Dads: The Podcast

Comedian Adam Cayton-Holland’s dad is practically a superhero! By day, he’s a civil rights attorney who’s gotten people out of Guantanamo Bay. At night, he’s a regular audience member at Adam’s shows, developing his refined taste in stand-up comedy. Adam talks to Rory and Ruthie what it was like to grow up with such a supportive dad. He also explains how good taste in comedy is trickling down to his own toddler son, who’s been busy working out material in front of the neighborhood kids.

Aisha Tyler had a highly unique childhood—for starters, she grew up in an ashram with hippie parents. And as a kid who loved to get lost in science books, there was no greater foil than her dad: a motorcycle-riding “juggernaut” named Jim. Aisha talks to Ruthie and Rory about how her upbringing shaped her incredible career, including her recent pivot to making artisanal booze. Bottom line: Jim Tyler ain’t nuthin’ to f**k with.

Growing up, Mikel Jollet always looked up to his badass dad—he broke the law, rode motorcycles, and dressed like Steve McQueen. The musician talks to Ruthie and Rory about how his path diverged from his father’s and what it was like to lose him, the subject of his recent memoir “Hollywood Park.”

Being queer, Sabrina Jalees used to think the road to parenthood would be sad and hard; what she found instead was her “destiny.” The actor and comedian talks to Rory and Ruthie about how a fateful trip to Mexico, a surf lesson, and the film Moana changed everything. Buckle in, it's a wild ride!

When he’s not consuming human flesh, Andy Richter’s busy being a great dad. He joins Ruthie and Rory to talk about what it takes to raise two teens, parenting while divorced, and growing to trust his kids. Plus, he saves Ruthie’s mom’s life (kind of).

It’s the lovable and huggable Ron Funches! A newly married man, Ron talks to Ruthie and Rory about fresh starts. From embracing a healthier lifestyle, to the story of how his son’s autism diagnosis led to his comedy career, this is a conversation about new beginnings.

It’s our first non-dad guest: comedian Fortune Feimster! The North Carolina native is here to share stories with Rory and Ruthie about her dad—a man who goes by the name of Tiny. Plus, she and Rory bond over their shared Southern roots. We’re talkin’ etiquette, shaggin’ (not the Austin Powers kind), church, and fried food! Can’t you just taste the hush puppies and creamed corn?

Hold on to your jean shorts—it’s David Cross! The actor and comedian of “Mr. Show” renown talks with Rory and Ruthie about growing up with an absentee father and the fear of inheriting the bad dad gene. Plus, David talks about his start in stand-up and why his daughter will never be allowed to see his act.

This week a multi-hyphenate dad drops in: John Leguizamo! The legendary actor, comic and playwright joins Rory and Ruthie for a conversation about the erasure of Latin American history, dealing with bullies as a parent, and working with some of the greatest directors of all time. Plus: he explains how his paternal instincts kick in when he’s on set.

For their first episode, hosts Rory Scovel and Ruthie Wyatt are joined by their podfather, Conan O’Brien! Conan recalls what it was like to grow up with an "evil scientist" for a dad as well as the dopamine rush of making him laugh for the first time. He also talks about why his own kids are totally unimpressed by their famous dad. Plus: he accidentally reveals his patricidal tendencies.