Have you ever found yourself in a social situation and wondered, “Where Were You when they taught basic etiquette?” Nick Leighton, co-host and producer of the podcast “Were You Raised by Wolves?”, understands this feeling all too well. Alongside co-host Leah Bonnema, he delves into the often-perplexing world of social graces, aiming to equip listeners with the tools to navigate any sticky situation with confidence and poise. “I want to give everybody the tools to solve their own etiquette problems,” Leighton explains, emphasizing the podcast’s practical approach. Rather than just reacting to awkward moments, he and Bonnema step back to identify the underlying principles at play, offering insights that extend beyond just the immediate social faux pas.
Each week, Emmy Award-winning journalist Nick Leighton and comedian/writer Leah Bonnema, known for her appearances on “Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” bring their unique perspectives to a range of etiquette dilemmas. From the seemingly trivial, like the correct way to eat Cheetos, to more significant issues such as setting boundaries with overbearing coworkers or politely handling overly talkative individuals, “Were You Raised by Wolves?” covers it all with warmth and humor. Since launching in 2019, their goal has remained consistent: to foster empathy and understanding in our interactions with others. Their engaging and informal style blends personal anecdotes, listener questions, and fascinating historical tidbits, creating an environment that is both informative and entertaining.
Leighton sees their podcast as a welcome antidote to online negativity, while Bonnema finds the etiquette theme perfectly suited to her observational comedy style. “A lot of my comedy is about events where I’m like, ‘What just happened here?’ or where I embarrass myself,” Bonnema shares. She notes the inherent comedic tension in etiquette, where missteps can lead to feelings of awkwardness or even social anxiety. This shared passion for the topic, combined with a strong work ethic – evidenced by their consistent weekly episodes, now exceeding 100 – is key to their success. However, what they value most is the vibrant community they’ve cultivated. As Leighton points out, “We have conservative grandmothers in Tallahassee to nonbinary chefs in Seattle and everybody in between. Because who among us has not experienced an etiquette crime? This is universal.”
If you’re looking for witty, insightful, and genuinely helpful advice on navigating the complexities of modern etiquette, look no further than “Were You Raised by Wolves?”. Join Emmy® Award-winner Nick Leighton and acclaimed comedian Leah Bonnema as they strive to make the world a kinder, more courteous place, one episode at a time. Listen and follow today to improve your social navigation skills and perhaps even answer the question: Where were you when you first learned about good manners?
