Shouldn't Laugh But...Laura Smyth & Carmen Butcher
Published by Global
Comedy
Society & Culture
Every week best mates Laura Smyth and Carmen Butcher dive headfirst into the daft, the ridiculous, and the gloriously dumb - from their own personal disasters to the wildest, most unhinged things the internet (and the world) throws at us. So if you love side-eyeing the news, wild viral moments, finding comfort in other people’s weird choices, and laughing when maybe you shouldn’t… this is the podcast for you! | Email us your ‘Shouldn’t Laugh But...’ Moments! lauraandcarmen@global.com Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura Smyth - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen Butcher - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn't Laugh But... is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. For advertising opportunities on this podcast, email: GlobalStudiosSales@global.com
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 unbelievable story of being spectacularly pooed on at Thorpe Park in front of her teenage son and the utterly chaotic memorial where someone flipped open a coffin lid mid-funeral service. They also chat about creating her film Sunlight, falling in love while dressed as a monkey, the freedom that comes with hiding behind a mask, her upcoming Taskmaster appearance, and why she's happier embracing the ridiculous than ever trying to be the sensible one. Oh, and if you've ever had to wipe bird poo out of your eye with Greggs napkins... this is the episode for you. Find out more about Nina’s C*nti’s Cabaret here Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 on offer on set. Elsewhere, Laura and Carmen unpack the perils of group holidays as Laura prepares to head to the Austrian Alps with 12 families. Expect hard-won advice on letting the planners plan, escaping for a “shower”, forming strategic subgroups, finding the one person who also thinks someone’s annoying, and never splitting a bill equally when one family has been on the steak, prawns and Hugo cocktails. Plus, Carmen celebrates Pancake Rhiannon’s 40th, dreams she and Vogue Williams are podcasting equals, and watches her him indoors fall head over heels in a new bromance. Meanwhile, Laura enjoys a rare kid-free weekend, opens a gig for Kevin Bridges and realises the ghost leaving every cupboard door open in her house is, unfortunately, herself. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 afar, and the alarming realisation that Spice Girl children are somehow now 17. Plus, Laura and Carmen dissect Taco Bell’s explosive lettuce drama and the utterly wild story of doctors using Diet Coke to help cure stomach pain. A medical miracle? A PR stunt? Either way, Carmen’s ready to stock the fridge. Last but not least, fellow butthead Jessie shares a encounter that starts as a simple good deed and ends in a professional mug-off and arguably the best tenner ever spent. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 dissect the weirdest halftime show, from AI Madonna, The Muppets, Louis Vuitton, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber and Wayne Rooney saying exactly what everyone else was thinking. Plus, Anne Hathaway has everyone asking the same question... she called her baby a buzzer beater ?! After completely getting the wrong end of the stick, the girls spiral into a conversation about all the words and sayings they've been getting wrong for years. Expect misheard lyrics, family sayings that somehow survived for decades, Ghost Island, "meditation and…", and plenty of gloriously muddled moments along the way. Elsewhere, Laura returns from a dreamy Northern Ireland escape packed with Game of Thrones locations, terrifying rope bridges, sea swims, seafood chowder and vintage shopping, while Carmen parties it up at The Streets at Alexandra Palace, gets recognised by a listener for the first time, and receives the most backhanded compliment imaginable. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 and Carmen chat about what kind of older women they want to be, from old lady cruises and comedy-on-sea dreams to the simple right to let rip in M&S and not apologise. And of course they cover brilliant listener stories involving glamorous nans, too much rosé, tactical chunders, sangria wisdom and the kind of family legends who only get more iconic with age. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 Katie Price: Nothing To Hide , from the heartbreak, the chaos and the terrible men, to the moments that left them hooked, conflicted and wondering how Katie still keeps landing on her feet. Plus, Millie Bobby Brown’s wildly specific past-life theory leads Laura and Carmen into a tangent about birthmarks, witches, Vikings and whether they’ve all been here before. As if that wasn’t enough, Laura relives her trip to Mallorca - featuring hotel room carnage next door, an all-inclusive upgrade, a drunken leap off a dock, a bashed-up leg, a cancelled flight and sleeping through severe turbulence. Back in the UK, Carmen has been living her best heatwave life in a £50 sloosh, while squirrels, foxes and various bits of garden wildlife threaten to take over completely. From semi-final dreams to sloosh-based survival, this one really has it all… Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 make no sense to anyone else, and the moments that still make them cry laughing years later. Plus, Felicity opens up about dating after divorce, where she accidentally dated 50 people, becoming a single mum, and why turning 40 ended up being the making of her. From dating apps and Dancing With The Stars to the confidence that comes with getting older, she explains why everything she thought she'd lose in her 40s actually got better. Oh, and if you've ever woken up from anaesthetic to a horse playing a keyboard... this is the episode for you. Find out more about Felicity Ward: I Wish I Could Come Out Of My Shell here Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 hooked. From Jordan-era fame, Dane Bowers and Peter Andre, to attention-seeking ex behaviour, bunny boiler confessions and the terrible men we all cried over. Plus they unpack why Katie Price might just be the ultimate hopeless romantic and how her extraordinary resilience has helped her survive every chapter of her life. To round it all off, Laura and Carmen turn their attention to Taylor Swift's headline-making wedding to Travis Kelce. Expect their hot takes on Paul McCartney performing, to 20-minute vows, Madison Square Garden as a wedding venue, Adam Sandler officiating and whether the whole thing was a fairytale fit for America's princess... or just a little bit tacky. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts Katie Price: Nothing to Hide, a four-part Sky Original series, will be available on Sky and streaming service NOW on 8th July.
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 Higgins rocks up in Chanel, Katherine Ryan dozes off in the chicest way possible, and Naomi Osaka delivers full diva energy with a look so good it deserves its own trophy. Elsewhere, a pub trip leads to a surprise run-in with Widows Bay star Kate O’Flynn, there’s school induction day emotion with strong Finding Nemo drop-off energy, and the girls once again prove that being normal in front of famous people is simply not their ministry. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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, extended pointing spree during an on-court bust-up. Even if you don’t know your women’s basketball, this is universal territory: someone says “don’t point at me”, so naturally the only possible response is to point even harder. It’s giving elite-athlete behaviour meets drunk-outside-the-BP-garage energy, and the girls are very much on board. Plus, there’s chocolate making in 35-degree heat, a girls’ trip to Margate, The Streets, King Charles’s tax affairs, and all the best suggestions for what Buckingham Palace should become now Charles and Camilla are officially moving out – a new Big Tesco’s? Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 Stewart sparks full “soft cough launch” suspicion after cancelling a gig, turning up at the World Cup, and then dramatically needing oxygen on stage. There’s also heatwave hysteria, being hot and aggy, Margate excitement and a discussion on how air conditioning is basically the new air fryer. Plus, the Buttheads deliver another elite shouldn’t laugh but moment, as one listener shares what happened in the moments after her dad passed away - and how one unexpected mishap led to the kind of dark family laughter this podcast was made for. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 kids should be weaned off TikTok via MySpace, MSN and a full return to landlines, park benches and WKD. Plus, there’s French football shirt loyalty, engagement ring chat, Prince George’s move to Eton, King Charles’ friendship bracelets, and a Father’s Day takedown for the ages - featuring Bluewater, cool man emojis and the universal male refusal to plan anything ever. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 of course, the girls investigate Carmen's conspiracy theory that Taylor Swift’s new Toy Story 5 song 'I Knew It, I Knew You' was a cover-up for something much bigger... Plus, World Cup widow panic, England footballers serving looks, Kim Kardashian causing chaos at the F1, white men losing their minds to Mr Brightside, and a fully unhinged ABBA Voyage review. Voulez-Vous indeed. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 how Laura’s husband won her over with one message about shelves and gardening. Plus, Carmen reveals how she slid into her imindoors’ Slacks at work. To top it all off, the Buttheads deliver two unforgettable shouldn’t laugh but moments! Including a listener who sleepwalked naked out onto the street and a campervan poo disaster at a New Zealand BP garage that truly has to be heard to be believed. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 entitlement. There’s also Paris outfit panic, trench coats, trilbies and the struggle of dressing for rain without looking like Inspector Gadget. Plus, Laura’s school fine drama, and a glorious final showdown inspired by Big John’s Chinese takeaway world record - with Carmen taking the crown. BOSH! Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 deliver two hilarious shouldn’t laugh but moments! Including a man who allegedly wiped his bum with an egg mayo sandwich, and a festival Shewee disaster. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 new bob - or “Su-Bob” as Laura has coined it - has sent the internet feral. Plus, football fans calling in sick, once-in-a-lifetime match excuses and Carmen’s relationship anxiety as her ‘imindoor heads off on an 18-hour lads road trip to watch Crystal Palace. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 playlist. And, as ever, the Butt Heads deliver two hilarious shouldn’t laugh but moments! Including a very unfortunate cheese misunderstanding that goes down in family history, plus a piss-soaked maxi-dress… and Colin Firth. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
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 chaos and Carmen’s deeply traumatic French exchange story. Follow Shouldn’t Laugh But on all social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod Laura - @thatlaurasmyth Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Production Listen every Tuesday & Friday or watch us on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts
