Parenting Episodes

Send us Fan Mail Mike and Darin are dealing with kids moving out, social media going nuts, mysterious Lyft drivers, Kia paperwork, monkey waste—and the horrifying realization that some of us may have reached the age where the Macarena is simply too physically demanding. Episode 323 of Irritable Dad Syndrome delivers another round of Gen X comedy, dad humor, music, movies, family life, and everyday situations that somehow become much more complicated than they need to be. This week on Irritabl...

Six years of Irritable Dad Syndrome. Hundreds of arguments, questionable observations, fast-food encounters, marital grievances, Kroger incidents, and stories that really didn’t need to be told publicly. And now we’ve gathered the best of Year 6 into one episode. In The Best of Volume 6, revisit Darin's painfully patient attempt to buy two strawberry pies from a brand-new Popeyes employee, Mike being interrogated by a stranger at Kroger about his choice of crinkle-cut fries, and the discussion...

The pool noodle is back... and so is one of the funniest episodes of Irritable Dad Syndrome. This is "Give Me Back My Pool Noodle! – Rejiggered," a newly expanded and updated version of one of our favorite prior episodes. We've taken the original recording, cleaned it up, added new material, tightened the pacing, and made it even better while preserving everything that made the original so much fun. The infamous Devo eye saga returns—this time with medical clarity, fewer false accusations, an...

Is it illegal to talk to a dolphin? Why can't Mike get rid of his Kia? And what exactly happened during one very unfortunate toilet mishap? Mike and Darin answer life's most important questions while discussing Father's Day, fan messages, U2, Rush, curling, college students with umbrellas, and much more. Plus, bloopers to wrap it all up. Topics Discussed: Mike And Darin Are Shaving More Often Message From A Fan About Episode 314 Another Message From A Fan About Mik...

Why are Costco's gallon milk jugs so awkward? Why does Waffle House always feel like the surface of the sun? And why does Kroger think its ice deserves a luxury price tag? Mike and Darin tackle all of life's biggest mysteries while covering concerts, storms, graduation parties, weather apps, cherries, and much more. Plus, a sneak peek at next week's story about talking to dolphins... and, of course, bloopers. Topics Discussed: What's The Deal With Costco's Gallon Milk Jugs? M...

Why does every family have a "Timmy Wayne"? Why does Darin own 500 plastic spoons? And why are Rush fans arguing about one of the best drummers on the planet? This week, the guys discuss recording two episodes in one night, the mysterious art of podcast editing, Rush's new drummer Annika, an unexpected last-minute percussion gig, Record Store Day finds, Jim Steinman songs being used in bug spray commercials, Charlie's never-ending scooter negotiations, the legend of Timmy Wayne, Lost frustrat...

This week on Irritable Dad Syndrome, the guys remind everyone to get their skin checked—and don't forget to get your ass checked too. Mike and Darin discuss a high school graduation where just about everything that could go wrong did go wrong, Darin's adventures meeting groovy people in Indianapolis, and the mystery of why Collective Soul never became even bigger than they were. Also this week: a brand-new Dave Lay Heating and Cooling commercial, Mike's fascination with The Backrooms, why Peg...

Episode 308 of Irritable Dad Syndrome features cassette tape nostalgia, mulch hatred, Chick-fil-A confusion, and one very important question: why did Darin write down “Neil Young Knows How to Eat Corn”? This week includes: Beck is awesome Darin’s adventures with a cassette deck purchase at Goodwill Billy Idol and Terminator 2 Why did Darin write down “Neil Young Knows How to Eat Corn”? Hating mulch and current technology Dolphins are horrible people Chris Michel’s mailbox Half of the Chi...

Episode 307 of Irritable Dad Syndrome dives into the unexpected viral success of an old episode, advertiser tension from last week, and the everyday chaos that somehow turns into great stories. Mike and Darin try to figure out why Episode 18 suddenly exploded in popularity while also explaining what happened behind the scenes with advertisers—and how they managed to smooth things over. 🔥 In This Episode We don't know why... but Episode 18 has exploded in popularity... what's the deal with that...

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally got some things right, Darin apologizes to Rush fans (sort of), Mike joins an oatmeal subscription cult, and someone got engaged at Buc-ee's. Also - Little Debbie Banana Pudding Snack Cakes, Kroger stories, and Mike witnessing a suspicious key hidden in a wheel well like he was living inside Breaking Bad. And, of course: bloopers, nonsense, and classic IDS chaos. Listen now at IrritableDadSyndrome.com #ComedyPodcast #RockHall #BillyIdol #Rush #WeirdAl #...

Episode 302 of Irritable Dad Syndrome features the end of an era as Mike’s Kia finally dies—along with a series of everyday dad problems that spiral into comedy gold. From dealing with a broken car and buying a new one online to discovering that even thieves don’t want the old Kia, the dads share stories that perfectly capture the chaos of real life. The episode also includes: Movie sequels so bad they ruin the original A revisit of the classic thriller Misery Confusing TikTok trends that re...

Episode 300! In This Episode Celebrating Episode 300 of Irritable Dad Syndrome with Jason Durbin and Chris Michel.Iced Tea Debate ResultsHow Do You Make a Grilled Cheese SandwichJuggling and JigglingDarin Rescued The U2 Propaganda Issue from War Torn ChicagoThe PedwayDarin Called Darlin'Florida Man Abducted By Dolphins Building an Underwater CityRaising GirlsThe Matrix and HeatChris Thought Mike Was a CelebrityAlexa Getting Sassy AgainListen to Irritable Dad Syndrome New episodes every Tuesda...

Episode 299 of Irritable Dad Syndrome finds Mike and Darin celebrating the end of the 200-episode era while sharing stories about seeing Nine Inch Nails live, revisiting classic comedy movies, and dealing with one of the most shocking plumbing quotes imaginable. After attending a powerful Nine Inch Nails concert in Columbus, the dads debate the lasting impact of Trent Reznor’s music, the legendary Johnny Cash cover of “Hurt,” and the strange experience of hearing songs live that you never appre...

In Episode 296 of Irritable Dad Syndrome, Mike and Darin dive into Super Bowl debates, halftime show controversies, and cartoon nostalgia — before a dead chest freezer turns their basement into a turkey-scented crime scene. From Voltron apologies to movie recommendations (Mercy, Solo Mio, The Revenant), everything is normal… until multiple thawing turkeys unleash chaos, leaking “turkey juice” and triggering an emergency cleanup mission. Pop culture, dad life, and one unforgettable household disaster collide in this hilariously gross episode.

In Episode 295 of Irritable Dad Syndrome, Mike and Darin (two Midwest dads) share hilarious dad life stories about parenting, marriage, grocery store chaos, and movie debates that spiral beautifully out of control. This week includes a retooling announcement for Patreon, a 26-year winter coat battle, a quest to find banana pudding cream pies at Kroger, rare vinyl discoveries, and classic arguments over Tarantino films and 80s nostalgia. It’s everyday dad humor, pop culture commentary, and relatable life stories — exactly what you expect from Irritable Dad Syndrome.

A snowstorm, a sausage crisis, and dads reliving movie history with their kids — this one has everything. In Episode 294, the dads tackle a very serious issue: why does everyone panic-buy eggs and sausage every time snow is forecast? After surviving a Midwest snowstorm that turned grocery stores into wastelands of empty shelves, they rant about food hoarders, missing Bob Evans sausage, and the emotional journey of building a breakfast casserole with Italian sausage (spoiler: life-changing). From there, the episode spirals beautifully into: • The joy of watching classic movies like The Matrix and The Fugitive with your kids for the first time • The pure nostalgia of Airplane, Naked Gun, and other laugh-until-you-can’t-breathe comedies • TikTok rabbit holes featuring wood-turning “dad hobbies,” fake epoxy floor videos, and bizarre trends • Walmart small talk that turns existential • The psychology of neighbor food gift one-upmanship (chili vs. pumpkin bread escalation war) Plus:…

Mike and Darin defend meteorologists from snow forecast complainers, demand national tater tot rights, rage at recipe websites, and question why Avatar keeps remaking the same movie. Also: Florida storms, wet giraffes, and fast-food order chaos.

The first episode of the new year starts strong with food disasters, questionable cooking techniques, and a surprisingly thoughtful discussion about whether rehearsing the podcast would ruin it. Add in movie talk, parenting moments, and accidental philosophy for a classic IDS reset.

Closing out the year, Mike and Darin explore smoked beers, nostalgia, pop culture, parenting realities, and the strange joy of end-of-year chaos. From craft beer confusion to Norm Macdonald tangents, it’s a loose, funny episode that perfectly captures the IDS vibe.

The holidays kick off with unforgettable Christmas stories, questionable traditions, wrapping-paper controversy, malfunctioning decorations, and the most unsettling breakfast table moment in show history. A warm, chaotic holiday episode filled with family memories and festive regret.

A roadside sign advertising deer urine sparks a deep dive into small-town oddities, road trips, and businesses that somehow survive on pure mystery. The conversation branches into customer service stories, pop culture, travel mishaps, and one fake sponsor that feels disturbingly real.

Thanksgiving fallout continues as Mike and Darin debate food loyalties, holiday travel, Black Friday chaos, and the deeply unsettling concept of someone who simply hates bacon. Along the way, there are road-trip stories, pop-culture tangents, and more food opinions than anyone asked for.

After realizing they forgot to wish listeners a Happy Thanksgiving, Mike and Darin attempt to fix it by completely misunderstanding the holiday. Expect wildly inaccurate history, Thanksgiving movies, appliance disasters, and the kind of domestic chaos that only happens right before recording.

Mike and Darin are left unsupervised, unprepared, and immediately dangerous. This episode spirals through movie opinions, retail chaos, losing a car, and the accidental creation of “Cricket and Tabbs,” a concept that absolutely did not need to exist. A classic free-form IDS conversation with zero guardrails.