Shmanners

Well hello there! You know, we here at Shmanners HQ know that there has been a lot of political talk lately, so we thought it was time to do an episode about the President. Yep, that's right! We're doing it! We're talking about GEORGE WASHINGTON! What was his early life ACTUALLY like? How did he become President? More importantly, what is his connection to etiquette? All this and more! We can not tell a lie, we sure would appreciate if you'd share the episode with a friend!

Hey there you knave! What would a scoundrel like you know about manners? Nothing! So, listen up you rogue and learn all about INSULTS! We share with you some classical insults and a few insulting names you've probably never heard! Plus, answers to your questions. Is it ok for friends to insult each other? What do you do if you are accidentally insulted? How do you give constructive criticism? All this, and more! Enjoy and share, you scallywag!

Well hello there Internet! Might I say, those are some amazing shoes! No, I really mean it! They're great! Of course I'm serious! Ok, now you are just fishing! This week's episode is all about COMPLIMENTS! How do you give them? How do you receive them? Can you do it from a car? We also share some historical compliments! Be sure to tune in next week for an episode all about insults! Enjoy and be sure to share!

Hello friends! Pull up a stool and let's have a chat! What are you drinking? First round is on us! This week is all about BAR ETIQUETTE! What's the difference between bars, pubs, and taverns? curious about the historical importance of pubs? Plus, what do you do if you break a glass? How do you become a regular? Tipping: how does it work?! All this plus even more answers to even more questions! Special thanks to our friends Stuart Wellington and his wife Sharlene for their expert input! Enjoy and please remember to listen responsibly!

Hello Internet! After a brief holiday break, we're back! We hope your holidays were good and that your 2017 is going well! If you're anything like us, you probably have some goals for the new year! Some might even call them RESOLUTIONS? We'll talk a little about the history of them, but mostly we want to talk about the most common resolution: going to the GYM! How does one behave well at the gym? How did the idea of gyms come about? Plus, answers to your gym etiquette questions! Enjoy and please be sure to share!

Hello Internet! We have a very special episode for you! This episode all about VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS was recorded live at this year's Candlenights live show! We sure hope you enjoy it! Have a happy (AND SAFE!) holiday and we'll see you in 2017!

Hello there Internet! What's that behind your back? A present? FOR US?! Well, we got you something too! It's a brand new episode all about HOLIDAY GIFTS: GIVING AND RECEIVING! First, hear us discuss our own gift philosophies! Then, we discuss some famous gifts from history! We answer a whole mess of your gift questions too! What's the policy on re-gifting? Do you need to match monetary values? Who do you have to give presents to? All these and more! Enjoy the episode and feel free to share this gift with your friends!

Happy holidays internet! We got you a brand new episode! What's that? You didn't get us anything? That's totally ok! As discussed in this episode, gift giving isn't about getting something in return! But mostly, we're talking about HOLIDAY PARTIES! Should you drink to excess? Do you have to go? What's the point? And what's the deal with a White Elephant gift exchange? Answers to all these and even more of your questions in this episode! Enjoy and remember to share!

Hello Internet! How are you? How's it going? What's up? What's shakin'? This week, we are discussing the art of CONVERSATION! Understandably, for many this is the hardest manners challenge there is! How do you start a conversation? How do you END a conversation?! How do you deal with being interrupted/interrupting others? How does one schmooze? All this plus answers to even more of your question! Enjoy and please remember to share!

Hello Internet and happy Thanksgiving weekend! Sure, we all think we know about Benjamin Franklin! He loved kites, witty sayings, and turkeys! ...right? Well, maybe we don't know as much about the almanac author as we thought, but we're sure gonna find out a little bit more! Enjoy and remember to share!

Hello Internet! American THANKSGIVING is almost upon us and we imagine you have quite a few concerns and questions! What do you talk about? What should you bring? Should you help clean up? How did this whole thing get started? Bonus question, what's the deal with those Macy's parade balloons? We have answers to these questions and more! Enjoy and be sure to share!

Hello Internet! After a brief baby leave, we are back! This time, we're talking RETAIL ETIQUETTE! How do you talk to a retail employee? Where did department stores and supermarkets come from? How do you speed up the whole shopping process? What's the history behind shopping stuff anyway? All that, plus even more answers to your questions! Enjoy and don't forget to share!

Hello Internet! Well, you've finally reached that age and it is time for you to debut! How do you debut you ask? Well, have you taken you dance classes? What about your etiquette classes? Have you reached "maturity"? You see, DEBUTANTE BALLS and COTILLIONS are all about entering society. Lord Byron referred to them as "marriage marts" and he wasn't far off! We'll give you the history of balls and cotillions and we'll even give you a play by play of a modern day ball! Enjoy and don't forget to share!

Hello Internet! We've got a little bundle of joy for you... a new episode all about BABY SHOWERS! People have been celebrating impending babies for a real long time, but how has it changed? Where did our modern day traditions start? Why do so many people think men should be excluded? What's the deal with presents? When do you throw a shower? Can you throw one for yourself? We have answers to all these questions and more! Enjoy and please share.

Hello there Internet! We have another special bio episode for you! Learn all about the original Dandy: BEAU BRUMMELL! We'll tell you about how good he was with collars and how bad he was with money! From his school days to his brief military career! It was a roller coast life for Beau! Enjoy and remember to share with friends!

Hello and welcome to a very special episode! Have you found yourself listening to Shmanners and wondering "Hey now! Just who is this 'Emily Post' person they keep mentioning?!" Well, wonder no more! You are about to learn everything you never knew that you didn't know about the amazing Emily Post! Enjoy!

Hey there sports fans and non-fans! It's American FOOTBALL season and you know what that means! Excitement! Action! And lots of people screaming at the TV while you're just trying to hang out with friends! Well, practice your football Shmanners and you won't be the one yelling at least! We've got some football history, answers to your questions and as a special treat, Travis attempts to explain the rules of Football as briefly as he possibly can! Enjoy and remember to pass the episode to a friend!

Hello Internet! Ahhh, the leaves are changing and the air is turning colder. Walmart shelves are full of TMNT folders and Disney notebooks... must be time to go BACK TO SCHOOL! But how do you get off on the right foot with a new dorm mate? How do you deal with the stress of introducing yourself to the class? How many questions are too many? Is it ok to be a first name teacher? Answer to these and the history of public school awaits you inside! Enjoy our back to school episode, and don't forget to share!

Would you do us the honor of standing beside us during this episode? In fact, we'd like you to be our Listener of Honor! Take your time, this is a big commitment! On this week's episode, it's another installment on WEDDINGS! Specifically, what is involved with being in the wedding party? Brides maids? Grooms men? Honor? Best? What does it all mean? And who is responsible for paying for what? How did this all start? All this and even more answers to even more questions! Enjoy, and don't forget to share!

Let the games begin! We have a brand new episode for you and it is a slam dunk/home run/touchdown! Whether it's a weekend softball league or a boardgames on a rainy day, we've all played with someone who just makes the game no fun! Maybe they take it too seriously or they just really hate losing. Whatever the case, they could stand a few lessons in SPORTSMANSHIP! We answer your questions and share a little sports history! Enjoy and don't forget to be a team player and share the episode!

Listen, this may sound sudden but... we want you to m of in to this episode with us! We should let you know, we have a few ground rules. First, you have to listen and then you have to enjoy. We're talking about ROOMMATE etiquette this week! How do you deal with sharing food? What do you do when dishes don't get done? How do you go about having guests over? What if you want to get a pet?! WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH NOTES?! Also, what's the history of cohabitation? There's a lot to unpack here, please get these boxes out of our shared living space. Enjoy!

You know, after a hard day of podcasting, I like to relax with an ice cold drink. Maybe a beer? Maybe a whiskey? But then I find myself wondering "Is this good shmanners?" This week's ep is all about ALCOHOL, specifically at parties! What are the rules of BYOB? What's the deal with punch? What if you don't drink? What the deal with BAC? Answers to all these questions and more can be found here! Enjoy, and don't forget to pass it around!

Hello? Is this Shmanners Listener? Hi! This is Shmanners! We're calling today to offer you a wonderful podcast opportunity! We've got a new episode for you today that I think you'll really enjoy. If you're like most, phone etiquette can be a very confusing arena. What does one say in a voicemail? How do you know if a phone call is acceptable or if you need to talk in person? What about wrong numbers? When should you check your phone? All that plus some history! Enjoy and feel free to call back any time!

Hello Internet! It's time for a very special episode! It's all questions and they're all your's! When should one cancel an RSVP? What to do when meeting an SO's family? What makes a good Work Thank You? Should you meet your neighbors? How do you discuss raises with your boss? All this, and more! Enjoy!

Step right up, step right up! There's room enough for all! This week, Shmanners is all about AMUSEMENT PARKS! Roller Coasters? We got'em! Amazing sights? We got'em! History? Origins? Answers to your questions? What to wear? What to do? What to see? How to behave? We have answers to all these and more! Listen, enjoy and don't forget to share!

Hello there and welcome! Pull up a blanket, an ear of corn and enjoy our new episode! We hope you brought a side dish or a desert to share? We're talking all about PICNICS and POTLUCKS! We know you have a lot of questions! Is home made better than store bought? Do you need to plan around everyone's dietary restrictions? Did people REALLY picnic during the Civil War? Do we ever age out of BYOB? What kind of stuff would one serve at a fancy and/or shmancy picnic? Well, we've got the answers to these questions and more! Enjoy and be sure to share!

Hello there! Have a seat and pull up a saucer! This week is all about TEA! Tea comes in many forms, but it is also served in so many ways! We'll discuss the differences between Afternoon and High tea, and even the different versions of those different versions! You'll learn a little bit about the origins of "tea time". We discuss what to wear, eat and what type of tea to drink! All this, plus even more answers to your questions! Enjoy and would you be so kind as to share?

You know, people have been swimming for fun for thousands of years! At least as far back as Ancient Egypt! Even after all that time, we are still trying to figure out how to be polite while at the pool or beach. How close should you sit to someone else's beach blanket? Is it ok to play your radio while soaking in the sun? What constitutes appropriate bathing wear? Those answers and more! Plus, a quick lesson on chlorine and peeing in the pool! Enjoy and don't forget to share with your fellow bathing beauties!

Hello Internet! Whoa whoa whoa! You can't wave like that! Don't you know what that means in Uruguay? You see, the same hand gesture can mean different things in different cultures. Where did these gestures come from? What are some of their meanings? Has mooning someone ever saved lives? All these answers plus the story of the hardest Travis has ever been flipped off. Thanks to Amy W. for the topic suggestion! Enjoy and don't forget to share with your friends!

Hello Internet! We are so excited to bring you our first ever live episode all about PREGNANCY! As you know, Teresa is pregnant so we have a lot to talk about! From ancient birthing methods to mid-wives to dad jokes to maternity clothes to Lucille Ball, we have a lot to cover! We'll even tell you the nice way to ask some very rude questions! Enjoy and don't forget to tell a friend!

Hello Internet! Gather around and hear the ballad of Evander Berry Wall, The King of Dudes! First, let's talk a little about the evolution of the word "dude" and a little bit about the gender-fication of certain colors of clothes. Also, learn about the theory as to why men's clothes tend to be bland compared to what they used to be. Then we get into the story of Evander Berry Wall! Hear of his early life and how he achieved (and defended!) the title of The King of Dudes! Hear about his love of dogs and how WW1 changed his life. Bonus, we'll share some of Wall's own life and style advice! Enjoy!

Hello Internet! Listen,we know that funerals can be rough. Not only are you dealing with a loss, often times you may be unaware of what is the proper and respectful way to behave. Funeral customs vary from country to country, religion to religion and even family to family. Let's go over some of the origin of funeral etiquette. Then we'll cover some basic appropriate behavior for a funeral. We'll answer some of your questions regarding appropriate condolences, what to wear, are pictures ok and should you bring children. Join us and let's all get through this together!

Hello Internet! We are sorry this episode is so good that your brain will hurt from its goodness! This week we are talking about APOLOGIES! From cave walls to current day, what makes a great apology? We'll give you from examples from some very recognizable names (including a pretty sick burn from Eliza Hamilton) if you need help! We'll even teach you how to apologize when you aren't sorry! Also, what to do if someone doesn't forgive you! Learn what to do about that friend who NEVER apologizes! All that and even more answers to more of your questions! If you doubted this was a great episode, we forgive you!

It's a very special episode celebrating Teresa's birthday this week! Happy birthday Internet! Well, maybe not today but definitely at some point in the year! What is the proper way to celebrate your birthday? What about celebrating someone else's birthday> How old is too old for a party? What if you find yourself in a different country with different birthday customs? What about about going out to dinner for someone's birthday? All these answers, birthday history and even more of your birthday related questions! Enjoy and don't forget to share!

Might I pop you a question? Would you do me the honor of listening to this episode about engagements? Learn about engagement rings, parties, gifts and asking for the father's permission! You'll also get to hear a lot about Travis and Teresa's engagement! Enjoy and don't forget to tell a friend!

Step up to the table and lay down your bet! You can't win if you don't play! This week we're talking gambling, specifically casinos! Learn a little history of Monte Carlo, Las Vegas and Atlantic City! Learn about casino loyalty programs! You also will learn how to play BlackJack! You'll learn how to play Baccarat! You'll learn how to play Craps! By the time this episode ends, you'll be an honorary member of the Rat Pack! So load up the episode and let 'er ride! Enjoy and tell a friend!

Oh hello! Put 'er there friend! What's that? You need to learn about manners? Here, take our card! We're in the etiquette teaching business! This week is all about handshakes and business cards. How hard do you need to shake a hand? What's the deal with weird shaped business cards? When is it ok to hand out cards? What do you do when you're supposed to shake hands with someone who is ill? What if you've got sweaty palms? What about if you're visiting another country? All this and more! Enjoy and don't forget to tell a friend!

Welcome! Checking in? May I carry your podcast luggage to your room? This episode is all about Hotels and B&Bs! Listen as we unfold the intricacies of tipping! How to behave at Continental Breakfasts! Learn about American versus European style hotels. Speaking of, whats makes a motel a motel? Do you have to get dressed to go to the pool? Can you bring in outside food? When should you complain about noisy neighbors? Well, this is your room. **clears throat, holds out hand** Oh thank you! Enjoy and share with your friends!

Batter up! It's time to learn a little about America's national past time! Baseball is a fascinating and nuanced sport with some very specific fan etiquette! Learn a little about the history! What does one wear to a baseball game? What do you do if it rains? When is it appropriate to cheer and jeer? How drunk is OK at a baseball game? What are the basic rules of baseball anyway? And what's the difference between a No-Hitter and a Perfect Game? Also, learn how to not go to a baseball game! Enjoy!

Hello Internet! Sorry for the delay, but Teresa was very under the weather! She spend a lot of time coughing in to a handkerchief! While I fanned the germs away with a fan! Also, there were some napkins laying around. Would you like to learn about said accessories? You do? Great! They each have their own interesting history and traditions! Learn how to flirt with a fan and what to do when someone loans you a hankie! Plus, we answer a whole bunch of your questions about them! Enjoy!

It's MaxFunDrive Week 2! So, we have some paperwork we need you to file. Also, can you fax these to Deborah? Sorry, I meant "Can you fax these to Deborah, PLEASE"! You see, this week's episode is all about Office Etiquette! Learn about the history of offices! Learn what to do when you have problems with a coworker! Let's all talk about microwave manners! And Travis has the solution for at work nail clipping! Now, let's begin your quarterly review! And don't forget to support the shows you love by going to maximumfun.org/donate!

Hello Internet! It's Week Two of the MaxFunDrive and we teamed up with Allegra Ringo from Can I Pet your Dog (another hit MaxFun podcast!) to bring you a very special episode! Learn a little dog history! Learn some dog park etiquette! Learn about leash/walking manners! Maybe even pick up a few training tips! And don't forget to support Shmanners and CIPYD in the MaxFunDrive! www.maximumfun.org/donate!

Happy MaxFun Drive to all! Can we give you a TIP? Tipping can be confusing! There are so many different instances that do (or don't!) require tipping! Add in to the regional specificity and it can get mind boggling! Do you tip hotel room cleaners everyday or once a trip? How much for fancy shmancy bar drinks? Do you tip people who tough your bags? Why do we have to tip any way? How did it all get started? Find out all that and MORE! Don't forget to support the shows you love by going to maximumfun.org/donate!

Hello Internet! Top of the morning to you! We are so excited to celebrate both Saint Patrick's Day AND Max Fun Drive! Listen and learn about St. Patrick's tradition and origins! Learn how to properly (and politely!) celebrate!

Hello friends! We are so glad you got our invitation and were able to attend! Please, be sure to treat yourself to the buffet and open bar! You see, this week we're talking about proper wedding attendance etiquette. How does one properly RSVP? What about giving gifts when you already have to pay for a destination wedding? How much do you have to spend on a gift any way? Dress code at a wedding can definitely be tricky too! We'll also help you out with what to do during the ceremony and reception! Be sure to take a favor home with you!

All aboard! We've got a full tank of gas and a long way to go before sundown! Do you have any music preferences for the radio? Windows up or down? First, let's talk a little about the history of trains and cars. Then let's talk specifics when it come to train and subway travel! You all had a ton of automobile etiquette question and we answer as many as we can! We also talk about good driving manners! If you want to ride in the front of the podcast, you better call SHOTGUN!

Attention travelers, we will now begin the boarding process. Please be sure to bring all questions regarding travel etiquette with you when boarding. Need to know what to do when boarding? Worried about getting seasick? Want to know some historical facts about luxury air travel? Do you know your responsibilities as the window seater? What about what to wear? Listen and learn fellow wanderer! And just remember, we're all in this together!

Come in, come in! Take your seat, the show is about to start! What's that? You're not sure when you're allowed to talk? You don't know what to do with your phone? You're unsure whether you should have bought flowers? Maybe this is your first time to the theatre! Maybe you aren't sure what behavior is appropriate at the movies! Don't worry, we'll cover all that and more! Don't worry, you don't have to give a standing ovation... unless you want to!

Come in, come in! We're so glad you could come visit the podcast! Here's a towel and feel free to eat anything in the fridge! Are you unsure how to behave as a house guest? Do you know how to properly host a house guest? Can you use the stuff in their shower? Do you have to stay in bed til everyone is awake? What do you do if you have to go to work while some one is visiting? What if you get sick of each other? What if they won't leave?! What's the deal with pineapples?!?! Well, don't worry friend, we've got you covered!

Hello Internet! Welcome to the first (hopefully first of many) of our holiday specials! Learn all about the history and traditions surrounding Valentine's Day!