Shouldn't Laugh But...Laura Smyth & Carmen Butcher
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 Laug...
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 children’s skincare, and why an AI photo of your partner snogging someone else could quite reasonably lead to an AI divorce.
Plus, Laila Morse (AKA Big Mo) becomes Madame Creps in an i...
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 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...
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 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...
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 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 docto...
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 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...
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 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 ap...
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 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...
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 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...
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 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 ultima...
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 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 g...
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, 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 th...
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 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 heatwav...
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 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 Et...
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 social platforms: @shouldntlaughpod
Laura - @thatlaurasmyth
Carmen - @carmenshouldntlaugh
Shouldn’t Laugh But… is a Global Produc...
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 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...
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 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...
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 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 fina...
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 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.
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 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 r...
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 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 fa...
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 chaos and Carmen’s deeply traumatic French exchange story.
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Laura - @tha...
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 night out with their Imindoors to see John Kearns, featuring accidental groupie behaviour, comedy crushes and one delayed message that arrives with absolutely no context.
Foll...
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 celeb sightings, including Gemma Collins, Martin Clunes and Hugh Bonneville.
Plus, John Travolta’s dramatic new face, the rise of “boy bleph” surgery and the biggest issue with Netflix’s...
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 over mixed signals, public humiliation and two neighbours who unknowingly end up in the strangest long-distance friendship imaginable.
From office delusions to outdoor disasters, it’s another gloriously unfiltered episod...
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 a German tourist who won £900 in compensation after repeatedly losing the 6AM sun lounger race on a family holiday - something they'd fight tooth an nail for.
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 leads to a car journey that goes very, very differently to plan.
From sleep-deprived disasters to bird-related chaos, it’s another gloriously unfiltered episode packed wi...
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 realising Claire’s Accessories might actually be disappearing from the high street.
Meanwhile, Laura opens up about her daughter Bonnie growing up too fast after a traumatising shopping trip into...
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 celebrity cameo that has to be heard to be believed.
If that wasn’t enough, listener Tanya transports the pair to a Japanese spa experience gone...
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 generated by AI. Naturally, the Kardashian universe makes an appearance, because when don’t they?
Plus, Laura and Carmen react to shocking headlines coming out of the White House dinn...
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. Naturally, this leads to a passionate discussion about getting caught red-handed, the exact moment your stomach drops out of your body, and why some mistakes simply cannot be recovered from.
...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: is this art, or just shock factor?
Meanwhile, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! All Stars has served up David Haye’s wildly outdated hot take, and the internet is absolutely...
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 discussion about the emotional importance of garlic mayo, why Boss Man must always be respected, and how they react after someone gets their food order wrong.
<...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 mention, there’s love for Justin Bieber stripping it all back on stage, thoughts on Sabrina Carpenter’s awkward crowd moment and a general appreciation for pop stars saying the wrong thing under unbearable amounts of pres...
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.
Parrots, poolside scams and pet horrors- this one is pure listener gold.
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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 presents, rhyming clues, Jellycat bunnies, Easter decorations and the pure joy of a caravan holiday - except for when the toilet doesn't work...
Plus, the Buttheads deliver one of the all-time great li...
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 people get absolutely taken out by vacuum-packed beds. Also on the list of things that shouldn’t be this funny… people accidentally exposing themselves while trying to sell mirrors online.
Plus, yo...
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 decision to make lighter films for his kids, and the timeless internet masterpiece that is Ryan Gosling Won’t Eat Cereal.
Then it’s on to pubs banning children, ch...
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 unpack the Netflix rumours, polished celebrity personas, and why being too earnest can sometimes make people warm to you even less.
Plus, messy sibling nights out, Tesla farts, spring-forward weekend...
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 officially landed! From backstage buzz to internet hot takes, Laura and Carmen unpack the mix of hype, cynicism, and why sometimes you just need to let the shiny young things crack on… while you sit...
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 feeling wholesome… a listener email completely derails the eggcelent chat. Think: a 20-hour coach journey, a locked toilet, and a truly unforgettable snowy field incident that leaves...