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Shmanners

Join husband Travis McElroy and wife Teresa McElroy every Friday and they'll improve your etiquette week by week! Perplexed by thank you notes? Baffled by black tie? Dismayed by dinner parties? Worry no more, Shmanners has your answers! Tune in every Friday on MaximumFun.org!
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Now displaying: 2016
Jun 3, 2016

Hello Internet! Gather around and hear the ballad of Evander Berry Wall, The King of Dudes! First, let's talk a little about the evolution of the word "dude" and a little bit about the gender-fication of certain colors of clothes. Also, learn about the theory as to why men's clothes tend to be bland compared to what they used to be. Then we get into the story of Evander Berry Wall! Hear of his early life and how he achieved (and defended!) the title of The King of Dudes! Hear about his love of dogs and how WW1 changed his life. Bonus, we'll share some of Wall's own life and style advice! Enjoy!

May 27, 2016

Hello Internet! Listen,we know that funerals can be rough. Not only are you dealing with a loss, often times you may be unaware of what is the proper and respectful way to behave. Funeral customs vary from country to country, religion to religion and even family to family. Let's go over some of the origin of funeral etiquette. Then we'll cover some basic appropriate behavior for a funeral. We'll answer some of your questions regarding appropriate condolences, what to wear, are pictures ok and should you bring children. Join us and let's all get through this together!

May 20, 2016

Hello Internet! We are sorry this episode is so good that your brain will hurt from its goodness! This week we are talking about APOLOGIES! From cave walls to current day, what makes a great apology? We'll give you from examples from some very recognizable names (including a pretty sick burn from Eliza Hamilton) if you need help! We'll even teach you how to apologize when you aren't sorry! Also, what to do if someone doesn't forgive you! Learn what to do about that friend who NEVER apologizes! All that and even more answers to more of your questions! If you doubted this was a great episode, we forgive you!

May 13, 2016

It's a very special episode celebrating Teresa's birthday this week! Happy birthday Internet! Well, maybe not today but definitely at some point in the year! What is the proper way to celebrate your birthday? What about celebrating someone else's birthday> How old is too old for a party? What if you find yourself in a different country with different birthday customs? What about about going out to dinner for someone's birthday? All these answers, birthday history and even more of your birthday related questions! Enjoy and don't forget to share!

May 6, 2016

Might I pop you a question? Would you do me the honor of listening to this episode about engagements? Learn about engagement rings, parties, gifts and asking for the father's permission! You'll also get to hear a lot about Travis and Teresa's engagement! Enjoy and don't forget to tell a friend!

Apr 29, 2016

Step up to the table and lay down your bet! You can't win if you don't play! This week we're talking gambling, specifically casinos! Learn a little history of Monte Carlo, Las Vegas and Atlantic City! Learn about casino loyalty programs! You also will learn how to play BlackJack! You'll learn how to play Baccarat! You'll learn how to play Craps! By the time this episode ends, you'll be an honorary member of the Rat Pack! So load up the episode and let 'er ride! Enjoy and tell a friend!

Apr 22, 2016

Oh hello! Put 'er there friend! What's that? You need to learn about manners? Here, take our card! We're in the etiquette teaching business! This week is all about handshakes and business cards. How hard do you need to shake a hand? What's the deal with weird shaped business cards? When is it ok to hand out cards? What do you do when you're supposed to shake hands with someone who is ill? What if you've got sweaty palms? What about if you're visiting another country? All this and more! Enjoy and don't forget to tell a friend!

Apr 15, 2016

Welcome! Checking in? May I carry your podcast luggage to your room? This episode is all about Hotels and B&Bs! Listen as we unfold the intricacies of tipping! How to behave at Continental Breakfasts! Learn about American versus European style hotels. Speaking of, whats makes a motel a motel? Do you have to get dressed to go to the pool? Can you bring in outside food? When should you complain about noisy neighbors? Well, this is your room. **clears throat, holds out hand** Oh thank you! Enjoy and share with your friends!

Apr 8, 2016

Batter up! It's time to learn a little about America's national past time! Baseball is a fascinating and nuanced sport with some very specific fan etiquette! Learn a little about the history! What  does one wear to a baseball game? What do you do if it rains? When is it appropriate to cheer and jeer? How drunk is OK at a baseball game? What are the basic rules of baseball anyway? And what's the difference between a No-Hitter and a Perfect Game? Also, learn how to not go to a baseball game! Enjoy!

Apr 4, 2016

Hello Internet! Sorry for the delay, but Teresa was very under the weather! She spend a lot of time coughing in to a handkerchief! While I fanned the germs away with a fan! Also, there were some napkins laying around. Would you like to learn about said accessories? You do? Great! They each have their own interesting history and traditions! Learn how to flirt with a fan and what to do when someone loans you a hankie! Plus, we answer a whole bunch of your questions about them! Enjoy!

Mar 25, 2016

It's MaxFunDrive Week 2! So, we have some paperwork we need you to file. Also, can you fax these to Deborah? Sorry, I meant "Can you fax these to Deborah, PLEASE"! You see, this week's episode is all about Office Etiquette! Learn about the history of offices! Learn what to do when you have problems with a coworker! Let's all talk about microwave manners! And Travis has the solution for at work nail clipping! Now, let's begin your quarterly review! And don't forget to support the shows you love by going to maximumfun.org/donate!

Mar 22, 2016

Hello Internet! It's Week Two of the MaxFunDrive and we teamed up with Allegra Ringo from Can I Pet your Dog (another hit MaxFun podcast!) to bring you a very special episode! Learn a little dog history! Learn some dog park etiquette! Learn about leash/walking manners! Maybe even pick up a few training tips! And don't forget to support Shmanners and CIPYD in the MaxFunDrive! www.maximumfun.org/donate!

Mar 18, 2016

Happy MaxFun Drive to all! Can we give you a TIP? Tipping can be confusing! There are so many different instances that do (or don't!) require tipping! Add in to the regional specificity and it can get mind boggling! Do you tip hotel room cleaners everyday or once a trip? How much for fancy shmancy bar drinks? Do you tip people who tough your bags? Why do we have to tip any way? How did it all get started? Find out all that and MORE! Don't forget to support the shows you love by going to maximumfun.org/donate!

Mar 15, 2016

Hello Internet! Top of the morning to you! We are so excited to celebrate both Saint Patrick's Day AND Max Fun Drive! Listen and learn about St. Patrick's tradition and origins! Learn how to properly (and politely!) celebrate!

Mar 11, 2016

Hello friends! We are so glad you got our invitation and were able to attend! Please, be sure to treat yourself to the buffet and open bar! You see, this week we're talking about proper wedding attendance etiquette. How does one properly RSVP? What about giving gifts when you already have to pay for a destination wedding? How much do you have to spend on a gift any way? Dress code at a wedding can definitely be tricky too! We'll also help you out with what to do during the ceremony and reception! Be sure to take a favor home with you!

Mar 4, 2016

All aboard! We've got a full tank of gas and a long way to go before sundown! Do you have any music preferences for the radio? Windows up or down? First, let's talk a little about the history of trains and cars. Then let's talk specifics when it come to train and subway travel! You all had a ton of automobile etiquette question and we answer as many as we can! We also talk about good driving manners! If you want to ride in the front of the podcast, you better call SHOTGUN!

Feb 26, 2016

Attention travelers, we will now begin the boarding process. Please be sure to bring all questions regarding travel etiquette with you when boarding. Need to know what to do when boarding? Worried about getting seasick? Want to know some historical facts about luxury air travel? Do you know your responsibilities as the window seater? What about what to wear? Listen and learn fellow wanderer! And just remember, we're all in this together!

Feb 19, 2016

Come in, come in! Take your seat, the show is about to start! What's that? You're not sure when you're allowed to talk? You don't know what to do with your phone? You're unsure whether you should have bought flowers? Maybe this is your first time to the theatre! Maybe you aren't sure what behavior is appropriate at the movies! Don't worry, we'll cover all that and more! Don't worry, you don't have to give a standing ovation... unless you want to!

Feb 12, 2016

Come in, come in! We're so glad you could come visit the podcast! Here's a towel and feel free to eat anything in the fridge! Are you unsure how to behave as a house guest? Do you know how to properly host a house guest? Can you use the stuff in their shower? Do you have to stay in bed til everyone is awake? What do you do if you have to go to work while some one is visiting? What if you get sick of each other? What if they won't leave?! What's the deal with pineapples?!?! Well, don't worry friend, we've got you covered!

Feb 11, 2016

Hello Internet! Welcome to the first (hopefully first of many) of our holiday specials! Learn all about the history and traditions surrounding Valentine's Day!

Feb 5, 2016

Sorry to interrupt, but we thought you might like to find out a little bit about conversational etiquette! The world of small talk can be a terrifying and dangerous place! How do you even begin to talk to someone at a business conference? What  about all those swear words I keep hearing about?! Yes, with body language, eye contact and word choice to worry about, why does anyone ever talk to anyone at all?! Because you have to to get by in the world, that's why! So come with us and let's walk through the ins and out of conversation together!

Jan 29, 2016

Ah, table manners! What a mystery! Sure, we're all taught not to chew with our mouths full and stuff like that, but what is with all the forks? Who is supposed to talk to whom? How do we pass the dishes? When do we start eating? As host, what are my responsibilities? Is there a right way to get a waiter's attention? Perhaps most important: ELBOWS ON THE TABLE?! All this along with the history of table manners, place setting basics and how table manners might just make you healthier! If you enjoy the episode, be sure to pass it on!

Jan 26, 2016

Thank you so much for joining us for our first episode! This one is all about Thank You Notes! Are they out dated? When should you write one? What do they need to say? Teresa is going to answer all your questions (and more!) while Travis finds ways to make gratitude beneficial for YOU! We'll also share the history of thank you notes as well as some historical examples! Consider this episode our present to you! Want to say "Thank You"? Just share us with a friend!

Jan 14, 2016

Join husband Travis McElroy and wife Teresa McElroy every Friday and they'll improve your etiquette week by week! Perplexed by thank you notes? Baffled by black tie? Dismayed by dinner parties? Worry no more, Shmanners has your answers! Coming soon every Friday on MaximumFun.org!

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