What did Louis Theroux's Netflix documentary get wrong? Inside the manosphere, misogyny & mental health

To note: As the topic of the below talk is particularly high profile, we expect tickets to sell-out once widely advertised.

What you'll learn

What exactly is the manosphere?

Netflix called Louis Theroux’s documentary a “no-holds-barred” investigation into a growing ultra-masculine network. But what is the manosphere? Who gathers under its umbrella? And why does its language travel so quickly online? We’ll unpack what the documentary revealed — and ask the question: did shining a spotlight on these influencers also hand them a bigger stage?

We’ll follow the journey from dating advice, self-help and men’s-rights forums to grievance-driven online spaces with a much darker edge. Along the way, you’ll meet a new generation of influencers selling confidence, controversy and apparently simple answers — while turning the fears and hopes of young men into clicks, followers and cash.

Why does this content hook people?

What makes manosphere content so compelling to some boys and young men? Is it the promise of belonging, certainty, status — or simply finally feeling heard?

We’ll explore how shame can become a powerful engine for recruitment, identity and isolation. When rejection, humiliation and loneliness collide, why can hostile beliefs begin to feel like explanations rather than warning signs?

And what happens when online talk spills into the real world? Domestic abuse charity Refuge has described a direct connection between the manosphere and violence against women.

Red pill, black pill, incel — the labels can sound like confusing internet shorthand. You’ll learn what separates these narratives, where they overlap and why those differences matter.

Spot the signs — and know what to do next

Could manosphere content be reshaping a young person’s worldview, relationships or sense of risk? We’ll look at the clues — including the subtle ones that are easy to miss.

You’ll leave with practical, shame-sensitive ways to start conversations, challenge ideas and support safeguarding.

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The Speaker

Dr Damon Parsons

Dr Damon Parsons is a forensic psychiatrist at Broadmoor Hospital - the oldest high-security psychiatric hospital in England. Dr Parsons serves as a ward doctor and honorary research fellow. He has a longstanding academic and clinical interest in the intersection between mental health and the digital world.

Dr Parsons is the founder of CEAR (Cyberpsychiatry Education Awareness Research), an initiative dedicated to understanding how online environments shape mental illness, identity, and behaviour. His work is informed by both clinical expertise and lived experience.

He has been a vocal advocate for the development of cyber-psychiatry as a distinct sub-field. His research has addressed topics including online radicalisation, incel ideology and the impact of influencers such as Andrew Tate.

Dr Parsons has delivered talks and training sessions for a wide range of national and international bodies, including the American Psychiatric Association, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).


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The Agenda

18:30-19:30 - Arrivals & structured networking/ice-breakers

Arrive, mingle and grab drinks. You'll have more time than ever before to meet others. You'll be moving between tables in small groups discussing intriguing discussion/ice-breaker questions (optional). If you want to meet like-minded professionals you're welcome to join. This part of the event's ideal for anyone who works (or aspires to work) in psychology, neuroscience, education, healthcare or related fields. We'll also have an interactive pub psychology quiz in groups using your mobile phone.

19:30-20:30- 'TED style' talk

Learn something new. You'll get printed handouts from the Powerpoint slides. 

20:30 - 21:00 - Q and A

Question time - the chance to ask your questions about this topic and anything else you'd like to know with our expert speaker.

21:00 - 22:00 - Networking mingle

Informally meet our speaker and other likeminded people, continuing conversations, drinks, sharing knowledge and reflections. Whether you've got a personal or professional interest, anyone who wants to connect with young professionals is welcome to join! This is a great way to expand your social and professional network. 


The Venue

You'll have exclusive use of the private 'Green Room' (upstairs) at the Star of Kings pub - just a 5 minute walk from Kings Cross train/tube station. Further details about the pub can be found here.

This pub has a lovely array of craft beers, cocktails and soft drinks. The pub recently updated its menu to include a range of burgers from award-winning 'Filthy Buns'. You'll also be a short stroll from a number of restaurants around Kings Cross.

One of the few traditional pubs in Kings Cross, the Star of Kings boasts a large beer garden and classic arcade games downstairs.

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FAQs – Pub psychology events

Who attends these events?

This event is open to anyone regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Many attendees have a professional interest working or aspiring to work in mental health professions, education or related fields. You're also welcome to come along if you have a personal interest in the subject matter. This is an ideal way to expand your social and professional network. 

Will you sell tickets on the door?

No! All our tickets are sold before the event so please don't arrive on the day without a ticket as you'll be turned away. Pub psychology events are popular and tend to sell-out. Please get a ticket in advance!

I’m not sure if I’ll arrive in time after work. Should I still come?

Yes! If you have a ticket, please come whenever you can (ideally before the talk begins). For pub psychology events, most talks begin 1 hour after the scheduled start time. This gives you time to settle in, network with others and grab a drink or food. Please double check the event agenda on Ticket Tailor (the platform we use to sell tickets) as times vary depending on the event.

Will I be able to network?

Yes! You're welcome to come along if you've got a personal or professional interest and/or want to meet new people. Based on feedback, we’ve added loads of new opportunities for mingling. Many people attend alone and please do reach out if you want to be introduced to anyone or need support. For pub psychology events, we recommend arriving early for ice breakers. We’ll also have a pub psychology quiz arranged in groups and there’s always a friendly group of us who’ll stay for drinks afterwards.

Can I come just for the talk?

Absolutely! If you'd prefer to come along for just the expert 'TED style' talk (skipping the networking/mingling bits) you're more than welcome to arrive later and before the talk begins. Please keep in mind all seats are unreserved. 

Are you on social media?

Yes - we are! Join our Whatsapp group to hear about the latest events: WhatsApp Group Invite

You can also follow us on Instagram: @Conn8cting

About us

Want to learn about psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience and healthcare while meeting like-minded people in London? You're in the right place. Exclusive educational talks and mingling events for young professionals. Conn8cting 'TED style' talks are ideal for anyone with a professional or personal interest in the topics and want to meet likeminded people.

Our talks cover every topic you can think of. From the psychology of laughter, happiness, decision-making and regret to psychosis, narcissism, incels, drugs and psychopaths. You'll learn interesting stuff delivered by experts, in-person.

Learn something new, meet someone new.🧠