

A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein
Matt Bernstein
For years, Matt’s been unpacking the events, people, and culture wars shaping the world around us. On A Bit Fruity, we take deeper dives into those issues — joined by celebrities, experts, and journalists who help us laugh and learn along the way.Follow Matt: https://www.instagram.com/mattxivSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattBernstein1
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2025 • 56min
The Trans Teen Imprisoned for Refusing to Join the IDF
In this engaging discussion, Yona Roseman, a 19-year-old Israeli transgender woman, shares her powerful story of refusing to serve in the IDF due to the ongoing plight of Palestinians. Yona speaks candidly about the brutal experiences faced by LGBTQ individuals in Israel, especially the dangers posed to queer Palestinians. She reflects on her emotional journey as she anticipates imprisonment and the complexities of growing up with conflicting identities in a militarized society. Yona's activism and resilience shine through as she emphasizes the importance of community and conscience.

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 32min
Jojo Siwa: The Internet’s Court Jester
Kat Tenbarge, a journalist specializing in complex public images of influencers, joins to shed light on Jojo Siwa's tumultuous journey from child star to cultural icon. They discuss the emotional toll of reality TV and the dark side of fame, exploring how scrutiny shapes her identity. Siwa’s iconic brand, her evolution in the spotlight, and the enduring impact of childhood stardom are examined, alongside a critique of societal expectations, gender norms, and the intersection of fame and mental health in her narrative.

13 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 2h 1min
The New York Times Thinks Gays Have Gone Too Far (with Chase Strangio)
Chase Strangio, a pioneering ACLU lawyer focused on transgender rights, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities facing the LGBTQ+ movement. He critiques a controversial New York Times essay that suggests the gay rights movement has lost its way. The conversation delves into the clash of media narratives and trans rights, personal stories of identity, and generational divides within the movement. Strangio emphasizes the ongoing need for inclusivity and the urgent challenges to healthcare and representation faced by the transgender community.

59 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 14min
Why Is Everyone Going Back Into the Closet?
In this engaging discussion, Kat Tenbarge, a journalist at Spitfire News focused on LGBTQ+ issues, explores the unsettling trend of people returning to the closet. She dives into the complex relationship between online fame and queer identity, featuring case studies like Lohanthony. The conversation reveals the nuanced implications of conversion therapy, both historical and modern. It examines societal pressures, the impact of pop culture, and the critical need for empathy and acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community.

45 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 11min
Never Apologize to Fascists (with Contrapoints)
Join Natalie Wynn, aka Contrapoints, a renowned YouTuber and political commentator, as she discusses the intense backlash against Simone Biles amid the debate on transgender athletes. They dive into the anatomy of moral panic, examining how online harassment campaigns shape public discourse. The conversation critiques the manipulation of outrage surrounding trans rights and challenges the narrative pitting feminism against gender identity. Wynn emphasizes the importance of nuanced discussions and the danger of misinformation in today's media landscape.

27 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Antisemitism Panic (with Matt Lieb)
Matt Lieb, a comedian and host of "Bad Hasbara," dives deep into the complexities of antisemitism and its political implications. He discusses how phrases like 'Free Palestine' can stir controversy while examining the online dynamics that exploit Jewish fear. The conversation unpacks Project Esther, a contentious initiative linking Christian Zionism with political agendas, and explores the challenges in advocating for Palestinian rights without facing accusations of antisemitism. Through humor and dialogue, Lieb emphasizes the need for solidarity in tackling these issues.

9 snips
May 16, 2025 • 48min
A Morning With Vivian Wilson, Elon’s Estranged Daughter
Vivian Jenna Wilson, Elon Musk's estranged transgender daughter, shares her journey of reclaiming her voice and identity in a culture rife with scrutiny. She candidly discusses the challenges of sudden fame, online trolls, and the pressure of public expectation. With humor, she critiques figures like Jordan Peterson and delves into the complexities of LGBTQ+ identity. Vivian emphasizes resilience through personal storytelling while humorously navigating societal narratives and the absurdities of public perception.

19 snips
May 3, 2025 • 1h 27min
The Breeders Who Want You to Have More Kids Right Now
Emma Vigeland, a commentator from The Majority Report, and Moira Donegan, an insightful voice from In Bed With the Right, dissect the alarming rise of pronatalism in America. They unveil its unsettling ties to far-right ideologies and discuss how this movement pressures women while breeding harmful narratives about family and gender roles. The conversation critiques elitist dating cultures and examines the intersection of eugenics with reproductive rights, ultimately questioning the societal implications of a pro-natalist agenda. It's a thought-provoking exploration of patriarchy and politics.

25 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 17min
“Alpha Males” Are Making Men Lonelier (with Ryan Broderick)
When fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s absurd morning routine went viral a few weeks ago, I was… moved. The hours-long skincare, gym, and journaling ritual felt like an American Psycho-inspired metrosexual fever dream — one peppered with shocking misogyny and profound loneliness. Hall’s viral moment felt like a tipping in point in “alpha male” influencer culture, or the content ecosystem of men teaching boys what it means to be men. The further down the rabbit hole I went, the weirder it got — and between scammy financial incentives and an authoritarian take on gender, I began to understand why so many of these influencers are Trump supporters, and how they’re teaching their viewers to follow suit. Most disturbing is the message that underpins almost all alpha male content: a life well-lived is one lived alone.COME SEE A BIT FRUITY LIVE! Tickets are on sale here. Listen to bonus episodes on Patreon!Thanks to today’s sponsors!Start managing your money better and cancel unwanted expenses at https://www.rocketmoney.com/fruity. Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at https://www.blueland.com/fruity.Subscribe to Ryan Broderick’s newsletter, Garbage Day.Follow Ryan on Bluesky.Me on Instagram.A Bit Fruity on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 26min
Maia Poet: The Final Boss of Detrans Grifters (with Kat Blaque)
Kat Blaque, a veteran trans YouTuber known for her insightful commentary on trans issues, explores the controversial figure Maia Poet, a detransitioner linked to anti-trans narratives. They discuss the exploitation of personal trauma for political gain and the rising trend of grifters within the trans community. The conversation critiques societal views on gender identity, the impact of transphobia, and the commodification of detransition stories. With wit and depth, they unravel the complexities of authenticity in narratives surrounding gender.