Karys Rhea: Are We Watching Conservatism Split in Real Time? | DSH #1795

In this AMFEST episode, Sean sits down with Karys Rhea to unpack the growing fractures inside the conservative movement—what she calls a rising wave of identitarianism, sectarianism, and “edge-lord politics” built for clicks. Karys breaks down why the MAGA “big tent” created an opening for extremists to chase virality, how gatekeeping is different than cancel culture, and why keeping hateful ideology on the fringes isn’t censorship—it’s protecting the movement’s foundation. They also dig into the post-Trump future of the GOP, the fight over who “inherits” America First, the role of bots and foreign influence online, and why today’s ideological chaos could shape the next election more than anyone wants to admit. If you’ve felt like the Right is splintering in real time… this conversation explains why. 🎯 What you’ll learn 🔥 Why “edge-lord” outrage is rewarded — but destroys movements long-term 🧠 How scapegoating replaces personal responsibility (and becomes political brain-rot) 🚧 The difference between gatekeeping and cancel culture 🧩 What “post-liberal / post-democratic” factions want after Trump 🕵️ How bots + “human bots” distort the conservative ecosystem online 🌍 Why some “anti-war” narratives become a double standard ⚖️ What “peace through strength” looks like (vs the two extremes) Chapters (with timestamps) 0:00 – The “edge-lord” incentive: outrage = clicks 0:40 – Intro at AMFEST + Karys’ current work 1:28 – Advising journalists & lawmakers on a new Right-wing fracture 2:06 – Post-Trump GOP: who takes the mantle of MAGA? 3:28 – Subgroups vying for power + “post-liberal” ideologies 5:05 – Groypers, heckling, and why AMFEST became a flashpoint 7:09 – “Anti-Semitism isn’t sustainable” + why movements collapse 8:09 – Gatekeeping vs cancel culture: where the line is 14:15 – Tucker Carlson critique: “conservative or leftist?” 27:01 – Free speech, deplatforming, bots, and the next online war 🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT 👉 Interested in being a guest? Apply here: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application 💼 SPONSORS The Light Systems: https://www.thelightsystems.com/ Discount Code: SEAN 🥗 Fuel your health with Viome: https://buy.viome.com/SEAN Use code “Sean” at checkout for a discount! 📩 Business Inquiries & Sponsorships sean@digitalsocialhour.com 👤 GUEST Karys Rhea: https://x.com/rheakarys 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759 📸 Follow the Host Sean Kelly on Instagram: @seanmikekelly ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team. The host and producers are not responsible for statements, claims, or opinions shared by guests during the show. This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult qualified professionals when appropriate. While we aim to share accurate and reliable information, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or accuracy. 🔥 Stay tuned for more conversations with creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world. 🔑 Keywords AMFEST, Karys Rhea, Sean podcast, MAGA, America First, conservative movement, post Trump GOP, Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes, groypers, identitarianism, sectarianism, anti semitism, free speech, gatekeeping vs cancel culture Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.