Nick Leighton & Leah Bonnema

Were You Raised By Wolves?

Society EN ↓ 373 episodes

Editors’ Notes: “I want to give everybody the tools to solve their own etiquette problems,” says Nick Leighton, cohost and producer of Were You Raised by Wolves?, a weekly podcast in which he and cohost Leah Bonnema look into the many sticky social situations we all face. “With each of the questions that we get, from the bonkers to the ordinary, I always try to take a step back and ask, ‘What are the bigger principles here?’ I'm always looking for topics that help us make a larger point.” In each episode, Leighton, a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, and Bonnema, a comic/writer, share pr...

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.wereyouraisedbywolves.com

Author

Nick Leighton & Leah Bonnema

Episodes

Outing AI Videos, Evicting Lingering Guests, Reserving Paper Towels, and More 20.04.2026 19:15

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about outing AI videos, evicting lingering guests, reserving paper towels, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERNESS: Is it rude to tel...

Decoding Different Cultures, Pursuing Dry Cleaners, Blasting Techno Music, and More 13.04.2026 47:23

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle decoding different cultures, pursuing dry cleaners, blasting techno music, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  "The Culture Map" by Erin...

Second Helpings: Removing Shoes on Airplanes, Exiting Weddings Early, Welcoming Guests In, and More 06.04.2026 23:16

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! This week, Nick and Leah are enjoying a well-deserved break, but they'll be back next week with an all-new episode. In the meantime, here's one of their favorite episodes from the archives in which they answer listener questions about removing shoes on airplanes, exiting weddings early, welcoming guests in, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritt...

Second Helpings: Eating Baguettes in France, Spitting Wine at Tastings, Returning Gifts to Guests, and More 30.03.2026 39:33

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! This week, Nick and Leah are enjoying a well-deserved break, but they'll be back soon with an all-new episode. In the meantime, here's one of their favorite episodes from the archives in which they tackle eating baguettes in France, spitting at winery tasting rooms, returning gifts to guests, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you no...

Leaking Phone Numbers, Venting About Registries, Requesting the 'Man of the House,' and More 23.03.2026 30:09

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about leaking phone numbers to strangers, venting about baby registries, requesting the "Man of the House," and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS FROM...

Very Special 300th Episode Extravaganza 16.03.2026 1:26:50

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this very special 300th episode extravaganza, Nick and Leah count down their top ten favorite etiquette questions and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TOP 10 QUESTIONS: What’s the best way to handle being surprised...

Getting Married on Fridays, Putting In-Laws to Work, Singing Foreign National Anthems, and More 09.03.2026 26:28

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about getting married on Fridays, putting in-laws to work, singing foreign national anthems, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERNESS:...

Closing Letters Properly, Feeding Finicky Visitors, Blinding Fellow Drivers, and More 02.03.2026 45:27

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle closing letters and cards properly, feeding finicky out-of-town visitors, blinding fellow drivers, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  Si...

Dropping State Names, Double-Thanking for Gifts, Arriving at Funerals Early, and More 23.02.2026 25:52

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about dropping state names, double-thanking for gifts, arriving early for funerals, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERNESS: When is...

Second Helpings: Faking Wedding Start Times, Asking for Gifts Back, Clipping Nails in Church, and More 16.02.2026 24:12

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! This week, Nick and Leah are enjoying a well-deserved break, but they'll be back next week with an all-new episode. In the meantime, here's one of their favorite episodes from the archives in which they answer listener questions about faking wedding start times, asking for gifts back, clipping nails in church, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwr...

Herding Sheep in Iceland, Watching Hockey Respectfully, Hailing Cabs in Winter, and More 09.02.2026 34:01

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle herding sheep in Iceland, watching hockey games respectfully, hailing cabs in winter, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  Réttir (Annual...

Waiting on Forgotten Gifts, Noticing New Wigs, Gossiping About Monarchs, and More 02.02.2026 25:32

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about handling forgotten Secret Santa gifts, noticing a coworker's new wig, gossiping about monarchs, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS FROM THE WI...

Jumping Over Babies, Asking Callers to Announce Themselves, Giving Plants Without Pots, and More 26.01.2026 41:01

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle El Colacho, asking callers to announce themselves, giving plants without pots, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  El Colacho (Baby-Jumpi...

Dressing for Vague Galas, Pushing In Dining Chairs, Taking Cookies Prematurely, and More 19.01.2026 35:17

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about dressing for galas when the invitation is vague, pushing in chairs after dining, taking cookies prematurely from buffets, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠...

Apologizing in Mongolia, Speaking for Other People, Lying to Waiters, and More 12.01.2026 41:33

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle apologizing in Mongolia, speaking for other people, lying to waiters, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  Apologizing in Mongolia A QUEST...

Enduring Dishes You Dislike, Managing Ungrateful Gift Recipients, Acknowledging Victories Without Praise, and More 05.01.2026 26:11

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about enduring holiday dishes you dislike, managing ungrateful gift recipients, acknowledging victories without praise, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUE...

Second Helpings: Ordering Espresso in Italy, Asking for a Raise, Deflecting Rude Questions, and More 29.12.2025 42:54

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! This week, Nick and Leah are enjoying a well-deserved break, but they'll be back next week with an all-new episode. In the meantime, here's one of their favorite episodes from the archives in which they tackle ordering espresso in Italy, asking for a raise politely, deflecting rude questions, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you no...

Second Helpings: Watching Kalle Anka, Receiving Compliments, Bringing Empty Containers to Restaurants, and More 22.12.2025 40:46

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! This week, Nick and Leah are enjoying a well-deserved break, but they'll be back soon with an all-new episode. In the meantime, here's one of their favorite episodes from the archives in which they tackle watching Kalle Anka in Sweden, receiving compliments, bringing your own empty food containers to restaurants, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a han...

Setting Dessert Cutlery Correctly, Attending New Year’s Eve Parties, Deflecting Donation Requests, and More 15.12.2025 44:58

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle setting dessert cutlery correctly, attending New Year's Eve parties, deflecting donation requests, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  Se...

Curbing Phones at Dinner, Inviting Near-Strangers to Baby Showers, "Participating" in Hot Air Balloon Trips, and More 08.12.2025 26:33

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about curbing phones at dinner, inviting near-strangers to baby showers, "participating" in hot air ballon trips, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS...

Pluralizing Names on Cards, Tipping Mariachi Bands, Wrapping Other People's Gifts, and More 01.12.2025 35:50

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle pluralizing names on holiday cards, tipping Mariachi bands, wrapping other people's gifts, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  Pluralizin...

Offering Unsolicited Botox, Photographing Hospital Patients, Using Pre-Divorce Stationery, and More 24.11.2025 28:15

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about offering unsolicited botox, photographing hospital patients, using pre-divorce stationery, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERN...

Adding "Carriages" to Invitations, Making Animal Sounds at Dinner, Alleging Underbaked Brownies, and More 17.11.2025 43:09

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle adding "carriages" to invitations, making animal sounds at dinner, alleging underbaked brownies, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  "Car...

Selling Soap to Wedding Guests, Eating Wine Corks, Tipping Hospital Valets, and More 10.11.2025 27:26

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah answer listener questions about selling soap to wedding guests, eating wine corks, tipping hospital valets, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ QUESTIONS FROM THE WILDERNESS: Is it tack...

Spotting Americans Abroad, Declining to Go Horseback Riding, Singing on Airplanes, and More 03.11.2025 43:26

Etiquette, manners, and beyond! In this episode, Nick and Leah tackle spotting Americans abroad, declining to go horseback riding, singing on airplanes, and much more. Please follow us! (We'd send you a handwritten thank-you note if we could.) Have a question for us? Call or text (267) CALL-RBW or visit  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ask.wyrbw.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE CONTENTS AMUSE-BOUCHE:  The American Lean...