Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness

Rachel Feintzeig, award-winning journalist and former Wall Street Journal columnist who writes about parenting and work-life, joins the conversation. They unpack Maycember — the end-of-school chaos — and argue for aiming for “medium” effort on activities. They explore why parenting escalated into over-the-top events and whether small shifts can ease the pressure.

Dr. Richard Isaacson, a preventive neurologist who founded an Alzheimer’s prevention clinic, joins to discuss testing and prevention. He covers at‑home finger‑prick blood screens, timelines and costs for accessible biomarkers, practical prevention strategies, and why genes are not destiny. The conversation also tackles emotional realities, caregiving, and making prevention widely available.

Jen Hamilton, a labor and delivery nurse, author, and advocate behind the Hot Mess Express. She talks about her book Birth Vibes and what really happens in delivery rooms. Hear candid, funny takes on postpartum realities, how creating safety changes births, her nonprofit’s origin, viral moments, and a playful swaddle game.

Nostalgic dives into 90s music culture, CD booklets, and surprising song meanings. A candid conversation about a recent ADHD diagnosis and how it reshapes self-understanding. A playful mini segment about Artemis 2, astronauts, and the perspective of seeing Earth from space.

Tanner Smith, a joyful advocate on the autism spectrum and Love on the Spectrum personality, shares what autism can look like and how routines, passions, and patience shape his life. He talks about dinosaurs, daily systems, work and social activities, hopes for hosting and teaching, and his role with Wable promoting neurodivergent inclusion.

This week, Penn and I share some real-life updates from our house. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD at 50, which turns out… there were signs. I’m learning what that actually means for my brain, my emotions, and honestly, my entire life up to this point. (Something called “doom piles” should have honestly exposed my ADHD years ago.)Penn also shares an update on his journey to protect his brain health from Alzheimer’s. We talk about what he’s trying, what we’re learning, and how we’re thinking about the future. He has two copies of the APOE4 gene and has watched both of his parents succumb to the disease. To be clear, I would do witchcraft if it meant he will remember my name when we’re both in the retirement home. We bring back What Gen Zers Are Saying, Penn Compliments Men (shout out to Dan!), and a very relatable story on the Laugh Line about a deer, a college kid, and a callback. Thanks for laughing along with us. 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.Learn more about our new kids book!Hear Dan’s viral song parody!Visit Our ShopJoin Our NewsletterFind us on SubstackFollow us on InstagramFollow us on TikTokFollow us on FacebookLaugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness is an evolution of The Holderness Family Podcast, which began in 2018. Kim and Penn Holderness are award-winning online content creators known for their original music, song parodies, comedy sketches, and weekly podcasts. Their videos have resulted in over three billion views and over nine million followers since 2013. Penn and Kim are also authors of the New York Times Bestselling Books, ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD and All You Can Be With ADHD. They were also winners on The Amazing Race (Season 33) on CBS. Laugh Lines is hosted and executive produced by Kim Holderness and Penn Holderness, with original music by Penn Holderness. Laugh Lines is also written and produced by Ann Marie Taepke, and edited and produced by Sam Allen. It is hosted by Acast. Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Bowler, New York Times bestselling author and Duke divinity professor who studies stories of success and suffering. She reflects on living with stage IV cancer and defines “the ache.” The conversation explores the difference between happiness and surprise-filled joy. They share how laughter and unexpected moments appear even in hospitals and at deathbeds. Practical ways to invite more joy into ordinary days are discussed.

A 50th birthday celebration that blends gratitude, panic, and honest questions about aging. Surprise recorded messages from wiser friends add warmth and perspective. Reflections on expectations versus reality include dance classes, TikTok, and the Road to 50 goals. Listeners share what they thought they'd know by 50, and the episode closes with small celebrations and big reminders about love.

Dr. Christopher J. Allen (Sleep Dr. Chris), double board-certified in sleep medicine and pediatric neurology, helps decode why sleep shifts in midlife. He tackles circadian vs sleep drive, melatonin timing, and when to see a sleep specialist. The conversation covers obstructive sleep apnea across ages, ADHD-related sleep issues, debunking TikTok hacks, and practical bedroom tips for better rest.

Dr. Tamara Rosier, licensed counselor and ADHD expert who explains the emotional side of ADHD. She unpacks why feelings feel huge, uses memorable metaphors like the swimming pool and three-legged race, and explores family dynamics, parenting strategies, rejection sensitivity, perfectionism, and ways to widen emotional tolerance.