Michael Shellenberger on the Psychology of Left-Wing Violence

Michael Shellenberger on the Psychology of Left-Wing Violence

From Conversations with Coleman by The Free Press

May 18, 2026 · 1h 2m

About this episode

Michael Shellenberger discusses the psychology behind left-wing violence and the progressive savior complex.

Michael Shellenberger is the author of San Fransickco and Apocalypse Never. He’s a former progressive activist, and one of the most prominent advocates for nuclear energy in the country. In this episode, he and Coleman dig into the Epstein story and why the evidence falls far short of the conspiracy theory most people believe; the savior complex he sees underlying progressive politics and its connection to recent left- wing violence; and what California and other blue states are finally starting to get right about homelessness after years of getting it catastrophically wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Coleman

Guest: Michael Shellenberger

Topics covered

  • left-wing violence
  • progressive politics
  • nuclear energy
  • homelessness
  • conspiracy theories

Keywords

  • Michael Shellenberger
  • left-wing violence
  • progressive politics
  • nuclear energy
  • homelessness
  • Epstein

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: San Fransickco, Apocalypse Never

Places: California, blue states

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