EPISODE · Sep 15, 2026 · 1H 24M
Ep. 131 - Debunking the Manniverse & Fitness Against Fascism 3.0 ft. Colin Davis
from Bourbon 'n BrownTown · host SoapBoxPO
BrownTown finally takes on the manniverse through a Fitness Against Fascism lens with internet homie Colin Davis, fitness coach and Lefty content creator. Contrary to what gyms, popular workout trends, or wellness influencers may tell you, physical fitness has always been political. Over the past decade alone we've experienced political flashpoint after political flashpoint that have demanded attention from all corners of our socialized life, including and especially fitness and algorithm-driven social media.Colin and BrownTown explain plainly why fitness is inherently political, underscoring that leaving room for "neutrality", in the field that often equates physical fitness with masculinity, has made space for impressionable young men to get caught up in the the so-called "manniverse". What begins as personal training tips to make dem gainz too often becomes a co-opted tributary into vapid looksmaxxing and hustlepreneurship before finally arriving at blatant misogyny, sexism, and other forms of prejudice. The former fringe corner of the internet over a decade ago has now influenced various industries, social groups, and halls power, most notably the White House.But on the flip side, progressives, leftists, and folx who just want a better world exercise and workout too! And we don't have to succumb to the violent, racist, fascist, and patriarchal forces that too often hijack our most human activities and relationships. Colin reminds us that, "Hard things are possible if you work at them." If we are to meet this moment -- online and IRL -- we have to get serious about just how political fitness is. The Technofascists Right already did.GUESTColin Davis is fitness coach at Five Point Training who began making content as a means to showcase a compassionate and community oriented alternative to the alienating rhetoric targeted towards young men. By incorporating an empathetic mindset, and positive perspectives on strength, his messages have resonated far beyond his original expectations, with features in Wired, Fox & Friends, and beyond. With the underlying goal to create alignment and connectivity across the aisle, he continues to be driven by the belief that with the right tools, resources, and positive figures, we can transition from a generation fueled by animosity and alienation and into one of kindness, optimism and community action. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube!Mentioned in Episode:Fitness Against FascismJoe Blanchet FitnessOne Nation OverchargedWhite Supremacist Active ClubsDavid Goggins (1, 2)Louis Theroux: Into the Manniverse Netflix documentaryCaullen's deadlift competition and mental health post“Male [Loser] Epidemic” IG Post via Fatima KhadijahCocaine vs social media addiction (1, 2)Zohran Mamdani's .04% Knicks Championship speechOther Manniverse critiques:Jubilee - 1 Man vs The ManosphereHow to talk to men and boys about the Manosphere | Ben Hurst | TEDxLondonWhy 'manosphere' content is appealing to some young menThis woman dated only far-right men for a year: ‘They were so insecure’--CREDITS: Intro soundbites from Are Men OK? - Exploring The Manosphere via Late Night with Steven Colbert, The Manosphere’s Final Form Is Worse Than You Think via @Benaminute on YouTube, and The Boys Are Not Alright: How the Manosphere is Radicalising Young Men via @Afrodizjha on YouTube. Outro song All You Fascists Bound to Lose by the Resistance Revival Chorus. Audio engineered by Kiera Battles. Episode photo by unknown.--Bourbon ’n BrownTownFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | PatreonSoapBox Productions and Organizing, 501(c)3Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Site | Support
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BrownTown finally takes on the manniverse through a Fitness Against Fascism lens with internet homie Colin Davis, fitness coach and Lefty content creator. Contrary to what gyms, popular workout trends, or wellness influencers may tell you, physical fitness has always been political. Over the past decade alone we've experienced political flashpoint after political flashpoint that have demanded attention from all corners of our socialized life, including and especially fitness and algorithm-driven social media. Colin and BrownTown explain plainly why fitness is inherently political, underscoring that leaving room for "neutrality", in the field that often equates physical fitness with masculinity, has made space for impressionable young men to get caught up in the the so-called "manniverse". What begins as personal training tips to make dem gainz too often becomes a co-opted tributary into vapid looksmaxxing and hustlepreneurship before finally arriving at blatant misogyny, sexism, and other forms of prejudice. The former fringe corner of the internet over a decade ago has now influenced various industries, social groups, and halls power, most notably the White House. But on the flip side, progressives, leftists, and folx who just want a better world exercise and workout too! And we don't have to succumb to the violent, racist, fascist, and patriarchal forces that too often hijack our most human activities and relationships. Colin reminds us that, “Hard things are possible if you work at them.” If we are to meet this moment -- online and IRL -- we have to get serious about just how political fitness is. The Technofascists Right already did.
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Ep. 131 - Debunking the Manniverse & Fitness Against Fascism 3.0 ft. Colin Davis
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