Don't Listen To Us with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody
Don’t Listen to Us is an advice show for advice-skeptics and wisdom-lovers, hosted by Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody, and their son Gideon. Legendary actor Mandy (The Princess Bride, Homeland, Criminal Minds) is the consummate entertainer who shoots from the hip, stage actress Kathryn is the thoughtful connector who sees all the nuance, and Gideon is the brave soul keeping them on track. Together, they draw from their highs and lows as artists, parents, lovers, and humans to give their unique take on real dilemmas submitted by listeners. The show offers insights, stories, and comfort in navigating life's challenges.
Episodes
Mandy & Kathryn Offer Free Advice on the Streets of NYC
What happens when Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody hit the streets of New York City looking for your questions? Will anyone ask us for advice? It’s our episode with no script and no idea who’s going to walk up next.
After a string of rejections, we land in Central Park and find strangers willing to open up about their worries, life questions and relatable problems. How to stay connected to fami
Should We Take Mushrooms? Psychedelics & Healing
What happens when Mandy and Kathryn get mushroom-curious? They dive into psychedelics, trauma, healing, and the possibility of taking a trip themselves, with musician Elvis Perkins along for the conversation (and a song).
Also: Cardboard Becky takes a fall, and the family argues that jury duty is actually an honor and a good democratic thing so stop weaseling out of it!
Check o
How to Deal With a Co-Worker Who Complains?
My co-worker complains about EVERYTHING. What should I do? This week, Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody and their son Gideon tackle a listener's workplace dilemma. Mandy has some thoughts about Kathryn's advice. We also check-in with a listener about our promise to break up with our phones and whether The Adventures of Elmo In Grouchland is too scary for kids.
Plus, Mandy and Kathryn imagine
The Exercise Routine That Will Change Your Life
Join Mandy and Kathryn in an exercise routine Mandy swears will change your life. Then, an emotional conversation about what to do when an aging parent – or anyone you love – refuses the help they clearly need.
Plus: should you always expect a thank you? Or is the act of giving the real gift? And famous birthday twins (Gilda Radner!).
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with
Did Romance Die With Gen Z?
Who should make the first move? Is romance dead? And, did Gen Z kill it?
This week on Don’t Listen to Us, Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody tackle questions about modern dating, vulnerability, and the challenges of finding love today. A listener asks whether straight men should always make the first move. Hear Mandy’s surprising answer. A live caller shares what it’s like to date as a Gen Z sing
Job Loss, Identity, and Our Loudest Rants
What happens when the job you've built your identity around suddenly disappears?
A live guest asks Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody how to navigate the emotional fallout of losing a job—and how to rediscover who you are when your work no longer defines you.
Also: a listener sends a rant so the family responds with their own pet peeves (airports and noisy restaurants). Plus: a home repair dil
What Happens to Pets After They Die?
Do pets go to heaven? How do you talk to kids about sex? And, would Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody trade their son, Gideon, for world peace?
We bring back our most talked about guest - pet psychic Danielle MacKinnon. She shares what she believes happens to pets after they die. Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody and their son, Gideon, share their takes on how to talk to kids about sex. Childh
Mandy Patinkin Wants to Be Composted (Yes, Really)
Mandy, Kathryn and Gideon Grody-Patinkin kick things off with a spirited round of Would You Rather? They settle an important debate: should you get a pet T-Rex? Then, listener Robyn asks a deeply personal question: what's the best way to honor her late husband? And Mandy is passionately all-in on human composting, leading to an emotional discussion about death, memorials, and why it's so important
How AI is Scaring Hollywood
Will AI replace actors? Could it take away the jobs that launch creative careers? And how will we know what's real online?
If you've wondered what AI means for actors, writers, musicians, filmmakers—or anyone whose work depends on creativity—this conversation is for you. This week, Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody and Gideon are joined by Tony Award-winning sound designer Mikaal Sulaiman for a fas
New Relationship Anxiety: Bodily Functions & Being Human
We will be back next week. This episode is for the theatre nerds. We see you! It’s also for anyone who has ever wondered how to navigate bodily functions in a new relationship. So, everyone. Plus, a moving segment on being your own cheerleader. Oh, and Kathryn brings back the word ‘respair.’
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here: https:
Try This: Tenants Are Fighting for Their Right to Clean Air
Enjoy this episode of Good Things, a Lemonada show that amplifies the good work being done by activists and organizers all over the country.
Most people think of pollution as something outside, like smog and exhaust. But gas stoves, ovens, furnaces, and water heaters can actually release nitrogen dioxide directly into your home. For renters, that's a problem without easy solutions: unlike homeow
Do Your Friends Have to Share Your Values?
Should you tell a friend you think their job is unethical? Mandy and Kathryn disagree. A listener asks about using AI as a creative. Mandy and Kathryn play the role of their lives - AI bots. Find out what prompts they used. Oh, and Gene Kelly’s wife calls to chat about the famous dancer and actor’s final years and his advice to Mandy. This episode originally aired on 11/19/2025.
Have a question
Does Wisdom Come With Age? Starting Over After a Move
A surprise Off-Off-Broadway debut. The most unforgettable compliment Kathryn Grody and Mandy Patinkin have ever received. One of them left us speechless. Does wisdom always come with age? Or, is that just something older people tell us? And, a question many listeners can relate to: how do you rebuild your life after a major move and start over in a new place? Plus, Kathryn tries her hand at K-Pop
Have You Ever Encountered a Ghost?
A listener asks Mandy and Kathryn whether they've ever encountered a ghost. Stories about the paranormal, being present at a birth and a death, and the surprise career turning points that shape a life.
Also, a conversation about how theater should be more welcoming to audiences with diverse needs, and the raucous return of the Dating Game. Do Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody know each other’s fa
The Dating App Episode (Plus a Rare Sondheim Story)
What would happen if Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody joined a dating app? In this episode, they imagine their dating profiles, invent wildly different dating apps of their own, and reveal what they're really looking for in human connection.
Plus, a listener question about navigating a younger, condescending boss at work. And Mandy tells the unforgettable story of the first time Stephen Sondheim
Why We’re All Addicted to Our Phones
A teen asks the question we’re all struggling with: how do you protect your mental health when your phone, social media, and the news cycle never stop? We talk doomscrolling, screen time and the pressure to always be “plugged in.” And, what’s the best excuse to get out of a social obligation? We debate the most believable exits to cancel plans and the guilt of saying no. Plus, can Kathryn survive
TOMS Founder Blake Mycoskie Tells Michael Pollan How Success Broke Him
New series sneak peek! No Magic Pill is hosted by TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie, who fell apart after building and selling one of the most recognized brands on the planet. After a years-long journey through every therapy and treatment imaginable, Blake is finally talking honestly about the dark side of success and the reality of mental health. In No Magic Pill, Blake travels the country to sit
Death Doula Answers What Happens When We Die
Are you ready for a sharp turn? One minute we’re debating love languages, pickleball etiquette, and loyalty to your barber. Next, we sit down with a death doula/soul midwife who shares what dying feels like in the room, how to navigate grief, and the emotional realities of end-of-life care. She helps Mandy with a pressing question and a listener who asks how to support a friend with a terminal ill
Time Slipping? Mandy Patinkin & Kathryn Grody on Aging
A totally original, absolutely unhinged birthday song. Danielle writes in with a big question about feeling like time is moving too fast. And a round of Scary Not Scary tackles the burning question: what would you do if a baby bear showed up in your sink?
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskMandyandKathry
How Do You Forgive Yourself?
A listener asks about addiction and self-forgiveness. A family friend drops by for a moving discussion about sobriety, relapse, and learning to move forward. Plus, Kathryn judges Gideon’s beard rather harshly, and a story about a first kiss that changed everything.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskMandy
True NYC Stories We’ve Never Told (Until Now)
Roaches. Drug heists. Burglaries. Sandwiches. Welcome to New York. In this anything-goes episode, we pause your questions and dive into our unbelievable and sometimes oddly hilarious stories about life in NYC, including when we were young, struggling actors. Plus, a tale about Martin Sheen that goes nowhere. Oh, and an easter egg revealed that you haven’t noticed yet.
Have a question, story, we
A 93-Year-Old Shares Secrets to a Creative Life
What can a 93-year-old teach us about life, creativity, and happiness?
Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody sit down with a 93-year-old artist to talk about aging, staying creative, and finding joy at every stage of life.
They also answer a listener question about how to raise hopeful kids in difficult times, and a game of Would You Rather? takes an unexpected (and hilarious) turn.
Have a question,
Listener Favorite: Why Don’t I Feel Like the Age I Am?
This episode originally aired on October 22, 2025.
How to feel young when the body gets old, why joy is resistance, and a call from Brit about blowing up her professional life. Also, Gideon shocks Mandy and Kathryn with a family secret.
Have a question, story, or weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
See omnyst
Advice for Aspiring Actors (Broadway Isn’t Key)
Why do we discourage people from a career in the arts? A young person talks to Mandy & Kathryn about how to make it in musical theatre. Hint: Broadway shouldn’t be the goal. Plus, a peak inside Gideon’s brain - as a kid doing performance art about his neighbours. Oh, and the Road Runner makes an appearance.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice mem
Should You Stay or Leave When You Hate Where You Live?
If you move somewhere new and hate it… do you stick it out or start over? Mandy and Kathryn have very different answers. In this episode, they get into moving regret, how to decide whether to stay or leave, and the emotional reality of starting over in a new place. Also: creative and surprising ways to cope with grief, the rituals that keep people we’ve lost close, and Kathryn reveals her secret,
A Pet Psychic Reads Our Dog
Ever wonder what your pet actually thinks of you? We sit down with an Animal Communicator and Pet Psychic who reads Becky, our dog. Let’s just say, we may never look at Becky the same way again! Plus, Mandy’s surprising story of when he was offered The Princess Bride. Oh, and what we really (maybe) would’ve done if acting didn’t work out.
Please note - We record these episodes in advance so we do
What Do Our Dreams Really Tell Us?
This episode exists because of you! We’re diving into some of the weirdest, funniest, and most unexpectedly moving listener messages we’ve received lately—and one letter absolutely devastates Mandy and Kathryn.
Also: some highly questionable dream interpretation and an unscientific ice cream taste test: dairy vs. alternative milks in a frozen dessert death match.
Have a question, story, weird th
Kitchen Turf Wars: Why Couples Fight Over Cooking
If you’ve ever argued over the “right” way to load a dishwasher, this one’s for you. A special episode…in the kitchen! Kathryn and Mandy test a listener’s famous potato recipe. Chaos ensues. Plus, why turf wars in the kitchen are so common. Oh, and are hot dogs sandwiches or tacos?
Please note - We often record these episodes in advance so we don’t always get to respond in real time to what’s go
Listen Now: Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Mandy, Kathryn, and Gideon are off this week, but they didn’t want to leave you without something special in your feed. So we’re sharing another Lemonada show that we think you’re really going to love.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin is hosted by the #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before, and it gets personal in the best way. Gretchen shares practical, totally manageab
Toxic Parents, Immigrant Stories and Weird Hobbies
How do you set boundaries with difficult parents? A question about letting go of what you didn’t get in childhood reveals something sweet about Mandy and Gideon’s own relationship. Plus: Mandy and Kathryn share their immigration stories, Mandy gets a trainer, and Gideon upsells a very questionable new hobby.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice me
The Awkward Phase of Dating No One Talks About
This episode is for the theatre nerds. We see you! It’s also for anyone who has ever wondered how to navigate bodily functions in a new relationship. So, everyone. Plus, a moving segment on being your own cheerleader. Oh, and Kathryn brings back the word respair.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn
Is Love Enough? And Other Valentine’s Day Questions
Does a good relationship require more than just love? Can you be happy without romantic love? And if Gideon loved a robot, would Kathryn mind? Some Valentine’s Day questions about eros (and philia, and pragma, and philautia…).
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
Head to MarleySpoon.co
W. Kamau Bell on How To Parent In Uncertain Times
We’re joined by a special guest - comedian, director, dad W. Kamau Bell! We talk about parenting during this difficult time and all things Chicago (including a potential long lost cousin). Oh, and Gideon attempts to pry an old family secret from Kathryn. Can he do it?
Please note - We often record these episodes in advance so we don’t always get to respond in real time to what’s going on in our c
Introducing: What's The Plan? from Indivisible
Newly announced No Kings III is on track to become the largest protest in American history! Ezra and Leah welcome to the conversation famed expert in social movements Erica Chenoweth to discuss the strategic logic of nonviolent protest and noncooperation, organizing against ICE, and how we can convince an opposition party to fight back. As always, we take top questions voted live!
See omnystudio.c
Apologies, Advice to Our Younger Selves and No Ties, Ever
When do you actually owe your family an apology? Also, Kathryn’s advice to her younger self and why Mandy doesn’t own a tie.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
Head to MarleySpoon.com/DONTLISTEN for up to 25 FREE meals!
Visit littlesaints.com to explore the cocktails and use code DO
Risking It All to Become an Artist – and the Truth about Elmo
Why are people so rude – or are they? A theatre legend calls in to explain why choosing a life in the arts isn’t crazy. Also: pet peeves (celery) and Mandy’s anxiety about working with Elmo.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskMandyandKathryn or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
Head to Marley
A New Year Without Resolutions And With Lots of Songs
New year, same pressure to reinvent yourself. Are resolutions too much? Why Mandy thinks forgiveness isn’t needed. Kathryn disagrees. A listener’s note on bears and bad advice gets the broadway treatment. Oh, and Mandy and Kathryn get tested on Gen Z slang. Who slays?
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandk
Introducing: Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
As we take a deep breath over the holidays, we wanted to share a wonderful conversation from Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the incomparable Glenn Close.
In this episode, Glenn reflects on growing up in the Moral Re-Armament cult, her iconic work in Fatal Attraction and the new Knives Out, and the tenacity, talent, and forgiveness that have shaped her life. She talks about the women w
We Can Do Hard Things (feat. Mandy & Kathryn)
We’re taking a little holiday break this week so we’re sharing this wonderful, heartfelt, slightly chaotic conversation we had with our friends over on We Can Do Hard Things.
We talk about how to make a marriage last without losing your mind, the holy importance of quiet, and how we can hold tight to our humanity while insisting on a more humane world.
If you want to hear more of We Can Do Hard
What To Hang On Your Walls and a Surprising Taste Test
What to hang on your walls as a new homeowner. How to deal with failure. A story that embarrasses Kathryn. And, a listener’s powerful life advice we all need to hear. Oh, and someone tastes Becky’s treats! Guess who?
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
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Why Don’t I Feel like an Adult? And Revising Holiday Traditions
Does anyone ever actually feel grown-up? Mandy and Kathryn sure don’t. Also: changing up holiday traditions, and the man who mistook an umbrella for a bear (the man is Gideon).
To give the gift of Ridwell, just head to ridwell.com/dontlistengift.
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Is Time Apart Healthy in a Relationship? We Weigh In
Why Kathryn wants you to say “pussy up.” Is time apart healthy in a relationship? A woman in a male dominated field asks about being herself. How long would you wait for someone? Oh, and “shake the mustard before you squeeze” and other parental sayings - including Mandy’s! It involves a body part.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or
Thanksgiving Politics, Plastic Surgery & The Song that Defines Us
Navigating political differences at the holiday table, actors and plastic surgery, and how Kathryn fell in love with her white hair. Also: Mandy is grateful for liver.
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
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Should Artists Use AI and Gene Kelly’s Best Advice
Should you tell a friend you think their job is unethical? Mandy and Kathryn disagree. A listener asks about using AI as a creative. Mandy and Kathryn play the role of their lives - AI bots. Find out what prompts they used. Oh, and Gene Kelly’s wife calls to chat about the famous dancer and actor’s final years and his advice to Mandy years ago.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Astrology, Farts, and Mistakes We Made
Who brought the whoopee cushion? A 4-year-old has a question about being bad and DLTU welcomes our first live guest: astrologer extraordinaire Isabel Wilder! Also: the time Mandy and Christopher Walken fled an audition.
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Friendship, Flip Phones, and the Best Dog Ever
Kathryn gets teary about the lost art of daydreaming, Mandy struggles with friendship, and caller Emonnie brings the calm. Also: Becky the dog’s origin story.
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Rude Animals and What Happens After Death
Boo! Happy Halloween. Or, not. Advice to a new grandparent - duct tape helps. Kathryn and Mandy speak to whales. A listener question about death that moves us every time we hear it! Oh, and we play a rapid fire game we call Scary, Not scary. Spiders? Skydiving? Orgies?
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandk
Quit Your Job, Joy as Protest, and a Family Secret
How to feel young when the body gets old, why joy is resistance, and a call from Brit about blowing up her professional life. Also, Gideon shocks Mandy and Kathryn with a family secret.
Have a question, story, or weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.c
Toilets, Ice Cream, and Love After 47 Years with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody
How to deal with a know-it-all, the truth about American toileting, and a call from Lori about unlocking her heart (ice cream helps). Plus, Mandy gets emotional sharing a breakthrough with son Gideon.
Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code DONTLISTEN for 15% off your order today.
Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit JoinMidi.com tod
Ideal Date Night, White Lies, and Befriending Your Fears with Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody
Kathryn defends white lies, Mandy and Kathryn play the Dating Game (Mandy shares his ideal date night), and an inspiring call with Melissa about rebooting a long-lost career dream. Is it ever too late?
Have a question, story, weird thought to share with Mandy and Kathryn? Drop us a voice memo here or send an email to askmandyandkathryn@gmail.com.
Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere o
Don’t Listen to Us! (Official Trailer)
Welcome to Don’t Listen to Us! A brand new take-it-or-leave-it advice show hosted by Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody, with their son, Gideon. Each week, Mandy and Kathryn mine their triumphs and disasters as artists, parents, lovers, and humans, to give their unique take on your dilemmas. Gideon referees. Becky the dog barks. And you’ll laugh until you cry, or cry until you laugh. Drop by for som
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