Podcast Summary: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Episode 354: Beth Stelling – "Dad Tried to Kidnap Me"

Date: October 6, 2025
Guest: Comedian Beth Stelling
Main Theme:
This powerful episode focuses on the darkest chapters of Beth Stelling’s childhood: her father’s struggle with mental illness, the attempted murder of her mother, the resulting trauma for Beth and her siblings, and how these lowlights have been processed through both comedy and therapy. Beth candidly discusses family violence, generational trauma, court-ordered visitations, and her complex relationship with both her parents and stepmother—all with characteristic self-awareness, empathy, and moments of sharp comic relief.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Beth’s Background & Plugging Her Work (03:37–05:30)

• Beth shares tour dates, talks about her comedy specials (including her newest, "The Landlord Special"), and jokes about her nickname "the White Tisha Campbell."
• Early banter establishes warmth and rapport between Beth and Ryan, setting up the deep dive into her childhood.

2. Childhood Context: Family Dynamics & Divorce (06:00–11:00)

• Recap of her father’s background: Beth’s dad, raised partly in India, struggled with untreated mental illness.
• Beth’s parents were both teachers; their marriage unraveled as her father became increasingly unwell, erratic, and paranoid—accusing her mother of infidelity.
• Quote:
  • “He made a plan to kill my mom and kidnap us.” – Beth (10:41)

3. The Violent Incident: Attempted Murder & Trauma (17:00–23:00)

• Beth recounts (sometimes hesitantly, given the gravity) the night her father assaulted her mother (fracturing her skull, attempted suffocation) in front of her sister, intending to kidnap the children and drive them to Orlando.
• Her mother survived after months in the hospital; Beth’s early memory is drawing a bloody stretcher in school.
• Quote:
  • “He basically broke her skull and tried to suffocate her.” – Beth (18:28)
• The legal aftermath: His wealthy, influential father facilitated light consequences, avoiding serious jail time or lasting accountability.

4. Aftermath: Custody and Forced Visitations (24:00–31:00)

• Due to lenient legal outcomes and her mother’s reluctance to press charges (out of compassion and concern for his health), Beth and her sisters were forced to visit their father in Florida, per court orders.
• Visits were chaotic, with their father remarried to an alcoholic DJ, holding odd jobs (pirate at mini-golf, sign spinner).
• Beth discusses feeling unsafe and the compounding trauma—her stepmother’s behavior included drunk driving with the kids and bizarre, hostile acts.
• Quote:
  • “I have so many stories about my dad, so many wild stories, and what I was able to make sense of and make fun of... it’s probably... healing in some way.” – Beth (28:31)

5. The Ongoing Impact: Adult Life and Therapy (35:29–42:00)

• Beth and her sisters each internalized the trauma differently: one over-corrected for strictness; another experienced instability; Beth herself found she gravitated to unhealthy relationships.
• All three sisters, and even their mother, later reconnected with their childhood court-ordered therapist (Dr. Pam) for support.
• Beth is open about her awareness of how these wounds have shaped her adult choices, including in dating.

6. Continued Relationship with Her Father & Stepmother (44:00–61:00)

• Beth describes a recent attempt to see her father while performing in Florida. The visit is awkward: her stepmother has significant health issues from alcohol but continues drinking; the dinner devolves into weird, inappropriate banter about their sex life, making Beth uncomfortable.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • Beth (after stepmother whispers sexually explicit remarks at dinner): “Why don’t you tell everybody else what you’re telling me right now?” (55:18)
• After these encounters, Beth and her sisters stop communicating with their father, blocking his number and finding relief.

7. Processing, Humor, and Boundaries (61:00–68:00)

• Beth and Ryan reflect on the limits of family obligation and the importance of cutting ties for personal well-being, regardless of societal expectations.
• The episode explores how trauma can simultaneously require acknowledgment, boundaries, and sometimes humor as a healing tool.
• Quote:
  • “Just because they’re your parents... if you’re better off without them, you’re better off without them. That’s just the way it is.” – Ryan Sickler (68:19)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (With Timestamps)

• On her father’s plan:
  • “Eventually he made a plan to kill my mom and kidnap us.” – Beth (10:41)
• On family trauma and accountability:
  • “Our culture doesn’t... live in a culture of accountability. If we did, we would be really open to saying, you know what, I messed up, and then I'll pay the price.” – Beth (26:23)
• On comedy and healing:
  • “I do find power in making somebody laugh about it... it’s probably, you know, to be cheesy, probably healing in some way.” – Beth (28:31)
• Confronting her stepmother:
  • “Why don’t you tell everybody else what you’re telling me right now?” – Beth (55:18)
• On family obligation:
  • “Just because they’re your parents... if you’re better off without them, you’re better off without them.” – Ryan (68:19)
• On personal boundaries:
  • “At this point, it wasn’t serving me to keep picking up the phone call... I feel relief in not having to pick up the phone.” – Beth (67:30)

Important Segments (with Timestamps)

• Beth’s Family Background and Divorce (06:00–11:00)
• The Night of the Assault (18:12–19:28)
• Legal Aftermath & Forced Visitations (22:43–31:00)
• Therapy & Sibling Reconnection (38:00–42:00)
• Recent Dinner with Father and Stepmother (44:00–56:30)
• Establishing Boundaries & Adult Life (64:00–68:00)
• Discussion on Comedy as Survival (28:19, 68:39)

Tone

The conversation is raw, honest, and laced with moments of dark humor. Beth’s self-deprecation, empathy for all parties, and real-time emotional processing make the episode deeply engaging. Ryan offers validation, compassion, and the occasional comic aside, keeping the tone accessible despite the heavy subject matter.

Conclusion

This episode embodies the mission of The HoneyDew: highlighting the lowlights of life without flinching, finding humanity and even laughter in the aftermath of trauma. Beth’s openness about complex family relationships, her navigation of boundaries, and the ongoing process of converting pain into art make for a sobering and deeply affecting listen.

Guest Info

• Beth Stelling
  • Website & Tour Dates: https://bethstelling.com
  • Specials: "Landlord Special" (Veeps), "Girl Daddy" (HBO), "If You Didn't Want Me Then" (Netflix)
  • Instagram: @bethstelling