Last Podcast On The Left Episode 645: Ronald Gene Simmons Part I - A Difficult Man
10 snips
Dec 5, 2025 Dive into the chilling story of Ronald Gene Simmons, the man behind the Arkansas Christmas Massacre. Explore his disturbing childhood, characterized by abuse and jealousy. The hosts discuss his controlling personality and the toxic dynamics in his marriage. As Simmons' life unfolds, hear about his military career, obsession with control, and the growing isolation of his family. They discuss the abusive environment that led to unimaginable violence within his household, setting the stage for a shocking spree.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mass Murder Driven By Control
- Ronald Gene Simmons murdered 14 family members over one week in Christmas 1987 and then went on a separate local shooting spree.
- His crimes centered on maintaining control and punishing those who rejected him.
Difficult Man Archetype
- Simmons embodied the archetype of the “difficult man”: controlling, sarcastic, and obsessed with being right.
- The hosts link that personality to modern online trolls who loudly police others while lacking substance.
Internet Amplifies Difficult Men
- The hosts argue the internet amplifies the “difficult man” phenomenon and may correlate with rising mass violence.
- They note mass shootings rose alongside internet growth, suggesting cultural acceleration of grievances.
