The Easter Lie

The Easter Lie

At some point in childhood, we all believed it… A rabbit sneaks into the house, hides eggs, and somehow delivers baskets full of candy. And we didn’t question it. Because the source was trusted. But what happens when that same source is also teaching something much bigger? In this solo episode of Mannered, Sean Rhoads explores the delicate line parents walk between imagination and honesty, using Easter as the lens. From the origins of the Easter Bunny to the deeper meaning of the resurrection, this episode looks at how traditions are passed down… and what happens when kids start connecting the dots. This isn’t about canceling fun or calling anyone out. It’s about awareness, trust, and how we guide our kids when the story changes. Because at some point… it always does.

Sorry in Forty Languages with Eric Mink

On this episode of Mannered, Sean sits down with longtime friend, world traveler, and accidental cultural diplomat Eric Mink to explore what happens when good intentions meet unfamiliar customs. Because here’s the truth… You can be a perfectly polite person at home… and still accidentally offend someone halfway across the world before the appetizers arrive. Eric has visited and or lived in over 40 countries, including an extended stretch in Singapore, and along the way he’s learned that manners aren’t universal… they’re local. What signals respect in one culture might signal confusion, awkwardness, or even disrespect in another. Together, Sean and Eric unpack the invisible rules that shape how we interact around the world: * The small gestures that carry big meaning * Learning how to say sorry in 40 languages * The things remembered are the impromptu dinners on the floor with new friends, rather than the pristine beaches. * The responsibility of representing America abroad * And yes… the story of how Eric managed to upset a Buddhist monk This episode is filled with shared experiences from Eric and Sean that should get some laughs, and fingers on the chin. But at its core, this conversation isn’t really about etiquette. It’s about awareness. It’s about curiosity. And it’s about learning how to say “I’m sorry”… even when you don’t speak the language. Because good manners aren’t about always getting it right. They’re about caring enough to notice when you didn’t.

Injury to Iron with Matt Troup

On this episode of Mannered, Sean sits down with longtime friend and personal trainer Matt Troup of Body Solutions to explore an idea we rarely think about… What if manners apply to our bodies too? Most of us try to be polite to other people. We say thank you. We hold doors. We try not to be rude. But when it comes to our own bodies? We ignore pain. We push through injuries. We chase unrealistic expectations. Or we neglect the very machine that carries us through life. Matt shares his journey from a serious personal injury to building a career helping people move, recover, and train smarter. Together, Sean and Matt talk about the strange relationship we have with our bodies, the real cost of chasing the “perfect physique,” and why wellness might be less about punishment… and more about respect. Along the way they also cover: • The surprising manners of injury recovery • Why fitness culture sometimes gets it wrong • The difference between discipline and self-abuse • And why Chuck Norris’ birthday might be the perfect day to talk about strength. This episode is part philosophy, part fitness, and part reminder that the body you live in deserves the same respect you show the world around you. Because good manners… start at home.

Mile High Mannered with Tony V

Denver. The city we grew up in… and the city we’re squinting at now. 👀🏔️ In this episode of Mannered, I sit down with Denver radio legend Tony V to talk about the Mile High identity crisis. The skyline got taller. The traffic got thicker. The houses got… mythical. But what actually changed, and what are we just romanticizing? Tony V, longtime Denver voice and self-proclaimed “Hometown Homeboy,” joins me for a real conversation about: • Denver’s population explosion • Housing prices that feel like lottery numbers • Neighborhoods that suddenly have rebrands • The culture clash between natives and newcomers • And whether we’re grieving the city… or just $180,000 houses We dig into the psychology of change, why growth feels personal, and whether it’s on longtime locals or new transplants to adapt. It’s funny, thoughtful, and occasionally therapeutic. If you’ve ever said, “Remember when Denver was…” this one’s for you. 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes of Mannered, where we explore the gap between what’s allowed and what feels considerate in the real world. 💬 Drop a comment: Is Denver better, worse, or just different? #Denver #TonyV #ManneredPodcast #Colorado #CityGrowth #DenverNatives #CultureShift

Teaching a Robot How to Be Human

What happens when you sit down with artificial intelligence… and let it ask honest questions about human behavior? In this special episode of Mannered, Sean teams up with his AI co-host, Amelia Cooperton, for an unscripted, curiosity-driven conversation about why people act the way they do. From awkward hallway dances and nervous laughter to self-doubt, praise, vulnerability, and the strange ways we protect our relationships, Amelia tries to make sense of humanity using logic and observation… while Sean does his best to explain the emotional, imperfect, beautiful chaos of real life. Along the way, they explore how awkward moments can create lifelong connections, why we downplay praise, why uncertainty makes us anxious, and why manners may be less about rules and more about empathy. There’s no script. No agenda. Just thoughtful questions, honest answers, and a lot of self-awareness. It’s part comedy, part philosophy, part therapy session… with one participant running on electricity. If you’ve ever wondered why humans do what they do, this episode is for you.