In this lively, holiday-themed snack-sized episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg welcomes comedian and holiday advice-gatherer Emily Winter for a laugh-packed chat on surviving the festive season. From the chaos of cross-country travel to the psychological warfare of managing "Elf on the Shelf," this episode is full of relatable humor and practical insights. Hear crowd-sourced gems like why Santa shouldn’t get credit for the big gifts and why new parents should skip hosting altog...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 324
In this episode of Parenting as a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg welcomes Mike Pesca: journalist, host of podcasts The Gist and Funny You Should Mention, and father of two teenage boys. Mike demonstrates his hard-hitting journalism prowess in the episode, as he discusses sugar-fueled parenting, why Ophira almost choked on a grape, and letting your kid give a PowerPoint presentation to earn subway privileges. The conversation meanders from the evolution of entertainment, to media’s influence on teenage e...
Dec 17, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 323
We’re back with a Parenting's a Joke festive, snack-sized bonus episode with comedian Megan Gailey! Megan, host of the Sports Bitches podcast, shares her hilarious take on parenting, from navigating her toddler’s obsession with sports figures to her ultimate dream holiday scenario straight out of a Hallmark movie, and yes, It involves Christmas sweaters and a whole lot of holiday spirit Megan opens up about her hilarious holiday disasters, including a puking incident at Benihana, and how she bal...
Dec 12, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 322
In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with comedian Megan Gailey to explore the realities of parenting in the male-dominated world of comedy, how women in comedy can’t escape scrutiny regarding their appearance and weight, and how it feels to deliver jokes while pregnant and also as a new mom. Megan opens up about how the pregnancy gave her a fresh perspective on her material and the challenges of fitting motherhood into an already packed schedule that includes going...
Dec 10, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 321
Parenting's a Joke brings you an entertaining snack-sized bonus episode featuring Ryan Britt! Ryan, a writer and editor specializing in parenting media, spills the tea on kids’ shows like Bluey (spoiler: he’s not a fan) and his surprising love for My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. From breaking down what makes My Little Pony unexpectedly deep to sharing hilarious highlights from celebrity dad interviews—including Matthew McConaughey’s unique parenting “workouts”—this episode is a delight for ...
Dec 05, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 320
In this episode, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with author, cultural critic, and father Ryan Britt for a fascinating conversation that blends geek culture, parenting, and life transitions. They reflect on their early days performing live at Moth storytelling shows in NYC and explore Ryan's journey as a writer of celebrated nonfiction books like Luke Skywalker Can't Read and Phasers on Stun. Ryan also shares his experience moving from New York to Maine to raise his daughter, deciding to homeschool, ...
Dec 03, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 319
In this holiday episode, we're serving up a fun, festive mix of Thanksgiving humor, life hacks, and wild stories with comedian and writer Emily Winter! Even her name is right on theme. From Thanksgiving drama to her accidental (but expertly planned) win on The Price is Right, this episode runs the gamut from antics to anxiety that is textbook holiday. Emily takes us on a wild ride through the aftermath of winning big, her family vacation in Grand Cayman, featuring mudslides and weed gummies. Thr...
Nov 28, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 318
Host Ophira Eisenberg revisits one of her favorite interviews with two incredible comedians Joe List and Sarah Tollemache to talk about their marriage and the baby they are about to bring into this world! The conversation includes frank talk about fertility issues, the cost of treatment, the decision to go with an egg donor and how they envision their lives when this baby enters their world. Plus there are tons of laughs with these 3 comedians. Follow Joe List: https://www.instagram.com/joelistc...
Nov 26, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 317
In this bite-sized podcast episode, Ophira Eisenberg and comedian Sarah Tollemache take a hilarious trip down memory lane, reminiscing about holiday shenanigans and the rollercoaster ride of parenting. They fondly recall the wild, unsupervised escapades of their childhood holidays, where the only rule was "don't break anything... especially yourself." Fast forward to today, and they marvel at how parenting has morphed into a high-stakes game of "Don't Let the Kids Out of Your Sight." Together, t...
Nov 21, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 316
In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with the hilariously candid comedian Sarah Tollemache, fresh off the release of her comedy special "Butthole Money." Together, they dive headfirst into the whirlwind of chaos and comedy that is the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. Expect a rollercoaster of laughs as they tackle the emotional and physical rollercoaster of raising a newborn, from the nipple-nibbling nightmares of breastfeeding to the societal pressures...
Nov 19, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 315
In this Parenting is a Joke snack, Ophira continues her chat with the talented comedian and actress Ashley Austin Morris, who's about to make the leap from creative powerhouse to working mom. Ashley opens up about her faith, her hilarious take on "dad excitement", and the challenges of figuring out how to recharge once the baby arrives. They also dive into Ashley’s experience on the Electric Company reboot, where she made the jump from theater pro to TV star. Plus, Ashley shares the heartwarming...
Nov 14, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 314
In this candid episode of Parenting is a Joke, comedian and actress Ashley Austin Morris opens up about her experience navigating pregnancy, body changes, and the complexities of medical care. She shares her struggles with the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy, especially as someone who's faced an eating disorder in the past, and reflects on the challenges of being an older mom with a different perspective on medical interventions. Ashley also talks about the cultural aspects of pregnancy...
Nov 12, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 313
Join host Ophira Eisenberg and comedian Pete Dominick in this bonus snack episode, where they talk about how to help your kids navigate the sea of information in today’s world, and practical tips for encouraging critical thinking to foster open dialogues and emotional well-being. They also share some laughs about holiday traditions and outrageous gifts for kids, and Pete offers the perfect remedy for those nostalgic moments when you wish you could turn back time. Follow Pete: https://x.com/peted...
Nov 07, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 312
It’s Election Day! Join Ophira Eisenberg as she welcomes back comedian and podcaster Pete Dominick for a candid and engaging conversation about the challenges and joys of modern parenting. In this episode, Pete shares his journey of nurturing independent and confident children while navigating the anxieties that can arise from current events. He discusses practical strategies to alleviate parenting fears, especially in a world filled with unsettling news. Pete emphasizes that character and work ...
Nov 05, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 311
Happy Halloween, listeners! In this special Halloween Candy Snack, host Ophira Eisenberg shares heartwarming and hilarious reflections on childhood Halloween traditions and costumes. Did you use an old pillowcase for candy collection or create your costume from household items? She also shares her own unforgettable experience from a 7th grade Halloween dance, highlighting the bittersweet journey of adolescence, the search for connection, and the magic of first crushes. It's all spooky stuff! See...
Oct 31, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 311
Ever wondered what happens when two Ophiras get together for an enlightening and cosmic chat? In this episode, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with the fabulous Ophira Edut—one half of the renowned AstroTwins and a leading astrologer who’s mastered the stars and beyond! From their shared name to their unique journeys, they dive into everything from family dynamics to astrology's surprising connection to parenting. Ophira Edut opens up about her unconventional path to becoming an astrologer, reve...
Oct 29, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 309
In this Parenting is a Joke snack, you get to feel like a fellow comic, hanging out post-show at the bar with comedians Rich Aronovitch and Ophira Eisenberg. They rant about how the challenges of performing can surprisingly mirror the ups and downs of parenting little kids and Rich shares a hilarious yet eye-opening story about hosting a recent show where he faced unexpected heckles, including a crying audience member, illustrating the chaos that often accompanies live performances. Follow Rich:...
Oct 24, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 308
In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg chats with comedian and TikTok dance star Rich Aronovitch as he admits that he never planned to have kids but has found ultimate joy in being a dad to his two young boys. He discusses parenting during the pandemic and how he navigated the intense negotiations for a second child. He also talks about how to be present father while pursuing a demanding career, and Rich candidly reflects on his newfound parenting superpowers and the fine ...
Oct 22, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 307
In this snack chat, Ophira Eisenberg talks to legendary comedian Wendy Liebman, master of one-liners and misdirection, who has graced the stages of nearly every late-night show in history—except for one! Wendy reflects on her fascinating journey through comedy, sharing anecdotes from her time on iconic shows, the best green room snacks, and what it was like performing for the likes of Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon. Wendy also talks about the balance between truth and fabrication in her act and how h...
Oct 17, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 306
In this episode, the fabulous Wendy Liebman sits down with Ophira to talk about her unexpected adventure into stepparenting after falling head over heels for a man with two young boys. Wendy, who initially thought kids were about as appealing as a surprise tax audit, shares how her heart—and her whole life—flipped upside down when she met her husband. She dives into the joys, the challenges, and the occasional “What have I signed up for?!” moments of blending families. She describes heartwarming...
Oct 15, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 305
In this snack chat Ophira and Ryan discuss the emotional rollercoaster of bedtime routines—complete with reluctant tooth brushing and pajama protests. As every parent knows, no child is busier, hungrier, or more defiant than when they hear the words, “It’s bedtime!” They also discuss the best birthday parties they could imagine throwing their kids, if money and time were no object! Follow Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/iamryanbeck/ See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events SUBSCRI...
Oct 10, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 304
Join comedian Ryan Beck and host Ophira Eisenberg as Ryan shares his unique perspective on raising a toddler with big emotions—something he can relate to from his own childhood. They explore the highs and lows of parenting, comparing babies to trendy handbags and lamps—cute, but sometimes not very functional. Ophira and Ryan also discuss the quest for the perfect therapist, reflecting on what they need now as parents. And Ryan opens up about his childhood nickname, “Cryin’ Ryan,” and how those e...
Oct 08, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 303
Ophira is back with a delightful snack chat featuring the talented Kimmy Gatewood! In this episode, Kimmy opens up about her early career experiences, including some memorable low-lights—one of which working for a post-colonial academic that Ophira actually recognizes. Kimmy also shares her incredible experience directing the iconic Muppets, including her personal favorite, Animal, and how she shares this passion with her daughter. Tune in for a spirited conversation filled with laughs, insights...
Oct 03, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 302
Ophira is joined by the talented Kimmy Gatewood, actor and director known for her standout role in Netflix’s series G.L.O.W., which celebrates female wrestlers. Kimmy is also an award-winning director, currently helming Season 3 of Girls5eva, and has an impressive portfolio that includes projects like The Babysitter’s Club, The Chicken Sisters, and Sesame Street. Behind the Scenes of G.L.O.W.: Kimmy shares how she views directing as a form of empowerment and defiance in a male-dominated industry...
Oct 01, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 301
Back-to-school special sponsored by Educational Insights: Ophira gets real with Liz Gumbinner, the genius behind the Mom101 blog and host of the award-winning podcast, Spawned. From parenting teens in the digital age, to the surprising tale of a Disney World meltdown that changed her mind about wanting kids — this episode needs to be in your parenting survival kit! Yes, this episode is brought to you by our friends at EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS, makers of the totally gone-viral screen-free toys Knoodl...
Aug 13, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Summer is here and we’re all scrambling to figure out our new schedule, how summer camp works and... the future! Help us shape it into something even better. Only 9 weeks until school starts again! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 18, 2024•6 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Ophira chats with Liz Tenety, journalist and founder of the website and community Motherly. Liz tells us why she might not call back the school nurse, and how her parenting has changed as her number of children increased. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 11, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 39
This week Ophira revisits her conversation with Economist Emily Oster who reveals her obsession with sleep and the very unique pets in her household. Emily has a new book coming out, "The Unexpected" about complications in pregnancy. To sponsor this show contact: sales@adalystmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 04, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 38
In this mini-episode, Ophira puts AJ Jacobs to the test with a game we're calling, The Constitution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 30, 2024•10 min
Ophira talks with the talented writer and podcast host AJ Jacobs about "living constitutionally" for his new book, which social experiments his sons endure, and why we all should get used to the lighting in the parenting tunnel. To sponsor this show contact: sales@adalystmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 37
