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Shouldn't Laugh But...Laura Smyth & Carmen Butcher
Shouldn't Laugh But...Laura Smyth & Carmen Butcher
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Each week, best mates Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher dive headfirst into the daft, the ridiculous, and the gloriously dumb - from their own personal disasters to the wildest, most unhinged things the internet (and the world) throws at us.
Emma Watson losing her driving license for speeding? They’re on it. A woman taking a selfie with a shark and getting her hands bitten off? You know they’re talking about it. A CEO getting caught cheating at a Coldplay concert? They’re already laughing.
If you love side-eyeing the news, finding comfort in other people’s weird choices, and laughing when maybe you shouldn’t… this is your new weekly dose of feeling better about your life choices.
Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura and Carmen is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.com
Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod
Laura Smyth - @thatlaurasmyth
Carmen Butcher - @carmenshouldntlaugh
Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.
Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Emma Watson losing her driving license for speeding? They’re on it. A woman taking a selfie with a shark and getting her hands bitten off? You know they’re talking about it. A CEO getting caught cheating at a Coldplay concert? They’re already laughing.
If you love side-eyeing the news, finding comfort in other people’s weird choices, and laughing when maybe you shouldn’t… this is your new weekly dose of feeling better about your life choices.
Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura and Carmen is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.com
Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod
Laura Smyth - @thatlaurasmyth
Carmen Butcher - @carmenshouldntlaugh
Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.
Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
24 Episodes
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Laura’s turned up to the record looking full Ferris Bueller - sunglasses, cool attitude, the lot - except there are no days off when it comes to this podcast.She and Carmen are currently knee-deep in DIY, attempting to plaster walls and it's pretty funny.Plus, a listener writes in after finding herself laughing uncontrollably at willies, which somehow sends the girls into a deep dive on the most Essex compliment ever: “You’ve got a fit womb.” Now that’s poetry.And in classic Shouldn’t Laugh style, Laura and Carmen confidently confuse Duo Lingo with Dua Lipa. Same thing, right?It’s all happening this week!Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
It’s Laura’s birthday, and she’s fresh back from a solo weekend in Edinburgh - meanwhile, Carmen’s got a bejeweled gift and a lot to say about people who actually take the time to write reviews.This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, the girls get into the bizarre case of a woman arrested for sending farts via text to her boyfriend’s ex (yep, that’s a thing), and the fact that 6-7 has somehow been crowned Word of the Year. What does it mean? Can they make 8-9 happen? The answer… is a firm no.If you’re a George Michael stan you’ll love this Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have officially thrown in the Strictly Come Dancing towel… and two podcast hosts (cough Laura and Carmen cough) are suddenly VERY interested in a new side hustle.Also this week - a listener writes in about her child’s absolutely unhinged tell-tale sign she’s lying (it’s iconic), and the girls unpack the newly released Top 40 Combos of all time. Where do Laura and Carmen rank vs Tom & Jerry? Is fish & chips really that high? And can we all stop chanting “MAC AND CHEESE” like we’re in Ohio? We’re not American, babes.It’s chaos, it’s niche, it’s a bonus. Enjoy.
Apologies in advance to Laura’s mother-in-law.Laura is spiralling about what to do for her 10 year wedding anniversary with Ali and Carmen has a fresh blow-dry and is reminiscing about turning 18 - specifically the moment her Hungarian mum Gigi had a couple of drinks and broke into Stevie Wonder. Naturally.Also this week: Scrotox. Yes. A cosmetic procedure for men. They go there. And the woman who literally made Guinness World Records for giving birth to NINE babies in one go.It’s “Shouldn’t Laugh But” - and we’re just saying, you probably will.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
“There’s nothing Spookier than a sh*t husband" - Laura Smyth 2025.In this spook-tacular bonus episode of Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen are serving ghosts, ghouls, and questionable life choices. Laura reveals her costume plans (is it sexy… or a work of modern art?), Carmen’s got a foolproof hack to keep the trick-or-treaters far, far away, and somehow Elon Musk and Teslas make it into the mix - because what’s scarier than Elon?Plus, one listener writes in after her son’s “sincere” letter to his dodgeball club turned out to be powered by ChatGPT… and the results are terrifyingly funny.Grab your pumpkin spice and press play - it’s Halloween chaos, Shouldn’t Laugh But styleGet involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Laura’s been fighting alligators for centuries - mate! - while Carmen’s latest battle is with gravity after dropping her phone on the train tracks (where, apparently, the rats are now making calls).This week, cue the Pink Panther theme because there’s been a heist at The Louvre! Laura and Carmen dive into the art of the steal, questionable life choices, and why this robbery has everyone talking. Expect chaos, questionable logic, and plenty of giggles in a show that definitely lives up to its name: Shouldn’t Laugh (But We Do).Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Carmen thinks Siri is a little b*tch, Laura’s been helping her kids get elected to Pupil Parliament, and they’ve got a story about a guy who showed up at his own funeral - aka Bender Final Boss.Plus, a listener has DMed the girls about the time her dad successfully smuggled her into Calais. It was the ’80s!Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday laurasmyth.com for Laura's 2026 Tour 'Born Aggy'
Laura and Carms were drinking last weekend - for very understandable reasons. Diane Keaton has passed (RIP, icon), and emotions are running high. Naturally, Al Pacino’s late-life confession that he “should’ve married Diane” sends the girls spiraling into thoughts, theories and some rage. To cope, they’re trying the viral Gen-Z “Wine Float” - yes, ice cream and red wine - at 10AM on a Monday. Is it chaos? Is it genius? Is it Old Tart Approved™? You’ll have to listen to find out.Plus, the girls unpack a new wedding package they absolutely McLove, and take a very unserious look at the 2026 Enhanced Games - the upcoming “Olympics on Steroids” (literally). Performance enhancers? Sure. Recreational enhancers? Well… that’s another conversation.Pour a glass, scoop some Häagen-Dazs (not spon), and prepare to laugh when you really, really shouldn’t.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
It’s autumn - aka “hunker down time” - so Laura and Carmen are getting into the mini bottles of wine and all the food you can imagine: lamb chops, 20-layer lasagnas… it’s giving Garfield, mate.Plus, a teacher has DMed about some kids in his class saying stupid things that he wants to laugh at but can’t.Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Carmen wants you to know she’s only had two hours of sleep, and Laura wants you to know she has a new tartan jacket that’s giving Ralph Lauren vibes and saved her 350 quid. Together, they can’t wait for autumn - and for Carmen’s upcoming 40th birthday at the ‘Five Seasons’. Plus, they discuss a woman who hasn’t smiled or frowned in 20 years, and Laura’s had a hilarious email from her son Alfred’s school about a popular book that’s made national news.Uh-oh, Spaghettio.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
This week, Laura and Carmen are feeling the ‘full moon vibes’ because there are too many FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHTS! happening. Laura is locked into the Cardi B and Eminem drama, and Carmen’s obsessed with Joe Wicks and his hate for protein bars.They also discuss their “Shouldn’t Fancy But” crushes because a listener has written in with a list of hilarious characters she thinks are hot - The Cape in Doctor Strange?!Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Laura’s son, Alfred, has started karate and worships his sensei. Meanwhile, Carmen has joined a posh gym and wants to punch every gym wanker in sight.Plus, they discuss a baby who was born holding an IUD (the ultimate LinkedIn story when he’s older) and the unveiling of a Tina Turner statue in Brownsville, USA - it’s simplyyyyy the worst.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
“It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem-it’s me!” Laura’s into raccoons, Carmen’s into beasts, and she genuinely thinks squirrels and chipmunks are the same thing. Classic Carms. Expect more highbrow chaos like this, plus a ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But’ story from an incredible listener in Australia, featuring the night bus… and an alleyway accident.Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Laura and Carmen think gender reveals are an unnecessary expense - and they’re blaming push presents, balloon arches, and smoke cannons on the Kardashians.Plus, they also discuss the Netflix documentary everyone’s talking about, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, before side-eyeing a California yoga instructor who has come out as “autosexual” (aka attracted to himself). But isn’t that just every yoga instructor in California? Instagram - @kidsgettinghurt Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
News just in: Pies are nice! Carmen’s delighted it’s autumn, and Laura’s angry that it’s cost her a bomb to get to Norwich. Thank goodness for Klarna (Laura’s other best friend).Plus, the ladies are annoyed at a woman who has saved $97,000 by just eating eggs and bread, and a listener has emailed in with a story you could never recover from.Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Here’s the problem: Laura & Carmen have two producers - one begging them to stay on track, and another adding fuel to their fire. Which one do you think they’re listening to?Carmen’s obsessed with Cheese Strings, Laura’s campaigning for Brie Strings, and together they spiral into all kinds of Shouldn’t Laugh But chaos - discussing Jaden Smith being made Creative Director at Louboutin and Victoria Beckham landing a new documentary. Will there be hot tea on the Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham beef?Also Laura has just recorded her Live At The Apollo show, and tickets for her brand new tour ‘Born Aggy’ are available now - visit: laurasmyth.comUnfiltered, unserious, and definitely not approved by HR - welcome to the podcast you shouldn’t laugh at… but will anyway.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura and Carmen is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Carmen’s back with her great stories, and she can't DEAL with the knowledge that Laura used to be a croupier.In this episode, the ladies have a problem with AI stitching up Zac Efron, and Shien using Luigi Mangione’s face to sell clothes.Plus they discuss a listener’s Shouldn’t Laugh But story about getting locked out of her house with the youths. Does anyone want a tinnie?Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Would Mickey Mouse commit credit card fraud? Is leopard print actually a “neutral”? And is it really ok to call your boss a d*ckhead? Laura and Carmen discuss.Alongside that, Carmen’s battling an ant invasion in her kitchen that’s turned her into Gordon Ramsay, Laura’s wondering if her dog Betty might need Dog Ozempic, and she’s also navigating her daughter’s WW2 dress-up day. Plus the pair have just been to see Back to the Future: The Musical - and Laura would like to go back to the past to stop a certain…egg situation. It’s chaotic, it’s relatable, and it’s all the stuff you definitely shouldn’t laugh at… but definitely will.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Put a blonde wig on Beaker from The Muppets and you’ve got Carmen Butcher - one half of the Shouldn’t Laugh But podcast with Laura Smyth.Is Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson’s relationship a fauxmance? Laura and Carmen have thoughts. Something deep in Laura’s plums says Pammy can do better - but does Carmen believe the hype? She did love Naked Gun, after all.Plus, a listener has emailed a hilarious story titled “NAKED WITH A BEAK” - and it involves a tanning mishap at the beautician’s. You’ll never look at a black paper thong the same way again.Get involved in the show, BUT HEAD! Email Laura and Carmen your Shouldn’t Laugh But... moments at lauraandcarmen@global.com. You can also DM them on Instagram: @shouldntlaughpod.Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Listen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday on Global Player and YouTube. Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
Cardi B just won her court case, and Laura and Carmen can't handle how funny and memeable the whole ordeal was. Why is Emani's lawyer like Lionel Hutz from The Simpsons? Meanwhile, a new 2025 dating trend is taking over: Shrekking - dating below your standard to find love. Lord Farquaad, what you saying, handsome?Plus Laura's son Alfred has started junior school, and can't negotiate an apple, and Carmen is reliving her sister's wedding, where she was MOH. Nice Rollers!Shouldn’t Laugh But… with Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher is a Global Player Original Podcast. You can listen, watch and subscribe to the podcast now on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.comFollow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughListen to Main Episodes every Wednesday, and Watch Main Episodes every Thursday.Bonus Episodes are available every Friday
























Great first episode
Very funny show. Unique vibe. Subscribed!