Chip Leighton is a comic and the creator and host of The Leighton Show, a social media platform with more than 1.5 million followers and 250 million views. His comedy focuses on funny relationship and parenting moments with teenagers and he’s recently published a book based on them called What Time Is Noon? For several decades he was a marketing leader in the corporate world and then left that life to focus his time on The Leighton Show. His work has been featured in the NY Times, national television and various other print outlets. He’s a husband and the father of two kids who are, or used to be, teenagers. We discussed:

* How he started out his career and transitioned to social media and comedy

* His kids reaction to having an unemployed, middle-aged TikToker for a dad

* The story behind What Time Is Noon?

* What readers can expect from his book (and life with teenagers)

* How his work as a creator influences his own communication with his kids

* Why humor is so important as a parent

* The parenting community around his 1.5 million social media followers

* Becoming a standup comic at age 50

Where to find Chip Leighton

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_leighton_show/

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_leighton_show

* Website: https://theleightonshow.com/

Where to find Adam Fishman

* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

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In this episode, we cover:

[1:56] Welcome

[2:38] Earlier career

[3:42] Transition from corporate to social media

[4:52] Conversation(s) with his wife over career change

[6:28] Chip’s book - What Time Is Noon?

[8:52] His childhood

[10:38] How did you meet your wife?

[11:42] Highlights from What Time Is Noon?

[13:50] Did his career change impact his communication with kids?

[14:53] Why is humor so important as a parent?

[16:01] Advice to younger Chip

[18:26] Advice to ignore

[20:00] Community of parents around his social media presence

[21:00] Early social media efforts

[24:28] Creator burnout

[26:20] Has this given you more flexibility?

[27:41] Does he negotiate with family on sharing content?

[29:45] Hypothetical second book topic

[34:18] Kid’s reaction to stand up

[34:59] Where do he and his wife disagree?

[36:05] Mistakes as a dad

[37:10] Where to follow along

[37:59] Lightning round

[47:23] Thank you

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Show references:

Chip’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chip-leighton-1497943/

TikTok: @the_leighton_show

Instagram: the_leighton_show

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theleightonshow

Leighton Show website: https://theleightonshow.com/

What Time is Noon: https://theleightonshow.com/book/

Carla Naumburg’s Episodes: https://youtu.be/qcrzFhbeIVs and https://youtu.be/YiaE6ZmaOIQ

Gillian Mackenzie Agency: https://www.gmalit.com/

Stride Rite Shoes: https://www.striderite.com/

Caroline Rhea: https://carolinerhea.com/

How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-raise-an-adult-julie-lythcott-haims/1120327547

Baby Bjorn: https://www.babybjorn.com/

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: https://press.hulu.com/shows/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives/

The Shield: https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-shield

Brooklyn 99: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2467372/

New Balance shoes: https://www.newbalance.com/

What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-5th-edition-heidi-murkoff/1131825672

Barney: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VcHbf8Kz0c

Barbie Dream House: https://shop.mattel.com/products/barbie-dreamhouse-playset-grg93

ET: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/

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