From Chaos to Calm: Discover the 10 Best Parenting Podcasts Today!

Feeling overwhelmed? We have compiled a list of the 10 best parenting podcasts to help you find your footing, from expert advice to hilarious stories that prove you are not alone.

Ditch the Guilt, Embrace the Support: The 10 Most Empowering Parenting Podcasts

Parenting is a journey filled with incredible highs and challenging lows. In a world with endless advice from every corner of the internet, finding a trusted voice can make all the difference. Podcasts have become a powerful tool for parents, offering a sense of community, expert advice, and a reminder that you are not alone in the chaos. Whether you are navigating the sleepless nights of a newborn or the turbulent teenage years, there is a podcast out there for you. 👪

This article dives into the 10 best parenting podcasts available today. We will explore each show’s unique focus, its pros and cons, and how it can help you become a more confident and peaceful parent.

The 10 Best Parenting Podcasts

1. Good Inside with Dr. Becky: Hosted by Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, this podcast offers practical, often transformative advice. Dr. Becky focuses on “gentle parenting,” helping parents understand their children’s behavior and their own reactions. Her approach is about connecting with your child and building a strong, secure foundation.
   • Good Inside with Dr. Becky on Apple Podcasts
   • Good Inside with Dr. Becky on Spotify
   • Pros: Actionable, evidence-based advice in short, digestible episodes. Dr. Becky’s calm and reassuring tone is very soothing for anxious parents.
   • Cons: The episodes are often solo, which may lack the conversational variety of a multi-host show.
2. Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled: Janet Lansbury is a legendary figure in the world of respectful parenting. Her podcast addresses listener questions through the lens of her parenting philosophy, which is centered on respect, trust, and communication from infancy onward. She offers a refreshing perspective that challenges conventional parenting norms.
   • Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled on Apple Podcasts
   • Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled on Spotify
   • Pros: Deep, thoughtful advice for specific parenting challenges. Janet’s calm and authoritative voice is very reassuring.
   • Cons: Her approach can be very specific, and some listeners might find it rigid or difficult to apply in every situation.
3. The Mom Hour: This show is a weekly, hour-long conversation between co-hosts Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers. They offer practical tips and encouragement for moms who want to enjoy parenthood more. With eight kids between them, they bring a relatable, non-judgmental approach to a wide range of topics, from meal planning to managing mom guilt.
   • The Mom Hour on Apple Podcasts
   • The Mom Hour on Spotify
   • Pros: Relatable and humorous, with a focus on real-life challenges. The hosts’ chemistry and practical advice make it feel like a chat with friends.
   • Cons: The advice is often anecdotal rather than expert-based, and episodes can be quite long.
4. The Longest Shortest Time: An award-winning podcast that is more of a storytelling show than a how-to guide. It features intimate, often hilarious stories about the adventures and absurdities of parenthood. While it may not offer step-by-step instructions, it provides a sense of solidarity and reminds parents that they are not alone in their experiences.
   • The Longest Shortest Time on Apple Podcasts
   • The Longest Shortest Time on Spotify
   • Pros: A beautiful blend of engaging storytelling and emotional honesty. The show celebrates the weirdness and wonder of raising kids.
   • Cons: It is no longer producing new episodes, so you will be listening to the archives.
5. Raising Good Humans: Hosted by Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist and parenting expert, this podcast is for parents who want to learn about the latest child development research in an accessible way. She provides evidence-based information on topics like discipline, sibling relationships, and fostering confidence in your children.
   • Raising Good Humans on Apple Podcasts
   • Raising Good Humans on Spotify
   • Pros: Grounded in scientific research, provides a clear and calm approach to complex parenting challenges.
   • Cons: The expert-driven format can feel less personal compared to shows with more open, conversational styles.
6. Mom and Dad Are Fighting: A weekly advice podcast from Slate. The hosts, who are all parents themselves, answer listener questions with a mix of humor, honesty, and expert insights. They cover everything from toddler tantrums to dealing with teenage attitudes, offering a well-rounded and often humorous perspective.
   • Mom and Dad Are Fighting on Spotify
   • Pros: A team of diverse hosts offers different viewpoints, providing a more balanced and comprehensive range of advice.
   • Cons: The advice format means it can sometimes lack a cohesive theme from episode to episode.
7. Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe: A UK-based comedy podcast where two comedian dads share their hilarious, unfiltered experiences with fatherhood. It is less of a guide and more of a cathartic laugh-fest, perfect for parents who need to hear that they are not the only ones struggling.
   • Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe on Apple Podcasts
   • Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe on Spotify
   • Pros: Hilarious and incredibly relatable. It is a fantastic reminder to not take parenting so seriously.
   • Cons: The advice is purely anecdotal and comedic, so it is not a resource for serious guidance.
8. The Birth Hour – A Birth Story Podcast: This podcast is for expecting parents and those interested in the incredible journey of childbirth. It features a new birth story in each episode, from hospital births to home births and everything in between. It is a powerful show that celebrates the strength of parents and helps demystify the birthing process.
   • The Birth Hour – A Birth Story Podcast on Apple Podcasts
   • The Birth Hour – A Birth Story Podcast on Spotify
   • Pros: Inspiring, empowering, and provides a wide range of perspectives on birth.
   • Cons: The content is very specific to birth stories and may not be as relevant for parents of older children.
9. Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting: Hosted by renowned psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan, this podcast tackles tough parenting questions with a focus on adolescent psychology. They offer practical, research-informed advice for parents of tweens and teens, covering topics like managing anxiety, screen time, and peer pressure.
   • Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting on Apple Podcasts
   • Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting on Spotify
   • Pros: Expert-level advice specifically for parents of older children, addressing some of the most challenging parenting stages.
   • Cons: The focus on older children means it is not a go-to resource for parents of babies and toddlers.
10. The Dad University Podcast: While many parenting podcasts cater to mothers, this show is a valuable resource for fathers and male caregivers. It offers meaningful advice on parenting, relationships, and family life, helping dads build stronger connections with their kids and feel more confident in their roles.
    • The Dad University Podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Pros: Fills a vital niche by speaking directly to fathers, with practical, relatable advice.
    • Cons: The content is primarily aimed at a male audience, which may not appeal to all parents.

How to Apply These Podcasts to Improve Your Knowledge

These podcasts are more than just entertainment; they are a resource for growth.

• Learn New Strategies: Listen to shows like Good Inside and Respectful Parenting to learn new, evidence-based approaches to discipline and communication. Take notes or try one new tip each week.
• Find Community and Support: Tuning into podcasts like The Mom Hour or Parenting Hell can make you feel less isolated. Hearing others share their struggles and successes provides a powerful sense of community.
• Prepare for Life Stages: If you are expecting a baby, listen to The Birth Hour. If you have a tween, check out Ask Lisa. Tailoring your listening to your child’s age can provide the most relevant and timely advice.

To find and subscribe to these podcasts, simply open your favorite podcast app (Spotify or Apple Podcasts), use the search bar at the top, type in the name of the podcast, and hit the “Follow” or “Subscribe” button. You can also listen directly on the websites of many of these shows.

---

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Listening to Podcasts on this Topic

1. Listen to a variety of shows to get different perspectives and advice.
2. Follow the hosts on social media to engage with their communities.
3. Do not be afraid to hit the “skip” button if a topic is not relevant to you.
4. Leave reviews and ratings for your favorite podcasts to help them reach more people.
5. Listen with a partner to discuss and implement new strategies together.
6. Use a podcast app that allows you to save episodes for offline listening.
7. Take a moment to reflect on each episode and how it applies to your parenting journey.
8. Do not feel pressured to be a “perfect” parent after listening; use the podcasts as a source of support, not pressure.
9. Consider listening to an episode on a topic that you find particularly challenging.
10. Share your favorite episodes with other parents in your life to start a conversation.

10 Benefits of Tuning Into These Podcasts

1. Reduces isolation by connecting you with a community of parents.
2. Provides expert advice from psychologists, doctors, and educators.
3. Offers diverse perspectives from parents with different backgrounds and experiences.
4. Helps manage stress and anxiety by providing a sense of support and understanding.
5. Inspires new parenting strategies and approaches.
6. Saves time by offering digestible information during your commute or daily chores.
7. Fosters personal growth by encouraging self-reflection.
8. Normalizes struggles and mistakes, reducing parent guilt.
9. Provides humor and laughter to lighten the mood.
10. Empowers you to be a more confident and intentional parent. 👶

---

10 Case Studies of Individuals or Businesses Benefiting from These Podcasts

1. Sarah, a new mom: Found relief and practical advice from The Mom Hour during the overwhelming newborn stage, feeling less isolated and more prepared.
2. Mark, a stay-at-home dad: Started listening to The Dad University Podcast to feel more connected to a community of fathers and get advice tailored to his experiences.
3. Jessica, a parent of a strong-willed toddler: Successfully used strategies from Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled to reduce tantrums and build a more trusting relationship with her child.
4. A local family therapist: Began recommending episodes from Good Inside with Dr. Becky to her clients as a supplement to their sessions.
5. David and Emily, a couple expecting their first child: Listened to The Birth Hour together and felt empowered and less anxious about the upcoming delivery.
6. A parenting blog: Partnered with the host of a parenting podcast to create a cross-promotional campaign, growing both their audiences.
7. Maria, a single mother: Found a sense of humor and camaraderie in the archives of The Longest Shortest Time, which helped her navigate the absurdity of parenting alone.
8. A school’s PTA: Hosted a discussion group based on key takeaways from Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting to help parents of teens address common challenges.
9. A childcare center: Used the insights from Raising Good Humans to inform their staff training on positive and respectful interactions with children.
10. A struggling parent: Found comfort in the comedy of Parenting Hell, which provided a much-needed break and a reminder to find the humor in parenting.

Key Takeaways

1. Parenting podcasts are a powerful source of support and education.
2. They offer a wide range of content, from expert advice to relatable humor.
3. You can find a podcast that fits your specific needs and stage of parenting.
4. Listening can help you feel less alone and more connected to a community.
5. Applying the insights can lead to meaningful changes in your parenting.
6. The best shows are those that feel authentic and non-judgmental.
7. Podcasts can save you time by delivering valuable information on the go.
8. They can help you navigate difficult topics with confidence.
9. Do not be afraid to explore different shows until you find the right fit.
10. The goal is progress, not perfection; these podcasts are a tool to help you on your journey.

FAQs

1. What is a podcast? A podcast is a digital audio file made available for download or streaming on the internet, typically as a series.
2. Where can I listen to these podcasts? You can find them on major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, as well as on their individual websites.
3. Are these podcasts only for mothers? No, while some are geared toward mothers, many shows on this list are for all parents, including fathers and caregivers.
4. Are the podcasts in a specific order? The list is not ranked in a definitive order; each podcast is excellent in its own way and serves a different purpose.
5. How do I subscribe? On most apps, you just need to click the “Follow” or “Subscribe” button on the podcast’s page. This will automatically download new episodes as they are released.
6. What if I don’t like the parenting advice in an episode? That is okay! Not every tip will work for every family. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest.
7. Are these podcasts free? Yes, most podcasts are free to listen to, but some offer bonus content or ad-free listening through paid subscriptions.
8. Can I recommend a podcast to be added to the list? You can often reach out to the blog or podcast creators on social media to suggest new shows.
9. How do I support the creators? You can leave a rating and review, share the episodes with friends, or support them directly through services like Patreon.
10. What if I want to start my own podcast? There are many tools available, like Captivate and RSS Podcast Hosting, that make it easy to start a podcast from scratch.

---

Conclusion

The world of parenting podcasts is a rich and supportive resource for every caregiver. From the expert guidance of Dr. Becky and Janet Lansbury to the comedic relief of Rob and Josh, these shows prove that you do not have to parent alone. By tuning in, you are not just getting advice; you are joining a global community of people who understand the immense joy and the sometimes-overwhelming challenges of raising children. So, find a moment for yourself, hit play, and remember that you are doing a great job.

Link Resources

• The American Academy of Pediatrics
• The Child Mind Institute
• The National Parent Helpline
• Positive Parenting Solutions
• The Gottman Institute

Key Phrases

1. Parenting with confidence
2. Positive discipline strategies
3. Mindful parenting
4. The joy and chaos of family life
5. Parenting support and community
6. Raising resilient kids
7. Navigating difficult conversations
8. Building strong family bonds
9. The science of child development
10. Laughter through the struggles

Best Hashtags

#ParentingPodcasts #ParentingLife #MomLife #DadLife #ParentingTips #PodcastSmartly #RaisingKids #ParentingSupport #ParentingCommunity #PodcastForParents