On this week’s episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Dan talk with comedian Mike Birbiglia about his new book, The New One: Painfully True Stories From a Reluctant Dad. They discuss what it’s like to not connect to your newborn right away, finally understanding parenting cliches, and comedy during quarantine. The hosts also answer a question from a parent who feels that their young one is transitioning from mommy to mom way too early.  

For Slate Plus, Slate Staff Writer Ruth Graham joins to discuss adoption influencers. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now to listen and support our work.

Recommendations:Dan recommends You Pick Tonight, a father-daughter double feature podcast from Dan and Lyra. 

Jamilah recommends It’s Just a Plant: A Children’s Story about Marijuana by Ricardo Cortés.

Elizabeth recommends learning to make balloon animals with your kids. 

Other Recommendations and Resources: Transgender Children & Youth: Understanding the Basics“Gender Identity Isn't Too Confusing For Your Toddler” by Kasandra BrabawTranswhat? A Guide Towards Allyship“In Our Gender Diverse Era, Parents Should Practice Humility With Their Kids” by Evan UrquhartMy Kid is Not Crazy“Myka Stauffer and the Aggressively Inspirational World of “Adoption Influencers”” by Ruth Graham

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices