AntiSocial

What is 'queerbaiting'? 19.05.2026 6min

Harry Styles is regularly accused of 'queerbaiting' - from his clothing to his music videos. Actors in the TV shows 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Heartstopper' have faced similar allegations. And people online are debating whether it's okay to make these sorts of claims. But what does 'queerbaiting' mean? Adam Fleming speaks to Justin Bengry, who specialises in Queer History at King's College London.

Queerbaiting 15.05.2026 53min

Harry Styles' new music video prompts allegations of queerbaiting: some say he's appropriating queer culture to sell his music; others argue it's a welcome rewriting of the rules of masculinity. We explore what queerbaiting means, where the term came from, and ask whether it's ever OK to accuse an individual of doing it. The allegation has been levelled at a range of stars, films and TV shows - we take a look at some high-profile examples. Plus, why is there such a large female audience for gay male romance?Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Annabel Deas, Simon Tulett and Ellie House Studio manager: Jack Wilfan Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy

What is Michael Jackson accused of? 12.05.2026 7min

The new biopic about Michael Jackson has come under fire for not including any of the allegations made against him, but what exactly has the singer been accused of? Rachel McGrath, a freelance culture journalist, gives Adam Fleming a timeline of the alleged victims, the cases, and the outcomes.

Michael, the movie 08.05.2026 53min

Michael - the Michael Jackson biopic - has smashed box office records, but it's also raised questions about the controversial pop star's legacy. Some see the movie as irresponsible propaganda from the singer's estate because it doesn't address the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him - allegations which he repeatedly denied. Others point to the fact that he was never found guilty in a trial, and argue that there is nothing wrong with celebrating his music anyway. We explore what's in the film, what isn't, and why, and get a reminder of the legal cases against the singer and his estate. Plus, is Michael Jackson too big to cancel? Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas, Ellie House Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy

Housing discrimination and positive action 05.05.2026 5min

An investigation by The Telegraph has revealed hundreds of adverts for "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals - sparking debates about housing, discrimination, and whether it's ever okay for minorities to get special treatment when it comes to housing. Many on social media pointed to the case of a housing association specifically for Orthodox Jews that went all the way to the Supreme Court. To explain what the case was, and how the law around it works, Adam Fleming spoke to Sarah Steinhardt, a barrister from Doughty Street Chambers.

Renting and discrimination 01.05.2026 53min

An investigation by The Telegraph reveals hundreds of adverts advertising "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals. Some say the newspaper's reports, which also uncover other apparent equality breaches, are a worrying sign of unchecked discrimination. Others question the focus on Muslims and argue that some forms of discrimination in renting are understandable, even necessary. We find out what the law says, step back in time to understand the link between property and race in the UK, and look at some housing developments specifically designed for certain groups. Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas, Ellie House and Bob Howard Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy

How much has the Church of England shaped the UK? 28.04.2026 5min

After a report suggesting a 'quiet revival' of the Christian faith in the UK was withdrawn due to faulty data, people have been debating whether this truly is a Christian country. Some point to statistics showing a steep decline in Christianity. Others say that the institutions and history of the UK have been shaped by the Church of England. To learn more about the influence of the established church, Adam Fleming speaks to Linda Woodhead, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Kings College London.

Is the UK a Christian country? 24.04.2026 53min

A report by a Christian charity, suggesting a surge in churchgoing is withdrawn due to faulty data, but some Christians in the UK still believe in the finding that there is a 'quiet revival'. Others point to recent data showing the steep decline in Christianity. We get into the story of the report and ask whether data and our institutions can tell us just how Christian the UK really is.Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Annabel Deas, Simon Tulett and Ellie House Studio manager: Andrew Mills Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy

Body positivity 21.04.2026 6min

Ultra-thin appears to be back on trend for Hollywood stars and other A-listers, some aided by weight-loss drugs. It’s led some to ask whether ‘body positivity’ is dead, but what does that term mean and how much success did the movement behind it have anyway? Adam Fleming speaks to Viren Swami, professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University.

Super skinny celebs 17.04.2026 53min

Should we call out celebrities we deem too thin, or just leave them alone? That’s the debate prompted by an apparent shift among A-list stars - mostly women - to lose weight. Some people say it’s a worrying trend, fuelled by weight loss drugs, that’s damaging women’s views of their bodies. Others say it’s none of our business what these celebs look like, and that they are the product of a culture that still prizes thinness.We hear about some of the most prominent celebs to hit the headlines recently, find out what 'body positivity' really means, and explore how some in this debate are linking body shapes to politics.Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas and Ellie House Studio manager: Andrew Mills Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Vadon

The origins of the Girl Guides 14.04.2026 6min

Girlguiding has told transgender girls they must soon leave its clubs, following a Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, but why was the Girl Guides set up just for girls? Adam Fleming speaks to Janie Hampton, who has written a book on the organisation’s history.

The Guides and single sex organisations 10.04.2026 53min

The organising body of the Girl Guides says that trans girls - biological males - will have to leave by the 6th September to conform with a ruling by the Supreme Court last year. Whatever the perceived rights and wrongs of this decision, it's another chapter in the debate about whether we need single sex groups at all, from the Brownies to the gentleman's club. We look into the history of the Girl Guides and the Scouts; hear what the law says about single sex organisations and ask whether girls really do better when boys aren't around?Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Lucy Proctor, Simon Tullet and Tom Gillett Studio manager: Andrew Mills Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Vadon

Looksmaxxing 24.02.2026 5min

There's a new beauty standard on the block but instead of lip filler and face lifts aimed at women, it's a trend targeting men. The founder of the movement is the 20-year-old influencer, Clavicular, who has been taking steroids since he was 14 years old to achieve a look he thinks is attractive. Looksmaxxers recommend pseudoscientific methods such as 'mewing' and bone smashing to create a chiseled jawline. But where did this harmful trend originate from? YouTuber, Jimmy the Giant, talks about some of the jargon associated with looksmaxxing and its links to inceldom.

Looksmaxxing 20.02.2026 53min

Peace talks for the culture wars. Adam looks at the dark art of looksmaxxing, asking what is it, where does it come from and why has it been growing online? Adam gets a glossary of the terms around this trend. He hears how social media is influencing beauty standards. And we find out about "pretty privilege."Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: John Murphy, Natasha Fernandes and Annabel Deas. Studio manager: Jack Wilfan Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy

Cultural consultants 17.02.2026 5min

The new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights has sparked controversy online after the director, Emerald Fennell, announced that she would cast a white actor to play Heathcliff. Critics have said the decision ignores references to Heathcliff as an outsider in Emily Brontë’s original text. In recent years, there’s been a growing business to tackle cultural insensitivities in film – cultural consultancy. Co-founder of Good Form cultural consultancy, Melissa Legarda, talks about the power of authenticity in film and what her role entails.

Who is Heathcliff? 13.02.2026 53min

Peace talks for the culture wars. The latest version of Wuthering Heights has come in for criticism on social media, especially about the casting of a white actor as Heathcliff. Chris Warburton and guests examine the debate about representation on the big screen.Presenter: Chris Warburton Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett, John Murphy Studio Manager: Andrew Mills Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy

The history of nostalgia 10.02.2026 6min

The year 2016 is taking over the internet with people posting ‘throwback’ photos and memories from ten years ago all over their social media. It’s prompted questions over whether 2016 was a simpler time and why people have become nostalgic for that year. Agnes Arnold-Forster, a historian at Edinburgh University and the author of Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion, talks about how nostalgia has evolved over time, from a serious medical condition in the 17th Century to a rose-tinted vision of the past.

The Nostalgia Divide 06.02.2026 53min

Peace talks for the culture wars. Nostalgia and the cringe factor. Adam Fleming explores why 2016 is big online, especially for Gen Z. Can you really be nostalgic for things you didn't really experience. With the help of others, Adam unpicks what nostalgia is and where it came from. Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett and John Murphy Studio Manager: Andrew Mills Editor: Penny Murphy

Child-free weddings 03.02.2026 5min

The French state railway company has introduced child-free carriages on some of its journeys, but transport isn’t the only area being affected by the child-free phenomenon. There’s also been a rise in weddings without children. Head of Brand at the wedding planning app, Bridebook, Zoe Burke chats through some of the stories she’s come across and the polling she’s done.

Child-free spaces 30.01.2026 53min

Should we have more child-free spaces? The French state railway company has introduced child-free carriages on some of its high-speed trains. This has caused a row online. Adam Fleming gets to the bottom of the story and asks if there is a growing demand for more child-free spaces. But is the debate simply a measure of growing intolerance - particularly of children - in society.Presenter: Adam Fleming Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Tom Gillett, John Murphy Studio manager: Andrew Mills Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman Series Editor: Penny Murphy