Behind the Bastards
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries about Hitler but only a few about Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bad guys (and gals) are eternally fascinating. Behind the Bastards dives in past the Cliffs Notes of the worst humans in history and exposes the bizarre realities of their lives. Listeners will learn about the young adult novels that helped Hitler form his monstrous ideology, the founder of Blackwater’s insane quest to build his own Air Force, the bizarre lives of the sons and daughters of dictators and Saddam Hussein’s side career as a trashy romance novelist.
Episodes
Mentioned books
38 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h
Part One: Bruno Bettelheim: The Worst Psycho-therapist
Allison Rankin, a writer, director, and comedian, dives into the controversial life of Bruno Bettelheim, a survivor of concentration camps who made waves in child mental health care. They explore Bettelheim's attempts to create a 'good' concentration camp for children, raising ethical questions about his practices. The conversation also touches on his complex background and the implications of his distorted narratives during WWII, highlighting how they challenge our understanding of trauma and the Holocaust.
6 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 2h 26min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 170
This week, grassroots organizing at Peet's Coffee is highlighted, showcasing workers' struggles against management. An exploration of anarchism reveals its nuanced definitions and opposition to authority. The podcast dives into the challenges delivery workers face and advocates for direct action in labor movements. Political tensions are discussed alongside health policy shifts and their impact. Finally, there’s a light-hearted yet serious look at global threats and the importance of understanding mutual aid principles.
21 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 57min
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Samantha McVeigh joins the discussion on the scandalous life of Tony Alamo, the once-famous preacher turned cult leader. They delve into Alamo's shocking past of exploiting child labor to create celebrity jackets while committing horrific crimes. The conversation covers his bizarre practices after his wife's death, including exhibiting her body to followers. They explore the disturbing realities of child brides and the manipulative tactics he used under the guise of faith, exposing the dark side of fame intertwined with consumer culture.
38 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 60min
Part One: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Samantha McVey, co-host of Stuff Your Mom Never Told You, joins to delve into the dark legacy of Tony Alamo, the infamous cult leader who abused his power. They discuss the chilling exploitation of children in his denim empire and the manipulative dynamics within the cult. The conversation covers Alamo's bizarre relationships and his attempts to gain fame through dubious claims, revealing the psychological toll on his followers and the absurdity of his con artistry in the music scene. A captivating exploration of charisma and deceit unfolds.
Feb 15, 2025 • 2h 58min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 169
Join Dana El-Kurd, an assistant professor specializing in political science, and Derek Black, a constitutional law expert, as they dissect the current political landscape. El-Kurd provides crucial insights into the dire situation in Gaza amidst Trump's controversial proposals. Black analyzes executive power shifts, legal challenges, and the implications for democracy. They explore the troubling intersections of personal profit and U.S. foreign policy, while addressing the chilling effects on free speech in academia, particularly regarding Palestine.
42 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
Part Two: How The U.S. Government Used Aliens To Destroy a Man's Mind
Brandie Posey, a comedian and podcast host known for her sharp humor and insight, joins to discuss the mind-bending tale of Paul Bennewitz and U.S. government disinformation tactics. They dive into the whimsical absurdities of UFO lore, exploring how Richard Doty used alien myths as a smokescreen for military secrets. The episode also touches on the fraught intersection of paranoia and psychological manipulation in the realm of UFO enthusiasts, questioning the boundaries of belief and deception in their quest for truth.
39 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 60min
Part One: How The U.S. Government Used Aliens To Destroy a Man's Mind
Brandy Posey, a talented comedian and podcaster known for her work on Lady to Lady, joins to unravel the bizarre tale of Paul Bennewitz, an engineer manipulated into believing in alien conspiracies by the U.S. Air Force. The discussion dives into the psychological effects of government secrecy on individuals and the rise of conspiracy culture. With humor, they explore UFO sightings, government narratives, and even the absurd idea of using nuclear explosions for civil engineering projects, merging history with hilarity.
5 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 3h 42min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 168
In this engaging discussion, Spencer Sunshine, an expert on neo-Nazism, delves into the dark legacy of the neo-Nazi text 'Siege' and its influence on modern extremist ideologies. Argavan Salis and Kaveh Hoda highlight the significant impacts of Trump's funding cuts on healthcare, especially regarding marginalized communities. Nevdon Jamgothian analyzes Azerbaijan's manipulative tactics at COP29, shedding light on greenwashing amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Together, the guests explore the interconnectedness of extremism, healthcare, and international politics.
35 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 52min
Part Two: Space Magic from Venus: A Literary Odyssey
Dive into a quirky world where Venusian health science reigns supreme, promoting a diet of nothing but raw fruit! The hosts hilariously dissect the intersection of mysticism and true crime while crafting whimsical connections to extraterrestrial beings. Expect comedic insights about celebrity feuds, the absurdities of health fads, and a playful critique on the complexities of modern wellness. The discussion glides from culinary quirks to chilling tales, leaving you both entertained and pondering the mysteries of existence.
34 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 53min
Part One: Space Magic from Venus: A Literary Odyssey
Join Molly Conger, a savvy expert on the UFO subculture, as she takes a whimsical journey through the origins of alien lore in America. They dive into wild stories about the Venusian peace advocate Valiant Thor, legendary figures like Timothy Green Beckley, and humorous Airbnb encounters with cult vibes. The conversation navigates the evolution of the UFO movement from hopeful beginnings to complex conspiracy theories, peppered with satirical insights and tantalizing discussions about interplanetary contact and cosmic healing.
