Rufo & Lomez

The Rise and Fall of the Intellectual Dark Web | Ep 84

September 19, 2026·1h 13m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Bari Weiss and her 2018 New York Times article on the Intellectual Dark Web launched Jordan Peterson, Sam Harris, and the Weinstein brothers into the mainstream. Nearly a decade later, we dissect how that moment imploded into conspiracy rabbit holes, algorithm addiction, and the collapse of a would‑be heterodox revolution. Sponsors: ►Preroll Try Sage Teacher at https://www.sageteacher.ai/ One subscription covers your whole family. Use promo code RUFO at checkout for 20% off. 0:00 – Bari Weiss, the NYT, & the ‘Intellectual Dark Web’ 3:12 – Bari Weiss Predicts the Collapse 8:45 – From Free Speech Heroes to Cranks: The Fall of the IDW 14:20 – “Classical Liberal” Was Always Fake 19:05 – The Myth of Deplatforming Alex Jones & Milo 23:50 – How Peterson & the Weinsteins Went Off-Grid 29:30 – When Heterodoxy Became a Drug 34:10 – Charles Murray vs. the Weinsteins: Who Was Right All Along? 39:42 – Neocons Did It First (and Better) 45:15 – The Algorithm Fried Their Brains 51:00 – Was the IDW Just a Media Grift? 56:20 – NYT vs. IDW: Who Looks Sane Now? 1:01:40 – The IDW’s Kamikaze Mission Explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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