Podcast / American Prestige / Nov 4, 2026

How the Right Invented “Cultural Marxism”—With A.J.A. Woods

A.J.A. Woods joins Danny and Derek to trace the history of the “cultural Marxism” conspiracy theory, its antisemitic roots, and its influence on today’s anti-woke politics.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

How the Right Invented “Cultural Marxism” w/ A.J.A. Woods / American Prestige
byThe Nation Magazine

Danny and Derek welcome intellectual historian A.J.A. Woods to the show to talk about the history of the "cultural Marxism" conspiracy theory. They discuss the Frankfurt School, Lyndon LaRouche's conspiracy theories, William S. Lind and the New Right, antisemitism, the Tea Party, Gamergate and the alt-right, the rise of anti-woke politics, and the use of "cultural Marxism" to justify cuts to public services.

Grab your copy of A.J.A.’s book The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy.

Catch Danny in-person, along with friend of the pod Nando Vila, at Stories Books & Cafe in LA, Friday Nov 6th at 6:30 PM.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Theodor Adorno on May 28, 1968, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

(Manfred Rehm / picture alliance via Getty Images)

Danny and Derek welcome intellectual historian A.J.A. Woods to the show to talk about the history of the “cultural Marxism” conspiracy theory. They discuss the Frankfurt School, Lyndon LaRouche’s conspiracy theories, William S. Lind and the New Right, antisemitism, the Tea Party, Gamergate and the alt-right, the rise of anti-woke politics, and the use of “cultural Marxism” to justify cuts to public services.

Grab your copy of A.J.A.’s book The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy.

Catch Danny in-person, along with friend of the pod Nando Vila, at Stories Books & Cafe in LA, Friday November 6, at 6:30 pm.

Subscribe to The Nation to support all of our podcasts: thenation.com/podcastsubscribe.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

How the Right Invented “Cultural Marxism” w/ A.J.A. Woods / American Prestige
byThe Nation Magazine

Danny and Derek welcome intellectual historian A.J.A. Woods to the show to talk about the history of the "cultural Marxism" conspiracy theory. They discuss the Frankfurt School, Lyndon LaRouche's conspiracy theories, William S. Lind and the New Right, antisemitism, the Tea Party, Gamergate and the alt-right, the rise of anti-woke politics, and the use of "cultural Marxism" to justify cuts to public services.

Grab your copy of A.J.A.’s book The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy.

Catch Danny in-person, along with friend of the pod Nando Vila, at Stories Books & Cafe in LA, Friday Nov 6th at 6:30 PM.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Subscribe to The Nation to Support all of our podcasts

Daniel Bessner

Daniel Bessner is a historian of US foreign relations and is the author of, among other books, Imperialist Realism.

Derek Davison

Derek Davison is a writer and analyst specializing in international affairs and US foreign policy. He is the publisher of the Foreign Exchanges newsletter, cohost of the American Prestige podcast, and former editor of LobeLog.

More from The Nation

US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during a “Defend the Vote” rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2026.

The Story of Justice Democrats—With Usamah Andrabi The Story of Justice Democrats—With Usamah Andrabi

Usamah Andrabi of Justice Democrats joins Fighting Fascism to reflect on the 2026 elections, progressive victories, and the resurgence of the American left.

Aaron Regunberg, Matt DaSilva, and Jonathan Smucker

A Flock Safety automated license plate reader surveillance camera in Santaquin, Utah, on September 27, 2026.

Why Communities Want to Stop Flock Cameras—With Jason Koebler Why Communities Want to Stop Flock Cameras—With Jason Koebler

Paris Marx is joined by Jason Koebler to discuss the rise of Flock surveillance cameras, their misuse by police, and the growing bipartisan backlash.

Paris Marx

Halloween decorations are seen outside Flower Bar in Katowice, Poland, on October 25, 2026.

Halloween Origins—With Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters Halloween Origins—With Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters

Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters join the show to explore Halloween’s origins, from medieval beliefs about death and ghosts to costumes, commercialization, and modern traditions.

Derek Davison and Daniel Bessner

President Donald Trump after casting his ballot during early voting on October 24, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Defeating Trump’s Attacks on Voting—Plus, the Coming End of the Trump Era Defeating Trump’s Attacks on Voting—Plus, the Coming End of the Trump Era

On this episode of “Start Making Sense,” Rick Hasen explains election protection, and Harold Meyerson analyzes the key Senate contests.

Jon Wiener

California insurance commissioner candidate Jane Kim speaks at the “Ballots Over Billionaires” rally on October 5, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Can Jane Kim Fix Insurance?—With Jane Kim Can Jane Kim Fix Insurance?—With Jane Kim

Jane Kim joins the show to discuss her run for California insurance commissioner, addressing corporate profits, denied claims, and the growing risks of climate change.

Jonathan Smucker, Matt DaSilva, and Aaron Regunberg

The JHB1 hyperscale date center in Midrand, South Africa, on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Too Much Computer: Ingrid Burrington Discusses “Hyperscale” With Paris Marx Too Much Computer: Ingrid Burrington Discusses “Hyperscale” With Paris Marx

Paris Marx is interviewed by Ingrid Burrington about his new book “Hyperscale,” the financial forces driving data center expansion, and its hidden social and environmental costs.

Paris Marx

x