Podcast Summary: Deconstructing the Manosphere with the MeidasTouch Brothers
The Best People with Nicolle Wallace explores the dynamics of influential and engaging individuals in today's socially and politically turbulent environment. In the episode titled "Deconstructing the Manosphere with the MeidasTouch Brothers," released on June 23, 2025, host Nicolle Wallace engages in an in-depth conversation with the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordi—who are the driving forces behind the popular podcast MeidasTouch Brothers. This episode delves into their strategies for countering the manosphere, their unique media approaches, and the importance of building a pro-democracy community.
Introduction to the Meiselas Brothers
Nicolle Wallace begins by praising the Meiselas brothers for their effective approach to media and truth-telling. She remarks,
"You have cracked the code on the best way to be faithful to our listeners, to the people in the pro-democracy movement who just want facts and substance. And I wanna understand how you did it and how you did it as brothers." [02:12]
Brett Meiselas humorously shares a personal anecdote about recent back issues, setting a relaxed tone for the conversation.
Approach to Countering the Manosphere
The discussion quickly shifts to the heart of their work: countering the manosphere—a movement often characterized by toxic masculinity and anti-democratic sentiments. The brothers emphasize their non-political background, focusing instead on helping people through truth and common sense.
Ben Meiselas explains,
"We didn't approach this from a political background. We wanted to help people. We've built this on trying to talk truth and common sense and listen and understand what people are going through." [02:45]
They highlight how mainstream issues affecting everyday lives, such as housing affordability, healthcare, and climate change, are often neglected by traditional media. Instead of aligning strictly with a political party, they aim to fight for humanity and democracy on a broader scale.
Analyzing Media Tactics and Fake Narratives
A significant portion of the episode critiques mainstream media outlets like Fox News for spreading misleading narratives. Nicolle Wallace cites a clip from Jesse Watters criticizing Chuck Schumer, illustrating the media's tactic of distracting from substantive issues by focusing on personal attacks.
Ben Meiselas comments,
"Fox has created an alternative universe world of news that looks like news to people... they use all these trappings of a news organization to do so much damage to the country every night." [08:16]
This critique underscores the brothers' commitment to authentic and transparent reporting, free from the manipulative tactics they perceive in other media outlets.
Building and Scaling a Pro-Democracy Media Network
Wallace inquires about the brothers' success and how they managed to build a substantial following. Brett Meiselas attributes their growth to a digital-first approach, leveraging platforms like YouTube to reach a wider audience.
"We have the Midas Touch YouTube channel, about 5 million subscribers, about 350 million views a month." [11:51]
They discuss the importance of promoting authentic voices and cultivating talent from the ground up. Examples include partnering with young creators like Adam Mochler and establishing specialized channels such as Legal AF, which focuses on legal insights and partnerships with pro-democracy legal groups.
The Midas Mindset: Principles and Values
When asked about the "Midas mindset," Brett Meiselas elaborates on their foundational principles:
"Listening to people fighting for democracy and leading with principles and values before leading with the political expedient thing... speaking truthfully on these issues and leading with humanity over gamified politics." [13:33]
Jordi Meiselas adds that their community engagement is crucial, emphasizing a dialogue with their audience rather than a one-sided communication.
"We're never talking at our audience, we're talking with our audience... having a conversation alongside our audience as we try to fight for these core beliefs." [15:11]
Editorial Process and Team Dynamics
Nicolle Wallace probes into their editorial workflow, revealing a structured yet informal process. Brett Meiselas explains their reliance on a full editorial team led by their editor, Ron Filipkowski, and the use of multiple communication channels like group texts for coordination.
"We have a full-fledged editorial team of about eight people... I'm on like 35 different text message threads for people versus one Slack." [44:58]
This method, while seemingly chaotic, allows for rapid and efficient content creation, ensuring their messaging remains consistent and responsive to current events.
Advice for Traditional Media
When asked for advice to traditional media outlets aiming to connect more deeply with their audiences, Ben Meiselas emphasizes understanding and respecting the audience's needs.
"Know your audience, have respect for your audience, and understand they're coming to you because they trust you." [46:45]
He advocates for building a real community that prioritizes genuine connection over competition, suggesting that a collaborative approach could strengthen pro-democracy media efforts.
Optimism and Challenges Ahead
The conversation turns to the broader political landscape and the effectiveness of pro-democracy movements. Brett Meiselas expresses optimism about the resilience of democratic values, despite challenges posed by figures like Trump and Musk.
"The opposition, the resistance to this authoritarian regime... is stronger than ever." [50:23]
However, he also voices concerns about diminishing support for essential services and the impact of misinformation on public perception, highlighting ongoing challenges they must navigate.
Personal Impact and Family Dynamics
The brothers reflect on the personal implications of their public roles. Jordi Meiselas shares that their parents are proud of their collaborative efforts and the values they uphold, reinforcing the familial bond that fuels their work.
"What was most important is that we're doing it together, as brothers, with the values and beliefs our parents instilled in us." [38:44]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Nicolle Wallace commending the Meiselas brothers for their dedication and effectiveness in creating a pro-democracy media presence. The brothers reiterate their commitment to authenticity, community-building, and sustaining democratic values in a fragmented media landscape.
Notable Quotes:
- "You have cracked the code on the best way to be faithful to our listeners..." — Nicolle Wallace [02:12]
- "Fox has created an alternative universe world of news that looks like news to people..." — Ben Meiselas [08:16]
- "Listening to people fighting for democracy and leading with principles and values..." — Brett Meiselas [13:33]
- "Know your audience, have respect for your audience..." — Ben Meiselas [46:45]
- "The opposition, the resistance to this authoritarian regime... is stronger than ever." — Brett Meiselas [50:23]
This episode provides valuable insights into how the Meiselas brothers leverage digital media to counteract negative influences like the manosphere, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community engagement, and steadfast adherence to democratic principles. Their approach serves as a compelling model for aspiring pro-democracy media creators aiming to make a meaningful impact in today's complex information ecosystem.