On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Lauren Southern was an alt-right influencer. Now she's finding her 'way back to reality'
16 snips
Jan 23, 2026 
Lauren Southern, former right-wing influencer and author of This Is Not Real Life, reflects on her rise in online politics and the unraveling that followed. She recounts radicalization through internet culture, viral stunts and confrontations, arrests and mental health crises. The conversation follows her decision to log off and rebuild a more grounded life.
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Leaving Politics For Art Class
- Lauren Southern describes leaving right-wing politics for a late-night art class as a literal step back into ordinary life.
- She frames the moment as absurd and revealing about how far her previous life had drifted from reality.
The Double Life Moment
- Lauren pinpoints a turning point: high on drugs with right-wing idols and realizing the disconnect from the life she preached.
- She says the dual identity of online persona versus private life exposed the hollowness of her mission.
Early Media Shaped Her Views
- Lauren recalls growing up in an evangelical home with Fox News and shock-jock radio shaping her views.
- She credits early exposure to Ann Coulter and online forums for hardening her right-wing beliefs.
