In this shorter than usual episode, I encourage you to (rather than listen to me babbling on...) go and take the time to research International Women's Day, happening this month. For a start, visit these three wonderful Instagram accounts: @whydontwediscuss @diversifyournarrative @thefemaleactivists

This week, I discuss rule breaking - why people follow rules, why some people don't, and the impact it can have when rules are broken. I give examples of COVID restriction breaches that have made the news, and also regale times when friends and I have broken rules in the past when younger... with comic results. This episode also includes a 'Betty the Hamster' update.

In this episode, as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I talk about sexual harassment and assault - from the #metoo movement, the powerful work of Michaela Coel and 'I May Destroy You', to my own experience at age 19. To add a little levity, I also play another game of 'One Degree of Taylor Swift' with you, my dear listeners.

I revisit a Facebook post from 2018, when I stated what it honestly felt like to be a single 32 year old gay man. And it didn't involve gin, a beard or an avocado salad. I use this discussion about online presence, and appearance VS reality, to also explore the way in which the male led media attacks high profile women such as Britney Spears and Meghan Markle... putting them on a pedestal to only enjoy knocking them down for entertainment.

In this episode I regale the worst Tinder dates I have ever been on... just in time for Valentine's Day! I also explore the etymology of the word 'romance' to make myself sound clever, play a game of 'One Degree of Taylor Swift' and, rather than moan about 'Love Island', discuss the problem of racialised renaming, recently highlighted by a contestant on the show. There's also a bonus segment (oooh!) called 'Mobile Shop Boy' about my first true love.

In this episode I discuss and dissect the problems caused by stereotypical presentations of the LGBT+ community in television and film, particularly in the late '90s. I also talk about the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and how to pronounce Kamala Harris' name... and challenge you to a game of One Degree of Taylor Swift. A link to my published essay, related to today's podcast, is: https://glreview.org/media-depictions-of-lgbt-people-can-harm-or-heal/

In episode 3, I discuss the relationship between body image and shame, and the potentially dangerous impact of social media and Instagram 'influencers' (awful word) upon our body confidence. There are also a few slight tangents to Henry James (why not?) and cycling in bad weather.

In this episode I explore feelings of shame, its many causes and effects upon our mental health, sharing my own experiences whilst referring to some wider reading and research... interestingly, about gazelles. I also take time to discuss illiterate supporters of Donald J Trump, and the now infamous 'Bean Dad'.

In the very first episode, I explain my reasons for starting a podcast - to discuss depression, anxiety and feelings of shame that I have experienced over many years, in an attempt to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, but also create a space for conversations around mental health in men and the LGBTQIA community. I also introduce my love for (obsession with) all things Taylor Swift.

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