Murphy, Holly ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1648-3574, Shepherd, Gary ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8178-1141 and Timothy, Robyn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5955-8746 (2026) Despite toxic reputation, our research shows podcasts can help men’s mental health. The Conversation.

Text (Article in The Conversation about men's podcasting) despite-toxic-reputation-our-research-shows-podcasts-can-help-mens-mental-health-280181 - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives. Download (184kB)

Abstract

Over the last decade, podcasts have become big business, with more than a fifth of UK adults listening to podcasts each week. The format particularly resonates with men, who are more likely than women to identify as podcast fans. Men are also overrepresented as podcast hosts.

In a society where the political divide between men and women is deepening, this influential form of media is shaping expectations and experiences of gender. There is a perception among some that podcasts aimed at men are hosted strictly by “alpha males” presenting anti-feminist rhetoric and rigid ideas of masculinity.

But the world of podcasts contains both traditional and shifting ideas of masculinity. Some podcasts, including pro-feminist podcasts and those focused on men’s mental health, communicate inclusive and flexible ideas of masculinity.

Item Type:	Other
Status:	Published
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF637 Counselling
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology School of Humanities
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/15102

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