A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein

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

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.

Gwen Stefani joins the discussion, diving into her journey from 90s punk rock icon to controversial conservative figure. They tackle her early feminist image and its complex evolution, touching on cultural appropriation and the Harajuku influence in her music. The conversation also critiques the commercialization of spirituality tied to her recent projects. Listeners will find insights into the shifting dynamics of celebrity personas and the societal implications of Stefani’s transformations, making for a thought-provoking exploration of her legacy.

Taylor Lorenz, a seasoned independent journalist known for her insights on politics and culture, joins to dissect the complex life of Grimes. They explore her tumultuous journey from indie favorite to controversial figure, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The conversation dives into Grimes's connection with Elon Musk, examining themes of victimhood and public perception. Lorenz also discusses the peculiar intersection of celebrity culture and technology, addressing Grimes's artistic innovation and the implications of her high-profile relationships in a digital age.

Moira Donegan, co-host of 'In Bed With The Right,' and Adrian Daub, a fellow co-host, dive into the complexities of current right-wing sexual politics. They dissect Elon Musk's controversial relationship with influencer Ashley St. Clair, questioning women's roles in a patriarchal framework. The discussion further explores evolving standards of masculinity and the contradictions within conservative values. With insights on the impact of influencer culture, they reveal the tensions between traditional expectations and modern expressions of femininity.

Taylor Lorenz, a former New York Times journalist, and Kat Tenbarge, formerly with NBC News, dive into the newfound aesthetic of young conservatism. They discuss how modern conservative fashion mirrors Reagan-era styles, appealing especially to women. The conversation highlights the rise of 'trad wives' and old money aesthetics, critiquing the performative nature of influencer culture. They also examine the Kardashians' evolving dating choices and the broader implications of cultural appropriation within today's political landscape.

In this discussion, Edward Ongweso Jr., a tech journalist, sheds light on the influential tech bro-ligarchy dominating politics today. He explores the disturbing intertwining of technology and power, highlighting how billionaires are shaping societal narratives and exploiting media platforms. The conversation dives into the controversial roots of social media giants, as well as the alarming rise of extremist ideologies among younger audiences. Edward also critiques the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy, pointing to their apocalyptic escape plans amidst environmental collapse.

Kat Tenbarge, an NBC News journalist specializing in celebrity legal battles, joins to discuss the intense scrutiny female celebrities face, particularly Blake Lively's current legal drama with Justin Baldoni. They delve into how social media amplifies misogynistic narratives, highlighting double standards and the impact of public relations in shaping perceptions. The conversation broadens to the complexities of male advocacy and the shared media narratives surrounding Lively and Amber Heard, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in our online interactions.

In this discussion, Taylor Lorenz, an independent journalist known for her insights on media and culture, addresses the shocking dissonance between public support for UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione and the media's negative portrayal. She critiques mainstream media's failures and the subsequent erosion of public trust. Taylor dives into class dynamics, revealing how privilege complicates narratives around violence. She also highlights the critical role of independent journalism in challenging stigma and advocating for working-class voices amid a billionaire-dominated landscape.

Journalists Ryan Mac and Kate Conger discuss their book on Elon Musk's tumultuous journey through social media and politics. They explore his shift from a socially liberal figure to a controversial right-wing icon, unpacking his midlife crisis and its societal costs. The conversation dives into his decision-making patterns shaped by childhood trauma and scrutinizes his relationship with his daughter, Vivian, against the backdrop of evolving gender identity issues. Insights into his surreal public persona and personal relationships add depth to the fascinating narrative.