S05 EP9: Take it easy, Playa...

Podcast Summary

• Exploring the Challenges of Parenting with Famous Parents: Parenting can be tough, but listening to others share their experiences can help us feel less alone and provide valuable insights.

  Parenting can be challenging and chaotic, but it's important to find ways to cope and connect with others going through similar experiences. Rob Beckett and Josh Willingham, hosts of the Parents in Hell podcast, discuss the ups and downs of parenthood each week with famous parents and listeners. They aim to make listeners feel less alone in their parenting struggles. The podcast is sponsored by Shopify, which helps businesses grow regardless of their size, and Kroger, where shoppers can find mealtime inspiration and everyday low prices. During the episode, the hosts had some technical difficulties, but they kept it professional and used it as an opportunity to show listeners the behind-the-scenes of podcasting. A listener shared how the podcast had positively impacted her during the lockdowns and her first-time parenting experience. The hosts come from various backgrounds, including Belgium, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Beckenham, and they all agreed that parenting is a universal experience, no matter where you're from.

• Listeners' stories and hosts' reflections: Listeners share personal experiences, and hosts discuss their past behaviors and personal growth

  The podcast hosts, Josh and Lou, have contrasting opinions and experiences, leading to frequent arguments. They also have listeners from various places, including Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and they discuss their favorite episodes and listeners. Charlotte, a listener, shares her plans to move to a different country for the birth of her second child to secure another passport for her Swedish husband. The hosts also discuss their past behaviors, such as getting drunk on Whispering Angel before recording, and reflect on how they have changed over the years, with Josh believing he has become nicer and more relatable.

• Navigating Respectability and Edginess in Public Life: The speaker acknowledges the importance of maintaining a certain level of respectability in public, even if he wishes he could be more edgy. He shares a story about his daughter's first haircut and the chaos of a children's salon, highlighting the unexpected joys of parenting.

  The speaker, despite not considering himself a nice person, recognizes the importance of maintaining a certain level of respectability in public. He admits to having gone too corporate early in his career and wishes he had been more edgy, but that's not an option for him now without being labeled as a bad guy. He also shares an experience about taking his daughter for her first haircut, where he discusses the chaos of the children's salon and his struggle with fairy dust and glitter. Despite his initial reluctance, his daughter enjoyed the experience and even asked for a makeup set, which the speaker initially refused. The conversation then shifts to the speaker's friend's recommendation of a children's salon and his description of the chaos and excitement of the experience. Overall, the conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the speaker's past career choices, his current parenting style, and his experiences at a children's salon.

• Exploring the Balance of Cost and Content in Toys: Allow children to explore and express themselves with toys, even if they're not traditionally gendered, and find a balance between cost and content to ensure their enjoyment.

  There's a middle ground between expensive, branded toys and cheap ones. This was discovered during a conversation about purchasing a makeup set for a child. The set, which was a nice balance of cost and content, included makeup and a mirror, and the child was thrilled with it. The speaker expressed her initial hesitation about her daughter's interest in makeup, but ultimately decided to let her explore and experiment. The discussion also touched upon the argument that young children shouldn't wear makeup due to potential sexualization, but the speaker suggested that if it's seen as a fun and creative expression, then boys and girls should be encouraged to try it at a young age. The conversation ended with a mention of the changing societal norms and the speaker's personal reservations about them.

• Unexpected health complications from a simple action: Being vigilant about health concerns, even minor ones, and remaining patient and adaptable in unexpected situations can lead to positive outcomes.

  Even a simple action like helping someone eat an ice lolly can lead to unexpected complications. In this case, a wooden splinter from the stick ended up in the woman's throat, causing her severe pain. Despite doubts about her condition, they ended up going to the hospital for several hours due to concerns about the potential consequences if they didn't. The experience served as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant about health concerns, even if they seem minor at first. Additionally, the long wait at the hospital highlighted the importance of patience and adaptability in dealing with unexpected situations. The woman, despite her discomfort, remained in good spirits and even enjoyed her time there, surprising those around her. Overall, this experience underscores the importance of being attentive to health concerns and prepared for the unexpected.

• Unexpected hospital visits for seemingly minor health concerns: Stay patient and persistent during healthcare journeys, even for seemingly minor issues, as they can lead to valuable learning experiences and proper diagnosis and treatment.

  Even seemingly minor health concerns can lead to unexpected and lengthy hospital visits. The discussion revolves around a situation where a child experienced stomach pain, which resulted in multiple trips to the emergency room. Although the initial visit only lasted around 2.5 hours, the family ended up returning two more times within a week due to further health issues. Despite the frustration and inconvenience, it's essential to remember that healthcare professionals are there to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, even if the process may be time-consuming and unpredictable. Additionally, unexpected events like these can serve as valuable learning experiences, providing opportunities to discover new tests and treatments. Overall, the experience highlights the importance of staying patient and persistent when dealing with healthcare concerns, even if the journey is longer than anticipated.

• Last-minute Florida trip with kids: Cherish time with loved ones, seize opportunities, and prioritize memories over financial challenges

  The speaker and his friend took a last-minute trip to Florida, prioritizing making memories with their kids despite the financial and logistical challenges. The speaker had previously booked a trip to Florida two years in advance, but due to COVID-related delays and a holiday backlog, they decided to make the most of the opportunity and go. They were fortunate enough to have accommodations covered and focused on the cost of flights. The speaker reflected on the limited number of summers one gets with their kids and decided to seize the moment. They flew with Virgin Airlines, which they found to be a vast improvement over a previous experience with British Airways. The speaker emphasized the importance of being honest with their audience and not accepting free flights, even when offered. They also recommended Andy Car Hire for anyone traveling to Florida in need of a rental car. Overall, the speaker's message is to cherish the time we have with our loved ones and make the most of opportunities that come our way.

• Challenges of Vacationing in Florida during August: Florida in August offers extreme heat and humidity, leading to unexpected sunburns, melted sunscreen, and even COVID-19 incidents. However, those who prefer relaxation by the pool might still enjoy the experience.

  Florida in August can be a challenging vacation due to extreme heat and humidity. Visitors may end up getting unexpectedly soaked on water rides and experiencing unexpected sunburns. The heat can also lead to unexpected incidents like melting sunscreen or even contracting COVID-19. Despite these challenges, some people might still enjoy the experience, especially if they plan to spend most of their time relaxing by the pool. It's important to pack appropriate clothing and be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Overall, while August in Florida can be an adventure, it might not be the best time for theme park enthusiasts or those sensitive to heat.

• Sibling Rivalry: Unexpected Competitive Spirits: Sibling rivalry can bring out surprising competitive behaviors and hidden strengths in individuals.

  Sibling rivalry can lead to intense competition and unexpected behavior. The speaker shared an experience of his daughters, who typically get along well but turned aggressive towards each other in a heated environment. Despite their age difference and physical attributes, they both showed strong competitive spirits when challenged. The younger daughter, who is tall for her age and excels in physical activities, initially appeared less competitive but surprised everyone with her determination when a competition was introduced. The older sister, who is slower but methodical, showed her competitive side when goaded into a race. The speaker found it intriguing how their behaviors changed when a competition was involved and drew parallels to famous athletes like Venus and Serena Williams. The speaker expressed his interest in helping Mbappe discover a sport and develop his potential, even though he acknowledged that it might be too late for him to become a professional athlete. Ultimately, the speaker's anecdote highlights the power of competition in bringing out unexpected strengths and determination in individuals.

• Unexpected encounters and simple actions can leave lasting impressions: Unexpected moments, like catching a hat on a roller coaster or meeting a memorable person, can create memorable experiences. Sharing unique experiences on social media can also attract attention.

  Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from unexpected encounters and simple actions. The speaker was amused by a tall, rapper-dressed man who called him "player," and the highlight of his trip was catching a hat mid-air on a roller coaster, even if no one else seemed to care. These moments, though seemingly insignificant, left a lasting impression on him. Additionally, the speaker suggested a creative way to catch people's attention by holding up an item on a roller coaster and sharing it on social media. This idea, while requiring some effort, could lead to impressive and shareable experiences. Lastly, the speaker mentioned enjoying a more relaxed beach vacation in Florida, away from the touristy areas of Orlando. This change of pace provided a lovely and enjoyable experience.

• The joys of simple interactions: Fame may bring unique experiences, but the value of simple interactions and connections should not be underestimated.

  Fame brings unique experiences and perks, but when it's absent, simple interactions can make one feel special and valued. Josh shared his experience of being recognized less frequently since leaving Countdown, and how it impacted his daily life. He missed the excitement and attention, even if it sometimes disrupted his routine. However, he also acknowledged the potential downsides of maintaining a high level of fame and the importance of finding new outlets for personal growth. The conversation also touched on the challenges of dealing with queues and accessibility issues in public places, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in such situations. Ultimately, the discussion underscored the importance of finding joy in the small moments and connections in life, regardless of fame or recognition.

• Making the most of family time and embracing new opportunities: Cherish family moments, adapt to new technology, and embrace opportunities to make memories and reach a wider audience.

  Making the most of precious family time is crucial, as children may not always want to spend time with their parents in the future. The speaker shares his experience of feeling unwanted during a brief period in his life and acknowledges the emotional and physical challenges of parenting. He emphasizes the importance of cherishing the easier moments and making memories now, as there will be plenty of time for solitude later in life. Additionally, adapting to new technology and social media platforms, like TikTok, can help promote personal projects and reach a wider audience. The speaker encourages Josh to create a TikTok account for their book promotion, despite his reluctance. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of enjoying family time, embracing new opportunities, and adapting to changing times.

• Boosting Book Sales with TikTok: Social media platforms like TikTok can drive book sales and engagement. Build a following, try challenges, and consider using children's voices in audiobooks for maximum impact.

  The use of social media platforms like TikTok can significantly boost book sales and engagement. During a conversation, it was suggested that one person try the Dorito or Sprite challenge on TikTok to promote their upcoming book. The importance of building a following before posting content was emphasized, and ideas for children's voices being used in an audiobook were also discussed. A small business shout-out was given for a football shirt company, and there were hints of exciting announcements to come for the show. Necker Island was mentioned, but it was clear that it was not the focus of the conversation. Overall, the discussion highlighted the potential of social media for authors and businesses, and the importance of planning and execution in leveraging these platforms for maximum impact.

• Personalized Tattoos for Special Moments at Wild Hope Tattoo: Wild Hope Tattoo is a private appointment-only studio in Folkestone, Kent, that specializes in custom-designed tattoos for parents and their families. They offer a unique, eco-friendly experience with free aftercare and vegan products.

  Wild Hope Tattoo, a new private appointment-only tattoo studio in Folkestone, Kent, offers a unique and personalized experience for their primarily parent clientele. They specialize in custom-designed tattoos to commemorate special moments, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Mothers and daughters, fathers and newborns are common visitors. Additionally, Wild Hope Tattoo is environmentally conscious, providing free aftercare, and using only vegan products. This studio stands out from traditional tattoo shops by focusing on creating meaningful and personal tattoos in a comfortable and eco-friendly setting.