The Following Through Podcast

Ep11 S1 – Social Media Uses – Part 2: Grief and Addiction

Grief and screen addiction are two areas covered in this second part of Alex and Siobhan’s discussion about social media, as they delve a little deeper into this fascinating subject. 
Warning: This episode features open discussions about death and giving CPR to a parent that some may find distressing. Although perhaps not as distressing who was actually there and administering it. 
Siobhan tells how social media has helped her deal with grief, while reluctant-sharer Alex remembers how much nonsense he has in fact shared on his blog over the years as a coping mechanism for the harsh realities of comedy. 
The discussion also covers managing screen time and gaming. Alex recalls some worrying changes to his bowel movements caused by gaming, and how Siobhan tries to manage her son’s time on games. 
Both also have a related challenge set. Will they follow through with it this time?
Finally, Sh*t or Miss is brought to you courtesy of some Kiwi ingenuity amid a morning bathroom battle with a housemate.

Ep12 S1 – Learning to Ride a Bike in Adulthood

They say you never forget how to ride a bike, but what if you get to adulthood having never learned? Siobhan is one such adult, who never learned to ride a bike as a child and had to do so when she was in her 20s.
Before they get to the cycling discussion, there are about 18 minutes of preamble chat where they discuss comedy gong shows, actual Shakespeare, and listener numbers.
Later on, Alex tells a tale about a horrible holiday in Madeira that involved a 30km mountain bike trek that he thought would be easy when he signed up. How wrong he was. The terrible trip away was capped off with Alex getting a norovirus the day before he flew home. This then leads nicely into a Sh*t or Miss story on a plane. Although perhaps “nicely” doesn’t describe it very well.
Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Ep13 S1 – Dating in your 30s and 40s – Guest: Aideen McQueen

Dating is the theme for this season finale, and the experience doesn’t get any better in your 30s and 40s. Alex and Siobhan are joined by Irish rising comedy star, Aideen McQueen. They discuss awkward dating stories, the issues with apps, sober dates, and the more philosophical aspects of this necessary evil of modern life.
Plus Siobhan sets Alex a speed-dating challenge. Will he accept? (I mean, probably).
In Sh*t or Miss, Siobhan tells a submitted story that involves a rugby night out and a bed. That surely won't get messy. 
Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Going Travelling – Ep1 S2

The podcast about poo and perseverance returns. Comedians Alex Love and Siobhan Dodd discuss travelling in this first episode of season number two.
Siobhan is back from her holiday in Hong Kong and has stories to share, with a particularly disappointing flight that involved navigating the awkwardness of plane toilets. In fact, the subject of toilets comes up a few times – unsurprisingly.
They also talk about other trips they’ve been on and countries they’ve visited, including Siobhan’s Inter-Railing trips throughout Europe, and Alex backpacking around most of New Zealand – eventually, after three separate visits.
Plus in Sh*t or Miss, when a spa date goes horribly wrong thanks to low blood pressure. To learn more about the condition visit here: Low blood pressure (hypotension) - NHS
Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

The University Episode – Ep2 S2

University is the theme of this episode, with Alex and Siobhan travelling back in time to reminisce about their student days. 
Although anyone expecting a constructive discussion about academia will be sorely disappointed, as Alex and Siobhan talk at length about undergraduate bowel movements. They also cover their experiences of campus life, moving away from home for the first time, stupid diets, and too much drinking. They do talk a bit about their courses. 
In Sh*t or Miss, we hear about what happens after a meal at a restaurant goes wrong and your housemate is in the shower when you desperately need to get in there. 
Music is by Rich Shillitoe. 

Learning Languages – Ep3 S2

Learning languages is the topic for this episode, and it certainly gets harder with age. 
Alex and Siobhan discuss their experiences of learning languages at school and later as an adult. They cover learning Spanish, German, and French, as well as how Duolingo can give you a false sense of security with your language abilities. 
Warning: This episode will feature very bad pronunciations of words and phrases in different languages. 
Siobhan also speaks about her challenges with learning British Sign Language to qualify as an interpreter, and Alex recounts learning shorthand as a trainee reporter. 
Plus in Sh*t or Miss, we hear about what happens when a French exchange experience with a family turns increasingly hostile and there is a locked door in the moment of need. 
Music is by Rich Shillitoe.