Journalist Michael Edison Hayden discusses his book, “Strange People on the Hill,” which examines the consequences when a far-right group relocates its headquarters to a small rural town in West Virginia. In an interview with Amna Nawaz on PBS NewsHour’s “Settle In” podcast, Hayden explains that he has spent years tracking extremism in the United States and focuses on how the group’s presence reshapes local life. The conversation centers on the social and political divisions that emerge within a community, reflecting broader tensions in American politics. Hayden also addresses the personal costs of researching extremism, describing impacts on his mental health and relationships. The interview is revisited in a separate segment, drawing attention to both the story’s local ripple effects and the wider implications for understanding how extremist activity can influence communities beyond national politics. Across the discussion, Hayden’s account emphasizes that the arrival of a politically motivated extremist organization can affect community dynamics in ways that are tangible, ongoing, and difficult to contain.
Journalist Michael Edison Hayden examines effects of a far-right move to rural West Virginia
Journalist Michael Edison Hayden discusses his book, “Strange People on the Hill,” which examines the consequences when a far-right group relocates its headquarters to a small rural town in West Virgi...
- Journalist Michael Edison Hayden has spent years tracking extremism in the United States.
- His book, “Strange People on the Hill,” describes a far-right group moving its headquarters to a small rural West Virginia town.
- The story focuses on divisions that develop in the local community as a result of the group’s presence.
- Hayden discusses the personal toll of researching extremism, including effects on his mental health and relationships.
- Amna Nawaz interviews Hayden for PBS NewsHour’s “Settle In” podcast.
Journalist Michael Edison Hayden has spent years tracking extremism in America. His new book, "Strange People on the Hill," follows what happened when a far-right group moved its headquarters to a small town in rural West Virginia. Amna Nawaz spoke with Hayden about his book and the sharp divisions in American politics right now for our "Settle In" podcast.
2 months agoJournalist Michael Edison Hayden spent years tracking extremism in America. His book, "Strange People on the Hill," is about what happened when a far-right group moved its headquarters to a small town in rural West Virginia. We're revisiting our conversation with Hayden, who spoke with Amna Nawaz about the story and what it can teach us about politics in the U.S. right now. Hayden also shared the personal toll this work has taken on his own mental health and relationships.
2 months ago
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