
Ban the Bros? Calls Intensify to Mute Men’s Podcasts
In recent years, hatred toward men has reached unprecedented levels in certain extremist circles. The influence of various far-left movements and trends has gone so far in public discourse that some now make themselves look ridiculous by blaming men for everything, or viewing every action by men as an attack on women.
The Young Socialists (Jusos) – the youth organization of the Social Democratic Party of Germany – is demanding a ban on men’s podcasts. Jusos is arguing that the format spreads ‘toxic masculinity’ stereotypes and conspiracy theories, which pose a threat to democratic values. Their motion, set to be debated at the SPD youth organization’s state delegate conference at the end of September, is titled: “Ban men’s podcasts! – Take the microphones away from men!”

Men are often accused without justification — even when they speak about protecting families (Photo: AFP)
According to the motion, podcasts like Hoss & Hopf or the Andrew Tate brand have “developed into a dangerous phenomenon over the past two years.” Jusos Kiel argues that such programs promote “an uncritical glorification of toxic masculinity ideals and the ‘alpha mindset,’” while frequently featuring guests who spread “sexist stereotypes and discriminatory statements.” They further accuse these podcasts of presenting “pseudoscientific theories and numerous conspiracy theories” that are “trumpeted out to the world.”
Die Jusos Kiel wollen „Männerpodcasts“, weil diese toxische Männlichkeitsbilder verbreiten würden. So sollen solche Podcasts erst nach einem „Besserungskonzept“ wieder erlaubt werden und von einer weiblichen Fakten-Checkerin begleitet werden.https://t.co/DUffDXYoOG
— Apollo News (@apollo_news_de) September 17, 2025
One of the most prominent examples is Hoss & Hopf, hosted by Philip Hopf and Kiarash Hossainpour. With nearly half a million YouTube followers and strong popularity on Spotify, the podcast reaches a large young, male, and often more conservative audience through discussions on finance, politics, and masculinity. Jusos claims such content damages the “basic democratic order” and risks “teaching young people dangerous role models as desirable.” They are therefore calling for an “investigation of podcasts whose formats promote the ‘real man’ cult” – according to The European Conservative news site
The motion proposes pausing podcasts that (in Jusos’ minds) “violate the free democratic order and common sense” until they submit an improvement plan. Upon resuming, a female fact-checker must correct false claims during episodes.
Additionally, the motion calls for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the harms of ‘toxic male imagery’ in digital media and promote healthier alternatives.
The motion concludes with a sharp warning:
men who “endanger democracy and openly spread sexist propaganda” must be countered. “We can no longer allow these ‘men’ to be ‘men’.”
At the same time, Jusos, ironically, also emphasizes that “freedom of expression in Germany is and remains an important asset in our democracy.”
Men Are Now the Ones Being Oppressed
In recent years, the phenomena of #MeToo, woke ideology, political correctness, and cancel culture have all contributed to increasing stigma against men, going far beyond the original, healthy goals of women’s equality movements. In most cases, the extreme statements have made themselves appear grotesque and laughable.
A typical example is when men are accused — often unjustly — of “mansplaining.” The term refers to situations where men supposedly speak condescendingly to women, implying that women cannot understand certain topics. Some women, however, have taken these accusations too far.
For example, one Democratic congresswoman presented incorrect data on rising prices, and when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent corrected her, she accused him of mansplaining. This only made her look ridiculous — something online commentators immediately pointed out.
Damn mansplaining https://t.co/7DpB7V9OIf
— Chef Andrew Gruel (@ChefGruel) June 11, 2025
Similarly, Chilean politician Daniel Jadue was attacked when he spoke about a disciplinary case involving a female colleague — critics accused him of “trying to act like a man,” though he was merely presenting facts.
Another common, typical accusation is “toxic masculinity.” Republican Senator Josh Hawley was repeatedly accused of promoting it during the U.S. presidential campaign — including when he spoke in favor of supporting men with families.
Left-wing activists and feminists posted on X claiming that his statement was “toxic” and oppressive to women, even though Mr. Hawley simply said that society needs strong men who protect their country and care for their families.
Democrats treat men as if they don’t exist – they only believe in toxic masculinity
They don’t realize this country can’t survive without strong men – men to build our cities, defend our nation, and provide for their families. But Trump gets it, and that’s why he’s WINNING pic.twitter.com/8isHROYDAu
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) July 11, 2025
Many men have also reported, both in traditional and social media, that some women accuse them of sexism merely for complimenting their clothing or hair.
One of the most shocking cases came when
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance was accused during the election campaign of supporting an oppressive patriarchy because he spoke about protecting families, his own wife, and traditional roles.