Steven Bartlett’s hugely popular podcast, Diary Of A CEO, is once again dominating online conversations—but this time, not for its inspirational soundbites or big-name guests.
Instead, a resurfaced episode has ignited backlash after comments were made about how society should respond to the growing issue of male loneliness and so-called “incel” culture.
From Business Wisdom to Cultural Flashpoints
Launched back in 2017, Diary Of A CEO quickly evolved from a business-focused podcast into a sprawling platform where entrepreneurs, academics, psychologists, and celebrities unpack life, success, trauma, and ambition.
With millions tuning in daily, Steven, now 33, has built one of the most influential long-form podcasts in the UK.
That reach, however, has become part of the problem critics now point to.
The Comments That Triggered the Backlash
During a conversation with psychologist Dr Alok Kanojia, Steven raised questions about the future of involuntary celibate men—often referred to as incels—within the wider discussion on male loneliness.
He suggested that men unable to find partners could become increasingly isolated and resentful, clustering in online spaces that amplify anger.
Steven then posed a controversial question: should society “intervene” by creating systems that help these men meet partners?
The remark quickly went viral, with many listeners interpreting it as implying women should somehow be paired with men for the sake of social stability—an idea critics found troubling and dangerous.
Accusations of a Bigger Pattern
For some observers, this wasn’t a one-off slip but part of a wider trend they believe has been unfolding on the podcast.
Critics argue that Steven’s show has drifted away from balanced conversations and toward narratives that subtly blame women or modern feminism for men’s struggles.
These concerns gained traction when content creator Shabaz Ali weighed in with a sharply critical take that resonated widely online.
Shabaz Ali Calls Out What He Sees as a Shift
Shabaz, who has steadily built a following for his commentary on culture and gender debates, joked that the podcast might as well be renamed “Therapy for Men, sponsored by Women Ruin Society.” Beneath the humour, though, his criticism was serious.
He reflected on how the podcast once felt focused on healing, growth, and responsible success, but now, in his view, seems to repeatedly platform ideas that frame women as the root of men’s problems.
“Soft Delivery Doesn’t Make It Harmless”
Shabaz stressed that men’s loneliness and mental health struggles are real and deserve attention. His concern, however, was about how certain ideas are presented.
According to him, giving “manosphere” arguments a calm, therapeutic setting—with little challenge—can make extreme or unproven claims feel credible.
He pointed to episodes where guests link falling birth rates or dating struggles to feminism, often without being pressed for evidence or challenged on their assumptions.
That, he argued, is why some critics describe the podcast as a “Trojan horse”—not loud or aggressive, but quietly influential.
Claims of Bias and Lack of Challenge
Continuing his critique, Shabaz said the issue isn’t guests having opinions, but the absence of rigorous questioning.
He argued that repeatedly hosting similar viewpoints without pushback reinforces a single narrative, which he believes ultimately harms women and distorts public debate.
In his view, the podcast presents itself as neutral while subtly steering listeners in one direction.
The Podcast Responds to the Criticism
A spokesperson for Diary Of A CEO pushed back strongly against these accusations.
They emphasised that the show is designed as a long-form, open conversation where guests share their own experiences and beliefs.
According to the statement, inviting someone onto the podcast does not equal endorsement, and expecting a host to be responsible for every claim made misunderstands the format entirely.
Rejecting the “Manosphere” Label
Addressing suggestions that the podcast aligns with right-wing or manosphere ideology, the spokesperson highlighted the diversity of past and recent guests.
They pointed to figures such as Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Zohran Mamdani as evidence that the show spans a broad political and cultural spectrum.
They added that the podcast’s full archive is publicly available and, in their view, disproves claims of ideological bias.
Celebrities Weigh In—and Take Sides
Shabaz’s video critique struck a chord with several high-profile figures.
Dancer Oti Mabuse admitted she had once loved the podcast but now finds it disappointing.
Vicky Pattison praised Shabaz’s analysis as insightful and powerful, while Ulrika Jonsson echoed the sentiment with a simple “Amen.”
Others, including Ferne McCann, Sara Cox, and The Traitors star Charlotte Chilton, also showed support through comments and emojis.
Greg James Delivers a Scathing Take
BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James went further, accusing the podcast of drifting toward what he described as “dangerous” territory for some time.
He highlighted past episodes where unchallenged claims suggested autism could be reversed through diet or that Covid was an engineered weapon.
His sarcasm-laced response only added fuel to the ongoing debate.
A History of Health Controversies
This latest row follows earlier criticism aimed at Diary Of A CEO for promoting questionable health information.
In 2024, medical experts condemned episodes where guests claimed cancer could be treated through keto diets or suggested Covid vaccines were harmful to society.
Health professionals argued that such claims, left largely unchallenged, risked undermining trust in evidence-based medicine.
BBC Investigation Raises Further Concerns
A BBC World Service investigation later examined 23 health-related episodes of the podcast and found that 15 contained multiple claims that contradicted established scientific evidence.
On average, each of those episodes included around 14 potentially harmful statements, many of which faced little to no scrutiny during the interviews.
Spotlight on Controversial Guests and Claims
The podcast’s guest list has included figures whose statements have raised eyebrows.
These range from disputed claims about intermittent fasting and metabolism, to bold assertions about predicting death dates, reversing ageing, fertility myths, and debunked ideas about diet and disease.
Critics argue that the common thread isn’t hosting unconventional thinkers—but failing to challenge them robustly.
A Stark Contrast With Steven’s Personal Happiness
While professional criticism continues to mount, Steven’s personal life appears to be on a high.
He recently got engaged to Melanie Lopes after proposing during a Christmas holiday in Morocco, surrounded by her family.
Sharing the moment on Instagram, Steven described his nerves, the effort he went to plan the surprise, and how his views on marriage changed after meeting Melanie.
From Dropout to Media Powerhouse
Steven’s journey—from dropping out of university at 18, falling out with his parents, and building The Social Chain into a £300 million business—has long been part of his appeal.
His media company, Steven.com, is now valued at £320 million, and he has ambitious plans to build what he calls “the Disney of the creator economy.”
What Comes Next for Steven Bartlett?
With another series of Dragons’ Den ahead, a wedding to plan, and ongoing scrutiny of his podcast, Steven stands at a crossroads.
For supporters, he remains a thoughtful interviewer asking difficult questions.
For critics, he represents the risks of massive influence without enough accountability.
Whether Diary Of A CEO adapts its approach—or continues down its current path—remains an open question, and one many listeners are watching closely.
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