By Jazmira Guzman, Nova Southeastern University

“Rowdy, Bawdy, and Unexpected” describe the show that Youtube Sensations Jen Smedley and Kirstin Hensley will bring to Fort Lauderdale on March 30 at the Parker Playhouse. 

The two best friends of over 20 years went viral on Youtube in 2017 after posting a video on the struggles of motherhood, finding the comedy in the embarrassment of postpartum swimsuit shopping along with body confidence after having children. Since then, the duo has amassed over 2.2 million followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok combined, authored a New York Times bestselling book, and podcast. Now, they’re taking their unfiltered look at motherhood on the road, with The Flashback Tour. The live tour promises to bring you back in time with a room of people who just get it. But, #IMOMSOHARD isn’t just for moms.

“We call our fans ‘the moms’, but our audience is much more than that,” said Hensley. “It’s about friendship, and everyone can relate to that.”

Both from Nebraska, Smedley and Hensley met in Los Angeles, and instantly felt a connection over their Midwestern roots and common interest in creative careers. 

“There’s all these invisible strings between us,” said Smedley. “Like, I knew more people at her wedding than she did!”

Their friendship made its way to social media thanks to one simple idea- turning their common struggles of motherhood into videos “that make you laugh till you pee.” Their viral swimsuit video, inspired by one tear-filled phone call about postpartum swimsuit shopping, instantly gave them YouTube fame. Their philosophy is simple.

Hensley said, “When one of us is suffering, the other makes it funny, and then we make it a video.”

The Flashback Tour is all about nostalgia- revisiting childhood, middle school memories, and how those moments collide with their journey in motherhood today. 

“It’s stories from back when we were young mostly because we’re having a parallel experience with our kids who are now in middle school or who are tweens,” said Smedley.

However, don’t expect some sweet and sentimental mommy meetup. The show takes you through a time warp, but, “This is not a lesson in parenting- it’s a reckless party where women can let loose.” The show is part stand-up, part interactive experience, with moments of improv and the help of audience participation. They want it to feel like someone’s best night out in years.

For fans who know them from their videos, podcasts, or book, “the live show is its own beast,” said Hensley. “Women are easy laughers. There’s a tone to laughs- that just fills your soul.”

The versatility of their humor is reflected through the audience. 

“When we started the videos, our point of view was coming from the point of being moms,” said Hensley. 

However, as the spotlight shone more on their friendship, Smedley and Hensley didn’t anticipate how their audience would expand. 

“We are really proud of our LGBTQ+ audience, single moms, and we have a wonderful group of young people that come to the show because they listen to the podcast with their moms in the car,” said Hensley. 

This connection came unexpectedly to the duo.  

“The more relatable part is having a strong friendship rather than having kids,” said Hensley.

Smedley feels that while there has always been comedy for men, women have not been the focus of entertainment until recently.

“One of the most forgotten groups of people are mothers because it, like, epitomizes lame for most people,” Smedley said. “But what we found is these women are still really fun and fierce, and, like, badass. Don’t underestimate them.” 

The duo’s biggest hope? That the audience leaves with new friends, a few inside jokes, and maybe even sore abs from laughing. 

“Everyone’s welcome, and this is a fun, open, place for everyone to just get together and have fun,” said Hensley. “In a time when everyone’s feeling disconnected, this show makes you feel very connected.”

So, whether you’re a mom, a best friend, or someone who just needs a night of comedy and “reckless party,” #IMOMSOHARD is the perfect place to, as Smedley put it, laugh until you pee.

“That’s the goal,” said Smedley.