Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness
Episode: The Best Part About Getting Older
Release Date: March 18, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode of Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness, hosts Kim and Penn delve deep into the multifaceted journey of aging. Embracing the theme of "aging better together," they share personal anecdotes, expert insights, and interactive segments that celebrate the positive aspects of growing older. With the help of their producer, Ann Marie Tapke, they also introduce a fun "March Madness" style bracket to determine the best parts of getting older.

Embracing Health and Aging Positively

The episode kicks off with a candid discussion about Penn's recent colonoscopy. Kim emphasizes the importance of regular health screenings, stating:

Kim Holderness (06:26): "You know, this is such an important test, and all of those cancer screenings are so important."

Penn shares his relief and the outcomes of his procedure, highlighting the significance of proactive health measures:

Penn Holderness (06:07): "So I know it sounds scary, but everything was negative. He said it didn't have cancer, but it was the type that they would call precancerous."

Life Improves with Age

Transitioning from health to overall well-being, Kim and Penn discuss how life has generally gotten better with age, despite some inevitable physical changes. Penn reflects:

Penn Holderness (06:52): "I'm happier now than I was 10 years ago."

Kim adds her perspective on the newfound freedom that comes with age:

Kim Holderness (07:45): "I have a lot of life left to live, but at this point, I feel like I've earned the right to decide what type of work I wanna do, who I want to hang out with."

Connecting with the Audience: "Years Old" Song Series

The hosts highlight the success of their "Years Old" song series, which resonates deeply with their listeners who are experiencing aging alongside them. Penn humorously describes the simplicity of the song's lyrics:

Penn Holderness (10:22): "It's the same song every single time. It doesn't rhyme. The only thing that rhymes is 'years old.'"

Ann Marie Tapke, their producer, shares her appreciation for the series:

Anne Marie Tapke (11:50): "They make it look so fun and so funny, and they really live it. So they really are everything you see on these videos."

March Madness Bracket: Determining the Best Part About Getting Older

To add an interactive twist, Ann Marie introduces a "March Madness" style bracket where Kim and Penn compete various aspects of aging to determine the best part about getting older.

Round One Highlights

1. Pillow Snob vs. Asking for Help Without Guilt

   • Winner: Pillow Snob

   Kim Holderness (17:01): "If I were 20 and I brought two different pillows into a hotel, they would roll their eyes, but at my age, they don't dare."

2. Gray Hair vs. Not Caring What Others Think

   • Winner: Not Caring What Others Think

   Kim Holderness (18:36): "I super don't care what people think."

3. 80s/90s Music vs. Taking Kids Anywhere

   • Winner: Taking Kids Anywhere

   Kim Holderness (23:01): "If you have little ones and diapers, just know that it gets so much better."

4. Life Experience vs. Guilt-Free Resting

   • Winner: Life Experience

   Kim Holderness (30:52): "Getting older and having life experience wins."

5. Knowing Yourself Mentally vs. Better Physical Shape

   • Winner: Knowing Yourself Mentally

   Penn Holderness (31:22): "I can't tell you how much I've learned about myself mentally in the last 10 years."

6. Thinking About Retirement vs. Sweet Spot with Independent Kids

   • Winner: Sweet Spot with Independent Kids

   Kim Holderness (43:39): "Taking your kids anywhere is pretty amazing."

7. Excitement Over Basic Things vs. Honesty and Boundaries

   • Winner: Excitement Over Basic Things

   Penn Holderness (37:16): "I just don't care about apologizing for resting."

8. Not Caring What Others Think vs. Kids as Designated Drivers

   • Winner: Not Caring What Others Think

   Kim Holderness (46:08): "Don't care what people think of you."

Final Round

• Not Caring What Others Think vs. Taking Kids Anywhere
  • Champion: Not Caring What Others Think

  Kim Holderness (46:14): "Don't care what people think of you."

Final Thoughts: Liberation Through Acceptance

In the concluding segments, the hosts reflect on the champion of their bracket—Not Caring What Others Think—and its liberating effect. Kim relates it to hormonal changes and the loss of concern over others' opinions:

Kim Holderness (46:19): "Your filter literally drops away. So I think that... my filter has disappeared, and I love it."

Penn concurs, celebrating the freedom that comes with letting go of societal pressures:

Penn Holderness (46:22): "It's liberating to have a designated driver, but I think you're right. I think you're right."

Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, Kim and Penn share humorous and heartfelt stories, such as Kim's experience with pelvic floor therapy to enjoy active outings without worry. Their light-hearted banter and relatable experiences create an engaging and uplifting atmosphere.

Kim Holderness (56:09): "I took them to one of those trampoline parks. I put on a diaper underwear, jumped with abandon, and had the best time."

Conclusion

Laugh Lines with Kim & Penn Holderness successfully balances humor with meaningful conversations about aging. By celebrating the positive aspects and embracing the changes that come with age, Kim and Penn offer listeners a refreshing perspective on growing older. Their interactive bracket game not only entertains but also underscores the episode's central theme: the best parts of getting older are rooted in self-acceptance, freedom, and the joy of witnessing their children thrive.

Note: Sponsored segments and non-content advertisements have been excluded to focus solely on the core discussions and insights of the episode.