The Modern Mann

Lexi struggled to ‘read’ faces. She walked on her toes. She craved routine. She didn’t like her food to touch on a plate, and she was sensitive to light and sound. But, until she was 27, she didn’t know she was autistic. Lexi only took a test when - as a paramedic, grappling with erratic shifts and sleep disturbance - she sought help with anxiety and depression. In this candid conversation with Olly, she considers the ‘trigger points’ for her struggles, explains her support system, and reveals how adjustments have seen her progress in her career and romantic relationships. Content Warning: self-harm. Find out more about autism from the National Autistic Society — Elsewhere, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the intersection of eSports and motor racing. Can platforms like iRacing truly replicate the physics, design, and engineering of real-world cars? Why don’t they use VR headsets? And how come more people don’t know about Max Verstappen’s gaming side-hustle? With the help of Paul Crawford, Head of eSports at Motorsport UK, and sim-racer Jonny Elliot, Ollie discovers how (relatively) affordable home simulators might produce the next Will Byron… — Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from visiting Dennis Severs’ house in Shoreditch - tackles a bearded listener’s question of grooming… how can he minimise friction and tickles whilst going down on his wife? With the help of ‘Celebs Go Dating’ sexpert Dr Tara, Alix considers the options - from flavoured lubes to beard oils - and explains why a German toy, Belou, might provide a viable alternative… — Finally, our Record of the Month comes from the Isle of Wight’s Lauran Hibberd, whose single ‘2nd Prettiest Girl (In The World)’ is out now. — GET IN TOUCH If you have a letter for Olly, a question for Alix, a challenge for Ollie or want to share your story on our show, visit our website, HTTPS://MODERNMANN.CO.UK and fill out the Feedback form. — THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY… • Readly. Mannfans can get an exclusive, three month FREE trial of unlimited newspapers and magazines at https://www.readly.com/mann • BetterHelp. Get started today and enjoy 10% OFF your first month of convenient and affordable therapy at https://betterhelp.com/mann • BBC Maestro. Use the code MANN to get your 40% off your favourite video course or 40% off a subscription at https://bbcmaestro.com. Let the greatest be your teacher! • Who Gives A Crap? Get 20% off toilet paper that does a world of good at https://uk.whogivesacrap.org/ when you use the code MANN. — Thanks for listening! If you can afford to support the show financially, please buy us a beer - we put every penny back into producing this independent podcast just for YOU. … and we’ll see you with a brand new episode on April 10th. x Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Alix Fox, Ollie Peart, Lauran Hibberd. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extreme highs, extreme lows, and a bungled bank robbery Radcliffe Royds had it all - a private education; a job in the City; a wife and kids. So, how did he find himself robbing a bank with a banana, high on crack cocaine, whilst living in a skip in Soho? In this incredible interview, he tells Olly his outrageous story. It's a tale of extreme highs and lows, brutal honesty and dark humour. This interview first aired in 2016. Now remastered and with an update from Radcliffe, we've paired this episode with Our Conviction. Listen now - and if you have an episode from our past you'd like to recommend, let us know at modernmann.co.uk/feedback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sue Beere’s husband, John, was jailed for his role in a £53 million drug-smuggling plot. He’s spent time in a maximum-security prison. He’s lost two appeals. But Sue has never doubted his innocence. Alongside charity Appeal, Sue continues to campaign for his conviction to be quashed - and for all the ‘Freshwater Five’ implicated in the alleged cocaine conspiracy to be exonerated. In this compelling conversation with Olly, Sue recounts how - from John’s unexpected arrest to the shocking outcome of his trial - she has battled stigma, financial struggles, and the British legal system… from her family home on the Isle of Wight. Find out more about Appeal on their website, https://appeal.org.uk/ This episode is sponsored by Readly, who are offering Mann-fans an exclusive, three month trial of unlimited newspapers and magazines. Get yours at readly.com/mann —- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart is hunting for a cure for Seasonal Affective Disorder… might a simple vitamin tablet do the trick, or is it worth investing in a 10,000 lux therapy lamp? Or, could the trend for Nordic bathing - plunging from a piping hot sauna into freezing cold water - be a mood-boosting salve for S.A.D? Ollie drags Olly along to the Saltwater Sauna in Sandbanks to find out… The Zeitgeist is sponsored by our friends at Beer52. Claim your FREE case of 8 new and exclusive beers from across the world at https://www.beer52.com/MANN —- Elsewhere, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from a mind-blowing movie preview - investigates the booming market in A.I. girlfriends, and uncovers some tasty neologisms for part-time asexuals. Could an over-reliance on ‘fap GPT’ be a bedroom boner-killer? Do straight men get emotional support from their interactions with sex-bots? With the help of psychotherapist Silva Neves, specialist in sexual compulsive behaviour, and sex robot researcher Dr Chloé Locatelli from King’s College London, Alix has the answers… probably. If you have a question of sex and relationships for Alix to answer in a future Foxhole, submit if via our website, https://modernmann.co.uk —- Finally, our record of the month comes from Vince Freeman, whose new single, ‘Blame Myself’ - taken from his new album ‘Scars, Ghosts & Glory’, dropping in March - is out now. —- Thanks for listening! If you can afford to support the show financially, please buy us a beer - we put every penny back into producing this independent podcast just for YOU. … and we’ll see you with a brand new episode on March 10th. x Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Alix Fox, Ollie Peart, Sue Beere, Vince Freeman. Thanks: Jude Habib, Sound Delivery. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2024. This episode includes a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mann and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raising $1m in venture capital whilst still at Uni; starting a business seemed like child's play for James Routledge. His start-up attracted 50m page views per month, and his investors believed he could be the next Mark Zuckerberg. Except, beneath the surface, he felt stressed, isolated and alone - and his business was burning £30,000 per month. In this honest and compelling interview with Olly, he explains what happened next. This interview first aired in 2017 . Now remastered and with an update on Sanctus, we've paired this episode with Veganuary - Planting The Seed. Listen now - and if you have an episode from our past you'd like to recommend, let us know at modernmann.co.uk/feedback James is co-founder of mental health start-up Sanctus. Read the blog-post that started it all here, and sign up to their weekly newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yorkshire couple Matthew Glover and Jane Land created Veganuary at their kitchen table. Inspired by Movember, their concept of challenging the nation to try veganism for a month gained incredible momentum via social media, and became a global organisation. But, along the way, it drained their finances, crashed their servers, and ate up their Christmasses... In this interview with Olly, the husband-and-wife entrepreneurs consider the flaws of their early strategy; take us behind-the-scenes of the iconic Greggs’ Vegan Sausage Roll; and reveal how they’ve faced down criticism from within the vegan movement, the meat lobby and Piers Morgan… _____________ The health theme continues in the Zeitgeist, for which Ollie Peart investigates the trend for low and no alcohol wine and spirits. From miniature cordials by high-end ‘wine’ brand Jukes, to a sparkling bottle of Muri’s Sherbert Daydream, Ollie attempts to persuade us there’s so much more to the zero-booze booze market than Beck’s Blue and Shloer. But, armed with a trio of mixers from British start-up Three Spirits and a miniature bottle of orange juice from Pret, can he persuade Olly to give up his dirty martinis? _____________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener whose teenage trans daughter has, she suspects, become intimate with her girlfriend - another trans girl she met at her boys’ school. Stepping around the inevitable minefield this question might attract, Alix consults Dee Lou Whitnell, trans activist and founder of the #TransKidsDeserveToGrowUp campaign, to offer stellar advice on supporting this young couple - whilst steering them away from potential problems. _____________ For our record of the month, it’s over to piano man Tom Odell, whose new song, Black Friday, comes from his new album of the same name. _____________ If you have a question you’d like to put to Alix, a trend you’d like Ollie to try, a Mannbassadorship request, or a letter for Olly to read out, just fill in the Feedback form on our website, https://modernmann.co.uk There you’ll also find our Beer Money page where you can donate to the show AND HELP US CONTINUE TO MAKE IT. Thanks! … And we’ll see you again on February 10th. _____________________ Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Alix Fox, Ollie Peart, Matthew Glover, Jane Land, Tom Odell. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2024. This episode includes a paid advertisement by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mann and get on your way to being your best self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olly, Alix and Ollie are under the mistletoe for our annual festive ding-dong, with sensational live music, a feelgood Christmas task, and a bucketload of obscene toys. Deck the Halls! First up, Ollie Peart reports back on his mission to unite to match up the world’s Mann-fans with skills and needs in his philanthrotainment-bashing charity concept, The Modern 2023 Skill-a-thon. Jingle your bells as he unites mountain climbers and copywriters, graphic designers and charity campaigners, and young farmers with energy consultants. Ho ho ho! * Intrigued? Be the first to join our brand new Discord server: https://www.modernmann.co.uk/skills * ———————————— Next up, there’s some superb live music - in the form of an exclusive acoustic performance from duo Ailis Mackay and Hayley Tait, aka Dirty Blonde, whose breakup anthem Favourite Record is, indeed, our favourite record this month… ———————————— Finally, Alix Fox ups the ante yet again with an outrageous edition of her annual XXXmas Foxhole Quiz. Faced with a bowl of jelly, a marble run and a devious range of flavoured condoms, can Peart and Mann survive ‘Mann Summers’, ‘Jellied Eel or No Jellied Eel’ and ‘Kentucky Fried Dickin’? You’ll have to make it to the end of the show to find out. Which may be a challenge at times. ———————————— This episode of The Modern Mann is proudly supported by: • Wine52, the wine discovery club that sends delicious wine to your door from a different country each month. Claim your FREE case now - just pay the postage at wine52.com/MANN • BBC Maestro, world-class online courses. Use the code MANN to get your 40% off your favourite video course or 40% off a subscription at https://bbcmaestro.com. Let the greatest be your teacher! • The Handy, the high-end toy for men that bridges the gap between fantasy and reality. Get 10% OFF when you use the code FOXHOLE10 on their website. • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support! https://modernmann.co.uk/beer ———————————— Thanks SO much for being a Mann-fan - have a very happy Christmas, and we’ll see you with a brand new season of the show on Jan 10th, 2024! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Dirty Blonde, Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caz Jaine faced danger, isolation and even assault when she took a foreign office role in Basra during the ‘reconstruction’ phase of the Iraq war. But she thrived on the adrenalin of conflict zones - and was even diagnosed with ‘post-traumatic development’... As she explains to Olly in this wide-ranging conversation, her subsequent experiences as a Police emergency call handler led her to broaden her self-care and resilience. Now a meditation teacher, Caz takes police officers on forest retreats, and advocates passionately for culture change and emotional support within blue light professions. CONTENT WARNING: suicide, self harm, animal harm. — Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart checks out the trend for ‘philanthrotainment’ - influencers leveraging their platforms to raise money for charity. Is the technique - evidenced by the likes of Youtuber Mr Beast and Instagram’s King of Chemo - a more direct, straightforward way of supporting charitable causes than the corruption-prone supply chains of larger organisations? Or do household name organisations remain the best places to donate, given the administrative struggles of smaller charities? With the help of Lucinda Rouse from Third Sector, Ollie navigates the best way to help out this Winter - and establishes his own side-hustle to support Mann-fans in need: * REGISTER NOW FOR OLLIE’S MODERN MANN SKILL-A-THON *: https://www.modernmann.co.uk/skills — Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox, fresh from discovering the etymological roots of orchids and testicles, advises a widowed Mann-fan about post-bereavement dating. When is the best time to disclose that your wife has died? Is it best to blurt the information out early, and risk ruining the conversation, or better to wait until you’ve established a deeper connection? And what are the stigmas around desire when you’re recently bereaved? With the help of WAY (Widowed And Young) and Lets Talk About Loss, Alix reveals all. The Foxhole is sponsored by The Handy, a high-end toy for men that bridges the gap between fantasy and reality. Get 10% OFF when you use the code FOXHOLE10 on their website. — Finally, our record of the month comes from an artist described as one of the most original voices in UK rap - Jelani Blackman - and his current single, Clear. — THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY… • Readly. Mannfans can get an exclusive, three month FREE trial of unlimited newspapers and magazines at https://www.readly.com/mann • BetterHelp. Get started today and enjoy 10% OFF your first month of convenient and affordable therapy at https://betterhelp.com/mann • BBC Maestro. Use the code MANN to get your 40% off your favourite video course or 40% off a subscription at https://bbcmaestro.com. Let the greatest be your teacher! • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you enjoy the show, support our independent podcast and BUY US A BEER via our website, https://modernmann.co.uk/beer - and you too could become a Mannbassador! Thanks. — CREDITS: Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Caz Jaine, Jelani Blackman. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. SUPPORT: In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After twenty years, Kamran Ashraf is still seeking justice. Wrongfully sent to prison by the Post Office, he and his family are one of 700 subpostmasters and sub postmistresses that were convicted on false evidence - provided by a broken computer system known as Horizon. Three years after our original interview, we discover what happened next. Was his appeal successful? And what will it take to see justice for the hundreds of men and women affected? The ‘Horizon scandal’ has since been described as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in recent British legal history. You can discover more at postofficetrial.com. Our thanks to journalist Nick Wallis for connecting us. In the original story, we changed their names to protect their appeal for justice. _____________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart has spent the month avoiding Ultra Processed Foods, using The Nova Scale. From sausages to cornichons, Ollie takes us through the things some experts think we should remove from our diet - and reveals a few surprising omissions along the way. But is the science all it’s cracked up to be, when compared to a liberal dash of salt on a home-cooked meal? And how much of a trend is it really? The Zeitgeist investigates. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by DIRTEA. Find your favorite mushroom powder and get 10% off your first order with promo code MANN at https://dirteaworld.com/mann ____________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox conquers her very specific fear of diving near an airport - and then in our listener question of the month, she advises a Mann-fan who has vestibulodynia, a condition that leads to chronic pain around the vagina. So how can she and her partner conceive a baby in the old-fashioned way? With the help of The Vulva Pain Society, Alix discusses the fun of playing with insemination kits, conception-friendly lubes like Conceive Plus and Pre Seed. _____________ For our record of the month, we welcome British indie pop artist flowerovlove and her energetic new single, ‘Next Best Exit’. _____________ If you have a question you’d like to put to Alix, a trend you’d like Ollie to try, a Mannbassadorship request, or a letter for Olly to read out, just fill in the Feedback form on our website, https://modernmann.co.uk There you’ll also find our Beer Money page where you can donate to the show AND HELP US CONTINUE TO MAKE IT. Thanks! … And we’ll see you again on November 10th. _____________________ Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Kamran Ashraf, Siema Kamran. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Sponsors: BetterHelp. Get started today and enjoy 10% off your first month of convenient and affordable therapy when you visit https://betterhelp.com/mann Readly are offering Mann fans an exclusive, three month FREE trial of unlimited newspapers and magazines. To get yours, go to readly.com/mann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britain’s shoplifters fear David McKelvey. His companies, TM Eye and My Local Bobby, have brought over 1,200 private prosecutions - and never lost a case. Commandeering a commercial force of savvy ex-coppers, David pursues thieves the Police usually let go with a caution - guys who steal steaks from Waitrose and flog them to restaurants, and housewives hawking fake handbags on Facebook. In this wide-ranging and illuminating conversation with Olly, David explains how private individuals can make arrests and bring court cases; answers the criticisms of the system thrown up by the Post Office scandal; and explains why buying counterfeit designer labels from car boot sales is not simply a crime of copyright theft - but the tip of a large-scale operation that can involve child labour, toxic materials, and terrorist gangs… —------------------- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart enlists the help of former Top Gear presenter Rory Reid to investigate just how environmentally-friendly electric vehicles truly are. Does the intensive production process, and consequences of battery manufacture, have an adverse effect on an EV’s eco-credentials? Is the higher upfront cost of going electric justified by the lower running cost compared to petrol? And to what extent does it matter what country you’re in, and what their energy mix is? Ollie finds out… The Zeitgeist is supported by DIRTEA, super blends derived from potent functional mushrooms. Get 10% off your first order with promo code MANN at dirteaworld.com/mann —------------------- Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox takes to the skies in a ‘very forgiving’ Microlight, returning just in time to discuss a letter from an anonymous Mannfan experiencing insecurity about his small penis, and intense jealousy about his partner's past sexual experiences. What societal pressures or personal triggers lay behind this sudden self-doubt? How best to communicate his feelings with his apparently blameless wife? And just how important is penis size when it comes to sexual satisfaction in a straight relationship? With the help of psychosexual and relationship therapist Silva Neves, and Lynsey Murray, of Relationship Matters, Texas, Alix has the answers… If you have a relationship question for Alix, reach out via the Feedback page of our website, modernmann.co.uk —------------------- Finally, our Record of the Month sees the triumphant return of Modern Mann favourite Griff, with her ‘heartbreak’ choon, Vertigo, out now. —------------------- If you enjoy the show, please do SUPPORT US! We need help to continue producing our independent monthly podcast, so buy us a beer via our website, modernmann.co.uk/beer. It’s a secure link and you can contribute as little and often as you like. Cheers! … and we’ll see you on October 10th. —------------------- Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, David McKelvey, Griff. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Sponsor: BetterHelp. Get started today and enjoy 10% off your first month of convenient and affordable therapy when you visit https://betterhelp.com/mann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith return to the show to compare notes with Olly on raising their now seven-and-a-half year-old boys. Can they now swear freely in front of their kids? How best to deal with ‘8pm extension negotiations’ at bedtime? And how should one answer the ‘Is Santa real?’ question? Plus, how to use ‘Frozen 2’ as a teaching device, the pitfalls of monitoring WhatsApp messages, and the foolproof way to extract young children from softplay… To catch up on the story so far, visit https://modernmann.co.uk/dads Check out Tom and Stu’s shows, ‘My Mate Bought A Toaster’ and ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’, wherever you get your podcasts. _____________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart is investigating the trend for ‘Looksmaxing’. After a month of ‘mewing’, jaw-stretching, lip-brushing, face-cleansing, drinking more water, vitamin D, trimming his beard and working out… does Ollie feel any different? Or, more to the point, in a world where your desirability is numerically ranked on Reddit, and superkeen lookmaxxers even resort to cosmetic surgery, is how you *feel* even relevant? The Zeitgeist is sponsored by DIRTEA. Find your favorite mushroom powder and get 10% off your first order with promo code MANN at https://dirteaworld.com/mann _____________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox has news of not one but TWO new treatments for erectile dysfunction: topical gel Eroxon, and EMS patches from IN2 Patch. Could they provide an answer for ED sufferers who can’t/won’t take pills? In our listener question of the month, Alix advises Mann-fan Chris, who wants to know if the roots of his smokish fetish lie in the 1966 TV version of ‘Batman’! To what extent does the telly we watch as children inspire our desires later? With the help of Calandra Balfour, fetish expert from dating and social app WeAreX, Alix explains that many members of the WAM (Wet and Messy fetishism) community also trace their interests directly to the gunge-drenched TV of their youth… and asks whether smoking fetish will soon be replaced - by vaping… CONTENT WARNING: reference to child sexual abuse. _____________ For our record of the month, get your sitars out because Kula Shaker are BACK! Their super-Summery single, ‘Waves’, is out now. _____________ If you have a question you’d like to put to Alix, a trend you’d like Ollie to try, a Mannbassadorship request, or a letter for Olly to read out, just fill in the Feedback form on our website, https://modernmann.co.uk There you’ll also find our Beer Money page where you can donate to the show AND HELP US CONTINUE TO MAKE IT. Thanks! … And we’ll see you again on September 10th. _____________________ Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tom Price, Stuart Goldsmith, Kula Shaker. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Sponsor: BetterHelp. Get started today and enjoy 10% off your first month of convenient and affordable therapy when you visit https://betterhelp.com/mann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since encountering a grass snake at the age of eight, Dr Rhys Jones has felt a profound connection with reptiles. He has rescued them, toured the country with them and even studied them at Cardiff University; an achievement that seemed impossible when he graduated from school with just 3 O Levels - and undiagnosed dyslexia. In this adventure-packed chat with Olly, Rhys reveals how his snake-charming skills have come in handy with Masai tribespeople, BBC camera crews, and even assisting the Police with drug busts. Rhys’ memoir, ‘Becoming Dr Jones: A Wild Life’, is released on Aug 3rd. _____________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - having taken a gander at Meta’s ‘Twitter killer’, Threads - turns his hand to eFoiling. Boosted by a 2.5 hr battery and speeds of up to 50 km/hr, is electric hydrofoil riding about to revolutionise watersports? Ollie heads to Poole’s Easy Riders to find out, aboard an ‘aeroplane grade’ Fliteboard… If you have a trend you’d like to challenge Ollie to investigate in a future episode, fill in the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox considers Roam’s selection of skin tone condoms - a welcome addition to diverse bedroom play, or an unnecessary innovation? Her listener question of the month comes from an anonymous 34 year-old MannFan recently diagnosed with rectal cancer. What impact will the radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery have on her sex life? What tips can Alix offer to offset the vaginal scarring, early on-set menopause and fatigue that may result? And how do you maintain body positivity during sex with a stoma? With help from Bowel Cancer UK, Trekstock, and Hayley Gullen - author of upcoming graphic novel ‘This Might Surprise You’ - Alix investigates. If you have a question of sex you’d like Alix to answer, fill in the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. You can remain anonymous if you wish. _____________________ In music corner, our Record of the Month comes from ‘people’s poet’ Jamie Webster, and his new single, ‘Voice of the Voiceless’ _____________________ We’re an entirely independent show and we rely on LISTENERS LIKE YOU to fund our podcast and bring our monthly extravaganza to your ears. Buy us a beer, drop us a line and become a Mannbassador on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK … And we’ll see you again on August 10th - with our annual ‘How To Be A Dad’ special! _____________________ Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Dr Rhys Jones, Jamie Webster. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Sponsor: BetterHelp. Get started today and enjoy 10% off your first month of convenient and affordable therapy when you visit https://betterhelp.com/mann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Booze, drugs and music are deeply intertwined - from the beers given to bands in their ‘riders’ to the excessive consumption facilitated by festivals and after-show parties. For music promoter Chris De Banks, consuming up to thirty pints a day had become typical behaviour. In the fug of his addiction, he lost jobs, friends and self-respect. Following rehab in 2016, he founded Not Saints, the UK’s only record label working with musicians in recovery from addiction. In this candid conversation with Olly, Chris traces his problem drinking back to childhood, discusses methods for the music industry to clean up its act, and celebrates some artists he’s supported through their drug and alcohol recovery: Ella Hayes, Mishkin Fitzgerald & The Chemical Perils, Phil Mac, and Little Tealeif, who provides our Record of the Month, ‘Pedestal People’. You can find out more about Chris and NotSaints at notsaints.co.uk or on social media @NotSaints. If you or someone you know thinks they may have a problem with drugs or alcohol then speak to your GP or contact your local Drug and Alcohol Services for help and further guidance. _____________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart, inspired by the likes of YouTube sensation Odd Tinkering, is attempting to restore some retro tech. His weapon of choice is a 1980s Philips AM/FM radio, picked up for a fiver in a Westcountry market - but, with a little help from Google Nest - can he make it ‘Smart’? __________ Finally, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox unboxes the Womanizer Wave - the first ever shower head that doubles as a sex toy. (Well, the first one to do so officially, anyway…) Her listener question of the month is from an anonymous MannFan who considers himself straight… and prefers to be in a relationship with women… but enjoys sexual encounters with men on the side. Is he simply bisexual, or… is he ‘heteroflexible’? With assistance from integrative counsellor and psychotherapist Anthony Davis and Vaneet Mehta, author of ‘Bisexual Men Exist’, Alix unpicks the pride, shame and stigma of queer categorisations - and explains why, for some people, it’s important to define their place on the sexuality spectrum with a specific label. ____________________ If you have a question you’d like Alix to answer, a challenge for Ollie, or you’d like to send Olly a letter or suggestion for a future guest, just fill in the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK You can also donate to the show there. We rely on listeners like you to fund our independent podcast. Thank you so much. … And we’ll see you again on July 10th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Chris De Banks. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elaine Gregersen was 24 weeks pregnant when her waters broke. Having endured sickness throughout her high-risk pregnancy, she and husband Mark had not suspected anything sinister was happening when she appeared to be suffering from bladder weakness too. After a traumatic 24 hours in the maternity ward, the Gregersens were faced with the reality that their twin boys, Henry and Blake, were unlikely to both survive beyond the neonatal unit. In this interview with Olly, they tell their story. Content warning: intense experience, infant mortality. — Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates if, following the Coronation of King Charles III, Republican sentiment is trending upwards. What path is there for Royal refuseniks to achieve their desire for an elected UK Head of State? Thanks to columnist and commentator Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Ollie unpicks the arguments monarchists put forward - and rewrites the National Anthem whilst he’s at it… If you’ve got a trend for Ollie to test in a future edition of the Zeitgeist, head to our website and fill out the feedback form. — Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox - high on life from some Personal News - answers your sex questions: this month, a Mannfan whose girlfriend burst into tears when he called her a ‘whore’ in the missionary position. Is there a way to recover his mojo? Must he apologise for overstepping the mark? And how should you do ‘pillow talk’ - whilst respecting your partner’s boundaries? With the help of sex educator Lola Jean and playwright and storyteller Cameryn Moore, Alix has the answers! If you’ve got a sex and relationships question for Alix to tackle in a future edition of the Foxhole, submit it via the feedback form on our website. — Finally, our record of the month is ‘Letter To Myself’, something peppy and fun from Leigh’s The Lottery Winners featuring Frank Turner. It’s out now. — Love the show? Support the show! We rely on listeners like you to fund our independent podcast and bring you these stories. Buy Olly and the team a beer right now - using our secure payment form at MODERNMANN.CO.UK — See you on June 10th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Elaine Gregersen, Mark Gregersen, The Lottery Winners. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine delegating your decisions to a group of people online, some of whom are total strangers. Imagine sharing the most intimate parts of your life in order to get their approval. Imagine answering your personal problems in the same way a bank asks its shareholders to vote on corporate outcomes. This is the life chosen by Mike Merrill. Since 2008 - when he created 100,000 shares of himself and sold them at $1 each through his website, KMikeyM - he has asked his ‘investors’ for advice on his choice of romantic partner, diet and body art. This is not for a TV show. It’s not for a book deal. It’s for real. In this conversation with Olly, Mike traces back his unconventional lifestyle to the DIY art scene in Portland,Oregon; his brush with corporate share-prices whilst seated at the front desk of a trucking company; and the anti-corporate activism with which he spices up his dates… ____________________ Meanwhile, Ollie Peart has decamped to Camberwell for this month’s Zeitgeist, in an attempt to approximate the trend for ‘immersive’ exhibitions. With a budget totalling £50. Armed with an Oculus headset, a projector and a hacksaw, can Ollie convince Olly of the merits of experiential art? And are interactive super-exhibits the future for museums and galleries? Warning: includes the return of Captain Spronk. _____________________ Elsewhere, we revisit a classic edition of the Foxhole, where Alix Fox advises a horny student on his three-times-per-night escapades. From the comfort of a Vauxhall Corsa. Finally, music this month comes from ethereal groovster Eliza Rose, and her ace new track, ‘Better Love’. _____________________ Support for this episode comes from: Listeners like you. Buy us a beer 🍻 once per month, or simply make a one-off pledge - fill in our secure BEER MONEY FORM on our website, https://modernmann.co.uk Blinkist, the app that helps you understand the most important things from over 5,500 non-fiction books and podcasts in just 15 minutes. Start your 7-day free trial and get 25% off of a Blinkist Premium membership at https://www.blinkist.com/modernmann _____________________ Thanks for listening. We’ll see you on May 10th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Mike Merrill, Eliza Rose. Producer: Matt Hill. Feature Producer: Annalise Freimarck. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rosie Hodsdon was struggling to make ends meet on a pHD stipend. Then she hit Record and began to make sex videos from her student flat, indulging her fetish for kink. As she explains to Olly in this intimate conversation, her sexy side-hustle introduced her to a range of peccadillos, including ‘Giantess’ porn and ‘sploshing’ - and even led her to be invited to join the cast of a professional adult video. But it also left her exposed to assault. Now an advocate for charity National Ugly Mugs, Rosie campaigns for increased rights for sex workers, and nurtures support networks for performers who fall prey to violence. CONTENT WARNING: explicit sexual content; sexual assault. —— Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - fresh from scooping up a Sports Journalism Award for producing the podcast ‘Brown Gal Can’t Swim’ - investigates the trend for breakdancing. Or, as he discovers, ‘break’, as it is correctly called… How will it fare as an Olympic sport in 2024? How does one go about gaining the highest score in a battle dance? And will he permanently damage his knees by just giving it a go? With help from break expert DJ Renegage and sports commentator Tim Warwood, Ollie BREAKS UP THE DANCE FLOOR. —— Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox has a memorable encounter with Susie Dent, assists a listener in an open relationship, and proves she knows the difference between a low cervix and a short vagina. As if we ever doubted it. She also showcases Islam-centred sex ed resources and support services, including The Village Auntie, Amaliah podcast ‘Lights On’, sexologist Shaakira Abdullah and writer Habeeb Akande. —— Music this month comes from podcaster Rory Powers, known for his hugely entertaining show ‘This Paranormal Life’. Our Record of the Month is ‘Down Bad’, from his forthcoming EP. —— Remember, we are only able to make this show with YOUR SUPPORT. Buy us a beer per month, or simply make a one-off pledge - whatever you can afford - by clicking ‘Beer Money’ on our website, https://modernmann.co.uk . THANKS! This episode is supported by: Blinkist, the app that helps you understand the most important things from over 5,500 non-fiction books and podcasts in just 15 minutes. Start your 7-day free trial and get 25% off of a Blinkist Premium membership at https://www.blinkist.com/modernmann If you have a question of sex for Alix, a trend you’d like to ask Ollie to investigate, or a story you’d like to share with our listeners, that’s also the URL you need to contact us - just click the ‘Feeback’ form. —— See you on 10th April! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Rosie Hodsdon, Rory Powers. Research: Annalise Freimarck. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. If you've been affected by the discussion in the main interview, there are always people to talk to. Here are some of our team's recommendations: thesurvivorstrust.org 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 malesurvivor.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Mudge was a teenage punk, whose exploits included chucking chairs out of a train window. He became a teacher, whose unconventional methods and connection with kids saw him rise through the ranks, becoming Headteacher of a Pupil Referral Unit - responsible for educating some of Britain’s most challenging children, many with histories of violence and abuse. As he explains to Olly in this lively conversation, it was a career that required lateral thinking and exhaustive energy - but ultimately left him burned out. When Putin’s army invaded Ukraine in 2022, Ian’s wife suggested he should collect aid to support Ukrainian refugees… and that was all the prompt he needed to organise five trips personally delivering aid to Poland. Ian’s website is https://stroudukrainesupport.com/ ____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - who owns a book about wood-chopping, don’t you know - explores the phenomenal potential of A.I. chatbot Chat GPT. How will ‘large language models’ change the way we search, write and study? How will Microsoft’s investment into Open AI affect the usability of the program? And will all journalists soon be out of a job? With the help of The Economist’s science correspondent, Alok Jha, Ollie has the answers. (And also thinks up some unspeakable things in the name of A.I-generated erotic literature.) _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox prepares for Valentine’s with some up-to-date figures on the amount of nerve endings in the clitoris. Then, she assists listener Delores, who wants to support ‘ethical porn’ sites. Is it worth seeking out studios who offer safer working environments for their stars? Are free Tube sites necessarily ‘unethical’? And what about the ‘farm-to-table’ models like OnlyFans? Alix has a long list of suggestions for Delores - and any wanker who wants to do the right thing… _____________________ Finally, our record of the month is ‘This Is How We Move’, another laid-back charmer from Billie Marten. _____________________ This episode is sponsored by Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Try their service FREE at StitchFix.co.uk/mann ———————————— WANT TO SUPPORT THE SHOW? Buy us a beer 🍻… whatever you can afford makes a real difference: https://modernmann.co.uk/beer … and we’ll see you on March 10th. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Ian Mudge, Billie Marten. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ketamine and magic mushrooms are notorious for their damaging side-effects, including paranoia, depression and other ‘bad trips’. But the process of carefully administering small amounts of these drugs - so-called ‘microdosing’ - is now gaining traction both recreationally and in medical settings. In this episode, Olly meets NHS worker Nathan*, who credits his psilocybin experiments with improving his interpersonal skills at work; and Irish artist Tamzin, who suffered poor mental health for decades until a pioneering Austrian doctor suggested she should try a course of ketamine as an antidepressant… ____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart checks out the Chinese medical tradition of ear seeds. Can placing a series of small stickers on his ears make him feel less anxious, or suppress chronic pain? And what of his other ‘health trend’ predictions for 2023 - padel tennis, personalised nutrition plans, and weight-loss drug tirzepatide? Are any about to become a permanent fixture in our health routines? _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox has exciting news of a little-known fetish for elbow-sucking, and assists a listener who would like to know how to dig deep into his partner’s G-Area… Which toys are best suited for G-Area play? Is G-Area enhancement surgery worth considering? And why don’t we call it the G-Spot any more? Alix has all the answers. _____________________ Finally, our record of the month is ‘Long Live The Strange’ a delicious slice of rock-fun from Gaz Coombes, from his new album Turn The Car Around. _____________________ This episode is sponsored by Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get £10 off your first purchase at StitchFix.co.uk/mann _____________________ • SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please, please do, at https://modernmann.co.uk/beer • SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS: Our listeners make some excellent products which you can find in the Zeitgeist Collab: https://modernmann.co.uk/shop … And we’ll see you on February 10th. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tamzin, Nathan. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olly, Alix and Ollie gather round the podcasting chimney for a festive knees-up, with musical guest Ashley Singh and entrepreneur Jules Parker. There are yuletide songs, holiday films, a ‘Christmas collab’ - and, of course, the LEGENDARY XXXMas Foxhole Christmas Quiz. Ho ho ho! First up, Ollie Peart has bought his one year-old child a skateboard, so can he be trusted to go into business with fabulous start-ups run by Mann-fans? (Spoiler: yes he can - and you can buy the result NOW at https://modernmann.co.uk/shop ) With the help of Manchester’s Brick Chocolate, beard specialists Runesilk and craft evangelists Knit Slips, Ollie wraps up 2022 with a collab-tastic way to support British artisan producers. ———————————— Then, there’s some superb live music - in the form of an exclusive acoustic performance from singer-songwriter Ashley Singh, whose heartbreak anthem Autopilot is our Record of the Month. Ashley reveals his disappointing middle name, explains why he has a burner phone, and reveals his soft-spot for Jim Broadbent… ———————————— Next up, Jules Parker, a metalworker from East Sussex, has come to chat to Olly. His side-hustle is Moot - a lingerie store for men, offering sensual underwear for people with penises. Does he see a mainstream future for lacey men’s undies? And what does he wear when he goes to the GP? Jules reveals all… ———————————— Finally, Alix Fox has outdone herself with a laugh-out-loud edition of our annual XXXmas Foxhole Quiz. This year, Olly takes on Ollie in a game of ‘Murder She Scrote’; erotic titles are conjured from thin air; and there’s a harrowing round of ‘Two Ollies, One Cup’. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. ———————————— This episode of The Modern Mann is proudly supported by: • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get £10 off your first purchase at StitchFix.co.uk/mann • Wine52, the wine discovery club that sends delicious wine to your door from a different country each month. Claim your FREE case now - just pay the postage at wine52.com/MANN • Manscaped, now offering their Ultra Smooth Package for sale in Europe. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support! https://modernmann.co.uk/beer ———————————— Thanks for being a Mann-fan - have a very happy Christmas, and we’ll see you with a brand new season of the show on Jan 10th, 2023! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Ashley Singh, Jules Parker. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neil 'Sam' Samworth spent 11 years as a prison officer at HMP Manchester - better known as Strangeways, one of Britain’s most notorious jails. Building rapport with the men incarcerated there, he prided himself on de-escalating violent and threatening situations; an approach becoming increasingly impossible as the prison service churns through staff. In this interview with Olly, he confronts corruption; considers the toll his job took on his mental and physical health; and explains why, in his view, officer training is inadequate for purpose… Neil’s books, ‘Strangeways: A Prison Officer’s Story’ and ‘Strangeways Unlocked’ are out now. His video series, ‘Real Porridge with Sam Samworth’ is on YouTube. — Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart tries his hand at white labelling and drop-shipping. Using Chinese wholesalers Taobao and AliExpress, can he stumble upon the next big consumer sensation? How do Western brands ‘add value’, ensure decent customer service and client satisfaction when they’re flogging goods they’ve never even SEEN? If you run a small business making stuff… we’d love to hear from you for our Christmas Collab! Drop us a line using the Feedback form. — Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox runs through Plenty of Fish's dating trends for 2023, from ‘bae realing’ to ‘eco-dumping’ - is it time for online courtship to enter a ‘sincerer era’? Plus, it’s No-Nut November; when members of the NoFap movement encourage one another to abstain from masturbation for an entire month… Are there any health benefits to taking part? Does the original study that kicked off the NoFap movement bare scrutiny? Alix dives deep into the manosphere to discover more. — Finally, our record of the month is the Jungle-produced single from Poppy Ajudha - the turbo-charged and rebellious ‘NO!’ (It isn’t about No-Nut November, apparently). — This episode is sponsored by: • Wine52, the wine discovery club that sends delicious wine to your door from a different country each month. Claim your FREE case now - just pay the postage at wine52.com/MANN • Manscaped, now offering their Ultra Smooth Package for sale in Europe. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support. — And we’ll see you for our Christmas special on December 10th! CONTENT WARNING: interview includes account of extreme self-harm and suicide attempt, drug and alcohol abuse. In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Neil Samworth, Alix Fox, Ollie Peart, Poppy Ajudha. Interview Producer: Sophie King. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Potter lost her sight in just 72 hours - the result of a rare condition that doctors struggled to diagnose. In this interview with Olly, she recalls how it felt to experience the rapid deterioration of her vision and simultaneous paralysis; why her two young children aided her recovery; and explains how the process helped pivot her career… Vanessa co-founded the ParkBathe project. Her books, Patient H69 and Finding My Right Mind are out now, and you can follow her podcast here. ____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart channels his ‘inner Martin Lewis’ to see if he can SOLVE the cost-of-living crisis. With the aid of apps like Snoop and Lollipop, and online bank accounts like Revolut, can he claw back 20% from his monthly spending? The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, now offering their Ultra Smooth Package in Europe. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox wonders whether the future is bright for posh poppers, and advises a listener who wants to approach the subject of body image with her partner. With the help of NLP trainer Andy Coley and Positive Body Image Educator Anupa Roper, Alix devises a ‘compassionately curious’, open-minded script for discussing weight gain within a relationship - and provides some tips to put the pleasure back in the bedroom. If YOU have a sex question for Alix, or a trends challenge for Ollie, please submit it via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk/feedback. You can remain anonymous. _____________________ Finally, our record of the month is the superb ‘Trouble’ from The Big Moon; out now! Discover our Spotify playlist - featuring every song we’ve ever selected for the podcast - at modernmann.co.uk/music _____________________ This episode is sponsored by: • Emma, Europe's most awarded, best-selling foam mattress. Find your best sleep and test products for up to 200 nights risk free. Save 5% on top on all offers at emma-sleep.co.uk/modernmann • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today and get 20% off when you keep all five items at at StitchFix.co.uk/mann • Wine52, the wine discovery club who send delicious wine to your door from a different country each month. Claim your FREE case now - just pay the postage at wine52.com/MANN • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support: modernmann.co.uk/beer _____________________ … And we’ll see you again on November 10th! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Vanessa Potter, The Big Moon. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Medically assisted dying is legal in Canada, where over 10,000 people end their lives through euthanasia each year, and over 80% of applications are approved. Robin Farr, from Calgary, watched as her Dad, Mike, developed a rare lung disease that limited his breathing, massively impacting his quality of life. Then he decided to make use of the MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) laws. In this honest, unsparing conversation with Olly, Robin explains how it felt to manage the last couple of days of her father’s life - and reveals the flaws in the system that left her and her family unsupported in a time of anticipatory grief.. CONTENT WARNING: detailed discussion of assisted dying and euthanasia. Robin volunteers with Canadian support groups Bridge4You and Bridgec14, and recommends the resources at dyingwithdignity.ca and the Swiss organisations Pegasos and Dignitas. ____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart sees if he can be the one to break the socks-and-sandals taboo… and tries his hand at becoming a mystic. Is there any scientific basis to astrology? Has technology transformed horoscope delivery? And how did the Covid pandemic inspire millennials to turn to this ancient ‘entertainment’? With the help of veteran astrologer Sally Kirkman, Ollie attempts to find out - and, based on Olly’s date, place and time of birth - delivers our host an unforgettable reading… The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, who are now offering their Ultra Smooth Package for sale in Europe. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox ascends Bear Mountain (not a euphemism), and assists a listener who thinks he might have contracted Strep B from giving his partner oral sex. Can this really be possible? What’s the difference between Strep A and Strep B? And how should he brave the conversation with his other half? Alix, as always has the answers… If YOU have a relationships question for Alix, or a trends challenge for Ollie, please submit it via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk/feedback. You can remain anonymous if you wish. _____________________ Finally, our record of the month is the fist-pumping fun of ‘How Will I Know?’ from British four-piece The Amazons: the lead track from their new album, ‘How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me’, out now. Discover our Spotify playlist - featuring every song we’ve ever selected for the podcast - at modernmann.co.uk/music _____________________ This episode is sponsored by: • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today and get 20% off when you keep all five items at at StitchFix.co.uk/mann • Beer52, the UK's No. 1 Craft Beer Club. For a FREE case of their delicious beer, visit beer52.com/modern and just pay for the postage - and they’ll chuck in TWO EXTRA BEERS just for you! • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support: modernmann.co.uk/beer ———————————— … And we’ll see you again on October 10th! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Robin Farr, The Amazons. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Videogames, testosterone and triage - it’s all in day’s work when you’ve got a six year old boy, as Olly explores with fellow Dads Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith in this eighth instalment of our annual ‘How To Be A Dad’ series. Along the way, our trio consider ‘the joy’ of morning routines, how to play ‘child Carcassonne’, and the environmental ethics of party bags… To catch up on the story so far, visit modernmann.co.uk/dads. (Check out Tom and Stu’s podcasts, ‘My Mate Bought A Toaster’ and ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’, wherever you get your podcasts.) ———————————— Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart tries his hand at writing the ultimate Best Man’s Speech - with some help from professional comedy writer, Marc Blakewill. What are his top tips to win over the room? How should a great wedding speech be structured? And should you even mention the Stag Do? Ollie reveals all… If YOU would like to challenge Ollie to test out a trend on a future edition of the show, submit it via our feedback form. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com ———————————— Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox considers the kinky uses for biodegradable tattoos, and investigates new female contraceptive Phexxi. Cleverly maintaining the pH level of the vagina during contact with sperm, could this product offer a life-line to women who don’t want to take hormone-changing pills and want to avoid pregnancy? Alix finds out… If YOU have a question of sex for Alix, submit it via our feedback form. You can remain anonymous if you wish. ———————————— Finally, our record of the month is an infectious slice of Summery pop from Lauv. It’s called ‘Stranger’, and it’s out NOW on his album All 4 Nothing. Go get it! ———————————— This episode of The Modern Mann is only possible thanks to the generosity of listeners LIKE YOU. If you can afford to, please buy us a beer once per month - or as often as you like - using our secure, customisable form here. Thanks! And do check out our amazing sponsors • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today and get 20% off when you keep all five items at at StitchFix.co.uk/mann • Tiege Hanley, who offer simple, effective skincare for men. Get 30% off your first box, plus a free gift, at tiege.com/MANN • Beer52, the UK's No. 1 Craft Beer Club. For a FREE case of their delicious beer, visit beer52.com/modern and just pay for the postage - and they’ll chuck in TWO EXTRA BEERS just for you! ———————————— … and we’ll see you again on September 10th! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tom Price, Stuart Goldsmith, Lauv. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When adults adopted as children feel lost or incomplete - even if they had a happy childhood - they often describe themselves as ‘being in the fog’. For Vicky Sandison, who was told her mother’s birth mother’s name at the age of nine, it was the internet that spurred her on to investigate who she really was. First via Friends Reunited, then MySpace and now 23&Me, Vicky has been piecing together her birth family - and, as she explains to Olly in this month’s interview, coming out of the fog… _____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart takes an 18-hour military flight to the Falklands to uncover a world of dark tourism. Are sites like Goose Green, Pebble Island and Mount Tumbledown, where hundreds of people lost their lives, appropriate stop-offs on a tourist trip of the islands? Does holidaying at Anne Frank Huis, Auschwitz or the Cambodian Killing Fields diminish the terrors that happened there - or keep them alive in our collective memories? The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, creators of the anti-chafing, silky-soft Boxer 2.0. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox has been on the hunt for celebrity foreskins at the 40th annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade. And, in our listener question of the month, Foxy assists a listener who wants to know how to recycle her rampant rabbit. Can old sex toys be accepted as small electrical devices by British recycling centres? Can they instead be re-sold? Or made into ART? Alix, as ever, has all the answers - and takes a look at a brand new eco-friendly toy. The Foxhole is sponsored by ExpressVPN, a great way to view adult material in hotels and other places where you don’t want to be tracked. Head to ExpressVPN.com/Mann to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package! _____________________ Finally, our record of the month comes courtesy of Max Pope and the summery vibes of his new tune, Better Late Than Never. This episode is sponsored by: • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today and get 20% off when you keep all five items at at StitchFix.co.uk/mann • Tiege Hanley, who offer simple, effective skincare for men. Get 30% off your first box, plus a free gift, at tiege.com/MANN • Beer52, the UK's No. 1 Craft Beer Club. For a FREE case of their delicious beer, visit beer52.com/modern and just pay for the postage - and they’ll chuck in TWO EXTRA BEERS just for you! • Athletic Greens, the ultimate daily nutritional supplement. To get a FREE one-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D, and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase, visit athleticgreens.com/mann • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support. ———————————— … And we’ll see you again, with our annual How To Be A Dad special, on August 10th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Vicky Sandison, Max Pope. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reggie Nelson grew up on an East London council estate to alcoholic parents. With drugs and violence all around him, he underperformed academically, and felt the only career options available to him were “music, football or crime”. Quintin Price grew up in India, with a cook, butler, and driver. His father was an international banker; his mother a committed philanthropist. After boarding school and University, he went into banking himself, and became an executive at BlackRock. Then, one afternoon in 2014, their lives crossed paths. In this eye-opening interview, they tell Olly what happened next. Reggie’s book, Opening Doors, is out now, and is also available as an audiobook. —---------------------- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates self-publishing sensation Substack. Can he master the platform and become a blogging billionaire? With the help of music recommendation newsletter Flowstate.fm, he attempts to decode the ingredients to create the perfect Substack crowd-pleaser. But are his views ‘controversial’ enough? The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, creators of the anti-chafing, silky-soft Boxer 2.0, engineered to be the most comfortable boxers in your underwear drawer. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com —---------------------- Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox has been unpicking the complex intersection of faith and sexuality with muslim comedian Sadia Azmat, whose memoir, Sex Bomb, is out now. Then, she answers our listener question of the month, courtesy of Mann-fan Craig in Baltimore, who is TTC* with his wife, and wants to know whether the underwear he is wearing could be affecting his fertility. (*’Trying To Conceive’. You can have that acronym on us.) With the help of Joshua Shoemake, founder of cooling underwear company Snowballs, Alix discovers how scrotal temperatures can make all the difference to procreation - and comes up with a novel suggestion to make the whole process a little more… romantic. The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - the willy-thrilling sex toy that can be controlled by your lover from anywhere on the planet. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. —---------------------- Finally, our record of the month is the anthemic ‘I’m Insecure’, from Lauran Hibberd’s debut album ‘Garageband Superstar’. Enjoy! — This episode is sponsored by: • Wine52, the wine discovery club. For a FREE case of their delicious wine visit wine52.com/mann and just pay for the postage. • ExpressVPN, Business Insider’s #1 rated VPN. Head to ExpressVPN.com/Mann to get an extra 3 months FREE on a one-year package. • Tiege Hanley, who offer simple, effective skincare for men. Get 30% off your first box, plus a free gift, at tiege.com/MANN • Athletic Greens, the ultimate daily nutritional supplement. To get a FREE one-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D, and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase, visit athleticgreens.com/mann. • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support. ———————————— … And we’ll see you on July 10th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Reggie Nelson, Quintin Price, Tim Warwood, Lauran Hibberd. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pippa Till gave up her job as a TV edit assistant to follow her dream of selling food at festivals, in her very own food truck. But she had no food, no truck - and no business plan. Armed with nothing more than derring-do spirit, a pile of debt and a sackful of scones, Pippa spent the next few years attempting to master her profit margin, ace her marketing, and bake the perfect cream tea. And then 2020 happened… Pippa’s business can be found at https://www.sconetomorrow.com — Also catching up with Olly this episode is brewer-turned-author Tommy Barnes (star of our 2019 episode, ‘Let’s Build A Brewery’). When we last spoke to Tommy, he too had abandoned a steady job in the media to try his hand at beer-making in the Loire valley. How have the last two years treated him? And what IS a ‘beer-neutral brewery’? Tommy’s new book, ‘Trouble Brewing in the Loire’, is out now. — Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the University of Salford’s project to develop a universal sound for e-scooters. Can he create a noise that perfectly matches his scootering speed and thrust? Can he channel his inner Hans Zimmer and match the medium with melody? Olly finds out. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com — Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox celebrates the creation of the most accurate 3D model of female anatomy ever, and advises a listener whose partner gets frisky in his sleep. Is he suffering from sexsomnia? If so, does this excuse him from his actions? And just how common is this condition? Alix reveals all. CONTENT WARNING: rape, non-consensual sex. The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. — Finally, our record of the month comes from East London singer-songwriter Murkage Dave and his new track, ‘World I Want To Live In’, out now. — This episode is sponsored by: • Wine52, the wine discovery club. For a FREE case of their delicious wine visit wine52.com/mann and just pay for the postage. • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today with 20% off when you keep all five items at at StitchFix.co.uk/mann • Tiege Hanley, who offer simple, effective skincare for men. Get 30% off your first box, plus a free gift, at tiege.com/MANN • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support. ———————————— … And we’ll see you on June 10th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Pippa Till, Tommy Barnes, Murkage Dave. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlotte Henry’s brother Alex was just 20 years old when he was charged with murder, attempted murder and GBH for a gang-related incident that lasted just 47 seconds. Even though he did not know the victim, and did not issue the fatal blow that killed him, Alex had run towards the scene of the crime with his friend Cameron Ferguson, who was armed with a knife. Alex was charged under ‘joint enterprise’ laws - since overturned by the Supreme Court in instances of murder. But he remains in prison to this day. In this interview with Olly, Charlotte - now a criminal defence lawyer - re-lives the moment she became aware her brother’s teenage truancy was escalating into something more troubling - and explains why, ten years on, she’s still campaigning to exonerate him. — Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart tries his hand at making vegan milk. Can his soaked oats match brand leader Oatly for flavour? Is it really more environmentally friendly to drink rapeseed oil than cow’s milk? And is rice always nice? Olly finds out - in the taste test from Hell... The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com — Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox weighs up the pros and cons of getting a ‘Prince Albert’. Is it worth the discomfort to achieve greater sexual pleasure? What’s in it for your sexual partners? And why ARE penis piercings named after Queen Victoria’s consort, anyway? Alix reveals all… The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. — Finally, our record of the month is the loud-and-proud ‘Dangerous’ from indie funsters The Mysterines. Go stream it! — This episode of The Modern Mann is supported by: • Wine52, the wine discovery club. For a FREE case of their delicious wine visit https://www.beer52.com/wine/mann and just pay for the postage. • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today and get 20% off when you keep all five items • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support. https://www.modernmann.co.uk/beer … and we’ll see you again on May 10th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill: Contributors: Charlotte Henry, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, The Mysterines. Thanks: Alexa Weissman. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. © Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did the credit card come to be invented? Who was the first man to be cryogenically frozen? And have you heard of the experimental drug club where Victor Hugo used to toke? The answers to these questions – and many hundreds more – can be found in the daily history podcast THE RETROSPECTORS, and in this special compilation for Mann-Fans, Olly introduces three brilliant episodes of the show, themed around The Modern Mann’s regular preoccupations – trends, music and sex... You’ll learn how much mayonnaise a woman can physically consume; how David Bowie and Queen came together to record ‘Under Pressure’; and the strange story of the Frenchman who made his wife wear a chastity belt. To get our entertaining, ten-minute ‘on this day in history’ digest each and every weekday, FOLLOW THE SHOW NOW: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retrospectors-today-in-history/id1564093130?uo=4 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4BwUqSOfCS6sSrADe834BR • Google Podcasts: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3MuYWNhc3QuY29tL3RoZS1yZXRyb3NwZWN0b3Jz • PocketCasts: https://pca.st/pemk9hy6 • Podcast Addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/3325454 • Castbox: https://castbox.fm/app/castbox/player/id4096213?v=8.22.11&autoplay=0 • RSS: https://rss.acast.com/the-retrospectors... and The Modern Mann will be back on April 10th! Further Reading: • ‘Woman eats 5 lbs of mayo in 3 minutes | Guinness World Record’ (SoAmazing TV, 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oiwfl9IrZbk • ‘Feel Like’ (1981), the demo Queen recorded before Bowie turned up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-hKRR5FZ78 • ‘Are They Real? The Dubious History Of Chastity Belts’ (Ripleys, 2019): https://www.ripleys.com/weird-news/dubious-history-chastity-belts/ The Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill. Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Emma Corsham. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After surviving an incredible 200ft plunge from the Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia, multi-sport athlete Adam Campbell thought his mountaineering days were behind him. But, thanks in part to his wife, Dr. Laura Kosakoski, Adam was able to return to the slopes. Then, one day in 2020, he triggered an avalanche - with catastrophic consequences for both of them… As Adam explains in this emotional interview with Olly, dealing with the fallout has meant coming to terms with guilt, accepting his vulnerability, and tackling the notion of ‘high-performance grief’. Adam’s blog, Muddy Socks, can be found at: muddy-socks.ghost.io In the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the environmental impacts of the death care industry and the trend in Washington State for human composting, with the help of Return Home’s Katey Houston. Our record of the month is ‘In The Wake Of Your Leave’ from Gang of Youths: goy.ffm.to/intoyl If you can afford to, please buy us a beer using our secure form at modernmann.co.uk/beer - and who knows, you could be a MANNBASSADOR in a future episode, like lucky Dan, David, Garry and Angela today! And Philip the cat, of course. If you’re a cat. This episode is supported by: • Pact, the specialty subscription coffee company. New customers get a free V60 filter kit when you sign up to a Pact plan and enter the code MANN • Betterhelp, the world’s largest online therapy platform. Get 10% off your first month of affordable, private therapy • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today and get 20% off when you keep all five items • Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ We’ll be back (Alix Fox included) on April 10th CONTENT WARNING: account of extreme sports injury, moment of death, and suicidal thoughts. Zeitgeist includes description of body decomposition. UK Samaritans:116 123 US National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 Australia, Lifeline 13 11 14. Other countries can be found at suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill: Contributors: Adam Campbell, Ollie Peart, Gang Of Youths. Thanks: Katey Houston. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. © Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting a screenplay into production is notoriously tough. Writer Jack Barth came closer than most - scripting an episode of The Simpsons, and attracting the attention of Lord Puttnam at Columbia Pictures. He achieved his dream after 40 years in the business, when his script ‘Cover Version’ was optioned by Working Title. But, as Jack explains in this interview with Olly, the journey from page to screen was not as he’d hoped. His script was adapted into Yesterday, written by Richard Curtis and directed by Danny Boyle. The movie made over $150m, but Jack never received another penny, and watched from the sidelines as Curtis’ publicity interviews for the film implied he’d never read Jack’s script. At a screening, Jack’s ‘Story By’ credit was “buried” in the closing titles. • Jack’s script: https://bit.ly/3suH3Zt • Richard Curtis on ‘In The Studio’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csz1ym • Thanks to ‘The 237: Film School Podcast’: https://podfollow.com/1559372849/links We have approached Richard Curtis for a response. --- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart is investigating the world of non-fungible tokens by minting - and offering up for auction - the very first Modern Mann NFTs. As is his wont, he’s taken to virtual reality to do it. Can he persaude a hardcore Mann-Fan to snap up his digital wares? What is the environmental cost of trading with Ethereum? And are NFTs a fad - or here to stay? • Visit the virtual space Ollie set up at Spatial: https://bit.ly/3HIhTNw The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com --- Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox investigates dating after divorce. At 40+, is it possible (or desirable) to leave the ‘baggage’ from your previous relationships at the door? Plus, she dishes out some advice for a listener considering experimenting with polyamory. The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. --- Our record of the month is ‘Holiday From Reality’, a soulful number from jazz powerhouse Poppy Ajudha. --- This episode is sponsored by: • Pact, the speciality subscription coffee company. New customers get a free V60 filter kit (worth £11) when they sign up to a Pact plan at pactcoffee.com and enter MANN at checkout. • Betterhelp, the world’s largest online therapy platform. Get 10% off your first month of affordable, private therapy at betterhelp.com/modernmann --- Get in touch with the show and buy us a beer via our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK And we’ll be back on March 10th. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill: Contributors: Jack Barth, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Poppy Ajudha. Thanks: Martin Law. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. © Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Finch’s life changed forever when his car flipped over in a devastating accident that left him with multiple neurological problems. He developed PTSD, suffered from seizures - and even became afflicted with Tourettes. But the medication he was prescribed was almost as bad: triggering fits, impotence and bloody discharge. Then he discovered cannabis. Now a registered, legal user of skunk, Jim campaigns for medical marijuana to be made available on the NHS. As he explains in this intense, compelling conversation with Olly, for disabled people who can’t afford a private prescription, the current alternatives are to support the criminal black market, or risk arrest by growing weed themselves. CONTENT WARNING: interview includes account of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt, highly offensive language and on-mic drug use.In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here. _____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart is gearing up for 2022 by road-testing some ‘New Year, New You’ health gadgets: the ketosis breathalyser Ketoscan Lite, and ‘microcurrent toner’, the Foreo Bear. Can a facial be compared to a workout? How many carbohydrates do you need to cut out to reduce your fat stores? And what is the all-time best legume? Ollie has the answers. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox explores if, and why, straight men are so ‘in to’ feet. Can this fetish be traced back to childhood? Is porn to blame? And what is the allure of a stinky sock?With the assistance of Dr Justin Lehmiller, Club Pedestal, and her foot-servicing pal, Sol Server, Alix endeavours to find out… The Foxhole is sponsored by The Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. _____________________ Music this month comes from blues-rock foursome Palace, and their stunning new single, ‘Shame On You’. Their new album, Shoals, is out on 21st January. _____________________ Help us keep the lights on by buying us a beer using our secure, customisable form on our website: MODERNMANN.CO.UK _____________________ This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp, the world’s largest online therapy platform. Get 10% off your first month of affordable, private therapy at betterhelp.com/modernmann _____________________ We’ll see you again on February 10th! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Jim Finch, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Palace. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. © Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olly, Alix and Ollie head to Bournemouth for their annual festive special, joined by young troubadour Thomas Headon and surprise special guests.It’s stuffed with songs, reminiscences and parlour games - and, of course, the legendary XXXmas Foxhole Christmas Quiz. ———————————— First up, new father Ollie Peart has broken his dietary habits and started eating meat again - and also the habit of a lifetime by finally listening to a ‘How To Be A Dad’ episode. Having abandoned both pescetarianism and bachelorhood, can he be trusted to lifehack a Moses basket? ———————————— Next, there’s some superb live music - in the form of an exclusive acoustic performance from singer-songwriter Thomas Headon, whose poppy earworm, Strawberry Kisses, is our Record of the Month.Thomas chats to Olly about the weirdest things he’s been sent by his teenage fans; how Aussie Christmas measures up to British Christmas; and why Urban Dictionary may not be the best source to interpret the meaning of ‘Strawberry Kisses’… ———————————— Finally, the year’s sexscapades reach a thrilling climax with Alix Fox digging deep in her box of questionable props for another unforgettable XXXmas Foxhole Quiz.Olly takes on Ollie in a sex toy-inspired rap battle; there’s a fight to the death in a pelvic pumping challenge; and a Durex advent calendar is plundered for a flying penis. You will squirm, you will learn, you will laugh.The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. ———————————— This episode of The Modern Mann is proudly supported by:• Beer52, the world’s number one craft beer club. Claim your FREE case right now at beer52.com/Modern.• Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com ———————————— We also need your donations to keep going.We’re a totally independent podcast - our only income comes from the adverts you hear and the money you give.If you value what we do, support us to produce more: https://modernmann.co.uk/beer Thanks, and happy Christmas! ———————————— We’ll see you with a brand new season of the show on Jan 10. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Thomas Headon, Rosie Mitchell, The Lyra Singers. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guy Babcock is not a paedophile. He is not a sociopath, or a racist, or a ‘deadbeat’. He has not served time in prison. And yet, if you search his name online, you get a very different impression: hundreds of posts, smearing his reputation, all over the internet. In this interview with Olly, Guy explains why - despite a court ruling against the person ruining his reputation - these posts live on.He recalls the terrifying day he realised his name was being dragged through the mud, and explains how he came to understand who was behind the damaging slurs. Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Alix Fox posits her theory that ‘immersive scent experiences’ are about to be the next big trend. With the help of scent designer Tasha Marks, Olly and Alix test out some scents currently on show at the Museum of Docklands and the Wellcome Trust; muse on how difficult it is to describe a smell; and anticipate a world of VR smellathons. Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix looks into erectile dysfunction - an issue believed to affect over four million men in Britain, a surprisingly large segment of whom are not yet 40. The causes of E.D. can include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol & depression and, although there are numerous pills on the market, they’re actually unsuitable for around 40% of sufferers. This month’s Foxhole is brought to you by MAC Clinical Research, who are conducting two clinical trials to evaluate potential new treatments for those living with Erectile Dysfunction, and are looking for volunteers to take part. Up to £690 and reasonable travel expenses are included. To find out more click here. Finally, our record of the month is the lively and infectious ‘Wake Me Up’ from FOALS, who make walking through fire sound like a LOT of fun. OUR SPONSORS: Beer52, the world’s number one craft beer club. For an exclusive FREE trial case of 10 beers, a magazine and a snack Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann' The Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' Nord VPN - the private network that allows you access to TV shows, news websites, sports and movies from over 59 different countries. Use the code MANN to get 73% off your 2-year plan, plus four bonus months for free. See you on Dec 10 for our Christmas Spectacular! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken, Kevin and Martin are armed forces veterans. They were discharged from the military; their comrades never discovering why. This Remembrance Sunday, for the first time, they’ve been invited to march past the Cenotaph. It’s a story of double lives, court payouts and military secrets - and what happened when three men told the truth. _____________________ Until 12th January, 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF. If they were outed, they could lose their medals, their pensions and their jobs, and sometimes serve a prison sentence. The British Government finally apologised for the policy in 2020. Thanks to Fighting With Pride, the LGBT+ military charity, for putting us in touch. _____________________ This episode is sponsored by Beer52, the world’s number one craft beer club. For an exclusive FREE trial case of 10 beers, a magazine and a snack, visit beer52.com/modern _____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, expectant father Ollie Peart - fresh from packing off his precious snood to the wilds of Colorado - has been investigating the trend for baby showers. Have ‘gender reveal’ events taken over from ‘traditional’ showers? Does anyone REALLY make nappy cakes and go nipple bobbing? And is there a quieter, more British equivalent, please? The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox takes time off from plugging ‘Sex Education’ to ask: should self-pleasure ever be a guitly pleasure? Listener ‘Worried Wanker in West Watford’ has begun secretly tossing one out in the shower each morning to satisfy his urges - while his partner’s sex drive has decreased due to anti-depression meds. But the couple have a ‘no wanking in the house’ rule. Is this sustainable? The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. _____________________ Finally, our record of the month is ‘Moody’ from the fabulous Self Esteem, whose new album drops on 22nd October. Finally, a song about mental health you can dance to! _____________________ This show is free to download, but it isn’t free to produce. If you can afford to, please buy us a beer once per month - or as often as you like - using our secure, customisable form on our website: MODERNMANN.CO.UK … and click on the Feedback form to send us a suggestion for a guest, a challenge for Ollie, a question for Alix. _____________________ This episode is sponsored by NordVPN - get 73% off your 2-year plan PLUS 4 bonus months for free with the code TMM _____________________ We’ll see you again on November 10th! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ken Wright, Kevin Bazeley, Martin Diver, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Self Esteem. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. © Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pippa spent eight months struggling to conceive her second child. Then, on the brink of beginning IVF, she discovered she was pregnant. But, at ten weeks, she discovered there was a more than 99% chance that her foetus had Down's Syndrome. She and her husband Joe had already decided that, in this situation, they would have an abortion. In this brutally honest conversation with Olly, Pippa explains how the experience left her feeling guilty, compromised, and unsupported; and how she still struggles to reconcile the fact that she chose to terminate the baby she had wanted so much… The NHS has a page offering support for those considering termination for foetal anomaly: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/support/termination-for-foetal-anomaly/ ———————————— Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - fresh from accruing sixty (60!) followers on Spotify with his musical pseudonym Captain Spronk - has spent the past month learning to knit. Is this trend for young men taking up knitting limited to influencers like Tom Daley and Ryan Gosling? Where do hipsters go to discover the latest patterns? And can Ollie make an actual full-length SCARF on his first attempt? All will be revealed. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com ———————————— Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox is intrigued by the release of a male contraceptive device, the ‘Andro-Switch’ ring - and tackles a listener query from a lady who wants to know how she and her partner should refer to her vagina in bed. Is there a catch-all term that’s fit for purpose? How should a couple begin an erotic conversation? And is ‘willy’ an acceptable designation for men? The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. ———————————— Finally, our record of the month is the surprise new drop from Biffy Clyro - an epic six minuter, ‘Unknown Male 01’. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you again on October 10th. If YOU have a challenge for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix, or you’d like to support the show financially - all links are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Pippa, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Biffy Clyro. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teaching English in Beijing seemed like a great opportunity for Welsh graduate Glen Williams, who’d previously spent time studying in China. He could brush up on his Mandarin, work with children, and earn up to £3k per month tax free. The hitch? The agency that placed him told him that every three months, he’d need to spend the weekend in Seoul - a ‘visa trip’ that, he soon discovered, was commonplace amongst ex-pat EFL teachers. Then, one day, they changed their tune. “If the Police ask you”, they said, “tell them you sell whiteboards”. In this interview with Olly, Glen reveals what happened next… ———————————— Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart, fresh from mastering ‘the Crow Pose’ on Instagram, attempts to dominate the internet through the medium of keyword spamming. Can his well-established musical talent - now masquerading as alter-ego Captain Spronk - stretch to luring in listeners with clickbait titles like ‘Music For Focus’, ‘Music For Meditation’, and, um, ‘Olly Mann’? Judge for yourself, if you dare: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1PH8w34foHLAtBWFWr6CRa?si=EkI7gA-YSNqXvzRMr2wU7A&dl_branch=1 The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com ———————————— Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox (having learnt the ropes of ‘Satanic Feminism’) helps out an anonymous listener with post-coital dysphoria (PCD) - a condition that can cause feelings of sadness, agitation, and crying after intercourse. Why have we evolved to feel disgust at the things that previously made us horny? How much is chemical, and how much is shame? And what post-sex rituals can you employ to reset your emotions? Alix, as ever, has the answers... The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com ———————————— Finally, our record of the month is ‘Kamali’, the new single by Priya Ragu; part of her mixtape dropping on September 3rd. ———————————— This episode of The Modern Mann is sponsored by “the healthcare workers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who want to thank the other workers worldwide that have done such great work - in the spirit of moving on collectively to a better place". Thanks guys! If you’d like to sponsor an episode - or just buy us a beer to say thanks - use the secure, customisable form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK ———————————— We’ll see you again on September 10th! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Glen Williams, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Priya Ragu. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living with narcolepsy - a rare condition that can cause you to fall asleep wherever you are, or whatever you’re doing - required Antonia Gentile to surrender her driving license, and step back from performing, cooking and even reading. As she explains to Olly in this insightful interview, narcolepsy and cataplexy are isolating and debilitating ‘hidden disabilities’. But they can be treated, somewhat, with increased awareness and good ‘sleep hygiene’. If you’re struggling with sleep issues, Antonia recommends sleep improvement app Sleepio, and the charity Narcolepsy UK. ———————————— Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - fresh from uncovering rude place names in his new podcast for the BBC - gets down and dirty in his recycling bin. Can he rise to the challenge of living a waste-free life? After experimenting with the advice from blog Trash is for Tossers, and registering for the Too Good To Go app, the culmination of his efforts is… steaming an old T-shirt in banana skins, broad beans, and sweet potato scraps. Greta Thunberg will be DEAD impressed. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com ———————————— Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox helps out an anonymous listener who enjoys occasional anal sex with his wife - but is now worried he’s pressured her into it... Is it fair to ask for anal sex when your partner isn’t finding it satisfying? If it’s not traumatising or upsetting her, and she’s consenting to it, should it be abandoned because it doesn’t give her physical pleasure? It’s all about being ‘GGG’ (Dan Savage’s mantra: ‘good, giving, and game’), advises Alix, in this fascinating conversation. The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. ———————————— Finally, our record of the month is the new one from Hampshire trio Drug Store Romeos - it’s called Secret Plan, and it’s from their forthcoming debut album, ‘The world within our bedrooms’. ———————————— If YOU have a challenge for Ollie, a sex question for Alix, or would like to suggest a middle-feature for the show - reach out via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK And remember, this podcast is only possible thanks to the generosity of listeners LIKE YOU.If you can afford to, please buy us a beer using the secure, customisable form on our website. Thanks! ———————————— We’ll see you again on August 10. In the meantime, DO check out Olly and Producer Matt’s BRAND NEW, DAILY PODCAST The Retrospectors: http://podfollow.com/Retrospectors Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Antonia Gentile, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Drug Store Romeos. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bedtime stories, ‘social stalking’ and sugar-rationing are on the menu as Olly reunites with comedy podcasters Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith to compare notes on fatherhood. Their sons are now five years old, and in this episode our Dads ruminate on ‘world-building’, how to make friends at pick-up time, and the dangers of doing a 'Hot Wheels Hunt'. To catch up on the story so far, visit modernmann.co.uk/Dads. And check out Tom and Stu’s podcasts, ‘My Mate Bought A Toaster’ and ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’, wherever you get your podcasts. --- Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart tries his hand at flying a plane - or, at least, a flight simulator, courtesy of Simulator Adventures in Media City, Salford. Will he be able to keep a ‘fly by wire’ Airbus A320 airborne and steady, without getting distracted by the on-board horn and windscreen wipers? How much does a box-fresh aeroplane seat cost? And is his dream flight from Southampton to Bournemouth all it’s cracked up to be? If YOU have a suggestion of a trend you’d like to challenge Ollie to investigate in a future edition of the show, visit modernmann.co.uk and click Feedback. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, the only men’s brand dedicated to below the waist grooming. Their Performance Package is the perfect gift for Father’s Day! Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com --- Elsewhere, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox helps out George - a former sex-worker now experiencing difficulties disassociating from the performative parts of his sex life. In a world in which webcam platforms and OnlyFans have introduced a ‘WFH’ generation to sex work, is this a problem that’s set to grow? With help from former sex workers Kitty Stryker and Jason Domino, Alix suggests support groups like SWAI and Umbrella Lane; experiments with sensory changes and blindfolding in the bedroom; and considers the ‘social capital’ of George’s relationship. The Foxhole is sponsored by The Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. --- Finally, our Record of the Month comes from iconic indie popsters James - and the single ‘Beautiful Beaches’ from their new album ‘All The Colours Of You’, out now. --- This show only exists thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. If you can afford to, please buy us a beer per month - or as often as you like - using the secure, customisable form on our website, modernmann.co.uk. Thanks! See you on July 10th. ------ Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tom Price, Stuart Goldsmith, James. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021 Now, please check out OUR BRAND NEW DAILY SHOW, The Retrospectors: podfollow.com/Retrospectors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Rosie Mitchell went canoeing on a dam in Zimbabwe’s Matobo National Park, she thought she’d soak up the views, and soon be back on shore to toast the New Year. Instead, she endured a terrifying close encounter with a 3m-long crocodile, who chomped down on her arm and ripped open her chest. In this vivid and intense conversation, she explains to Olly how her determination to prevail - borne of her experiences ultra-running - helped her survive a seemingly impossible ordeal. This episode of The Modern Mann is sponsored by Beer52, the world’s largest craft beer club. Get a completely FREE CASE at beer52.com/Modern. ----- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart pores over a menu of post-pandemic dining trends, from nutritionist-inspired gnocchi to pizza a la Gordon Ramsay. Are ‘dark kitchens’ and outdoor seating here to stay? And can you get a boozy buzz from non-alcoholic spirits? The Zeitgeist is sponsored by below-the-waist grooming experts Manscaped. For 20% off and free shipping use the code MANN at Manscaped.com. ------ Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of Ann Summers’ iconic Rampant Rabbit, and responds to a listener whose wet dreams seem to coincide with her menstrual cycle. Is there a hormonal link to her mid-sleep orgasms? Or are nocturnal emissions just for the lads? The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. ------ Our record of the month is ‘Creature of Mine’ from singer-songwriter Billie Marten, who’s back on tour across the UK in September. ------ If YOU’D like to share your story on the show, suggest a challenge to Ollie or ask Alix a sex question, all you need to do is fill out the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk And please check out OLLY’S BRAND NEW DAILY SHOW, The Retrospectors. You can find that at podfollow.com/Retrospectors. ------ See you next month! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Rosie Mitchell, Billie Marten. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As chief executive of the British Fur Trade Association, Mike Moser was the face of the UK’s fur industry. He met with politicians in China and Russia, and advocated his ‘luxury product’ in the House of Lords and at an EFRA Select Committee. Then, after a decade promoting the right to wear and sell fur, Mike changed his mind. In this confessional chat with Olly, he considers how he used peer-reviewed science as a crutch, reflects on the implications of publicly switching sides in our polarised society, and reveals how a dog called Barney changed his life. --- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart tucks his top-knot under a full-body apiarist suit and heads to the hive for a deep dive on beekeeping. Why are 40,000 hobbyists in Britain getting involved? Is it really possible to run a ‘natural’ hive? And what difference has the pandemic made to the taste of our honey? Thanks to Filbert’s of Dorset for keeping Ollie sting-free. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by below-the-waist grooming experts Manscaped. For 20% off and free shipping use the code MANN at Manscaped.com. --- Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from debating ‘vulval anxiety’ on Radio 4 - assists a Mann-fan whose sex sessions go on for much, much longer than he wants. What are his options for tackling delayed ejaculation? Could it be caused by post-traumatic dissociation? And is it taken seriously enough by health professionals? Thanks to psychosexual therapist Silva Neves and Girl On The Net’s Luke Douglas for their input. The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com. --- Finally, our record of the month is curious groove ‘Orange Juice’ by the fabulous Fryars - available to stream now. --- This episode of The Modern Mann is only possible thanks to the generosity of listeners LIKE YOU. But only 2% of our listeners donate to the show! If you can afford to, please complete the convenient, secure BEER MONEY form on our website and join the 2%: https://www.modernmann.co.uk/beer We’re also proudly supported by Beer52, the world’s largest craft beer club. Join over 170,000 members and sample a completely FREE CASE of eight beers at beer52.com/Modern. --- GET IN TOUCH: If you have some feedback for Olly, a question of sex for Alix, a trend you’d like to challenge Ollie to investigate, or you’d like to be a Mannbassador... fill out the feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk Next episode May 10 - see you then! --- Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Mike Moser, Fryars. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It began as a threesome, arranged through dating app Feeld - but soon Maggie and Cody realised their connection to Janie was more than sexual. No longer just an adventurous couple in an open relationship, they had become a ‘thruple’ - whose relationship with Janie (their ‘third’) was as vital and equitable as their marriage to each other. In this interview with Olly, they explain the importance of communication in a three-way relationship, the dangers of jealousy and bigotry - and the complexities of sleeping arrangements and decision-making when you love two people at once. I f YOU have a story you’d like to share with Olly, send us an email via our feedback form. Content warning: brief mention to eating disorder in the Letters Section that opens the podcast. --- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart dons his VR headset (again) to discover what real-world skills he can glean from his living room.With the help of YouTubers Cas and Chary, and apps Survivorman, The Climb 2, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Marineverse Cup, he tries his hand at yacht-racing, skyscraper climbing and fire-lighting - only to find refuge in ‘DJ school’ Tribe XR. Whilst learning to use aftershave as ignition fuel. If YOU would like to challenge Ollie to test out a trend on a future edition of the show, submit it via our feedback form. Ollie’s new Winter sports podcast, The Apres, is out now. This month’s Zeitgeist is supported by Virtual Game Night. Join over 8,000 other players who have livened up their Zoom calls at VirtualGameNight.Live/MANN, and use the code MANN20 for 20% off. --- Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox has details of how you can play with lightbulbs in your bedroom. In two unforgettable ways. And, in our listener question of the month, she considers inventive lockdown dating ideas, from ‘collabaroke’ to tarot-reading, and reveals how a socially-distanced ‘picture pic-tour’ nabbed her a boyfriend. If YOU have a question of sex you’d like Alix to answer in a future show, head on over to our feedback form. The Foxhole is sponsored by Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at http://thehandy.com --- Over in music corner, St Vincent make a welcome return to our playlist of dreams. Their new one, 'Pay Your Way In Pain’, is out now. --- T his episode is brought to you by below-the-waist grooming experts Manscaped. For 20% off and free shipping use the code MANN at http://manscaped.com/ We’re also proudly supported by Beer52, the world’s largest craft beer club. Join over 170,000 members and sample a completely FREE CASE of eight beers at http://beer52.com/Modern. --- We’ll be back on April 10th. In the meantime, send us a donation or get in touch via email - all details on our website, https://www.modernmann.co.uk/ Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, St. Vincent, Janie Frank, Maggie Odell, Cody... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olivia hardly knew her father. Her parents divorced when she was two, and she was brought up by her Mum. Sent to boarding school at the age of eight, she was estranged from her Dad for a decade. Struggling financially, and weakened by bulimia, she got a call from out of the blue: it was her father, wanting to rekindle their relationship. But - as her health deteriorated, and the UK went into lockdown - her Mum dropped a bombshell that changed everything Olivia thought she knew about her family… Names have been changed. Content warning: eating disorders; emotional abuse If YOU have a story you’d like to share with Olly, send us an email via our feedback form. If you’ve been affected by an eating disorder, BEAT or Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous may be able to help. If you’re dealing with emotional abuse, CRISIS Text Line offer free 24/7 support. --- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart has a 21st century spring clean - testing out Karcher’s new ‘electric cloth’, Samsung’s VS90 Jet and CleanStation, Lupe’s Pure Cordless Vacuum, and Cleen (discount link), a subscription box of environmentally-friendly cleaning products. If YOU would like to challenge Ollie to test out a trend on a future edition of the show, submit it via our feedback form. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by below-the-waist grooming experts Manscaped, and their new cologne, Refined. For 20% off and free shipping use the code MANN at Manscaped.com. --- Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox checks out Balldo, the new toy that ‘turns your balls into a torpedo’, and advises listener James, who lusts after casual sex with his close friends. Is James demisexual? Is hypersexualised gay culture, online and offline, spurring him on? And is it really a ‘kink’ to have a crush on your mates? Alix investigates, with the help of Skyler Wang, Topher Talyor, and Justin Myers. If YOU have a question of sex you’d like Alix to answer in a future show, head on over to our feedback form. --- Finally, our record of the month is ‘Personal Shopper’, a dystopian synth pop classic-in-the-making from Steven Wilson. You can stream the full glorious TEN MINUTES now on his album, The Future Bites. --- Stay safe, and we’ll see you with a brand new episode on March 10th. *** Love the show? Then SEND US A DONATION. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps keep this podcast... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sun, sea and €1 drinks lure thousands of backpackers to Andrew’s hostel in a typical year. But 2020 was not a typical year.Confronting a doomed Summer season and 45 empty bedrooms, Andrew’s family turned their accommodation over to a diverse group of refugees, drug addicts, career criminals and victims of domestic abuse - converting their hostel, in the Cote d’Azur, in to a homeless shelter during Lockdown.As Andrew recounts to Olly, the experience opened his eyes to the realities of life on the streets - the mental health problems, alcoholism, and traumatic violence so often lurking in the background - but also gave him hope that it’s possible to re-make your life, even in the most dire of circumstances. (Names have been changed.) ----------------------------- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart heads out into the bracing January fog for… a barbecue, of course! Can he ‘upskill’ his outdoor cooking abilities to create a Winter feast? Armed with little more than a plank of plywood and a side of salmon, he attempts to justify his hipster beard by mastering an authentic asado wood-flamed pit - and puts the trend for ‘sweet pizza’ to the test. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by below-the-waist grooming experts Manscaped. For 20% off and free shipping use the code MANN at Manscaped.com. ----------------------------- Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox gets deep in the weeds of aphrodisiac seeds, and assists a lady listener who coughs each time she has sex. Could this after-sex reflex be a reaction to her partner’s semen, an allergy to linens, or even a vasovagal attack? Alix investigates, with the assistance of breathing expert Jane Tarrant.If you have a question of sex for Alix to answer, visit modernmann.co.uk and fill out our Feedback form. ----------------------------- Finally, music this month comes from Dutch-born, London-based singer-songwriter Eyelar - and her current single, ‘Doin’ It Again’. Discover our whole Spotify playlist on our website. ----------------------------- If you value what we do, here are THREE GREAT WAYS to support us in 2021:• Tell your friends! We’re @themodernmann on Twitter. • Post a review for the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps others find us. • Send us a donation. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us create the best show we can: https://www.modernmann.co.uk/beerHappy New Year - we’ll see you with something new on February 10th. ----------------------------- Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Eyelar. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ho ho ho! In this bumper Christmas special, our three households unite (at an appropriate social distance, of course) for a festive mix of songs, reminiscences and parlour games - and, of course, the legendary XXXmas Foxhole Christmas Quiz. In the Zeitgeist, our one-man matchmaker Ollie Peart explores the unsettling uptick in loneliness wrought by the events of 2020 - and decides to turn the tide with his bespoke Match-A-Mate service. Can his unique algorithm (‘If there’s one thing you can get on with somebody about, it’s something that you both hate’) unite together Mannfans as diverse as a Vancouver-based priest and a Mancunian theoretical physicist? Fifty one-on-one Zoom calls later, he provides audio evidence that suggests that, well, just maybe it can… --------- Next, as has become traditional, there’s some superb live music - in the form of an exclusive performance from singer-songwriter Griff. She talks to Olly about her ‘best worst year ever’ - being nominated for an Ivor Novello award whilst still in her teens, yet thwarted from playing to live crowds - and treats us to two stripped-down tracks: a haunting rendition of single ‘1,000,000 X Better’, and our Record of the Month, ‘Love is a Compass’ - as featured in this year’s Disney Christmas ad. You can hear all our music selections from the past five years at modernmann.co.uk/music Disney are donating 100% of proceeds for every download made before 31 December 2020 to Make-A-Wish, a charity helping bring small gifts of joy to children with life-threatening illnesses. --------- Finally, the year’s sexscapades reach a thrilling climax with Alix Fox digging deep in her box of questionable props for another truly unforgettable XXXmas Foxhole Christmas Quiz. Can Olly Mann locate the labia in under two minutes? Can Ollie Peart stomach a squizz of Bijoux Indiscrets ‘Blowjob Spray’? And how will the boys fare as their anatomical knowledge is put to the test, with the aid of a Dick On A Stick cock-waffle? You will squirm, you will learn, you will laugh. The Foxhole is sponsored by The Condom People, where you can discreetly purchase premium condoms and lubes including vegan-friendly Skyns and German brand On. Get 15% off with the code FOXHOLE at See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a sudden and violent death, the Metropolitan Police will dispatch a member of their ‘Family Liaison' team to the deceased person’s relatives, to ensure their needs are met. But this wasn’t always the case... As retired officer Tom Simmons explains to Olly in this episode, the role of the ‘family liaison’ was only professionalised in the 90s, after the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry - a process in which he played a part. Before then, shocked and grieving family members were frequently dealt with by detectives with no formal training in the psychological, religious and practical requirements of victims - and who might make no secret of the fact that, as family members, they too might be suspects in a murder… Content warning: this month’s middle feature includes references to murder, terrorism and child sexual abuse, and descriptions of dead bodies. ------- Elsewhere, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart explores the trend for ‘menicures’. Can the lady behind Instagram’s ‘Boys In Polish’ help him become Britain’s Next Top Male Nail Artist? Get the look: if you want to try Ollie’s designs for yourself, download his factsheet for the ‘perfect’ menicure HERE: modernmann.co.uk/s/OlliesNailsEmporium.pdf Feeling lonely this Christmas? Wanna apply to be part of Ollie’s next challenge? Fill out his ‘match-a-mate’ survey, to help us all find new friends, HERE: modernmann.co.uk/matchamate The Zeitgeist is sponsored by below-the-waist grooming experts Manscaped. For 20% off and free shipping use the code MANN at Manscaped.com. ------- Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox (‘Best Sexual Health Ambassador’ in the 2020 Erotic Trade Awards, natch), assists a lady listener in lockdown dating. Does participating in sexting automatically open the door for more, um, intimate video content? How can one set up boundaries of consent and respect on Tinder? And what’s the best way to communicate them, with one hand down your pants? Alix gives all the answers, with the help of blogger and pole dancer @bloggeronpole. The Foxhole is sponsored by The Condom People, where you can discreetly purchase premium condoms and lubricants from brands including the tailored tuxedo of contraception, My.Size. Get 15% off with the code FOXHOLE at TheCondomPeople.com. ------- Music this month comes from Internet Money ft. Don Toliver, Gunna & Nav and their supremely catchy, beautifully auto-tuned #1 single ‘Lemonade’. You can find a full Spotify playlist of our ‘record of the month’ selections on our website. ---------------- This episode of The Modern Mann is supported by Beer52, the world’s number one craft beer club. Claim your FREE case right now at beer52.com/Modern. ---------------- We’ll be back with our ANNUAL CHRISTMAS... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seeking a secure investment, newlyweds Sara and Ali sank their savings into a dependable, government-backed business - a branch of the Post Office. That decision led them to lose their income, their home - and even their liberty. In this intense interview with Olly, they explain how an unacknowledged software glitch put unbearable strain on their marriage, their family and their livelihoods - and made them question why our institutions place so much faith on the accuracy of complex computer systems in the first place. Listen now at 00:26.13. The ‘Horizon scandal’ has since been described as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in recent British legal history. You can discover more at postofficetrial.com. Our thanks to journalist Nick Wallis for connecting us with Ali & Sara. We’ve changed their names to protect their own appeal for justice. ---------------- Elsewhere, in this month’s Zeitgeist (at 00:04.11), Ollie Peart - fresh from deleting all social media apps from his smartphone - has been tasked with getting creative on Cameo. Can a platform created for celebrities to cash in on personalised video messages serve up something truly inspirational, or is it just for birthday shout-outs? With the help of Blue Peter’s Barney Harwood, Chucklevision’s Paul Chuckle, Hollyoaks’ Annie Wallace, Eastenders’ Ricky Groves, Seinfeld’s Fred Stoller, K-Pop superfan Oli London and The Raconteurs’ Brendon Benson, Ollie does his best to investigate. And the results are… unpredictable. Our thanks to Laurie Harrison at Green Bird Recordings and Tim Gifford for helping Ollie create a new musical masterpiece. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by below-the-waist grooming experts Manscaped. For 20% off and free shipping use the code MANN at Manscaped.com. ---------------- Meanwhile, in the Foxhole (at 01:03.53), Alix Fox explores whether it’s safe, practical and enjoyable to indulge in anal sex when you’re pregnant. With the help of Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt, author of Womb With a View: Tales from the Delivery, Emergency and Operating Rooms, and midwife and ‘placenta artist’ Deborah Neiger, she dispenses some wise words for those wanting to have bum fun with a bun in the oven. The Foxhole is sponsored by The Condom People, where you can discreetly purchase premium condoms and lubricants from brands including Wingman. Enjoy 15% off everything with the code FOXHOLE at TheCondomPeople.com. ---------------- Music this month comes from Royal Blood, with their sensational slice of rock-disco, ‘Trouble’s Coming’. You can find a full Spotify playlist of our ‘record of the month’ selections on our website. ---------------- This episode of The Modern Mann is supported by Beer52, the world’s number one craft beer club. Claim your FREE case right now at beer52.com/Modern. ---------------- We’ll be back with something... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the reality of male-to-female transitioning on the NHS? Listener Lexi Perry-Weston says the online resources she found didn’t relate to her experiences at all. In this interview with Olly, she explains how she’s been supported in her trans journey by her family, her workplace and the medical establishment - but also harassed by the public, fetishised by partners and discriminated against by businesses. From hormones to dating apps, vocal therapy to changing room etiquette, this is one Mann-fan’s experience of gender transitioning in 2020. CONTENT WARNING: interview contains references to rape, suicide, abuse, recounting of transphobic language and gender dysphoria. In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here. --- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart is testing out the ‘No Poo’ trend. Can he survive one whole month without washing his hair or body using soap or shampoo? Along the way, he learns about sebum oil, microbiomes, and a surprising use for cornstarch. And washes his hands, because as we all know good hand hygiene is imperative at the moment. Stay Alert, kids. If YOU would like to challenge Ollie to investigate a contemporary trend, send your suggestion through now via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk --- Elsewhere, in The Foxhole, Alix Fox assists a listener who wants to be eco-friendly in the bedroom. Is there such a thing as a truly biodegradable condom? And how many air miles has her favourite vibrator travelled, before it heads down below? Alix consults Gabrielle Lods, founder of Green Condom Club, for advice. If YOU have a question of sex for Alix - you can remain entirely anonymous if you like - just fill out the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk --- Music this month comes from Creeper, and their song, ‘Poisoned Heart’. You’ll find it on their compellingly theatrical rock album, Sex Death & The Infinite Void, out now. --- Remember, The Modern Mann is a completely independent podcast, supported by listeners like you. If you can afford to contribute, we’d be astonishingly grateful. Just visit modernmann.co.uk to buy us a beer. And/or, do tell your friends about us @themodernmann, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We’ll be back with a new episode on October 10th. --- Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Lexi Perry-Weston, Creeper. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2020. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The British Army is recruiting gamers, 'phone zombies', and 'selfie addicts' as it broadens its skills for modern military ops. But who are the young men getting these jobs, and what impact does it have on their lives? Former Grenadier Guardsman Julian Perreira served as a J-TAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) in Afghanistan. As he monitored a 60-inch TV screen relaying live feeds from surveillance balloons and drones, it was his job to decide when and where to deploy ‘kinetic effects’ that could, and did, kill people. It was, he tells Olly, ‘a bit like playing a computer game’. The experience inflicted lasting damage on his mental health; now treated with CBT only thanks to the philanthropy of a fellow veteran. --- Julian is now a journalist who blogs at jakbrew.co.uk, where he has also established an outdoor drinkware company. If YOU have a story you’d like to share with Olly and our listeners, we’d love to hear from you: please reach out using the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk. --- Elsewhere, for this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart chats to couples who are ‘child-free by choice’. Along the way he discovers ‘antinatalism’, swots up on some intriguing statistics about parental unhappiness, and disrupts a childfree sub-Reddit that definitely ISN’T ‘a movement’. If YOU would like to challenge Ollie to explore a current trend for a future edition of the show, get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk --- Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from judging a talent competition that is unlikely to be televised - considers the dilemma of a listener who ‘bears down’ during orgasm, frequently finding herself the victim of inconvenient farts. If YOU have a question of sex you’d like Alix to answer on a future edition of the show, don’t be shy - send it in via our Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk. Our thanks to pelvic floor physiotherapist Elaine Miller, AKA ‘Gussie Grippers’. If you think you may be suffering from a hypertonic pelvic floor, resources and support are available via the International Pelvic Pain Society and the Pelvic Pain Support Network. --- Music this month comes from Modern Mann favourites Another Sky and their new song, ‘Fell In Love With The City’. You’ll find it on their new album ‘I Slept on the Floor’, out Aug 7th. --- If you enjoy the show, and value what we do, here are THREE GREAT WAYS to support us: Tell your friends! We’re @themodernmann on Twitter. Post a review for the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps others find us. Send us a donation. We appreciate times are tight at the moment. Know that we are an independent podcast, and every contribution, no matter how small, helps us create the best show we can. Buy us a beer now via our website, modernmann.co.uk. It’s completely secure and there are links to use PayPal if you prefer. --- That’s it for the Summer - we’ll be back, as per our new release schedule, on September 10th. See you then! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Julian Perriera, Another Sky. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Production Assistance: Rebecca Grisedale-Sherry. Copyright Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2020. modernmann.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Four years before Facebook, long before anyone knew what ‘social networking’ was, Julie Pankhurst had an idea... What if, without trawling through message-boards or working your way through The Phone Book, you could reconnect with all your old school friends, via one simple database? Friends Reunited rapidly became one of Britain’s biggest ever start-ups, attracting 23m users at its peak, and a reputation for reigniting old flames. In her first ever podcast interview, Julie reveals to Olly how a family separation inspired her invention, why she’s spent the last twenty years shunning the limelight, and how rival bidders tried to woo her - before she and husband Steve sold, to ITV, for £120m. Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Julie recommends the programme from Overcoming MS - https://overcomingms.org/. ---- Meanwhile, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart explores Britain’s burgeoning love affair with e-bikes. Can bone conducting technology alleviate the tedium of his two-wheeled commute? Why does a premium pedal-assist bicycle cost the same as a car? And was it really wise to chuck out his lycra? If YOU have a trend you’d like Ollie to test out on the show, just visit our website and fill out the feedback form. ---- Elsewhere, in this month’s Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener who fears his wife is addicted to sexting. What are the best ways to save their relationship? Should a text-only ‘affair’ be considered an act of betrayal? And, if you’re addicted to sexting, how can you give up? For her research Alix discussed the nature of addiction with Dr Suzi Gage, whose book Say Why To Drugs is out now, and sex and relationships therapist Sarah Berry. If you have a question of sex you’d like Alix to answer on the show, fill in the Feedback form on our website - you can remain anonymous if you wish. ---- Our record of the month is the gorgeous ‘Roman Candles’ by Dizzy, freshly available to add to your Summer playlists NOW. You can listen back to every tune we’ve ever played on the podcast in our special Spotify playlist - check it out now. --- In these uncertain times, it is YOUR SUPPORT of this show that makes it possible for us to make you a fresh podcast each month - please donate if you can. Just click ‘Beer Money’ on our website. Wanna be a Mannbassador? Buy us a beer, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - and then send us an email to tell us about yourself. --- Stay safe, keep well, and we’ll see you with something new on August 1st! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Julie Pankhurst, Dizzy. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2020. modernmann.co.uk / @themodernmann See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lottie Woods was in her early twenties when she was sent, alone, to meet a powerful buyer for a high street fashion brand in Guangzhou, China. They went out for a drink. The next morning, they had a meeting. In this interview with Olly, she recounts what happened in between. Along the way, she reveals the pressures of designing garments for the ‘fast fashion’ sector, the challenges of raising ethical standards, and the fallout from one fateful evening in a country she didn’t know, in a language she couldn’t speak. --- Lottie is now a freelance designer, working with ethical brands, and blogs about slow fashion and sustainable awareness at intotheeco.com If YOU have a story you would like to share on the show, do what Lottie did - head to our website, modernmann.co.uk, and click ‘Feedback’. And, if you have been affected by this conversation - know that there is always someone you can talk to in confidence. A good place to start is Safeline [https://www.safeline.org.uk/]. --- Meanwhile, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart takes his first awkward steps into the world of videogame development. Is a month long enough for him to develop a story that’s ‘credible, coherent and dramatically meaningful’? Has the opportunity afforded by a sprained ankle and a third month of lockdown given him enough time to to make a genuinely playable 2D platformer? (Spoiler: yes. If you head to our website, you can PLAY THE MAC VERSION NOW!). Thanks to ‘sprite’ designer Mr Gordo, Unity’s ‘Global Head of Evangelism Content’ Mike Geig, and online videos from Brakeys and Code Monkey for helping Ollie on his journey. If YOU would like to challenge Ollie to try out a trend in a future edition of the show, head to our website now and click ‘Feedback’. The Zeitgeist is remote-recorded on fabulous Yeti X microphones provided by our sponsors, Blue Microphones. Get yours here: https://www.blue-designs.co.uk/products/yeti-x/?utm_campaign=BL_FY21Q1-WILD-Blue_OPX_EN-UK&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=paid_social&utm_content=Post --- Elsewhere, in this month’s Foxhole, Alix Fox has advice on Zoom-based dating, ‘Buddha machines’, lockdown libidos and low-effort BDSM for those who fancy an X-rated session but need to catch some ZZZzzzs. Such enquiries this month led her to consult professional Dominants Master Dominic and Moira Mona, and also the advice issued by the Faculty for Sexual and Reproductive Health for those using Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives, like coils and implants, during the Covid crisis. If YOU have a question of sex you’d like to chuck Alix’s way, visit our website, and fill out the form on the ‘Feedback’ page. You can remain anonymous if you like. --- Our record of the month is ‘Begin Again’, by Mercury-nominated songwriter Nick Mulvey. It’s part of an EP of the same name, released on June 5th. You can find a Spotify playlist of every song we’ve ever featured on our website, modernmann.co.uk. --- In these uncertain times, it is YOUR SUPPORT of this show that makes it possible for us to still make you a fresh new podcast each month - please DONATE if you can. Just click ‘Beer Money’ on our website. Wanna be a Mannbassador? Buy us a beer, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - and then send us an email to tell us about yourself. Links on our website. --- Stay safe, keep well, and we’ll see you with something new on July 1st! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Lottie Woods, Nick Mulvey. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2020. modernmann.co.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedians Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith reunite with Olly Mann to compare parenting notes - this time, in lockdown...Can they turn mundane household tasks into games? What kids’ TV shows are best avoided? And how DO you explain the pandemic to a four year-old?In this laugh-out-loud, typically honest encounter, our trio of Dads share stories and support each other through a uniquely challenging milestone on their journeys through fatherhood. To catch up with the previous five conversations in our ‘How To Be A Dad’ series, visit modernmann.co.uk/dads. For even more from Tom and Stu, subscribe to their podcasts. Tom pores over the Amazon purchase histories of his guests in ‘My Mate Bought A Toaster’ - and a certain Olly Mann is his most recent victim. Find it at smarturl.it/toasterpod.Stu’s show, ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’, features in-depth interviews with the nation’s favourite stand-ups; check it out at comedianscomedian.com. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart turns his hand to making ‘luxury products’ at home, using ingredients sourced and foraged from around his house in Dorchester.Listen along as Olly unboxes a special delivery of Mr P’s best efforts: caramel chocolates, ‘accidental' tumeric bath bombs, a ‘Modern Mann’ sourdough loaf, cherry blossom-scented loo roll, and Stinging Nettle Pasta. It’s quite the ride. If you have a suggestion of a trend Ollie can test - whilst maintaining social distancing of course - reach out via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk. The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Blue Microphones - we recorded this edition using Blue’s Yeti X mics. Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener who wonders whether CBD-enhanced lubricants can ‘get her vagina stoned’.Alix consulted Kathie Bishop, herbalist and founder of Into The Wylde; Daye, a female-founded company who make the world’s first clinically validated CBD tampons; ‘Cannasexual’ specialist Ashley Manta; sex educator Chelsea Cebara of Velvet Swing and ‘supersoaker’ Lola Jean, who’s been experimenting with Foria CBD arousal oil. If YOU have a question of sex for Alix to answer in a future edition of the show, just use the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk. You can remain anonymous if you wish. Our Record of the Month is the super-funky ‘Take Back The Track’, from The Magic Gang. It’s available to stream now - with a great Zoom-inspired music video also begging to be seen! Wanna be a Mannbassador? Buy us a beer, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - and then send us an email to tell us about yourself. All links on our website, modernmann.co.uk. Stay safe, keep well, and we’ll see you with something new on June 1st. Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tom Price, Stuart Goldsmith, The Magic Gang. Theme Music: Django Django. Ad music: Jahzaar. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2020. T his episode is supported by Beer52. To get a FREE crate of eight delicious beers, a snack and magazine delivered direct to your door, visit Beer52.com/Modern. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices