Man, Bear, or Both?
We’re back from an incredible week at the Netflix is a Joke festival, with a full update on our activities and appearances, including Dustin’s time at Bert Kreicher 2 BEARS 5K, his time AFTER that “fun” run in a downward spiral of exhaustion, Will Farrell with a t-shirt cannon, Mel’s answer to whether she’d rather come across a man or a bear in the woods alone, Why Saturdays really set apart th...
58m May 15, 2024
58m
A Mother's Day Guide for Fathers
Mother’s Day. For Father’s is it the ultimate test of loyalties? Who gets the priority, your own mother or the wife of your glorious children…whom you see everyday, and trust with your life…?  There actually could be a wrong answer here backseaters, let’s find out!  Along the way, Dustin provides some economic advice for boomers, deep dives on a box of Cheez-Its, Mel is redefining domestic titl...
54m May 08, 2024
54m
May is the Wall Street of Parenting
For 11 months, we have sweat, trained, and mentally prepared for the olympic boiler room marathon that is the month of May, backseaters. For the parents out there on the course, we see you, and you have our thoughts and prayers, and non-parent friends, we’ll take all the free meals you’ve got for us. We’ve had 3 weeks off and it shows today in our time as we cover why iPads are not for adults, ...
53m May 01, 2024
53m
REPLAY - Coldness is the Enemy of Oldness
We're traveling this week! So enjoy one of our favorite episodes from last year! - If you’re riding along with us today, enjoy the shower we just installed on the back and the complimentary sleeping bags, because May has us so busy there’s no point in getting out. Where do we even begin, this show is packed with rants, jabs, and laughs on the unrelenting family schedule of the late spring sea...
1hr 2m Apr 24, 2024
1hr 2m
Does it Sound Like a Seal or Walrus?
Spring Break is over and you know what that means? That right, one or all the kids are sick. Coincidence backseaters? I think not. They are also developed an excellent acting career with those hacking “coughs”, but we know better, right? Wet or Dry? We’ll let you decide. We catch up on Dustin’s run through Syracuse and his special hospitality, wild dreams and bad sleep, can you really “make it”...
52m Apr 17, 2024
52m
We Were Wrong About Theatre Kids
There’s a lot we got wrong all these years between raising kids, marriage, career, but the biggest surprise you ask? Theater kids are cooler than all of us. At the end of the literal day, we’re watching them sing on TV, star in the best films, and keep making weird the pinnacle of success. This week we recap our kid’s performance in the musical Annie, break down our relentless parenting calenda...
53m Apr 10, 2024
53m
Las Vegas, Bring Your Kids!
Backseaters, Las Vegas called and you’re looking at it’s newest Marketing Directors, because after you’ve been to Vegas 13 times in 18 years, who better than to tell you like it is than a couple ambitious parents! We’ve thought we’d seen it all, but this past week taught us otherwise. We crawled all over the Rock Rocks National Conservation Area, enjoyed some family friendly noods in Chinatown,...
56m Apr 02, 2024
56m
Majoring in the Vibes
Buckle up backseaters because this episode is so off the rails, we have to know from you if this is a disaster sandwich or the best episode we’ve ever done. We’ll let you decide! Where do we begin? Mel is wearing hot dog pants, McDonald’s worst and also best food options, Our last visit to Skyzone ever, a relationship AITA Reddit thread, and more! Let us know if this is the best or worst episo...
50m Mar 27, 2024
50m
A Guide to Middle Aged Concert Going
This week backseaters, we explore the mistakes and woes of concert going as middle aged parents, Melissa’s challenging journey through OC traffic, your favorite “Hey!” songs from the Facebook Group, Mel’s Pickleball skills and more. Join us at the Dustin Nickerson Comedy Fans Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/dustinnickersoncomedy Enjoy the show! Sponsor: DILLY COMPANY Get 10% ...
56m Mar 20, 2024
56m
Did Spider-Man’s Girlfriend Win the Oscar?
It was a great Oscar week with wins from Iron Man and the guy who did The Dark Knight? Right? Get our review of the Oscars on the show today, the Nickerson’s take on Seattle, incredible kids travel technology, explaining where islands come from, our lament for Daylight Savings, Bingo Dingos are back, and emails asking for bad advice for raising children with ADHD/ADD! Tell us your favorite “HE...
58m Mar 13, 2024
58m
Why are Pants so Big Again?
To all the Gen Z backseaters, teach us your ways of comfort, clothing, and self expression. We can trade you for some 90’s JNCOs and a hopeless future. While we burn the last of our skinny jeans, today on the show we rejoice and affirm our accountants, Mel reads a letter of rebuke for Dustin from the DMV, parents who argue with child cashiers at the snack bar, your worst car spills, and more! ...
55m Mar 06, 2024
55m
Parenting is the Great Equalizer
No matter who you are backseaters, one thing is for sure; you can be a model, a moviestar, a musician, or even a millionaire, and still be a basic mom. (or Dad). There is no escaping the public embarrassment, physical ailments, or messy car cleanups, we get you. Today we get into how homeschooling and “Goth kids” crossover, why Sarah Michelle Gellar is actually just like all of us, my incredibl...
54m Feb 28, 2024
54m
40 Kids Birthday Parties & Counting
We’ve done the math and it’s official backseaters, mom and dad over here have coordinated, executed, and lamented a total of 40 birthday parties for our kids and there is no sign of stopping. Is it cause for celebration?  We’ll let you decide, we’re just glad we made it this far! Today on the show, Dustin defines his style somewhere between vegan tacos and hate for water, we consider if High Sc...
50m Feb 21, 2024
50m
Usher is Everyone's Valentine
It’s Valentine’s Day again, and if there’s one person we’re all thinking about today backseaters, let’s be honest, it’s Usher. Because, WOW what a halftime Super Bowl performance this weekend, right? Today on the show, we’re all jazzed up today on the best commercials we saw, what we REALLY think about Valentine’s Day as Middle-aged adult parents, Tales of the laundromat, surprise ambulance vis...
56m Feb 14, 2024
56m
Old Enough to Know What We Want
There’s nothing worse than treating yourself, and hating the treat, backseaters. Why are we wasting our time and money, doing new things, when at the end of the day all we really want is a comfy, safe, hazy IPA? While Dustin ques up his Red robin order, Mel unveils her new eBook, we courageously try new nightlife experiences, Mel forgets a child, we consider the most monotonous parenting moment...
59m Feb 07, 2024
59m
Death, Taxes, and Laundry
Have you ever had that feeling? That something is behind you, among you, before you? So have we, Backseaters. And it’s name is Laundry. Has there ever been a more clear signature of adulthood than the everlasting pile of cloth, silk, whites, and darks? Of course not. This week, Mel and Dustin surpass the pile celebrating eggs on food, the differences in oranges, Mel’s viral fashion choices, why...
57m Jan 31, 2024
57m
There's No Magic in January Snow
We’re barely keeping our heads above water backseaters, as we careen through the January slog of icy streets, snow filled driveways, and California flooding that’s just enough rain to make things annoyingly inconvenient. Speaking of inconvenient, today on the show Mel condemns Costco, we ponder God’s wrath via weather, our advice on flying with kids, useless laws, Mel’s Stranger Danger, and mor...
59m Jan 24, 2024
59m
The Christmas Credit Card is Due
Backseaters, how ya doin? Did you stretch today? How was the holiday? Keeping your head above water? Can we send you a meal? We’re issuing mental health checks on ya because if you’re walled in with kids in this weather after this season, we’re concerned! Today, we get a bit of Dustin’s Comedy Corner from his weekend in New York, travel Woes, driving your kids around at night, our time at Disne...
1hr 2m Jan 17, 2024
1hr 2m
Stanley Cups are the New Beanie Babies
Everybody out! We’re walking backseaters. What beats a solid 60 min huffin’ it with you best friends, Dustin and Melissa today? Doing it with a Stanley Cup in hand, some might argue. It’s the New Year you know, and that means we’ve got a word for 2024, hot takes on the hottest trend for white middle-aged women since beanie babies, a poll request on coffee and hygiene, Green Day selling out, com...
1hr 3m Jan 10, 2024
1hr 3m
Friends Don't Let Friends Let Their Kids Become Comedians (REPLAY)
Happy New Year Backseaters Welcome you to the third day of 2024 and we’re already taking days off. We’ll be back next week with a new episode full of fresh takes and new year’s exaggerated energy.In the meantime, head to dustinnickerson.com for upcoming tour dates, join the Facebook group, the patreon to give a little more and get a little more, and watch our entire podcast episodes on YouTube...
53m Jan 03, 2024
53m
279: Holiday Horror Stories 2023
Buckle up Backseaters for a show full of Christmas and holiday cringe as we unload more of your Holiday Horror Stories. Dustin also drops a naughty list of Christmas songs that we’re striking from the record, an affirmation to daily pajamas, horror stories involving fires, vehicular accidents, contentious divorces, and more atrocities you came here for today. We asked for it, and you delivered....
50m Dec 27, 2023
50m
278: Christmas is Hella Cool
Christmas is just a handful of days away, and if you’re anything like us backseaters, we’re avoiding the parties, coughing kids, drunk uncles, political arguments, and discussing looming moments that mark another year past. We get all bittersweet today on the show, discussing great sports logos, Panera Bread oatmeal updates, the garbage retail employees have to endure, opinions on board games a...
50m Dec 20, 2023
50m
277: When Your Kid's the Worst Player
As we glide our way into Christmas on ice made of monotonous holiday parties and endless gift giving, we can only hold on and hope we land safely into the New Year, Backseaters. But join us today as we continue to battle through December’s parental snow storm. We’ve got the official Booty Bump story from Mel, a deadly Stranger Danger story, the return of Let’s Ranch, parents who take sports too...
54m Dec 13, 2023
54m
You Can't Pick your Kids Friends
Backseaters, we’re in the swing of the holidays and you brought us a GREAT holiday horror story today that you don’t wanna miss. Teaser, no fan loud enough can save you from this childhood haunt. We also need your thoughts on whether Dustin is brilliant or stupid regarding a TSA hack, a breakdown on bathroom use with your kids, how the Nickerson kids are smarter than their parents, Drowning in ...
48m Dec 06, 2023
48m
275: Parent Self-Care & Hot Car Naps
Backseaters, who hit their shower window today? If you miss it, you look great in that hat for the 5th time this week anyway. Today on the show we’ve got the Christmas Tree up early, some leftover frozen bbq to share, a slathering of commentary on skin care from our teenager, why taking naps in the car is maybe the best nap possible, and much more! This Week’s Sponsor: BARK TECHNOLOGIES >> Ke...
56m Nov 29, 2023
56m
273: REPLAY - Holiday Horror Stories 2022 - Submit Yours Today!
Producer Andy here wishing you a week of stuffing yourself and family gathering photos you may forget and regret. However, we do hope you might remember some of the most horrific holiday moments in your life and that you’d share them for our upcoming holiday horror stories show. Please, Send your stories in by Nov. 28 to dontmakemecomebackthere@gmail.com (mailto:dontmakemecomebackthere@gmail.c...
44m Nov 22, 2023
44m
273: Bougie Teens and Overpriced Jeans
Backseaters, loosen up those seatbelts! Thanksgiving is around the corner and we’re brining, buttering, and avoiding the dieters this season. Dustin and Mel bring the gravy train today with a slathering of laughs including a Stranger Danger for the books, Mel’s Disneyland memories, the melancholy reality of middle aged birthdays, Bougie Teens and Overpriced Jeans, and Dustin’s ode to Mel and th...
55m Nov 15, 2023
55m
272: A Salute for One-Kid Parents
Backseaters, if you’re gonna leave your kid at our house, we will be charging late fees for missed pickup times and overstays. We like you, We like your kids, but only for the first 12 hrs per stay. – We are excited to invite you to the new Dustin Nickerson Comedy Fans Facebook Group! Like Comedy? Like Dustin & Melissa? Like the Podcast? This is where we can talk and laugh about it all. Hit the...
54m Nov 08, 2023
54m
271: Thanksgiving is the Middle Child of the Holidays
Well, we’re officially allowing teen backseaters on the show so, no eating back there, do you have your house keys?, and no stops for friends! As you may have heard Uber is offering teen accounts and Dustin and Mel gotta break that down alongside why Thanksgiving sucks, Mel’s hard sell on her booty bump story, why holiday decorating early is a good idea, Five Nights at Freddy’s Bingo Dingo, you...
53m Nov 01, 2023
53m
270: Halloween is Better than Ever
Grab yourself a treat millennial backseaters, thanks to you it’s safe to say our Halloweens reign over all generations prior. We’ve got the best horror movies, decorations, costumes, and we gotta ask, why? How did this happen? Celebrate today (and this weekend ) with Dustin and Mel as we tour the virtual pumpkin patch full of laughter, freak out about the Exorcist, share our favorite and worst ...
55m Oct 25, 2023
55m
268: Baby Free at Baby Birthdays
Take advantage of those child free hands and fill up on those veggie, meat & cheese platters, and crispy beer coolers. Because, nothing beats attending a baby’s first birthday party, as long as it’s not your baby’s birthday! Hot off the Northwest Dustin recaps the Washington State Huskies football game, Mel finally learns how to go to the beach, why baby’s are terrible beach buddies, surviving ...
56m Oct 18, 2023
56m
267: IKEA: The Allen Wrench in Your Marriage
If losing your keys isn’t bad enough backseaters, have you ever lost that tiny allen key that your DIY life depends on in the heat of an Ingatorp build?! Mel and Dustin have mastered the IKEA conspiracy to destroy all romantic partnerships after 19 years of committed home design and comfort avoidance. And would you believe it we get into a whole lot more than that today on the show giving unexp...
55m Oct 11, 2023
55m
266: Why Would Anyone Grow Up?
Backseaters, enjoy doing nothing back there but listening, while the adults up here manage the key fob location, keep our eyes on the road, 10 and 2, and keep the wheels on the road. Needless to say Dustin would rather be coasting through his late 30’s but alas, adulting calls. Regardless of what we say we’ll discuss, we do actually discuss Dustin’s weekend throwing his first itch at the Marine...
57m Oct 04, 2023
57m
265: Mel Spends Her Bunny Money
Grab your PSL’s and kick misogyny to the curb, Fall is here to stay! The scones are warm and the breeze is cool, and this is going to be a very nice show today. Mel and Dustin announce their newest pet purchase, we tell animal horror stories in prep for halloween, we invite the government into our bodies, why Mel is so loved and needed in our home, quokkas, and Las Vegas Bingo Dingos! Enjoy th...
58m Sep 27, 2023
58m
264: On Southwest, You're Family.
Now Boarding, Backseaters section B! Keep those aisles clear and judgment free!! We’re all equals here and when your cruisin’ with Dustin and Mel today, you’re family. Today on the show, another awkward flight passenger, how to buy a phone for your kid, the Big Apple & Radio City Music Hall, Dolly Parton’s America Podcast, and more!. Enjoy the show! This Week’s Sponsor: BARK TECHNOLOGIES >> ...
1hr 1m Sep 20, 2023
1hr 1m
264: The New Family Pet Will Be - REPLAY
Producer Andy here welcoming you to this fallback throwback episode as Mel and Dustin are embracing the autumn on the east coast this week. Hope you had a chance to catch Dustin with Taylor Tomlinson at the legendary Radio Music City Hall. If you didn’t, that’s fine, you can experience what it’s really like to see him, just outside of most major cities, on his Headlining tour, Halfway There , b...
54m Sep 13, 2023
54m
263: Gotta Fit It In When You Can
Amidst the new busy fall schedules, we’re grateful Backseaters that you could make time for us today, because when it comes to a great podcast you gotta fit it in when you can. Laughing this  week? Stretching? Gotta fit it in when you can. We squeeze in some laughs about exposing your kids to the Zoo, Drunk Hecklers, IKEA furniture fails, Your first job in 20 years, Anxious and Angry sports par...
58m Sep 06, 2023
58m
263: Trader Joe's is a Hoax
Tuck & Roll Backseaters, there’s no way we’re getting stuck in this overcrowded zoning issue of a Trade Joe’s Parking Lot. Dustin and Mel have some big news to share today, Tiki is a having a moment, We’ve lost our sense of formality, Your emails, reviews, and more! Enjoy the show! This Week’s Sponsor: BARK TECHNOLOGIES >> Keep Your Kids Safe with Bark Technologies and the NEW Bark Phone. Us...
55m Aug 30, 2023
55m
262: First Day Vs First Week of School
Put away those “first day of school everything is great and new with the world” vibes Backseaters, it’s pedal to the metal into week one of the school year and the Nickerson’s are already planning their escape! This episode is packed with the hottest parental takes on the state of women’s fashion, surviving Hurricane Hilary, relating with your kids anxiety in today’s world, ‘Punk Rock’ Dad Mako...
53m Aug 23, 2023
53m
261: Back to School, Back to Schedules
Hope you’re ready for literally dozens of daily car rides backseaters because schedules are BACK and Mel and Dustin couldn’t be more thrilled to pump up the gas budget for the new school year. This week, we uncover the cause and cure for all of mid-life’s problems, consider how to talk to our children about aliens, Dustin has too much earwax, a Southwest flight for the memory books, 19 years of...
53m Aug 16, 2023
53m
260: It's Not a Family Vacation Til Someone Gets Sick
Hope you brought your hydration backseaters, Mel and Dustin take us into the depths of the southern woods for a hot takes on family camp, “real” camping, Lizzo’s allegations, getting sick on vacation, why we should capture Willy again, and Bingos Dingos on the Georgia Aquariaum and touring Graceland. Enjoy the show! Watch the new comedy special, Runs in the Family Dustin Nickerson | Runs in t...
1hr 3m Aug 09, 2023
1hr 3m
250: How to Get Your Kids Out the Door Without Losing Your Mind (REPLAY)
Hey there backseaters, hope you're enjoying the summer air and long vacations this year. We'll be back next week with an all new episode, as we are all on the road this week. Check out this re-run you may have never heard! Enjoy the show! Watch the new comedy special, Runs in the Family Dustin Nickerson | Runs in the Family (Full Comedy Special) #newcomedy #standupcomedy : https://youtu.be/0D...
43m Aug 02, 2023
43m
259: Are All Beaches Nude Beaches?
Shield your eyes and cover your ears Backseaters, we’re heading to the beach and don’t be too observant about it! Mel and Dustin keep us up to date on family travel with absurd hotel breakfast hours, AirBnb vs Hotels, managing kids at the beach or pool, questionable new beach swimwear, Dustin’s favorite things about Mel, and more. Enjoy the show! Watch the new comedy special, Runs in the Fami...
57m Jul 26, 2023
57m
258: Bitter Barista, Smooth Coffee
It’s a big day for the Nickerson minivan backseaters, as Dustin and Mel are now the proud parents of a 16 year old with a driver’s license. So hold on back there as we breakdown the new potential rules and anxieties about teenage driving, yell at Seattle’s painfully slow traffic habits, discuss why judgy baristas are best, how Seattle has lost it’s cultural edge, and much more. Enjoy the show!...
52m Jul 19, 2023
52m
Every Part of the Whale
Backseaters, ever done a job and didn’t get paid? How about payment in animals? If yes, you’re not alone! Dustin and Mel take us on a grand tour of troubling babysitting stories, call to question pizza-crust deniers, when your home becomes a teenage convenience store, awkward hotel check-ins, a family review on Orlando Universal Studios, and much more! Enjoy the show! Watch the new comedy spe...
59m Jul 12, 2023
59m
256: Wetzel's Pretzel's Needs a Beer Garden
The only thing that has us more excited than this week’s episode backseaters, is the idea of Wetzel’s Pretzels quenching that warm Saturday afternoon at the mall salty pretzel with a crisp, cold, lager. While we’re making this stop in Orange County, Mel checks out the Hello Kitty Cafe, we celebrate her birthday, consider sports counseling, Lance Armstrong sets the record for celebrity irony, a ...
1hr Jul 05, 2023
1hr
254: Movies are the New Books
Wanna juice up that stimulation in backseat this week? Kick back, relax, throw on the Netflix AND TikTok at the same time and let it rip! While we’re maxing out doing something while doing nothing, Dustin and Mel return this week to observe the difficulties of teenage motivation, how movies have maybe had their heyday, Kung Fu, the return of JNCO Jeans and Rainbow Sandals, the dystopian  future...
52m Jun 28, 2023
52m
253: Placenta Stroganoff
It’s leg day, and we’re heading straight to the playground backseaters. What better way to squeeze in that much needed crossfit session in, than while watching your 2 year old traverse that sketchy balance beam alone. Is this a terrible idea? Find out today on the show as we breakdown playground fitness, oversharing on airplanes, 80’s parenting VS now, Knott’s Scary Employment, a Bingo Dingo on...
1hr 1m Jun 21, 2023
1hr 1m
252: Father’s Day Fixer Upper
Backseaters, take a deep look at your podcast dad at the wheel here, and reach for that gift this week that’s REALLY gonna help him out. Dustin needs it, he’s been up with 1:45am PST and flew in just for this episode and we could use a hand! We determine the Hottest Rockstar of all-time, Sub Par Graduation Plans, Father’s Day, the problem with Hotel stays with Kids, a Bingo Dingo on the Series ...
58m Jun 14, 2023
58m
252: Dustin and Mel Have a Field Day!
Grab your Keds, jean shorts, and water balloons Backseaters, because it’s FIELD DAY and there are no tears, sorrow, nor pain where we’re going. That’s right, Dustin and Mel take us on a journey through the final days of school year, reminiscing on egg tosses with your besties, hacking the classroom prize economy, loathing long division, the “Drinking Wisconsinbly” theory, a bingo dingo on Spide...
59m Jun 07, 2023
59m