Matt Walsh on Making Movies, the Woke Right, & Winning | EP 549

The Journey into Filmmaking

The conversation begins with an exploration of Walsh's transition from political commentary to documentary filmmaking. He reflects on his experiences creating two successful documentaries, "What is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?" Both films tackle pressing societal questions and have garnered significant attention. Walsh describes the challenges of filmmaking, particularly the editing process, which he found to be both daunting and enlightening. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with talented directors and editors, noting that the editing phase can dramatically alter the final product.

Walsh shares his initial reactions to the first cuts of his films, expressing his devastation at how poorly they turned out. However, he acknowledges that the editing process ultimately transformed them into impactful works that resonated with audiences. He highlights the role of humor in his documentaries, likening his approach to that of a trickster character, akin to Bugs Bunny, who exposes absurdities in society while maintaining a comedic edge.

The Culture War and the Woke Right

As the conversation shifts to the broader culture war, Walsh and Peterson discuss the current state of political commentary and the challenges faced by conservatives. Walsh argues that while there have been victories against the woke agenda, such as the backlash against radical gender ideology, the fight is far from over. He believes that the left's influence remains strong, particularly in educational institutions, where progressive ideologies continue to shape the narratives taught to students.

Walsh expresses concern about the ongoing racial tensions in society, pointing to recent incidents that highlight a troubling double standard in how racial issues are addressed. He emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of these dynamics, arguing that the current discourse often oversimplifies complex issues. The conversation touches on the dangers of resentment and the role it plays in fueling division, particularly within the context of race relations.

The Role of Anger in Commentary

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the emotional underpinnings of political commentary. Peterson and Walsh delve into the use of anger as a motivational force, acknowledging its potential to drive meaningful discourse while also recognizing the risks of becoming overly reactive. Walsh reflects on the importance of channeling anger constructively, using it to expose fraud and injustice without succumbing to the pitfalls of resentment.

Walsh argues that the current climate of cancel culture has created a chilling effect on free speech, where individuals are afraid to express dissenting opinions for fear of backlash. He believes that the only way to combat this culture is to disincentivize mob behavior by supporting those who stand up against it, even if their actions are controversial. This perspective leads to a broader discussion about the need for conservatives to reclaim the narrative and push back against the prevailing ideologies that seek to silence them.

The Future of Conservative Commentary

As the podcast progresses, Walsh and Peterson contemplate the future of conservative commentary in light of recent political developments. They discuss the importance of addressing foundational issues such as family dynamics, feminism, and the implications of radical ideologies on society. Walsh posits that the fight against wokeness will evolve, with new battlegrounds emerging as cultural narratives shift.

The conversation also touches on the role of universities in perpetuating progressive ideologies and the need for a reevaluation of the educational system. Walsh argues that the current state of academia is unsustainable, as it fails to provide a balanced perspective on critical issues. He emphasizes the importance of fostering environments where diverse viewpoints can be expressed and debated openly.

Concluding Thoughts

In closing, Walsh expresses optimism about the potential for change, highlighting the resilience of individuals who are willing to stand up against the tide of political correctness. He encourages listeners to remain vigilant and engaged in the ongoing culture war, emphasizing that the fight for truth and justice is far from over. The episode concludes with a call to action for conservatives to reclaim their voices and push back against the forces that seek to undermine traditional values.