
To Be A Boy dives into the chaos of raising boys today — from dodgy masculinity myths to the wild world of online culture. Joeli Brearley and Elliott Rae mix humour with sharp takes on the policies, systems and social norms shaping boys’ lives. It’s real talk, big laughs, and a nudge toward a fairer future.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 52 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ParentingKids & Family | |||

Joeli and Elliott dive into the biology, psychology and sheer chaos of fatherhood with evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin. They look at the wild hormonal rewiring, brain upgrades and instinctive nurturing behaviours that kick in when men bec... more
The UK is deciding whether to ban under‑16s from social media, and we’ve got the Online Safety Minister in the hot seat but before that they chew the fat on THAT vote in parliament and who’s right in the knock ginger/knock-a-door run debate…
Elliott... more
Join this lively debate with Joeli and Elliott, as experts Sonia Livingstone and Susie Davies tackle the hot topic of social media bans for under-16s in the UK. Discover the pros and cons of digital consent age, the impact on mental health, and the r... more
Rerelease alert! First aired on 10 June 2025, this episode with our favourite feels even more relevant now that the government is flirting with the idea of booting under 16s off social media entirely. So we’re revisiting our chat with 15 year old Jos... more
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I think they are finding their voice as a new podcast, and have found episodes to improve over time. Format struggles a bit, and doesn’t always flow smoothly. Overall a worthy listen as a new mother to a boy and feel like this content is much needed. I look forward to seeing how they evolve and grow over time!
Elliott and Joeli are a great combination, I like the banter between them. But it’s the guests so far that have made this a great listen. The four-parter on Adolescence in particular is really good. Looking forward to more!
Thank you so much for creating this podcast!! I am a mum of 3 boys and I am determined to raise the next generation of happy, grounded, kind and connected boys. For the world to be a better place for all boys and girls and future adults! We need this so much! So very excited to follow this! 🔥🙏🙏🙏
I’m 1.5 episodes in and it all feels a bit Blue Peter so far. Planning to persevere because the topic is so important to me but really hoping you both go on a steep learning curve as the series progresses. Ep 1 you say the idea partly came from MeToo and basically wanting to avoid bringing up a predator. Hmmm. Ep2 you show dismay at the global DEI climbdown - policies which are literally about assuming males have ‘privilege’ and must be deprioritised. As things stand I am not convinced you’re th... more
I love the premise of this podcast and thoroughly enjoyed the first episode.
The second I struggled to engage with.
The descriptions of relationship dynamics particularly in the intro were exclusively about hetro cis couples. It felt exclusive and not really good enough for 2025
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #243 | |
Apple Podcasts | #74 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Listeners are invited to explore the complexities surrounding the upbringing of boys in today's society through engaging conversations and heartfelt discussions. Key themes include the influence of societal expectations on masculinity, the importance of male role models, and the challenges boys face, such as mental health struggles and educational disparities. Episodes often feature personal anecdotes from the hosts, supplemented by insights from various experts, providing a layered understanding of contemporary issues affecting young boys, such as the impact of media and parenting dynamics.
This podcast stands out for its candid and humorous approach to serious topics, embracing a supportive community atmosphere. It not only addresses the... more
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To Be A Boy launched a year ago and published 52 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on To Be A Boy include:
1. Sonia Livingstone
2. Susie Davies
3. Fredi Nwaka
4. Darren Harriott
5. Melissa Hogenboom
6. Marci El-Deiry
7. Keir Starmer
8. Ruth Whipman
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