You’ve may have heard the term “incel” or the name Andrew Tate, but do you know what the manosphere actually is? In part 2 of this series, Leslie talks with Dr. Leonard Sax, family physician, psychologist, and author of the updated book Boys Adrift, about two big forces competing for young men’s attention: the manosphere and immersive video games. You’ll hear how influencers reach boys online, why games are so hard to put down, how much gaming is too much, and why the “will to power” keeps some boys hooked. Dr. Sax also shares what parents can do tonight.
Whether you’re a guy trying to navigate and steer clear of the algorithm influence, a young woman trying to understand what’s happening, or a parent worried about your son, this one is for you. If you missed part 1 on pornography and AI girlfriends, start there.
The episode covers some sensitive topics.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why modern video games are so immersive, and why boys get hooked
The gaming limits Dr. Sax recommends (he doesn’t advise banning games)
Why consoles and screens don’t belong in the bedroom
What the “will to power” is and how games feed it
How to channel a boy’s drive into real-world activities with other men
Why shaming a boy’s interests backfires
What the manosphere is: men’s rights activists, pickup artists, “men going their own way,” and incels
Why Dr. Sax says disrespect toward women is rising in schools
Why boys who aren’t taught to be gentlemen go looking online
One thing parents can do tonight
Chapters:
[00:00] Content heads-up and why this is part 2
[01:44] Why video games have become so compelling
[02:46] How gaming raises a boy's status with friends
[03:06] How much gaming is too much
[04:30] Why consoles don't belong in the bedroom
[04:46] The "will to power" and why some boys get hooked
[06:12] Channeling that drive into real-world activities
[06:55] Why shaming a boy's interests backfires
[09:12] What is the manosphere?
[11:19] Why parents need to lock this down
[12:16] How far manosphere content spreads
[13:18] What happens when boys aren't taught to be gentlemen
[14:46] One thing parents can do tonight
[15:37] Where to find Boys Adrift
[16:08] Follow, share, and what's nextAbout the guest:
Dr. Leonard Sax is a board-certified family physician, psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of Why Gender Matters, Girls on the Edge, The Collapse of Parenting, and Boys Adrift. He has visited more than 500 schools worldwide and has appeared on The Today Show, CNN, PBS, Fox News, The Megan Kelly Show, BBC, and NPR’s Weekend Edition. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. The third edition of Boys Adrift is out now.
Resources mentioned:
Boys Adrift (3rd edition) 2026 by Dr. Leonard Sax
College Countdown Roadmap - A free phase-by-phase guide to getting your high school senior to college and ready for life once they’re there — from applications to move-in day.
Parent Masterclass - for parents of high school students planning to attend college or college freshman already on campus
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