In this snack-sized episode, Tara Clark of Modern Mom Probs returns to chat with Ophira Eisenberg about saying no (or more often, yes) to their kids, why the tween years might actually be the sweet spot of parenting, and how a learner-led school changed everything for her 12-year-old son. Tara opens up about resisting the urge to fast-forward conversations with her son—even when he's explaining every last Marvel Rivals stat—and the pressure moms feel to be constantly engaged. They also revisit the rise and fall of the "wine-in-a-sippy-cup" era of mom culture (good riddance), discuss whether microdosing is a modern coping mechanism or just another trend, and laugh about being labeled “boring” for not partying like it’s 2010. Most importantly, Tara speaks to the loneliness so many moms feel and how the lack of in-person community and constant comparison on social media makes things worse. Her advice? Put on pants, leave the house, and find your people—even if it starts with guac and iced coffee.
Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode!
Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.
📍 May Shows are in NYC, Iowa, Halifax Comedy Festival, NJ, and Seattle! Details at https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com
Follow Tara Clark:https://www.instagram.com/modernmomprobs/
See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events/
SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up
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https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc
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23:08
Tara Clark Shifts From Mama to Bro
In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with parenting content creator, meme queen, and Modern Mom Probs founder Tara Clark for a dynamic, deeply relatable conversation about the evolution of modern motherhood. From Tara’s early days running Nickelodeon’s social media and literally being the voice of Dora the Explorer on Facebook, to launching a meme empire built on honest parenting humor, this episode traces the hilarious and frustrating truths of parenting in the digital age. Tara shares why she left NYC for the suburbs, how her son's preschool closure reshaped their lives, and how her viral quote about the shift from “mama” to “bro” got endlessly merchandised—without credit. They also unpack why sleep training ignites online firestorms, how humor in mom content has shifted from wine memes to mental health, and why the algorithm can’t handle jokes about moms doing cocaine (yes, really). Plus, Tara opens up about infertility, her only-child household dynamic, and how pelvic health, social media rules for kids, and late diagnosis conversations are reshaping what moms actually talk about today.
Thank you to Lumen for sponsoring this episode!
Head to http://lumen.me/JOKE for 15% off your purchase.
📍 May Shows are in NYC, Iowa, Halifax Comedy Festival, NJ, and Seattle! Details at https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com
Follow Tara Clark:https://www.instagram.com/modernmomprobs/
See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events/
SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up
Follow PIAJ:
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ram.com/parentingisajoke/
https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/
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https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc
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54:09
Jake Johannsen is Parenting With Heckler Skills
In this heartfelt and funny episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with legendary stand-up comedian Jake Johannsen, whose record 45 appearances on Letterman only scratch the surface of his storytelling chops. Jake opens up about raising his daughter while balancing a touring career, how the pandemic and his wife's multiple myeloma diagnosis reshaped their family dynamic, and the surprising parenting wisdom he picked up from decades of dealing with hecklers. He shares raw moments about sleeping in a camper during his wife's treatment, the emotional challenges his daughter faced, and how humor became their lifeline. Jake also reflects on his Midwestern upbringing, his teenage daughter’s bold independence (including sending him packing on move-in day at Trinity College Dublin), and why a Flowbee haircut is still his signature style. Packed with real stories, laughter, and lessons in resilience, this episode is a masterclass in showing up for your family—even when life turns upside down.
📍 May Shows are in NYC, Iowa, Halifax Comedy Festival, NJ, and Seattle! Details at https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com
See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events/
SUBSCRIBE so you never miss O thing: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/sign-up
Follow PIAJ:
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https://parentingisajoke.substack.com/
Follow Ophira:
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https://www.facebook.com/OphiraEisenberg/
https://www.tiktok.com/@ophiranyc
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36:52
Live from PodJam: Parenting, Potty Training, and How to Talk to Kids About Politics
Recorded live from PodJam in Henderson, Nevada, this special episode of Parenting is a Joke features Ophira Eisenberg hosting a lively panel of working moms—Desiree Goble, Rachel Spitz, Kim Nyborg, and Ty Vosslership—who bring real-world parenting tales from all corners of the U.S. They swap stories about managing chaotic departures to attend PodJam, mean girl drama in middle school, sleep training regrets, the challenges of potty training a stubborn toddler, and even the emotional rollercoaster of raising kids with anxiety and OCD. The panelists share how they talk to their children about current events, including one standout conversation about teaching kids to assess politics by asking, "Does it help or hurt?" Plus, Ophira gets surprised by a guest appearance from Dr. Aaron Carroll, who reassures parents about delayed potty training and puts breastfeeding pressure into perspective. From freezer-stashed breastmilk jewelry plans to a hilarious “balance of the fucks” parenting philosophy, this episode is a relatable snapshot of modern parenting's daily victories and absurdities. Special thanks to Pete Dominick for making it all happen!
📍 May Shows are in NYC, Iowa, Halifax Comedy Festival, NJ, and Seattle! Details at https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com
Follow and Listen to Stand Up with Pete! :https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stand-up-with-pete-dominick/id1485475085
See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events/
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52:59
David Cross and Amber Tamblyn Value Art and Granola Bars
In this special return episode, David Cross and Amber Tamblyn join Ophira Eisenberg for a lively conversation about their creative household, balancing big careers with raising their daughter, and the unexpected side effects of school lunch anxiety. David talks about his hands-on parenting style and the limits of “gentle parenting” when a 4-year-old starts giving ultimatums, while Amber shares the surreal moment of explaining her teenage friendship with Hillary Clinton to their daughter. They open up about their collaborative dynamic, what it's like having a kid with two artists as parents, and the occasional need to pretend a granola bar is a “treat.” With plenty of laughs and thoughtful observations, this episode offers a rare peek into the rhythms of family life with two powerhouse creatives.
📍 April Shows are in NYC, OH, and Las Vegas! Details at https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com
Follow David Cross: https://www.instagram.com/davidcrossofficial/
Follow Amber Tamblyn: https://www.instagram.com/amberrosetamblyn/
See Ophira LIVE: https://www.ophiraeisenberg.com/events/
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Follow PIAJ:
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You know when you talk to your friends about your childhood and end it by saying, "But look at us, we're fine!" Here's my question: Are we fine? Because we're sitting here doused in CBD oil under a weighted blanket recording a podcast called Parenting is a Joke. Each week, host and standup Ophira Eisenberg talks to a different comedian about their career and their kids. Conversations tackle the tooth fairy, eating sticks, summer camp anxiety, the hidden horrors of childbirth, and the obvious horrors of our own childhoods. We celebrate the absurdity of shuffling a career with raising a kid, and highlight less traditional parenthood journeys, all while relishing in the fact that no one knows what they're doing, but we're all trying! Sometimes even our best. New episodes every Tuesday. New Season October 1st.
France