DM-Mi Podcast

Ella Whelan: Freedom, Fear and the end of Feminism

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre sits down with columnist and commentator Ella Whelan to explore some of the most contested cultural and political debates shaping modern Britain.

From her early involvement in campus free speech movements to her work with Spiked and the Academy of Ideas, Ella shares how her views were shaped through real-world debates around censorship, identity and political culture.

The conversation dives into her provocative take on modern feminism, arguing that today’s focus on safety and victimhood risks undermining women’s freedom and confidence. Ella challenges the growing “culture of fear” among young women and questions whether society has lost perspective on real versus perceived risks.

Sukh and Ella also unpack:

The rise of identity politics and its role in shaping debates around gender and trans issues
The cultural impact of social media on fear, masculinity and public discourse
The backlash against “toxic masculinity” and the emergence of figures like Andrew Tate
The reality behind recent UK abortion law debates and why the public conversation has become so polarised
Why immigration, net zero and other major issues have been difficult to discuss openly

Throughout the episode, a central theme emerges: the importance of open debate, free speech and intellectual honesty in navigating complex societal issues.

This is a candid, thought-provoking discussion that challenges assumptions across the political spectrum.

Follow Ella:


X: Ella Whelan on X

Academy of Ideas Substack: https://www.academyofideas.uk/ 

Spiked Online: https://www.spiked-online.com/author/ella-whelan/ 

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