Recorded live at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Aye Write 2025 book festival

This episode digs into why so many young men are being drawn into the darker corners of the internet, and what’s actually happening inside those spaces. I sit down with journalist James Bloodworth and author Chris McQueer, whose new books approach the same world from different angles. One through investigation, the other through fiction.

We examine how loneliness, identity, class, online culture and modern masculinity collide. There are pressures pushing young men toward isolated digital communities, the narratives they find once they’re there, and the sinister influences filling the gaps left by real-life connection and purpose.

It’s a grounded, honest and unflinching look at an issue affecting families, schools and communities across the country – and what it might take to bring these young men back into the world around them.

Lost Boys by James Bloodworth

Hermit by Chris McQueer

The Anchor Inverclyde

contact: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.