On the Fringe: Terrorism, Extremism & Radicalization in America | Chris Verga | Episode 148

On Episode 148 of The TLB Podcast, James is joined once again by author, historian, and educator, Chris Verga, for a sober, unfiltered examination of terrorism, extremism, radicalization, and political violence in America. They examine how terrorism functions as symbolic communication, how the internet, social media, and conspiracy culture have dramatically accelerated extremist organizing, and the dangerous feedback loop created when violence is amplified or legitimized by media attention or political power.

The conversation tackles difficult but necessary questions around free speech vs public safety, and the psychology of radicalization, exploring how identity loss, social isolation, grievance narratives, and validation mechanisms act as powerful recruitment tools.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Chris Verga
Instagram →   / chrisv1081  
X → https://www.x.com/chrisv1081
Nazi’s of Long Island (Chris’ Latest Book) → https://a.co/d/9uDLZWq

Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:14 – The KKK on Long Island & Early Replacement Theory
04:09 – American Nazis, The Bund & Fascist Movements
05:33 – Militias, Anti-Government Groups & the Second Amendment
08:09 – Domestic Terrorism in the 80s & 90s
11:01 – The Psychology of Terrorists & Identity Loss
12:51 – Incels, Radicalization & Lone-Wolf Terrorism
14:16 – Middle East Terrorism: From Far-Left to Far-Right
19:26 – Internet Radicalization, 4chan & QAnon
25:45 – Free Speech vs Extremism
32:42 – Terrorism, Power & Weaponizing Fear
36:27 – Could Average Citizens Be Labeled Terrorists?
43:45 – Biggest Modern Terror Threat
48:22 – Can Terrorists Be De-Radicalized?
55:13 – Confederate Symbols, Civil War Legacy & Extremism
01:03:08 – How Extremism Spreads & How It Can Be Stopped

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