When Nick Coffer’s marriage fell apart, the breakup was a battlefield. Embroiled in high conflict, overwhelming stress, and crushing legal fees, he had to redefine his role as a father while struggling to maintain his cheeriness as a BBC broadcaster.

But from the chaos, Nick forged a new path: re-training as a family mediator. Determined to rescue others from his mistakes, he now shatters stalemates between hostile exes, keeping conversations constructive and focussed on the only people who matter: the divorcing couple’s children.

In this chat with Olly, Nick shares the game-changing apps that transform toxic communication; reveals how he fell into the trap of becoming a ‘McDonald’s Dad’; and explains why mediation can be useful even before you tell your kids you intend to split up… 

Nick’s mediation services can be found at wayforwardmediation.co.uk

The Family Mediators Association is at TheFMA.co.uk

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Meanwhile, in The Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart investigates the trend for sleeper trains - by taking Olly and Alix for a ride on GWR’s ‘Night Riviera’ from London Paddington to Penzance, Cornwall.

What are his top tips to ensure you get a good night’s kip? Is the rise in overnight train travel because locomotives are so good - or aeroplanes are so insufferable? And how does one store excess luggage when arriving in a place with no car? 

Ollie has the answers - though they become increasingly less intelligible after a night in the on-board bar…

The team travelled as the guests of GWR. Book tickets direct at gwr.com

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Elsewhere, down the Foxhole, Alix Fox - fresh from experiencing her first-ever dip in a geothermal pool - tackles a listener’s concerns about getting jiggy under canvas.

Can sex in tents ever be comfortable? Is it best to use fairy lights, or fumble in the dark? And what are the camping essentials you need to bring along if you intend to get off?

Armed with a packet of Fresh Wipes, and aided by author ⁠⁠Zachary Zane, Alix reveals all…

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Finally, our record of the month belongs to Will Varley - it’s his latest track, ‘Home Before The World Ends’ featuring Bastille.

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BUY US A BEER

Your support keeps this show going! So, if you can afford to, please buy us a beer

🍺💰👉https://www.modernmann.co.uk/beer

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Meet Other Mann-Fans on the Modern Mann Discord: 

🤹➡️  https://discord.gg/SKHnY6ZB72

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CONTACT US…

If you have a challenge for Ollie, a question for Alix, or some feedback for Olly; if you’d like to nominate yourself as a Mannbassador, or have a suggestion of a future interview for the show, just fill out our Feedback form:

✍️ https://www.modernmann.co.uk/feedback

… and we’ll see you on July 10th!

This episode is dedicated to former guest, and friend of the show, Dr Stuart Farrimond - who has died at the age of 43. His final book, ‘The Science of Flavor: Unlock the Secrets of Flavorful Cooking’, is available to pre-order now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Flavor-Secrets-Flavorful-Cooking/dp/0593844246

Presenter: Olly Mann. Contributors: Nick Coffer, Alix Fox, Ollie Peart, Will Varley. Producer: Matt Hill. Theme Music: ‘Skies Over Cairo’ by Django Django. Artwork: Podcast Discovery. Copyright: Olly Mann / Rethink Audio 2025

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