Shouldn't Laugh But...Laura Smyth & Carmen Butcher
Every week, best mates Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher dive into the daft, ridiculous, and gloriously dumb moments from their personal disasters and wild viral moments. They side-eye the news, find comfort in others' weird choices, and laugh when maybe they shouldn't. Listeners are encouraged to email their own 'Shouldn't Laugh But...' moments. The podcast is a Global Production, available on Global Player, YouTube, or wherever you get podcasts, with new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
Episodes
A Dog, a Tampon and a Very Bad Day | with Bron Lewis
This week, Laura and Carmen are joined by Australian comedian Bron Lewis for a brutally honest episode of Shouldn’t Laugh But… packed with parenting fails, embarrassing confessions and Bron's grossest stories.Bron reveals her disastrous Edinburgh Fringe experience, the mortifying moment she shouted parenting advice at a complete stranger, and the very unfortunate story of her dog and a tampon.Plus
Channing Tatum’s Burner Account & Dolly Parton’s Estate Gets Messy
This week, Laura and Carmen investigate the bizarre claim that Channing Tatum has a secret Instagram account dedicated to defending himself, trolling his ex Zoe Kravitz and generally making things much, much worse for himself.And, the girls get stuck into all the best bits from the new series of Bake Off, including Nigella Lawson’s very hands-on approach to judging and “enthusiastic eating.”Plus,
From Going Viral to Interviewing Zendaya | with Max Balegde
This week, Laura and Carmen are joined by Max Balegde for a chaotic trip down the internet rabbit hole. Max spills the tea on interviewing Zendaya, JLo, Millie Bobby Brown, Austin Butler and Paul Mescal, including the Nando’s gift card that sent his Millie interview viral and why his northern accent might be his secret weapon.And, they dive into Max’s favourite internet moments, from “grandpa who
Sydney Sweeney Likes Sports & Meghan Markle Has Left the Chat
This week, Laura and Carmen are left baffled by the Sydney Sweeney “Sports” ad backlash, wonder whether the internet has completely lost the plot and get stuck into the frankly unhinged world of Hyrox, after one athlete shits herself mid-race and simply carries on.And, the girls discuss Martha Stewart releasing her nudes in her 80s, the secret to ageing well and the alleged Bake Off beef between N
Why Brits Hate Talking to Americans | with Seann Walsh
Laura and Carmen are joined by comedian Seann Walsh for a chaotic deep dive into cruise life, British vs American etiquette, and why you should NEVER get in a lift with an American.And they discuss Instagram as a relationship performance review and the very specific and bizarre things comedians send each other online.Plus, Seann shares the schoolboy love story that ended with a secret crush and a
Spice Girls Fans Are Furious & Elon Musk’s $40m Secret
This week, Laura and Carmen are left heartbroken by the Spice Girls’ “big announcement” after they mistook the heavily teased reveal for a full reunion. They also talk Jennifer Lawrence’s warning to Instagram trolls, influencers at the US Open, Rita Ora’s social media fail and classic “my account was hacked” posts.Elsewhere, the girls imagine what Elon Musk’s ex-girlfriend could reveal after repor
We’ll Be Back Soon!
Laura and Carmen are taking a short break! Whilst they’re away, why not take a trip down memory lane? With nearly 100 episodes in the archive, it’s officially time to do the deep cuts. They’ll be back very soon with brand-new episodes… and maybe even a postcard!Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpodLaura - @thatlaurasmythCarmen - @carmenshouldntlaughShouldn’t Laugh B
Why You Should Never Overshare | with Kyla Cobbler
Irish comedy star and viral social-media favourite Kyla Cobbler joins Laura and Carmen for an episode packed with chaos, honesty and big laughs.Kyla shares a painfully awkward radio-interview story, her obsession with prank clips and bloopers, bombing on stage, dodgy make-up, and why Melissa McCarthy is her dream grandma.Plus, Kyla talks about her new book, Happy, Thank You, More Please - a funny,
Shouldn’t Laugh But… The Best Bits
The ultimate Shouldn’t Laugh But compilation has landed!Laura and Carmen revisit some of their funniest, wildest and most unhinged moments - from Beckham family drama and Raye’s iconic “Where the Hell Is My Husband?” era, to Louis Theroux taking on the manosphere, vaping squirrels and an unforgettable workplace chocolate misunderstanding.A proper treat for OG Buttheads and new listeners alike.Foll
From TOWIE to ‘Geezer’ Status | with Josh James & Chris White
Josh James and Chris White - hosts of The Josh James Show and Clocking Off! on Fix FM - join Laura and Carmen for an episode full of Essex banter, parenting chaos and the very serious difference between a bloke and a geezer…Josh shares the mortifying story of accidentally appearing in the very first episode of The Only Way Is Essex, while Chris reveals the teenage lie that came back to haunt him o
Harry & Meghan Are Back… & Laura and Carmen’s Biggest Surprise Yet
Laura and Carmen get stuck into the news that Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK. Naturally, they’ve got a full PR plan to make Meghan one of the people. Think Iceland ads, Greggs sausage rolls, Sports Direct mugs and learning the difference between Big Tesco and Little Tesco.Elsewhere, the girls discuss the horrifying story of a man who claims someone wanked into his towel at the gym - but
DJ Bou’s ‘Stay Seated’ Flight Chaos! & The Most Awkward Car Journey Ever
Laura and Carmen get stuck into the unexpected viral moment that turned a Vegas flight into a drum and bass anthem - with a brilliant flight attendant, a chaotic passenger and DJ Bou at the centre of it all.Elsewhere, the girls discuss the woman who rummaged through two days of rubbish to recover her lottery ticket, lost engagement rings, and their dreams of becoming podcast millionaires.Plus, a B
We Need to Talk About Usher! & Are Disney Adults an Ick?
Laura and Carmen get stuck into Usher and Chris Brown’s R&B Tour - from cherry-feeding and very erotic dancing, to the fans being pulled on stage when they absolutely did not ask to become part of the show. Is it harmless fun, or has their on-stage seduction gone too far?Elsewhere, the debate over Disney Adults takes centre stage as the girls discuss the Peter Pan superfan, the strange world o
Akon Did What for $1M?! & Berghain’s Most Unexpected Queue Member
Laura and Carmen unpack Akon’s wild story about being paid millions to perform Lonely on repeat for three people - and debate exactly what they would (and wouldn’t) do for a life-changing pay cheque.Elsewhere, Carmen shares her dream of a surprise Vengaboys-style wedding performance, Laura reminisces about Omar singing live at a friend’s first dance, and the pair discuss Berlin’s ultra-exclusive B
A$AP Rocky’s DM, The 1975 Birth Playlist Drama & Brooklyn Beckham’s Anniversary
Laura and Carmen unpack the viral video of a woman demanding The 1975 be skipped from her birth playlist - plus Matty Healy and Gabriette’s perfect reaction. Laura shares the unexpected soundtrack to her own labour, while the girls decide which songs they’d want to be born to.Elsewhere, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s anniversary plans reignite the Beckham family-feud chat, Carmen gives a wedd
Inside The Flight From Hell - 200 Terrified Passengers | with Jake Bhardwaj
Comedy creator, writer, actor, producer, and self-appointed professional comedy quizmaster Jake Bhardwaj joins Laura and Carmen for an episode packed with internet chaos, traumatic flights and some truly outrageous stories...Jake reveals what happened when he joined a fear-of-flying course and the moment he had to board a plane with 200 other terrified passengers. Think screaming, aisle-length toi
Secret Lives of Gypsy Wives, the Furys’ Tiny CEO & Big Mo’s Reebok Era
Laura and Carmen are completely obsessed with Secret Lives of Gypsy Wives! From Trewley Precious, Pearly Girl and Honey Peaches, to car boots, hustling, sisterhood and giving back to the estate - the girls unpack why Channel 4’s new series has far more heart than its title suggests.Elsewhere, they discuss eight-year-old Valencia Fury launching a make-up line, the increasingly strange world of chil
Getting Pooed On At Thorpe Park & The Most Chaotic Funeral Ever | with Nina Conti
Laura and Carmen are joined by comedian, ventriloquist and all-round comedy genius Nina Conti.The three of them dive into the funniest corners of the internet, from legendary local news bloopers and Katharine Hepburn's savage interviews, to women climbing through windows, council estate gender reveals and so many more online clips that never stop making them laugh.Plus, Nina shares the unbelievabl
Christopher Nolan Banned UGGs?! & Matt Damon’s Aged Like Fine Wine
This week, Laura and Carmen are chatting all things The Odyssey. From 10:00 AM popcorn and strategically timing a wee during a three-hour epic, to Greek monsters, Travis Scott opening the film, falling for Matt Damon all over again and finding Anne Hathaway mesmerising. The girls also get into Christopher Nolan banning UGGs, his refusal to use a smartphone or email, and take bets on what food was
Keir Starmer’s Fast & Furious Exit, Taco Bell Disaster & The Diet Coke Cure
Laura and Carmen are buzzing after Laura’s Off Menu appearance and naturally manifesting the world’s most expensive bottle of wine… cough cough… hello Fortnum and Mason!They chat Keir Starmer’s bizarre Fast & Furious-style TikTok exit. Is it an iconic rebrand, or has someone let the social media team run wild? They also get into Mel C’s gorgeous wedding, Victoria Beckham making the dress from
Anne Hathaway Called Her Baby a WHAT?! & The Weirdest World Cup Final
Laura and Carmen are back for one final World Cup debrief, and honestly... what in the holy American hell was that? From England's chaotic six-goal thriller against France (the real final, obviously), Bukayo Saka cementing his status as the nation's baby boy, Lamine Yamal snubbing Donald Trump, and why Argentina seemed more interested in WWE than football, there's plenty to unpack. They also disse
Retirement Home Chaos, Wild Grandparents & Grandma Droniak
Imagine getting older, partying in your retirement home with all your mates, causing chaos and not caring one bit - honestly, the dream? Laura and Carmen get stuck into the world of wild grandparents, inspired by 96-year-old TikTok icon Grandma Droniak, who’s been hit with warnings at her retirement home for late-night parties, noise complaints and serving drinks to the other residents.Plus, Laura
Haaland Fever, Bellingham Mania & It Might Actually Be Coming Home
Laura and Carmen are fully in their Erling Haaland era! From England’s latest World Cup win against Norway and Thomas Tuchel’s terrifyingly intense energy, to Jude Bellingham being an actual angel, Victoria Beckham in full WAG mode, and why Haaland and Bellingham’s chemistry is starting to feel less like tournament coverage and more like a romcom.They also get stuck into the final episodes of Kati
The Biggest Lie Women Are Told About Turning 40 | with Felicity Ward
Laura and Carmen are joined by comedian Felicity Ward for the very first Shouldn't Laugh But guest episode... and what a way to kick things off.Laura, Carmen and Felicity dive into the funniest corners of the internet, the comment sections that leave comedians jealous, childhood misconceptions that somehow followed them into adulthood, awkward first holidays with new partners, family sayings that
Taylor Swift's Tacky Wedding, Katie Price: Nothing To Hide & Harry Kane's Frog Voice
Laura and Carmen relive England’s dramatic late-night win over Mexico, from Harry Kane’s completely shredded post-match voice and the challenges of playing at altitude, to Boxpark FOMO, Viagra rumours, Liam Gallagher’s "attitude" confusion, and why it really might be coming home...!They also dive into Katie Price: Nothing To Hide, the new Sky documentary that left them heartbroken and completely h
Inside Bad Bunny’s La Casita! & Wimbledon Serving Hunculture
If Bad Bunny invited you into La Casita, what move are you pulling out? Laura and Carmen kick things off with all the celebrity chaos from Bad Bunny’s London shows, from Novak Djokovic, Maya Jama and Joe Jonas getting involved, to Carmen imagining herself whipping out the lawnmower move in a bid to impress.Plus, it’s over to Wimbledon, where the fashion is serving just as hard as the tennis. Maura
TOWIE’s Lydia Bright’s Heatwave Rant & The Royal Family at Wetherspoons
Laura and Carmen get into the national meltdown caused by the heatwave, from TOWIE star Lydia Bright’s school closure rant and topless men in France being fined, to school WhatsApp group chaos, David Lloyd drama, and the kind of public crash-out that makes you feel alive.They also get into the glorious pettiness of the WNBA, after Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham went viral for an aggressive
Who Replaces Keir Starmer? Ian Wright for PM!
Keir Starmer’s stepped down as Prime Minister, but do not fear! Laura and Carmen are reporting for business to recruit England’s next great leader. From Ian Wright and Danny Dyer to Louis Theroux, Big John and Mike Skinner, the girls assemble their dream PM shortlist and ask the only question that really matters: who’d you trust most to sort the country out over a Chinese takeaway?Elsewhere, Rod S
Scots in Boston, Starmer’s Social Media Ban & Prince George’s Eton Era
Laura and Carmen get into the chaos of football fever, from England optimism and Emma Hayes’ kitchen chalkboard to the absolute scenes caused by Scotland fans taking over Boston, drinking bars dry and turning the Tartan Army into an international diplomatic force.They also unpack the proposed social media ban for under-16s, from screen time, Snapchat fallouts and ‘analogue bullying’ to whether kid
We Need to Talk About Molly-Mae’s Baby Name
Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury have finally revealed their baby name, and Laura and Carmen have thoughts. Is it iconic or destined for the celebrity baby names hall of fame?Plus, do influencers deserve nice things? Why have we all become so lazy? And after an unhinged message from a listener, the girls get into the most feral things we all do in the name of convenience.Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all
Carmen's ENGAGEMENT, Taylor Swift Conspiracies & World Cup Fever!
Carmen has massive news!!! Paris delivered much more than poulet-and-frites, sweaty sightseeing and one very emotional hench Frenchman. Him in doors finally got down on one knee and popped the big question!Laura and Carmen unpack wedding fever in all its chaotic glory: from Dua Lipa’s Palermo backlash and wildly OTT proposal setups to choreographed first dances and iconic celeb wedding moments.And
Madonna reveals the best sex she's ever had!
Madonna’s revealed that JFK Jr. was her greatest lover, and naturally Laura and Carmen are obsessed. From romantic meet-cutes to the chaos of dating before you meet your person, the girls get gloriously gooey over love stories and the men who actually feel like home.Elsewhere, they discuss Dua Lipa’s impossibly cool wedding vibes, the horror of Americans rebranding school cake as “dot cake”, and h
Celebrity Stalkers & Big John’s BOSH! World Record
Laura and Carmen get into French tennis player Arthur Géa’s emergency on-court toilet break, Emma Raducanu’s stalker scare, and whether they’d take a leaf out of Robert Pattinson’s book when it comes to his bizarrely effective stalker strategy.Elsewhere, they unpack tourist chaos, from Trevi Fountain swimmers to Ibiza supermarket behaviour, Buckingham Palace idiots and the general curse of holiday
Steven Bartlett Ruined His Life with 3 Glasses of Wine?!
Steven Bartlett declares that a few glasses of wine ruined his life, and Laura and Carmen have had enough of men making a personality out of optimal performance. Lighten up Stevey-B!In other news, they dive into Dawn French’s gloriously silly mirror glasses, the truly shocking Irish accents in MobLand and the kind of internet whimsy Laura thinks we need more of.Plus, as ever, the Butt Heads delive
Taylor Swift’s Wedding Guestlist Snub & Susan Boyle’s Glam Rebrand
Laura and Carmen get into Taylor Swift’s alleged wedding plans, from secret venues and no plus-ones, to whether she’s having to Kanye-proof the whole event. They share their own thoughts on weddings, how bridezillas are made, the politics of the guest list and whether no-kids weddings are actually the dream.In another corner of the internet they unpack Susan Boyle’s dramatic new look and why her n
Colin Firth (Mr Darcy) Saw Everything...
Laura and Carmen get stuck into the fantasy of making it big on Vinted, from side hustles and smashed-up parcels to mates who somehow seem to be making a fortune online, the girls unpack why selling your stuff always sounds easier than it actually is.Plus, Laura shares the mayhem of trying to secure KATSEYE tickets for her daughter, and why ten-year-old girls and gay men basically have the same pl
Where Is Katie Price's Husband? And Madonna's on Grindr
Laura and Carmen unpack the wild Katie Price husband drama, from internet sleuths and scammer theories to why the nation still can’t help but root for her.They also get into Rihanna’s new scribble tattoo, whether she’ll ever make music again and why parents should never commit to fridge art too early.Plus, Madonna’s surprise Grindr stunt, J.Lo and Brett Goldstein rumours, SATs chat, half-term chao
A Nudist Beach, Jason Statham and One Very Unfortunate Sausage…
Laura and Carmen dive into the chaos of nudist beaches, naked bike rides and the revelation that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham have bought a house near one of the UK’s best-known naturist spots.Plus, the girls unpack a story from a fellow butthead involving a beach picnic and an uncooked sausage placed in a very unfortunate position.There’s also a full double-date debrief after a nig
Venezuela Fury Wedding Chaos & John Travolta’s New Face
Laura and Carmen unpack 16-year-old Venezuela Fury’s lavish Isle of Man wedding, Molly-Mae attending pregnant without Tommy and why people are annoyed with Peter Andre.Laura also shares how she's been living like a DOGFLUENCER billionaire after heading to Goodwoof at the Goodwood Estate with her dog Betty for Sean Walsh and Jack Dee’s Oh My Dog! live show - complete with chauffeurs, champagne and
I Thought There Was a Secret Admirer at Work… Then This Happened
Laura and Carmen are in absolute stitches over a listener story involving mysterious chocolates appearing on an office desk, a growing workplace fantasy and a misunderstanding that spirals far further than it ever should.They also get stuck into a brilliantly awkward tale from Patagonia, where one listener’s very freeing walk in the wilderness takes a sudden unfortunate turn.Plus, there’s chaos ov
A Two-Drink Limit at Airports?! & The £900 Sun Lounger Battle
NO ONE WILL TAKE OUR DRINKS AWAY! Laura and Carmen are fuming about Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary's proposal to limit passengers before their holidays! It's not what this great nation is built on. We LOVE sipping the nectar of our early-morning Wetherspoon's pint and the God-given right to get slightly too pissed before boarding.Not only has that wound them up, but the pair also tackle the story of
The CCTV Clip That Should’ve Stayed Buried
Laura and Carmen are absolutely beside themselves as they unpack a story about jet lag, sleeping tablets and a quick trip to the office toilet that turns into a full-blown nightmare.They also get stuck into a university tale involving a heavy night, a disciplinary meeting and one truly haunting piece of CCTV footage that refuses to stay buried.Plus, an innocent attempt to help an injured pheasant
Maura Higgins Doesn’t Need a Man & Claire’s Accessories is Closing
Laura and Carmen are obsessed with Maura Higgins declaring she doesn’t need a man - sparking a conversation about single life, social pressure and why being on your own is infinitely better than being in the wrong relationship.Also, the pair dive into the strange horror of getting older but somehow feeling 11 again, from mysterious BO and sweaty school-chair shame to the emotional rollercoaster of
Chinese Takeaway Crimes & A Baby Born at 60mph
Laura and Carmen are absolutely losing it over the kind of chaotic real-life moments that sound made up but somehow aren’t- starting with a man who risked it all (and his licence) for a hot Chinese take-away!Plus they dive into a jaw-dropping birth story involving flooded roads, a speeding car and a baby who simply could not wait. Laura shares her own surreal labour moment featuring an unexpected
One Direction Feuds and White House Chaos
Laura and Carmen dive straight into rumours of behind-the-scenes fallouts, from the alleged One Direction feud between Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik to the explosive TV drama on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, All Stars.They also get into some unexpected celebrity pairings taking centre stage. Some make perfect sense (hello Jacob Elordi and Kendall Jenner!?), while others feel like they were
Elton John Trauma & The Dumbest Court Case Ever
Laura and Carmen are deep in second-hand shame as they relive some truly toe-curling awkward moments- from workplace cringe to post-gig humiliation and the kind of social misfires that keep you awake at 03:00 wondering why you’re like this.Plus, they get stuck into THE most ridiculous court clips imaginable- including one Zoom hearing that is so wildly ill-judged it has to be heard to be believed.
Euphoria’s Messy Return & David Haye’s Worst Take Yet
Laura and Carmen unpack Victoria Beckham finally breaking her silence on Brooklyn Beckham’s family separation, while slipping into full protective mum mode as she subtly backs Cruz’s “grassroots” music career.Also, Euphoria is back and messier than ever, with Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, sky high budgets and off screen drama all colliding in one chaotic return. The big question remains:
The Devil Wears Prada 2 & Garlic Mayo Meltdowns
Laura and Carmen are feeling high fashion as they get stuck into the hype already surrounding The Devil Wears Prada 2- from Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep and iconic Vogue covers, to whether anyone in that film has aged a single day.Plus, they get into one of the most ridiculous news stories imaginable: a man pulling a fake gun over the wrong takeaway sauce. Naturally, this leads to a passionate discu
Coachella Cringe, Kanye Cancelled & Crying Astronauts
This week, Laura and Carmen chat Kanye West, the Wireless backlash, festival cancellations, Chappell Roan, and why some celebrities always seem to escape criticism.They also dive into the wild world of Coachella, including $90 phone chargers, Paris Hilton floating through the desert like a billionaire woodland fairy, and Justin Trudeau eating noodles in a backwards cap with Katy Perry. Not to ment
A Parrot Mugging & a Tampon Poo
Laura and Carmen dive into a full episode of glorious listener stories and they do not disappoint! From an all-inclusive Tenerife holiday that took a turn, to an anonymous dog walking story involving a tampon and a very awkward poo.Plus the girls swap their own scam stories, from dodgy booking links to beachside hustlers, and all the holiday chaos that comes with being caught off guard in the sun.
The Worst Easter Egg Hunt Ever: A Six-Foot Bunny from Hell
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen are getting into why Easter is actually the superior bank holiday: less pressure than Christmas, more freedom, hot cross buns, slow-roasted lamb, fish on Good Friday and (usually) just enough sunshine to make everyone feel vaguely alive again.They also chat Easter traditions, from Hungarian Easter gifts and over-the-top egg hunts to little present
Are Creme Eggs Sexual? & DIY Horror Stories
Happy Good Friday, Buttheads! Laura and Carmen get into the Good Friday spirit with a surprisingly intense debate about the correct way to eat a Cadbury’s Creme Egg. From shrinkflation and sugary highs to the discovery that Creme Eggs are a weirdly sexual topic, things descend quickly.They dive into one of Laura’s favourite corners of the internet: mattress unboxing fails, where unsuspecting peopl
Ryan Gosling’s Gen Z Slang, Pubs Banning Children… & Vaping Squirrels
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen kick things off with Ryan Gosling attempting to speak fluent Gen Z, which naturally leads to a full dissection of slang, ageing, and the brutal truth that the second a grown adult says “rizz” with confidence, it’s already over. They also chat about his marriage to Eva Mendes, the discovery that he apparently lives in Hampstead, his wholesome decis
Chappell Roan’s Fan Backlash & Meghan Markle’s Netflix Drama
Laura and Carmen kick things off with the Chappell Roan fan drama, after Jude Law's 11-year-old daughter was reportedly told off by security for innocently walking past her idol at breakfast. From diva behaviour to disappointing your youngest fans, the girls get into where the line is between protecting your space and just being plain mean.The conversation then turns to Meghan Markle, as they unpa
Justin Timberlake’s DUI & will The Spice Girls ever get their sh*t together?
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen are attempting the impossible… not laughing. Inspired by Last One Laughing, they kick things off with a moment of silence for Chuck Norris (which lasts approximately three seconds), before spiralling into iconic Norris memes, Jessica Simpson eyebrow-taping and whether the world feels slightly less safe now he’s gone.Saturday Night Live UK has offi
We Tried Every Easter Egg & Hot Cross Bun So You Don’t Have To
We’re just weeks away from Easter, so this is a public service episode as Laura and Carmen taste the wackiest, most wonderful hot cross buns and Easter egg creations so you don’t have to.From elite flavour combos to slightly unhinged chocolate inventions, they sort the must-buys from the absolute monstrosities (and settle a very heated debate about raisins along the way).But just as things are fee
Louis Theroux in the Manosphere… Sorry, Did That Get Awkward?
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen are diving headfirst into the chaos of Inside the Manosphere. From TikTok “alpha males” and seven-hour livestreams, to dodgy money schemes and wildly confident nonsense about women, they try to make sense of a world that is equal parts terrifying and… deeply embarrassing.They also get into why Louis Theroux remains the undisputed king of awkward,
Timothée Chalamet Says What?!
Timothée Shalama-lama-ding-dong (Chalamet) is under fire after sharing his thoughts on opera and ballet and sparking a full blown internet pile on. Laura and Carmen unpack the backlash, the memes, and why the internet loves nothing more than uniting against a rogue celebrity opinion.Plus, The Beckham family saga rumbles on! Laura and Carmen get stuck into the latest birthday post controversy and t
Should Britney Have Been Freed? Harry Styles’ Accent & RAYE’s being petty
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen dive straight into the chaos that is Britney Spears. From the head shaving era to the conservatorship and the recent internet debate of “maybe we shouldn’t have freed Britney”, they try to answer the impossible question: what does actual support for a mega famous pop star even look like?They also get into Harry Styles’ mysterious ever-changing acc
The Naked Skiing Incident
This week, Laura and Carmen spiral from ski slopes to strip clubs after a listener confession about a half-dressed skiing disaster that ends with an injured stranger… and a three hour plane journey of silent guilt.Then there’s the viral chair throwing incident that backfires spectacularly, starting beef with monkeys in Malaysia, rogue sheep standoffs in Wales and the internet’s newest side hustle:
I Tried to Impress a Boy. I Took Out 12 French Children Instead
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, one of us is living her best ski life in Canada while the other is glue gunning her way through World Book Day and awaiting secondary school news like it is the Hunger Games.There are rogue ski puns, Winter Olympics overshares and listener stories bringing peak slope humiliation: teenage wipeouts, French ski school casualties, dads shouting “get a room” and an apr
Are You a Finger Princess?
This week, Laura and Carmen spiral from blizzards to baked beans as Margot Robbie’s rogue nacho confession sends them into a full blown food combo frenzy. Tuna and cottage cheese. Marmite and tomatoes. Milky Ribena. We are unwell.But the real villain of the episode? The Finger Princess. The group chat menace who asks for details that are literally three messages up. The Facebook poster who could h
Why We’re Done Being Polite? And Cost of Living Carnage
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen spiral gently from wholesome half term fun into full blown cost of living chaos. There’s caravan nostalgia, Center Parcs outrage and the gradual realisation that a two bed in Battersea Power Station now costs about the same as long term peace of mind.We get gig life glamour in Manchester, early circuit flashbacks, Frog and Bucket lore, and the pur
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested & David Beckham’s Sly Brooklyn Dig!
Laura and Carmen dive straight into the chaos after, former Prince, Andrew’s birthday arrest, the unforgettable car photo, and a PR machine working overtime. From London Fashion Week to carefully timed royal appearances, nothing escapes scrutiny.Plus David Beckham’s birthday tribute to Cruz raises eyebrows with one pointed phrase (we’re assuming towards Brooklyn Beckham), and suddenly we are knee
I Missed My Own Surprise Party
It’s Carmen’s first Friday as a forty year old and the birthday debrief is still in full swing. From candle blowing sabotage and middle child gift politics to traumatic mascot memories and the cultural dominance of Mr Blobby, Laura and Carmen unpack the chaos that seems to follow any celebration.Plus, a listener’s thirtieth spirals from classy Turkish dinner to violent taxi sickness and a missed s
America’s Next Top Model Documentary Fallout & Carmen’s 40th Birthday Debrief
This episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including sexual assault, that some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening, and feel free to pause or step away if you need to.This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, it’s the aftermath of Carmen’s 40th and the debrief is as chaotic as the dancefloor. There are hotel lobby rolly-polies, luxury Four Seasons cake carnage, fish
Bloody Kisses & Ballistic Misses
From tooth fairy trauma and Friday the 13th paranoia to valentines gone wrong, Laura and Carmen are riding a romantic rollercoaster with zero brakes. There’s boiling water mishaps, forgotten fairy duties, and a heartfelt email that proves sometimes you just know when you’ve found a good egg.But don’t worry, it’s not all hearts and flowers. We’ve got a Valentine’s bouquet of listener chaos: a flori
Celebrity Valentine Chaos & the Winter Olympics Get Weird
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen lean fully into Valentine’s Week!There’s birthday chat galore as Carmen gears up for her 40th, conspiracy theories, rage baiting and the creeping realisation that no one seems to be in charge of anything anymore…Valentine’s chat obviously divulges into full celebrity chaos, from blood vial jewellery and aquarium dates, to Kenny G logistics, oily s
The Grossest Story We’ve Ever Had!
An innocent debate about wiping technique spirals into apologies, trauma, and one unforgettable Spanish water park incident.Laura and Carmen dive headfirst into listener embarrassment, public toilet shame, tits out disasters, and the real reason you should never trust an enclosed flume. There’s owl impressions, Valentine’s chat, co-sleeping confessions, and proof that once you’ve shit yourself in
Take That Documentary Therapy & Wuthering Heights Horny Breakdown
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But... there’s a heartfelt goodbye to comedy royalty, a brief moment of wet eye, and then straight into celebrity dating discourse as Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton go public and somehow just make sense.Laura and Carmen do a deep dive into the Take That documentary, from boyband hysteria and Gary Barlow redemption to nineties nostalgia and MTV memories.Elsewhere, Ca
“He wipes his bum standing up!”
This episode of Shouldn’t Laugh But is a full body immersion into the chaos of leisure centres, from flumes that should absolutely be age restricted to the deeply cursed realisation that Leisure World is one of those places that hits very differently as an adult. Laura and Carmen unpack childhood water park joy, vending machine culture, plasters in the pool, and the horror of realising you are now
Nigella’s Bake Off Thirst Trap And Steven Bartlett’s Gene Pool Obsession
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen are riding high after accidentally making the Daily Mail, spiralling into full hun culture chaos and asking the only question that matters: is Nigella Lawson about to make Bake Off unbearably sexy?From Spice Girls reunion delusions and Traitors obsessing to soggy bottoms, flirt offs and why Paul Hollywood will simply not survive the Nigella era, t
"69’s are a f* load of admin”
This episode of Shouldn’t Laugh But tackles the question no parent is ever prepared for: when your kid asks what 69 is. From kitchen chats about consent to likening the act to the Bermuda Triangle, Laura and Carmen unpack why 69ing is far more admin heavy and far less glamorous than the films ever suggested.Meanwhile, Heated Rivalry has Carmen mentally rehearsing what she’s absolutely going to sho
Brooklyn Beckham's Angry: ‘I’m telling everyone’!
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen are serving piping hot tea because there is only one thing anyone cares about: Brooklyn Beckham's angry Instagram post to his parents David and Victoria!From blocked family members and missing birthdays to those Insta stories that sent the internet into meltdown, the girls deep dive into the Beckham family drama and ask the big questions. Is it a
“Do not bend bro!!”
This week on Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carms are back in the studio and feeling all the feelings. From a genuinely emotional listener gift, to Pammy Watch updates and a chaotic rant over posties.Expect stories of stolen coats, missing fizz, extortionate socks that don’t even heat, and a ranking of sexy accents that leaves the girls deeply, deeply rattled.Spoiler alert: Kiwi at number one does
Traitors Theories, Dry January Delusions & The Most Unhinged Video on the Internet
On this week’s Shouldn’t Laugh But, Laura and Carmen are back! Carmen is fully embracing January with no drinking, cosy nights in and shopping for all the ski gear, while Laura is deeply mourning the loss of twiglets and Baileys.There’s a big catch up on all the latest Traitors drama, plus a New York jewellery feud that feels like a film but absolutely is not.Consider this your permission to stay
The Best of 2025!
Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher have hand-picked their favourite highlights from the podcast to bring you the very best moments of 2025.Expect everything from Harry Styles allegedly launching his own sex-toy range, to a Canadian tourist having her hands bitten off by a shark, and that unforgettable Cardi B court case.They also get personal, offering a peek behind the curtain of their own lives - in
Timothee Chalamet LOVES Susan Boyle! Day 12 of the 12 Laughs of Christmas
“My asshole needs a break for the beige train"It's the final of the 12 Laughs of Christmas...let's never say the C word again! Laura is gearing up to get back on the road and Carmen is dreading a regular working week. And if you have a January birthday - the girls have beef with you!In this episode the duo dig into Timothee Chalamet's love for Susan Boyle.Also have you ever heard of two people str
The Fit Louvre Heist Robbers! Day 11 of the 12 Laughs of Christmas
“I don't condone breaking the law of being gorgeous"Who's fighting the urge to head to the January sales? Laura and Carmen definitely aren't, but they are reminiscing over good old fashioned travel agents on the high street.BUT the big viral of the moment of the year is the pair fangirling over the sexy criminals from The Louvre Heist...which leads them to thinking of how they can shoplift using t
Brad Pitt The Catfisher! Day 10 of the 12 Laughs of Christmas
“I'm touching cloth mate"Seriously guys, what day of the week is it? It's say 10 of the 12 Laugh's of Christmas and Carmen is back at work - which Laura think's is disgusting behaviour. Brad Pitt caused a storm by Catfishing a member of the public and duping her out of lots of money...of course it wasn't the real Brad. And Carmen has her own embarrassing Catfishing story after a sober date. Plus P
