11/7 - I Invented Friends Reunited

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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 the company for £120m.

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Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Julie recommends the programme provided by Overcoming MS

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Meanwhile, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart explores Britain’s burgeoning love affair with e-bikes.

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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 all his lycra?

If YOU have a trend you’d like to challenge Ollie to test out on the show, just fill out our Feedback form.

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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?

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

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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 in our special Spotify playlist here.

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BEER MONEY: 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 fill out our secure form here.

Wanna be a Mannbassador? Buy us a beer, or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts - and then drop us a line and tell us about yourself.

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

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Posted on June 29, 2020 and filed under Season Eleven.