Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers

Episode: PHOEBE ROBINSON Got Thrown In a Trashcan

Date: January 13, 2026
Hosts: Seth Meyers & Josh Meyers
Guest: Phoebe Robinson

Episode Overview

This episode features comedian, author, and legendary podcaster Phoebe Robinson (2 Dope Queens, writer, standup special I Don’t Want to Work Anymore). The Meyers brothers dig into Phoebe’s childhood growing up in Bedford, Ohio, her close-knit (and hilarious) family, disastrous-yet-memorable family trips, marathon mishaps, and the eternal sibling rivalry. The conversation bounces between heartfelt family stories and sharp, irreverent humor—true to everyone’s comedic roots.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Birthday Catch-Up & Brotherhood Reflections

• The episode opens with Seth flying to LA to surprise Josh for his 50th birthday.
  • Notable moment: Seth admits the surprise was spoiled by his assistant but humorously confirms he “fired” then “rehired” her, setting the episode’s sarcastic, loving tone ([02:19-02:49]).
• The brothers share anecdotes about their family dynamic, napping traditions, and the significance of being together for life’s milestones ([05:04–05:33]).

Introducing Phoebe: Roots, Siblings, and Career

• Phoebe greets the hosts from Brooklyn; she’s from Bedford, Ohio, and confirms she’s been in New York since college at Pratt Institute ([08:12–08:45]).
• The Meyers brothers and Phoebe joke about their “Bedford” origins, with Josh quipping about how many Bedfords might exist in the US ([08:27–08:45]).
• Phoebe describes her family setup:
  • One older brother (four years difference), living near their parents with two kids ([10:04–10:14]).
  • The sibling dynamic: “We were kind of double trouble. Like, I definitely wanted to do whatever he was doing...” – Phoebe ([10:26–10:43]).
• Trashcan Story:
  • Phoebe famously recounts being put in a trashcan by her brother:
    • “He put me in a trash can and I deserved it 100%.” ([11:01–11:18])
  • She reflects on the wisdom of not fighting going into a trashcan and compares it humorously to adult life stress:
    • “Sometimes I feel like I’m in a trash can now...” ([11:48–11:55], [12:12])

Family Structure & Parental Love Story

• Phoebe reveals her parents’ unique love story:
  • “They met at a fast food restaurant... when she walked in, the shape of the room changed and I knew she was the one.” – Phoebe ([13:51–14:18])
  • Her dad’s four-year age gap (“she was like, ‘boy, get the hell out of here!’”), their enduring bond, role reversal (mom worked; dad raised the kids) ([14:18–15:17]).
  • Parents’ phone contact names: “My love” vs “Philip Sr.”—a hilarious example of sentimentalism vs. pragmatism ([15:34–16:29]).

Early Signs of a Performer?

• Despite being funny, Phoebe wasn't a typical "class clown" or theater kid ([18:21–18:35]).
  • Standup was an accident: “I never thought about doing it… a girlfriend of mine wanted to take a class at Caroline’s, and that’s how I started.” ([19:21–19:26])

Parental Support for Comedy Careers

• Phoebe’s parents have always supported her and her brother as long as they were self-sufficient ([19:47–20:09]).
  • “A lot of people don’t have that... parents who just fight against whatever their kids’ dreams are.” – Phoebe ([19:55–20:09])
  • “They saw me do a show in Cleveland... I would never have them see me now. My material is just so… it’s too much!” – Phoebe ([20:33–20:50])

Family Trips: The Trashcan, Niagara Falls, and Sibling Wars

• Family traveled to places like Niagara Falls:
  • “Back in Ohio in the early ‘90s… going to Niagara Falls is like going to Paris.” – Phoebe ([26:46])
  • Classic sibling backseat shenanigans: “He would always be like, ‘you were adopted. Nobody wanted you.’” ([27:36])
• Comparing sibling rivalries:
  • The Meyers brothers reflect on their own incidents: “Josh chased me with a golf club once...” ([28:39–29:04])
  • Seth recalls being the responsible older brother, Josh the “rules kid” ([29:24–29:56]).

Grandparents and Family Legacy

• Both Phoebe and the Meyers brothers had little connection to their grandparents, due either to “bad people” or distance—a source for some darkly funny asides ([30:41–31:32]).

The Bizarre World of Marathoning & Family Poop Stories

• Phoebe, an avid marathoner, swaps tales with Seth—both have endured bodily betrayals while running.
  • “People who don’t run don’t understand how much a poop schedule becomes an obsession.” – Phoebe ([35:05])
• Phoebe has run marathons in places like Tokyo (“the best time!”), New York City (“so hard!”), and plans to run Philadelphia next.
  • “Tokyo was such a magical… great experience. In New York, there are ‘rolling hills’ the whole way.” ([35:38-37:46])
• On running mishaps: “I made it about 10 miles, then collapsed against what was probably a Volvo… thank God I’m anonymous here.” – Seth ([37:56–38:48])

Sibling Support, Reading, and Libraries

• Phoebe grew up loving libraries and books (“there’s something great about the Dewey decimal system and smelling old ass books… it’s an event” ([45:48–46:35])).
• All recall the joy of summer reading, Scholastic Book Fairs, and the difference between reading for school and for pleasure ([45:12–47:17]).

Family Food Habits & Vegan Pact

• The Meyers brothers tease Josh about his veganism, which is then echoed by Phoebe’s parents: “I feel bad eating meat... but I just like going to any restaurant and eating anything.” ([53:45–54:17])
• Phoebe and Seth tentatively agree to try veganism for a month:
  • “Let’s make a commitment right here, right now... we are going to try in January 2026...” – Phoebe ([55:06])

More Ohio Fairs, State Fairs, and Everyday Joys

• Nostalgic tales of state fairs (“There’s a Polaroid of my brother and I on donkeys. I couldn’t have been happier.” – Phoebe ([51:58]))
• Her parents let the kids run wild, eating all the “funnel cake and cotton candy” ([52:45–53:08])
• The importance of humble vacations, local trips, family bonding over extravagance ([44:10–44:48]).

Speed Round: Phoebe’s Quick Takes

• Ideal vacation: “Relaxing.” ([58:25])
• Transportation of choice: “Walking. I prefer walking cities.” ([58:29])
• Dream family to travel with: “The Obamas.” ([58:48])
• Desert island companion: “My niece. She’s so funny and smart.” ([59:01])
• Pitch for Bedford, Ohio: “Solid food, houses with driveways, basketball, ‘skip it’—food’s a solid six. Never great but never bad.” ([59:47])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On family sibling drama:

  • “He put me in a trash can and I deserved it 100%.” – Phoebe ([11:01])
  • “Do you ever get so busy with work that you kind of wish you were back in the trash can?” – Seth ([11:36])

• On parental relationships:

  • “[My dad] has my mom in his phone as ‘my love.’ I go, ‘Mom, what do you have dad as in your phone?’ She goes, ‘Philip Sr.’” – Phoebe ([15:34])
  • “Madly in love—or mad and in love.” – Seth ([16:29])

• On marathon running:

  • “My right shin started to fail me, then my right hamstring, then my right ankle...I flew my parents out and started crying. This is kind of hell.” – Phoebe, on the NYC Marathon ([36:07])
  • “In Tokyo, everyone’s out but they’re not LOUD. Not like New York. But running through the city is amazing.” – Phoebe ([40:03–40:49])

• On veganism:

  • “I don’t even like the taste of meat, I just get off on eating a dead thing... It’s the power.” – Seth ([54:17])
  • “Let’s make a commitment right here, right now...in January 2026 for a month.” – Phoebe ([55:06])

• On Bedfords:

  • “ChatGPT, how many states have a Bedford?” – Seth ([08:27])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening / Brothers’ Birthday Catch-Up: [00:00–07:36]
• Phoebe Joins, Childhood & Family: [07:57–13:10]
• Trashcan Incident / Sibling Rivalry: [10:47–11:36]
• Phoebe’s Parents’ Love Story: [13:51–15:17]
• Becoming a Standup by Accident: [18:21–19:26]
• First Big Family Trips & Niagara Falls: [26:28–28:07]
• Sibling Rivalry & Family Poop Stories: [28:31–35:06]
• Running & Marathon Stories: [35:06–41:25]
• State Fairs & Simple Joys: [51:47–53:08]
• Speed Round / Quick Takes: [58:15–60:32]
• Wrapping Up: [60:32–end]

Summary

A warm, lively, and sharply funny episode, this conversation with Phoebe Robinson is packed with stories that blend family chaos, sibling love, and the awkward hilarity of growing up. From physical trashcan throwdowns to tender marathon encouragement, Phoebe’s self-deprecating wit and openness blend perfectly with Seth and Josh’s dynamic. Whether reliving state fair memories, laughing about running-induced accidents, or debating the merits of vegan living, this episode is as much about family connection as about travel disasters. A must-listen for anyone who cherishes sibling bonds, real talk about the ties that bind, and a comedic lens on life’s “trash can” moments.