S6 EP9: What's the worst smell you've ever smelt?

Podcast Summary

• Discussing Modern Parenting Challenges with Famous Parents: Parenting can be challenging, but famous parents share their experiences and listeners can relate, providing comfort and humor.

  Parents in Hell, hosted by Rob Beckett and Josh Willicum, is a podcast where they discuss the challenges and trials of modern-day parenting. They invite famous parents to share their experiences and also hear from listeners about their own parenting woes. This episode is sponsored by Shopify and Kroger. Shopify helps businesses grow regardless of their size, while Kroger offers a wide range of delicious choices at everyday low prices with extra savings and incentives. During the podcast, they share a funny attempt by an 18-month-old fan named Matilda to say their names. They also express their disappointment at missing out on meeting a listener due to a new baby, and they discuss their recent gig in Barnard Castle, where they managed to avoid mentioning Dominic Cummings, despite it being a popular topic in the area. The podcast aims to provide relatable content and help parents feel better about their own experiences.

• Universality of humor and storytelling: Finding common ground and connecting with audiences through relatable stories and humor is essential, regardless of prior knowledge or familiarity.

  The experience of performing a live podcast in front of an unfamiliar audience revealed the universality of humor and the power of storytelling, even when the references were unfamiliar. The speakers, Josh and Rob, had assumed that their in-jokes and podcast references would not resonate with an audience unversed in their content. However, they were surprised to find that the rest of their material, which did not rely on podcast-specific knowledge, was met with laughter and enthusiasm. This experience underscores the importance of finding common ground and connecting with audiences through relatable stories and humor, regardless of prior knowledge or familiarity. Additionally, the unexpected encounter with an unrecognized audience at Nando's added a layer of humility and reminded the speakers of the importance of staying grounded and connected to their fans, even as their reach grows. The experience served as a reminder that success and recognition are not the only measures of worth and that the journey, not just the destination, is an essential part of the creative process.

• Considering audience background and connection to content: Understanding audience demographics and preferences is essential for successful engagement during live events, as unfamiliarity with content or communication channels can lead to challenges.

  Assuming your audience has prior knowledge or connection to your content can lead to unexpected outcomes. The speakers shared their experience of performing a live podcast event in a smaller, less urban area where the audience's familiarity with their podcast was limited. This resulted in a less engaged crowd and challenges during the Q&A session. It's important to consider the audience's background and connection to your content when planning live events or performances to ensure a positive experience for both the performers and the audience. Additionally, using unfamiliar communication channels for interaction, such as WhatsApp, may not be effective in reaching all audience members. Understanding your audience's preferences and demographics is crucial for successful engagement and interaction during live events.

• Overcoming unexpected challenges during a live podcast recording: Adapt and connect with your audience, even in difficult situations. Unexpected settings can lead to new opportunities and increased listeners.

  Despite unexpected challenges and a less-than-ideal audience reaction during their live podcast recording, the hosts found joy and humor in the experience. They were able to adapt and connect with their audience, even when it seemed difficult at first. The unusual setting of recording in a podcast store led to an increase in listeners through face-to-face marketing. The hosts also shared humorous anecdotes about their experiences with their children, including their struggles with toothpaste and the kids' amusing misunderstandings of words. Through it all, they remained positive and determined to keep going, embracing the unexpected twists and turns that come with live performances.

• Importance of clear communication in everyday life: Clear communication is crucial to prevent confusion and unnecessary anxiety, as demonstrated by a story about a mother's letter to her daughter that caused unnecessary fear

  Communication and clarity are important, even when it comes to simple things like naming household items. The speaker shares how her son Louis has renamed trousers and shorts, and finds it logical. Another takeaway is the importance of honesty and clear communication, as demonstrated in a story about the speaker's experience as a child when she was accused of stealing gift card wallets from Marks and Spencer's. Her mother had written her a letter as a scare tactic, but the speaker was devastated and believed she had been caught stealing. This incident left a lasting impact on her, highlighting the importance of honesty and clear communication to avoid confusion and unnecessary anxiety.

• Importance of staying hydrated and unexpected challenges of parenthood: Staying hydrated is crucial during short journeys, while parenthood can bring unexpected injuries and challenges, but finding humor in everyday life can help cope with these experiences.

  Staying hydrated is important, even during short journeys, as Josh's example shows, where he consumed multiple cups of tea and bottles of water during a 3-hour train ride. Another key point from the discussion is the unexpected and sometimes painful consequences of being a parent, as illustrated by the story of a father who was injured when his child cannonballed onto him while he was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. The father, who had his arms out for a cuddle, ended up with several broken ribs. The speaker also shared an embarrassing fall down the stairs, which resulted in a painful injury to his foot. Despite the mishaps, both Josh and the speaker found humor in their experiences and continued to enjoy their daily routines, such as drinking tea and grilling malt loaves. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of staying hydrated, the unexpected challenges of parenthood, and the ability to find joy in everyday life.

• Unexpected accidents in daily life: Finding humor in unexpected situations, creativity in problem-solving, and effective communication are essential in dealing with life's unpredictability.

  Life can be unpredictable and even the most mundane tasks can lead to unexpected accidents. The speaker shared an experience of burning himself while making dinner and slipping on the kitchen floor, resulting in a head injury. Despite the injury, he found humor in the situation and even compared it to Harry Potter's scar. The conversation then shifted to the topic of dealing with children's artwork. The speaker's friend came up with a creative solution to give away unwanted art to the recycling collectors, suggesting that they might appreciate having some on their walls. The conversation ended with the speaker sharing a funny story about receiving an email from a listener who had misunderstood a previous episode's instructions and had amassed an excessive amount of pesto and fry oil substitutes. Throughout the discussion, the speakers demonstrated the importance of finding humor in everyday situations, creativity in problem-solving, and effective communication.

• Effective Fridge Management: Prevent Food Waste and Keep Kitchen Clean: Regularly check fridge, use older items first, no backspace for old items, take responsibility, avoid small unnecessary items, be proactive in fridge management

  Effective fridge management is essential for preventing food waste and maintaining a clean kitchen. The speaker shares his experience of dealing with an overstocked fridge and suggests solutions such as regularly checking and using older items before buying new ones, and ensuring there's no backspace in the fridge for old items to hide. He also mentions the psychological aspect of not wanting to waste food and the importance of taking responsibility for managing the fridge. The speaker also shares his frustration with finding small, unnecessary items taking up space in the fridge and suggests being mindful of what is being stored. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of being proactive in managing the fridge to prevent food waste and keep the kitchen organized.

• Discovering forgotten items in unexpected places: Regularly check and maintain spaces to prevent unpleasant surprises and remember the power of memory

  Forgotten items in unexpected places can lead to unpleasant surprises. The discussion revolves around two distinct experiences: the first being the discovery of a long-forgotten onion in a fridge that emitted an unbearable smell, and the second being the encounter with a frozen outhouse filled with waste from months ago. Both instances serve as reminders to regularly check and maintain spaces to prevent such unpleasant situations. The power of memory was also highlighted, as the speaker vividly recalled the details of these experiences despite the passage of time.

• Stories of unexpected situations caused by alcohol: Alcohol can lead to unpredictable and embarrassing situations, highlighting the importance of being mindful of one's actions while intoxicated.

  Alcohol can lead to unexpected and embarrassing situations. The first story involves friends in a car where the hungover passenger, trying to be sick out the window, ends up making the person behind him sick instead. The second story is about a man who falls asleep in the car on the way home from a night out and wakes up to vomit on himself just before reaching his destination. Both stories illustrate the unpredictability and unpleasantness of being intoxicated. Another story shared was about a husband who got an unwanted erection during a vasectomy procedure, causing embarrassment for him and the medical staff. These stories serve as reminders of the potential downsides of drinking and the importance of being aware of one's actions when under the influence.

• Unexpected moments hold meaning and should not be overlooked: Cherish unexpected moments, support small businesses, and embrace life's milestones with a positive attitude

  Unexpected moments can hold significant meaning and should not be overlooked. A seemingly insignificant act, like giving a child a sugary treat, can go unnoticed by those closest to the situation. On the other hand, these moments can leave a lasting impact and even shape people's lives. Furthermore, there's often too much pressure placed on "big moments," such as birthdays or New Year's Eve, when in reality, the most meaningful experiences can occur unexpectedly. Another key takeaway is the importance of small businesses and their role in filling unique niches. For instance, a wedding chaperone service for dogs, like Woofs and Weddings, can bring joy and comfort to couples on their special day. Lastly, the conversation touched on the idea that age and milestones, such as turning 40, should not be sources of worry or stress. Instead, one should focus on personal growth and the present moment. In summary, the conversation emphasized the importance of cherishing unexpected moments, supporting small businesses, and embracing life's milestones with a positive attitude.

• Unexpected events can have positive outcomes: Initially perceived as negative, events can surprise us with positive outcomes. Stay open to the unexpected.

  We don't always know if an event or situation is good or bad when it first happens. Our perception of it depends on our personal narrative and how things unfold in the future. A good example of this is the unexpected start of the Dad Sabbath band podcast during the pandemic, which initially seemed like bad news but turned out to be a positive experience. Another example is Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, who lost two fingers in a factory accident and went on to create a unique sound that made him a rock innovator. So, instead of putting too much pressure on current events, it's important to remember that the outcome might surprise us. Additionally, the podcast hosts shared their Instagram and Facebook handles for the band, and they invited listeners to email in with the worst thing they've ever smelled, along with a backstory. They also mentioned their enjoyment of the podcast and signed off for the week.