Ben Clover - A joy, an alloyed joy.

Comedian Dylan Dodds and his wife always imagined they would be parents one day. They couldn’t have known it would happen during a global pandemic.... There’s a happy ending though.Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In their mid forties Aaron and Stephanie Levene reflect on their options. Life is beautiful and they know that a natural conception isn't possible so it's too late to have a family, right? Maybe.Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Chris has "been on a bit of a journey" regarding parenthood. In this poignant episode he talks about relationships, fulfilment, legacy and loss.Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

At 86 Lynn-Ruth Miller is the oldest stand-up comedian in the world. In this episode she talks about the huge changes in family planning since the 1950s, fear of childbirth, and the freedom she enjoys as a single, childless woman. Her new book 'Getting the Last Laugh: The Inspirational True Story of the World's Oldest Performing Comedienne'is available on Amazon now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1527262677/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_btf_t1_QzmsFbWRP9PT9 You can also catch her doing a livestream hour this Sunday evening https://www.lynnruthmiller.com/live-datesMusic: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Like me, comedian Maria Shehata hasn't been overwhelmed by the 'Need2Breed'. Unlike me, she's clear minded & settled on this. We talk about selfishness, the luxury of not having a family and how oddly, she still makes a mental note of good baby names.Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Comedian and journalist Ben Clover is a Dad of two so he's well versed in bending down to pick things up, smashing bedtime and the never ending journey towards emotional maturity that is parenthood.Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this episode I speak to "the Irish Russell Brand" - comedian Kevin O Connell about the unlikely possibility of him breeding. Kevin talks about stoic ancestors, cheekbones, and shares memories of being a child neurotic.Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0⁠http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Since becoming a mother, comedian and writer Athena Kugblenu is more productive than ever. Maybe having a baby doesn't have to restrict the creative process after all? Athena talks about the practicalities of modern dating, the effect a new baby has on the whole family, and priorities.Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

I talk to Mum, sign language interpreter and comedian Siobhan Dodd about how she and husband Dave eventually arrived at parenthood after a lot of wine. Not like that. Siobhan discusses planning a new baby around a busy social calendar, birth and being an extrovert happy to breast feed on a building site!Music: Whiskey on the Mississippi by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/