Online rhetoric spreads quickly, and we're seeing young men increasingly being told that women are a distraction to be eliminated rather than voices to be heard.
In this episode, we unpack the rise of male influencers encouraging boys and men to unfollow women who post photos of their bodies so they can “lock in,” and what this reveals about objectification, control, and the idea that women are responsible for men’s focus and behaviour. The conversation then turns to sex and desire, examining different desire styles, why constant sexual wanting is treated as the ideal, and how pressure around “normal” amounts of sex can push people into intimacy they don’t actually want. We challenge the belief that 'everyone is having more sex than you', and centre the importance of consent in all relationships – by reframing the questions that matter most: is sex pleasurable, is communication working, and can everyone freely say yes or no.
Hosts: Anthony Stefanos (@anthonystefanos) & Tess Fuller (@tesssfuller)
This podcast is produced by Annabelle Kablean (@hellsbell.es), Teach Us Consent and I Want It Yesterday Studios, and supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.Want to go deeper? We've created hundreds of resources to help you get confident with consent, sex and relationships - visit teachusconsent.com.Studies referenced in this episode:
Unmasking Influence (Tomorrow Woman)
https://www.tomorrowwoman.com.au/unmasking-influence-how-the-manosphere-affects-young-women#Unmasking-Influence-Report-FormDo men need sex to feel love? A deep dive with relationship coach Megan Luscombe (KIC Pod)https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/do-men-need-sex-to-feel-love-a-deep-dive/id1457667995?i=1000734864526Is there a 'normal' amount of sex couples should be having? (ABC)https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-20/defining-a-healthy-and-fulfilling-sex-life/106100374Gen Z Aren’t Having the Sex You Think: Here’s Why (Kinsey Institute + Lovehoney)https://www.lovehoney.com/blog/gen-z-are-having-less-sex-here-is-why.html
Content note: This material contains sensitive content, and includes references to sexual harassment and assault, and other forms of violence. Please listen with care and compassion for yourself, and feel free to switch off at any point.
For a full list of support services, visit https://www.teachusconsent.com/get-support for resources such as 1800RESPECT and 13YARN, or call 000 in emergencies.
In Australia, Mental Health Care Plans are available through GPs and can provide access to subsidised sessions with mental health professionals. Reach out to your GP to discuss your options.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal and Bidegal people. The Teach Us Consent team respects and honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past and present, and their enduring connection to this land. We acknowledge that First Nations people disproportionately experience sexual violence, and we are committed to ending sexual violence.
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