Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sbwVioWlhS0

What happens when we revisit Wilhelm Reich’s journey from Freud’s student to radical theorist of desire, politics, and repression? In this episode, we sit down with Professor Philip Bennett and David Silver, executive director of the Wilhelm Reich Museum, to explore Reich’s groundbreaking ideas on therapy, character armor, and the enduring relevance of The Mass Psychology of Fascism. Together we trace his path from psychoanalysis to Marxism to work democracy, and discuss the controversies surrounding his later scientific experiments at Orgonon in Rangeley, Maine. Along the way, we consider how Reich’s struggle against repression and authoritarianism continues to speak to our present moment.

The Wilhelm Reich Museum in Rangeley, Maine preserves Reich’s historic home, laboratory, and archives. Visitors can explore the striking stone observatory, original orgone accumulators, and breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains. The museum is located at 19 Orgonon Circle (Dodge Pond Road), PO Box 687, Rangeley, ME 04970, and you can find more details online at wilhelmreichmuseum.org.

If you’re nearby, consider visiting during the museum’s open season to experience Reich’s legacy in person.

Support the show

Support the podcast:

AHRC

Current classes at Acid Horizon Research Commons (AHRC): acidhorizonresearchcommons.com

AHRC Course Archive: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/ahrc-course-archives

Submit your course proposal: [email protected]

More Links

Website: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizon

Acid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast

Boycott Watkins Media: https://xenogothic.com/2025/03/17/boycott-watkins-statement/

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438

Merch: http://www.crit-drip.com

Subscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1512615438

LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHAND

Happy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com

​Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/

​Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/