Best Parenting Podcasts (2026)
Parenting is the hardest job nobody trained you for, and sometimes a good podcast is the closest thing to a manual. These ten shows cover everything from toddler meltdowns to teenage independence — all actively releasing new episodes and hosted by people who actually know what they're talking about.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
1. Good Inside with Dr. Becky
Clinical psychologist and mum of three Dr. Becky Kennedy tackles the parenting moments that make you feel like you're failing — tantrums, sibling fights, bedtime resistance — and reframes them with practical strategies you can use immediately. Episodes are short enough to finish during a school run, and her tone is warm without being preachy. One of the most popular parenting podcasts in the world right now.
2. Parenting Hell
UK comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe talk honestly about the chaos of raising young kids. Sleep deprivation, soft play injuries, the soul-crushing monotony of Peppa Pig — it's all here. They interview celebrity parents too, but the best bits are when they're just commiserating about their own disasters. Now in its twelfth series and still brilliant.
3. Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled
Janet Lansbury has spent over 25 years working with parents and children, and her approach is simple: treat kids with respect and set boundaries without shame. Each episode responds to a real listener question — toddler hitting, transition meltdowns, sibling jealousy — with calm, specific guidance. Recommended by The Washington Post, The New York Times, and pretty much every parenting forum online.
4. ParentData with Emily Oster
Economist Emily Oster does for parenting decisions what she did for pregnancy in her bestselling books — she looks at the actual data. Should you worry about screen time? Is that sleep training study reliable? Emily breaks down the research with experts and makes it genuinely accessible. Essential listening if you're tired of parenting advice based on vibes.
5. Raising Good Humans
Developmental psychologist Dr. Aliza Pressman — co-founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center — offers evidence-based strategies for raising emotionally healthy kids. New episodes every Friday, covering everything from managing your own parenting triggers to helping children build resilience. Her book "The 5 Principles of Parenting" became a New York Times bestseller, and the podcast is just as useful.
6. The Longest Shortest Time
After a five-year hiatus, Hillary Frank brought this show back in 2025 — and it's evolved beautifully. Now covering parenthood and reproductive health, it's especially strong for parents of older kids and teens. Hillary is a This American Life contributor, and the storytelling quality shows. New episodes drop every other Wednesday.
7. One Bad Mother
Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn have been doing this show since 2013, and it's become a lifeline for parents who need to hear "you're doing a great job." It's funny, honest, and explicitly non-judgemental — the kind of support network you wish you had in real life. The show is wrapping up in 2026 after an incredible run, so now is the time to catch it.
8. Care and Feeding
Slate's parenting show (formerly Mom and Dad Are Fighting) features hosts Lucy Lopez, Elizabeth Newcamp, and Zak Rosen sharing their own wins and failures while answering listener questions. The panel format means you get multiple perspectives on every topic, from toddler tantrums to teenage curfews. It strikes a great balance between entertaining and genuinely helpful.
9. Your Parenting Mojo
Jen Lumanlan holds two master's degrees and interviews researchers at the top of their fields about child development. This is the podcast for parents who want to understand the science behind behaviour — why three-year-olds hit, what actually causes burnout, how to break family trauma cycles. Episodes are well-researched without being dry.
10. The Dad Edge
Larry Hagner created this podcast specifically for fathers who want to be more present and intentional. Now ten years in, it covers marriage, parenting, health, and personal growth with a practical, no-nonsense approach. Episodes come out twice weekly, and the Wednesday Q&A sessions with co-host Uncle Joe are especially good for dads working through specific challenges.
Squeeze in some wisdom
Parents don't have spare time — but you do have a morning alarm. Set a parenting podcast to play when you wake up and start the day with something useful. Download Podcast Alarm and make those early mornings count.
Waking up with a podcast on iOS
Podcast Alarm is a fully featured podcast player and alarm. You can set up queues of your favourite episodes and listen to them whenever you like. Why not subscribe to your favourite podcast and have the latest episode wake you up every weekday morning. There are lots of screenshots and videos in our "How to set a podcast as an alarm on iphone?" blog post.
