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
11 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 2h 30min
CZM Rewind: The Zizians: How Harry Potter Fanfic Inspired a Death Cult & The Zizians: Birth of a Cult Leader
David Gborie, a journalist focused on fringe movements, delves into the unsettling origins of the Zizians, a group tied to a tragic Border Patrol shooting. They unravel their roots in Bay Area rationalist subculture and discuss how Harry Potter fanfic influenced their ideology. Gborie shares insights on Ziz LaSota's alarming transformation from an aspiring idealist to a cult leader driven by dark thought experiments. The conversation explores the merging of rationalism, veganism, and radical beliefs, revealing chilling dynamics behind their rise.
20 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
Part Three: X-Mas Special: The Heroes Who Ended The Slave Trade
James Stout, an author and historian focused on revolutionary movements, joins to explore the heroic figures who ended the Atlantic Slave Trade. They discuss Granville Sharp's efforts following the Zorg massacre and Thomas Clarkson's transformation into a devoted abolitionist. The impact of firsthand narratives from Equiano and Cugoano is highlighted, showcasing their influential autobiographies. Stout also covers the Dolben Act's significance and the powerful mobilization techniques used to sway public opinion and parliamentary action. It's a profound look at a pivotal moment in history.
30 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 52min
Part Two: X-Mas Special: The Heroes Who Ended The Slave Trade
In this episode we introduce two great heroes: freed slave and adventurer Olaudah Equiano, and crusading abolitionist lawyer Granville Sharp. Against the State by James Stout available for preorder here: https://www.akpress.org/against-the-state.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 19min
Part One: X-Mas Special: The Heroes Who Ended The Slave Trade
In this enlightening discussion, author and podcaster James Stout, known for his book Against the State, joins the hosts to explore the heroes of the abolition movement. They dive into the grim origins of the Atlantic slave trade and its transformation of Britain into an economic powerhouse. Stout highlights early abolitionists like the Quakers and the pivotal Zong massacre that ignited organized efforts against slavery. The conversation also reflects on the everyday complicity of British institutions and how cultural shifts remarkably led to the ban of the slave trade in 1807.
5 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 3h 17min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 213
In this discussion, Alex Pine, President of the Blue Bottle Union, and Abby Sato, the union's Secretary-Treasurer, delve into the grassroots movement behind union organizing at Blue Bottle locations. They recount the fierce battles against unjust firings and the spirited walkouts that fueled their recent strikes. Their striking strategies highlight a refusal to yield to management's tactics. Listeners will find insights into the challenges of fostering solidarity and the call for support to boycott Blue Bottle until justice prevails for the workers.
31 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 4min
Part Two: Lord Haw-Haw: Hitler's Favorite Anglo Propagandist
Padraig, a history writer specializing in fascism, delves into the life of William Joyce, known as Lord Haw-Haw, and his rise as a Nazi propagandist. He discusses Joyce’s captivating speaking skills that garnered him a cult following, and the tensions with Oswald Mosley over antisemitism. Joyce’s strategic use of propaganda from Germany demoralized British listeners, despite ultimately becoming a figure of ridicule. The podcast covers his tumultuous marriage, tragic demise, and the lingering influence of his legacy among neo-Nazi groups.
20 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 52min
Part One: Lord Haw-Haw: Hitler's Favorite Anglo Propagandist
In this engaging discussion, historian Pádraig O Ruairc uncovers the life of William Joyce, known as Lord Haw-Haw, who became infamous for his pro-Hitler propaganda during WWII. O Ruairc delves into Joyce's mysterious origins and his estrangement from his Irish roots. He explores Joyce's radicalization post-1916, his unsettling involvement with British paramilitary forces, and his unsavory turn toward fascism. The narrative reveals Joyce's hypocrisy and tumultuous personal life, setting the stage for his eventual alignment with Hitler.
Dec 13, 2025 • 3h 8min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 212
Dana Elkurd, a journalist specializing in Middle East politics, leads a gripping discussion on Arab-Israeli normalization and its implications for Gaza. She’s joined by Ben Schumann-Stoller, a producer unpacking the historical context of normalization and the Abraham Accords. Matan Kaminar, an anthropologist, explores the darker aspects of Abrahamic narratives and their impact on xenophobia. Together, they dissect how political and economic interests often overshadow Palestinian rights, shining a light on the complexities of reconciliation and reconstruction.
74 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
Part Five: The Men Who Might Have Killed Us All
Margaret Killjoy, a writer and cultural commentator, joins the discussion on the chilling realities of nuclear command-and-control systems. They explore the Minuteman launch paradox and how technical faults could accidentally trigger mass launches. Automation’s role in early launches and the morally abhorrent plans for civilian targets spark intense debate. Despite bureaucratic silence, voices like General Shoup’s challenge the status quo. As discussions turn to AI and crisis pressures for presidents, the looming threat of nuclear mishaps hangs in the air.
43 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 48min
Part Four: The Men Who Might Have Killed Us All
Get ready for a dive into the chaotic world of nuclear weapons policies. Discover the sheer incompetence behind early ICBM drafts and the fear of accidental launches. From lost atomic bombs in the ocean to the terrifying implications of launch-on-warning systems, the discussion highlights chilling moments in military history. Ethical debates on deterrence strategies and risks of automation add a thought-provoking layer as well. Prepare for a sobering exploration of how close we came to global catastrophe!
