“Estrangement is painful. It's very difficult. I have nobody in my life now who knew me before the age of thirty”
What would you give up to follow your heart?
Your faith? Your parents? Everyone you’ve ever known?
For Theo Howarth, raised a Jehovah’s Witness, the question wasn’t hypothetical.
It was the choice he spent his twenties trying to dodge, and the one that almost broke him.
In this remarkable conversation with Alix, Theo talks candidly about realising he was gay in a church that calls homosexuality a ‘gross sin’; staying celibate through his teens; and then landing, aged 30, in a brand new community… yet separated from his parents, for good.
Faith to Faithless supports apostates in the UK: https://www.faithtofaithless.com/
This interview includes discussion of a suicide attempt. If you’re struggling, Samaritans are there to listen, day or night, on 116 123 or at samaritans.org.
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Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart guides Olly through the ever-expanding world of non-chocolate advent calendars - from Bonne Maman jam to B&Q toolsets and gourmet cheese selections.
Does this trend show any sign of slowing down? Do the much touted ‘beauty’ calendars from the likes of Liberty and Selfridges offer true value for money?
And what are the best options for kids? With the help of Advent.Center’s Max Zeshut, Ollie has the answers… and a fistful of Comte.
For 10% off the Paxton and Whitfield calendar, use offer code MANN10 at paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk
Got a trend you’d like to challenge Ollie to test out on a future edition of the show? Fill out our Feedback form, or join our Discord.
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Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox tells Olly about ‘Doxy PEP’, the morning-after antibiotic that’s quietly changing sexual health.
Is popping pills after condomless sex a reckless move - or wise? Does one dose really count as a full course? And what’s any of it got to do with mosquitoes?
Download The Little Back Pocket Guide to DoxyPEP for FREE here: https://www.queerhealth.info/lbgt/doxypep
Thanks to https://www.thelovetank.info/
Get 20% off all toys at huxi.global with the code MANN - and remember, if what you purchase doesn't tickle your pickle for whatever reason, you can return it for a full refund within 60 days.
If you have a question of sex and relationships for Alix to answer in a future edition, head to our Feedback form - you can remain anonymous if you wish.
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Finally, our record of the month is Koysar, a new song - and a whole new vibe - from Kings Of Leon, from their new album, O My Beloved.👇
Thanks for listening! And we’ll see you for our NOTORIOUS Xmas special on December 10th 🎅
In the meantime, thanks for your help supporting the show with your beer money and/or reviews!
