The Holderness Family Podcast

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’

If you’ve ever wondered how we can start with weighted vests and end up talking about Viagra… welcome to this week’s Laugh Lines. Penn and I are joined by our friend, the amazing Dr. Mary Claire Haver, who gives us the lowdown on bone density, creatine, menopause nutrition, and why getting enough protein sometimes feels like a full-time job. (Seriously, I made cottage cheese dressing recently. Who am I?) We dive into the surprising benefits—and possible dangers—of strapping extra weight to your body, my ongoing quest to stop saying “I’m fine” when I’m really not, and Penn’s top five most ridiculous “Where did I leave that?” moments. (Spoiler: One involves leaving a news camera on the side of a highway… a story I’ve never heard before!)Dr. Mary Claire also teaches us a sleep-saving trick that involves giving your husband a certain little blue pill… yes, seriously. (We cover enough ground for this to qualify this episode as cardio.) So grab your weighted vest, cottage cheese snack, and join us for a laugh-fille

Hi, my name is Kim and I don’t like to be told what to do. (But I do love your calls!) This week on Laugh Lines, Penn and I take your voicemails and unpack everything from Gen Z stares to accidentally breeding super-intelligent squirrels to how “smash” means something very different now. (Sorry, Heather.) Penn also shares what it was like to meet one of his comedy heroes, Weird Al Yankovic, and why “I may get canceled for this…” is never a great sentence starter. Spoiler alert: Penn does it anyway… twice!We discuss wheels on your feet, Tony Hawk doppelgängers, and how Gen Z thinks Nine Inch Nails is a literal hardware situation. Penn and I also need your help naming our Laugh Lines community. (Does Laugh Liners sound too much like Flatliners?) Join us for an always chaotic and fun hang… hard pants not required. 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

We started this episode with tears, and somehow ended up in outer space. (Welcome to Laugh Lines!) This week, I had a completely unplanned “Menty B” (short for mental breakdown) about our daughter leaving for college. There are feelings. So many feelings. And mascara malfunctions. Then (try not to get whiplash) we take an emotional U-turn to bring on former astronaut and NYT bestselling author, Mike Massimino, to talk about setting big, bold, seemingly impossible goals.Penn really dislikes goal setting, but he loves space. So he felt like an astronaut could help him be a better goal setter. Mike shares the truly wild story of how he overcame three rejections from NASA, trained his eyes to beat the vision test (seriously!), and why collaboration is the best way to achieve your dreams. We also hear from an awesome 13-year-old listener who might just bring back a forgotten podcast segment. So buckle up Laugh Lines listeners, this one’s a real journey. We love to hear from you, leave us a message at 323-364-3929

This week on Laugh Lines, we let a very special guest take the mic. Our 15-year-old son, PC Holderness! (And y’all… he did not disappoint.) PC came ready to host games and answer questions from parents on the Laugh Line, all with his signature optimism and cowboy hat… obviously. From prank calls and dial-up internet to egg babies and snap streaks, we put our generations head-to-head to find out who had it harder, “Gen X or Gen Z?” We also take your hilarious voicemails and ask PC what Gen Z considers cringe: Is dancing with your hands in the air too much? What exactly does a 'pick me' mean? And is singing "Living On A Prayer" before the intro is over a crime? Big thanks to PC for joining us. He’s kind, thoughtful, and somehow manages to hype up Gen X moms while still defending his own generation’s challenges (hey, he knows who listens to these shows!) You do not want to miss this one—it’s proof that parenting a teenager can be fun, educational, and humbling all at the same time. We love to hear from you, leav

I love aging and also… I get botox. I love my laugh lines (obviously, we named our podcast after them) but I also want to age gracefully. I want to feel like the best version of myself as I get older and sometimes… that means I get a little help from someone with a laser and a medical degree. In this episode of Laugh Lines, we’re pulling back the curtain on cosmetic procedures with my very own dermatologist (and not a paid spokesperson!), the amazing Dr. Sue Ellen Cox. Too many people whisper about this stuff when it should be okay to talk about it!In the show, we discuss botox, lasers, fillers, necks, jowls, and even something called “pre-juvenation.” Dr. Cox is a legend in the field—like "clinical trials for the FDA" kind of legend. This episode is for anyone who's botox-curious, laser-curious, or simply wondering what all this stuff actually does. No gatekeeping here—we’re being honest about what we’ve tried and what questions to ask. Be sure to stay tuned for the Oxford comma justice and Gen Z slang

Need a good laugh? We got you. This week, we’re talking about the delightfully weird and wonderful things that are making us laugh right now—including squirrels, fart walks, and not caring anymore. (Shout out to Melani Sanders, the internet legend behind the We Do Not Care Club.) We chat with the hilarious Mairlyn Smith, who’s gone viral for pioneering the “fart walk” - a post-dinner stroll that’s good for your gut, your marriage, and yes, your feminism. We also bring on bird expert Dr. Lauryn Benedict to talk about leveling up our birder game, and if spicy birdseed causes squirrel indigestion. (Penn has concerns.)Plus, Penn shares what’s been cracking him up lately—from Japanese game shows to rants from our daughter about the NBA playoff format. (And yes, his love for Tom Cruise running is still going strong.) So if you’re craving a good laugh, a little midlife validation, or just need permission to stop caring about visible panty lines (or farting) this one’s for you.

We got an email recently looking for advice on how to navigate being married to someone with ADHD when you’re experiencing perimenopause. (It was actually hilariously titled “Perimenopause and ADHD Walk Into A Bar…” so stay tuned for a future video on that.) This week on Laugh Lines, we’re diving into the chaotic Venn diagram that is living with ADHD and perimenopause — including a full game show with our producer, Sam Allen. Spoiler alert: it’s full of brain fog, misplaced purses, hormone-fueled rage, and why I once forgot the word “pothole.” (Not as bad as Penn saying “fish horse” though.)Penn and I also share what it was like being guests on an Oprah, random advice from our listeners, a look into my dating past, and we debate whether the 4pm dance club should be our next business venture. (Grab your corrected Mahjong cards and meet us there!) But seriously, tell us in the comments if you’re in. Leave us a message at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch our p

If your kid is about to launch into the real world and you are holding it together with to-do lists and spreadsheets, this episode is for you. This week on Laugh Lines, Penn and I are joined by the always brilliant, always soothing, New York Times Bestselling author, Dr. Lisa Damour. She breaks down what it means to be ready to leave the nest, including must-have life skills, how parents can shift from a do-er to cheer-er (that’s a word, right?) and how to have hard talks about sex and drug use. Dr. Lisa also reminds me that it’s okay to cry when the to-do list is done. (Cue the tears.) We’re also reading some amazing real-world advice from YOU — our hilarious, heartfelt, incredibly wise listeners. You showed up big time in our inbox with tips like having a fracket, observing the syllabus, and “don’t be polite to men who creep you out.” (Penn turned that one into a jingle. You’re welcome.) We end the episode with discussing questionable first cars, Harry Buffalo, and my new favorite find for college move

You know those random, slightly unhinged opinions you have that make zero sense to other people, but you will defend them no matter what? This week on Laugh Lines, Penn and I planting our flags on the silliest and most passionately defended opinions — also known as “the hill you’ll die on.” Mine? People who back into parking spaces in busy lots are selfish. (Yes, I said what I said.) We also hit the Laugh Line to hear all your hot takes — from the Oxford comma to pineapple on pizza to why pickles need to calm down.So whether your hill is about cereal being soup, walking protocol on sidewalks, or your refusal to accept the one-space-after-a-period rule (let my spaces live!), you are welcome here. Come for the unhinged opinions, stay for the community of people who forget they’re not doing voice-to-text when leaving a voicemail. And stay tuned to the end of the show when Penn reveals his Top 5 hills to determine which he’s most passionate about (and provides us a full-blown TED Talk on Top Gun in the process.)

There’s this phrase Penn and I say a lot when we’re overwhelmed making goofy internet videos—“It’s okay, we’re not saving lives.” But this week, we talk to a man who actually is saving lives and he needs us to help spread the word. Dr. David Fajgenbaum is the founder of Every Cure, a nonprofit that’s on a mission to do something that sounds impossible—use already-approved drugs to treat diseases they weren’t originally made for. Diagnosed with Castleman disease, Dr. David refused to accept that there was no cure. So, he saved his own life by repurposing existing medication and now he's on a mission to do the same for others.Using AI to search 75 million possible drug-disease combinations, they’re finding things to help with cancer and autism. They are all in clinical trials, but the results are promising. Because the medications are generic, there’s no big pharma marketing machine behind them. So they need our help to spread the word. Listen to the show where we hear more about Dr. David's story, his work, as

Penn and I have a daughter who is graduating high school and going to college in the fall. And I am doing totally fine, except the… chest pains… eye twitches… hair loss… (this is totally normal, right?) I process my emotions through preparation. I plot everything on the calendar and make all the Google Docs. Penn needs to process his emotions through, well… actually feeling them. He knows there’s a shift in our family dynamic coming and it’s making him sentimental. In this episode of Laugh Lines, we talk about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting a graduating high school senior and some fun distractions that are keeping us laughing. We discuss the chaos of senior sleepovers, why I want to give squirrels hemorrhoids, and we hear from fellow parents navigating this bittersweet season. Whether you’re a fellow Gen X parent or just listening to hear how I almost got impaled by a gnome, this episode may make you laugh, cry, or develop an eye twitch too. Thanks for being here ❤️ Want to leave us a message?

This week on Laugh Lines, Penn and I take a trip down memory lane with the most unhinged things Gen X did in the 90s. (Seriously… how are we even alive?) If you’ve ever gotten a late fee at Blockbuster or ridden in the back of a pickup truck without a seatbelt, this episode is for you. Welcome home. We heard from so many listeners who shared amazing stories: homecoming games with a live tiger from the zoo, going on cross-state road trips as teenagers, and even piling 20 college kids into the back of a U-Haul with a keg. (We survived but wow, we did some dumb stuff.)Despite the chaos, there’s so much we loved about growing up Gen X. Penn and I discuss our own unhinged memories, take your stories from the laugh line, and even talk about the stuff we should bring back. (Are we not letting kids be as independent now?) Also stay tuned for our special Gen Z 90s translations at the end! Have a story for us? Leave us a voicemail at 323-364-3929 or write the show at podcast@theholdernessfamily.com. You can also watch

If you’ve been here a while, you know your friend Kim walks with anxiety on a daily basis. I often have thought “if I could sleep through the night, eat enough protein, and manage my anxiety and emotions, I’d be unstoppable.” And that’s because anxiety has often stopped me — from resting, from focusing, from showing up the way I want to. My brand of anxiety can be debilitating at times. So how can you begin to manage anxiety and emotions?This week we invited our new friend Ethan Kross on the podcast to help give us tips on just that. Ethan is a psychologist, neuroscientist, and director of the Emotion and Self-Control Lab at the University of Michigan. He’s also the author of Chatter and Shift, all about taking control of your emotions and the voice in your head. We discuss how distance your self-talk, mentally “time travel” and ways Penn deals with emotional flooding due to ADHD.Stick around until the end when we take a call from the Laugh Line on all-inclusive resorts, talk about borgs, and Penn’s favorite