

Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe
Keep It Light Media / Spotify Studios
Parenting... just not as you know it.Join Rob & Josh twice a week as they share their tales of parenting woe and chat to celebrity parents about how they're coping, or not coping. Parenting Hell is a Spotify Podcast, available everywhere - new episodes are available on Tuesdays and Fridays every week.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
S11 EP33: Andy Goldstein
Comedian Andy Goldstein joins the hosts for a lively discussion on the chaos of parenting teens. He shares hilarious stories about his daughters and the challenges of managing school schedules alongside a busy work life. The conversation touches on GPS tracking for safety, family routines, and navigating the awkwardness of meeting teenage partners. With a sprinkle of humor, they also dive into pet peeves, like the struggle of replacing kitchen bin bags. Parenting, football fandom, and personal anecdotes create a relatable and entertaining chat.

9 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 53min
S11 EP32: Advent Calendar Error
In this lively conversation, the hosts tackle hilarious parenting mishaps relating to advent calendars, including one that contained liquor-filled chocolates! They also delve into listener stories about awkward encounters, like mistaking a customer for a celebrity, and nostalgic tales from boarding school days. The duo discusses the ups and downs of side hustles and share comical nightmares about naming kids. With plenty of banter, they explore challenges faced during the first week at university, serving up laughs along the way!

8 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 47min
S11 EP31: Rob does some bad parenting
Get ready for parenting hilarity as the hosts delve into the world of wedgies, offering international alternatives and sharing wild customer service revenge stories. Rob's bad parenting takes center stage when his daughter stumbles upon graphic wildlife photos! The duo also tackles the chaos of planning a family ski trip, complete with tips on handling young kids on the slopes. Plus, they explore quirky topics like the changing appearance of noses with age and the mysteries of magnets. It's a comedic ride through the ups and downs of parenthood!

12 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 54min
S11 EP30: Pre-emptive Strike
Join Rob and Josh as they dive into a hilarious yarn about DIY adventures and the emotional rollercoaster surrounding the loss of Chip the hamster. They engage in a lively debate over the merits of different underwear brands, including a cheeky challenge for Producer Michael. The duo tackles the social chaos of school WhatsApp groups, sharing amusing stories from their childhood, and even plans for an ice-skating party. Plus, they reflect on holiday gifting ideas, reminding us that experiences can be more cherished than things.

10 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 57min
S11 EP29: We've lost the passports!
Rob and Josh dive into the chaos of parenting with hilarious listener tales. They tackle a frantic call about lost passports, blending laughter with relatable mishaps. Enjoy their banter about theatre crowds and the absurdities of advent calendars. A nod to generation gaps springs from funny kids' names and uni fails. Listeners share tips, from splinter removals to homemade wedding stationery, while Rob reflects on awkward sauna moments. Join the light-hearted chaos that every parent can relate to!

9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
S11 EP28: Josh gets trapped in a school...
Josh hilariously recounts his experience of getting locked in a school while trying to keep up with parenting chaos. Rob criticizes his 'no buffer life' approach, sparking debates about tight schedules. The duo shares relatable tales of hamster woes and navigating life insurance. Family outings take center stage with a memorable Mamma Mia experience, complete with karaoke. Meanwhile, they reflect on the solitude that comes with touring and spotlight local businesses, blending humor with heart in their parenting misadventures.

11 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 5min
S11 EP27: Jo Whiley
Jo Whiley, a veteran radio DJ and broadcaster, shares her parenting journey while juggling a vibrant career. She reminisces about bringing her kids to gigs and navigating early motherhood in the broadcasting world. Jo discusses her laid-back parenting style, the challenges of balancing work with family time, and her new podcast with Zoe Ball that dives into real-life issues. With humor and relatable anecdotes, she reflects on family dynamics, her children meeting famous musicians, and even a wild household party that almost got out of hand.

10 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 56min
S11 EP26: Top 3 Arguments
Rob Beckett shares his chaotic holiday tales from Australia and Japan, highlighting disastrous parenting moments, including the infamous queue meltdown at DisneySea. He discusses the unique Japanese tooth fairy traditions, showcasing a cultural twist on childhood rituals. Lou makes a guest appearance via voice notes to critique Rob’s grooming habits, leading to funny debates about parenting chores. With a mix of travel fatigue and sugar highs, the guys hilariously unpack the ups and downs of family adventures.

10 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
S11 EP25: Amol Rajan
Amol Rajan, a prominent journalist and broadcaster known for his roles on BBC Radio 4's Today and University Challenge, shares his parenting journey with humor and candor. He opens up about navigating family dynamics with four kids and the challenges of IVF. Amol discusses the impact of social mobility, the importance of shielding children from the news, and the complexities of modern parenting, including screen time and the role of technology. He also reflects on cultural influences and the evolving landscape of education and opportunities for youth.

18 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 43min
S11 EP24: Normal For The Time
Join Rob and Josh as they delve into the hilarious chaos of parenthood with listener anecdotes. From a daughter accusing her dad of smelling like poo to joys of babysitting celebrity kids, their chat is pure comedic gold. They explore quirky local traditions and dissect the pressures of school drop-offs. Expect bizarre phobias, unexpected childhood memories, and the evolving norms of parenting. With a mix of laughter and nostalgia, it’s a relatable ride through modern parenting woes.


