The Kiel branch of the Young Socialists (Jusos) is demanding a ban on men’s podcasts, Apollo News reports. Jusos is arguing that the format spreads ‘toxic masculinity’ stereotypes and conspiracy theories, and 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!”
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.”
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.”
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.”
