July 20, 2022

Parenting Against Extremism (with Samantha Kutner and Kyle Spencer)

51 minutes

If we really boil down the work we’re doing, the forces that we’re fighting against, and reduce them to one thing… it would be extremism. Whether we’re talking about January 6, mass shootings, or the fall of Roe, it all comes down to right-wing extremism. So that’s what we’re talking about today.

The hosts are joined by Samantha Kutner, also known as The Proud Boys Whisperer. Samantha studies violent extremism and the gender dynamics of radicalization. She explains how extremism in the US has changed over time, the role of misogyny in these movements, and what parents can look out for to ensure their own kids aren’t being groomed online by right-wing extremists. You can find more of Samantha’s research about the Proud Boys online at the Khalifa Ihler Institute or by following her on Twitter @ashkenaz89.

Then Rachel shares her interview with Kyle Spencer, the author of “Raising Them Right: The Untold Story of America's Ultraconservative Youth Movement and Its Plot for Power.” Kyle and Rachel chat about the origins of the ultra-conservative movement in this country, how the far right cares more about power than winning hearts and minds, and why right-wing extremists have been so successful in recruiting young people. “Raising Them Right” will be in bookstores on October 18.

Finally, Amanda, Jasmine and Rachel raise a glass to audio books, vacations, and the importance of mental health resources during difficult times in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”

The midterm elections are now only 16 weeks away! If you’re ready to join the Great Troublemaker Turnout, please sign up here. Suburban women are taking a stand - join us!

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].