The Modern Mann

Slade. Wizzard. Wham! When it comes to Christmas songs, we know what we like, and we like what we know. But is there a magical formula to writing a festive hit? Can a novice, armed with the right chords, instruments and lyrical motifs, unlock the secret and crack the Christmas charts?  Last year, our very own Ollie Peart attempted to give it a go. This is his story. Including footage never previously broadcast, Olly Mann tracks Ollie’s journey in this feature-length documentary, as he consults music journalist Chris Lochery and songwriter Philippe-Marc Anquetil to discover the role of ‘freewriting’, the significance of writing in a major key, and the importance of ‘finding the line’. 'The Sounds Of Christmas' was released in December 2018 - but we’ve never announced its final chart position - or revealed how much money it made for charity - until now. There’s also a BRAND NEW 2019 MIX OF THE SONG for you to buy. Get it HERE: https://awal.lnk.to/vZwo1lF3 As before, Ollie’s share of the publishing rights, and e

The legendary Foxhole XXXMas Quiz is the high-voltage highlight of our 2019 festive special, as Olly, Alix and Ollie gather round the Yuletide fire with special guest JC Stewart, some VR headsets and a crate of beer.  Alix has outdone herself this year, with cheeky games involving gin and tonic lubricant, a haunted Fleshlight, and a harrowing round of ‘Squirtual Reality’. Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie reveals exactly how much money he can make pimping out his services on Fiverr, and investigates the trend for video-game coaching.  Our record of the month, performed live under the mistletoe by JC Stewart, is ‘The Wrong Ones’, out now. We’ll be back to normal service on Jan 1 (with a special bonus Xmas episode on Dec 16). Until then, a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all the Mann-fans, everywhere. This one’s for you. Presenter: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, JC Stewart. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2019. T

Can martial arts save your life? Self defence instructor Kriss Pyke says they can - not just because the moves themselves offer protection in a skirmish, but because the physical confidence you gain deters opponents in the first place.Kriss’ views and teaching style are shaped by his own experiences at the sharp end of a vicious street attack, as he recounts to Olly in this month’s middle feature. In the Zeitgeist this episode, Ollie Peart investigates the trend for insect-based pet food, and prepares Olly a three course, insect based meal. How will the pair fare tasting their way through cricket onion bhajis, grasshopper green curry and mealworm Krispie cakes? Meanwhile, in this month’s Foxhole, Alix Fox announces her new role judging an adult toy competition - and tackles a question from a bisexual student teacher about to begin work at a conservative Catholic school. Are his liberal views on LGBTQ+ lifestyles compatible with Christian scripture? Music this month comes from pop-soul band The Foreign Arm. Ha

Adrenalin, stress and composure is in the job description for a trauma surgeon. But how do doctors cope with routinely operating on patients with devastating injuries? Does it ever get easy to deliver difficult news?In this intimate conversation, Olly meets Dr. Allan Philp, chief trauma surgeon of Allegheny Health Network, Pennsylvania, and Mr Shehan Hettiaratchy, trauma lead surgeon for Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, to discuss alleviating anxiety, performing amputations - and how both men’s military background in Afghanistan has informed their work with civilian casualties. Elsewhere, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the trend for escape rooms - by designing and building his own, complete with terrifying deployment of ancient technology. Luckily, he’s roped in the services of escape room champion Sarah Dodd.  Just watch out for those party poppers... Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a couple with wildly different libidos on how to get their sex schedule back on track.

Sebastian Schub was 19 when he first experienced erectile dysfunction. But he wasn’t a big drinker. There was no clear medical cause, such as heart disease. However - like most men his age - he was an avid user of porn tube sites.Googling his symptoms, he discovered the Reddit ‘no-fap’ community, and diagnosed himself with PIED (‘porn-induced erectile dysfunction’). Spurning masturbation, he attempted to ‘reboot’ his brain… as he recounts to Olly in this frank, fascinating interview.Elsewhere this edition: Ollie Peart has been fishing, kayaking, foraging, wild-swimming, cliff-jumping, fire-building, and sleeping outside… all because Mann-fan Stefan in Coventry asked him to. Will his attempts at micro-adventuring inspire him to have a new outlook on life? Or did those poor fish die in vain?Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox meets the 'Queen of Farts', and considers how best to make a written approach to a professional dominatrix. (Offering a deposit, apparently, is a strong start.)Finally, our record of the

With zero experience of beer-making, Tommy Barnes quit his safe, corporate London job to start his own beer business. As if that weren’t precarious enough, he located it in the Loire Valley - the heart of French ‘wine country’.  In this entertaining conversation with Olly, Tommy recounts how he followed his business dreams, balanced the books and perfected his beer recipe - even in the face of en masse Gallic shrug. Tommy’s hilarious memoir, A Beer In The Loire, is out now (Muswell Press, £8.99).  Elsewhere, in this month’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart prizes open his motherboard with a cheap screwdriver. Can he reboot his broken iPhone 4S, single-handed? Can the online fix-it community come to his aid? Or will this challenge go the way of his short-lived kefir concoctions? Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox advises a couple of lady listeners with cancer diagnoses how to recover their mojo post-chemotherapy. Alix also investigates the world of ‘squirting’ records, in particular the work of ‘super soaker’ Lola Je

Private Investigator Bob Nygaard specialises in bringing psychics to justice. Fortune-tellers, who offer palm-reading for as little as ten dollars, are a common sight in New York City. But when they swindle their clients out of six-figure sums, it’s ex-NYPD officer Bob who’s on their case. In this sensational interview with Olly, Bob reveals how the criminals he pursues prey on vulnerable victims, the techniques they use to convince clever professionals to hand-over huge amounts of money, and his fight to convince complacent cops that it’s worth prosecuting and imprisoning these ingenious offenders. Elsewhere this episode, Ollie Peart - fresh from stunning crowds with a hanky at London’s Underbelly - investigates the trend for contemporary magic in The Zeitgeist. Can he convince passing punters that he’s the next Dynamo? (When those punters are elderly boardwalkers in Weymouth, and the power of selective editing is harnessed effectively, it turns out that yes, he can). Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox ad

Jen Bricker was abandoned at birth by her biological parents. Due to a genetic defect, she had been born without legs. Her adoptive family showered her with love and self-belief. Inspired by her idol, Olympic gold-medalist Dominique Moceanu, she pursued gymnastics. She competed against able-bodied entrants at the Junior Olympics. She won a state championship. But an astonishing family secret was about to rock her world… Now 31, Jen is a gifted aerialist and trampolinist, who's performed in stadiums around the world and toured with Britney Spears.  Her book, Everything Is Possible, has been translated into ten languages. --- Meanwhile, for this month’s Zeitgeist, Olly heads off to NYC with Ollie Peart to sample the trend for ube ice cream and experiment with real-time crime monitoring app, Citizen. If you’d like to see Ollie mess up a magic trick for his next challenge, come to the Best of British Podcast Awards show at The Underbelly in London on 16th June.  --- Plus, what’s the best way to get kinky when you

Ben used to be a secondary school teacher. He isn’t anymore. In a brutally honest feature interview, he tells Olly his compelling story. Trigger warnings: see end of show notes Meanwhile, in this month's Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart takes Olly - and Milo, his faithful Jack Russell/Chihuahua - for a walk round Regent’s Park, to test out the trend for dog subscription boxes Tails and Buster, and training app Dogo. Elsewhere, down The Foxhole, Alix Fox explores a world of adoption alternatives, including surrogacy, egg-freezing, womb transplants and even artificial wombs. Our Record of the Month comes from veteran east London grime MC Ghetts, and his Ivor Novello-nominated track, Black Rose ft. Kojey Radical. If YOU have a story to share on a future edition, a sex question for Alix, a challenge to set for Ollie, or a letter to be read out on the show, just visit our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK and click Feedback, and we'll be back with more on June 1st. • This episode is brought to you in association with Gazelle, the s

Tom Price and Stuart Goldsmith join Olly Mann once again to discuss the dilemmas faced by the modern Dad. How can you control a toddler who has no concept of time? Why aren’t Dads as good as Mums at making friends? When does your role as educator impinge on their imaginations? In this fifth instalment of our ‘How To Be A Dad’ series, our trio - whose sons are now three years old - swap stories about potty training, faith schools, Spotify playlists, and the ‘self-deleting baby years’ that repeat on you when your second child arrives... Want to hear more from Tom and Stu? Catch Tom hosting ‘Weekend Breakfast’ on Magic, and comedy panel show ‘The Leak’ on BBC Sounds; and subscribe to Stuart’s excellent podcast ‘The Comedian’s Comedian’ for an insight into comedy-writing and performing from some of the country’s top stand-ups. You can also catch-up with all four previous episodes of ‘How To Be A Dad’ at modernmann.co.uk/dads. Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, new homeowner Ollie Peart updates us on his car-wrapping an

It’s Christmasssss!... well, nearly: so time is running out for our charity single, ‘The Sounds of Christmas’, to crack the UK festive Top 40. In this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart reveals the surprise celebrity friends who’ve added their weight to the campaign, whilst a generous Mann-fan blows our fundraising target out of the water. Meanwhile, Olly heads to St Andrew’s Church, Islington, to meet Reverend Jessica Swift, an inner-city vicar managing a diverse congregation; some reliant on food banks, others living in million-pound homes. As she explains, for the modern-day parish clergy, the Christmas season is as much about meetings and bookkeeping as it is miseltoe and wine. Elsewhere, in our very festive Foxhole, Alix Fox welcomes Ollie and Olly to sample some Lovehoney crackers, play a round of ‘Bango’, and a memorable game of ‘What’s That Smell?’ You’ll never look at a bag of popcorn in the same way again. Finally, our Record of the Week is a certain song by Podcast All-Stars called ‘The Sounds of Christ

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’ staged across Britain. But what does the prevalence of this pantomime do to affect the lives of ordinary people with dwarfism, who aren’t performers? 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, the moment has finally come: Ollie Peart presents the world premiere of ‘his’ Christmas single, ‘Sounds of Christmas’. He reveals the full list of podcasters taking part, details the extraordinary publishing rights, and explains his strategy to crack the UK Top 40. The single comes out on Friday, in support of Samuel’s Charity - and, as soon as it’s out, we’ll post a link on Twitter @themodernmann. Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox

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. 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 d

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. 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

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

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 wide-ranging conversation with Olly, Martha explains how these events restricted her lifestyle, affected her relationships, and made her question her own sanity. It’s what nobody tells you about rape. 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. 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. And 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 the show, just visit MO

Suspended from 100 helium balloons, Tom Morgan flew 15.5 miles across South Africa, seated in a collapsible camping chair. And now he wants YOU to do it, too. Could this hare-brained scheme really be the future of adventure travel? Or is there more hope for his other concept - getting travellers to build their own biplanes out of plywood, to fly over the Pacific? In this chat with Olly, Tom explains how his serendipitous, risk-taking approach to travel begat the Mongol Rally - an event now entered by 400 teams each year - and his company The Adventurists. Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart heads off to Poole in his trusty Peugeot 206 to investigate the trend for car-wrapping, and recruits a top-class Aussie music producer in his quest to reach Christmas Number One. And, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox enjoys an entertaining evening pondering vaginismus, and advises a listener who’s concerned she climaxes too quickly during penetrative sex. Our record of the week is the perky, synthy ‘U Got Me’ from East Lond

Shouting at Prime Ministers was off-limits at BBC Westminster before Paul ‘Gobby’ Lambert. He was the Producer who cried, ‘ANY MONEY IN THE BOX, CHANCELLOR?’ at George Osborne on Budget day and got Bill Clinton to talk to the News Channel by shouting, ‘OI, BILL!’. In this interview with Olly, Paul recalls how his inspired pursuit of Cherie Blair made several front pages, bemoans the current crop of journos who’d rather seek out sources on Twitter, and reveals how the murder of Milly Dowler affected his attitude to doorstep interviews. Meanwhile, in this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart test out the trend for home-made kefir, and uncovers the golden musical formula for Christmas hit-making. Perhaps. And, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox enjoys a ‘sex jog’ of London, and offers some sensational advice to a Mannfan who wants to bring sub/dom pursuits to the bedroom - without degrading or hurting her boyfriend. Our record of the week is the evocative and haunting ‘Put The Word Out’ by Joseph J Jones, out now on Communion

Dr Stuart Farrimond was a disillusioned Junior Doctor. Night-shifts, the grim reality of hospital life and emotional exhaustion were all taking their toll - but he was in denial about what might be killing him. In this extraordinary interview with Olly, he explains how an eating disorder and an unexpected diagnosis derailed his career and his marriage - but also how, in the most desperate of circumstances, his life could still change for the better. Stuart’s latest book, The Science of Spice, is published by Dorling Kindersley. He can be found on Twitter @RealDoctorStu. If you’ve been affected by an eating disorder, Dr Stu recommends these organisations, who may be able to help: BEAT: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/- Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous: http://aba12steps.org/aba-meetings/meetings/united-kingdom/ Men Get Eating Disorders Too: mengetedstoo.co.uk Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart returns from diving into the North Sea, naked, with six hundred other people - and embarks upon his bigg

Sperm donors are anonymised in British clinics. Recipients don’t even get to see a photo of the man who will father their child. Donor-conceived kids can only discover the identity of their biological father upon reaching adulthood themselves. But Mitch Kennedy is a private donor. His sperm has been used by 23 couples - and he’s met them all. In most cases, he’s slept in their spare room during the conception. He has around 40 children. In this fascinating interview with Olly, Mitch explains the logistics of his bespoke donation process, the legalities of his paternal responsibilities, and the ‘dark cloud’ that deters him from donating to hetrosexual couples. Elsewhere, Ollie Peart weighs up the benefits of low-impact exercise in this week’s Zeitgeist, putting the trends for ‘backwards running’, trampoline parks and Bouncersise under the microscope. Meanwhile, in this week’s Foxhole, Alix Fox chooses her top sex subscription boxes from Boxx, Project Lingerie, The Pink Parcel and Lovehoney. And Ollie and Olly