Why Do I Collapse When I Laugh?

The Modern Mann

Living with narcolepsy - a rare condition that can cause you to fall asleep wherever you are, or whatever you’re doing - required Antonia Gentile to surrender her driving license, and step back from performing, cooking and even reading.

As she explains to Olly in this insightful interview, narcolepsy and cataplexy are isolating and debilitating ‘hidden disabilities’. But they can be treated, somewhat, with increased awareness and good ‘sleep hygiene’.

If you’re struggling with sleep issues, Antonia recommends sleep improvement app Sleepio, and the charity Narcolepsy UK.

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Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart - fresh from uncovering rude place names in his new podcast for the BBC - gets down and dirty in his recycling bin. Can he rise to the challenge of living a waste-free life?

After experimenting with the advice from blog Trash is for Tossers, and registering for the Too Good To Go app, the culmination of his efforts is… steaming an old T-shirt in banana skins, broad beans, and sweet potato scraps. Greta Thunberg will be DEAD impressed.

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 helps out an anonymous listener who enjoys occasional anal sex with his wife - but is now worried he’s pressured her into it...

Is it fair to ask for anal sex when your partner isn’t finding it satisfying? If it’s not traumatising or upsetting her, and she’s consenting to it, should it be abandoned because it doesn’t give her physical pleasure?

It’s all about being ‘GGG’ (Dan Savage’s mantra: ‘good, giving, and game’), advises Alix, in this fascinating conversation.

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 the new one from Hampshire trio Drug Store Romeos - it’s called Secret Plan, and it’s from their forthcoming debut album, ‘The world within our bedrooms’.

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If YOU have a challenge for Ollie, a sex question for Alix, or would like to suggest a middle-feature for the show - reach out via the Feedback form on our website, MODERNMANN.CO.UK

And remember, this podcast is only possible thanks to the generosity of listeners LIKE YOU.If you can afford to, please buy us a beer using the secure, customisable form on our website. Thanks!

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We’ll see you again on August 10.

In the meantime, DO check out Olly and Producer Matt’s BRAND NEW, DAILY PODCAST The Retrospectors: http://podfollow.com/Retrospectors

Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Antonia Gentile, Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Drug Store Romeos. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021.

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