#13 The Psychology of a Former Neo-Nazi | Arno Michaelis

I have a grim statistic to report: over the past four years, the number of hate groups operating across America has risen to a record high of over 1,000 in total (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/20/us/hate-groups-rise.html); this is more than a 30% increase since 2016.  Prior to that, the groups’ numbers were rapidly declining. When you hear about white supremacists, Neo Nazis, or other hate groups, have you ever asked yourself, “How in the world do they think that way?”  What could compel people to join a hate group?  And, after joining, is there any hope that someone can leave a life of hate? Today we have a guest who can give us insight into the answers to these questions and more because of his unique experience. Arno Michaelis is a former Neo Nazi who, in the 80’s and early 90’s, was a leader of a worldwide racist skinhead organization.  He was even the lead singer of a hate metal band that sold over 20,000 CD’s.  In a 180-degree turn around, Arno now works tirelessly to educate the public about hate and hate groups. and tries to help get people out of hate groups of all kinds.  Arno and I have worked together to provide education at both Facebook and Digital Ocean, and I have come to know him well. He is regularly interviewed by the national media to provide his valuable insight into the activity of hate groups and he assists organizations including Against Violent Extremism (http://www.againstviolentextremism.org/), The Forgiveness Project (https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/), Search For Common Ground (https://www.sfcg.org/), and Parents for Peace (https://www.parents4peace.org/). He is also the author of My Life After Hate (https://medium.com/@arnomichaelisIV) and the co-author of the Gifts of our Wounds (http://giftofourwounds.com/). On a personal note, Arno has had dinner with my family and has spoken to my book club.  I have experienced him as a man of great integrity, transparency, and kindness who has reinvented himself in ways that I find both stunning and inspiring. So, please listen in as Arno Michaelis and I do a deep dive into the psychology of a former Neo Nazi. Book Link: https://amzn.to/42vY7OQ This is an affiliate link. It will provide me with a small commission on purchases made through it and help the podcast (but it won’t affect the price you pay).