14/8 - How To Be A Dad, Part 9

“What Santa means to people - that’s definitely real. After that: who can say?”

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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 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. 

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Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart is investigating the trend for Looksmaxing.

Stu, Olly and Tom - July 2023

‘How LooksMaxxing Can Improve Your Appearance in 30 Days’… will Ollie Peart rise to the challenge?

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 dirteaworld.com/mann

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Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox has news of not one but TWO new treatments for erectile dysfunction: topical gel Eroxon and some EMS patches from IN2 Patch. Could they provide an answer for ED sufferers who can’t or won’t take pills?

Batman (1966). Did watching this classic show inspire Chris’ smoking fetish?

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 can 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.

If you have a question of sex you’d like Alix to answer (or a trend you’d like to challenge Ollie to try), fill in the Feedback form. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

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For our record of the month, get your sitars out because Kula Shaker are BACK! Their super-Summery single ‘Waves’ is out now 👇

Love the show? Help us make it! 💰

We rely on listeners like you to fund our independent podcast and bring you these stories. DONATE HERE

… And we’ll see you again on September 10th.

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This episode is supported by BetterHelp.

Get started today and enjoy 10% off your first month of convenient and affordable therapy when you visit https://betterhelp.com/mann

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13/8 - How To Be A Dad, Part 8

“They learn from the mortar, not the bricks”

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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 installment 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.

And check out Tom and Stu’s podcasts, ‘My Mate Bought A Toaster’ and ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’, wherever you get your podcasts. 

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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

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Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox considers the kinky uses for biodegradable tattoos, and investigates the 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.

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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 👇

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!

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… and we’ll see you again on September 10th!

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12/6 - How To Be A Dad, Part 7

“Who cares about the back garden? Rewild it, and go and do some Lego”

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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. 

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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?

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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. Their Performance Package is the perfect gift for Father’s Day! Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com

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Elsewhere, in 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 Handy - a WiFi-enabled sex toy for men, designed and developed in Norway. For free express shipping, use our code ‘Foxhole' at TheHandy.com.

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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 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!

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We’ll see you again on July 10 - in the meantime, do check out our BRAND NEW, DAILY PODCAST The Retrospectors!

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11/5 - How To Be A Dad, Part 6

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‘Sometimes I am guilty of inventing games where I get to lay down’

Comedians Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith reunite with Olly 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?

Olly, Toby & Harvey

Wilfred, Edmund & Tom

Stuart & baby detritus

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.

Catch up with the previous five conversations in our ‘How To Be A Dad’ series HERE.

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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.

• Stu’s show, ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’, features in-depth interviews with the nation’s favourite stand-ups.

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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.

Thanks to John the Poacher for his help with Ollie’s foraging quest.

If YOU have a suggestion of a trend Ollie can test - whilst maintaining social distancing of course - reach out via our Feedback form.

'pasta'

chocolates

bath bombs

'toilet paper'. (Seriously).

This month’s edition of the Zeitgeist is sponsored by Blue Microphones - we used their incredible Yeti X model, yours for only £159. 

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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 our Feedback form - you can remain anonymous if you wish.

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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. 

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.

Stay safe, keep well, and we’ll see you with something new on June 1st!

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This episode is supported by Beer52. To get a free crate of eight delicious beers, a snack and a magazine, delivered straight to your door, visit Beer52.com/Modern.

9/10 - How To Be A Dad, part 5

“I’m busy putting out emotional fires. I do not have time to reflect on ANYTHING”

As their sons turn three, Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith once again join Olly 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 swap stories about potty training, faith schools, Spotify playlists, and the ‘self-deleting baby years’ that repeat on you when your second child arrives…

LISTEN NOW:

• MP3 

• Spotify 

• Apple Podcasts

• TuneIn

• Stitcher

• RSS

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 instalments of ‘How To Be A Dad’ here.

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What Ollie’s actual car looks like now.

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 out, or a question Alix should answer in Season Ten, just fill out our Feedback form.

And, whilst you’re here, 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.