Podcast Summary: Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness Episode: Fart Walks, Birds, & Squirrels
Release Date: July 8, 2025

1. Introduction to Topics

In this episode of Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness, hosts Kim and Penn delve into humorous and relatable topics surrounding aging, mental health, and everyday challenges. While the episode is peppered with light-hearted banter and comedic segments, it also touches on significant themes such as perimenopause, mental well-being, and the joys and trials of parenthood.

2. Women and Aging: The "We Do Not Care Club" (07:02 – 10:48)

One of the central themes of the episode is embracing aging with humor and letting go of societal expectations. Kim introduces the concept of the "We Do Not Care Club," inspired by Melanie Sanders' viral video, which resonates particularly with women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Notable Quotes:

• Kim Holderness (07:02):
  "I started this club called the We Do Not Care Club. And this is for anybody going through perimenopause and menopause."

• Kim Holderness (07:26):
  "There's an army of women who have decided at this stage in life that, like, things we do not care about."

• Penn Holderness (10:05):
  "Yes. Yeah, it does. And you are like, you're getting there. You're just intrinsically one of the most caring people I've ever met."

Together, Kim and Penn discuss how this mindset shift—where women allow themselves to stop worrying about traditionally feminine concerns like bras, matching clothes, and visible panty lines—can lead to greater freedom and a lighter approach to life.

3. Guest Spotlight: Marilyn Smith and the Fart Walks (14:38 – 26:05)

The episode features a humorous and engaging interview with Marilyn Smith, affectionately known as the "Fart Walk Lady." Marilyn shares her lighthearted approach to aging and the benefits of her unique post-dinner routine.

Notable Quotes:

• Marilyn Smith (15:09):
  "Going for a fart walk after dinner is something that's going to help you age wonderfully."

• Marilyn Smith (16:30):
  "I started calling it the fart walk because it happened. I started farting really loud when I turned 50. It's like an epiphany."

• Marilyn Smith (18:24):
  "So if you walked after every meal, like about 20 minutes after you ate anything, you're going to force the glucose that's in your bloodstream to go into your muscles and then your pancreas doesn't have to do so much work."

Marilyn humorously explains the physical benefits of fart walks, such as aiding digestion and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, while also emphasizing the social aspect of reconnecting with her husband during their walks. The conversation is filled with laughter, shedding light on how embracing natural bodily functions can contribute to better health and stronger relationships.

4. Birding and Backyard Battles: Dr. Lauren Benedict on Birds and Squirrels (27:00 – 37:49)

Transitioning from humor to nature, Kim and Penn invite Dr. Lauren Benedict, a professor and expert on bird songs, to discuss bird behavior and their interactions with squirrels in backyards. This segment offers insightful tips for amateur birders and homeowners dealing with persistent squirrel invasions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Lauren Benedict (28:01):
  "I spent my summer interning with the Ottoman Society, where I was tasked with finding baby plovers and ensuring their survival."

• Kim Holderness (32:04):
  "So the we do not care club is just a bunch of women giving ourselves permission to live life like men."

• Dr. Lauren Benedict (36:35):
  "Birds don't have the taste receptors for capsaicins that mammals have. So they just don't even taste it."

Dr. Benedict provides practical advice on enhancing birdwatching experiences, such as exploring different habitats and understanding bird calls. She also addresses the challenge of keeping squirrels away from bird feeders without harming them, explaining why certain deterrents like spicy bird seed are effective on squirrels but harmless to birds. The discussion balances informative content with the hosts' playful attempts to relate bird behavior to their own backyard issues.

5. What's Making Us Laugh: Top Five Laughter Sources (41:00 – 50:00)

Towards the end of the episode, Penn shares his Top Five Things That Make Him Laugh, highlighting a mix of nostalgic humor and contemporary funny content.

Highlights:

1. Old News Bloopers (41:19):
   "Just look up old news bloopers on YouTube, they're unbelievable."
   The hosts reminisce about amusing on-air mistakes that never made it to the blooper reels.

2. Japanese Game Shows (42:20):
   Penn describes the over-the-top practical jokes featured in Japanese game shows, emphasizing their creativity and universal humor appeal.

3. Children's Rants (43:32):
   "When your child discovers a form of comedy that works, there is probably nothing better in the world."
   The humor in watching their child, Lola, hilariously rant about trivial matters like sports scoring systems.

4. Bad Lip Reading (44:10):
   The hosts discuss the viral Bad Lip Reading YouTube channel, specifically praising their creative reinterpretations of popular media through humorous dubbed conversations.

5. Tom Cruise Running Scenes (47:02):
   "Every scene you're like, okay, this isn't going to get any more ridiculous."
   Penn finds endless amusement in compilations of Tom Cruise's excessive running scenes from the Mission Impossible series.

This segment showcases the hosts' ability to find laughter in both the absurd and the everyday, reinforcing the podcast's theme of aging gracefully with humor.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Kim and Penn reflect on the joy of finding humor in life's various stages and challenges. They reiterate the importance of laughter in maintaining mental and emotional well-being as they navigate aging, parenthood, and personal interests.

Notable Quotes:

• Kim Holderness (50:27):
  "Our kids are exploring the world in new ways. It's a beautiful whirlwind journey."

• Penn Holderness (50:34):
  "So it doesn't need all that. Get the new iPhone 16e available at Apple Store locations and the Apple Store online."
  (Note: This is part of the ad read and can be excluded from content-focused summaries.)

The episode emphasizes the value of community, shared experiences, and embracing both the humorous and serious aspects of life. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast by sharing their own stories and maintaining an open line of communication through voicemails and emails.

Overall, "Fart Walks, Birds, & Squirrels" is a delightful blend of humor, practical advice, and heartfelt conversations that encapsulate the essence of aging with grace and laughter. Whether discussing the liberation of letting go of societal pressures, the health benefits of unique routines, or the simple joys of birdwatching, Kim and Penn Holderness create an engaging and relatable listening experience for their audience.