

Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
As long as there’s been oppression, there’ve been people fighting it. This weekly podcast dives into history to drag up the wildest rebels, the most beautiful revolts, and all the people who long to be—and fight to be—free. It explores complex stories of resistance that offer lessons and inspiration for us today, focusing on the ensemble casts that make up each act of history. That is to say, this podcast focuses on Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2025 • 55min
Part Two: Diogenes: The Greek Philosopher Who Pissed on the Rich
Margaret continues her dicussion with Dana El Kurd about Diogenes, the founder of the Cynics, who was kind of an edgelord and lived in a jarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 8, 2025 • 50min
Part One: Diogenes: The Greek Philosopher Who Pissed on the Rich
Margaret talks to Dana El Kurd about Diogenes, the founder of the Cynics, who was kind of an edgelord and lived in a jar. Sources: The Dangerous Life and Ideas of Diogenes the Cynic, Jean-Manuel Roubineau How to Say No: An Ancient Guide to the Cynicism, Diogenes (edited by MD Usher) https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16916263 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_Greece https://www.historyskills.com/classroom/ancient-history/ancient-greek-slavery/ https://www.gutenberg.org/files/57342/57342-h/57342-h.htmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 7, 2025 • 1h 44min
CZM Book Club: Pathfinder: Dawn of the Frogs, Part Six
Who says ecoterrorism is bad? In fantasy games?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 49min
CZM Rewind: Part Two: All Hail King Ludd: How the Luddites Almost Saved Us
Robert Evans, a journalist and podcaster known for his insights on radical politics, joins the discussion on the Luddites, a group of English rebels who humorously declared a fake leader and resisted the Industrial Revolution. They explore the historical context of the Luddites' actions, from food riots to their unique tactics like cross-dressing and symbolic gestures. Evans highlights women's leadership in these protests and reflects on the lasting lessons of resistance the movement offers in today's world.

10 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 56min
CZM Rewind: Part One: All Hail King Ludd: How the Luddites Almost Saved Us
Join Robert Evans, a noted podcaster and historian, as he delves into the fascinating world of the Luddites, the skilled textile workers who valiantly resisted the Industrial Revolution. They explore how this movement was rooted in economic change, not mere fear of technology. Discover the secret societies behind the 1811 machine-smashing campaigns and the chilling realities of child labor in the textile industry. Plus, dive into the literary echoes of the Luddite struggle through the works of Romantic poets like Blake and Shelley.

Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 22min
CZM Book Club: Pathfinder: Dawn of the Frogs, Part Five
In this thrilling session, Hazel Acacia shines as Murdy, the soup nun, while Io/Ayo brings life to Squash, the swashbuckler. Together, they delve into the escalating crisis in Bogbottom, strategizing to dismantle a potentially disastrous dam. The duo concocts clever plans involving soup to lure enemies and embark on a daring ambush against the fiendish boggards. Amidst fierce combat and heartfelt rescues, shocking secrets unfold, revealing a deeper menace lurking beneath the surface.

Nov 26, 2025 • 49min
Part Two: Nonhelema: The Six Foot Six Warrior Woman of the Shawnee Who Fought the Empire
In this engaging discussion, comedian and writer Jamie Loftus dives into the incredible story of Nonhelema, the formidable Shawnee warrior woman who led her people against colonial forces. Jamie and Margaret explore how Nonhelema emerged as a war chief and her pivotal role at the Battle of Bushy Run. They dissect biased historical narratives and the challenges she faced, including her eventual decision for peace amidst conflict. The conversation reveals the complexities of indigenous resistance and the legacies of women often overlooked in history.

Nov 24, 2025 • 50min
Part One: Nonhelema: The Six Foot Six Warrior Woman of the Shawnee Who Fought the Empire
Jamie Loftus, a comedian and podcaster, dives into the incredible story of Nonhelema, a formidable Shawnee warrior leading resistance against colonial powers. They discuss the complex social and political structures of the Shawnee, contrasting their ceremonial warfare with European tactics. Loftus elaborates on how Eurocentric narratives have distorted Nonhelema's legacy and highlights her role in the broader context of Indigenous resistance during the tumultuous 18th century. The conversation promises an engaging continuation of Nonhelema's transformative journey.

Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 12min
CZM Book Club: Pathfinder: Dawn of the Frogs, Part Four
Join Robert as Trant, a bomb-obsessed alchemist, and Squash, the brash swashbuckler, in a thrilling adventure through the mystical Bog Bottom. They tackle undead skeletons with explosive flair and grappling tactics, showcasing their unique play styles. The duo navigates tense moments, from shattering zombies to wrestling a giant slurk, while working to save the villagers with a magical antidote. Unexpected twists hint at deeper, darker threats lurking in the swamps, promising more action to come!

Nov 19, 2025 • 42min
Part Two: Arminius and the Battle of Teutoburg Forest: How the Barbarians Broke the Roman Legions
Margaret continues her talk with Hazel about how the Romans were stopped from conquering Germania and how a bunch of terrible people are excited about it. Sources: https://www.thecollector.com/teutonic-meaning/ https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/world-population-by-year/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-ambush-that-changed-history-72636736/?c=y&page=3 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-excavation-will-examine-germanys-legendary-founding-battle-180964235/ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/sculpted-horse-head-complicates-legendary-roman-conquest-german-barbarians-180970077/ https://archaeology.org/issues/online/collection/germany-roman-town-waldgirmes/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110714211343/http://www.nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/509454.html https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/havoc-in-the-teutoburger-forest/ https://web.archive.org/web/20140428164647/http://www.livius.org/q/quinctilius/varus.htmlhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/3567880 https://the-past.com/feature/arminius-hitlers-barbarian-hero/ https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Annals_(Tacitus)/Book_2#88See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


