Cloudspotting (Season 7, Ep 8)

The Modern Mann

Professional dancer Raquel Meseguer had back surgery at the age of thirty, to treat chronic neuropathic pain. But it didn’t alleviate her symptoms.

In this insightful interview with Olly, she explains how this bombshell has impacted upon the daily practicalities of her life, why she doesn’t feel welcome in our ‘vertical culture’, and how well-meaning members of the public have repeatedly shamed her for committing the cardinal sin of... lying down.

If you’d like to find out more about Raquel’s quest to establish a network of public resting spaces, visit uncharteredcollective.com

In this week’s Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart ponders the emergence of trendy ‘microbrands’ on Instagram, reveals a surprising sensitivity to salt, and undertakes a challenge to test the best recipe boxes on the market. (On the list: Hello Fresh, Gousto, Mindful Chef, Born And Bred and Bakedin).

Meanwhile, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox is back on Bumble but avoiding ‘The Tinder Trance’, and ready to advise a listener keen to explore the world of tantric sex.

The Foxhole, as ever, is sponsored by our friends at MyCondom.com - visit their store to get your mitts on an astonishing range of condoms, lubes and toys; and remember to use our code ‘FOXHOLE’ to get 15% OFF.

In this week’s Lifehack, Jenni Gwiazdowski of the London Bike Kitchen offer up her Top 3 tips on keeping your bike happy - pump your tyres, clean your chain, and take your bike into the shower (really). To hear more from Jenni, check out her podcast ‘Wheel Suckers’.

Finally, our record of the week is ‘Glue’, by Toronto-based band Bernice - you can stream it online now.

If you’d like to propose a trend challenge for Ollie, a question of sex for Alix, or a guest suggestion for Olly, just head on down to the Feedback page at MODERNMANN.CO.UK. There you’ll also find links to subscribe to the show, review us on iTunes, donate ‘beer money’ or offer your services as a future sponsor. Thanks.

This week’s show is supported by Harrys. Alix Fox uses their razors on her muff. To get started shaving with Harry’s today, claim your Trial Set for £3.95. It includes a razor handle, 5-blade cartridge, foaming shave gel and travel blade cover – all delivered to your door - and is available via Harrys.com/mann

See You Next Tuesday!

Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Raquel Meseguer, Jenni Gwiazdowski, Bernice. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: 'Skies Over Cairo' by Django Django. Graphic Design: Jenny Mann Design. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2018.

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