Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness
Episode: Graduation & Fun Distractions
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Aging Gracefully and Embracing Change
In this heartfelt episode, Kim and Penn Holderness delve into the nuances of aging, emphasizing the importance of navigating life's transitions with humor and grace. They open the conversation by addressing menopause and perimenopause, sharing personal experiences and offering support to listeners undergoing similar changes.
Kim Holderness [02:00]: "If you're a woman over 40, it can also bring some less desirable things like hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog, moodiness, and weight gain."
Penn Holderness [02:12]: "MIDI clinicians are menopause experts. They are equipped to support you with safe, effective, FDA-approved medications as well as supplements, lifestyle coaching, and preventative health guidance."
The couple highlights MIDI Health as a valuable resource for those seeking specialized care during hormonal transitions, underscoring the availability of telehealth services and insurance coverage.
Celebrating Daughter Lola’s Graduation
A significant portion of the episode centers around the emotional journey of sending their daughter, Lola, off to college. Kim shares her mixed emotions, balancing excitement with the anxiety of becoming empty nesters.
Kim Holderness [06:42]: "We're dragging a little this morning because she had 12 of her best friends sleepover... I was out walking my dog and wondered if I'm broken, but I have not cried yet."
Penn Holderness [08:20]: "I'm cool with it. Lola's ready to go. She's processing it better than either of us are."
The hosts candidly discuss their coping mechanisms, such as creating packing lists and focusing on the positive aspects of Lola’s independence, while also addressing the physical manifestations of their stress.
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Kim and Penn use humor to navigate the challenging emotions associated with their daughter’s upcoming departure. They share a comedic sketch titled “My Wife during Graduation,” portraying Kim’s attempts to mask her anxiety with exaggerated calmness.
Kim Holderness [11:22]: "I am having some physical symptoms... but I'm totally fine."
Penn Holderness [11:24]: "Yay. Can you call the ambulance?"
This segment underscores their ability to find laughter amid emotional turmoil, resonating with listeners who may be experiencing similar feelings.
Book and Publishing Updates
The Holderness family celebrates the success of their book, ADHD Is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD, which is now being translated and published in multiple languages. They express excitement about the international reach and the different interpretations of their work.
Kim Holderness [05:06]: "It's very exciting. I have to say, I would love somebody in Korea who buys this in a book stand to translate what perhaps that cover meant."
Interactive Segments and Listener Engagement
The episode features several engaging segments that encourage listener participation:
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Are We Too Old For…: Initially a playful take on age-related activities, Kim suggests rebranding the segment to “Are We Too Wise For…” to better reflect their perspective on aging with wisdom rather than limitations.
Kim Holderness [19:51]: "I don't want to be told I'm too old for something... so we change this segment to 'Are we too wise for things.'"
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Gen Z Slang of the Week: The hosts humorously explore and explain contemporary Gen Z slang, often leading to amusing misunderstandings.
Kim Holderness [30:37]: "Rizzler evolved from rizzo, meaning charisma... your parents just confuse the heck out of your kids."
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Top Five Graduation Lists: Penn shares his top five things he's ready to graduate from, ranging from Monday morning moods to high school football, while Kim reveals her own set of goals and reflections.
Penn Holderness [34:33]: "The number one thing I'm ready to graduate from in high school is... tennis."
Listener Call-Ins and Feedback
The episode includes heartfelt listener voicemails, such as Jenny from Ohio, who praises the podcast for its humor and relatability, even though she doesn't typically listen to podcasts.
Jenny [46:05]: "I loved being able to watch it... it was great and funny... keep doing it."
Closing Remarks and Future Plans
Kim and Penn share their excitement about future adventures as empty nesters, hinting at the possibility of taking the podcast on the road. They maintain their signature blend of humor and sincerity, leaving listeners with a sense of community and anticipation for what’s to come.
Kim Holderness [42:24]: "We're going on the road. Maybe we'll be in Paris, you guys."
Key Takeaways:
- Embracing Aging: Aging brings both challenges and opportunities for growth, and approaching it with humor can make transitions smoother.
- Coping with Change: Preparing for significant life changes, like children moving out, involves a mix of emotional processing and practical planning.
- Engaging Content: Interactive segments and listener feedback are integral to creating a relatable and entertaining podcast experience.
Notable Quotes:
- “You're too wise for things.” – Kim Holderness [19:51]
- “This is your podcast. You're home.” – Kim Holderness [04:30]
- “I love a misheard song lyric.” – Kim Holderness [29:19]
Connect with Kim & Penn Holderness:
- Voicemail: 323-364-3929
- Email: podcast@theholdernessfamily.com
- Website: theholdernessfamily.com
Stay tuned for more episodes as Kim and Penn continue to explore the lighter side of aging and family life, bringing laughter and wisdom to their ever-growing community.