?It’s not a walk in the park, folks. Presented by British comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, Parenting Hell is a podcast that leaves no parenting stone unturned, no matter how uncomfortable. What does it mean to be a parent? How can you weather the parenting storm? How do you make lemonade out of diapers? All of these are questions Beckett and Widdicombe answer in their comedic podcast, alongside a slew of celebrity parents.

Just like the best things in life, we can thank Covid-19 for this podcast. Having debuted in April 2020 under the title Lockdown Parenting Hell, the podcast initially aimed to explore the impact of lockdown on the relationship between fathers and their children. Beckett and Widdicombe seem to have gotten quite attached to the podcast, however, seeing as it managed to outlive quarantine. Lockdown has since been dropped from the title, and the show no longer restricts itself to a specific timeframe or phenomena; it’s just about parenting…hell. The podcast drops two episodes per week, and has managed to become a household favorite across the UK.

It’s a little bit of everything. Some podcast episodes see the creme de la creme of British society in the — proverbial — spotlight; from influencers to actors to writers, give their two cents on parenting. Whereas other episodes are simply rambling sessions between Beckett and Widicombe. Parenting Hell digs deep into modern day parenting terminologies, parenting clichés, and stereotypes on parenthood. Guests share their experiences with their children, how they communicate, and how they live life as a parent. More often than not, you’ll find yourself laughing a little too hard at some of these stories.

In one particular episode of Parenting Hell, English actor, writer, and comedian Tom Basden — who you might recognise as Matt in After Life — spills the tea on his experience with parenthood and the nature of his relationship with his son and two daughters. Basden — like most parents — finds himself driven to insanity by his children, but he enjoys it. The English actor dives deep into the delicate balancing act that is his life, and how he manages to be a husband, a father, and his own individual. If you’re feeling down and looking for a little pick-me-up, we’d definitely recommend listening to this episode.

It was love at first…uhm, listen? Beckett and Widdicombe’s chemistry is infectious. The podcast feels like listening to two old friends yap away — but actually say something of substance. It’s light, informative, and fun.

WHERE TO LISTEN - You can find Parenting Hell on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Anghami | Deezer | Audible | Amazon Music | iHeart.

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