Gen Z is at a political crossroads, and the battle for their votes is intensifying. In this episode Rick speaks with Gen Z political commentator Dash Dobrofsky to discuss the shifting political landscape among young voters. Dash shares his journey into political activism, the impact of social media on shaping narratives, and the growing influence of right-wing messaging on Gen Z—particularly young men. They dive into economic frustrations, media strategies, and the urgent need for Democrats to improve their branding and messaging. With insights on the future of digital political engagement and the 2028 election, this conversation sheds light on the evolving battle for young voters' attention and trust.
Rick and extremism expert Dr. Peter Simi break down the news of this past week -- highlighting Trump's/GOP's surging white nationalist pandemic.
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Dr. Peter Simi is understandably NOT on Twitter/X, but you can reach out to him at his Chapman University email on his page: https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/pete-simi.
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Is the world on the brink of permanent instability? In this episode Rick Wilson sits down with renowned author and geopolitical analyst Robert D. Kaplan to discuss his latest book, Wasteland: A World in Permanent Crisis. Together, they explore the challenges of our increasingly interconnected and unstable world, from the decline of great powers and the erosion of democracy to the disruptive forces of AI and automation. Kaplan offers a sobering comparison to the Weimar Republic and stresses the urgent need to rediscover the principles of historic liberalism in the face of rising global disorder.
Rick dissects "MAGA Granny" Pamela Hemphill's journey on J6 and with the MAGA cult, exploring what led her to join the group and what ultimately opened her eyes and prompted her exit.
Brian Daitzman of The Intellectualist writes, "And unless we recognize the signs, unless we see what is happening now, we risk seeing the same fate repeat itself."
It’s January, so it’s time for everyone’s annual commitment to become healthier and more fit in the new year…and then be radicalized and become a Christian Nationalist? It’s 2025, so yes, that’s a thing. Tonight, Maya May and her guest Judah Elias (werewolffbarmitzvah) are talking about the health and fitness to far-right radical pipeline.
Juliet Jeske looks at the right-wing propaganda machine trying desperately to distract viewers from Trump's unqualified, radical sex scandal-plagued nominees, with segments about Kamala Harris "wasting" donor money by spending it.
One of the first pieces Resolute Square published was this by Dr. Jen Mercieca in Dec. 2022. It's essential reading today with Trump poised to return to the White House because right-wing framing is dangerous to democracy - and it's becoming more intense.
Reminding us again what's at stake this election, Capitol Police Officer Danny Hodges and his fellow officers held the line for our country on January 6th.
Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.
Join the fight with Lincoln Project at www.lincolnproject.us and follow us on X at @ProjectLincoln.
Dr. Jennifer Mercieca writes: "Trump's rallies and scripted television appearances are a fascist catechism of calls and responses where indoctrination occurs through scary fear appeals, promises of protection, and commitments of loyalty."
Democracy is under siege, and state-sanctioned vigilantes are leading the charge. In this episode Rick speaks with Jon Michaels and David Noll, authors of the upcoming book Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy. They discuss the alarming rise of state-backed vigilante activities, particularly through laws like Texas SB8, and how these efforts are aimed at achieving authoritarian political control. The conversation explores the MAGA movement's tactics, the threats to democratic institutions, and the potential dangers surrounding future U.S. elections. It's a chilling analysis of how private actors, with state approval, are shaping America’s political landscape.
Rick talks to Peter Simi, a sociology professor and expert in extremism, about the alarming rise of white supremacy in the U.S., where the movement has evolved from the overt image of the Klan to a slick, social media-driven force. Simi highlights how figures like Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson amplify these ideologies and how younger generations are being recruited online. He emphasizes the need for intervention programs to help individuals leave the movement and combat its growing influence.
Buy Peter Simi’s book – “Out of Hiding: Extremist White Supremacy and How It Can be Stopped” – at fine bookstores everywhere.
Brian Daitzman writes, "Trump’s presidency wasn’t just a period of poor leadership—it brought with it a contagion of chaos and division, a swarm of misery that feasted on the carcass of what was once the Republican Party."
The darkest corners of American society are bred on the internet. In this episode Rick is joined by journalist and author Elle Reeve to discuss her new book, "Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics." They dive into the rise of far-right extremism, the origins and impacts of 4chan and 8chan, and the evolution of white nationalist movements. Elle shares her firsthand experiences and insights into the cultural and political influence of online troll communities, the disturbing realities behind QAnon, and the personal toll on individuals drawn into these extremist ideologies.
What will our national religion be? Christian Nationalism survivor Andra Watkins writes that what "Christianity" would mean in a Christo-fascist nation would mean is not as obvious as one might think.
Real progress is being make in blue, red, and purple states across the country and more and more Democrats are standing up to challenge extremist candidates who've previous run unopposed.
American political discourse has become more toxic than ever. In today's episode, Rick speaks with Frank Bruni, author of the new book, "The Age of Grievance," which examines the pervasive culture of outrage and grievance driving contemporary American politics.
America is no stranger to extremist political groups, a phenomenon further highlighted on January 6th. However, one thing we don't understand clearly enough is the overlap with our veteran community. On this episode Rick speaks with Ken Harbaugh, veteran and co-producer of "Against All Enemies," a documentary exploring why veterans are drawn into extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
"If you're not already paying attention, you need to be," warns Kristen Du Mez of the deep and dangerous ties between a second Trump term and Christian Nationalism, "What are we looking at if Trump wins the presidency? It won’t be a repeat of his first term. It will be all that and more."
