The Modern Mann

Smuggling marijuana from Thailand to Alaska; trading illicit fuel in Nigeria; evading the law in France - Robert Stone did it all. From one small fishing boat in the Bahamas he built up a veritable fleet of vessels - including a 6000-tonne oil tanker - devoted to his businesses empire. In this incredible interview with Olly, Robert reveals what it was like to be making a million dollars per month, switching between dozens of aliases and risking his life on the high seas... This interview first aired as Diving To Adventure in August 2018. We've paired it with I Was A Drug Dealer from this month - check it out now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stu Otten was raised on a tough Liverpool estate, where drug-taking was rife, and established crime families enacted violent retribution. Aged 17, he became a bar-room bouncer - and soon found himself dealing drugs, protecting human traffickers, and defending his territory in a turbulent turf war. In this raw, insightful interview, Stu reveals to Olly the self-loathing, drug-induced hallucinations and spiritual awakening that led him away from his marriage, his city, and organised crime - and into seeking forgiveness from those he’d hurt the most. Stu now works for Causeway, stepping in to prevent today’s young people from echoing his mistakes. Find out more about his work, and donate, via their website, https://www.wearecauseway.org.uk/  —-- Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart examines how, in this election year, the war for our votes is being fought online - from A.I.-generated memes to disinformation campaigns. How do MPs stay on top of fake news? How can social media users research who’s targeting them? And - eight years on from Donald Trump’s first Presidential election - how come foreign entities are still able to buy their way on to our Facebook feeds?    —-- Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox discovers ‘fraysexuality’, and asks if some men get off on… having STI swabs. If urethral sounding does give you a kick, what’s the safest way to introduce it to your sex life? What are the downsides of a ‘doctors and nurses’ fetish? And IS ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ by the Rednecks really about syphilis?  With the help of Sophie Cohen from House of Vixens and Dr Kareem Mahmoud from Flo, Alix has the answers…  —-- Finally, in music corner, our Record of the Month comes from Aberdeen punk rockers Cold Years, and their not-very-aptly-for-a-podcast-named new track, ‘Radio’ - from their forthcoming album, ‘A Different Life’. —-- Thanks so much for listening! Our monthly magazine show relies on your support - so, if you enjoy our independent podcast, and want to help us to keep making it, please BUY US A BEER 🍻using the secure links on our website, https://modernmann.co.uk/beer … and we’ll see you on 10th May! x Olly, Alix, Olle & Producer Matt —-- Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Alix Fox, Ollie Peart, Stu Otten, Cold Years. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2024. Sponsor: BetterHelp. Get started today and enjoy 10% OFF your first month of convenient and affordable therapy at https://betterhelp.com/mann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Stuart Farrimond was a disillusioned Junior Doctor. Night-shifts, the grim reality of hospital life and emotional exhaustion were all taking their toll - but he was in denial about what might be killing him. In this extraordinary interview with Olly, he explains how an eating disorder and an unexpected diagnosis derailed his career and his marriage - but also how, in the most desperate of circumstances, his life could still change for the better… This interview first aired in 2018. Now remastered and with an update from Stuart, we've paired this episode with Am I Autistic? - 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

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. If 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. --- This 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. This 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

Blaine Harrison, lead singer of Mystery Jets, is also a ‘property guardian’, who lives and works in the capital’s empty commercial premises. For a while the entire floor of an office block on London’s Strand was his home. Each weekend he had a front-row seat as NHS marches, Brexit protests, Extinction Rebellion demos and Tommy Robinson rallies made their way past his window.  In this thoughtful interview with Olly, he explains how what he saw on the streets inspired his songwriting. Mystery Jets’ new album, A Billion Heartbeats, is released April 3. --- Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers how the current lockdown has prompted an unlikely rebirth for retro-gaming, VR, quiz apps and even ancient gaming platform Second Life. There’s also some chat about deckchair storage...  If you have a suggestion of a trend Ollie can test - from his home in Dorchester, for now - get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk.  Thanks to our sponsors, Blue Microphones: we recorded this edition of the Zeitgeist on Blue Yeti X mics. --- Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener who wants to know what issues may present themselves if he sources the HIV prevention drug PrEP from online suppliers based abroad.  Alix consulted with the activist team at PrEPster, IWantPrepNow and Terrence Higgins Trust, and, for more about this topic, highly recommends checking out the work of Nathaniel Hall – who wrote a compelling play about contracting HIV via his very first sexual encounter – and following Jason Domino on Twitter. If you have a question of sex for Alix to answer in a future edition of the show, just visit our website, modernmann.co.uk and click Feedback. You can remain anonymous if you wish. --- Our Record of the Month is Bittersweet by Lianne La Havas - and, if you like that, get ready for the album, which drops 5th June. --- 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.  The Modern Mann is an independent podcast, and we rely on listener contributions to continue. If you can afford to support us financially, please send us a donation via our website, modernmann.co.uk - we’d massively appreciate it. Stay safe, keep well, and we’ll see you on May 1st. --- Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Blaine Harrison, Lianne LA Havas. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann, 2020.  This episode of The Modern Mann is supported by Beer52.  To get a free crate of ten delicious beers delivered straight 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

Scammers took £160,000 from Nick’s father in just eighteen months.  He believed, in return, they’d send him gold, or stocks and shares, or even come to his home in Cyprus and begin a relationship with him. Instead, they just kept the cash. In a reflective, revelatory conversation with Olly, Nick recounts how he confronted his Dad, to prevent him burning through his pension - and the moment he realised that not all was as it seemed… Continuing the financial theme, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. If he saves 50% of his earnings, can he live on his passive income? And, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from a rope bondage class - advises a listener who wants to squeeze and stretch her boobs in the bedroom, without causing any long-term damage.  Music this month comes from Mann-fan Sebastian Schub (himself interviewed on the show in Sep 2019), with his excellent debut single, Paradise. If you have a story to share in a future edition of the show, a challenge to set Ollie, or a question of sex for Alix, just visit our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK, and click Feedback.  If you’d like to 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.  The Modern Mann is an independent podcast, and we rely on listener contributions to continue. If you can afford to support us financially, please send us a donation via our website - we massively appreciate it. --- Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Sebastian Schub. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann, 2020.  This episode of The Modern Mann is sponsored by Beer52.  To get a free crate of ten delicious beers delivered straight 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

Layla Moran MP is fighting to keep her seat. There are trolls, there are threats, there are hostile journalists. And throughout the journey, as she campaigns in the 2019 general election... we are at her side. In this Modern Mann exclusive, host Olly Mann and producer Matt Hill accompany the Liberal Democrats’ rising star as she pounds the streets, battles her opponents, and goes public about her sexuality. From campaign launch to vote count, we learn what it takes to face the electorate in a divided nation. And, quite by accident, find ourselves documenting someone who may yet become leader of one of Britain’s major political parties... Elsewhere this episode, Ollie Peart tries out a trio of health trends in this month’s Zeitgeist - getting seriously sweaty at CrossFit, bouldering his way round a climbing course in Poole, and trying his hand at Ayurvedic massage. You’ll never dress your salad with sesame oil again. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener affected by inflammatory skin condition Lichen Sclerosus. Can a body-mapping app keep the heat in his relationship - even as he applies emollient to stop the burning? Perhaps, if he can uncover the ‘tiny everyday thrills’ of daily sensuality... (For more support about sex with LS, Alix recommends Sam Evans’ blogs for Jo Divine, and the Facebook group LS UK Awareness). Our record of the month is ‘Your Light’ by The Big Moon, from the album ‘Walking Like We Do’ - follow-up to their Mercury Music Prize nominated debut, ‘Love In The 4th Dimension’. If you enjoy this episode, please tell your friends - we’re @themodernmann on Twitter - or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. And, if you can afford to support us financially, please buy us a beer. As an independent podcast, we can only make the show thanks to the generous support of listeners like you. Links on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. We’ll be back on March 1 with a brand new episode. Happy February! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Layla Moran MP, Randa Moran, James Moran, Neil Fawcett, The Big Moon. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio Ltd 2020. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clare Pooley gave up a booze-fuelled job in advertising - complete with a bar in the office and a massive expenses budget - when she became a full-time Mum to her three kids. But as she left the ladette lifestyle behind, she didn’t find herself drinking any less. In fact, she was polishing off ten bottles of wine per week, as she tells Olly in this confessional, compelling conversation... Clare’s book, ‘The Sober Diaries’ is out now. If YOU have a story you would like to share on a future edition of the show, contact us via the Feedback form on our website. Meanwhile, for this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart has been digitising the Prime Minister and trawling through clips of Olly on the Alan Titchmarsh Show to create a terrifying ‘deep fake’ hybrid. Is misinformation the future of news? And can AI services like Lyrebird and Resemble contribute something positive to the world of podcasting? If YOU would like to suggest a trend for Ollie to test out, contact us via the Feedback form on our website.  Elsewhere, Alix Fox kicks off the one hundredth edition of The Foxhole with THE perennial penile puzzler: can pumps or pills give you greater length and girth down-below? She meets the man behind one of the world’s most popular extenders, and considers whether, sometimes, size concerns aren’t just about ‘locker room syndrome’, but may be a healthy expression of kink.  If YOU have a question of sex for Alix to answer in a future edition of the show, just fill in the Feedback form on our website. Music this episode comes from Cavetown, with his charming song ‘Things That Make It Warm’; indisputably our first record of the month about birds building nests. Find the complete playlist of every song we’ve ever selected on our website. Remember, The Modern Mann is an entirely independent podcast, funded in part by your generous donations. If you’ve enjoyed our first one hundred episodes for free, and can afford to give financially to the show, follow the links on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK.  See you for our next edition on 1st Feb. Happy New Year! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Clare Pooley, Cavetown, Hamish Grierson. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2020. * This episode is sponsored by Thriva, the health-tracking finger prick blood test you do at home. Get 50% off your first kit by visiting Thriva.co and using the code Mann50. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slade. Wizzard. Wham! When it comes to Christmas songs, we know what we like, and we like what we know. But is there a magical formula to writing a festive hit? Can a novice, armed with the right chords, instruments and lyrical motifs, unlock the secret and crack the Christmas charts?  Last year, our very own Ollie Peart attempted to give it a go. This is his story. Including footage never previously broadcast, Olly Mann tracks Ollie’s journey in this feature-length documentary, as he consults music journalist Chris Lochery and songwriter Philippe-Marc Anquetil to discover the role of ‘freewriting’, the significance of writing in a major key, and the importance of ‘finding the line’. 'The Sounds Of Christmas' was released in December 2018 - but we’ve never announced its final chart position - or revealed how much money it made for charity - until now. There’s also a BRAND NEW 2019 MIX OF THE SONG for you to buy. Get it HERE: https://awal.lnk.to/vZwo1lF3 As before, Ollie’s share of the publishing rights, and every penny of artist royalties, go to Samuel’s Charity.  Samuel's Charity work with underfunded children's wards in the UK to provide support and comfort to families. From supplying decent meals and internet access, to medical kit that makes children's live that much more comfortable, Samuel's Charity makes a positive difference to hundreds of family's lives at a very stressful time.  If, after hearing Olly's interview with Samuel’s dad, Martin, you’d like to make the charity a festive donation, please do so HERE: https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/donate/samuels-charity Big thanks to all the podcasters who gave their time and participated in the song, including The Guilty Feminist, Do The Right Thing, Answer Me This!, Wannabe, The Tip Off, The Comedian’s Comedian, The Beef and Dairy Network, Fun Kids Radio, and For F1’s Sake.  Remember, this whole mad enterprise began when Jim Taylor, occasional member of Reverend And The Makers, sent Ollie a challenge by filling in our Feedback form. If YOU have an idea of a trend for Ollie to investigate in our next season of The Modern Mann, contact us now at MODERNMANN.CO.UK - where you can also see the video Ollie made for the song, featuring Mann-fans from around the world. This episode is supported by Beer52.com - the UK’s No.1 beer club. Mannfans can claim a FREE case of beer, worth £24 at beer52.com/mann.  Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Philippe-Marc Anquetil, Podcast All-Stars. Thanks: Louise Adams, Dani Linder, Mark Goodier. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphics: Jenny Mann Design, Terry Saunders. Copyright Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The legendary Foxhole XXXMas Quiz is the high-voltage highlight of our 2019 festive special, as Olly, Alix and Ollie gather round the Yuletide fire with special guest JC Stewart, some VR headsets and a crate of beer.  Alix has outdone herself this year, with cheeky games involving gin and tonic lubricant, a haunted Fleshlight, and a harrowing round of ‘Squirtual Reality’. Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie reveals exactly how much money he can make pimping out his services on Fiverr, and investigates the trend for video-game coaching.  Our record of the month, performed live under the mistletoe by JC Stewart, is ‘The Wrong Ones’, out now. We’ll be back to normal service on Jan 1 (with a special bonus Xmas episode on Dec 16). Until then, a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all the Mann-fans, everywhere. This one’s for you. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, JC Stewart. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. This episode is brought to you in association with Beer52, the UK’s No.1 craft beer club. Claim your free case of beer NOW at beer52.com/mann. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can martial arts save your life? Self defence instructor Kriss Pyke says they can - not just because the moves themselves offer protection in a skirmish, but because the physical confidence you gain deters opponents in the first place.Kriss’ views and teaching style are shaped by his own experiences at the sharp end of a vicious street attack, as he recounts to Olly in this month’s middle feature. In the Zeitgeist this episode, Ollie Peart investigates the trend for insect-based pet food, and prepares Olly a three course, insect based meal. How will the pair fare tasting their way through cricket onion bhajis, grasshopper green curry and mealworm Krispie cakes? Meanwhile, in this month’s Foxhole, Alix Fox announces her new role judging an adult toy competition - and tackles a question from a bisexual student teacher about to begin work at a conservative Catholic school. Are his liberal views on LGBTQ+ lifestyles compatible with Christian scripture? Music this month comes from pop-soul band The Foreign Arm. Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, their debut EP, The Reach, is out Nov 22nd.Remember, this show is supported by listeners like you. Please ‘buy us a beer’ - links on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. Whilst you’re there, reach out via the Feedback form if you have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge to suggest to Ollie, a guest you’d like Olly to interview, or you’d like to become a Mannbassador. See you next when our CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR drops on Dec 1st! This episode is brought to you in association with Thriva, the at-home fingerprint blood test. For £30 off your first Thriva kit visit thriva.co and use the code Mann30. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Kriss Pyke, The Foreign Arm, Hamish Grierson. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrenalin, stress and composure is in the job description for a trauma surgeon. But how do doctors cope with routinely operating on patients with devastating injuries? Does it ever get easy to deliver difficult news?In this intimate conversation, Olly meets Dr. Allan Philp, chief trauma surgeon of Allegheny Health Network, Pennsylvania, and Mr Shehan Hettiaratchy, trauma lead surgeon for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, to discuss alleviating anxiety, performing amputations - and how both men’s military background in Afghanistan has informed their work with civilian casualties. Elsewhere, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the trend for escape rooms - by designing and building his own, complete with terrifying deployment of ancient technology. Luckily, he’s roped in the services of escape room champion Sarah Dodd.  Just watch out for those party poppers... Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a couple with wildly different libidos on how to get their sex schedule back on track. Along the way, she considers couple’s counselling, dirty diaries, and ‘bossy massage’.Finally, our record of the month is ‘In Time’ by Self Esteem, solo project of former Slow Club singer Rebecca Taylor. It’s ace.Remember, this show is supported by donations from listeners like you. If you can afford to, please ‘buy us a beer’ - information on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. Whilst you’re there, just reach out via the Feedback form if you have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge to suggest to Ollie, a guest you’d like Olly to interview, or you’d like to become a Mannbassador.See you when our next episode drops on November 1st.This episode is brought to you in association with Thriva, the at-home fingerprint blood test. For £30 off your first Thriva kit visit thriva.co and use the code Mann30. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Allan Philp, Shehan Hettiaratchy, Self Esteem, Hamish Grierson. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sebastian Schub was 19 when he first experienced erectile dysfunction. But he wasn’t a big drinker. There was no clear medical cause, such as heart disease. However - like most men his age - he was an avid user of porn tube sites.Googling his symptoms, he discovered the Reddit ‘no-fap’ community, and diagnosed himself with PIED (‘porn-induced erectile dysfunction’). Spurning masturbation, he attempted to ‘reboot’ his brain… as he recounts to Olly in this frank, fascinating interview.Elsewhere this edition: Ollie Peart has been fishing, kayaking, foraging, wild-swimming, cliff-jumping, fire-building, and sleeping outside… all because Mann-fan Stefan in Coventry asked him to. Will his attempts at micro-adventuring inspire him to have a new outlook on life? Or did those poor fish die in vain?Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox meets the 'Queen of Farts', and considers how best to make a written approach to a professional dominatrix. (Offering a deposit, apparently, is a strong start.)Finally, our record of the month is ‘Love Song Too Late’, from 70s-inspired folk trio Moorby Jones. It’s from their album 'Past Continuous', out now. If you have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge to suggest to Ollie, or guest you’d like Olly to interview, please reach out via the Feedback page on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK Wanna be a Mannbassador? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and/or buy us a beer - details on our website.See you when our next episode drops on October 1st! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Sebastian Schub, Moorby Jones. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. This episode is brought to you in association with Beer52, the UK’s No.1 craft beer club. Claim your free case of beer NOW at beer52.com/mann. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With zero experience of beer-making, Tommy Barnes quit his safe, corporate London job to start his own beer business. As if that weren’t precarious enough, he located it in the Loire Valley - the heart of French ‘wine country’.  In this entertaining conversation with Olly, Tommy recounts how he followed his business dreams, balanced the books and perfected his beer recipe - even in the face of en masse Gallic shrug. Tommy’s hilarious memoir, A Beer In The Loire, is out now (Muswell Press, £8.99).  Elsewhere, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart prizes open his motherboard with a cheap screwdriver. Can he reboot his broken iPhone 4S, single-handed? Can the online fix-it community come to his aid? Or will this challenge go the way of his short-lived kefir concoctions? Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a couple of lady listeners with cancer diagnoses how to recover their mojo post-chemotherapy. Alix also investigates the world of ‘squirting’ records, in particular the work of ‘super soaker’ Lola Jean. It’s nothing if not varied. Music this month comes from singer-songwriter LION and her haunting track, ‘Wolf’, out now. If you have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge to put to Ollie, or a guest suggestion for Olly, just reach out via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK.  If you’d like to become a Mannbassador, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and/or buy us a beer - full details on our website. This episode is brought to you in association with Beer52, the UK’s No.1 craft beer club. Get a free case of beer now at beer52.com/mann. See you when our next episode drops, on September 1st. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tommy Barnes, Lion. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Private Investigator Bob Nygaard specialises in bringing psychics to justice. Fortune-tellers, who offer palm-reading for as little as ten dollars, are a common sight in New York City. But when they swindle their clients out of six-figure sums, it’s ex-NYPD officer Bob who’s on their case. In this sensational interview with Olly, Bob reveals how the criminals he pursues prey on vulnerable victims, the techniques they use to convince clever professionals to hand-over huge amounts of money, and his fight to convince complacent cops that it’s worth prosecuting and imprisoning these ingenious offenders. Elsewhere this episode, Ollie Peart - fresh from stunning crowds with a hanky at London’s Underbelly - investigates the trend for contemporary magic in The Zeitgeist. Can he convince passing punters that he’s the next Dynamo? (When those punters are elderly boardwalkers in Weymouth, and the power of selective editing is harnessed effectively, it turns out that yes, he can). Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a couple trying for a baby. Is it possible to combine romance, kink and conception? Alix reveals all. And then goes considerably further, with a NSFW story about a lady’s bottom. Music this month comes from atmospheric alt-rockers Palace, whose new album, Life After, is released July 12. The single is called ‘Running Wild’, and it’s out now. If you have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge to suggest to Ollie, or guest you’d like Olly to interview, please reach out via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. Head to our website now to see all the astonishing Mannbassador maps created by our listeners. If you’d like to become a Mannbassador, just leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and/or buy us a beer. This episode is brought to you in association with Thriva, the at-home fingerprint blood test. Get £25 off your first test at Thriva.co by using our code MANN. See you when our next episode drops on August 1st. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill at rethinkaudio.com. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Bob Nygaard, Palace. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jen Bricker was abandoned at birth by her biological parents. Due to a genetic defect, she had been born without legs. Her adoptive family showered her with love and self-belief. Inspired by her idol, Olympic gold-medalist Dominique Moceanu, she pursued gymnastics. She competed against able-bodied entrants at the Junior Olympics. She won a state championship. But an astonishing family secret was about to rock her world… Now 31, Jen is a gifted aerialist and trampolinist, who's performed in stadiums around the world and toured with Britney Spears.  Her book, Everything Is Possible, has been translated into ten languages. --- Meanwhile, for this month’s Zeitgeist, Olly heads off to NYC with Ollie Peart to sample the trend for ube ice cream and experiment with real-time crime monitoring app, Citizen. If you’d like to see Ollie mess up a magic trick for his next challenge, come to the Best of British Podcast Awards show at The Underbelly in London on 16th June.  --- Plus, what’s the best way to get kinky when you live in a small community?  In this month’s Foxhole, Alix Fox assists a listener who wants to put together a voyeuristic MMF threesome - in the Isle Of Man... --- Finally, our Record of the Month is ‘The Cracks’, the second track taken from Another Sky’s upcoming EP Life Was Coming In Through The Blinds, out 14th June via Fiction Records. --- If you have a question of sex for Alix, would like to suggest a challenge for Ollie, or propose a guest for Olly to interview, please reach out via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO,UK.  If you’re enjoying the show, please tell your friends on social media, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.  And, if you’re able to support us financially, please buy us a beer - every penny goes back into making the show. Links on our website. --- • Speaking of beers - remember to get your free case of eight delicious beers from our sponsors Beer52 - just visit beer52.com/mann. • This episode is brought to you in association with Thriva, the at-home fingerprint blood test. Get £25 off your first test at Thriva.co by using our code MANN. --- Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Jen Bricker, Another Sky. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben used to be a secondary school teacher. He isn’t anymore. In a brutally honest feature interview, he tells Olly his compelling story. Trigger warnings: see end of show notes Meanwhile, in this month's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart takes Olly - and Milo, his faithful Jack Russell/Chihuahua - for a walk round Regent’s Park, to test out the trend for dog subscription boxes Tails and Buster, and training app Dogo. Elsewhere, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox explores a world of adoption alternatives, including surrogacy, egg-freezing, womb transplants and even artificial wombs. Our Record of the Month comes from veteran east London grime MC Ghetts, and his Ivor Novello-nominated track, Black Rose ft. Kojey Radical. If YOU have a story to share on a future edition, a sex question for Alix, a challenge to set for Ollie, or a letter to be read out on the show, just visit our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click Feedback, and we'll be back with more on June 1st. • This episode is brought to you in association with Gazelle, the self-service phone recycling kiosk. • Enjoy the show? Support the show! Visit our website and click 'Beer Money'. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Ghetts. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. Trigger warnings: suicide, grooming • If you’ve considered taking your own life, please remember that support is out there for you. 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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith join Olly Mann once again to discuss the dilemmas faced by the modern Dad. How can you control a toddler who has no concept of time? Why aren’t Dads as good as Mums at making friends? When does your role as educator impinge on their imaginations? In this fifth instalment of our ‘How To Be A Dad’ series, our trio - whose sons are now three years old - swap stories about potty training, faith schools, Spotify playlists, and the ‘self-deleting baby years’ that repeat on you when your second child arrives... Want to hear more from Tom and Stu? Catch Tom hosting ‘Weekend Breakfast’ on Magic, and comedy panel show ‘The Leak’ on BBC Sounds; and subscribe to Stuart’s excellent podcast ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’ for an insight into comedy-writing and performing from some of the country’s top stand-ups. You can also catch-up with all four previous episodes of ‘How To Be A Dad’ at modernmann.co.uk/dads. Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, new homeowner Ollie Peart updates us on his car-wrapping and song-writing adventures, and sends off his DNA for analysis. Along the way, he discovers new relatives, reviews his tolerance for data breaches, and reveals how closely his genetics are shared with Olly’s… perhaps. Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox celebrates the arrival of ‘Januhairy’, advises a married couple about opening up the ‘back door’, and ponders why anal sex has become a habit for many heterosexuals. And, over in music corner, our Record of the Week is ‘High’ by Lokki, out now on Wolf Tone. That’s it for this season - we’re taking an extended break until the late Spring. But - if you have a suggestion for a guest we should interview, a trend Ollie should test, or a question Alix should answer in Season Ten, please head over to our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK and fill in our Feedback form. Whilst there, click ‘Beer Money’ to support our show with a recurring or one-off donation. It’s only thanks to listeners like you that we can run this independent podcast - so, if you love the show, please chuck us some cash! See you in the Spring. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tom Price, Stuart Goldsmith, Lokki. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Christmasssss!... well, nearly: so time is running out for our charity single, ‘The Sounds of Christmas’, to crack the UK festive Top 40. In this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart reveals the surprise celebrity friends who’ve added their weight to the campaign, whilst a generous Mann-fan blows our fundraising target out of the water. Meanwhile, Olly heads to St Andrew’s Church, Islington, to meet Reverend Jessica Swift, an inner-city vicar managing a diverse congregation; some reliant on food banks, others living in million-pound homes. As she explains, for the modern-day parish clergy, the Christmas season is as much about meetings and bookkeeping as it is miseltoe and wine. Elsewhere, in our very festive Foxhole, Alix Fox welcomes Ollie and Olly to sample some Lovehoney crackers, play a round of ‘Bango’, and a memorable game of ‘What’s That Smell?’ You’ll never look at a bag of popcorn in the same way again. Finally, our Record of the Week is a certain song by Podcast All-Stars called ‘The Sounds of Christmas’. You can and should support Samuel’s Charity by buying it now... We’ll be back in the first week of January (with our annual How To Be A Dad episode) - but, until then, Happy Holidays to all Mann-fans, everywhere. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Reverend Jessica Swift, Podcast All-Stars. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2018. (e See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actors with dwarfism rarely get cast in title roles, but in panto season there’s an obvious exception: the many major productions of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ staged across Britain. But what does the prevalence of this pantomime do to affect the lives of ordinary people with dwarfism, who aren’t performers? Activist and writer Eugene Grant, who has achondroplasia, believes if the first time most people see someone with dwarfism is on stage as a fairy-tale stereotype, it has a directly detrimental effect - as he explains to Olly in this insightful interview. Meanwhile, the moment has finally come: Ollie Peart presents the world premiere of ‘his’ Christmas single, ‘Sounds of Christmas’. He reveals the full list of podcasters taking part, details the extraordinary publishing rights, and explains his strategy to crack the UK Top 40. The single comes out on Friday, in support of Samuel’s Charity - and, as soon as it’s out, we’ll post a link on Twitter @themodernmann. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox pays tribute to the doyen of homemade bondage furniture, and answers a question from a listener curious about exploring the world of ‘dub-con' - specifically, the simulation of non-consensual sex under the influence of drugs. Even if both parties want to go ahead, is there any safe and legal way to proceed? Finally, our record of the week is ‘Kitty Kitty’ by De Staat, out now. Enjoy the show? Support us! We’re an independent production and need your help to keep cranking out new content. Please consider buying us a beer via our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK - just click ‘Beer Money’. And, whilst you’re there, if you’d like to share YOUR story on the show, if you have a challenge for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix, or anything else - just fill out the Feedback form. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Eugene Grant, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, De Staat. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samuel was nine years old when he first asked his Dad, Martin, to raise some money for the other children on his ward to have some nicer meals. Samuel’s Charity is now registered, and has raised over £200,000 for under-funded children’s wards. In this moving interview with Olly, Martin explains why small charities are so very necessary, how even teaspoons and toasters can make a dramatic difference to the lives of unwell children, and how Samuel’s mission helps him cope with his grief. To donate to Samuel’s Charity, and find out more, visit samuelscharity.co.uk. Elsewhere, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart has ventured on down to Shoreditch to test out the latest health fad… vitamin drips. And, as the competition for Christmas No.1 gets ever more intense, it’s time for him to lay down his vocals for ‘The Sounds of Christmas’. Shudder. Meanwhile, in this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener with a predilection for promiscuity. How should he manage his fantasies of ‘pozzing’ and ‘bug-chasing’ - engaging in deliberately unsafe sex to contract HIV - when in the cold light of day he’s disturbed by his risk-taking and concerned for his health? Finally, our record of the week is the ‘Marlow’ by Leytonstone alt-pop band Banfi. It’s available to stream now. Enjoy the show? Support us! We’re an independent production and need your help to keep cranking out new content. Please consider buying us a beer via our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK - just click ‘Beer Money’. And, whilst you’re there, if you’d like to share YOUR story on the show, if you have a challenge for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix, or anything else - just fill out the Feedback form. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Martin Leib, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Banfi. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t you hate it when you forget a face? Spare a thought for the 1.5 million people in the UK suffering from developmental prosopagnosia - facial blindness. In its most acute form, they’re unable to recognise their friends, their family… even their own reflection. Dr Rachel Bennetts, psychology lecturer at Brunel University, specialises in researching facial processing disorders. In this fascinating interview with Olly, she explains what life is like for those who can’t follow the narrative of TV shows or recognise their colleagues - and why their brain is letting them down. Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart tests out the latest home fitness trends in the Zeitgeist, including yoga-training app Asana Rebel, and on-demand fitness class Fiit. Plus, he updates us on his attempt to reach Christmas No.1. Can he get a record label to release ‘The Sounds Of Christmas’ in time for the festive charts? Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from handcuffing herself to a shower in the interests of bodily pleasure - considers a question of self-exhibitionism from a Mannfan who loves to share nudie pics. What are the risks he exposes himself to when he, um, exposes himself? And is there a safer way to get a thrill than using sites like Tumblr and Temporarily Exposed? Our record of the week comes from all-new girl group 303. The track is called Whisper and it's available to stream now at our website: modernmann.co.uk/music. Enjoy the show? Support us! We’re an independent production and need your help to keep cranking out new content. Please consider buying us a beer via our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK - just click ‘Beer Money’. And, speaking of beer - remember to get your free case of eight delicious beers from our sponsors Beer52 - just visit beer52.com/mann. If you’d like to share YOUR story on the show, if you have a challenge for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix, or anything else - just fill out the Feedback form on our website. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Dr Rachel Bennetts, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, . Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you win a game-show? Olly’s assembled a dream-team to find out: Fifteen To One grand finalist Will Howells, Chase question-setter Julia Hobbs and serial quizzer Jason Hill, who’s appeared on 14 shows including Pointless, Eggheads and Countdown. What’s the best way to get chosen by the production team? How do you swot up before the big day? How should you calm your nerves under pressure? How do you refine your strategy - and win big money? And what is the most coveted prize in quizzing? In this lively conversation, these three stalwarts from the Quiz League of London reveal their entertaining insider tricks and tips on everything from beating the wall on Only Connect to winning big cash via live-gaming apps like HQ and Cash Show. Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart’s challenge to write a Christmas song has finally borne fruit, thanks to the excellent work of his ‘co’-writer Philippe Marc Anquetil. But can ‘The Sound of Christmas’ become a number one chart hit? Ollie has a plan… And, on this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox takes an emotional HIV test, and advises a tall man who wants to have shower sex with his shorter wife - what are the best positions, toys and alternatives for them to get wet? Finally, our record of the week is ‘Tummy’ by Tamino, whom you can catch playing live in London on December 3rd. Remember, our show is free to download, but it isn’t free to produce. If you can afford to support us by buying us a virtual pint of beer - or a monthly donation via PayPal - just visit our website MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Beer Money’. Or, if you have a story you’d like to share on a future edition of the show, click ‘Feedback’ - the same place to head if you have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge for Ollie, or would like to nominate yourself as a Mannbassador. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Will Howells, Julia Hobbs, Jason Hill, Tamino. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martha Adam was raped. For a week afterwards, she couldn’t even say the word. Couldn’t tell her parents what had happened to her. But she did report the assault - and faced hours of courtroom questioning that both embellished and undermined her trauma. In this wide-ranging conversation with Olly, Martha explains how these events restricted her lifestyle, affected her relationships, and made her question her own sanity. It’s what nobody tells you about rape. Elsewhere, for this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart heads to Rotterdam to investigate the burgeoning trend for pod hotels - and learns exactly how many records you need to sell to be a Christmas No.1. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox smells fondants in the bedroom (all a result of synesthesia, not gluttony), and advises a listener seeking out eco-friendly menstrual aids. And our record of the week is ‘Swim’, the debut single from Ontario quartet, Dizzy - and it's out now. If YOU - like Martha - have a story you’d like to share on the show, just visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Feedback’. That’s the same place to head if you have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge for Ollie, or would like to nominate yourself as a Mannbassador. And, whilst you’re there, click ‘Beer Money’ to help support the production of our independent podcast - all for the price of a pint of beer. Cheers! If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in today’s interview, Martha recommends the following organisations: Rape Crisis offers online resources and has a network of centres where survivors can access support: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/ My Body Back Project run clinics giving access to sexual health services for survivors. http://www.mybodybackproject.com/ Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Martha Adam, Dizzy. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphics: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2018 (edited) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Suspended from 100 helium balloons, Tom Morgan flew 15.5 miles across South Africa, seated in a collapsible camping chair. And now he wants YOU to do it, too. Could this hare-brained scheme really be the future of adventure travel? Or is there more hope for his other concept - getting travellers to build their own biplanes out of plywood, to fly over the Pacific? In this chat with Olly, Tom explains how his serendipitous, risk-taking approach to travel begat the Mongol Rally - an event now entered by 400 teams each year - and his company The Adventurists. Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart heads off to Poole in his trusty Peugeot 206 to investigate the trend for car-wrapping, and recruits a top-class Aussie music producer in his quest to reach Christmas Number One. And, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox enjoys an entertaining evening pondering vaginismus, and advises a listener who’s concerned she climaxes too quickly during penetrative sex. Our record of the week is the perky, synthy ‘U Got Me’ from East London foursome Free Money, out now on Communion Records. If YOU have a question of sex for Alix, a challenge for Ollie, or would like to suggest someone Olly should interview in a future edition of the show, just visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Feedback’. And, whilst you’re there, click ‘Beer Money’ to help support the show - for the price of a pint of beer. Cheers! Thanks to our sponsors, Beer52.com - the UK’s No.1 beer club. Mannfans can claim a FREE case of beer, worth £24, just by visiting beer52.com/mann. See You Next Tuesday. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tom Morgan, Free Money. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphics: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2018 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shouting at Prime Ministers was off-limits at BBC Westminster before Paul ‘Gobby’ Lambert. He was the Producer who cried, ‘ANY MONEY IN THE BOX, CHANCELLOR?’ at George Osborne on Budget day and got Bill Clinton to talk to the News Channel by shouting, ‘OI, BILL!’. In this interview with Olly, Paul recalls how his inspired pursuit of Cherie Blair made several front pages, bemoans the current crop of journos who’d rather seek out sources on Twitter, and reveals how the murder of Milly Dowler affected his attitude to doorstep interviews. Meanwhile, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart test out the trend for home-made kefir, and uncovers the golden musical formula for Christmas hit-making. Perhaps. And, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox enjoys a ‘sex jog’ of London, and offers some sensational advice to a Mannfan who wants to bring sub/dom pursuits to the bedroom - without degrading or hurting her boyfriend. Our record of the week is the evocative and haunting ‘Put The Word Out’ by Joseph J Jones, out now on Communion Records. If YOU have a story to share, a challenge for Ollie, a sex question for Alix, or anything at all you’d like to send in for our consideration, please visit our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Feedback’. Whilst there, click ‘Beer Money’ to send us a voluntary donation via PayPal or MoonClerk - we’re an independent production and every penny goes back into making the podcast. If you can afford to send us £3.60 per month - the average cost of a pint of beer in Britain - we’d sure appreciate it. And remember, the best way to support the show is to tell your friends all about us. We’re @themodernmann on Twitter, and, if you leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, that’s a great way to help others discover what we’re up to. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Paul ‘Gobby’ Lambert, Joseph J Jones. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphics: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Stuart Farrimond was a disillusioned Junior Doctor. Night-shifts, the grim reality of hospital life and emotional exhaustion were all taking their toll - but he was in denial about what might be killing him. In this extraordinary interview with Olly, he explains how an eating disorder and an unexpected diagnosis derailed his career and his marriage - but also how, in the most desperate of circumstances, his life could still change for the better. Stuart’s latest book, The Science of Spice, is published by Dorling Kindersley. He can be found on Twitter @RealDoctorStu. If you’ve been affected by an eating disorder, Dr Stu recommends these organisations, who may be able to help: BEAT: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/- Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous: http://aba12steps.org/aba-meetings/meetings/united-kingdom/ Men Get Eating Disorders Too: mengetedstoo.co.uk Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart returns from diving into the North Sea, naked, with six hundred other people - and embarks upon his biggest challenge yet: can he record a Christmas song before the end of the series? Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox plays show-and-tell with a sexual souvenir from South Korea, and offers up her ‘Beginners’ Guide to Threesomes’ - plan ahead, ‘normalise tea-breaks’, and take along a pocket-watch… Our record of the week is ‘Better Late Than Never’, a perky slice of power pop from Mann-Fan Tim Jackson. It’s available to stream now. If YOU have a story to share, a challenge for Ollie, a sex question for Alix, or anything at all you’d like to send in for our consideration, please visit our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Feedback’. Whilst you’re there, click ‘Beer Money’ to send us a voluntary donation via PayPal or MoonClerk and keep the show on the road. We’re an independent production and every penny goes back into making the podcast. If you can afford to send us £3.60 per month - the average cost of a pint of beer in Britain - we’d sure appreciate it. And remember, the best way to support the show is to tell your friends all about us. We’re @themodernmann on Twitter, and, if you leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, that’s a great way to help others discover what we’re up to. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Dr Stuart Farrimond, Tim Jackson. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphics: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sperm donors are anonymised in British clinics. Recipients don’t even get to see a photo of the man who will father their child. Donor-conceived kids can only discover the identity of their biological father upon reaching adulthood themselves. But Mitch Kennedy is a private donor. His sperm has been used by 23 couples - and he’s met them all. In most cases, he’s slept in their spare room during the conception. He has around 40 children. In this fascinating interview with Olly, Mitch explains the logistics of his bespoke donation process, the legalities of his paternal responsibilities, and the ‘dark cloud’ that deters him from donating to hetrosexual couples. Elsewhere, Ollie Peart weighs up the benefits of low-impact exercise in this week’s Zeitgeist, putting the trends for ‘backwards running’, trampoline parks and Bouncersise under the microscope. Meanwhile, in this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox chooses her top sex subscription boxes from Boxx, Project Lingerie, The Pink Parcel and Lovehoney. And Ollie and Olly try whipping each other with a ‘50 Shades’ keychain. It’s all very erotic. In this week’s Lifehack, Josh Ebsworth of Howard’s Meat Co offers up his Top 3 tips on how to make a great barbeque. And finally, this week’s Record of the Week is ‘Wildin’, by Berhana, available to stream now. That’s it for this season of The Modern Mann, but if you enjoy the show, please SUPPORT US in one of three great ways: Subscribe A Friend! Take their smartphone, subscribe to our show, and recommend them an episode they will enjoy. Review us on Apple Podcasts! Every rating helps us climb the chart and be more visible to others. Send us some Beer Money! For the price of a pint of beer, you can really make a material financial difference to the budget for our show. Full details on our website, modernmann.co.uk. Thanks to the sponsors who have helped fund this series, Podcast Lounge & MyCondom.Com. If you’d like to sponsor our next season, be in touch. We’ll return on 23rd October, see you then! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Mitch Kennedy, Josh Ebsworth, Berhana. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At 25, YouTube star Hannah Witton suffered acute abdominal pain. She’d had a decade in remission from ulcerative colitis, but the episode was so severe she opted to have surgery to remove her colon. Now, she’s readjusting to life with an ileostomy bag. As she reveals to Olly in this open-hearted interview, that means recalibrating her attitude to sex, body confidence and her role in the YouTube community. You can see and hear more of Hannah at hannahwitton.com. Elsewhere this episode, smoothly-manicured Ollie Peart has been hanging around in a vineyard for this week’s Zeitgeist. Can English wine really live up to the hype? Or is the French stuff just… better? Naturally, a tasting is in order. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises Mann-fan Chris about the best remedy for his tight foreskin. Can condoms and lube provide a solution, or is full circumcision the only alternative? And, for this week’s Lifehack, photographer and video producer Ed Prosser reveals his top tips for how to get a perfect selfie: consider your use of angles, harness the power of natural lighting, and, whatever you do, don’t use a f-ing selfie stick. You can see more from Ed at edprosser.com Finally, our record of the week is ‘Call Failed’ by Garren Sean, out now.   If YOU’D like to suggest a challenge for Ollie, have a question of sex for Alix, or want to share your story on the show, get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk.   And, whilst you’re there, click ‘Beer Money’ to donate £3.60 per month - the average price of a pint of beer in Britain - to help us produce thirty quality episodes per year. Thanks!   Thanks too to our sponsors for this episode: - MyCondom.com. They have a superlative selection of condoms, lube and toys - and remember to use our special code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% OFF at Checkout! - Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now.   See You Next Tuesday!   Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Hannah Witton, Ed Prosser, Garren Sean. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working aboard Disney’s cruise ships requires a commitment to customer service, a never-fading smile, and a mastery of ‘the Disney point’. But for Andy Young - a twentysomething bartender on Disney Wonder in 2002 - it also served as an introduction to excessive drinking, clandestine romps and a salary of just $26 per fortnight, plus tips... Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart travels to Paris to investigate the trend for ‘floating’ Bird scooters - dockless adult scooters hired via smartphone - and quietly lets slip that his social media detox may have come to an end. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox furnishes listener Craig in Richmond, Virginia with some tips for his forthcoming pre-wedding ‘sex-fast’. What is 'Kunyaza'? And is it a good idea for a couple to keep their hands off each other’s bodies as prolonged foreplay before their marriage nuptials? This week’s Lifehack is brought to you by Lara Morgan, co-founder of aromatherapy-based company Scentered, with advice on how to maximise the world of fragrance to have a happier life. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Maddy’ by Jackie Cohen, out now on Space Bomb Records. If YOU’D like to suggest a challenge for Ollie, have a question of sex for Alix, or want to share your story on the show, get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. And, whilst you’re there, click ‘Beer Money’ to donate £3.60 per month - the average price of a pint of beer in Britain - to help us produce thirty quality episodes per year. Thanks! Thanks too to our sponsors for this episode: - Beer52.com - the world’s most popular monthly craft beer discovery club. Get a FREE CASE of beer, worth £24, delivered direct to your door by taking out a free trial now at beer52.com/mann. - The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. They have a superlative selection of condoms, lube and toys - and remember to use our special code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% OFF at Checkout! - The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Andy Young, Lara Morgan, Jackie Cohen. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smuggling marijuana from Thailand to Alaska; trading illicit fuel in Nigeria; evading the law in France - Robert Stone did it all. From one small fishing boat in the Bahamas he built up a veritable fleet of vessels - including a 6000-tonne oil tanker - devoted to his businesses empire. In this globetrotting interview with Olly, Robert reveals what it was like to be making a million dollars per month, switching between dozens of aliases and risking his life on the high seas. Elsewhere on this week’s show, Ollie Peart reports back on his attempts to become a ‘Wiki Master’ for this week’s Zeitgeist. You’ll never look at a pair of ticket-nippers the same way again... Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox assists a listener who wants to boost his libido, and considers: is having a low sex drive necessarily a problem at all? The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. Use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get a slippery, sensual 15% OFF at Checkout! This week’s Lifehack comes courtesy of digital marketer Kobi Omenaka, with his top 3 tips on how to promote yourself, or your fledgling business, online: cultivate your email list, double-down on just one single social media channel, and set up tracking codes as soon as you can. For more from Kobi, check out his website, kobestarr.io. The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Ready To Run’, by Canadian synthwave group La Force - available to stream now, thanks to Arts and Crafts. If you’d like to suggest a challenge for Ollie, if you have a question of sex for Alix, or you’d like to share your story with Olly, get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK Thanks to our sponsors for this episode, Beer52.com - the world’s most popular monthly craft beer discovery club. Get a FREE CASE of beer, worth £24, delivered direct to your door by taking out a free trial now at beer52.com/mann. And, if you’re able to support the show - please do. For the cost of just one pint of beer per month you can help us create thirty quality episodes per year. Visit our website and click ‘Beer Money’. Thanks. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Robert Stone, Kobi Omenaka, La Force. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Incidental music: Kevin MacLeod. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Bunting always wanted to be a police officer. He qualified aged 19, with his Dad’s old Constabulary collar number. Then, one Summer Sunday evening, his life changed forever. Whilst attempting to detain a violent suspect, he was severely beaten. He kicked out - and was charged with common assault. As he recalls in this compelling conversation with Olly, this one moment lead to a two-year ordeal, culminating behind bars at HMP Armley, where his fellow inmates chanted ‘Slaughter The Pig’... Elsewhere on this week’s show, Ollie Peart heads down to the canal to investigate the trend for millenials to live on house-boats - and uncovers a world of communal living, technological sacrifices and ‘cassette toilets’. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox provides an explainer on polycystic ovaries, and advises a listener whose friend intentionally deceives sexual partners about her infertility. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. Use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get a moist and willing 15% OFF at Checkout. This week’s Lifehack comes courtesy of Alex, bar manager for Beany Green South Bank - with his Top 3 tips on how to make the perfect margherita: buy the finest white Tequila, use agave syrup rather than brown sugar, and always ensure your lime juice is freshly squeezed. The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Water Run’, from Californian psych-rock outfit Fine Points, out now on Caroline Records. If you’d like to suggest a challenge for Ollie, if you have a question of sex for Alix, or you’d like to share your story with Olly, get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK And, if you’re able to support the show - please do. For the cost of just one pint of beer per month you can help us create thirty quality episodes per year. Visit our website and click ‘Beer Money’. Thanks. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Michael Bunting, Fine Points. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Russia Today is one of Britain’s most controversial TV networks. Backed by the Kremlin and based in Moscow, its London newsroom portrays Russia more positively than the mainstream media, and broadcasts an alternative take on current events generally. But RT has been accused of distributing propaganda and ‘fake news’, and has been found in breach of broadcasting rules. Joana Ramiro worked for RT’s web-team, hoping she could originate meaningful journalism aligned with her left-wing perspective. But, as she explains to Olly, she instead found herself in a world of clickbait, ‘churnalism’ and ‘editorial mellowing’. Elsewhere, in this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart explores the trend for flexitarian burgers; considering the US offerings from Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger. At Dirty Bones in Shoreditch, Ollie and Olly wrap their lips around a vegan Moving Mountains B12 burger - and compare it to the restaurant’s original, non-vegan Mac Daddy. Can it compete? Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from being crowned ETO’s Sexpert of the Year, no less - considers a question from a listener who wants to know whether he should be cleaning his sex toy with the powder provided by the sex shop - or whether plain old baby powder would do the trick. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. They sell a sexually liberating range of prophylactics and lube - and remember, by using our code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout, you can get 10% OFF your whole order! This week’s Lifehack comes courtesy of digital marketing supremo Leanne Hickey, offering up her top tips on how to improve your experience of dating apps: don’t ask boring questions, never message people after 10pm, and always post a real, unfiltered photo of your face! The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. Finally, our record of the week is Somnambulist, from indigenous Canadian outfit nêhiyawak - and it’s got lots of guitars in it. If you’d like to suggest a challenge for Ollie, if you have a question of sex for Alix, or you’d like to share your story with Olly, get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK And, if you’re able to support the show - please do. For the cost of just one pint of beer per month you can help us create thirty quality episodes per year. Visit our website and click ‘Beer Money’. Thanks. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Joana Ramiro, Leanne Hickey, nêhiyawak. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to be an Olympic champion? Performance Scientist Dr Steve Ingham knows: he’s supported over 1000 athletes, including Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent and Jessica Ennis-Hill. In this insightful interview with Olly, he reveals how the tiniest details of an athlete’s training programme, the words and music used to motivate them, and even the occasional exposure to injury and failure combine to create a world-class performance. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers the phenomenal growth of ‘robocalls’ in the USA - and wonders whether this trend will soon infiltrate the UK too. In this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener who wants to bring sensory deprivation into the bedroom. How should one go about introducing cuffs, blindfolds, and pinwheels to a less enthusiastic partner? The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com - use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ for 15% off at Checkout. Elsewhere, for this week’s Lifehack, Amanda Keetley from LessPlastic.co.uk offers up her Top 3 tips on how to eliminate single-use plastic from your life. The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Wrestling’ by Self Esteem. It’s the best thing to come out of Margate for decades, and it’s available to stream now. If you’d like to suggest a challenge for Ollie, if you have a question of sex for Alix, or you’d like to share your story with Olly, get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK And, if you’re able to support the show - please do. For the cost of just one pint of beer per month you can help us create thirty quality episodes per year. Visit our website and click ‘Beer Money’. Thanks. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Steve Ingham, Amanda Keetley, Self Esteem. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miscarriages are the most common form of pregnancy loss - yet are rarely talked about in public. Jo and Steve Peck suffered not one, not two, but recurrent miscarriages over the course of four years, before seeking private treatment. In this searingly honest, compelling interview with Olly, they reveal the toll this took on their marriage, their work and their mental health - as they watched their friends begin families - gradually realising it may never happen for them. Elsewhere, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart heads off for a ‘sound bath’ at the behest of Mann-fan Nicola Kelly, and learns about Tibetan bowls, crystal trance and his Chakra alignment. If YOU have a trends challenge for Ollie to try out, head to our feedback page at modernmann.co.uk. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a gay teenager with I.B.S about his options for anal sex, and uncovers some unexpected titbits about Viagra. If YOU have a sex question for Alix Fox, head to modernmann.co.uk and fill in our feedback form - you can remain anonymous if you wish. The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com. Use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout to get 15% off your cart! This week’s Lifehack comes courtesy of Matthew Brown, ‘Productivity Ninja’ at Thinkproductive.co.uk. His Top 3 tips on making the most of your time at work? Unchain yourself from email, keep your head down 9-6, and start the day with a book… The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. Finally, our Record of the Week is ‘Cacophony’ by Halona King. Enjoy. Love the show? Support us! Please consider buying us a beer, sponsoring an episode, or leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. All links on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! If you’ve been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, the Miscarriage Association offers support and a pregnancy loss helpline. Visit them at miscarriageassociation.org.uk/ Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Jo and Steve Peck, Matthew Brown, Halona King. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claustrophobia, panic attacks, and hyperventilation can feel even more acute at 35,000 feet. Perhaps that’s why some aviophobics never get as far as buying plane tickets, and spend a lifetime making awkward train journeys instead. Anna P - Team Leader on Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Without Fear course - says she can help passengers with even the most debilitating nerves overcome their fears. And she should know. As she reveals to Olly and journalist Rebecca Gillie in this candid chat, she once herself suffered from extreme anxiety. After one traumatic experience, she didn’t board a flight for eighteen years. Find out more about Anna’s course at flyingwithoutfear.co.uk. You can also hear more of Rebecca talking to Olly on ‘The Week Unwrapped’, wherever you find your podcasts. Elsewhere, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart has returned from Europe’s largest VR experience with a spanking new Oculus Go. But the future, he maintains, is not in gaming and synthesised rollercoasters, but instead in Melody VR’s live music experiences and burgeoning social media simulacra. If YOU have a trends challenge for Ollie to sample, visit modernmann.co.uk, and click Feedback. Down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from discovering "open arse-fruit" at Ottolenghi’s new Rovi restaurant - advises a listener who is attempting to conceive about the best lubricants for the purpose. ‘You want those swimmers’, she surmises, ‘to vroom-vroom as if they’re in their Bimmers’. Who could disagree? If, by contrast, you are keen to avoid a pregnancy, look no further than the exciting emporium operated by our friends at mycondom.com, proud sponsors of The Foxhole. Just use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get an astonishing 15% OFF at Checkout! This week’s Lifehack comes courtesy of Dr Jessica Barker from Redacted Firm, who offers up her Top 3 tips for staying safe online - protect your passwords, switch on two-factor authentication and be very very wary of public wi-fi! The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. Finally, our Record of the Week is ‘Arc en Ciel’ by Polo et Pan, out now on Universal. Nice. Enjoying the show? Support us! Please consider buying us a beer, sponsoring an episode, or leaving us a review wherever you get your podcasts. All links on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Anna P, Rebecca Gillie, Dr Jessica Barker, Polo et Pan. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’, by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With zero experience running a professional kitchen, home cook Robert Maxwell poured his life savings into his passion project: a gastropub-inspired Toronto restaurant. It became a crash-course in coping with stress, managing his cashflow, and curbing his ego. In this funny, forthright interview with Olly, Robert reveals how chasing his dream led to him selling his house, hitting the bottle and falling out of love with the thing he loved the most... cooking. Meanwhile, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers whether or not he is a B.U.M.M.E.R after reading Jaron Lanier’s new book, ‘Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now’. If you have a Challenge for Ollie, visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Feedback’ to submit your idea. Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from co-hosting Radio 1’s new podcast ‘Unexpected Fluids’ - advises a Mann-fan on the best techniques for couples to get jiggy… when you’re both fat. If YOU have a question of sex for Ms. Fox, visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Feedback’ to submit it - you can remain anonymous if you wish. We’re delighted that, for another series, The Foxhole is brought to you in association with our friends at MyCondom.com - remember to use our discount code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% OFF your basket at Checkout. In this week’s Lifehack, discover some top tips on how to meditate, courtesy of Zoe from The Refinery, Hackney. The Lifehack is sponsored by Podcast Lounge - the new podcatcher app for Windows 10 devices. Get your free trial at the Windows App Store now. Finally, our record of the week is a stonking track for the Summer - ‘Violet City’ by Mansionair, available to stream courtesy of Glassnote Entertainment. Enjoying the show? Support us! Please consider buying us a beer, sponsoring an episode, or leaving us a review whether you get your podcasts. All links on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. Thanks to Toronto Life, who first published an article by Robert Maxwell, thereby bringing his story to our attention. If YOU have a story you’d like to share, visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click ‘Feedback’ to drop us a line. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Robert Maxwell, Zoe Bertali, Mansionair. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Ryan’s two year-old son, Sol, was born with a blood clot in his arm. Following amputation, the medical advice was to wait until Sol’s third birthday before fitting a prosthetic that grabs. But former psychology teacher Ben saw the developmental benefit of acting much sooner... In this astonishing interview with Olly, he recalls his rollercoaster of emotions when Sol was born; the sponge ‘arm’ he initially botched together with cotton wool and Micropore tape; and how he learned to use 3D printing and CAD software to help Sol and other children around the world. Ben’s business, Ambionics, involves parents in early rehabilitation and ultimately aims to develop printable hydraulic arms for babies at low clinical cost. He’s a finalist in the 2018 Nesta Inventor Prize, and is currently seeking more funding. Discover more at amibionics.co.uk. Meanwhile, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the real meaning of his SMS exchanges with Olly, using ‘texting relationship analyzer’ app Crushh; tests out Sandow's fizzy cold brew coffee; and explores the trend for ‘fashion drops’. If you have a challenge for Ollie to try for the next season of the Modern Mann, reach out via the ‘Feedback’ form on our website. Elsewhere, in an especially NSFW edition of The Foxhole, Alix Fox provides an erotic review of podcasts and audiobooks designed for aural foreplay. On the menu: Rose Carraway’s ‘Kiss Me Quick’; Girl On The Net’s audio hub; Peach Booth podcast ‘Sugarcast’; Bijoux Indiscret’s Orgasm Sound Library, and the Reddit Gone Wild collection. If you have a question of sex for Alix, submit it via the ‘Feedback’ form on our website. Many thanks to MyCondom.com for their sponsorship of The Foxhole throughout this series. They have an incredible range of toys, lube and contraceptives at great value prices, and they dispatch in discreet packaging. Remember, you get 15% OFF your entire order if you use our discount code, ‘FOXHOLE’. For this week’s Lifehack, food and drinks journalist Johanna Derry offers up her Top 3 tips on how to get the best meal when eating out - check the quality of the ingredients, don’t put up with a snooty atmosphere, and ignore the hype! You can find more from Johanna on Twitter @johanna_derry. Our record of the week, 'Next Day' from solo artist Inner Tongue, is out soon on Mount Silver Records. But you can check out his other great work now at innertongue.com. That’s it for this season of The Modern Mann - we’ll be back for our eighth season on June 26th. If you would like to sponsor a future edition of the show, or if you have a suggestion for a future guest, please be in touch via the Feedback form on our website. And if you enjoy the show, please consider buying us a beer - you can do it monthly, as a one-off amount or via PayPal. Your donations are what keeps the show going, thirty episodes per year.  All the links are on our website, ModernMann.co.uk See You Next Month! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Ben Ryan, Johanna Derry, Inner Tongue. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former investment banker Nicola Lewis likes to organise. Which is just as well, because the demand for decluttering has never been higher. Her clients might be coping with a bereavement, and the resultant truckload of unwanted furniture; or just moving house after decades of unintentional hoarding. As she explains to Olly in this laid-back chat, Nicola's skills lie in helping folks decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw out… You can discover more at thisgirlcanorganise.com. Elsewhere this episode, Ollie Peart returns from trying his hand at a spoken word evening to flag up this week’s trends in The Zeitgeist. To wit: the return of the bucket hat, and a revival in passive-view telly… in an internet browser. Meanwhile, in this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox considers the internal workings of the clitoris, and whether a trans-man’s clit might continue to expand inside his body as a result of taking testosterone. (The Foxhole is, as ever, proudly sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. Remember to use the discount code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% OFF). In this week’s Lifehack, Natasha from RemyHairClub reveals her Top 3 tips for choosing a wig: select your material carefully, bear the climate in mind and scan social media for inspiration. For more from Natasha, check out @remyhairclub on Instagram. Finally, our record of the week is by rising LA producer Hoodboi. It’s called Long Distance, and it’s the third single from his upcoming EP, out May 22nd on Fool’s Gold records. If you have an idea for a future guest, a challenge suggestion for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix - or any other feedback you’d like to share - please visit our website, ModernMann.co.uk, and click Feedback. If you can afford to make a regular donation to the show, you’ll find our Beer Money links there, too. And, if you enjoy the show, please vote for us in the British Podcast Awards at BritishPodcastAwards.com/Vote. Thanks! See You Next Tuesday. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Nicola Lewis, Natasha Lombe, Hoodboi. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professional dancer Raquel Meseguer had back surgery at the age of thirty, to treat chronic neuropathic pain. But it didn’t alleviate her symptoms. In this insightful interview with Olly, she explains how this bombshell has impacted upon the daily practicalities of her life, why she doesn’t feel welcome in our ‘vertical culture’, and how well-meaning members of the public have repeatedly shamed her for committing the cardinal sin of... lying down. If you’d like to find out more about Raquel’s quest to establish a network of public resting spaces, visit uncharteredcollective.com In this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart ponders the emergence of trendy ‘microbrands’ on Instagram, reveals a surprising sensitivity to salt, and undertakes a challenge to test the best recipe boxes on the market. (On the list: Hello Fresh, Gousto, Mindful Chef, Born And Bred and Bakedin). Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox is back on Bumble but avoiding ‘The Tinder Trance’, and ready to advise a listener keen to explore the world of tantric sex. The Foxhole, as ever, is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com - visit their store to get your mitts on an astonishing range of condoms, lubes and toys; and remember to use our code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% OFF. In this week’s Lifehack, Jenni Gwiazdowski of the London Bike Kitchen offer up her Top 3 tips on keeping your bike happy - pump your tyres, clean your chain, and take your bike into the shower (really). To hear more from Jenni, check out her podcast ‘Wheel Suckers’. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Glue’, by Toronto-based band Bernice - you can stream it online now. If you’d like to propose a trend challenge for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix, or a guest suggestion for Olly, just head on down to the Feedback page at MODERNMANN.CO.UK. There you’ll also find links to subscribe to the show, review us on iTunes, donate ‘beer money’ or offer your services as a future sponsor. Thanks. This week’s show is supported by Harrys. Alix Fox uses their razors on her muff. To get started shaving with Harry’s today, claim your Trial Set for £3.95. It includes a razor handle, 5-blade cartridge, foaming shave gel and travel blade cover – all delivered to your door - and is available via Harrys.com/mann See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Raquel Meseguer, Jenni Gwiazdowski, Bernice. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being in a band - on a world tour - is the stuff rock n roll dreams are made of. But the modern reality is a corporate concern, involving hundreds of people, all separated from their families. Surviving is an art in itself. Tom Meadows is a freelance drummer who's worked with Girls Aloud, Duffy, Leona Lewis, and - for the past nine years - Kylie Minogue. What are his top tips to keeping your cool when you're out on the road? And to what extent does he think Pink Floyd's 'Ten Commandments of Touring' mantra stacks up in the modern era? Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart - standing beneath a mid-sized billboard of his own face - champions 'FaceGyms', and mines his own data with typical journalistic rigour. If you have a challenge for Ollie or a trend you'd like him to explore in next week's Zeitgeist, get in touch via our Feedback page at ModernMann.co.uk Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox recounts how a list-based podcast brought her together with Gail Porter, and advises a male listener who wants to spend more time wearing women's panties. If you have a question of sex for Alix, get in touch via our Feedback page at ModernMann.co.uk Thanks once again to MyCondom.com for their sponsorship of the Foxhole - remember, if you want condoms, they should be your first port of call - and you get 15% off when you use our discount code 'FOXHOLE', just for being a Mann-fan! In this week's Lifehack, Dominika Piasecka, Media & PR Officer at The Vegan Society, offers up her three top tips to help YOU go vegan. Our record of the week is from Ellevator, an experimental-pop band from Hamilton, Ontario. The track’s called Voices, and they’re on tour now. If you enjoy the show, please do share it with your friends on social media, leave us a five-star review on iTunes, or support the show directly by buying us a beer. We're an independent podcast and it's only thanks to the donations of Mann-fans like you that we are able to produce 30 episodes per year. All details are on our website, ModernMann.co.uk - and links to our NEW ALEXA SKILL can be found there too. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Tom Meadows, Dominika Piasecka, Ellevator. Producer: Matt Hill. Thanks: Giles Blake. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Demeaning, poorly paid and tedious: life as an Order Picker in Amazon’s ‘fulfilment centre’ in Rugeley, Staffordshire was a draining, revelatory ordeal for writer James Bloodworth, who worked there undercover in 2016. In this enlightening interview with Olly, he reveals how being an ‘associate’ in Amazon’s warehouse meant enduring ten-hour shifts, tethered to an electronic device, walking up to fifteen miles per day; treated with suspicion, and effectively paid under the minimum wage. (James’s book, ‘Hired: Six Months Undercover In Low-Wage Britain’, is out now). In this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart has news of the return of the mullet, is concerned with how technology is corrupting our memories - and triumphantly answers his challenge to spend £100 on displaying his face somewhere impressive… in Slough. Meanwhile, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox explains why the law needs to change regarding ‘upskirting’, how your beard could carry an STI, and advises a listener seeking stealthy, quiet ‘battery-operated boyfriends’. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com - visit their website now for an astonishing range of toys and products, and get 15% Off when you use our code, ‘Foxhole’. If you have a question of sex for next week’s show, or a challenge for Ollie Peart to partake in, don’t hesitate to reach out via our website, ModernMann.co.uk. Elsewhere, in this week’s Lifehack, Jessica Cerasi, curator of the Government Art Collection, offers up her Top 3 tips on how to get the most out of a visit to an art exhibition: read up, bring a friend, and spend longer than you think you want to actually looking at the art! Jessica’s book, ‘Who's Afraid of Contemporary Art?’, is out now. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Beware The Beast’ by Carpenter Brut. It’s available to stream now. Enjoy the show? Support the show! Buy us a beer, review us on iTunes, donate via PayPal, submit an idea for a future episode or just tell your friends about us on social media… All links are on our website, ModernMann.co.uk See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, James Bloodworth, Jessica Cerasi, Carpenter Brut. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manny Waks was 11 years old when he was first sexually abused. Raised in the ultra-Orthdaox sect of Judaism known as Chabad, he lacked the education or vocabulary to understand what was going on. By the time he was studying for his bar mitzvah, he was molested by a second perpetrator. Both men were members of staff at his school - the Yeshiva Centre in Melbourne, Australia. In this searingly honest, compelling and sometimes angry conversation with Olly, he recalls how he was groomed, abused, disbelieved, and shunned - and recounts the moment he decided, aged 18, to turn his back on Hasidic Judaism for ever - and join the Israeli Defense Force. (In 2013, Manny's second abuser, David Cyprys, was sentenced to eight years for sexually abusing Manny and eight other boys. Manny is now CEO of Kol v'Oz, established in Israel in 2016 to prevent child sexual abuse in Jewish communities globally. His book, ‘Who Gave You Permission?’, is out now). Elsewhere this week, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart explains why ‘battle royale’ is the gaming format du jour, why China are investing in ‘feacal recognition’, and why Drake would rather be on Twitch than The Graham Norton Show. Plus, he reveals how he fared in his challenge to take up Para Ice Hockey (he didn’t make Team GB...) If you’ve got a challenge to set Ollie Peart for next week’s show, submit it via the Feedback page on our website, ModernMann.co.uk Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from checking out the ‘vac-cube’ at Eroticon - advises a listener who wants to spend longer, much longer, going down on his girlfriend. Along the way, Alix recommends some vocal exercises, a ‘queening stool’, and a surprising application of Prince’s ‘Alphabet Street’. The Foxhole is delighted to be sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. They stock a mahooosive range of condoms, lube and toys. Remember to use the code ‘Foxhole’ to get a buzzin’ 15% OFF! If you’ve got a question of sex for Alix to answer on next week’s show, reach out via the Feedback page on our website, ModernMann.co.uk. You can remain completely anonymous if you so desire. This week’s Lifehack comes courtesy of Sky Sports presenter Tony Wrighton, host of the Zestology podcast, who offers up his top three tips on how to be motivated with NLP (neuro-linguistic programming). Finally, our record of the week is the ethereal and spooky Dans Le Main, by Jean-Michel Blais, out now. If you enjoy the show - please support the show. Buy us a beer, send us a donation via PayPal, review us on iTunes or tell your friends all about us on social media - the links are all on our website, ModernMann.co.uk See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Manny Waks, Tony Wrighton, Jean-Michel Blais. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are movie trailers more beloved and enduring than other forms of advertising? How has the medium changed, to keep the video-game generation engaged? And what tricks do editors use to keep us watching, and returning to the flicks, week in week out? In this episode, editor Gareth Davies sits down with Olly to review some classic examples of the genre, and provides a masterclass in how to market a movie - from the choice of soundtrack, to navigating plot spoilers, and defining the right pace. You can watch all the film trailers discussed in the interview - Rear Window, Alien, Three Kings, A Serious Man and The One I Love - on our website, ModernMann.co.uk Elsewhere, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart uncovers a plot to sell Guy Fieri’s hair follicles, explains why Google opening up its Maps API could be a game-changer for game developers, and reports back on his challenge to find the perfect combination of words to make this podcast play on Apple Homepod, Amazon Echo and Google Home. If you have a challenge to set Ollie for a future episode - or think you know how to program an Alexa Skill in ways he could only dream of - don’t hesitate to get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, ModernMann.co.uk Meanwhile, in this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox considers the merits of a reusable tampon applicator, and tackles a buxom listener question: is it possible to have an orgasm solely through licking, flicking and lightly squeezing your nipples? The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. They have a great range of toys and protection at incredibly good value prices. Check ‘em out, and remember to use our code ‘Foxhole’ to get an astonishing 15% Off! If you have a question of sex for Alix to answer on a future episode, stick it in her box by filling out the form on our Feedback page at ModernMann.co.uk - you can remain completely anonymous if you prefer. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Habibi’ the haunting debut single from half-Egyptian, half-Belgian singer Tamino. It's available to stream now on Communion Records. If you enjoy the show, please support us by buying us a beer for just £3.60 (around $5) through our website, ModernMann.co.uk. Your contributions help keep us on the air; funding our independent podcast series so we can continue making episodes you love. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Gareth Davies, Tamino. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ex-soldier Craig Jones escaped a brutal father and found solace in the natural world. Now a distinguished wildlife photographer and conservationist, the aftermath of his traumatic childhood and military training informs his approach. In this candid interview with Olly, he explains how his kinship with wild creatures has helped him survive, thrive and start afresh. Elsewhere, in this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart uncovers the secret world of 'millenialingo', explains why Basil Fawlty might feel at home in the world of self-driving cars, and reveals the results of his challenge to make £150 in one week of matched betting. If you have a challenge for Ollie to attempt, submit it via our website, modernmann.co.uk Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from swotting up on Norwegian vaginal trivia - considers a question of split condoms and unwelcome pregnancies. If you have a question of sex for Alix to answer on the show, submit it via our website, modernmann.co.uk - you can remain completely anonymous if you wish. The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com - remember to use our discount code, 'FOXHOLE', at Checkout to get 15% off! This week's Lifehack comes courtesy of Studio Unwired's Ula Maria - RHS Young Designer of the Year - who reveals her Top 3 tips to make a beautiful urban garden. Finally, our record of the week is the new one from Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. It's called ‘Childhood Goodbye’, and it's out now on Glassnote Records. This show is only possible thanks to the support of amazing listeners like you. If you value the show, and you want to keep us going, please buy us a beer. Just visit our website, modernmann.co.uk, and click ‘Beer Money’. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Craig Jones, Ula Maria, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a bad day, what are you like to work for? When was the last time you felt professionally vulnerable? You’ve probably never been asked these questions in a job interview - but they’re bread-and-butter to executive headhunter Kathleen Saxton. In this conversation with Olly, she reveals the tricks she uses to ‘see through the professional mask’ to catch the eye of high-flying CEOs, ponders the future of workplace culture in an always-connected environment, and explains why employing a borderline psychopath isn’t *necessarily* a bad thing… Elsewhere, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - fresh from experiencing an ‘earthquake’ in Dorset - explores the deeply-felt nostalgia that surfaced on #PokemonDay, considers the benefits of living in the office, and updates us on his mission to live plastic free for a week. If you have a challenge for Ollie to attempt on a future edition, reach out at modernmann.co.uk/feedback. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox has a jolly story about bacterial vaginosis, and much to say on the topic of ‘watersports’: is it pleasurable and/or safe to bring piss into the bedroom? If you have a question of sex for Alix to address on a future edition, get in touch at modernmann.co.uk/feedback - you can remain anonymous if you wish. The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our sexy friends at mycondom.com - remember to use our discount code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get a titillating 15% off! For this week’s Lifehack, Camilla from waste food distribution charity Foodcycle offers her three top tips for using up your food: plan ahead, don’t confuse Best Before dates with Use Bys, and freeze your herbs. Find out more at foodcycle.org.uk. Finally, our record of the week is the wondrously chilled out ‘Forget Yourself’ from new band Another Sky - it’s superior night-time listening, out now on Fiction Records. Thanks to Harry’s for sponsoring this episode. They deliver stunning German-engineered razors to your door. Take advantage of our special offer and get a shave set worth £11.50 for just £3.95 at Harrys.com/MANN If you enjoy the show, please tell your friends on social media, review us on Apple Podcasts, or buy us a beer to say thanks. All links are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Kathleen Saxton, Another Sky. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his 20s, yet running a $50billion book, Kweku Adoboli had worked his way up the trading floor at the very point the market crashed. His actions wiped £2.7bn from the UBS share price, prompted the resignation of their chief executive - and got him a seven-year jail sentence for fraud. In this remarkable interview with Olly, he reveals a corporate culture of ‘wilful blindness’, explains how he fell foul of the UK’s hostile environment policy for migrants - and re-lives the moment he realised that, having taken responsibility for his actions, he would forever be known as Britain’s biggest ‘rogue trader’. (If you’d like to sign the petition to stop Kweku’s proposed deportation, you can do so here: http://bit.ly/2B9PgWD ) Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart highlights ‘anonymous work talk’ app Blind, and the trend for ‘baby sculpting’ in gross-out cake baking. He also reports back on his attempts at ‘neuro-priming’. If you have a challenge for Ollie to try in The Zeitgeist, drop us a line at modernmann.co.uk/feedback Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox sheds some light on British attitudes to sex in the dark, and advises an HIV-positive listener about alternatives to penetration in the weeks when his viral load hits detectable levels. If you have a question for Alix to answer - you can remain completely anonymous if you wish - submit it via our website, modernmann.co.uk/feedback. (The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com, who provide a brilliant range of toys, contraceptives and lubes at great value prices. Use our code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% off!) This week’s Lifehack comes courtesy of Kinfolk Magazine’s Harriet Fitch Little, who offers up her three top tips on ‘How To Network’: stop thinking you’re sleazy, remember not to fist-pump around the room, and word your emails *very* carefully. You can hear more from Harriet on the podcast 'Friends Who Freelance', launching March 2018. Finally, this week’s record of the week is the lovely ‘Strangest Of Ways’, by Lucy Rose. It’s out now on Communion Records. This episode is sponsored by Harry’s, who deliver stunning German-engineered razors to your door. Take advantage of our special offer and get a shave set worth £11.50 for just £3.95 at Harrys.com/MANN If you enjoy the show, please tell your friends on social media, review us on Apple Podcasts, or buy us a beer to say thanks. All links are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Kweku Adoboli, Lucy Rose, Harriet Fitch Little. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Additional incidental music by David Hilowitz, by kind permission under creative commons. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you doing 'Dry January'? Experimenting with gluten-free snacks? Or stocking up on 'superfoods'? If so, Anthony Warner warns, you are, in fact, building up a damaging relationship with food, and should probably stop it, now... In this insightful interview with Olly, he takes on the bad science of the 'clean eating' movement, explains the reality of 'anti-oxidant' blueberries, and will make you think twice before you ever cook in coconut oil again. Elsewhere in our season finale, Ollie Peart - the man who predicted we’d all be wearing flared velvet by now - predicts the year ahead in this week's Zeitgeist: from metallic hair to Bitmoji, taking in backwards-looking technology and the threat of increasing earthquakes along the way. And, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - dismayed yet galvanised by a recent set of STI statistics - is on hand to advise a listener who wants to explore whether her husband should find sexual salvation with a transexual woman. (The Foxhole is sponsored, as ever, by our friends at mycondom.com - head on down now to their JANUARY SALE - and get 15% OFF when you use our discount code, Foxhole.) Meanwhile, our Lifehack this week comes courtesy of our very own Producer Matt, who offers up his top 3 tips to make a successful podcast. (Oh, and if you're inspired to create a podcast of your own, check out Lifehack sponsors Squarespace.com - they make it easy to create beautiful websites to support your show - and use our discount code 'MANN' to get 10% OFF your first website or domain.) Finally, our record of the week is Shiva by new act Azusena, out now on Fiction Records. Thanks to the sponsors of this week's show, Tenga. Their excellent new electronic toy for men, the Flip Zero EV, is out now. (If you'd like to sponsor a future episode of the show, get in touch via our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK) That's it for this season of The Modern Mann. We'll be back for a brand new series from Tuesday February 20th: if you have an idea for a future episode, let us know. We are only able to continue to make the show thanks to your generous support - so, if you can afford to, please please buy us a beer at MODERNMANN.CO.UK/BEER. Every penny goes back into making the show. See you in the Spring! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Anthony Warner, Azusena, Matt Hill. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith once again join Olly to compare notes on the perils of parenthood. Their sons are now coming up to two years old - but does that mean toddler tantrums ('the terrible twos') are about to become a way of life? And what does THAT mean for Christmas Day? In a typically frank and funny conversation, our trio of Dads tackle 'benign neglect', 'career lag', 'over-parenting', and the cult of Supernanny... Meanwhile, in this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers social media's grimmest question of 2017, suggests Ripple's XRP could be the next big thing in cryptocurrency, and gets a sneak preview of the new series of Black Mirror. Elsewhere, Alix Fox is emptying Santa's sack in our annual Christmas Foxhole Spectacular. On the menu this year: singalong dongs, mocha-flavoured lube and vibrators that look like bike lights. As ever, the fun is sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com, where you should use our exclusive discount code, FOXHOLE, to secure a superb 15% OFF. This week's Lifehack is a Xmas how-to from Beef & Dairy Network - the number one podcast for those involved, or just interested in, the production of beef animals and dairy herds. (The Lifehack is sponsored by our friends at Squarespace, who can help you design a beefy website in just a moo. Take a free trial at Squarespace.com, and get 10% OFF your first website or domain when you use our code MANN.) Finishing off our bumper festive edition is suitable style is our record of the week, 'Walking In The Air', from the brilliant Tom Chaplin. It's from his new album 'Twelve Tales Of Christmas', out now on Island Records. We'll be back with our season finale in January. Until then - we wish all Mannfans a very happy Christmas, and ask that if perchance you have any money left over from your festive indulgences, you consider supporting the show financially. You can find all the links, including Ollie's weird new Ripple one, at MODERNMANN.CO.UK Happy New Year! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Stuart Goldsmith, Tom Price, Mike Wozniak, Tom Chaplin. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wind speeds, planning restrictions, financial crisis... a lot can go wrong when designing a super-tall building. Yet, each year, more skyscrapers are springing up around us. Architect Fred Pilbrow, of Pilbrow and Partners, has designed a number of them, including London's third-tallest building, the Heron Tower. In this insightful interview with Olly, he explains how technology is solving problems of vertical transportation (that's 'lifts' to you and me), how Winter gardens offer an alternative to green space - and illustrates the journey of a poo as it makes its way down from the 65th floor...  Elsewhere, in this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers why this year's 'must-have' Christmas toy is, in effect, a slippery slope into gambling. He explains why dressing up as Batman might make you more productive at work. And he previews some big Christmas telly, including the season finale of Peaky Blinders and the return of Vic n' Bob. Meanwhile, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a listener with a seemingly unusual problem - every time she becomes aroused, she sneezes. Along the way, Alix discovers 'Honeymoon rhinitis', how to get barred from Facebook, and Gould and Pyle's 'Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine'. (The Foxhole is, as ever, sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com. Be sure to visit their Stocking Fillers section right now if you feel like being a ho ho ho this holiday season - and use Alix's delicious discount code, FOXHOLE, to secure 15% OFF.) Our Lifehack this week features The Spectator's literary editor Sam Leith, offering up his Top 3 tips on 'how to write good': cater to your audience, prioritise your verbs, and don't be inspired by Rudyard Kipling. If you fancy consuming more Leithian insights, look no further than Sam's new tome, 'Write to the Point: How to be Clear, Correct and Persuasive on the Page' - it's out now.  (The Lifehack is sponsored by our friends at Squarespace, who can help you design a stunning and simple website in moments. Take a free trial at Squarespace.com, and get 10% OFF your first website or domain when you use our code MANN.) Finally, our Record of the Week comes courtesy of brand new band Shrimp Eyes. It’s their debut - called 'Katata Fish' - and it’s available to stream now on Soundcloud. Now, we'd usually be enthusiastically plugging our title sponsorat this point - but there isn't one this week! If you'd like to sponsor a future episode, let us know via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK ... Or, if you'd like to support our efforts in a more humble way, please do buy us a beer, review us on iTunes or request to become a Mannbassador. All links on our site. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Fred Pilbrow, Sam Leith, Shrimp Eyes. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best mates with Eminem, signed by Sony, and on the verge of international superstardom, Californian rap group Silibil 'n' Brains were the music industry's Next Big Thing. There was just one problem: they'd never been to California. They were from Dundee. In this extraordinary interview with Olly, Gavin Bain - who, as Brains Mcloud, was one half of the hip hop duo - recalls how a heady mix of humiliation, desperation and sheer chutzpah lead him to fool the entire music industry - and brought him to the brink... (Gavin's book, California Schemin', is out now - and you can find plenty of Sylibil N' Brains music on Spotify.) Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart considers Uber's bid to prevent 'automovom' in this week's Zeitgeist. Also on the agenda: death on social media, Stephen Fry's sleep stories, hand massaging and hot baths... And, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from enlightening delegates at the Digital Freedom Festival - reveals the art of 'muffing', and answers the query of Mann-fan Pip, who's repulsed by the smell, taste, and even thought of her boyfriend's semen. (As the Foxhole is brought to you by our friends at mycondom.com, you can nab a wonderful 15% OFF just for listening - all you need to do is use our code 'Foxhole' at Checkout. So, why not stock up on some sexy Christmas goodies from their Christmassy Stocking Fillers section?) Meanwhile, this week's Squarespace Lifehack features business journalist Emily Birt, of peoplemanagement.co.uk, providing her Top 3 tips to get a pay rise. (If you have advice of your own to share, start a blog with Squarespace.com - and if you use our code 'Mann' at Checkout, you get 10% off your first website or domain.) Finally, our record of the week is 'Broken Record', by plucky upstart Van Morrison. It's the opening track from his 38th studio album, Versatile, out now. Thanks again to all our beer money donors for supporting this series of our independent podcast. Would you buy us a pint if you met us in real life? If so, please put your money where your mouth is and buy us a virtual one too. Every penny you contribute goes towards making more Modern Mann... just head to MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Gavin Bain, Emily Birt, Van Morrison. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Ramroop OBE made his first pair of trousers whilst he was still in school shorts. At 17, he headed away from his home nation of Trinidad, gravitating towards London’s world-famous Savile Row. In this interview with Olly, he recalls how the racism he faced as a young tailor fuelled his career progression, and how he went on to create suits for Tony Curtis, Samuel L Jackson and Princess Diana. He also explains how, from a possible choice of 12,000 different fabric combinations, he could make YOU the perfect suit… (Andrew is the owner of Maurice Sedwell Ltd. Find them at 19 Savile Row W1, or online at savilerowtailor.com) Meanwhile, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart wonders whether real-time photo editing software will forever alter our perceptions of our own faces, and posits that live-streamed gameshow apps are the future of television. And, he spills the beans on his trip to Birmingham’s Comic-Con - dressed as his favourite cartoon character… Elsewhere, in this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from checking out some supposedly ‘cursed’ object d’art - offers up literary treats for the VERY broad-minded reader. Which erotic fiction is worth exploring, once you’ve decided Fifty Shades Of Grey is not doing it for you anymore? And which audiobooks are available to spice up your commute?  The Foxhole is, as ever, sponsored by our liberated friends at MyCondom.com. They have a bewilderingly delightful range of toys, lubes and contraceptives - and, just for being a Mann-Fan, you get an incredible 15% OFF by using our code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout. The Lifehack comes courtesy of Adventure.com’s UK Editor Meera Dattani, who offers up her Top 3 tips to pack lightly when heading off to see the world. The Lifehack is sponsored by Squarespace.com - do check out their award-winning templates next time you want to build yourself a website, and get 10% OFF your first purchase when you use our code ‘MANN’. Finally, our record of the week is the new one from Be Good - it’s called ‘Nightbus’, and it’s out now on Communion Music. Many thanks to the title sponsor of this week’s episode, ECHO.CO.UK. Their superb app, downloadable now for iOS and Android, provides a pain-free way to get your repeat prescriptions delivered to your door. Check them out! Remember, if you have a suggestion for a future guest for the series, a question of sex for Alix, a challenge for Ollie… or if you’d just like to subscribe to the show, or buy us a beer - all the links you need are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. See You Next Tuesday!   Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Andrew Ramroop OBE, Meera Dattani, Be Good. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diving up to 700ft with no oxygen tank may seem like an extreme sport, but instructor Emma Farrell says freediving is more like a meditative state. Coaching Olly to hold his breath like an underwater explorer, she explains why she's never more relaxed than when she's 'one breath away from potential death'. Meanwhile, Ollie Peart - fresh from testing out 'Carrotea' on an unsuspecting culinary professional - considers the benefits of crowdfunded wearable air conditioning in this week's Zeitgeist; and reflects on the curious case of nature photographer David Slater. He also reports back on his challenge to try out aerial pilates - could now be the moment to bring it to Dorchester? Elsewhere, Alix Fox tries out binaural dinner dating and Liquid Silk lubricant in this week's Foxhole, and sets about myth-busting hymen-busting: is losing your virginity always painful? And, if both people in a couple are still virgins, is it necessary or relevant to get STI-tested before doing the deed? The Foxhole, as ever, is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. Even if you are still a virgin, there's much to enjoy in their online emporium (it's always worth practicing at home before you take the plunge...). Just use our offer code 'FOXHOLE' to receive 15% off at Checkout. For this week's Lifehack, Alan Mahon of Brewgooder and Social Bite divulges his Top 3 tips to raise money for good causes through business. The Lifehack is sponsored by Squarespace.com - if you want to build a beautiful website from one of their award-winning templates, use our offer code 'MANN' to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Finally, our song of the week comes courtesy of new band Artificial Pleasure. It's called 'Wound Up Tight', and it's out now. Massive thanks to Echo.co.uk, title sponsors of this week's episode. Their excellent app helps you manage your meds, notifies you when your prescription is running low, and re-orders it at the tap of a screen. And it’s all completely free! If you'd like to sponsor a future edition of the show, or if you have a suggestion for a future guest - or if you have a question of sex for Alix, a trend challenge for Ollie, or you'd like to become a Mannbassador - just fill in our Feedback form. And, if you'd like to support our independent podcast, please do buy us a beer - every penny goes right back into making this show. Just visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Emma Farrell, Alan Mahon, Artificial Pleasure. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gavin Hay was a high-flying TV exec with a string of hits under his belt when he and his partner sold their production company for millions of pounds. Still only 42, he could have taken up golf, or skydiving. Instead, Gavin tried his hand at becoming a porn star... In this exclusive interview with Olly, he explains how he became 'Trojan Rock', the 'Daddy' who starred in such titles as Roid Rage, Hot And Sweaty: Men At Work, and Hairy Boyz 13. Elsewhere, in this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart has the low-down on artifically intelligent celebrities, Uber's experiment with flying cars, and the next drinks trend - which he likes to call 'Carrotea'. God help us all... Meanwhile, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox shares her passion for handmade ceramics, considers whether chakrubs are a thoughtful investment, and gets all hot and bothered about her new book.  The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our sexy friends at MyCondom.com. Visit their excellent site for a superb range of protection, toys and lube, and use our special code 'FOXHOLE' to receive 15% Off. There's also good advice in this week's Squarespace Lifehack, as Chris offers up his Top 3 tips on how to survive getting arrested. (If you do ever find yourself in that situation, there's more to learn at ldmg.org.uk.) The Lifehack comes courtesy of Squarespace - to create your own blog, personal portfolio or business website with their easy-to-use templates, visit Squarespace.com and, when you're ready to launch, use our offer code 'MANN' to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Finally, this week's Record of the Week is Confidence by Dead Pretties, out now on Nice Swan Records. Massive thanks to our title sponsor this week, Echo.co.uk, for making this episode possible. If you want a pain-free way to order repeat NHS prescriptions, just download their excellent app. If you'd like to buy us a beer, or you've got a challenge for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix, a guest suggestion for Olly, or anything else you want us to know about - just visit our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Gavin Hay, Dead Pretties. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pollsters failed to predict Brexit, Trump and Theresa May's lost majority. But, in political circles, faith remains in one particular research technique: the focus group... Edelman's James Morris was an advisor at the Number 10 strategy unit under Tony Blair, and has advised international businesses including Virgin Media and Starbucks on reputation management.  In this insightful interview with Olly, he reveals how U-shaped rooms, open questions and gender dynamics all affect 'what we think we think' about political issues like climate change, leadership and immigration. Elsewhere, Ollie Peart considers the return of the turtle-neck and the boom in onion jewellery in this week's Zeitgeist. Plus, as his quest to become a true trends insider continues, he reveals how he fared in an ethical audit of his consumer habits, thanks to Ethical Consumer's Tim Hunt. (And if that's inspired you to get your own ethical audit done, check out ethicalconsumer.org). Meanwhile, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox investigates the bizarre claim that toothpaste can function as an alternative to a traditional pregnancy test, and offers advice to a listener concerned that he's the only gay in the village... The Foxhole is, as ever, proudly sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com. Shop their excellent range of condoms and toys online, and remember to use our code 'MANN' to get a super-sexy 15% off. For this week's Squarespace Lifehack, Trullo's head honcho Tim Siadatan offers up his three top tips to make restaurant-quality pasta at home. If you'd like to see more of Tim's advice, check out his book, also called Trullo, which is out now.  The Lifehack is brought to you thanks to our good friends at Squarespace. To create your own blog, personal portfolio or business website with their easy-to-use templates, visit Squarespace.com and, when you're ready to launch, use our offer code 'MANN' to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Finally, this week's Song of the Week isn't from this week at all, really - it's Mike's Pop Song, an off-cut from Olly's all-time favourite album, R.E.M's Automatic For The People, reissued for its 25th anniversary. If you'd like to suggest a challenge for Ollie Peart, a question of sex for Alix Fox, or you'd like to leave us a comment and nominate yourself as a Mannbassador, just click FEEDBACK on our website, modernmann.co.uk. Or click BEER MONEY to buy us a beer and support the show. This episode was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of online eyewear store ArloWolf.com. Check out their stunning and good-value range of stylish frames, and get 10% off when you use our offer code 'MANN' at Arlowolf.com. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, James Morris, Tim Siadatan, R.E.M. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tricky customers, fixed smiles and terrible turbulence: it's all in a day's work for a flight attendant. But how to keep your cool at 30,000 feet? How to cope with unpredictable emergencies? And how to let off steam afterwards? Daisy White is a woman who knows. Now a YA author, she spent 12 years working for airlines including Monarch and Caledonian. In this interview with Olly, she lifts the lid on drunken passengers, mile high club wannabes - and 'overweight' trolley dollies... You can find out more about Daisy at daisywhiteauthor.co.uk In this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart plays the 'Micro-Generation Game', tries his hand at Shoutcasting, considers the future of Amazon Key, and doesn't gloat about the fact he was sort-of-right about the decline of the musical fade out, even though he'd have every right to. And a previous Zeitgeist topic, male make-up, rears its head again in this week's Lifehack - as make-up artist Declan Scammell proffers his Top 3 tips for men who want to wear make-up in their daily lives. The Lifehack is sponsored by our friends at Squarespace - if you fancy a free trial of their excellent website design and hosting service, head to Squarespace.com, and, when you're ready to launch, use our offer code 'MANN' to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. You can see more from Declan at declanscammell.com Meanwhile, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox offers up some pleasurable positions for couples seeking to have sex during pregnancy, which can't harm your baby but will provide closeness and climax. The Foxhole is brought to you by the beautiful peeps at MyCondom.com, who offer Mann-fans 15% off their superb range of lubes, toys and condoms by using the code 'FOXHOLE' at Checkout. Finally, our song of the week is the new one - it's called 'Fresh', appropriately - from awesome Aussie band Tired Lion. If you have a suggestion for a future guest, a trend for Ollie Peart to investigate, a question of sex for Alix, or you'd like to become a Mannbassador, please get in touch by heading over to MODERNMANN.CO.UK and clicking on Feedback. You can support the show by buying us a beer by clicking 'Beer Money'. This episode was made possible thanks to the generous patronage of online eyewear store Arlowolf, who offer shockingly good value frames and sunglasses on a Try Before You Buy basis, with a 30 day no-quibble returns policy. Try 'em out at Arlowolf.com, and use our offer code 'MANN' to get 10% off your final purchase. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Daisy White, Declan Scammell. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tumbling overboard following a fit of food poisoning, Brett Archibald survived 28 hours alone in the Indian Ocean. In this extraordinary interview with Olly, he re-lives his onslaught of hallucinations, his encounter with a shark, and how he contemplated certain death... You can read more about Brett's amazing story at BrettArchibald.com, and in his book, Alone, which is out now.  Elsewhere in our season premiere, Ollie Peart returns with The Zeitgeist, and ponders the trend for 'marathon banditing', the return of Beck, and how to make Cheese Tea seem a delicious prospect. And, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from winning an award for her podcast series Close Encounters - returns to shed light on the enigmatic world of female ejaculation. If you have a question of sex for Alix, now is the time to submit it; you can remain anonymous if you wish - just visit modernmann.co.uk and click Feedback. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com - remember, to get 15% off their range of incredible toys and condoms, just use our offer code 'FOXHOLE' at Checkout. Meanwhile, in this week's Lifehack, polyglot Lindsay Williams offers up her three top tips to master a new language in your spare time. You can see more from Lindsay at LindsayDoesLanguages.com The Lifehack is sponsored by our friends at Squarespace - if you fancy a free trial of their excellent website design and hosting service, head to Squarespace.com, and, when you're ready to launch, use our offer code 'MANN' to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Finally, our record of the week is the awesome Bodies by Wafia, out now on Future Classic records. There are still nine episodes to run this season, so if you have a suggestion for a future interviewee, a trend for Ollie Peart to investigate, or you'd like to become a Mannbassador, just get in touch using our Feedback page at modernmann.co.uk. This episode was only made possible thanks to the generous patronage of online opticians Arlowolf, who offer shockingly good value frames and sunglasses on a Try Before You Buy basis, with a 30 day no-quibble returns policy. Try 'em out at Arlowolf.com, and use our offer code 'MANN' to get 10% off your final purchase. If you'd like to support the show too, why not leave us a review at iTunes.com/Mann, or buy us a beer by following the links at modernmann.co.uk See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Brett Archibald, Lindsay Williams. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the desert to the jungle, Belinda Kirk has lead expeditions through some of the world’s most inhospitable places. She’s been kidnapped, suffered extremes of heat and cold, and nearly drowned - yet believes such adventures help keep her sane in a modern world that can seem increasingly sedentary and predictable. In this inspiring interview with Olly, Belinda explains the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ stress; defines ‘type 1’ versus ‘type 2’ fun; and recommends some micro-adventures all around Britain, from wild swimming in the Serpentine to sleeping in a Scottish snow-hole. To find out more about Belinda, visit belindakirk.com - and check out her non-profit organisation connecting people to adventures, explorersconnect.com. Elsewhere, vegan-at-home Ollie Peart uncovers the publishing trend for ‘Up Lit’ books, reports on a bright future for male make-up counters, and finally completes (most) of the tasks in his quest to become a true trends insider. (This includes smearing snail slime over Olly Mann’s face, which, after what he’s put him through this season, seems fair enough). Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, it’s our 50th episode feedback special, as Alix Fox revisits some memorable sex advice from our first 49 editions. There are follow-on stories from those who’ve benefited from her advice on smoking fetishes, differing sex drives, non-consensual violence, polyamorous relationships and cartoon pornography. Alix recommends a couple of books for further reading, explains how to uncover the friendly side of ‘tentacle rape’ porn, and discovers inter-gluteal penetration. Of course. If you have a question of sex for our next 50 episodes, don’t hesitate to fill in the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our sexy friends at MyCondom.com, who stock a frankly incredible range of toys, lube and prophylactics. Remember, just for being a Mann-fan, you can use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout and secure an astonishing 15% OFF - even when we’re off-air for the next few months. Finally, our Song of the Week is 'Hung Empty' by Los Campesinos! - a band Olly first heard on the Best Of MySpace podcast back in 2008, and still loves. It’s off their new album Sick Scenes, which is out now on Wichita Records. Thanks so much to everyone who has supported us for these first fifty episodes. If you enjoy the show, please support our independent podcast by chucking us some change - visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click Beer Money to pledge £3.47 - the average cost of one pint of beer - or make a one-off donation via PayPal. And be sure to leave us a review on iTunes - itunes.com/Mann - and tell all your friends about the show on social media. We’re at twitter.com/themodernmann. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you be an MP, at a time when public trust in politicians has fallen to the lowest level in living memory? Could you dedicate yourself to your constituents, yet also make time for your family, fighting fires on social media and keeping the media on-side? Wes Streeting, Labour MP for Ilford North since 2015, entered the fray in time to experience the Brexit vote, the murder of his colleague Jo Cox, and the Palace of Westminster coming under terrorist attack. In this candid interview with Olly, he lifts the lid on day-to-day life as a young MP in the House of Commons, from his experiences adapting to the weird traditions of voting and speaking in the House, to the perils of navigating Westminster’s gossipy backstairs bars and their modern-day digital equivalents on WhatsApp. Also this week, Ollie Peart completes even more of his challenges - experiencing a home-cooked Indian meal from Hersha Patel, securing VIP access to a festival, trying out the latest frankincense face-cream, and, er, pissing off the PR lady from the UK transfer of ‘Hamilton’. He even finds time to discuss a couple of actual trends for this week's Zeitgeist, namely the boom in crypto-currency Ethereum, and the teenage girl who loved K-Pop so much she put a hammer in her mouth. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox, fresh from a launch party in ‘a posh strip club’, reassures a listener who feels that having herpes may prevent her from ever having sex again. Turns out, there’s even a dating app to meet other herpes-positive people! #ShoutYourStatus If you have a question of sex for a future edition of the show, or some feedback about how Alix's advice has helped you previously, please do reach out using the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK The Foxhole is sponsored by our arousing and delightfully lubricated friends at MyCondom.Com - remember, as a Mann-fan, you can get an astonishing 15% OFF by using our code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout. Finally, our record of the week is ‘Was It Love?’, by Isabella ‘Machine’ Summers, out now on Island Records. * We’re a completely independent podcast. That means we raise the funds for the show ourselves. If you enjoy what we do, please support us. You can buy us a beer, donate via PayPal, leave us an iTunes review, or offer to sponsor an episode - all links are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using the same techniques as criminal hackers, ethical ‘white hat’ hackers help governments and companies test their own security. FC (hacker name: ‘Freakyclown’) has been a white-hat hacker ever since being approached by some ‘men in suits’, having found himself in a spot of legal bother. He’s since been employed to rob dozens of high street banks - all with the consent of the owners. In this honest and fast-moving interview with Olly, he recalls how he stepped away from a childhood defined by poverty and bullying to find sanctuary in the world of coding, ‘war dialling’, and accessing other people’s data... (You can find out more about FC by searching ‘Freakyclown’ on Twitter. The security consultancy he co-founded is redactedfirm.com) Meanwhile, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers whether the current re-shoots on ‘Justice League’ - and digitally-created puppy poo in ‘John Wick’ - mean the film industry has finally reached Peak CGI. He also endeavours to explain why sandals are back back back in men’s foot fashion. And, in his quest to become a true trends insider, he makes progress at joining the Freemasons, and finally gets to ride a parliamentary ghost train… sort of. Elsewhere, in this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox assists a man with an under-developed penis, suffering from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. What can he do in the bedroom when penetrative sex seems an impossibility? And what is the dating etiquette - is he obliged to warn future partners about his tiny package? If you have a question of sex for a future edition of the show, just send it on in using the Feedback form on our website, ModernMann.co.uk. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com, where you can nab yourself a tremendous range of condoms, lube and toys - AND get a magnificent 15% OFF just for being a Mann-fan: just use the code ‘MANN’ at Checkout. Finally, our song of the week is ‘Living On The 110’ by Rage Against The Machine super-group The Prophets of Rage, ‘an elite task force of revolutionary musicians determined to confront this mountain of political bullshit, and confront it head-on with Marshall stacks blazing.’ It’s out on their debut album in September. Enjoy. Remember, if you enjoy our show, please support the show, by buying us a beer, sponsoring an episode, or leaving us a review on iTunes. All links are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a TV warm-up is one of the hardest jobs in showbiz. How can you capture the interest and affection of an audience who don’t know who you are, have spent hours sitting around, and may simply want to go home? Andy Collins is a man who knows. Often cited as the best in the business, he’s honed his skills over decades, warming-up audiences for shows as diverse as Strictly Come Dancing, Big Brother, Celebrity Juice and The Alan Titchmarsh Show. In this candid and riotously funny interview with Olly, he explains how to whip a crowd of old women into a frenzy, why he never wants to disappoint Ant and Dec, and reveals why Russell Brand, Bruce Forsyth and Michael McIntyre are all off his Christmas card list... (If you’d like to hear more from Andy, do check out his Breakfast show on BBC Three Counties Radio, weekdays 6-9am.) Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart, fresh from a speed awareness course in Yeovil, assesses the trends for body mists, Love Island and luxury watch subscription services. Plus, in his quest to become a true trends insider, progress is * finally * made in his mission to touch a Nando’s Black Card, and get a place at a chef’s table. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox checks out ‘cyborgasms’ at the Blue Dot Festival in Cheshire, and grabs a listener’s question of pubes by the short and curlies: When it comes to manscaping, how low should you go, and what equipment should you use along the way? … If you have a question of sex for a future edition of the show, do reach out via the Feedback form on our website - you can remain totally anonymous if you so desire. The Foxhole is brought to you by our erotic associates at MyCondom.com - just head over there for a sensational range of condoms, lube and toys, and use our code, ‘FOXHOLE’, for an incredible 15% OFF. Finally, our record of the week, is by Flyte - it’s called Cathy Come Home, and it’s off their debut album out in August. Remember, if you want to support the show, you can buy us a beer, enquire about sponsorship or review the show on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life as a landlord means trusting strangers to live in your house. Try as you might, you can't know everything about them. Sometimes, you just have to rely on an instinct that your tenants are good people. Until, that is, you get a knock on the door from the Police... That's what happened to listener Ian from Dublin. In this interview with Olly, he re-lives the moment he became involved in an armed Police sting - and began to regret renting out his property. Also this week, Ollie and Olly head off to Wimbledon and investigate 'tennis-heckling', the rise of Aperol Spritz and the IBM data bunker. Plus, Ollie continues in his quest to become a true trends insider, forsaking Raya for Inner Circle, and preparing to venture to High Wycombe in the name of journalism. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox ponders the possibilities of cervical orgasms, and answers a listener question of sexual reciprocity - how should a high-functioning autistic woman get off in the sack, when she can't bear physical contact? If you have a question of sex for Alix, just fill in our Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK - you can remain anonymous if you wish. The Foxhole is sponsored by the love-Gods who run mycondom.com - head over there to fill your boots with condoms, sex toys and lube, all at great-value prices, with an additional 15% OFF when you use our code, 'FOXHOLE'. Finally, our record of the week - which, like all our favourite 'choons, is featured in our Spotify playlist at MODERNMANN.CO.UK/MUSIC - is the new one from St Vincent. It’s called New York, and it’s available to download right now. That's it for this week's show: if you enjoy what we do, please support us by buying us a beer or reviewing us on iTunes. Details on our website. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the mind of a murderer look any different to yours? Can brain-scanning technology help explain criminal activity? And if could - should that evidence be admitted into court? Dr Lisa Claydon, Senior Lecturer in Law at the Open University, has spent decades considering these questions. In this fascinating interview with Olly, recorded at Cheltenham Science Festival, she explains the issues around neuroscience in the courtroom, from the problems of malingering and false memory syndrome to the sometimes dubious defence of ‘automatism’ used by murdering sleep-walkers. Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart explains why he’s getting emotional about a giant pig, how to get your favourite film back on the big screen, and the latest way to bring your Pornhub experience to life. And, in his quest to become a true trends insider, he attempts to enrol on to an elite dating app, and hitch a ride on a ‘parliamentary ghost-train’ with some real experts. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox reveals why an exfoliating sponge could become your bedroom essential, and answers a listener question about polyamory, with plenty of pointers for those seeking plenty of partners. Along the way, she translates much seemingly inpenetrable poly-lingo, explaining away ‘cowgirl’, ‘mono’, ‘frubbly feelings’, ‘metamores’ and ‘NRE’. If you have a question of sex for next week’s show, just click the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk. The Foxhole is sponsored by our superb sexual companions at MYCONDOM.COM. They stock an incredible range of toys, lube and protection, including the On)Clinic non-lubricated condoms Alix highlights in this week’s show. Remember to use our special discount code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% off. Finally our song of the week is Albin Lee Meldau’s track ‘Persistence’, off his debut EP ‘Bloodshot’, released on the 21st July. We like it a lot. If you’d like to support our show, buy us a beer, sponsor an episode, send us some feedback, subscribe to our podcast feed or dig around our archive - just head to our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Glastonbury to The End Of The Road, Summer festivals continue to colonise the countryside. But how do people pull together such enormous events year after year? In our 2017 Summer Festivals Special, Olly meets Pete Lawrence, co-founder of The Big Chill, which went from being a low-key ‘festival in a club’ for 150 people in Islington to an massive outdoor happening, taking over huge venues across Britain, with acts including Lily Allen, The Proclaimers, Basement Jaxx, and Leonard Cohen. How do you choose the perfect location for your booming event? How can you maintain counter-culture ethics whilst wooing corporate sponsors? And how can you keep the Police on-side when so many attendees are doing drugs? Pete - now founder of campfireconvention.uk - reveals all... Meanwhile, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - fresh from sitting near Kate Adie at a train station - previews the Summer festivals you’ve never heard of, but should get tickets for NOW. In his top three are G!, in the Faroe Islands; the Archstoyanie Land Art Festival, 200 km southwest of Moscow; and, closer to home, the Brainchild festival, a ‘DIY and volunteer-led festival’ in East Sussex. Also, he explains why every festivalgoer needs a BioLite camping stove and Minipresso portable espresso machine, and receives an exciting invitation to Camp Bestival as part of his quest to become a true trends insider. Elsewhere, Alix Fox brings news of sex festival Swingfields in this week’s Foxhole, and has a surprising suggested use for Original Source Mint and Tea Tree shower gel. She also tackles another prickly listener question - this week, how to speed up ejaculation when trying to conceive a child within your partner’s most fertile window of conception. The Foxhole is sponsored by the sex legends who created mycondom.com. They stock all you need for festive fumble in a tent - or just a bonk in bed at home whilst watching the Glasto coverage on telly. Remember to use our discount code ‘FOXHOLE’ to receive a bewildering 15% off. If you have a question of sex for a future edition, do get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. That’s also where to head to buy us a beer, subscribe to the podcast or send us an idea for the show. Finally, our song of the week is by brand new outfit Videocean. They sent us their debut track, ‘Fruitless Fever’, and we loved it. It’s out now on uber-cool underground imprint Bon Nudity. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pathology technician Carla Valentine always knew she wanted to work with corpses. In childhood, she conducted funerals for roadkill. These days, she is curator of the St Bart’s Museum of Pathology, and a passionate advocate for more discussion about what happens when the mortuary doors swing shut. In this interview with Olly, she reveals how to prepare for an autopsy, how to get a sense of how a person lived from examining their remains, and how to create that ‘look of gentle repose’ so important to grieving families. You’ll discover when rigor mortis starts, how identify the difference between primary and secondary flaccidity, and you'll learn about alkaline hydrolysis (‘the new cremation’) and the American trend for being embalmed sitting up. For this week’s Lifehack, Sasha Morgan from Peckham-based arts educational charity Bold Everywhere reveals her top tips to run a successful meeting: know your objectives, invite the right people, and assemble your allies before the meeting even commences. The Lifehack is supported by our friends at Squarespace.com - if you want to build yourself a beautiful website, there is no better port of call. There’s a two-week free trial, and then use our offer code ‘MANN’ to get 10% off your first year’s subscription. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart’s quest to become a true trends insider continues. This week, he inches ever-closer to being able to *touch a Nando’s black card*, and learns why TV presenter Emma Willis will NEVER be allowed such an honour. He also considers the trends for brand disloyalty and dockless bike sharing. If you think you can help Ollie with his mission, contact him on Twitter @Ollieep. And, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox reveals why when it comes to condoms, there are such things as ‘teat-less wonders’. She also explains what spermatorrhea is, why she’s created a new sexual term, ‘ledging’, and why - despite detesting the book - she has a certain fondness for the 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' toy crossovers. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com. They stock all you need for a legendary night in the sack - or many more to come. Remember to use our discount code ‘FOXHOLE’ to receive an astonishing 15% off! If you have a question of sex for a future edition, do get in touch via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. That’s also where to head to buy us a beer, subscribe to the podcast or send us an idea for the show. Finally, our song of the week is Machine, by The Horrors - out now. It’s a bit acid rock. We like it a lot. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Watson realised he would never play football for England - so attempted, instead, to be recruited by the worst international team in the world. His quest lead him to Pohnpei, Micronesia; and, although he never realised his dream of becoming an international soccer star, he ended up coaching them instead... What's it like training a team 9000 miles away from home, in a country with no football culture? What is the beautiful game's secret at bringing communities together? And how can one recover after a defeat against the Guam Crushers? Paul's book, Up Pohnpei, is out now. Big thanks hanks to Mannfan Tom Cotton for suggesting Paul as a guest - if you have an idea for a future edition of the show, just get in touch using the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK Meanwhile, in this week's Lifehack, Rosie Slosek of themoneyhaven.com offers up her three top tips to women about 'how to liberate your man from his job'. (Heads up, chaps: it involves actually talking to your girlfriend once in a while). The Lifehack is supported by our friends at Squarespace.com - head there to nab yourself a beautiful website, and get a cracking 10% OFF a year's subscription when you use our offer code 'Mann'. In this week's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers how many petaflops are required to play Anthem on Microsoft's new XBox One X, whips up a bowl of savoury yoghurt to test out this Summer's hot new food trend, and updates Olly on his progress to become a freemason, get VIP access to a Summer festival, and touch a Nando's black card. Down the Foxhole, Alix Fox is high on pink grapefruit-flavoured oxygen, yet still finds time to answer Phil (34)'s question about dating in Bristol. How should a night-shift worker find himself some afternoon delight? Alix has the answer. It involves brunch. The Foxhole is brought to you by our good friends at mycondom.com. They stock everything you need for a night of INTENSE passion; just remember to use our discount code 'FOXHOLE' to get 15% off. And if you have a question of sex for Alix, just fill in the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. Finally, our Song of the Week is The Gold by the ace Manchester Orchestra, out now on Loma Vista. If you like what we do, please BUY US A BEER and support the show (links on our website), REVIEW US ON iTUNES so others can discover us (itunes.com/mann), or just tell your friends. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are more billionaires than ever. Rockstars. Oil tycoons. Internet entrepreneurs. And all of them - all of them - employ private staff. The age of Jeeves and Wooster may be over, but the demand for a dependable butler remains. Lawrence McKenna has been serving the super-rich for three decades, including stints in private suites in London's poshest hotels and the Royal Enclosure at Ascot. In this interview with Olly, he reveals how to remain invisible yet available; poised to deliver whatever a ‘principal’ desires, from obscure coffee beans to a mid-coital cuppa. He explains how to carry a plate, when to say ‘yes’ and when to simply say ‘it can be done’, and how to prepare *just chilled* mineral water to the taste of a Saudi trillionaire. Meanwhile, in this week’s Lifehack, meet Rudy Budhdeo: a man who knows how to wear jeans. As CEO of world-leading store Son Of A Stag, he tells us his top three life-hacks for buying, washing and manipulating raw denim. The Lifehack is sponsored by our friends at Squarespace. You can design yourself a truly beautiful website using their simple and delightful tools. Take out a free trial for a fortnight, and then, if you want to sign up, get 10% OFF for a year by using our code, ‘Mann’. Elsewhere, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart, who definitely doesn’t want to talk about Fidget Spinners, instead examines the world of ‘Snapbot queue-jumpers’ and puzzling YouTube phenomenon Poppy. He is also set a new challenge: to become a true trends insider by the end of the series. Think you can help him blag a ticket to Hamilton or a ride on the 'Parliamentary ghost-train'? Get in touch. Down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from having her senses awakened at Open Senses - reveals the surprising history of vasectomies, and explains why there’s a trend for millennial men to get the snip at a younger age than you might expect. She also assists a listener concerned that his forthcoming vasectomy might affect his sexual sensation. If you have a question of sex for Alix, just submit via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk This fifth series of sex questions comes to your ears thanks to our friends at mycondom.com. They truly are a marvel: in fact, if you’re going to sleep with anyone, we strongly advise you visit them first. And remember to use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ when you do, to get 15% off. Finally, our Song of the Week is ‘My Lover Cindy’ by Marika Hackman. Her new album is out now on Sub Pop Records. It’s great to be back. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there still a place for the pen-and-paper posted letter? Alison Hitchcock thinks so: when she discovered her friend Brian Greenley had cancer, she decided to write him regular letters throughout his treatment - initially as an attempt to cheer him up, then as companionship through some of his darkest hours. In this interview with Olly, she recalls how writing over a hundred letters to Brian helped get them both through a difficult chapter, and deepened their friendship immeasurably. You can find out more about them, and get tips on how to write to a friend with cancer, at frommetoyouletters.co.uk In this week’s Lifehack, Ariele Rovati from Brewdog shares his top three tips on how to start your own microbrewery, courtesy of Squarespace. If you want to build yourself a beautiful website, simply visit Squarespace.com and use the code to 'MANN' to get 10% OFF a year's subscription. Meanwhile, over in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart highlights lab-grown meat lobbying, wonders whether ‘Snaplications’ are the future of job applications, and previews Brian Thompson’s meta-podcast ‘Whatever Happened To Pizza At McDonald’s?’. And, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox reveals why DEMO might be the new FOMO, and has wise words for listener Andrew as to the best way to find a willing woman for a forthcoming threesome: “the way people are in the streets is not always how they are under the sheets!” The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com, who supply an incredible range of condoms, lube and sex toys. Visit their site and get 15% OFF at Checkout if you use our discount code, 'Foxhole'. If you have a question of sex for Alix, just use the Feedback form - you can remain anonymous if you wish - on our website, modernmann.co.uk Finally, our record of the week is ‘Talk 2 Her’ by Toronto outfit Sam Coffey and The Iron Lungs, who have a new album out in July. You can listen to all the music we’ve played this series in our Spotify playlist - find that at modernmann.co.uk That's it for this series of the show - but we’ll be back for Season Five on the first Tuesday in June. If you value this podcast, and independent podcasting generally, please please do buy us a beer - every penny we get goes back into supporting the show, and we really appreciate it. Just visit modernmann.co.uk and click 'Beer Money'. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Additional music: Ambiant Obscur Technology by Komiku. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Sarah Goode spent six years talking to, and writing about, self-defined paedophiles - grown men sexually attracted to children. She believes, if our society were more accepting of this ‘involuntary’ sexual predilection, then more children might be protected from abuse - if the men concerned were prevented from acting out their fantasies. In this compelling interview with Olly, Dr Goode outlines her contentious view and why she believes hysteria around predatory paedophilia ironically fails to protect Britain’s children. She also explains why she believes the internet can be a force for good in combatting child abuse - despite the presence of online grooming, and the wide availability of child sexual abuse imagery. Sarah has written two academic books based on her research, 'Understanding and Addressing Adult Sexual Attraction to Children: A Study of Paedophiles in Contemporary Society' and 'Paedophiles in Society: Reflecting on Sexuality, Abuse and Hope'. Both are available to buy via Amazon. If you think you are sexually attracted to children, please seek professional advice. The organisation referred to in the interview is StopSO, the Specialist Treatment Organisation for the Prevention of Sexual Offending: www.stopso.org.uk If you've been affected by child sexual abuse, remember there are always people you can talk to. 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. Elsewhere on this week’s show, struggling vegetarian Ollie Peart previews ‘this year’s must have gas mask’ in The Zeitgeist. He also reports on one-man’s quest to be sent a year’s supply of chicken nuggets, and experiments with a new way to remove the bitterness from your coffee. You can see more from Ollie in our video series, 'Modern Mann Extra' at modernmann.co.uk/extra Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox, fresh from bashing up a Toyota Yaris, has advice for a listener who laughs hysterically and joyously for five minutes every time she has an orgasm - much to the confusion of her husband... The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com, who supply an incredible range of condoms, lube and sex toys. Visit their site and get 15% OFF at Checkout if you use our discount code, 'Foxhole'. If you have a question of sex for Alix, just use the Feedback form - you can remain anonymous if you wish - on our website, modernmann.co.uk In our Lifehack segment this week, runner James Adams shares his top three tips on how to run a marathon, courtesy of Squarespace. If you want to build yourself a beautiful website like James's, simply visit Squarespace.com and use the code 'MANN' to get 10% OFF a year's subscription. Finally, our record of the week comes courtesy of Australian alt-hip hop producer Jonti and his song Scrood. It features the guest vocals of Steve Lacy, and is out now on Future Classic records. That's it for this week's show, but we'll be back next week with our season finale! If you value this podcast, and independent podcasting generally, please please do buy us a beer - every penny we get goes back into supporting the show, and we really appreciate it. Just visit modernmann.co.uk and click 'Beer Money'. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From David Bowie to George Michael, celebrity deaths are becoming increasingly common, as the rock generation reaches retirement age. How does a paper of record go about documenting their lives? Simon Pearson is Obituaries Editor of The Times, and in this interview with Olly he explains how profiles of the great and the good are created - ready to be published the moment a notable name pops their clogs - and how lesser-known figures also find their way on to the paper’s illustrious pages. Elsewhere this episode, Ollie Peart brings us news of meme warfare, holographic phones and animated April Fools pranks in this week’s Zeitgeist. And, in new feature The Lifehack, British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber (theboywhobakes.co.uk) reveals his baking tips, courtesy of Squarespace. Meanwhile, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox is angry about ‘the world’s first smart condom’, and tackles one of the most popular questions to grace our mailbag: what do you do when your sex drive vastly exceeds that of your partner? Got a question for Alix? Just visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click Feedback - you can remain anonymous if you wish. The Foxhole is brought to you by our friends at mycondom.com. Use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout to get an astonishing 15% OFF! And, if you want to build yourself a website, do check out our sponsors Squarespace.com - use the code 'MANN' for 10% off a year's subscription. Our record of the week is ‘Lava’ by Tender Central, available to stream now thanks to Boom Ting Recordings. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When he was just 14, Wayne Sharrocks realised he wanted to join the Army - within a year, he’d begun the process of signing up to serve his country. At 18, he had his regimental cap badge tattooed on to his chest. In this searingly honest interview with Olly, he describes how the Army broke him down and built him back up again; training him to follow orders without question and desensitising him to violence. In postings to Afghanistan he saw courage, commitment - and life-changing injuries. Britain is the only European country to recruit child soldiers. Wayne now campaigns for the enlistment age to be raised: you can find out more about that at veteransforpeace.org. And you can discover more about him, and the documentary film he’s crowdfunding, on his website waynesharrocks.com. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart explains the purpose of a ‘high performance chicken’, undergoes a significant life-change, and reveals the Pervert Capital of Britain. Down the Foxhole this week, Alix Fox rejoices at the expansion of sex education in UK schools, and explores the world of the ‘furry fandom’ and ‘yiff’ erotic art. The Foxhole is supported by our friends at mycondom.com. Want to stock up on condoms, lube or toys? Just use the code ‘Foxhole’ at Checkout to get 15% off. Finally, our Song Of The Week is ‘All Or Nothing’ by Kove and Joseph J Jones, available to stream now. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it like when the person you’re closest to in the world is not the person that you think they are? ‘Elizabeth’ spent a year dating a man who provided only sketchy details about his life, but ingratiated himself into her friendship circle, her family and her home. In this interview with Olly, she reveals how it felt to discover he was living a double-life, and how it’s affected her trust ever since. Also this week, Ollie Peart considers whether the return of The Matrix heralds a new type of film franchise, whether Drake’s new ‘playlist’ heralds the end of the album, and whether his new favourite game heralds a return to text adventures. And, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox enjoys a trip to the theatre and advises a listener who's unhappy that her vibrator might be 'spying' on her… The Foxhole is supported by our friends at mycondom.com. Want to stock up on condoms, lube or toys? Just use the code ‘Foxhole’ at Checkout to get 15% off. Finally, our Song Of The Week is ‘Cease Fire’, by former Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore, currently available for free from thurstonmoore.kungfustore.com. This week’s episode of The Modern Mann is supported by Al Philps - a listener like you. If you’d like to sponsor a future episode, either as an individual or as a commercial company, just visit modernmann.co.uk and fill in the Feedback form. Or, if you can only afford a small amount, please buy us a beer - just click Beer Money. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Morrissey to Laurence Olivier, public figures through history have channelled shyness and stage-fright into their work. But is shyness a useful tool, or is uninhibited confidence a better way to navigate the modern world? Backstage at the Southbank Centre’s ‘Being A Man’ festival, social and cultural historian Joe Moran talks to Olly about the implicit difficulty of silence, the internal monologues that plague him in social situations, and how shy people can weaponise irony, distance and aloofness to their advantage. His book, ‘Shrinking Violets: A Field Guide to Shyness’, is out now. Meanwhile, over in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart explains how your car can interact with your ‘environmental happenings’, previews a forthcoming political bout, and reveals where you can buy a ‘Breaking Bad’ lego set. And, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox ponders why she is having some difficulty finding the perfect partner, and offers some advice for a listener whose partner suffers from vaginismus. If you have a question of sex for next week’s show, just fill in the feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com - use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout to receive an astonishing 15% OFF. Finally,our song of the week comes from Artificial Pleasure. It’s called ‘All I Got’, and it’s out now. You can catch the band touring in April. If you’d like to be a Mannbassador, just leave us a review at itunes.com/mann If you’d like to buy us a beer and support the show, visit our website and click ‘Beer Money’ See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Winehouse’s voice may have seemed unique - but you can sing just like her if you understand her influences. So says Emma Wright, whose musical journey began with an X Factor audition that sounded like Christina Aguilera, morphed into a Stars In Their Eyes contest in which she played Lady Gaga - and culminated in a fully-fledged career impersonating one of the most troubled and celebrated musical icons of recent times. Elsewhere this episode, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - whose Mum once called him a scrotum - considers biometric face masks, Pinterest parties and the Nintendo Switch; and, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox 'spices up' Superdrug’s social media presence and advises a listener who wonders if they should bring up their chequered sexual history with a new partner. The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.Com - use the code FOXHOLE at Checkout to receive an incredible 15% Off. Music this week comes courtesy of British Sea Power and their new one, Keep On Trying, out at the end of March on Rough Trade Records. If you enjoy the show, please do buy us a beer or send us some feedback - details on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK - or leave us a review on iTunes for your chance to become a Mann-bassador. And, if you can't bear to wait a week for more sweeeeeet MM content, do check out 'Modern Mann Extra', Ollie's new video series. In this week's show, Ollie 'investigates' Craft Beer Rising - including bespoke canned cocktails, mushroom beer... and a sizeable hangover. You can find that at modernmann.co.uk/extra See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story behind Baileys, the blockbuster booze brand, is unexpectedly lo-fi. It was invented not in Ireland but in London’s Soho, with ingredients purchased on impulse from a corner shop. David Gluckman was one of the creative team who, by mixing whiskey and cream, unwittingly spawned a new sub-category of drinks - Irish chocolate cream liqueurs - which went on to sell billions of bottles. In this interview, he tells Olly Mann how a disparaging focus group, some drinking policemen and a Jewish restaurant all played their surprising part in alcohol history. David’s book, 'That Shit Will Never Sell', is available now at thatshitwillneversell.com, and includes the stories behind countless other drinks brands he's had a hand in, including Smirnoff Black Label, Tanqueray 10, Sheridans, and Purdeys. The booze theme continues in this week’s Zeitgeist, recorded at the Craft Beer Rising festival in London’s East End. Therein, Ollie Peart predicts the hipster trends about to go global: barrel-aged beer such as Adnams’ Both Barrels, and sour beer like Wild Beer Co’s Breakfast of Champignons. Meanwhile, Olly gets his lips around an Island Records Session IPA and attempts to name a new gin-and-tonic infused craft beer, with mixed success. This week’s Zeitgeist is sponsored by our friends at Beer52.com. For just £8, Modern Mann listeners can trial their excellent curated craft beer delivery subscription service. To get your first box of eight craft beers delivered right now, for just £8, visit beer52.com/mann. In this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox has advice for a listener whose partner wants to put the slap into slap and tickle. Plus, there’s an update from Dry Delilah, and news of an injectable contraceptive for men. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com - remember to use the code ‘FOXHOLE’ at Checkout to get an astonishing 15% off. Finally, music this week comes from British punk/grime/metal infusion The One Hundred, and their track Dark Matters. If you’ve got any feedback for the show, if you’d like to buy us a beer, or send a question of sex through to The Foxhole, just visit our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK. And, if you’d like to be considered as a Mannbasador, do leave us a review at itunes.com/mann. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artist, muse, socialite: when Daniel Lismore visits a nightclub, he charges THEM to host him. How did this quiet man from the Midlands become a fashion insider with countless celebrity contacts and an outrageous style that has strongly influenced London clubland? In this interview with Olly, he discusses how his battle with bulimia, his love of Star Trek and savvy use of social media has propelled him from his mum's dressing-up box to become a 21st Century 'It-Boy'. Daniel's book of extraordinary self-portraits, 'Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Already Taken', is out now, and you can follow him on Instagram @DanielLismore. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist this week, Ollie Peart considers the Scandinavian approach to social media, the sound production of BBC costume dramas, and the luxury fast food for people with more money than sense. And, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox has advice for 'Dry Delila' - a listener whose medication might be drying up her ladybits. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com. Just use the code 'FOXHOLE' to receive an astonishing 15% OFF at Checkout. If you have a question of sex for a future edition of the show, you can send it to Alix by clicking 'Feedback' on our website, modernmann.co.uk Music this week comes from Tom Williams. His song 'Everyone Needs a Home' is out later this year on Caroline Records. Remember, if you enjoy the show, please do: - tell your friends: share this episode on Twitter! - leave us a review on iTunes: itunes.com/mann - if you can afford to, buy us a beer: modernmann.co.uk/beer Every donation helps us to make more episodes of the show for your future enjoyment. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. 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. James is now co-founder of mental health start-up Sanctus. You can find out more about them at Sanctus.io In The Zeitgeist this week, Ollie Peart attempts to explain why teenagers appear to be ever more stylish, reveals how to prevent pregnancy using an app, and highlights the sad retirement of America's top fortune cookie writer, Donald Lau. Meanwhile, Alix Fox clarifies exactly how one goes about moving house when you've got a home full of sex-toys, and advises a 43 year-old virgin who is desperate to lose his virginity, but worries he has missed the boat. Massive thanks to MyCondom.Com for their continuing sponsorship of The Foxhole this series. Remember, for a staggering 15% OFF their amazing range of condoms, lube and toys, just enter the code FOXHOLE at Checkout. And if you've got a question for the next edition of the Foxhole, just submit it via our Feedback form - you can remain anonymous if you wish - at modernmann.co.uk Music this week comes courtesy of Drangsal, and his new single Allan Align, out now on Caroline Records. Remember, if you enjoy the show, please do: - tell your friends: share this episode on Twitter! - leave us a review on iTunes: itunes.com/mann - and, if you can afford to, buy us a beer: modernmann.co.uk/beer Every donation helps us to make more episodes of the show for your future enjoyment. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. 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 are facing up to daddy decisions: how to rescue their respective relationships from a world of 'guilt-tennis', how much TV to allow their sons to watch, and exactly how best to celebrate a one year-old's birthday... In this funny and frank discussion, they reunite with fellow father Olly Mann to offer up advice on Baby Sign Language, front-facing papooses, and how to make a fiddle-board. Elsewhere in this season finale, Ollie Peart offers up some trends for 2017, including disappearing ink tattoos, the re-birth of flares, and the foldable phones of the future. Plus, why velvet curtains could soon be adorning your walls, why robotic chef arms will find their way into your kitchen, and how Amazon is wangling its way into your every conversation. Meanwhile, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox assists a lady who wants to get her rocks off whilst considering the environment. Along the way, she uncovers ethical sex toys, eco-friendly condoms, solar-powered vibrators - and poo-inspired dildos. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com - use the code 'FOXHOLE' to get 15% OFF at Checkout! Finally, our record of the week is the lovely 'Astral Plane' by Valerie June, out now on Sunday Best Records. That's it for this series of the show -but we will back on Valentine's Day. In the meantime, why not review the show on iTunes, send us some feedback, or donate to the show: all the links are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK See you on February 14th! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2017. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pantomime: the most peculiarly British of festive entertainments. Each year, we Brits gather the family together to watch the same old stories. To cheer at the hero, hiss at the baddies, and watch a bloke in drag doing the same call-and-response routines that have enraptured crowds since the days of music hall. Why? ERIC POTTS is a maestro of the genre. As head writer for First Family Entertainment, he churns out ten panto scripts per year, and even finds time to play the Dame in one of them. In this insightful interview with Olly, he explains how super-producers have duopolized the industry, how they persuade Hollywood stars to come over and tread the boards (it’s not just the money), and why the key to panto success is not tradition or nostalgia - but ADVENTURE. (Oh Yes It Is!) Also this week: Ollie Peart uses his Instagram account as an experiment in automation, and, after an extended Super Mario Run session, offers up one-handed gaming to The Zeitgeist. Plus, why the pen-and-paper notebook just *might* be a thing of the past. And - jingle your balls! - Alix Fox finishes us off with a festive Foxhole for all the Modern Mann family. You’ll learn about ‘the Smith’s Salt N Shake of condoms’, why you should ‘get lusty with leftovers’, and how ‘sex Bisto’ might change your bedroom in an XXXmas edition of Alix’s favourite party game, ‘Tip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!’. The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.Com - use the discount code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% at Checkout. Finally, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a good sing-a-long, so do wrap your ears around our song of the week, ‘Honest’, by Martha Gunn. And remember, in this time of goodwill to all Mann, that we are always thrilled to receive your monies in exchange for this humble podcast... If you’d like to donate, we’d be ever so grateful, guv. Just visit MODERNMANN.CO.UK, and click Beer Money. Merry Christmas one and all - we’ll see you straight after the holidays, for our season finale! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gary Connery is a Hollywood stunt-man. He's played them all: Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, Indiana Jones. But it's for his role as Queen Elizabeth II, parachuting out of a helicopter in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, that he will truly go down in history. In this interview with Olly, he recounts how it felt to be standing on the edge of that helicopter, knowing that more than 40 million people worldwide were about to watch his stunt - live. And he reveals some tricks of the trade he's picked up in his career: how to fall through glass, where to buy your cardboard boxes, and whether or not Tom Cruise really does do his own stunts... Also in this week's show, Ollie Peart considers whether we're about to enter a world without dick-holes, a world of fix-it supremacy, or a world of Ugly Food - and Alix Fox has news of a Canadian gadget to help circumcised men who fancy regrowing their foreskin, and, as this week's listener question, advises a chap who has been knocked for six by an astonishing encounter with an Italian vixen. Finally, music this week comes courtesy of Syd Arthur and his track 'Apricity', out now on Communion Records. We will return next week for our annual Christmas Spectacular - until then, please do leave us a review on iTunes, send us your feedback and your kind donations... all the links are on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK This week's show is kindly sponsored by our friends at Beer52.Com, who are offering Modern Mann listeners an amazing case of eight delicious bottles of hand-picked craft beer for just £12. Just visit beer52.com/modern52 and for everyone one of you who takes up the offer, Beer52 will send us some beer money too. The Foxhole is proudly sponsored by MyCondom.Com - just use the code 'FOXHOLE' at Checkout to nab yourself a stonking 15% OFF. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda Hone has a 'hobby that got out of hand': traversing the UK, visiting myriad miscellaneous landmarks designated by brown signs. In this interview, she explains to Olly how an initial visit to an otter and owl sanctuary made her put down her phone, take the road less travelled and discover the quirky attractions around her - and enthuse others to do the same. In the spirit of 'brown-signing', Olly then takes a trip of his own: to the Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, where curator Tim Arnold tells him why, 'when you grow up and become a man, you play a real man's game - you play pinball'. Find out more at followthebrownsigns.com and pinballmuseum.org Elsewhere in the episode, Ollie Peart considers the latest trends in The Zeitgeist, including crawling to keep fit, the Hollywood pocketwatch revival, and the death of 'the masked musician'. If you have a trend you'd like to suggest for a future episode, do tweet us @themodernmann. And, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox reveals the super-powers of 'magic wand massagers' such as the Lovehoney's tokidoki, the UK-made Doxey Wand, and Hitachi's big-seller. Plus, she has some advice for a listener who says he's attracted to oral sex with 'she-males' - but is otherwise straight. If you've got a question of sex for Alix, just submit it via the feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at mycondom.com, who are offering Modern Mann listeners an incredible 15% OFF when you use the code 'FOXHOLE' at Checkout. Finally, as ever, we have a cracking choon to end the show. This week, it's 'Radio', by Sylvan Esso, out now on Partisan Records. Big thanks to everyone who has bought us a beer this week - it really is thanks to your support that we're able to keep funding the show. Just visit modernmann.co.uk and click 'Beer Money'. But don't just buy us a beer - why not buy one for yourself... or EIGHT? You can get eight bottles of delicious craft beer for just £12 thanks to our friends at beer52.com. Just visit beer52.com/modern52 for your 50% discount. Until next week, do tell your friends about the show on social media, and leave us a review on iTunes - we really appreciate it. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's it like to be radicalised? How do young British men set out to murder their fellow citizens in the name of 'jihad'? And, once committed to that course, can there ever be a route back? Former extremist Adam Deen spent much of his youth as a member of Al-Muhajiroun, the notorious terrorist organisation lead by Omar Bakri Muhammad. For years he believed in the foundation of a UK Islamic state, and was prepared to participate in whatever course of action his leader said was necessary to achieve that goal. In this extraordinary interview with Olly Mann, he recalls his journey into Islamic extremism, considers the cost for his loved ones, and warns against future generations following his lead. Adam is nowadays the Managing Director of The Quilliam Foundation, a think tank aiming to challenge extremist narratives while advocating pluralistic, democratic alternatives. Find out more about their work at quilliamfoundation.org. Elsewhere in the episode, Ollie Peart considers 'anti-tech tech' start-ups Pause and DistractaGone in this week's Zeitgeist, predicts a Winter trend for men's ballet-wear, and the death of 'inspirational' wall-quotes. Say it's not so? Keep Calm and Carry On, folks... And, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox considers the terminology of 'queer' porn, has some useful advice about where (not) to store your rubbers, and advises a listener who's the same height as his partner which sexual positions provide the best 'angle of dangle'. The Foxhole is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.Com - remember to use the code 'FOXHOLE' at Checkout for a frankly astonishing 15% Off. Last but not least, our record of the week is 'A 1000 Times' from the album 'I Had A Dream That You Were Mine', by Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam. It’s out now on Glassnote Records. Remember, we can only make this show with your support. If you value independent podcasting and want to keep us on the road, just click 'Beer Money' on our website, modernmann.co.uk. Thanks - and we'll See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

‘Productivity’ is a term that gets tossed around a lot: you should be more productive at work; the nation needs to be more productive in general... But what does it actually mean? There are only so many hours in the day - are there really life hacks that can help us make better use of the limited time we have to boost our output in the workplace AND lead happier lives? One man who knows is Chris Bailey - in a series of experiments upon himself, he spent a year trying out productivity techniques such as goal-setting, meditation and early rising, and measured the actual outcomes to devise a system for managing his life. In this interview with Olly, he reveals his top productivity tips, dismisses the industry of ‘productivity porn’, and speaks up for the positive role of caffeine. Elsewhere, Ollie Peart fills The Zeitgeist with news of the new metrosexual: the spornosexual; predicts the welcome demise of shared plates; and celebrates the trend for non-confrontational reality TV. Meanwhile, in The Foxhole, Alix Fox has bad news for frequenters of notorious London sex-sauna Rio’s, and some tips for a listener whose wife wants to watch porn with him. The Foxhole is sponsored by mycondom.com - enter the code FOXHOLE at checkout for an outrageous 15% off. Music this week comes courtesy of Foreign Fields and their new single Dry, out now on Caroline Records. If you have any feedback about the show, you’d like to buy us a beer, or you have a question of sex for Alix, just visit our website MODERNMANN.CO.UK This episode of The Modern Mann is supported by Beer52.com, the brilliant British-based craft beer club. As a Modern Mann listener, you can get 50% off a box of eight delicious craft beers by visiting Beer52.com/Modern52. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Down on his luck, and under pressure to maintain his lifestyle, Radcliffe Royds decided to rob a bank. In this incredible interview, he tells Olly his story. It’s a tale of extreme highs and lows, brutal honesty and dark humour. Meanwhile, Ollie Peart has decamped to Lisbon for the 2016 Web Summit - an orgy of start-ups and self-promotion. In this week’s Zeitgeist, he ponders whether laundry services might be the next sector to fall foul of disruptive technology, why Silicon Valley buzzwords are so damn aggressive, and why on Earth anyone would name a new company ‘Two-Hats’. In our weekly trip down the Foxhole, love guru Alix Fox puts the Poundland vibrator to the test, and answers a listener’s question about sexual piercings in the only way she knows how - with, um, piercing honesty. YOU MAY WANT TO KEEP YOUR LEGS CROSSED FOR THIS ONE. This episode of The Modern Mann is brought to you by our friends at DragonFruit, the amazing dating app for geeks and nerds. Join now for free and be sure to add ‘Modern Mann’ as one of your geekdoms! The Foxhole is sponsored by MyCondom.com - your one-stop shop for all your bedroom needs, except possibly light fittings and duvets. Use the code FOXHOLE at Checkout to get an incredible 15% off! If you have any feedback about this week’s show, if you’d like to support the show by buying us a beer, or if you’d like to send Alix your question of sex - just visit our website, ModernMann.co.uk. You can also find us on social media @themodernmann on Twitter, and at Facebook.com/OllyMann. Our song of the week is ‘You Don’t Get Me High Anymore’ by Phantogram - out now on Republic Records. ‘Cruzin’ appears courtesy of Benedek on a Creative Commons licence. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The RNLI lifeboats don’t just save lives at sea - they also rescue people on rivers. London’s Thames is teeming with party-boats, where drunken misadventure can lead to injury. Meanwhile, troubled ‘jumpers’, suffering from poor mental health, all too often consider suicide by plunging into its depths. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, Amber Bowie may be the woman who comes to your rescue. In this interview with Olly, she explains how cold water shock can render you senseless, why washing-up liquid can be a surprisingly useful tool on-board a warship, and why, alongside her full-time job as a London architect, she volunteers to save lives at the weekend. If you’re inspired by Amber’s story, you can volunteer for the RNLI, or donate to this incredible charity via their website, RNLI.org In the Zeitgeist this week, Ollie Peart considers the merits of facial-recognition sunglasses, watches the trailer for Trainspotting 2 and wonders whether watermelon juice and 'banana freakshake' will be the liquid trends of 2017. And, in our weekly trip down the Foxhole, Alix Fox visits notorious North London sex sauna Rio’s, and offers some advice for a listener preparing for their first ever visit to S&M club Torture Garden. The Foxhole is sponsored by our lovely friends at MyCondom.com, who are offering Mann-Fans a staggering 15% OFF if you use the code FOXHOLE at Checkout. Finally, our track of the week is by Saint Sister. It’s called Tin Man and it’s out on the 16th December on Communion Records. This episode is supported by Beer52, the UK’s number one craft beer club. As a Modern Mann listener you can get a box of ten delicious craft beers sent directly to your home or your office for only £12: that’s 50% off. All you need to do is head over to Beer52.com/Modern52 to claim your half-price first box, with no obligation to keep subscribing. If you have a question of sex for Alix, you’d like to send us some feedback, or chuck us some beer money, just visit our website, modernmann.co.uk Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Guy Meadows, founder of The Sleep School, is a man on a mission. He wants you to sleep better. Not just if you're one of the 30% of Brits who will, at some point, experience insomnia - but also if you're one of the remaining 70%, who will, inevitably, spend some nights struggling to get some shut-eye, staring at the ceiling and wishing you were somewhere else. In this interview with Olly Mann, Guy reveals his tips for changing your mind-set when your brain is racing around and keeping you awake. He advises how to effectively use your smartphone and other light-emitting devices in the bedroom; how to nap effectively; and how to reprogram your master clock to adjust to levels of sleep actually available to you in your busy life. Elsewhere in this episode, Ollie Peart tells the strange story of CJ de Mooi, considers the future of the pay-per-minute cafe, and predicts that the demise of Vine may herald a new wave of social network failures. Meanwhile, in The Foxhole, resident love-guru Alix Fox considers how a listener who gets nauseous near cigarette-smoke can continue satisfying their partner - who has a smoking fetish... The Foxhole is sponsored by our lovely friends at MyCondom.com, who are offering Mann-Fans a staggering 15% OFF if you use the code FOXHOLE at Checkout. We end the episode with a cracking new track from Dan Croll. It's called Swim and it's out now on Communion Records. Remember, if you enjoy the show, you can help keep us going - our ambition is to create a weekly, year-round show - by buying us a beer. If all our listeners committed to buying us just one beer a month, we could do this as our full-time jobs! Imagine! You can do that, or send a question of sex to Alix, by clicking Feedback on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Evans, 74, is a working bull-fighter who lives in Marbella. In this extraordinary interview, he tells Olly how he discovered the controversial sport on holiday in Spain; how a copy of To Be A Matador by Henry Higgins inspired him to 'give it a bash' - and how, with virtually no training at all, he found himself facing death in the ring in Montpellier. Now known as 'El Ingles', Frank sticks out in the sport not only due to his age and English roots, but also because he believes bullfighting needs to adapt to survive. Elsewhere in this episode, we're celebrating our triumphant win* as Podcast of the Year at the Radio Academy Awards**. (* we came second.) (** They're now called 'the ARIAs', apparently.) Recorded the morning-after-the-night before, in an auspicious hotel room in Leeds, Ollie Peart fills this week's Zeitgeist with a celebration of bow-ties, a review of Adam Curtis' latest film, and a prediction that Kanye West has killed auto-tune. If you have a trend suggestion for next week's show, do be in touch via Twitter @themodernmann. And, in the first ever instance of our sex-question section The Foxhole actually being recorded in a bed, Alix Fox returns with advice for a listener from Rhode Island who is a 'grower not a shower', and news of why getting older might genuinely mean better sex. We have a new sponsor for The Foxhole for this series - the wonderful people at MyCondom.Com, who are offering Modern Mann listeners 15% off their excellent products if you use the code FOXHOLE at Checkout. Finally, we finish the episode, as ever, with a song. This week, 'Season Two, Episode Three' by the brilliant Glass Animals. Remember if you'd like to buy us a beer, send Alix a question of sex, or leave us any feedback on the show, just head to our website, modernmann.co.uk It's a pleasure to be back, Mann-fans! See You Next Tuesday. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modern-day hermit Daniel Pike is, technically, homeless - but he does have a home, which he built himself, in woodland near Watford. He made it from clay and reclaimed wood, and it's amazing. Now, the landowners want to evict him. In this extraordinary interview, Olly Mann travels to Daniel's hut to learn how he came to be living outdoors - and why he doesn't want to forage for mushrooms any more... Elsewhere this week, Ollie Peart investigates giant spider robots, new emoji symbols and SodaStream Beer in The Zeitgeist, and, in The Foxhole, Alix Fox previews the contenders for the Erotic Trade Only Awards, and offers advice to a listener who wants to cheat on his wife - in a tent at Glastonbury. Our song of the week is the Summeriest track we could find: Shine, by Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, out now on Stax Records. And... that's it for this season of The Modern Mann - we will be back with more in the Autumn. In the meantime, please visit modernmann.co.uk to to leave us a comment, submit a question of sex, or offer to sponsor the show. Just click Beer Money to support the show with, erm, liquidity. There are plenty of our other shows online for you to keep busy over the Summer: Olly presents Answer Me This!, Chips With Everything and The Media Podcast; Ollie Peart has a vlog on YouTube at youtube.com/mrollieep and Alix has a brand new show for The Guardian, Close Encounters, kicking off very soon. And motorsport fans should sample producer Matt's grand prix comedy show, For F1's Sake. Thanks so much for listening. See you in the Autumn! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes you buy a product? The look? The smell? The layout of the store? In today's cut-throat business world, none of that is left to coincidence: behavioural science is influencing the design of high street shops, supermarkets and online emporiums alike. In this episode, Olly meets consumer psychologists Reece Akhtar and Dr Dimitrios Tsivrikos from University College, London and learns how we consumers are manipulated into buying stuff we don't want or need because retailers are cleverly appealing to our fear of scarcity, desire to belong or our basest instincts. So, next time you go shopping, you'll know what to look out for - you'll never walk the floor tiles in Tesco the same way again! Elsewhere, Ollie Peart considers ice cream van wars and KFC-flavoured nail polish in The Zeitgeist, and Alix Fox discusses animal role-play and sex toy cleaning regimes in The Foxhole. Music is provided by The Anchoress and their track 'Doesn't Kill You', out now on Kscope Records. If you have a question for Alix for a future edition of the show, if you'd like to sponsor the show or buy us a beer then just visit our website at modernmann.co.uk See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Rory Reid get his dream job, presenting one of the biggest TV shows on Earth? Despite many years as a motoring and tech journalist, he had only a few months to adjust to flying around the world driving supercars. In this world exclusive interview, he tells Olly Mann how he prepared for his BBC screentest, and why a rap video may just have secured him the gig; reacts to his treatment by the British tabloids, and explains why he has some sympathy with Jeremy Clarkson... Also this week, Ollie Peart considers the new live-action Tetris movie in The Zeitgeist. Plus: the Weetabix drink; a new product for night-time snackers; and some lesser-known competitive sports. Meanwhile, in the Foxhole, Alix sweats the small stuff as she answers a question of pheremones: is it normal to be attracted to your partner's sweat? Our song of the week is 'Life Itself' by Glass Animals. Big thanks to our sponsor for this episode, baldheadliberationfront.com If you have a question for Alix for a future edition of the show, if you'd like to sponsor the show or buy us a beer then just visit our website at modernmann.co.uk See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How should you behave in a 'gentleman's club'? Stripper Edie Licious should know - from grinding the stage at super-sized American strip bars to working the pole in humble East End pubs, she's played 'em all. In this frank and funny interview, she tells Olly how nightclubs milk money from hapless drunk punters who pay 'VIP', explains why erotic dancing can still sometimes be erotic, and considers her future in the industry now that she's fallen in love. You'll never not tip a stripper again. Also this episode: Ollie Peart previews the music, fashion and grub on offer at this year's biggest music festivals in The Zeitgeist. Is festival food overpriced? Is monochrome the acceptable face of tie-dye? And will he ever get tickets for Glastonbury? Meanwhile, over in The Foxhole, Alix Fox promotes her campaign to introduce a condom emoji, and considers a question of BDSM: should a reluctant dom hit and choke his submissive girlfriend when she's specifically requested him to, but he feels uncomfortable so doing? If you have a question of sex for a future episode, just head over to modernmann.co.uk and fill in our Feedback form - you can remain completely anonymous if you wish. Music this week comes courtesy of Matthew and the Atlas, in the form of their new single, Temple, from their album of the same name. Big thanks to our sponsors this week, the Bald Head Liberation Front - your one-stop shop for blades, oils and potions to keep your bald scalp shiny and sexy and manly and grr. Visit them now at baldheadliberationfront.com And if you too see the value in supporting our show, and independent podcasting in general, then please do buy us a beer - it's only through the support of listeners like you that we can afford to keep producing the show. Just visit modernmann.co.uk and click 'beer money'. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your smartphone spying on you? Just how secure is the dark web? And is your 'Private Browsing' time actually, you know... private? Buzzfeed's James Ball was just 23 when Julian Assange thrust a USB stick with nearly 400,000 confidential Iraqi war logs into his hands. In this episode he shares with Olly his top tips for conducting conversations, managing documents and meeting associates whilst avoiding unwanted surveillance. If you'd like to try James' 'Location Services' trick on your iPhone, here's are the menus you need to navigate: Settings → Privacy → Location Services → System Services → Frequent Locations Also this week: in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart ponders the year's hottest BBQ trends, the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest, and the return of Peaky Blinders. And we've a special edition of The Foxhole, for which Alix Fox takes Olly on a tour of her favourite sex boutique, Sh! in Hoxton. She'll be tackling sex questions again next week, though - so if you have one, just submit it using our Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk Music this week comes courtesy of Martha Ffion, with her new single We Disappear, out now on Turnstile Records. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedians Stuart Goldsmith and Tom Price reunite with Olly Mann to compare notes, three months after all spawning sons. What has having a baby done to their time management, sleep routines and sense of self-worth? Which gadgets would they recommend to future dads? And is there such a thing as male post-natal depression? Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart learns French via his smartphone, discusses Radiohead's temporary disappearance from the internet, and the trend for 'dentist beards'. And, in The Foxhole, Alix Fox flogs a truck-load of her old sex toys for charidee, and considers whether a listener should be loyal to the coil - if his wife's contraceptive prevents her from achieving orgasm. Our song of the week is, appropriately, from the lullaby archives at rockabyebabymusic.com. If you'd like to leave us some feedback, send us a sex question or buy us a beer, head over to modernmann.co.uk. See You Next Tuesday! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine designing rollercoasters for a living. That's what Bradley Wynne, lead creative artist at Merlin Magic Making, gets to do. A life-long adrenalin junkie, he's now heading up the team for Thorpe Park's biggest ever launch, Derren Brown's Ghost Train. Find out how sounds, smells and touch can enhance the experience of riding a rollercoaster; how the fallout from the tragedy on The Smiler has affected the theming process, and how Bradley used a very boring interest in planning application data to his advantage to secure his dream job. Also this episode: Ollie Peart debates our 'no spoilers' culture following the return of Game Of Thrones, the declining sales of pasta, and the enduring power of dial-up. Meanwhile, in The Foxhole, Alix Fox considers whether having sexual fantasies about your schooldays makes you a paedophile. (It doesn't). Our record of the week is Damien Jurado's new single, Qachina, out May 6th; and this episode has been sponsored by Fallen London, the brand new text adventure game for iOS. Thanks to them and to everyone who has bought us a beer at modernmann.co.uk or left us an iTunes review at itunes.com/mann - you're helping keeping us alive! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How DO you make the perfect cup of coffee? Do you grind? Do you press? Do you froth? One man who knows is 'Coffee Masters' champion Ben Morrow, of Melbourne-based coffee roasters St. Ali. In this episode, Olly meets him at Hackney Coffee Company to discuss how to buy coffee, how to prepare it, and how to capture the essence of a Columbian farm in a cup... Meanwhile, in The Foxhole, Alix Fox suggests what to do when your partner has a latex fetish - but you're highly allergic to it. If you have a question of sex for Alix, just fill out the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk - you can remain completely anonymous if you wish. And, over in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers name-changing, the surge in vinyl record sales, and his trip to watch Drone Racing at Wembley Stadium. Last but not least, we are ROCKING OUT this week with our Song of the Week. It's by The Amazons, and it's called Stay With Me, out now on Fiction Records. This episode is brought to you by Fallen London, the brand new text adventure game for iOS. Download it for free now in the App Store, or sign up to get a gift from us at www.failbettergames.com/modern. Thanks too to everyone who has bought us beer in the past week - it's with your support we are able to keep making this show, and keep it independent. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Photojournalist Alison Baskerville was serving in Iraq when she began documenting the lives of her fellow soldiers. She now independently produces astonishing images from the front line across the world, including Afghanistan, Mali, Israel/Gaza and the Philippines. In this episode, she tells Olly about the moments on basecamp that embedded journalists never get to see, the best way to pack to prepare yourself for a warzone, and why she needed to leave the armed forces to gain objectivity. Elsewhere in the episode, Ollie Peart talks Disney pet trends, 'Shakespeak', and the Chris Packham wasp controversy in this week's Zeitgeist; and Alix Fox considers the twenty-first century role of the Femidom and a question of cross-dressing in this week's Foxhole. And finally, our Single of the Week is the wonderful 'Walk To The One You Love' by Twin Peaks, out now on Communion Records. If you enjoy the show, please don't hesitate to leave us some feedback or buy us a beer - you can do all that, and submit your question of sex, at modernmann.co.uk. If you'd like to find out more about Alison Baskerville, just head to her website at alisonbaskerville.co.uk. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Gilmour dangled from the Cenotaph during the student protests of 2010, and became tabloid enemy #1. Now he's a writer and, since being scouted at a Xmas party, a male model. In this episode, he reveals to Olly what it takes to make Paris Fashion Week in 2016, how to work on your 'walk', and where models hide their drugs... Elsewhere in what would, if only we were American, be our 'season premiere', Ollie Peart returns with The Zeitgeist - and considers the politics of fear, The West Cornwall Pasty position on #Brexit, and the glorious failure of Microsoft's chat-bot experiment, Tay. Meanwhile, Alix Fox returns from Rabbit Island for another series of The Foxhole. This week: the prickly issue of foreskin regeneration, the disputed medical benefits of circumcision, and how the American predilection for penis-cutting originates in the wacky beliefs of Dr Lewis Sayre. And our single of the week is 'Bermuda' by GIVERS, out now on Glassnote. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2016 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shaun Attwood survived a 9½ year sentence in America's deadliest prison. He tells Olly Mann his sensational story, from Liverpool to Phoenix, from his initial career playing the stock market to the millions he earned trading ecstasy for the fledgling 90's rave scene in Arizona, in competition with the Mafia mass murderer Sammy the Bull Gravano. In The Zeitgeist this week, Ollie Peart looks forward to the trends of 2016 - from the release of Oculus Rift to the return of silent film - and, in The Foxhole, Alix Fox helps a gay gent who seeks a more reliable hard-on. Music comes courtesy of Mystery Jets - it's their new single Telomere, from their album Curve of the Earth - out Jan 15th on Caroline International. And... that's it for the current series of The Modern Mann. If you've enjoyed it, please do buy us a beer at modernmann.co.uk, leave us a review on iTunes - and we'll return in the Spring. Thanks to everyone who has supported the show so far. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2015 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's it like being Santa Claus? In our Christmas Spectacular episode, Olly meets actor Nigel Harvey, who makes a living playing Father Christmas all year round, and hears about the highs and lows of life in that iconic red-and-white outfit. Meanwhile, at the invitation of listener Paul from ice cream cafe Cloud 9, the rest of the team have decamped to Brighton, where Ollie Peart considers Tim Peake's Christmas in space, and Alix Fox presents us with her Christmas-wrapped selection of the year's best sex toys. Ding dong! Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Thanks to: Cloud 9, Brighton. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2015 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your first bet kickstarted a cycle of addiction that saw you flutter away over £10,000 in the bookies before your 20th birthday? Olly Mann meets Matt Zarb-Cousins to find out. Matt frankly confronts the nature of addiction, the changing face of the British high street and how a life can fall apart when the stakes are raised. Meanwhile, Ollie Peart is, like everyone else, contemplating the return of 'Serial'. Can the new season possibly compete with the first; the most successful podcast of all time? Also in The Zeitgeist this week, the Disneyfication of The BFG, the 'science' of full stops, and the ever-decreasing age of the computer hacker. And, in our weekly trip down The Foxhole, Alix Fox investigates the world of 'forniture' (that's furniture you can sleep with, folks), and assists a listener who wants to climax at the same time as his partner, with the aid of a new masturbator for men who suffer from premature ejaculation. If you've got a question of sex for Alix, you’d like to send us some feedback or buy us a beer, just head to modernmann.co.uk. Our musical pick this week is 'Europe Is Lost' by Kate Tempest, out now. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2015 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dating guru Hayley Quinn reveals her 5 principles of approaching a partner, and her thoughts on the industry of 'pick-up artists'. Olly Mann asks: in this age of Tinder, Grindr, no-strings sex and fourth-wave feminism... How do you find someone you want to be with, what do you say to them once you meet them, and where do you take them for a drink? Also this week, Ollie Peart delves into The Zeitgeist to consider Mark Zuckerberg's financial planning, Bill Murray's Netflix special, and whether you'd buy your granddad a PornHub giftcard for Christmas. And, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox brings us news of a testicular beauty pageant (really), and has advice for a listener who gets a kick out of looking at ladies' feet - especially in nylon stockings. If you've got a question of sex for Alix, you’d like to send us some feedback or buy us a beer, just head to modernmann.co.uk. Our musical pick this week is 'Sneakers' by Franky Flowers, out now on Turnstile Records. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2015 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you get work as a film extra, how much do you get paid - and how do you kill time when you have to spend all day with Britney Spears? Olly Mann meets Dr Chay Allen - an art historian who paid his way through his phD by working as an extra on shows including 24 and Downton Abbey, and films including The Dark Shadows and Skyfall, to answer these questions, and more. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - himself struck down with S.A.D - applauds a novel approach to Black Friday, loses yet more of his hard-earned cash in Bux, and gets COMPLETELY SUCKED IN by Amazon's drone PR campaign. And, down The Foxhole, our resident love guru Alix Fox has some advice for a horny young dude who is boning so frequently he's resorted to faking his own orgasms. Poor love. If you'd like to send in a question for Alix, leave us some feedback or buy us a beer, just visit modernmann.co.uk. Our song of the week is 'Let Me Hold You' by Plaitum, out 4th Dec on Wolf Tone. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedians Stuart Goldsmith and Tom Price join Olly Mann to discuss their impending fatherhood, from the impact it will have on their respective relationships, to the pitfalls of NCT classes and the lack of support society appears to offer men embarking upon their first baby. They also make some bad taste jokes. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart spends big bucks on Bux, suggests some inventive new names for David Cameron's plane, and reflects upon the death of FHM. And, down The Foxhole, our resident love guru Alix Fox showcases the work of bi-curious adventurers Skirt Club, and advises a listener who'd like his wife to stick it to him, ever so gently, but a bit more deeply. You'll never think of your bumhole in the same way again. If you'd like to send in a question for Alix, leave us some feedback or buy us a beer, just visit modernmann.co.uk. Our song of the week is 'Agape' by Bear's Den, out 10th December on Communion Records. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why put your money in a bank when you could buy a barrel of whisky?! Olly Mann meets Leo Scott-Francis, who offers private investors the opportunity to buy first-fill sherry casks. Leo gives Olly a crash-course in the market, and a taste of his own-brand of whisky, currently maturing underground in Scotland. But will Olly sign up us a client? Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers the drugs-on-demand business in which Snoop has invested his doggy dosh; spends longer than is healthy looking at GIFs of Shia LaBeouf; and reveals that, as a child, he was a contender to be CHOCOLATE SUPERSTAR the Milkybar Kid. In our weekly trip down The Foxhole, our resident love guru Alix Fox advises a couple who are struggling to keep the fizz in their long-distance relationship. It's nothing that a lubricated sleeve and a Bluetooth connection can't fix, apparently. If you'd like to send in a question for Alix, leave us some feedback or buy us a beer, just visit modernmann.co.uk. Our song of the week is 'Double Visions' by Mini Mansions, out 27th November on Fiction Records. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine playing Brixton Academy when you're still a teenager... Conor McGloin was 10 years old when he decided he wanted to be an international rock superstar. It didn't quite turn out the way he'd expected, as he reveals in this interview with Olly Mann. Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers the anti-theft protection services of Serena Williams; the man who wants to raise £33k to build a bag that looks like a scrotum; and, with grim inevitably, this year's John Lewis Christmas ad. And, in our weekly trip down the Fox Hole, Alix assists a gent who wants his partner to wee on him. Or to let him wee on her. It isn't entirely clear. It's probably off-yellow... If you'd like to send in a question for Alix Fox, leave us some feedback or buy us a beer, just visit modernmann.co.uk. Our song of the week is 'S.O.B.' by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, out now on Stax records. Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes THE perfect burger? Olly travels to San Francisco to meet Thrillist's Kevin Alexander, and sample two of the best burgers in California. Along the way, he learns how a combination of shredded lettuce, a careful choice of condiments and a fatwa on side orders can help you achieve the ultimate burger experience. In The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart considers the growing fad for beard transplants and reveals 'the science' behind why we're attracted to fireworks. And, in The Fox Hole, Alix advises a listener who's lost that loving feeling. If you'd like to send in a question for Alix Fox, leave us some feedback or buy us a beer, just visit modernmann.co.uk Our song of the week is 'So They Say' by Rukhsana Merrise - from her debut EP, September Songs Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IMAX's Andrew Cripps and Brian Bonnick, creators of the world's largest movie screens, join Olly to explore whether bigger really is better, and what they can tech us about home entertainment. In The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart talks hoverboards, autonomous Tesla cars and crocodile palms. And in the slot we are currently calling The Fox Hole (alternative ideas on a postcard to @themodernmann), our resident love guru Alix Fox teaches Olly about sex with mermaids. Our song of the week, appropriately enough, is 'Trials of a Modern Man' by Vangoffey, out November 9th on Distiller Records. If you'd like to send in a question for Alix Fox, leave us some feedback or buy us a beer, just visit modernmann.co.uk Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Robertshaw. Copyright: Olly Mann 2015. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices