Mannered Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Is there such a thing as good manners in the weight room? In this episode of Mannered, host Sean Rhoads is joined by Brian Casad, owner of Paradigm Gyms in Dallas, for a candid and entertaining conversation about gym etiquette, shared spaces, and the unwritten rules of fitness culture. From re-racking weights and wiping benches to phone scrolling, ego lifting, and “curling in the squat rack,” this episode tackles the habits that quietly shape gym culture for better or worse. Because the gym isn’t just where people build strength. It’s where character shows up between sets. Together, Sean and Brian explore: Why respect is part of every workout The difference between confidence and entitlement How small habits impact everyone’s experience What great gyms do to build positive culture Why manners matter even when no one is watching  

What happens when the law ends… but manners are still on the hook? In this episode of Mannered, host Sean Rhoads sits down with Eric Faddis, founding attorney of the Law Offices of Eric Faddis and widely known as The Mile High Lion. A former prosecutor turned nationally recognized personal injury attorney, Eric has secured millions for injured clients while building a firm rooted in innovation, integrity, and results. But this conversation goes well beyond statutes, case law, and courtroom drama. Together, Sean and Eric explore the space between what is legal and what is right. The gray areas where manners, courtesy, and personal responsibility take over once the law steps aside. From professional conduct and business ethics to everyday interactions that reveal who we really are, this episode dives into the unwritten rules that quietly govern society. Eric shares behind-the-scenes stories from his years as a prosecutor, insights into how juries read behavior as much as evidence, and why credibility, respect, and demeanor often matter just as much as facts. The discussion also touches on modern challenges like technology, social media, and how public behavior has shifted in a world that feels increasingly impatient and polarized. This episode is thoughtful, candid, occasionally funny, and ultimately grounding. A reminder that while laws set boundaries, manners define character. Whether you’re a business leader, a legal professional, or simply someone trying to navigate modern life with a little more grace, this conversation offers insight into how small choices in behavior can carry big consequences. Because in the end, manners are the guidelines we follow when no one is forcing us to.

Buying a car can be exciting… or exhausting. In this episode of Mannered, I sit down with DJ The Autobuyer to pull back the curtain on the auto buying business and the role customer service plays when big decisions and big dollars are on the line. We talk about trust, transparency, follow-through, and why manners still matter in an industry often judged by its stereotypes. Whether you’re shopping for a vehicle or serving customers in any business, this conversation proves that how you treat people is just as important as what you sell. Important Tip: Read the review on the Warranty companies- DJ recommends American Insurance Corporation as one that stands apart from most.

Most flaky people don’t mean to be rude. They’re optimistic, overcommitted, and trying to be everything to everyone. In this solo episode of Mannered, I take a hard look at flakiness—why we do it, what it quietly communicates, and the real cost of changing plans after we’ve already said yes. Along the way, I share a few personal stories of times I dropped the ball, explore why reliability is one of the most underrated forms of respect, and offer practical ways to be more dependable without becoming rigid or unavailable.

In traditional broadcast, the rules are clear, written, and enforced. In podcasting, the rules are quieter, often unwritten, and rooted in something far older than regulation: manners. In Episode 8 of Mannered, I sit down with Joe Massa, a seasoned podcast publicist with deep roots in radio, media, and marketing, to explore the invisible line between freedom and responsibility in modern audio. We talk about what broadcast taught us about structure, accountability, and trust, and how podcasting, with fewer guardrails, demands even greater intentionality. From guest respect and content boundaries to audience trust and long-term credibility, this conversation digs into how good etiquette becomes the guiding force when there’s no rulebook telling you what not to do. Because when the law steps back, manners step forward. Whether you come from radio, live entirely in the podcast world, or are just figuring out where your voice fits, this episode is a reminder that how you say something still matters as much as what you say. Listen in for a thoughtful, honest conversation about audio ethics, creative freedom, and the quiet power of doing things the right way, even when no one is forcing you to.

Artificial Intelligence is changing how we work, communicate, and make decisions, but what it can’t do on its own is decide how we should behave. In this episode of Mannered, host Sean Rhoads sits down with Lori Kirkland, Co-Founder of DeepHumanX, to explore the surprisingly human topic of AI manners and digital etiquette. With a background in neuroscience and anthropology, Lori helps leaders and organizations build AI-ready cultures where people and technology work together with intention, empathy, and purpose. In this conversation, she breaks down why AI doesn’t actually have morals of its own and why that makes human input, leadership, and manners more important than ever. Sean and Lori dig into how AI can genuinely help better serve humanity from improving work experiences to accelerating positive change, but only when it’s guided by thoughtful leadership and values-driven design. They explore what digital manners look like in the workplace, the difference between efficiency and empathy, and why the way we interact with AI often reveals more about us than it does about the technology. The future of work isn’t just about smarter tools; it’s about better humans.   

Middle School Manners Through a Gen Alpha Lens Middle school gets blamed for a lot. Awkward behavior. Big emotions. Questionable manners. But what if we’ve been misunderstanding it all along? In this episode of Mannered, I sit down with my middle-school-aged daughter for an honest, funny, and surprisingly insightful conversation about what manners look like at thirteen. We explore why today’s kids get flack for eye contact, phone use, and casual language, and where they’re actually showing more empathy, awareness, and respect than previous generations. From group chat etiquette and lunchroom politics to boundaries, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence, this episode asks a bigger question: are kids losing their manners, or are they simply practicing them differently? If you’ve ever wondered what adults forget about being in middle school, how early traits shape who we become, or how to better understand the next generation without judgment, this conversation is for you.

’Tis the season for good times and good manners. In this holiday special, Sean shares the ultimate guide to gift-giving etiquette, from meaningful presents to workplace dos and don’ts to avoiding those cringe-level awkward moments. If you want to give better, stress less, and elevate your holiday game, this episode is your cheat code.

In this episode of Mannered, host Sean Rhoads teams up with his brother-in-law and die-hard Broncos fan Ryan Clark to explore the chaotic, hilarious, and occasionally heart-warming world of sports fan etiquette. Ryan has spent 25 years in Section 334 riding the emotional rollercoaster of Denver Broncos football and surviving some of the most hostile stadiums in America, from Arrowhead to the Big Easy to Raider Nation in Las Vegas. With an engineer's brain and a superfan’s heart, Ryan breaks down the unwritten rules of fandom, the difference between passion and obnoxiousness, and the stadium behaviors that make you cheer… or cringe. From trash-talking with class to respecting rival fans, from beer spilling disasters to road-game diplomacy, this episode tackles the manners (and the madness) that make game day what it is. Whether you’re a die-hard, casual fan, or someone dragged to games for the snacks, you’ll laugh, nod along, and rethink how you cheer.

In this episode of Mannered, host Sean Rhoads sits down with comedian, actor, producer, and ad-industry creative Andy Juett to explore the hilarious, and sometimes hazardous, world where comedy meets manners. From boardrooms to comedy stages, Andy has mastered the art of laughs and business, and today he shares how he balances big laughs with good business. Sean and Andy dig into the psychology of humor, why awkward moments make the best material, and how comedians and marketers walk the tightrope between bold and “too far.” Andy opens up about reading a room, breaking tension, avoiding accidental offense, and why the funniest people are often the most observant of human nature.

In this episode of Mannered, host Sean Rhoads grabs a basket and heads down the most unpredictable aisle of them all, the grocery store. Joining him is John Rotherham, whose family has owned grocery stores for generations and who now runs Nature’s Herbs and Wellness. Together, they unpack the dos, don’ts, and downright disasters of shopping etiquette from cart corrals and checkout-line crimes to produce fumbles and those who try the five fingered discounts. John Rotherham is an expert on creating incredible customer experiences with Nature's Herbs and Wellness.

In the debut episode of Mannered, host Sean Rhoads sits down with Seth Rankin, a Performance Coaching, Consulting Specialist, and hospitality veteran who spent nearly two decades with OpenTable. Together, they dive fork-first into the wild world of dining etiquette, tipping trends, and those unforgettable “oops” moments that happen when good manners go sideways. From how much to tip (and when not to) to the art of sending food back without sending the wrong message, Seth shares insider stories from the hospitality front lines and lessons that apply far beyond the dinner table. It’s funny, insightful, and just awkward enough to make you feel right at home.