9/8 - The Case Against Snow White

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.

What does the prevalence of this pantomime do to affect the lives of ordinary people with dwarfism, who aren’t performers?

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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, in the Zeitgeist, the moment has finally come: Ollie Peart presents the world premiere of ‘his’ Christmas single, ‘The Sounds of Christmas’, in support of Samuel’s Charity, reveals the full list of podcasters taking part, details the extraordinary publishing rights, and explains his strategy to crack the UK Top 40.

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 donating via PayPal, writing us a review, or buying us a beer. 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 our Feedback form.

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SAMUEL'S CHARITY

EPISODES

9/7 - The Empty Seat

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.

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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 ‘Marlow’ by Leytonstone alt-pop band Banfi:

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 Beer Money page.

Or, if you have a story you’d like to share on a future edition of the show, head on over to our Feedback form - ditto 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!

9/6 - The Face Detectives

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.

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The Modern Mann team as painted by our artist-in-residence, Danny Mooney, who has prosopagnosia — *The Modern Mann team as painted by our artist-in-residence,* *Danny Mooney, who has prosopagnosia*

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?

Finally, our record of the week comes from new girlband 303, and their track Whisper:

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 our Feedback form.

See You Next Tuesday!

9/5 - Fastest Fingers First

How do you win a game-show? Olly’s assembled a dream-team to find out: Fifteen To One grand finalist Will Howells, The 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.

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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:

See You Next Tuesday!

9/4 - What Nobody Tells You About Rape

“How many more ways do I have to restrict my life because of what this man has done to me?”

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 compelling conversation with Olly, Martha explains how these events restricted her lifestyle, affected her relationships, and made her question her own sanity…

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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.

Speaking of matters musical, you can VOTE here for previous guest TOM MEADOWS to win Live Session Drummer of the Year!

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.

Finally, 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 a future edition of the show, just reach out via our Feedback form. 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.

… Oh, and whilst you’re on our website, why not help support the production of our independent podcast? Just click here to buy us a virtual 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
My Body Back Project run clinics giving access to sexual health services for survivors.

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