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
111 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 1h 8min
Part One: How Jeffrey Epstein Helped Build the Modern World
Andrew Ti, frequent collaborator and expert commentator, helps unpack the new Epstein files. They trace connections between Epstein, early internet gaming, crypto pioneers, and right-wing media. Short, sharp scenes cover DEN’s rise and fall, Brock Pierce’s pivot to crypto, Epstein’s outreach to Bitcoin figures, and how these networks shaped modern online power.
Feb 14, 2026 • 3h 21min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 219
Amanda Nelson, political commentator and creator of 'Amanda's Mild Takes,' explains how humor and clear whiteboard explainers make civic power accessible. Conversations cover the nihilist penguin meme's political hijacking, fighting plans for ICE warehouse detention, tactical community organizing, and cultural flashpoints from halftime counterprogramming to the fallout around Epstein and school policing.
40 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 1h 20min
The Greg Bovino Episode Extravaganza!
Jack O'Brien, comedian and podcast host known for The Daily Zeitgeist, drops sharp analysis and funny anecdotes. They dig into Greg Bovino’s rise in Border Patrol, his social media PR machine, alleged abuses and high-profile raids. They also trace his upbringing, militaristic influences, theatrical uniforms, and the fallout that landed him in hot water.
68 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 48min
Part Three: Romana Didulo: Queen of Canada
A bizarre rise from Telegram fame to issuing promissory notes and debt‑elimination decrees. The formation of a pseudo‑kingdom with strange laws, violent rhetoric, and sci‑fi flavored powers. An RV caravan fundraiser that morphed into cult uniforms, medals, strict discipline, and theatrical anthems. A failed citizen's arrest, tense showdowns with towns, and arrests that followed.
Feb 7, 2026 • 3h 21min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 218
James Stout, on-the-ground Panama observer and historian; Andrew Sage, podcaster and Latin America historian. They trace U.S. intervention in Panama from canal politics to the 1989 invasion. Short, punchy segments also cover dogwhistle politics, the rise of authoritarian aesthetics, union resistance to ICE, civil defense tactics, and contemporary threats to democratic institutions.
86 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 1h 11min
Part Two: Romana Didulo: Queen of Canada
A deep dive into a cult leader's rise from QAnon roots to self-styled sovereignty. They trace crypto Ponzi ties, debt-jubilee promises and bizarre ‘quantum’ finance claims. The show highlights cease-and-desist tactics, shoot-to-kill rhetoric and how online orders turned into caravans and real-world harm. Strange grandiose claims and escalating threats round out the story.
61 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 1h 13min
Part One: Romana Didulo: Queen of Canada
Jason Petty (Prop), hip‑hop artist and frequent commentator, joins to react and riff on Romana Didulo, the self‑declared Queen of Canada and cult figure. They explore her occult and New Age influences, rise on Telegram and QAnon ties. Short, sharp takes on her eccentric proclamations, alleged grifts, and how online fame turned bizarre claims into real‑world followings.
Jan 31, 2026 • 4h 3min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 217
Christopher Mathias, investigative journalist and author of To Catch a Fascist, discusses long-term coverage of the radical right. He talks about doxxing and anti-fascist intelligence work. Short, sharp takes on unmasking extremists, infiltration tactics, and how exposure disrupts hate networks.
39 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 4min
Part Four: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
David Bell, journalist and commentator, brings concise analysis of Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi power dynamics. They trace MBS's rise through palace maneuvering and energy politics. They cover his social reforms, crackdowns on dissent, the NEOM vision, and the Khashoggi assassination. The conversation mixes geopolitical scrutiny with sharp storytelling.
33 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 5min
Part Three: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
A deep dive into Mohammed bin Salman’s rapid climb from driven young prince to concentrated power. They trace rivalries with other royal figures and his bold takeover of the defense ministry. The narrative follows the Yemen intervention, its humanitarian fallout, and his lavish behavior amid crisis. Political maneuvering, U.S. ties, and shifting alliances shape the story.
