this rerun episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with economist, bestselling author, and parenting data sage Emily Oster for a conversation filled with surprising truths, hard-earned wisdom, and the kind of advice that actually helps. Emily shares how she applied her data-driven brain to everything from optimal sleep schedules to discipline strategies, allowance systems, and even pet ownership (her kids gave a PowerPoint presentation that ultimately landed them with pet snails). They talk bedtime math, caffeinated tea mishaps, and whether butthole is really a bad word. Emily explains why parents should embrace "pleasure data"—what works for you, not just the kids—and makes the case that locking your child inside is no safer than letting them walk to the bagel store. She also shares insights from her newest book The Unexpected, covering the reality that nearly half of pregnancies involve complications, and how isolating that experience can be. Plus, you'll hear about the time her son accused her of loving marathon training more than him, and what it means to raise kids with freedom in a culture obsessed with control. If you've ever frozen a snail egg or wondered whether Trader Joe's ginger chews count as medical advice, this one's for you.

In this special rerun of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg welcomes the multitalented Tony Award-winning star Laura Benanti for a conversation that's both unforgettable and fiercely real. Laura opens up about the high-wire act of being a working performer and a parent, sharing stories from her early Broadway debut at 18 to the surprising joys of suburban life in New Jersey. She talks about negotiating equity in her marriage, resisting outdated gender expectations, and the invisible labor of motherhood—even when you're the family breadwinner. Laura also shares her experience with postpartum depression and multiple miscarriages, including a deeply personal account of suffering a miscarriage while performing on a cruise ship, with her six-year-old daughter singing beside her. She reflects on the lack of public dialogue around pregnancy loss and why she felt compelled to speak out. The episode touches on ghost stories, crystal wands, and her daughter's Halloween exposure therapy via a 12-foot skeleton. Plus, hear how Laura turned texts with a friend into the hilarious and empowering book M Is for Mama (and also Merlot)—written for moms who are tired of the prairie-dress fantasy. The phrase “medical disappointment” might just become your new go-to for life's curveballs.

In this snack-sized episode, Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with Erin Keating, host of Hotter Than Ever, for a raw, funny, and wildly relatable look at how a hospital stay during the pandemic catalyzed a total life reinvention. After being hospitalized with COVID pneumonia, Erin had what she describes as a Canyon Ranch-level spa break—complete with flowers from work, no interruptions, and the radical realization that she was deeply unhappy. Within a year, she turned 50, ended her long marriage, got laid off, and found herself with a clean slate—and a hot French guy in Italy. Erin shares how she eased into dating after a decade without sex, discovering an unexpectedly wide fanbase of 20-year-olds, truckers, and professors. She talks about reentering parenting as her central identity, navigating co-parenting with her ex, and discovering that her kids actually did better with less conflict in the house—even her son admitted it felt “better” post-divorce. Erin opens up about friends-with-benefits, falling in love with someone who didn't want to be a stepdad, and why dating dads now feels like the sweet spot. She wraps by describing how her 14-year-old daughter once came out… as straight, following an earlier bisexual declaration. Erin's evolution, like her dating profile, has range—and the spa metaphor still holds: sometimes you check in with pneumonia and check out with your whole life reset.

In this episode, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with her longtime friend Erin Keating—former television executive, mom of teenage twins, and host of the podcast Hotter Than Ever—for a conversation that spans from IVF dolphin omens to teen fashion battles. Erin shares how a gamified approach to online dating led to meeting her now ex-husband (he was date #5 out of a planned 10), and how her determination during fertility treatments turned her into what she calls a “warrior” with a 4-a-week Upper East Side IUI commute. The IVF worked, and during a Cape May trip, she and her then-husband spotted twin dolphins—just days before finding out they were expecting twins (actual human ones, not more dolphins). Erin recounts birthing her 14-pound combined children—one lounging transverse, the other breech—and how their differing in-utero layouts led to years of bunk-bed metaphors and a dead-on prediction of their teenage eating habits. She reflects on co-parenting after divorce, her son's hyperfocus (he once used her credit card to buy digital Valorant weapons), and why she's proudly never read a parenting book. Erin's philosophy? Lead with love, skip the playlists, and make your teen send the follow-up email after their camp counselor interview. And yes, she confirms: Brooklyn in 2011 really was the twin capital of the world.

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg talks with powerhouse vocalist and soon-to-be mom Rachael Price—lead singer of Lake Street Dive—about performing while pregnant, planning a tour around a due date, and preparing to raise a baby on the road. Rachael shares what it was like touring with the band into her third trimester, including maternity Spanx, food poisoning that almost led to a canceled show, and the unexpected wave of emotion before her final pre-baby concert. She opens up about the confusing abyss of Instagram parenting “advice,” why her cloth diaper ambitions may be short-lived, and how her birth plan has already been demoted to a set of “hopes.” They discuss sustainable touring, parenting in small spaces, and the surreal moment of announcing a pregnancy during a band meeting like a corporate HR update. Rachael also reflects on growing up with a musician dad and traveling with choirs as an 11-year-old—training that's come full circle as she now plans to hit the road with her daughter and a rotating support team that might include a nanny, her mom, or a very sleepy band mate.

In this snack-sized episode, Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with comedian, author, and How to Be a Better Human podcast host Chris Duffy for a rapid-fire chat covering the unexpected overlaps between parenting and comedy. Chris reflects on his years as a fifth-grade teacher, including a moment when a student earnestly asked—in front of the class—if having “huge balls” was a medical concern. The two swap stories about bedtime existentialism, the silent pressure of sleep training success, and the social minefields of modern parenting advice (including unsolicited high-fives from strangers about home births). Chris shares why he's terrified his kid might become a hypebeast influencer, and admits he's never called an Uber with his child for fear it might tank his 5-star rider rating. This mini-episode wraps with Chris's pitch for a premium Uber Labor tier—and his confession that he still hasn't recovered from laughing at a fourth grader's joke about rejection checkboxes.

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with comedian, writer, and podcast host Chris Duffy to unpack the joys and absurdities of raising a toddler while maintaining a creative career. Chris shares how his “fun mom energy” has defined him since high school, his past life as a babysitter and fifth-grade teacher, and the surreal experience of writing jokes for Dan Rather during his first TV writing job. He reflects on the lack of nuanced parenting books for dads and explains why most advice boils down to: “Are you willing to let the baby cry?” Ophira and Chris swap stories about parenting-induced identity crises, obsessive marker-capping, and the complicated trade-offs between artistic ambition and hands-on parenting. Chris also reveals the emotional reason he starts his popular Brightspots newsletter with a disclaimer, and explains how his podcast How to Be a Better Human tries to offer comfort, not homework. The episode ends with Chris' hard-won realization: he's basically just a large baby with a beard.

In this snack-sized episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg is joined once again by author and podcast host Jo Piazza for a conversation that hits on the real logistics of being a working parent with no time for “manifesting” or gentle parenting platitudes. Jo explains how her background as a tabloid journalist trained her to write anywhere—including from the toilet while hiding from her kids—and how that skill helped her crank out her latest novel, Everyone Is Lying to You, in just three months. They talk about what it actually takes to get creative work done while raising kids (hint: discipline, childcare, and no scrolling), and how Jo structures her mornings around laser-focused word counts. She shares what it was like traveling through Sicily with a 5-month-old while researching a real-life family murder, and why her new dream is a European river cruise where no one has to pack and repack. The two also compare cultural attitudes toward parenting, with Jo recalling how an Italian stranger followed her into a bathroom just to offer her a pillow and a glass of wine. And when it comes to American parenting, Jo offers the most honest take of all: she doesn't gentle parent—because her kids aren't gentle.

On this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg talks with bestselling author and Under the Influence podcast host Jo Piazza about parenting three young kids while juggling a prolific writing career. Jo shares the moment she realized she was pregnant (it involved an Elton John concert and tequila), why she can't stand chickens, and how her latest thriller Everyone Is Lying to You takes aim at the surreal and insidious world of mom influencers. She opens up about trying to become an influencer herself—complete with a hired photographer, reluctant kids, and affiliate links for water shoes from the school giveaway bin—only to discover that she hated every minute of it. Jo and Ophira get into what postpartum really looks like and how mom influencers perpetuate impossible standards while profiting off our insecurities. They talk about breaking up with Cocomelon, teaching their kids media literacy, and raising children in a house where canceling plans is considered an act of love. Jo also reflects on the burnout of the girlboss era, the fantasy of the tradwife lifestyle, and why the influencer economy is both a trap and a lifeline for modern moms. Her happiest child eats like a roaming dog, and honestly, that might be the parenting win of the year.

In this snack-size episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg checks back in with comedian and new mom Vicky Kuperman for a hilarious and refreshingly real follow-up conversation about those chaotic first weeks of parenting. Vicky shares how hiring a night doula gave her an elusive eight-hour stretch of sleep and why postnatal support might be the difference between loving your baby and loving having a baby. They swap notes on useless pediatrician advice, cry-trigger guesswork, and the loneliness of baby groups when no one gets your sense of humor. Vicky opens up about the mental fog of newborn care, the underestimated emotional load of having a dog and a baby, and how she and her husband navigate parenting roles—complete with night shifts, miscommunications, and moments of "I'm drowning!" clarity. Also discussed: musical enrichment guilt, measles-era isolation, baby smile myths, and why swaddling should really be a service for grown women. Vicky also shares that asking for help gave her just enough breathing room to start jotting down jokes again—proof that even a little support can make space for yourself to reappear.

In this summer edition of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg catches up with stand-up comic, filmmaker, and war-zone performer Jennifer Rawlings. Jennifer reflects on her years raising five kids while performing for U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sarajevo—often leaving behind toddlers and pull-ups for flak vests and flatbed stages. She shares how her youngest son, now a film professional, co-directed her new special I Only Smoke in War Zones, which captures her real-life experiences performing comedy amid explosions, basketball-court gigs with no mics, and chow-hall sets surrounded by barbed wire. Ophira and Jennifer get real about the guilt moms carry, the emotional labor of parenting adult children, and the horror of seeing your grown kid's partner move into your basement. Jennifer recalls being handed a Kevlar vest mid-set as mortars went off and jokes that her kids were so feral when she returned from 30 days in Iraq, she wasn't even sure she'd been missed. They also talk about how her work in war zones exposed her to young mothers and children missing limbs, fueling a deeper drive to tell women's stories both on stage and in film. And yes—her son did call her in Afghanistan just to complain his brother ate all the Cheez-Its.

In this in-studio Parenting is a Joke fav episode, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with comedian, Daily Show correspondent, and guest host Desi Lydic to talk parenting, performing, and prompter disasters. Desi recounts the surreal moment her Daily Show hosting debut began with a backwards teleprompter—and how the audience's reaction helped her recover instantly. They talk about raising thoughtful boys in today's world, from navigating gender norms and emotional literacy to Desi's personal favorite parenting guru (spoiler: it's Dr. Becky). Desi opens up about auditioning for The Daily Show while four months pregnant and the support she received from the show's female leadership. She shares what it's like juggling her son's passion for NBA jerseys, Pokemon trades gone shady at after-school care, and managing the “mental load” of parenting—even with a very involved husband. Plus: how her Southern Republican parents record every Daily Show appearance, and why her son yelling “Big Daddy!” at school was a much bigger problem than any F-bomb. Also: yes, she'd rather her son be a boxer than an NRA exec—as long as she gets to Vaseline his face before the fight.

In this snack-sized episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg is joined again by Tracey Tee—comedian turned founder of Moms on Mushrooms (M.O.M.)—to talk about how microdosing psilocybin became the unexpected tool that helped her feel more present, emotionally resilient, and aligned as a parent. Tracey explains how her past work creating The Pump and Dump Show laid the groundwork for building a mushroom-centered community for moms looking for healing, connection, and alternatives to antidepressants. They discuss the myths around microdosing, the stigma of moms on psychedelics, and why Tracey compares it to a cup of coffee rather than a drug-induced haze. She breaks down how most moms in her community aren't looking to get high—they're looking to feel something again after years of numbing out on SSRIs, exhaustion, and societal expectations. Tracey also explains why mushrooms, unlike wine or wellness trends, actually ask moms to show up for their own healing with intention. The episode ends with Tracey reflecting on the exact moment she knew the mushrooms were working: when she stopped parenting for appearances and started listening to what her daughter actually needed.

Comedian Tracey Tee, co-creator of the hit touring show The Pump and Dump, returns with a whole new mission: helping moms heal with mushrooms. In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, she opens up to Ophira Eisenberg about how her decade-long comedy career and business collapsed overnight during the pandemic, leaving her physically and emotionally unmoored. She shares the long and grueling road she traveled through infertility, stage 4 endometriosis, surgical menopause at 41, and the grief of saying goodbye to her uterus before she ever really got to celebrate becoming a mother. It was only after a traumatic car accident with her daughter that Tracey began to recognize how much plant medicine—specifically microdosing psilocybin—had changed the way she processed stress, anxiety, and fear. The two talk about how the cultural stigma around psychedelics is shifting, especially for mothers who are desperate for support but drowning in shame and exhaustion. Tracey walks us through the wild, unexpected origin of her now-thriving community M.O.M. (Moms on Mushrooms), how a shaman helped her daughter heal faster than traditional therapy, and why she believes we're just beginning to scratch the surface of what mushrooms can do for mothers' mental health. Plus, Tracey reveals the exact moment she knew the mushrooms were working: when she found herself sincerely apologizing to a tree.

In this special snack episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with comedian Liz Glazer to celebrate the release of Liz's new stand-up special Do You Know Who I'm Not?—a follow-up to her acclaimed debut tackling the heartbreak of stillbirth. Liz shares what it's like raising a two-year-old, obsessively documenting milestones like her daughter renaming bottles “babush,” and navigating the guilt and chaos of being a working comic mom. They unpack the newborn stage's anxiety—highlighting the absurd pressure of tummy time—and how Liz handles the grind of travel, not for adventure but to maximize earnings. The conversation touches on Liz's recent Tonight Show debut, the surreal behind-the-scenes moments (like spotting a donut yeti), and how she structured her set to reflect the awe of arriving at that moment in her career. Liz also reveals her love of public transportation, her obsession with capturing everything on camera, and the mental load of keeping every photo and video safe. The episode wraps with Liz sharing the thrill of having a brand-new joke hit right after taping The Tonight Show, calling it the comic's equivalent of discovering buried treasure. Liz compares the high of finding a working new bit after filming The Tonight Show to discovering the perfect pill—a boost so real, it rivals the euphoria of a new baby.

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, comedian and brand-new mom Vicky Kuperman joins Ophira Eisenberg just five weeks after giving birth—and no, she didn't know she wanted kids until recently either. Vicky opens up about pivoting from a life focused solely on comedy to embracing IVF, sharing how her fourth and final covered cycle resulted in her daughter. She reveals she once had a miscarriage during a screening of the Barbie movie (yes, she jokes about it), and reflects on the double standards women face in comedy when tackling darker material. The two comedians swap birth stories—Ophira's dramatic labor room moment vs. Vicky's swift C-section where the team was chatting about Sex and the City as her daughter arrived. They also dissect the politics of pregnancy shame, how little anyone warns you about post-op edema, and why a Chanel gift bag might be the Upper East Side's version of a baby bonus. You get to hear what's inside that legendary Chanel postpartum bag! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this snack episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg catches up with comedian and dad Mike Cannon, who's juggling life with a kindergartener and a new baby. Mike talks honestly about how parenting the second time around comes with fewer toys, more perspective, and the realization that kids' interests change faster than you can declutter. He recounts the chaotic beauty of raising a son who alphabetizes his dinosaurs, breaks toys within minutes, and treasures a lion stuffy so much that it once sparked a Medieval Times rescue mission. Mike shares the emotional toll of not finding a therapist and how cold plunging—yes, in a backyard ice tank—unexpectedly became his mental health lifeline. The episode also covers the perks and pitfalls of moving back to your hometown, coordinating dual creative careers with his floral-designer wife, and why yelling is off-limits in their household. Even without a therapist, Mike has figured out how to use cold water, deep breathing, and a sense of humor to stay present in the chaos of raising two small kids.

This week on Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg welcomes comedian Mike Cannon for a Father's Day–timed conversation packed with raw insight, humor, and real talk about parenting sensitive kids while holding onto your sanity and creative drive. Mike opens up about life with a kindergartner and a seven-month-old, reflecting on how jujitsu helped his son build emotional resilience—and how parenting has forced him to confront his own childhood trauma, OCD, and anger. The two comedians swap stories about navigating vulnerability, shifting identities post-kids, and finding joy (and a little stability) in edibles. Mike also unpacks the internal war he feels before going on stage and how childhood fears shape his on-stage energy. They cover everything from microdosing trends among parents to the strange poetry of seeing your father's face in your baby's crying eyes. He shares how a Don't Tell Comedy set pushed him to reshape his material for younger audiences, while still anchoring it in authentic parenting truths. Plus, he and Ophira bond over their shared frustration with schools punishing behavior by taking away recess—arguably the one thing kids need most.

In this quick-hit snack episode, Parenting is a Joke host Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with Deborah Goldstein, creator and host of the kids' podcast The Big Fib, for a sharp and funny follow-up conversation about parenting, lying, and letting go. Deborah shares her experience raising two sons through the awkward "dumb liar" phase—like when one claimed he “found” a cow magnet stuck to a stranger's car—and reflects on how surprisingly uptight her kids turned out despite her own rebellious youth. She and Ophira bond over the absurdity of structured parenting philosophies and the pressure to sign kids up for every activity, only to wonder if they're overdoing it. They talk about screen addiction, anime, Dungeons & Dragons-style games, and the quest to let kids “find their thing”—even if it's not what you had in mind. Deborah admits to being a rigid parent who now wishes her kids swore more, while Ophira jokes about dragging her child back to a birthday party to return stolen plastic gems. The episode wraps with a message many parents need to hear: loosen your grip, have faith, and remember—they probably won't remember any of this anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg welcomes Deborah Goldstein, co-host of the hit kids' podcast The Big Fib and producer of the nationwide storytelling series Listen to Your Mother. Deborah shares what it's like raising two "man children" with her wife in a North Jersey suburb full of fellow Brooklyn expats, where being a cis, lesbian, monogamous couple is almost boring by local standards. The conversation spans everything from the surprising struggles of parenting highly responsible college kids (who could maybe stand to experiment a little) to the challenges of growing up with parents who withheld unconditional love. Deborah recounts her and her wife's multi-continent, multi-wedding path to parenthood—including importing donor sperm from the U.S. to London when local clinics weren't quite up to speed on queer family building. She and Ophira also unpack tracking your kids by phone, the shocking lack of time college students actually spend in class, and how kids on The Big Fib often have a better radar for truth than many adults. This episode is equal parts hilarious parenting chaos and refreshing perspective on raising kids in a rapidly changing world.

In this snack-sized episode of Parenting Is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg chats with comedy writer Rob Kutner about parenting teens, creative careers, and why his daughter called him and his wife “hippies.” Rob opens up about raising a 16-year-old navigating academic pressure, social anxiety, and her first heartbreak—with plenty of Gilmore Girls marathons to get through it. He shares how his 12-year-old son, who's gearing up for his bar mitzvah, is increasingly independent (and stubborn about button-down shirts), giving Rob more time to write everything from graphic novels (Snot Goblins) to animated series (God's Gang). The two discuss how their creative careers make them the oddballs in their communities, what it's like to be the “cringey” parent during your kid's first relationship, and the reality of working from home while your tween wants to be left alone with Legos and ramen. Also, find out why Rob's daughter roasted her parents' outfits as “coastal grandmother chic.” Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.

In this episode of Parenting Is a Joke, comedian and late-night writer Rob Kutner (The Daily Show, Conan, The Tonight Show) joins Ophira Eisenberg to talk parenting while producing comedy—and building epic Lego cities. Rob shares how his son's rediscovered passion for Lego led to an IKEA-based organizing hack courtesy of his wife, complete with color-coded bins and DIY design books. He reflects on raising a sophisticated 12-year-old boy with a penchant for Frank Sinatra and Pokemon, and preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah. Rob also opens up about balancing parenting with his writing career, including the unexpected silver lining of unemployment after the Tonight Show implosion—precious bonding time with his daughter. He and Ophira compare their anthropological backgrounds, unpack how Lego obsession evolves with age, and discuss the not-so-glamorous realities of parenting in New York. Rob also talks about his new book The Jews: 5,000 Years and Counting, offering surprising stories from Jewish history—including a Jewish sorceress in Yemen and an Ethiopian Jewish state—and pushes back on tired stereotypes about wealth and power. This episode is rich with hilarious parenting truths, obscure historical gems, and very sharp Donatello action figure fists. Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.

In this snack-sized episode, Denver comic Janae Burris returns to talk to Ophira about parenting logistics, chaos management, and the sticker shock of daycare in Colorado. She opens up about choosing to keep her toddler home with her—despite everyone around her insisting she needs a break—and how that decision slowly unraveled once the “fast and sticky” two-year-old phase kicked in. Janae shares the sticker price of a Montessori tour that nearly sent her packing, the unexpected benefits (and side-eye) of sending her son to visit family in California, and how her toddler came back from Grandma's with new clothes, sign language skills, and potty training in progress. The conversation also touches on career balance, her dream of raising a nomadic child via arts grants and library visits, and the bittersweet reality of watching your kid absorb—and mimic—your every gesture, even your sass. Plus, Janae imagines how her son would roast her on stage, and it's all too real. Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, comedian and Denver arts staple Janae Burris joins Ophira Eisenberg to talk about becoming a mom at 41 after thinking parenthood had passed her by. She recounts the surreal moment she realized she was pregnant—just after performing at a comedy show—and how fear and humor carried her through a high-risk pregnancy. Janae reflects on her path from dropping out of high school to earning an avant-garde theater degree and eventually finding a creative home in Denver, where she juggles stand-up, plays, and teaching. She opens up about shifting professional priorities, bringing her toddler (and sometimes guacamole-stained pants) on the road, and why she now sees moms in the audience as the most electric crowd she could ask for. With honest laughs about crib fails, mom guilt, and the awkwardness of post-show hangs, Janae paints a vivid picture of what parenting and performing really look like when your setlist includes bedtime and baby gear. She also shares how her comedy special MomBod became a time capsule of her pregnancy fears, filmed while she was visibly pregnant and quietly panicking about whether her baby would make it to term. Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.

In this Parenting is a Joke Snack Episode, singer-songwriter Amy Millan shares hilarious and heartfelt stories about parenting a 14-year-old aspiring musical theater star and an 8-year-old who's always one snack away from bedtime stalling. Amy reveals that her daughter's only use for a smartphone is belting out songs for hours, but that didn't stop the teen from hitting her with a brutal “You didn't live your dreams” when Amy suggested she write and direct. Amy opens up about her own creative childhood, including the ballet teacher who told her she “walked like an elephant,” and the Portuguese nanny named Rita who helped raise her after her father died when she was five—a loss that inspired her new album I Went to Find You. She and host Ophira Eisenberg swap stories about parenting through hormones, resisting Uber Eats requests, and why ordering from local bookstores is a moral mission, even if it means telling your kid their book is coming by “horse and carriage.” Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to ⁠http://lumen.me/JOKE⁠ for 15% off your purchase.

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, singer-songwriter Amy Millan of Stars and Broken Social Scene opens up about the wild logistics of parenting on the road, from breastfeeding backstage to taking her toddlers on European tour buses. Amy shares what it was like to return to the stage just 12 weeks postpartum, how a Canadian grant system once forced her to pretend her childcare provider was a photographer, and the creative lengths she's gone to—like winning $150 at a casino—to get her daughter a clean bath. Amy reveals how she once had to pretend her childcare provider was part of the crew just to qualify for a tour grant—and how that policy has finally changed. She also shares how her second child was basically brought into the world by her friend Rima's legendary carrot cake and martinis. Host Ophira Eisenberg and Amy compare late-in-life motherhood, traveling with gear and children through three climate zones, and raising kids who casually refer to their sibling as "Sister." The conversation also touches on fertility struggles, career sacrifices, and the everyday surrealism of going from soundcheck to bath time. Amy's new solo album I Went to Find You marks her first in over a decade, and she explains exactly why that gap makes perfect sense. Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.

In this snack-sized episode, Tara Clark of Modern Mom Probs returns to chat with Ophira Eisenberg about saying no (or more often, yes) to their kids, why the tween years might actually be the sweet spot of parenting, and how a learner-led school changed everything for her 12-year-old son. Tara opens up about resisting the urge to fast-forward conversations with her son—even when he's explaining every last Marvel Rivals stat—and the pressure moms feel to be constantly engaged. They also revisit the rise and fall of the "wine-in-a-sippy-cup" era of mom culture (good riddance), discuss whether microdosing is a modern coping mechanism or just another trend, and laugh about being labeled “boring” for not partying like it's 2010. Most importantly, Tara speaks to the loneliness so many moms feel and how the lack of in-person community and constant comparison on social media makes things worse. Her advice? Put on pants, leave the house, and find your people—even if it starts with guac and iced coffee. Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with parenting content creator, meme queen, and Modern Mom Probs founder Tara Clark for a dynamic, deeply relatable conversation about the evolution of modern motherhood. From Tara's early days running Nickelodeon's social media and literally being the voice of Dora the Explorer on Facebook, to launching a meme empire built on honest parenting humor, this episode traces the hilarious and frustrating truths of parenting in the digital age. Tara shares why she left NYC for the suburbs, how her son's preschool closure reshaped their lives, and how her viral quote about the shift from “mama” to “bro” got endlessly merchandised—without credit. They also unpack why sleep training ignites online firestorms, how humor in mom content has shifted from wine memes to mental health, and why the algorithm can't handle jokes about moms doing cocaine (yes, really). Plus, Tara opens up about infertility, her only-child household dynamic, and how pelvic health, social media rules for kids, and late diagnosis conversations are reshaping what moms actually talk about today. Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode! Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase. 

In this heartfelt and funny episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with legendary stand-up comedian Jake Johannsen, whose record 45 appearances on Letterman only scratch the surface of his storytelling chops. Jake opens up about raising his daughter while balancing a touring career, how the pandemic and his wife's multiple myeloma diagnosis reshaped their family dynamic, and the surprising parenting wisdom he picked up from decades of dealing with hecklers. He shares raw moments about sleeping in a camper during his wife's treatment, the emotional challenges his daughter faced, and how humor became their lifeline. Jake also reflects on his Midwestern upbringing, his teenage daughter's bold independence (including sending him packing on move-in day at Trinity College Dublin), and why a Flowbee haircut is still his signature style. Packed with real stories, laughter, and lessons in resilience, this episode is a masterclass in showing up for your family—even when life turns upside down.

Recorded live from PodJam in Henderson, Nevada, this special episode of Parenting is a Joke features Ophira Eisenberg hosting a lively panel of working moms—Desiree Goble, Rachel Spitz, Kim Nyborg, and Ty Vosslership—who bring real-world parenting tales from all corners of the U.S. They swap stories about managing chaotic departures to attend PodJam, mean girl drama in middle school, sleep training regrets, the challenges of potty training a stubborn toddler, and even the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids with anxiety and OCD. The panelists share how they talk to their children about current events, including one standout conversation about teaching kids to assess politics by asking, "Does it help or hurt?" Plus, Ophira gets surprised by a guest appearance from Dr. Aaron Carroll, who reassures parents about delayed potty training and puts breastfeeding pressure into perspective. From freezer-stashed breastmilk jewelry plans to a hilarious “balance of the fucks” parenting philosophy, this episode is a relatable snapshot of modern parenting's daily victories and absurdities. Special thanks to Pete Dominick for making it all happen!

In this special return episode, David Cross and Amber Tamblyn join Ophira Eisenberg for a lively conversation about their creative household, balancing big careers with raising their daughter, and the unexpected side effects of school lunch anxiety. David talks about his hands-on parenting style and the limits of “gentle parenting” when a 4-year-old starts giving ultimatums, while Amber shares the surreal moment of explaining her teenage friendship with Hillary Clinton to their daughter. They open up about their collaborative dynamic, what it's like having a kid with two artists as parents, and the occasional need to pretend a granola bar is a “treat.” With plenty of laughs and thoughtful observations, this episode offers a rare peek into the rhythms of family life with two powerhouse creatives.

Recorded live in Austin at the Moontower Comedy Festival, this episode features married comics and new parents Andy Haynes and Rosebud Baker getting real about parenting with a comic's sensibility. They talk about welcoming their daughter into the world just five months ago and how that's affected everything from their marriage to their material. Rosebud shares the moment she realized her baby might have her same savage comedic instincts, and Andy recounts accidentally performing for a crowd full of toddlers. The two reflect on balancing their careers with early parenthood, finding humor in sleepless nights, and why their baby's first word might be a well-timed curse. From festival stage mishaps to bedtime routines, this conversation captures the chaos and comedy of parenting as performers.

Comedians Erin Judge and Jenny Chalikian join the show to talk about the unexpected lessons of parenting, from the comedy gold in toddler tantrums to the bizarrely specific fears kids develop (spoiler: escalators are a menace). Erin shares the surreal experience of their child explaining emotions with unsettling accuracy, while Jenny recounts a grocery store meltdown that ended in a surprise life lesson. They also discuss the struggle of balancing comedy careers with the chaos of raising kids and the weirdest places they've ever had to take a work call. Plus, a debate on the proper punishment for stepping on a LEGO—because some offenses deserve more than just an "oops." ✨ Subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on socials @ParentingAsAJoke and @OphiraE (or @OphiraNYC on TikTok). Check out upcoming live performances at OphiraEisenberg.com.

Comedians Erin Judge and Jenny Chalikian join the conversation to share the realities of balancing comedy and parenting. Erin recounts a surreal moment of performing stand-up while baby-wearing, proving that the show really must go on—even with a newborn attached. Jenny talks about the unexpected ways her toddler has influenced her comedic timing, from interrupting punchlines to unknowingly delivering some of the best material. They swap stories about the absurdity of school drop-off politics, including Erin's realization that preschool cliques aren't just for kids when she was unintentionally excluded from the “cool parent” group. Jenny also shares how her son's obsession with repeatedly acting out the same scene from Frozen has made her rethink the mechanics of joke repetition—it turns out, toddlers and comedians both love a good callback. Plus, a discussion on whether parenting truly makes comedians funnier or just more exhausted. ✨ Subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on socials @ParentingAsAJoke and @OphiraE (or @OphiraNYC on TikTok). Check out upcoming live performances at OphiraEisenberg.com.

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Comedian and writer Robby Slowik joins the show to talk about balancing stand-up with parenting, as he and his wife, comedian Casey Balsham, prepare for baby number two. Robby shares how he went from being ambivalent about having kids to navigating the chaos of IVF, all while working unpredictable gigs and writing for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. He recalls the moment a fertility doctor ruthlessly critiqued his sperm under a microscope and how their first IVF attempt involved "an amount of drugs that would kill most barn animals." He and Ophira bond over the unique struggles of raising kids in a creative profession, from juggling late-night sets to traveling internationally with a toddler—like the time they performed in Bologna while sharing a backstage with a burlesque dancer mid-costume change. Robby also recounts his unusual childhood of constant relocation—South Africa, Israel, England, the Cayman Islands, and Florida—thanks to his nomadic, gambling-addicted, orthopedic surgeon father. Plus, hear why he refuses to sit down in an IVF clinic sample room and why his family might just pack up and move to London. ✨ Subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on socials @ParentingAsAJoke and @OphiraE (or @OphiraNYC on TikTok). Check out upcoming live performances at OphiraEisenberg.com.