In this episode, Renee West and Cherryl Martinez are joined by Dr. Emily Booth and Associate Professor Marian-Andrei Riziou who explain how the manosphere and digital fringe communities impact adolescent development. The discussion examines how algorithms exploit loneliness and anxiety, why simple fact-checking fails, and how educators can implement whole-school strategies centred on human connection and critical digital literacy.

Links

Emily Booth, Jooyoung Lee, Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, and Hany Farid: Conspiracy, misinformation, radicalisation: understanding the online pathway to indoctrination and opportunities for intervention

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/14407833241231756

In this episode, Renee West and Cherryl Martinez are joined by Dr Melissa Kang – renowned for her 23 years as the legendary Dolly Doctor and co-author of the ‘Welcome to series’ – to decode the lived realities of young people today. Drawing on decades of listening to what teenagers are too embarrassed to ask out loud, Melissa explores how shame, modern pressures, and shifting gender roles impact student wellbeing. Together, they unpack practical, evidence-based strategies for educators to move consent education beyond the traditional ‘sex talk’ and into foundational emotional literacy, building a school culture where every student feels safe, seen, and supported.

In this episode, Drew Hanger joins Cherryl Martinez and Tyler McLachlan to unpack the Adolescent Man Box research and explore how rigid masculine norms shape adolescent peer cultures. Uncover actionable insights for educators and school staff on examining our own biases, fostering hope, and engaging boys as active participants in building respectful relationships.

Links

Jesuit Social Services: The adolescent man box

The first study focusing on the attitudes towards masculinity among Australian adolescents https://jss.org.au/programs/the-adolescent-man-box/

Respectful Relationships Education: Expressions of masculinity in schools

Understanding and shaping healthy masculinity supports leaders and teachers to implement Respectful Relationships Education (RRE) effectively.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/respectful-relationships-education/promoting-rre-in-schools/school-culture-and-environment-rre/expressions-of-masculinity-in-schools-rre

In this episode, Cherryl Martinez and Tyler McLachlan sit down with Mitch Brown to explore how embracing identity, respect, and everyday kindness creates spaces where everyone belongs and feels celebrated. Discover practical insights for educators and leaders on the profound impact of modelling inclusive behaviours.

In this episode, Renee West and Cherryl Martinez are joined by Luke Bateman to challenge traditional notions of masculinity and explore how to cultivate healthy relationships. Discover how educators and leaders can foster environments where young people feel safe to explore their identities authentically.

In this episode, Holly Wainwright joins Renee West and Melissa Ferrara for a deep dive into the invisible scripts that shape childhood and adolescence. Together they discuss how interrogating rigid gender rules can help reshape how children perceive themselves and relate to one another.