Episode 185 — American History Z: A Generation Breaks Right w/Joey Oliver

If parts of Gen Z are moving right, why are Republicans heading into the midterms facing the prospect of a Democratic wave?

On Episode 185 of The Backlash, Dave Reilly welcomes Joey Oliver, author of American History Z: Gen Z’s Journey to the Far Right and host of The RW Coalition Podcast on YouTube.

Part memoir and part political reckoning, Oliver’s book traces the experiences that led him—and others in his generation—from political indifference to a fundamental rejection of the institutions and ideas they grew up trusting.

We’ll examine the flashpoints that shaped that journey: Donald Trump’s rise, the Black Lives Matter protests and riots, COVID restrictions, censorship, disputes surrounding the 2020 election, and the collapse of confidence in establishment media. We’ll also discuss the very different roles played by figures such as Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, Andrew Tate, Tucker Carlson, Darryl Cooper, and Nick Fuentes in the changing media landscape.

With the November 3 midterms just one day away and polling pointing toward substantial Democratic gains, the conversation turns to a pressing question: how much does online political influence actually translate into votes, organization, and lasting power?

Has the Republican Party understood the frustrations driving parts of Gen Z toward the right? What separates support for Trump from loyalty to the GOP? And what positive vision can emerge from a political movement built around distrust and opposition?

A conversation about generational disillusionment, political identity, the limits of internet influence, and what comes after Election Day.

Follow Joey on X: https://x.com/TheRWCoalition
Follow Joey on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheRWCoalition
Buy Joey's Book: https://link.amazon/B09pPOuax