Brief: The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy Theory (w/AJA Woods)
Sep 12, 2026 · 42m
Summary
In this episode, host Anti-Fascist Dad interviews intellectual historian AJ Woods about their new book, *The Cultural Marxism Conspiracy*. Woods traces the narrative’s evolution from Nazi-era "cultural Bolshevism" to its modern iteration, which blames the Frankfurt School for post-1960s social changes. The discussion covers key figures like Lyndon LaRouche, William Lind, and Christopher Rufo, analyzing how the conspiracy theory has shifted from anti-communism to opposing "wokeness," critical race theory, and gender ideology. Woods argues that this right-wing crusade serves to delegitimize c…
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Wise and Whole Foods Market
Introduction and guest background
Origins: From Larouche to the Alt-Right
Guest bio and audio context
Nazi 'Cultural Bolshevism' and British Fascists
Defining the post-1960s Cultural Marxism narrative
The Frankfurt School's actual role vs. conspiracy claims
Conflation of liberalism and Marxism in US history
Suspicion of institutions and the student movement
Why the right targets feminism and multiculturalism
Civilizational populism and the 'Battle for the West'
Rebranding as 'Political Correctness' in the 1990s
Leftist strategy: Economic vs. cultural politics
Tea Party panic and detachment from reality
Chris Rufo, Critical Race Theory, and 'Race Marxism'
Strategic advice for progressives facing 'woke' attacks
Conclusion and upcoming book 'The 2 Clocks'
Sponsors: US Bank and Midas
Listen ad-free on Castria