What's the deal with manners? The weird, often arbitrary rules that we abide and judge people  by? In this episode we dive into where they come from, their purpose and some of the weirdest social conventions lost in time. 

Expert guest:
Stephen Mennell is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at University College Dublin (which is the largest university in the confederal National University of Ireland). Stephen does research in Sociological Theory and Historical Sociology. His major books include All Manners of Food (1985) and The American Civilizing Process (2007). Professor Mennel is one of most influential contemporary thinkers and authors in the space of manners and conventions, his work reflecting on the works of Norbert Elias has helped further the field and reach a new audience for both Elias and himself.

Guest comedian: 
Having started performing comedy in the summer of 2016, Jamie has quickly established himself as a rising star on the comedy circuit. He has reached the finals of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? and The Musical Comedy Awards, as well as being shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award. Jamie was also the runner up at Hastings Fringe New Comedian Of The Year.
Jamie’s stand up has been described as a mix of short stories and one liners, delivered with an instant likability and an understated confidence. Covering a range of topics including veganism, his mixed race heritage and coming to terms with entering adulthood.
Coming from a musical background, he is adept at both straight stand up and musical comedy.
Jamie has appeared on the BBC Asian Network ‘Stand Up Show’ which TX'd live on radio and featured on the iPlayer and ‘Comedy Central at the Edinburgh Fringe’. He currently performs at many clubs all across the UK, including The Comedy Store and Up The Creek.