Posts tagged #theo

15/10 - Speaking In Tongues

“I followed all the rules. I did everything I was supposed to do, everything I was taught to do. I did my part… Why isn't this working?”

Sarah McCammon’s upbringing was steeped in evangelical culture—raised as a Charismatic Christian in Kansas City, Missouri, she asked God for salvation at just two years old.

Soon she was ‘street witnessing’, trying to convert strangers to her mega-church; praying at family dinners for the salvation of her atheist grandfather; and crediting Jesus for healing her stubbed toe.

As a teen, she followed the expected path: wearing a purity ring, committing to abstinence before marriage, attending a Christian university, getting married, and starting a family.

But then, she left it all behind.

In this candid conversation with Olly, Sarah—now a national political correspondent for NPR—unpacks the emotional, social, and political forces that shaped her beliefs, and ultimately led her to walk away from the evangelical world.

Offering a compelling insider’s view of life within the movement, she delves into the personal cost of leaving her faith, and explains the deep connection between white evangelicals and their unwavering support for Donald Trump.

Sarah’s book, The Exvangelicals, is out now.

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Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart takes on the challenge of preparing for the Government’s infamous ‘Life in the UK’ test.

Although already a British citizen, Ollie has been swotting up to answer a dozen real-life questions from the extensive pool of questions that aspiring citizens must study. Can he correctly respond to the required 75%?

With topics ranging from British history to culture and law—and a £50 fee per attempt—he and Olly soon realise just how tricky and unpredictable these questions can be…

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Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox fresh from a surprisingly intimate moment with the Teletubbies - considers the ethics of hiring a sex worker.

Is it ever truly possible to ensure prostitutes have not been trafficked by criminal gangs? What distinctions exist between the proposed decriminalization and legalisation of sex work? And even if women choose to enter the field due to poverty and desperation - does that necessarily mean they are victims?

With the help of sex worker-turned-author and comedian Kaytlin Bailey and the English Collective of Prostitutes, Alix gives this sticky quandary her very best shot…

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Finally, the music Making Us Happy this month… is Jason Derulo’s Make Me Happy 😊

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… and we’ll see you on November 10th 📅

15/3 - Am I Autistic?

“I’m not ‘abnormal’! There’s something I can put a name to. There was a sense of relief.”

Lexi struggled to ‘read’ faces.

She walked on her toes. She craved routine. She didn’t like her food to touch on a plate, and she was sensitive to light and sound.

But, until she was 27, she didn’t know she was autistic.

Lexi only took a test when - as a paramedic, grappling with erratic shifts and sleep disturbance - she sought help with anxiety and depression.

In this candid conversation with Olly, she considers the ‘trigger points’ for her struggles, explains her support system, and reveals how adjustments have seen her progress in her career and romantic relationships.

CONTENT WARNING: self-harm.

Find out more about autism from the National Autistic Society.

This episode is sponsored by Readly, who are offering Mann-fans an exclusive, three month trial of unlimited newspapers and magazines. Get yours at readly.com/mann

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Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the intersection of eSports and motor racing.

Can platforms like iRacing truly replicate the physics, design, and engineering of real-world cars? Why don’t they use VR headsets? And how come more people don’t know about Max Verstappen’s gaming side-hustle?

With the help of Paul Crawford, Head of eSports at Motorsport UK, and sim-racer Jonny Elliot, Ollie discovers how (relatively) affordable home simulators might produce the next Will Byron…

The Zeitgeist is sponsored by our friends at BBC Maestro. Use the code MANN to get your 40% off your favourite video course or 40% off a subscription at https://bbcmaestro.com. Let the greatest be your teacher!

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Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox fresh from visiting Dennis Severs’ house in Shoreditch - tackles a bearded listener’s question of grooming… how can he minimise friction and tickles whilst going down on his wife?

With the help of ‘Celebs Go Dating’ sexpert Dr Tara, Alix considers the options - from flavoured lubes to beard oils - and explains why a German toy, Belou, might provide a viable alternative…

If you have a question of sex you’d like Alix to answer, fill in the Feedback form. You can remain anonymous if you wish.

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Finally, for our record of the month comes from the Isle of Wight’s Lauran Hibberd, whose single ‘2nd Prettiest Girl (In The World)’ is out now 👇

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

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This episode includes paid advertisements for Who Gives A Crap? and BetterHelp.

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12/10 - Military Surplus

“The macho side of me took over. It just said, this isn’t happening.”

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Ken, Kevin and Martin are armed forces veterans.

They were discharged from the military; their comrades never discovering why.

This Remembrance Sunday, for the first time, they’ve been invited to march past the Cenotaph.

It’s a story of double lives, court payouts and military secrets - and what happened when three men told the truth.

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Until 12th January, 2000, it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF.

If they were outed, they could lose their medals, their pensions and their jobs, and sometimes serve a prison sentence. The British Government finally apologised for the policy in 2020.

Thanks to Fighting With Pride, the LGBT+ military charity, for putting us in touch.

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This episode is sponsored by Beer52, the world’s number one craft beer club. For an exclusive FREE trial case of 10 beers, a magazine and a snack, visit beer52.com/modern

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Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, expectant father Ollie Peart - fresh from packing off his precious sn oo d to the wilds of Colorado - has been investigating the trend for baby showers.

Have ‘gender reveal’ events taken over from ‘traditional’ showers?

Does anyone REALLY make nappy cakes and go nipple bobbing?

And is there a quieter, more British equivalent, please?

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.

Kevin Bazeley

Martin Diver

Ken Wright, who now runs the Phoenix Arts Club

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 takes time off from pluggi ng ‘Se x Education’ to ask: should self-pleasure ever be a guitly pleasure?

Listener ‘Worried Wanker in West Watford’ has begun secretly tossing one out in the shower each morning to satisfy his urges - while his partner’s sex drive has decreased due to anti-depression meds.

But the couple have a ‘no wanking in the house’ rule. Is this sustainable?

If YOU would like to ask Alix a question of sex - you can remain anonymous if you wish - submit it via our feedback form.

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 is ‘Moody’ from the fabulous Self E steem, whose new album drops on 22nd October. Finally, a song about mental health we can dance to! 👇