

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

15 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
S11 EP15: Alan Davies (The Return)
Alan Davies, a beloved actor and comedian known for his work on 'Jonathan Creek,' shares his parenting journey and experiences in this lively conversation. He discusses his new book, 'White Male Stand-Up,' and the inspiration behind his writing, addressing childhood trauma and its impact on parenting. Alan reflects on his decade-long break from touring and the challenges of raising sporty teenagers while managing screen time. He also shares humorous anecdotes about family outings and navigating fame with kids, all while balancing work and family life.

9 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
S11 EP14: My Life is Chaos
Chaos reigns as Rob and Josh share the wild experiences of their recent tour, from live show heckles to technical blunders. Hear about Rob's wild week juggling performances and lack of sleep, and tales of Josh's awkward neighbor encounters while moving houses. They delve into the challenges of touring and parenting, with thoughts on AI's role in our lives. Insights on how parental phrases impact children's confidence and practical tips for managing childhood changes, like bedwetting, add depth to the humor. Plus, a sneak peek into Lou's upcoming book!

16 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
S11 EP13: Paul C. Brunson
Paul C. Brunson, a dynamic relationship expert and entrepreneur, shares his insights on parenting and life challenges. He reveals his playful side with pranks involving fart spray and reflects on his family's move from the US to the UK. Paul discusses his emotional IVF journey, the ups and downs of raising teenagers, and the importance of honest communication at home. He also emphasizes modeling conflict resolution for his kids and the impact of online culture on parenting, all while balancing humor and seriousness in family life.

10 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 47min
THE SECRET HOUSE MOVE TAPES: PART 2
Join the laughter as the hosts dive into the chaos of moving, revealing last-minute building certificate dramas and quirky removal requests. Experience the tension over fixtures, the challenges of transporting pets, and the headache of parking suspensions. Delve into the frantic day before the move with a flurry of packing, vet visits, and family logistics. Finally, reflect on settling in, the post-move lull, and invaluable tips for new homeowners. Expect plenty of humor along the way!

12 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 6min
S11 EP12: Elizabeth Day
Joining the discussion is Elizabeth Day, a talented novelist and journalist known for her podcast, How To Fail. She opens up about her challenging 12-year journey with fertility treatments and how letting go ignited her creativity for her new novel, One of Us. Elizabeth also shares insights on godparenting and step-parenting, emphasizing the importance of support without overstepping. Their conversation dives into profound themes like grief, parenting dynamics, and the concept of collective consciousness, providing a heartfelt and relatable take on the complexities of family life.

14 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 45min
THE SECRET HOUSE MOVE TAPES: PART 1
Get ready for a hilarious journey as two friends tackle the emotional rollercoaster of moving out of London. They weigh the perks of a quieter life in Exeter against the chaos of uprooting their family. From critiquing fan expectations of football managers to the comical challenges of selling a house amidst community gossip, the conversations are packed with laughter and relatable anecdotes. Expect heartfelt moments as they reflect on children's feelings and the bittersweet nature of leaving behind familiar scents and sights.

Sep 11, 2025 • 54min
S11 EP11: Barry Hearn
Barry Hearn, a legendary sports promoter and president of Matchroom Sport, shares his insights on parenting and life. He blends humor with personal anecdotes about the chaos of raising children while managing a high-powered career. The conversation touches on the competitive dynamics of family in sports and the balance between support and pressure. Hearn discusses the importance of nurturing resilience and a strong work ethic in kids, alongside the therapeutic joys of fishing as a way to find peace amid life's challenges.

Sep 9, 2025 • 57min
S11 EP10: Rick Astley
Join singer-songwriter Rick Astley, famous for 'Never Gonna Give You Up,' as he navigates the complexities of parenting while reflecting on his rise to fame. He shares amusing travel tales and insights into balancing family life with a music career. The conversation touches on cultural differences in parenting styles, the emotional connections to iconic songs, and fond memories from Glastonbury. Rick also dives into his upcoming book and tour, showcasing his relatable charm and humorous storytelling.

12 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 45min
S11 EP9: Back to school!!!
Get ready for parenting mischief as summer wraps up! From jet ski adventures gone hilariously wrong to a trip to Stonehenge that features unexpected food finds, the banter is endless. Josh hilariously misplaces his keys again while Rob embraces his secret olive tree obsession. They dive into the struggles of back-to-school routines, the challenges of kids' homework, and even the pleasures of audiobooks. It’s a chaotic yet relatable look at family life peppered with humor and understanding.

9 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 47min
S11 EP8: From Friend to Lover
Join a hilarious journey through the unpredictable world of parenting! The hosts share laugh-out-loud stories about babysitting disasters and navigating Love in London. Tune in for humorous reflections on friendship turning romantic, dating mishaps, and the chaos of recording a podcast. Listen to their charming banter about family life, quirky cultural insights, and the hilarity of managing multiple children. It’s a chaotic, delightful blend of heartwarming tales and relatable parenting misadventures!