The Holderness Family Podcast

Happy 2026, we're back! It’s a new year, but instead of "new year, new me" I am going with "new year, slightly improved me." Mostly because I stopped caring... well, that's not true (but more on that in the podcast.) In this episode of Laugh Lines, we’re easing back into the groove of things with medium energy, big feelings, and some good laughs. We talk about the emotional whiplash of having a college kid home and then watching them leave again, the surprisingly effective wake-up call of a dog throwing up before sunrise, and the bravery of brown-bagging a Diet Coke. (Still not sponsored... yet.)Clearly, we haven't done this in a while because we jumped all around. From Penn complimenting your husbands to talking about starting a space podcast to discussing how you want us to show up when we feel like the world isn't normal... this show has it all. (Really hoping for your feedback on that last one.) Shout out to Gerald for his amazing spreadsheet, and YOU for sticking with us all these years. We started this

If you ever rode rear-facing in a station wagon or took a “fart walk” to survive the holidays… welcome home. This week, we’re wrapping up 2025 by revisiting the moments that made us laugh hardest, cry a little, and feel deeply connected to you this past year. (Thank you for your voicemails and emails into the show. Our listeners are the heart of Laugh Lines and we cannot wait to keep it going in 2026!)This episode is a love letter to the Laugh Lines community. We’re checking back in with some of our favorite callers and guests, including a 10-year-old inventor who reminds us why ADHD brains are magic, why using Gen Z lingo can be helpful, and the very serious debate of Diet Coke vs. Diet Pepsi. Plus, Penn shares his official “nuggets” from the year (aliens may or may not be involved) and Sam & Ann Marie pop in to close the show. Thanks for being here, thanks for listening so closely, and don’t worry we will be back in January. Until then, be kind, take the walk, and drink the Diet Coke (or Pepsi, if you m

When our daughter went off to college, I expected that she would change and she has. In a completely amazing, independent way. What I didn't expect is that we would change too. Now, she's home for holiday break and we're both navigating this changing relationship with no roadmap. (Time to call in an expert for some advice!)This week on Laugh Lines, Penn and I are joined by one of our favorite humans and parenting expert, Dr. Lisa Damour. She helps us navigate this weird, wonderful in-between that happens when your college kid comes home. We cover everything from crossed wires and unspoken expectations to late wake-ups, missed dinners, and the moment you realize you’re not parenting a kid anymore — you’re kind of living with a roommate.We also talk about why college kids basically hibernate when they come home, how to know when something is actually wrong, and how to celebrate the amazing new person your child is becoming — even when it feels unfamiliar. Plus, Penn goes full science nerd... again. (Don't say I

If you’re here for a perfectly curated tablescape, a stunning holiday gift guide, or expert tips on how to make your mantle look like the cover of a magazine… sweet friend, this is not that podcast. Welcome to the season of doing less, and honestly? It feels amazing.This week, I’m declaring a personal holiday revolution: I am officially going medium. No more crying on Christmas Eve because I tried to hand-bake, hand-tie, hand-craft, and hand-everything my way into the “perfect” holiday. Penn and I talk about the art of letting go, the magic of setting boundaries without apologizing, and why aluminum foil might be the world’s most underrated wrapping paper.We also hear from you on Laugh Line including an unwanted-gift exchange that absolutely needs to be a nationwide movement and the emotional fallout of Presidential Physical Fitness Test. (Sidenote: "I lied or actively cheated" may be our most favorite line of the year.) Finally, we talk about holiday traditions of yesteryear and what we would bring back. Thi

What do you get when a man hears a podcast, has an epiphany in his garage, and decides to educate millions of guys on TikTok about menopause? You get Jesse Robertson (the creator behind Husbands for Menopause) and one of our favorite conversations ever.This week on Laugh Lines, Penn and I sit down with Jesse to talk about how he started spiraling (in a good way!) into understanding menopause, better supporting his wife, and educating millions of men. Our conversation digs into why men absolutely need to be part of the menopause conversation, how to have more empathy for your spouse, and effective ways to communicate. We even brainstorm the very first Menopause Men’s Choir (which is exactly as chaotic and delightful as it sounds) and laugh our way through “banana wrapper” moments that happen when your perimenopause brain cannot find the words.Enjoy the conversation, share this episode to your husband! Jesse believes with better understanding men can be more supportive—and after this episode, you’ll believe it

It’s Thanksgiving week, which means two things: delicious food and at least one unhinged opinion... or several. Here's the deal, the estrogen has left my body and my perimenopause is gonna tell it like it is. Penn and I dive headfirst into all things turkey season, like why I start Christmas music in November, whether turkey is actually just a gravy delivery system, and why perimenopause isn't so bad.We revisit the USPS uniform - thanks to an absolutely iconic voicemail from a mail carrier named Andy. (Do we need Ralph Lauren and Glen Powell to step in? I think so.) Add in a little not-sponsored peanut brittle, Penn revealing he's a thigh guy, and one dramatic gas company saga where we got gaslit - and you’ve got yourself quite the holiday special.Whether you’re prepping mashed potatoes, sitting in traffic, or hiding from your family in a guest room—come hang out with us. I even share my favorite Thanksgiving table conversation starters. (There are some below if you're looking for topics!) We love to hear fro

Even though I do miss the collagen in my neck, you couldn’t pay me to be 25 again. (As it turns out, aging is pretty awesome!) This week Penn and I are talking about the things we’d never want to relive from our twenties and the surprising joys of getting older... including reading your comments! Thank you for sharing some truly unfiltered thoughts about thongs, weddings, and Taco Bell at 2 a.m.Before we get into the meat of show, Penn issues a formal apology (or seven) to our new favorite listener, Pam, and we decide to start the "Dude You Look Good!" movement. (Send us pics and Penn will compliment you! Shoulders up, please.) It's a fun ride including why the kids are saying 'chopped' and how 50th birthday parties are secretly the best parties of all. We love to hear from you, leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch our podcast on YouTube.Visit Our ShopJoin Our NewsletterFind us on SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TikTok Follow us

What’s the secret to living longer and better? (Spoiler: It’s not a cold plunge or protein popcorn.) In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Dr. Eric Topol — cardiologist, scientist, and author of Super Agers — to separate fact from fiction in the world of longevity.We learn that blood tests are getting really good, GLP-1 drugs show real promise, and to always call Dr. Topol before you buy something TikTok tells you to. We cover everything from protein myths, weighted vests, and saunas to tests that could one day prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer. Penn and I also cover sleep tips, landlines, and Max Headroom. (Gen Xers, you get it.)We hope this episode leaves you smarter, calmer, and surprisingly optimistic about the future of aging. We love to hear from you, leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch our podcast on YouTube.Visit Our ShopJoin Our NewsletterFind us on SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TikTok Follow us on FacebookLau

What do Whitney Houston and alien overlords have in common? This podcast! This week, we are diving deep into important topics from the Laugh Line: how to make new friends in your 40s, keeping marriage steady when life gets messy, and the latest wellness hacks we may—or may not—regret trying (Looking at you to give me feedback on neurofeedback!)Also, Penn and I venture into some pop culture in our "You Heard It Here First… Except for the Fact That by the Time You’re Hearing This, the Event Is Over" segment. (Spoiler: Penn geeks out over the 3I/ATLAS.) It’s equal parts science, silliness, and soul-searching, sprinkled with Presidential Fitness trauma, a sincere apology to Dr. Scholl's, and jamming out to Whitney Houston. Basically, just a Tuesday at our house... We love to hear from you, leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch our podcast on YouTube.Order our new book, All You Can Be With ADHD (also available on audiobook!)Visit Our ShopJoin Ou

On our recent book tour, we met so many amazing tweens and teens who surprised us by saying they listen to this podcast. (Yes, this one! The one about aging knees, perimenopause, and remembering dial-up internet.) Somewhere between the hugs and deep conversations, it hit us: We might actually be their Golden Girls.I loved watching the Golden Girls growing up, so we've decided to embrace it. In this episode, we share a love letter to our younger selves — advice we wish we’d known in our teens, 20s, and 30s that we want to pass along to Gen Z. From not chasing the guy peaking in high school to keeping your passions — we’ve learned a few things. Plus, I can deinfluence you with my latest TikTok purchase. (TikTok Shop is the new QVC, by the way.)So grab your orthotic slippers, listen to Penn's version of “Thank You for Being a Friend,” and enjoy some voicemails from our answering machine — your Golden Girls are here. We love to hear from you, leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@thehold

Sometimes the best therapy is laughing with people who truly get it. This week, we sit down with comedian Dustin Nickerson and his wife Melissa to compare notes on our parallel lives (and to remember to hit the record button this time... more on that in the show.) From forgetting luggage to forgetting pictures of kids, we swap stories about ADHD marriage dynamics, youth sports, and the emotional rollercoaster of sending your first kid to college. Plus, we play “Bring It Back or Pass” to debate the comeback potential of frosted tips, cassette tapes, and SkyMall catalogs.You can find out more about Dustin and Melissa by tuning into their hit podcast "Don’t Make Me Come Back There" and find dates for Dustin on tour. We love to hear from you, leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch our podcast on YouTube.Order our new book, All You Can Be With ADHD (also available on audiobook!)Visit Our ShopJoin Our NewsletterFind us on SubstackFollow us on Inst

It’s here! We’re celebrating the release of our very first children’s book, All You Can Be with ADHD, with an episode families can enjoy together! When we set out to write All You Can Be with ADHD, our goal was simple: To help kids feel proud of how their brains work. We wanted them to see their energy, focus, imagination, and even their distractions as strengths — not shortcomings. Sure, ADHD can bring challenges but it’s got some pretty cool stuff too! In this episode, we read a few pages from the book and share some amazing messages from ADHD kids, like 10-year-old Gordon (who may be my most favorite Laugh Line caller yet). We also talk about how to handle hobbies that fizzle out, what it means to find your own motivation, and how every superpower needs a little practice. I even share my “Three Piece Nuggets” on what I hope every kid takes away from the book. (If you're a kid with ADHD, know that Kim and I are rooting for you, and we cannot wait to hear all the great things you accomplish!)So grab you

Have you ever been on a wellness journey and gotten BURSITIS?! In this week’s episode of Laugh Lines, we discuss how my need to be more active led to a very glamorous new diagnosis. (Yep, I’ve officially reached the age where I ice my hips during a podcast recording… and then find out I can get frostbite.)Penn and I recap our emotional rollercoaster of a Parents Weekend—seeing our daughter thriving at college, resisting the urge to cry in front of her, and maybe hosting a parents’ night that felt like a frat party. We also get into why kids are saying “six seven”, things women in perimenopause cannot remember, why toe spacers might actually improve your brain health, and my road to 50 update. (Please tell me pull-up tips!) We love to hear from you, leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch our podcast on YouTube.Pre-order our new book, All You Can Be With ADHDVisit Our ShopJoin Our NewsletterFind us on SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on

If Broadway had a heartbeat, Alex Lacamoire might be it. You probably know him as the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning musical genius behind Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, In the Heights, and The Greatest Showman. This week, we are beyond grateful to welcome him to Laugh Lines!Penn and I are lucky enough to call Alex and his wife, Ileana, our friends. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of his journey—from a Miami kid with a hand-me-down piano to a Broadway legend. We talk about how he sees music in colors (yes, synesthesia is real!), why lifting others up matters just as much as creating unforgettable scores, and how he’s overcome incredible odds. Born with significant hearing loss, Alex has gone on to orchestrate and arrange some of the most iconic music of our generation.Oh—and did I mention we sing? A lot. From The Muppets to Broadway, Alex graciously humors us as everything turns into a sing-along (and even shares a keyboard with Penn). We adore Alex, and after listening, we think you will too. We

Parenting kids with ADHD can feel like walking a line between wanting to help and needing them to be independent. This week, we’re joined by our friend Dr. Emily King, a child psychologist who has spent over 20 years supporting families, schools, and kids with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. Dr. Emily joins us to talk about how to support kids with ADHD and answer your questions.From teachers wondering how to support executive functioning in the classroom, to parents of teens who can ace calculus but can’t find their water bottle, Dr. Emily gives practical, compassionate advice that helps all of us breathe a little easier. She talks about why ADHD brains don’t always learn best in classrooms, how to balance correction with confidence-building, and the importance of finding your child’s joy—whether that’s on the soccer field, the stage, or in the pages of a favorite book.In true Laugh Lines form, there’s also plenty of laughter especially as Penn invents a new segment involving “nuggets.” If y

At first, I thought I was doing great with college drop-off (I even bragged to my girlfriends about making it two whole days without tears!) But the adrenaline has started to wear off. Suddenly, weekends feel hollow without our family’s Sunday routine. Turns out it’s not just the drop-off that’s tough, it’s the days after when the quiet gets louder. That’s why Penn and I are so grateful to sit down with New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and speaker Gretchen Rubin, one of my favorite voices on happiness and habits this week. Gretchen says this season isn’t an “empty nest,” it’s an open door—a time of possibility, connection, and, yes, some grief mixed with growth. We talk about how to cope when the wine and cake aren’t cutting it, how to replace old family traditions with new ones, and why weekends can feel especially heavy. Gretchen also gives us permission to create new rituals, like her idea of a buffercation—a post-drop-off trip that softens the blow.We also dive into parenting identities,

Being a parent in youth sports is… a lot. One day you’re cheering on your kid for picking clovers in the outfield, the next you’re asking yourself: “Is my kid… special?” and googling special clinics in the area. We’ve been through the highs and lows, and that’s why we were so excited to sit down with former NFL All-Pro and award-winning broadcaster Greg Olsen in today’s show. Greg is on a mission to make youth sports healthier and more balanced through his platform Youth Inc. He knows both sides of the game: he was part of that 0.02% who actually made it to the pros, and now he’s a dad coaching kids in today’s pressure-packed youth leagues.We talk about what’s broken (spoiler: it’s mostly us parents), how to keep sports fun for kids, and what Greg would do if he were the “czar” of youth sports. He also shares how he personally dealt with career setbacks (yes, even after Super Bowls and broadcast booths), and why the real goal in sports isn’t the scholarship or the contract—it’s the process of showing up and g

Oh friends, we did it. We officially dropped our daughter off at college, and let me tell you—it was a rollercoaster of emotions I wasn’t totally prepared for. From the frantic week of packing command strips and last-minute Target runs, to the heartbreaking last night at home when both kids ended up crying in our bed, this season of life has been full of tears, laughter, and a whole lot of love.In this episode, Penn and I share what those first few days after drop-off really felt like (Spoiler: I “took to the bed” for two days in the words of Leanne Morgan), the random little things that triggered my tears (like buying three airline tickets instead of four), and how our community’s comments and calls reminded me that healthy birds leave the nest. We also talk about the surprising perks of this new stage of life and the silly distractions that are helping us cope, from cookie cakes and dance classes to discovering the world’s greatest ’90s radio station.Most of all, this conversation is about feeling everythin

If you’ve ever screamed “I TOOK MY MEDICINE!” just to remember you actually took it—then you’re in good company with today's episode. Today on Laugh Lines, Penn and I share some of the most unhinged (and surprisingly brilliant) ADHD hacks from our listeners, the internet, and our own chaotic household. We also sit down with Dr. Amelia Kelley, author of Powered by ADHD, who helps us untangle why ADHD so often hides in plain sight—especially in women.I’ll be honest: parts of this conversation got personal for me. I found myself recognizing symptoms I’ve always chalked up to hormones or “just anxiety,” and it was emotional to wonder if maybe I’ve been missing something all along. (Do Penn and I both have ADHD?) We talk about how ADHD can present as anxiety and all the masking women do that hinders their diagnosis. Sometimes the most important thing isn’t having all the answers—it’s realizing you’re not alone in how you feel.So come laugh with us about apron-tight cooking hacks and stick around while we unpack un

We are so excited because this week we sit down with the fabulous Stacy London (yes, that Stacy London!) for some fashion therapy. Stacy London became a household name from the show What Not to Wear, but now she has now given us permission to toss the “rules” and wear whatever the heck we want. We talked about everything from Gen X “uniforms” (hello quarter-zips and yoga pants) to how our bodies shift in midlife and leave us without a style identity. Stacy reminds us that middle age isn’t an expiration date—it’s a renaissance. And fashion, at its best, is less about rules and more about joy and compassion for ourselves. (I told you it was fashion therapy.) Ps. Check out her new show Wear Whatever the F You Want with Clinton Kelly on Amazon Prime! It’s great!And because it wouldn’t be our podcast without a little detour, you’ll also hear an original song dedicated to Stacy and a hilarious debate about what to call you—our listeners. (Are you Laugh Liners? Laughables? The Laugh Pack? We need your vote.) If you’