First Time Founders with Ed Elson – This Founder Wants to Help Men Have More Sex
Feb 2, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Angus Barge, co-founder and CEO of Mojo, an AI coach for dating and relationships, tackles the rising concerns about men's sexual health. He shares insights on the increasing rates of erectile dysfunction in young men and its roots in modern masculinity. Angus emphasizes a new approach combining AI and digital therapy to help men with their intimacy challenges. The conversation also underscores the importance of mental health in sexual well-being and advocates for a holistic understanding of relationships in today's dating landscape.
The podcast discusses the alarming trend of young men opting out of dating due to societal pressures and unrealistic expectations from pornography.
Mojo aims to address sexual wellness by focusing on psychological factors and providing resources for emotional health rather than relying solely on medication.
Deep dives
The Decline of Young Men's Sexual Activity
Young men are increasingly facing challenges with sexual activity, contributing to a sharp decline in dating and intimacy. Many young men are opting out of dating due to societal influences, online interactions, and the availability of pornography, which creates unrealistic expectations. This phenomenon is evident in statistics showing that nearly one in three men under 30 have not had sex in the past year, indicating a growing sexual disconnect. The podcast highlights that this issue isn't solely physical, as psychological elements such as performance anxiety play a significant role in these declines.
Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is becoming increasingly common among younger men, with studies indicating that 26% of men under 40 experience this condition. While medications such as Viagra provide a temporary solution, the root causes are often psychological rather than physical. A substantial portion of young men grappling with ED are actually struggling with performance anxiety rather than any organic health issue. Understanding that many of these sexual well-being challenges stem from mental health creates an opportunity for more holistic solutions beyond medications.
The Role of Loneliness and Disconnection
The growing issues surrounding intimacy and sexual dysfunction can be traced back to a significant rise in loneliness and social disconnection in modern society. As social interactions shift primarily online, the ability to form genuine connections diminishes, leaving many feeling isolated. The breaking down of community connections is increasingly linked to mental health problems, including issues related to sexual wellness. The podcast reveals that the decline in close friendships and community ties correlates with a rise in psychological sexual issues, highlighting a broader societal crisis.
Innovative Solutions with Mojo
Mojo, an app created by the co-founder following personal experiences with sexual difficulties, aims to address these issues through professional insights and community support. The app offers resources and exercises based on sex therapy techniques to help users improve their sexual well-being without solely relying on medication. The introduction of AI technology allows for enhanced interactivity and personalization, fostering a supportive environment for users to explore their challenges. By examining underlying psychological factors, Mojo encourages users to prioritize their mental and emotional health, paving the way for healthier relationships.
Ed speaks with Angus Barge, co-founder and CEO of Mojo, an AI coach for dating, sex, and relationships. They discuss some of the problems that men experience in the bedroom, why medicine doesn’t always address the root cause of sexual issues, and his advice for young men who are struggling with relationships.