Parenting is a Joke

<p>You know when you talk to your friends about your childhood and end it by saying, "But look at us, we're fine!" Here's my question: Are we fine? Because we're sitting here doused in CBD oil under a weighted blanket recording a podcast called Parenting is a Joke. Each week, host and standup Ophira Eisenberg talks to a different comedian about their career and their kids. Conversations tackle the tooth fairy, eating sticks, summer camp anxiety, the hidden horrors of childbirth, and the obvious horrors of our own childhoods. We celebrate the absurdity of shuffling a career with raising a kid, and highlight less traditional parenthood journeys, all while relishing in the fact that no one knows what they're doing, but we're all trying! Sometimes even our best. New episodes every Tuesday. New Season October 1st.</p>

Greenroom Snacks with Wendy Liebman

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 her stepchildren reacted to her jokes—especially one that made her son question reality.   Follow Wendy: https://www.instagram.com/wendyliebman/ See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up Follow PIAJ:  https://www.instagram.com/parentingisajoke/ https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/   Follow Ophira: https://www.instagram.com/ophirae/ https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-17
21:44

Wendy Liebman is World’s Greatest Smom

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 moments that solidified her bond with the kids, like when her youngest complimented her reading voice and the importance of being open and non-judgmental, especially regarding conversations around sexuality, fostering a trusting relationship with her stepsons. Enjoy Wendy’s dry one-liners and also genuine reflections as Wendy proves that while stepping into parenthood might feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded, it can also lead to some of life’s sweetest moments. Follow Wendy: https://www.instagram.com/wendyliebman/ See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up Follow PIAJ:  https://www.instagram.com/parentingisajoke/ https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/ Follow Ophira: https://www.instagram.com/ophirae/ https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-15
47:42

Up Up and Away with Ryan Beck

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 SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up Follow PIAJ:  https://www.instagram.com/parentingisajoke/ https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/   Follow Ophira: https://www.instagram.com/ophirae/ https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-10
20:48

Ryan Beck is No Cryin’ Ryan

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 early experiences shape his approach to parenting today. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or just starting your journey, this episode will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or simply amused by the absurdities of raising a family. Tune in for a light-hearted take on the modern parenting experience! Follow Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/iamryanbeck/ See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up Follow PIAJ:  https://www.instagram.com/parentingisajoke/ https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/   Follow Ophira: https://www.instagram.com/ophirae/ https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-08
48:56

Muppets and Motherhood Mayhem with Kimmy Gatewood

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, and a few behind-the-scenes stories from the world of puppetry! Follow Kimmy:  https://www.instagram.com/kimmygatewood/ See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up Follow PIAJ:  https://www.instagram.com/parentingisajoke/ https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/   Follow Ophira: https://www.instagram.com/ophirae/ https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-03
29:49

Kimmy Gatewood Gives Us a GLOW-UP!

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, tells a great story of playing trombone alongside Ryan Gosling discusses being more conscious of her presence in the creative world, paving the way for her daughter to see what it means to be a strong, independent boss.   Follow Kimmy:  https://www.instagram.com/kimmygatewood/ See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up Follow PIAJ:  https://www.instagram.com/parentingisajoke/ https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/   Follow Ophira: https://www.instagram.com/ophirae/ https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10-01
45:00

Liz Gumbinner Proves Mo' Mothers Mo' Better

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 Knoodle and Brain Bolt. Get 15% off select Knoodles and Brain Bolts by using Ophira’s exclusive code 15JOKE when you shop their official store on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cdwLlq *Note: promotions are subject to change daily on Amazon Follow Liz: https://www.instagram.com/mom101 See Ophira LIVE:https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up Follow PIAJ:  https://www.instagram.com/parentingisajoke/ https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/ Follow Ophira: https://www.instagram.com/ophirae/ https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/ https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Ophira-Eisenberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

08-13
50:12

Parenting and Podcasts: It Takes A Village

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

06-18
05:33

Liz Tenety Has a Handful

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

06-11
45:31

Emily Oster is Militant about Sleep

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

06-04
40:35

Bonus Episode: Puzzling with AJ Jacobs

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-30
09:19

AJ Jacobs Gets Curious Not Furious

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-28
44:43

Bonus Episode: Rapid Fire with Rachel Feinstein

In this bite-sized bonus episode, Ophira asks Rachel Feinstein some rapid fire questions and finds out whether she'd rather her daughter be a comic or a fire figher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-23
08:26

Rachel Feinstein: Big Guy

Ophira catches up with hilarious comedian Rachel Feinstein about her new comedy special, her husband’s alarming playground habits, and why she’s not taken seriously by her daughter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-21
38:32

Bonus Episode: Laura Prepon Has Tuna Trauma

We're back with a little extra from Laura Prepon. Laura Prepon answers some rapid fire questions where she reveals her favorite dinnertime recipe and why she has never tried tuna fish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-16
11:32

Laura Prepon: Happy Mother's Day!

On our special Mother's Day episode, Ophira chats with actress and director Laura Prepon about 6-year-old flirtation, her kids' recent set visit and the beauty of batch-cooking. To sponsor this show contact: sales@adalystmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-14
48:06

Jeremiah Watkins: Live from the Moontower Comedy Festival

LIVE from Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin, Ophira talks with comedian Jeremiah Watkins about ups and downs of fatherhood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-09
12:22

Rosebud Baker & Andy Haynes: Live from the Moontower Comedy Festival

LIVE from Moontower Comedy Festival in Austin, Ophira talks with comedians and parents Rosebud Baker and Andy Haynes about their 6 month old daughter, which parent is more patient, and why Andy thought expired kimchi might kill them all. To sponsor this show contact: sales@adalystmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-07
36:21

Bonus Episode: Haircuts by Jake Johanssen

On this week's bonus episode Ophira chats with the hilarious Jake Johanssen about dropping his 19-year-old daughter off at college in Dublin, Ireland and his love of the Flowbee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

05-02
32:18

Andy Richter: Go to Bed!

Ophira chats with comedian and actor Andy Richter about the perks of living with your 20-something year-old son and why under NO circumstances will he ever negotiate with toddlers. To sponsor this show contact: sales@adalystmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

04-30
50:54

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