“Our products were for pretty high-end, powerful people. Politicians. And also, I'll tell you what, a lot of dentists.”
When Tad Tomlinson set out to learn leatherworking, he stumbled into one of Britain's most secretive subcultures.
From handcrafted gimp masks and bespoke straitjackets to dungeon installations and novelty jockstraps, Tad spent years making luxury bondage equipment for wealthy, discerning collectors.
In this eye-opening conversation with Olly, he recalls some of his most elaborate commissions - including a coffin that transformed into a sacrificial altar; reflects on the military and medical fantasies that occasionally tested his comfort zone; and lifts the lid on a much misunderstood community…
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Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - burned by his seemingly non-cancellable ‘free pants’ subscription - investigates the world of AI-enhanced gadgetry.
Do note-taking devices like Plaud and Anker’s Soundcore Work elevate the drudgery of a morning meeting?
Can smart catflap OnlyCat help cat owners block unwanted ‘contraband’ from their homes?
And what exactly is the Rabbit R1 for? Ollie finds out…
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 tackles phimosis and adult circumcision, and advises a couple in their twenties whose bedroom activity is losing its lustre after reuniting from a long-distance relationship.
All while sucking on a bone-conducting lollipop…
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 ‘Track and Field’ by JJerome87 👇 alter-ego of Joe Newman, the former frontman of alt-J.
We can’t wait for his new album, The Canyon 🎶
Thanks for listening! Next up, our annual How To Be A Dad special - that’s on July 10th, so get your questions in now for Tom, Stu and Olly.
In the meantime, thanks for your help supporting the show with your beer money and/or reviews!
