Behind the Bastards

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!

Margaret Killjoy, a writer, podcaster, and astute commentator, joins Robert to navigate the chilling landscape of nuclear history. They dissect the controversial use of atomic bombs in Japan and how postwar leaders minimized the horrors of radiation. Discussion flows to Curtis LeMay's aggressive military strategies and the concept of an always-ready nuclear force. Margaret and Robert explore the evolution of nuclear deterrence and the rapid stockpiling of thermonuclear weapons, all while highlighting the chilling reality of strategic bombing and its implications for global safety.

All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file.  - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part One: After The Jungle  - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part Two: To Be Called By No Name - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part Three: The American Nightmare - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part Four: When Someone Needs Help  - Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #44 You can now listen to all Cool Zone Media shows, 100% ad-free through the Cooler Zone Media subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. So, open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “Cooler Zone Media” and subscribe today! http://apple.co/coolerzone Sources/Links: Darién Gap: One Year Later Primrose’s Legal Aid Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immigration-lawyer-for-primrose https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/world/americas/trump-us-mexico-border.html https://www.fresnobee.com/news/article299272524.html https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/woody-guthrie-deportee-song-immigrants-rare-recording-1235383582/ https://southkernsol.org/2024/09/30/marker-unveiled-at-1948-plane-crash-site-that-killed-28-mexican-passengers/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-orders/  http://www.toddmillerwriter.com/border-patrol-nation/  https://timzhernandez.com/all-they-will-call-you/  https://www.ice.gov/features/atd  https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/us/ice-impersonators-on-the-rise-arrests-made-as-authorities-issue-national-warning  https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1225&num=0&edition=prelim Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #44 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/business/economy/trump-north-american-trade-deal.html https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-us-may-exit-usmca-next-year-trump-meets-nvidias-huang-to-talk-ai-chip-curbs-231853198.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/business/supreme-court-tariff-ruling-refunds.html https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-deepens-tariff-cut-brazilian-224041283.html https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/violent-crime https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/violent-crime https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Public-Safety/NYPD-Complaint-Data-Current-Year-To-Date-/5uac-w243/about_data https://compstat.nypdonline.org/  https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/Particularly%20Serious%20Crimes%20Advisory_Dec%202023.pdf  https://www.nycbar.org/press-releases/mayor-eric-adamss-threats-to-new-york-as-a-sanctuary-city/#_ftn3  https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-5445  https://media.defense.gov/2023/Jul/31/2003271432/-1/-1/0/DOD-LAW-OF-WAR-MANUAL-JUNE-2015-UPDATED-JULY%202023.PDF  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckglx77mplgo  https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2025/11/28/us-suspends-visas-in-depth-look-global-afghanistan-refugee-crisis  https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/10/31/theyve-shot-many/abusive-night-raids-cia-backed-afghan-strike-forces  https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-alerts/PM-602-0192-PendingApplicationsHighRiskCountries-20251202.pdf  https://www.cato.org/blog/fbis-crosshairs-socialist-rifle-association  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and  https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115625429081411360  https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-orders-enhanced-vetting-applicants-h-1b-visa-2025-12-04/  https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-somalia  https://x.com/ReichlinMelnick/status/1992048335876772353  https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1254a&num=0&edition=prelim  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/search?conditions%5Bsearch_type_id%5D=3&conditions%5Bterm%5D=TPS+somali&order=newest  https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-announces-modernized-more-affordable-national-park-access  https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/north-texas-men-indicted-eastern-district-texas-international-murderkidnapping-scheme  https://taskandpurpose.com/news/airman-texas-haiti-coup-plot/ https://nypost.com/2025/12/04/us-news/fbi-makes-arrest-in-jan-6-pipe-bomb-investigation-after-nearly-5-years/ https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/afghan-national-charged-murder-national-guard-soldier-sarah-beckstrom https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-mpd-detectice-affidavit.pdf https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/us/rahmanullah-lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-dc.html https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/nyc-detainer-laws.pdf https://time.com/7337578/ice-raid-new-york-mamdani/  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dvs1d2mlFUostowEZzfr0CoCrbUQw99a/view  https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doi/reports/pdf/2025/38DOC.Release.Rpt.09.25.2025.pdf  https://www.instagram.com/p/DRj_NZHjeRK/?hl=en&img_index= https://x.com/UofOklahoma/status/1995186884704690262?s=20  https://news.kalshi.com/p/kalshi-cnn-prediction-market-partnership  https://www.businessinsider.com/kalshi-cnbc-deal-cnn-data-integration-partnership-2025-12 https://x.com/ForecasterEnten/status/1978469463415755117See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the harrowing world of nuclear strategy and the controversial figures behind it. Explore the birth of the atom bomb and the Bomber Mafia's influence on military tactics. Discover Curtis LeMay's ruthless approach and the devastating firebombing of Tokyo. Hear about Louis Slotin's risky role in assembling nuclear cores and the chilling accidents that followed. The conversation touches on the moral dilemmas of air power and the lasting impacts of nuclear thinking on our world today.

Margaret Killjoy, a writer, podcaster, and historian, dives deep into the chilling history of nuclear weapons. She explores how humanity's decision-making led to the stockpiling of destructive atomic bombs, posing an ongoing threat to civilization. The discussion includes near misses during the Cold War, the moral calculations behind creating the bombs, and the paradox of those who facilitated nuclear development—seen as both heroes and potential mass murderers. Margaret also highlights the precarious nature of modern nuclear strategies and their catastrophic implications.

This week dives into the complex narrative of the Stop Cop City movement, highlighting its struggles and phases from occupation to repression. Fear emerges as both a tactical and defensive tool for activists and police alike. The conversation shifts to federal tactics, including Homeland Security raids and RICO limitations, revealing how governmental responses evolve. Gaming culture captures attention, with critiques of figures like Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried as they navigate public personas. The discussion wraps up by exploring the implications of fractured elite support on authoritarian coalitions.

In this discussion, comedian and writer Jamie Loftus dives deep into the infamous Sam Bankman-Fried saga and Michael Lewis's controversial coverage of him. Loftus critiques Lewis's celebrity-driven journalism and his tendency to befriend subjects, which may have clouded his judgment. They explore how Lewis portrayed SBF's quirks as genius traits and the implications of his narratives on public perception. Insights on ethical questions surrounding Lewis's works like The Blind Side add a layer of complexity, making for a captivating conversation on media integrity.

Part One: Robert sits down with Jamie Loftus to talk about the collapse of one of the great financial criminals of our time. Original Air Date: 11.22.22 Part Two: Everyone's favorite crypto conman is back behind bars! Robert sits down with Jamie Loftus to talk about his plans to buy an island and make he and his friends living gods. Original Air Date: 8.15.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dana El Kurd, a researcher specializing in Palestinian scholarship, dives into the significance of the Journal of Palestine Studies and the unique challenges faced by Palestinian academics. Alma Avaye, a former Condé Nast executive, shares her insights on the fallout from layoffs and union activities, highlighting the impact on diversity and retaliatory firings at Teen Vogue. Both guests emphasize the need for marginalized voices in academia and the media while advocating for greater worker rights and sustainable journalism.

The saga of Bo Gritz unfolds with his bizarre attempts to rescue POWs, highlighted by a league of misfit volunteers training in a cheerleading academy. Their absurd plan to invade Laos as tourists and failed missions become fodder for laughs. Celebrity donations spice up the story, but Gritz also drifts into extremist rhetoric and militia politics. Despite a fleeting moment of heroism during the Ruby Ridge standoff, his later ventures into conspiracy have a tragic end, marked by financial ruin and personal battles.