Weird Little Guys
iHeartPodcasts and Cool Zone Media
Weird Little Guys is a weekly show about the worst people you’ve never heard of, taking you beyond the headlines to get to know the race warriors and aspiring terrorists trying to unravel the fabric of our society. Weaving together the origin stories of modern American white supremacist groups and the crimes that land their members in court, independent journalist Molly Conger exposes the monsters for what they really are - some weird guy. Whether they’re conspiring to build bombs or serving swastika shaped cookies at a dinner party, the weird little guys trying to destroy America are a little less scary with their masks off.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 50min
Disorganized Crime, Pt. 3
Dive into the shocking life of Frank Smith, who went from a near-fatal mob hit in Massachusetts to becoming a bodyguard for George Lincoln Rockwell, the leader of the American Nazi Party. Explore the bizarre stunts of Rockwell's gubernatorial campaign and the FBI's covert tactics against him. Discover the hidden tragedy of Barbara von Goetz and her secret pregnancies, as well as the heartbreaking story of her daughter, Gretchen, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. It's a twisted tale of crime, extremism, and untold lives.
16 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 18min
The Other Rockwell
The conversation navigates the bizarre mix-up between Nazi leader George Lincoln Rockwell and beloved painter Norman Rockwell. It highlights amusing historical errors, including courtroom transcription blunders and newspaper mishaps. Listeners learn about Norman's discomfort with the confusion and his efforts to distance himself from his namesake. The discussion also delves into Norman's impactful civil rights artwork, which starkly contrasts George’s extremist actions, painting a vivid picture of two very different legacies.
19 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 45min
Disorganized Crime, Pt. 2
Discover the wild life of Frank Smith, who ingeniously tried to blend his mafia ties with the American Nazi Party. Uncover the chaos surrounding his audacious plans for a whites-only church in Maine. Learn about the tension during the Boston gang wars and how Smith’s actions disrupted mob operations. Hear about the dubious partnership between criminal factions and extremist ideologies, revealing how politics and crime intertwine in unexpected ways. Buckle up for a riveting exploration of ambition, betrayal, and historical intrigue!
34 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 41min
Disorganized Crime, Pt. 1
Delve into the tangled life of Frank Smith, a former mafia associate turned Nazi. Uncover the convoluted connections between organized crime, boxing, and a string of chilling bombings in the 1950s. Explore the shady circumstances surrounding the murders and shootings linked to Frank, his dubious trial defenses, and the odd behavior of juries in mob cases. Hear about his prison time, the bizarre ties with Raymond Patriarca, and his swift recruitment into extremist circles after his release. Get ready for a wild ride through crime and controversy!
29 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 46min
George Lincoln Rockwell's Coffin Flop
The bizarre saga of George Lincoln Rockwell's funeral unfolds, revealing the tensions between military protocols and Nazi symbolism. Legal battles arise as the ACLU defends the right to free speech, even for the American Nazi Party. The complexities of Rockwell's military eligibility are examined alongside the chaos of his funeral procession. Confrontations escalate with arrests, and ultimately, Rockwell's ashes find an unconventional resting place. This story blends history, legal intrigue, and the absurdity of a failed military tribute.
24 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 32min
Death of a Demagogue, Pt. 3.5
Dive into the complex life of John Patler, an assassin grappling with a past marked by violence and radical beliefs. Discover his bizarre arrest for being naked in a stranger's home and his subsequent return to prison. Explore the disturbing ties to his family, including the mysterious disappearance of his brother's partner. A chilling look at whether Patler truly changed after decades, contrasted with his later extremist comments. This story reveals how the legacy of hate can continue to fester and adapt in modern society.
44 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 49min
Death of a Demagogue, Pt. 3
Molly dives into the dramatic events surrounding George Lincoln Rockwell's assassination. She highlights conflicting accounts of the shooting and the mysterious figure of John Patler as the accused shooter. Legal battles ensue as circumstantial evidence shapes the trial's outcome. Fascinating conspiracy theories emerge, tying Rockwell's death to party infighting and external threats. Patler's intriguing post-conviction life raises eyebrows, particularly a bizarre 1976 arrest. This episode uncovers a tangled web of motives and intrigue in a historical tragedy.
68 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 47min
Death of a Demagogue, Pt. 2
Dive into the tumultuous world of the American Nazi Party as Molly unravels the events leading up to George Lincoln Rockwell's assassination. Discover the internal schisms over the definition of whiteness, and how Rockwell's strategic pivot to 'white power' aimed to unify his followers. Learn about historical figures like John Patler and Christopher Vidnevich, whose narratives highlight the chaotic ideology of the movement. The episode explores the complex motives behind Rockwell's murder and the conspiracy theories that arose within the ranks.
66 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 48min
Death of a Demagogue
Delve into the bizarre world of American neo-Nazism with the tale of George Lincoln Rockwell's assassination. Discover the chilling backstory of his killer, John Patsalos, whose traumatic childhood fueled his radicalization. The discussion unfurls the rise of Nazi pageantry and internal schisms within the party. Explore the personal costs of radical involvement and the ensuing chaos, including a controversial murder trial and wild conspiracy theories. It's a wild ride through history's weird and unsettling corners.
118 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 56min
American Fart Party
Discover the absurd connection between the American Freedom Party and a comically titled political joke. Delve into a former Marine's unsettling journey into white nationalism online. Explore the hilarious hurdles of filing with the Federal Election Commission, sprinkled with antics of the American Fart Party. Uncover laugh-out-loud anecdotes about flatulence and its cultural clout. Finally, reflect on the struggles and fading legitimacy of extremist parties in the current political landscape.
