16. ’Prime Having-a-Stepdad Years’ - The Dad Who Dulled Her Sparkle (ft. May Thompson)

What is the ideal age for your parents to get divorced?

We break new ground in this episode as we welcome May Thompson back to discuss the father figures of the first divorced dad on pod: Martin Thompson - sociology teacher and dad-of-the-sea. We explore Martin's influence on May's life and personality, from igniting her interest in comedy to leading her to become a quieter queer person who doesn't wear badges.

We also discuss the ins and outs of Martin's latest hobby: scuba diving. Dissecting the dangerous misrepresentation of snorkels in cartoons and asking: what is at the bottom of the sea? If you found Atlantis there, would you come back to dry land or stay down there with your new mermaid wife? Joe breaks into a Morrissey impression as we reflect on a now-defunct (or should I say, de-FUNKED) comedy night that was invaded by a fourteen-piece jazz-funk band fundraising for a yoga charity. Finally, May tells us about the time she touched her dad on 9/11, the time they bonded while watching the Women's Euros Final on her phone in a church, plus she tells us what she really thinks of Andy Parsons.

About our guest: May Thompson is a Cornish stand-up (Machynlleth Comedy Festival) and comedy writer (BBC Radio Wales), she was a finalist in the 'Cornish Comedian of the Year' and co-hosts the Justin Timberthon podcast, which explores everything in Justin Timberlake's oeuvre. You can find her @maycomedy on Instagram and at the Machynlleth Comedy Festival in May 2026.

Tickets to see May at Machynlleth 2026:

https://machcomedyfest.co.uk/show/2026/may-thompson-the-room-is-filled-with-people-that-love-you/

Got a dad story for us?

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Logo design: Alice Evans (@Alicewithapen)

Music by: Gino Dada