Shepherd, Gary ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8178-1141, Murphy, Holly ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1648-3574 and Timothy, Robyn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5955-8746 (2026) Aural Intimacy as Feminist Counter-Space: Subverting the Manosphere Through Men’s Mental Health Podcasting. Women's Studies in Communication.

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Abstract

This study utilises reflexive thematic analysis and feminist communication frameworks to examine how men's mental health podcasting serves as a 'feminist counter-space' (Hooks, 1984) for the renegotiation of contested masculinities. By analysing episodes from a UK-based charity podcast, the research identifies three themes: Encouraging a Culture of Inclusivity, Positive Masculinity and Discursive Accountability, and Grappling with Masculinity and the Gender Binary. The findings reveal that the podcast's aural intimacy and 'emotional role modelling' (Wilson et al., 2022) allow participants to subvert the patriarchal bargain by promoting individual accountability and vulnerability, thereby reducing the 'emotional outsourcing' historically imposed upon women (Hochschild, 1983). Proceeding from the premise that scholarship involving men must actively interrogate patriarchy to foster gender justice and equality (Pini & Pease, 2013), the research argues that long-form podcasting offers a vital site for feminist praxis, providing a discursive blueprint for an 'emotionally self-sustaining' masculinity that effectively dismantles patriarchal communicative norms. While these digital spaces offer significant potential, the study cautions that inclusive masculine projects require continued intersectional vigilance and a commitment to radical transparency to remain effective within contemporary society.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1080/07491409.2026.2690647
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF637 Counselling
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology
Institutes:	Institute for Social Justice
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/14749

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