Mamamia Out Loud 'Smellmaxxing' & The New Place We Apparently Stink
Nov 5, 2025
A charismatic young politician is taking social media by storm, sparking a debate on whether charisma is tied to looks or authenticity. The hosts explore dating dynamics, citing a theory that the decline of rom-coms has hindered today's dating skills. Meanwhile, the rise of 'smellmaxxing' reveals how teens now curate fragrance wardrobes, raising questions about scent culture and its impact on identity. With provocative perfume ads and the influence of Gen Z, the conversation dives into the complexities of smell in our lives.
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Charisma Wins In The Attention Economy
- Zoran Mamdani's rise shows charisma and social-media fluency can propel progressive candidates rapidly.
- Charisma now often equals watchability and authentic-seeming presence across platforms.
Watchability Trumps Policy For Attention
- Charisma is more than looks: it’s confidence, persuasion, and a compelling on-camera persona.
- In a video-first era, politicians must be watchable to earn attention even from opponents.
Charisma Is Deeply Gendered
- Charisma is gendered: men often get leeway to be jocular and conflict-ready while women face penalization.
- The hosts warn this 2025 charisma model may disadvantage women leaders.