The Countdown

Medically assisted dying is legal in Canada, where over 10,000 people end their lives through euthanasia each year, and over 80% of applications are approved. Robin Farr, from Calgary, watched as her Dad, Mike, developed a rare lung disease that limited his breathing, massively impacting his quality of life. Then he decided to make use of the MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) laws. In this honest, unsparing conversation with Olly, Robin explains how it felt to manage the last couple of days of her father’s life - and reveals the flaws in the system that left her and her family unsupported in a time of anticipatory grief.. CONTENT WARNING: detailed discussion of assisted dying and euthanasia. Robin volunteers with Canadian support groups Bridge4You and Bridgec14, and recommends the resources at dyingwithdignity.ca and the Swiss organisations Pegasos and Dignitas. ____________________ Meanwhile, in the Zeitgeist, Ollie Peart sees if he can be the one to break the socks-and-sandals taboo… and tries his hand at becoming a mystic. Is there any scientific basis to astrology? Has technology transformed horoscope delivery? And how did the Covid pandemic inspire millennials to turn to this ancient ‘entertainment’?  With the help of veteran astrologer Sally Kirkman, Ollie attempts to find out - and, based on Olly’s date, place and time of birth - delivers our host an unforgettable reading… The Zeitgeist is sponsored by Manscaped, who are now offering their Ultra Smooth Package for sale in Europe. Get 20% Off + Free Shipping, with the code ‘Mann’ at Manscaped.com _____________________ Elsewhere, in the Foxhole, Alix Fox ascends Bear Mountain (not a euphemism), and assists a listener who thinks he might have contracted Strep B from giving his partner oral sex. Can this really be possible? What’s the difference between Strep A and Strep B? And how should he brave the conversation with his other half? Alix, as always has the answers… If YOU have a relationships question for Alix, or a trends challenge for Ollie, please submit it via the Feedback form on our website, modernmann.co.uk/feedback. You can remain anonymous if you wish. _____________________ Finally, our record of the month is the fist-pumping fun of ‘How Will I Know?’ from British four-piece The Amazons: the lead track from their new album, ‘How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me’, out now.  Discover our Spotify playlist - featuring every song we’ve ever selected for the podcast - at modernmann.co.uk/music _____________________ This episode is sponsored by: • Stitch Fix, the personal styling site that sends you great clothes to try on at home. Get started today and get 20% off when you keep all five items at at StitchFix.co.uk/mann • Beer52, the UK's No. 1 Craft Beer Club. For a FREE case of their delicious beer, visit beer52.com/modern and just pay for the postage - and they’ll chuck in TWO EXTRA BEERS just for you! • LISTENERS LIKE YOU. If you can afford to buy us a beer each month to say thank you for making you a free 1hr+ magazine show each month - please do. We rely on your support: modernmann.co.uk/beer ———————————— … And we’ll see you again on October 10th! Host: Olly Mann. Producer: Matt Hill. Contributors: Ollie Peart, Alix Fox, Robin Farr, The Amazons. Theme Music: Django Django. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2022 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices