Lewis Wedlock: towards a positive masculinity

In this episode of Bristol Unpacked, host Neil Maggs speaks with Lewis Wedlock, a masculinities educator and author of 'Masculinity in Schools,' about the growing influence of the manosphere—particularly figures like Andrew Tate—and its impact on young men in the UK. Wedlock reflects on the shock of seeing students give a standing ovation to a photo of Tate in a school assembly, using it as a catalyst to explore why such ideologies resonate with youth. He argues that the appeal lies not in the toxic content alone, but in the promise of clarity, structure, and personal responsibility in an uncertain world. Drawing on data from reports like the Voice of the Boys and insights from his own work, Wedlock emphasizes that young men often lack a working definition of masculinity and are navigating complex social, economic, and digital pressures. He advocates for compassion, critical thinking, and multi-directional dialogue over moral outrage, stressing that the goal is not to shame but to help young people understand where their beliefs come from and how to challenge harmful ideas without alienating them. Wedlock also discusses the systemic nature of patriarchy, its impact on both men and women, and the importance of teaching media literacy and emotional intelligence in schools. The conversation concludes with a powerful message: young people are enough just as they are, and self-acceptance is the most attractive and transformative quality of all.