Behind the Bastards

In this live show, guest Jason Petty, a hip-hop artist known for his unique takes on politics, joins Robert to dissect the controversial figure Bo Gritz, a right-wing militia icon. They navigate Gritz’s wild life—from his questionable military claims to his ties with the Rambo mythos. The duo also dives deep into Gritz’s infamous exploits during the Vietnam War and examines the commercialization of the POW/MIA movement. With humor and insight, they punctuate the unsettling legacy of Gritz while engaging the audience in a spirited discussion.

This podcast features Dana Al-Kurd, a scholar specializing in Palestinian politics, and Ahmad Moore, a fellow and activist focused on pro-Palestine organizing. They delve into the profound impact of the recent genocide on U.S. pro-Palestine movements, discussing shifts in tactics and the framing of narratives. Moore highlights the transition toward analyzing imperialism and settler-colonialism, as well as calls for arms embargoes. Their insights illuminate the evolving landscape of diaspora politics and movement strategy.

In this installment, T.T. Lee joins to explore the horrific life of Thomas Thistlewood, a notorious slave plantation owner. They discuss how Thistlewood framed sexual violence as a 'natural' necessity, likening enslaved people to livestock in his diaries. The conversation delves into his sadistic punishments and the corporal torture inflicted on the enslaved. With shocking insights into Thistlewood's sexual exploitation, including abuse of underage girls, the episode documents how reading fueled his horrific actions, revealing a chilling history of pain and resistance.

T.T. Lee, a comedian and insightful commentator, joins Robert to delve into the haunting diary of Thomas Thistlewood, a notorious slave plantation owner. They dissect the depths of brutality documented in Thistlewood's meticulous records and explore the chilling realities of plantation life in Jamaica. T.T. unpacks the coded language Thistlewood used to hide his sexual crimes, while Robert highlights how these entries reflect a broader culture of exploitation. Together, they reveal that Thistlewood's horrifying actions were disturbingly typical of his time.

Michael Phillips, a historian focusing on capital punishment, joins investigative journalist Stephen Monticelli and Reverend Jeff Hood, a priest who has witnessed executions, to delve into the troubling realities of lethal injection. They explore its origins, public perception, and the morbid spectacle of early executions. Hood shares harrowing experiences accompanying condemned men, while the group discusses the high cost and political implications of the death penalty, revealing systemic flaws and moral dilemmas deeply embedded in America's justice system.

Who does Peter Thiel think the Antichrist might be? Dive into Thiel's apocalyptic views on technology and his critiques of modern churches. The hosts tackle Thiel's misreading of religious themes and explore his surprising candidates for the Antichrist, including Greta Thunberg. They discuss the implications of Thiel's ideas on immortality and cryonics, revealing his fascination with life after death. The conversation also touches on the political theories influencing Thiel's mindset, shedding light on the intersection of fear, authority, and technology.

Sarah Marshall, a journalist and podcaster known for her work on The Devil You Know, joins to unpack Peter Thiel's provocative beliefs about the Antichrist. They discuss Thiel's secret lecture series and his influence on Silicon Valley ideologies, including how his views challenge democracy. The conversation delves into Thiel's philosophical influences and critiques of modern science, revealing his concerns about apocalyptic futures and the role of authority. Marshall shares her unease about Thiel's perspectives, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in the next part.

All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file.  - Caribbean Roundtable - The Campaign to Bust Chicago’s Only Bookstore Union - What’s Real in the Politics of Population with Andrew - Occulture, William S. Burroughs, and Generative AI - Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #39 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: Caribbean Roundtable https://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/the-caribbeans-zone-of-peace-under-threat-a-conversation-with-david-abdulah/ https://newsday.co.tt/2025/10/20/trinidad-and-tobago-stands-firm-with-us-on-regional-security/ The Campaign to Bust Chicago’s Only Bookstore Union https://www.instagram.com/semcoopbooksellersunion/ Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #39 https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/justice-department-monitor-polls-24-states-compliance-federal-voting-rights-laws https://x.com/gavinnewsom/status/1981893887460544737?s=46&t=wjiWDhD7WaSqfSfZGiwlSw   https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-asia-trip-japan-10-27-25?post-id=cmh8yni6000053b6nah0oh7ol  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-was-fatally-hit-vehicle-fleeing-ice-virginia-highway-officials-say  https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/22/california-to-deploy-national-guard-to-support-food-banks-fast-track-funding-as-trumps-shutdown-strips-families-of-food-benefits/  https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bay-area-food-banks-california-national-guard/3969875 https://www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-agents-are-scanning-peoples-faces-on-the-street-to-verify-citizenship/ /  https://www.energy.senate.gov/2025/10/lee-bill-fights-back-against-biden-s-border-chaos-destroying-america-s-parks-and-public-lands  https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/0DED04C4-18C7-4C1F-BCE4-DD5B79FB0264  https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/0DED04C4-18C7-4C1F-BCE4-DD5B79FB0264  https://x.com/DHSgov/status/1983273176907043070  https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571.94.0.pdf https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571.42.0_4.pdf  https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/28/judge-blasts-border-patrol-boss-greg-bovino-for-violating-excessive-force-order/ https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-bovino-ice-immigration-506c9c661ee75f3e955f346daeed5555  https://x.com/BillMelugin_/status/1982959806173581456  https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3864929/trump-administration-quietly-purges-ice-leaders-in-five-cities-sources/ https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/trump-plans-install-border-patrol-officials-lead-aggressive-migrant-cr-rcna240102  https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/others/20251029/korea-welcomes-trump-with-top-level-protocol https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/30/business/fentanyl-tariffs https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5579438-live-updates-trump-xi-meeting-government-shutdown/ https://www.npr.org/2025/10/30/nx-s1-5590754/trump-china-xi-meeting-lowers-tariffs https://centralnews.co.za/trump-becomes-first-us-president-to-receive-south-koreas-highest-honour-golden-crown-and-grand-order-of-mugunghwa-presented-in-historic-ceremony/ https://write.ellipsus.com/edit/aef875a8-f460-429d-af2a-66e197b3000f https://archive.vn/0s7cS https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/29/kat-abughazaleh-conspiracy-indictment-broadview-protests-donald-trump-deportation-campaignSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Jake Hanrahan dives deep into the dark world of David E. Taylor's cult, revealing shocking details of exploitation and deceit. They discuss the bizarre use of AI-generated ads targeting the desperate, alongside allegations of enslaved labor and gruesome control tactics. The conversation highlights the disturbing living conditions and manipulation tactics used against members, including threats of starvation and forced labor. Hanrahan also uncovers the troubling financial practices and lavish lifestyles funded by church resources, painting a chilling picture of religious corruption.

Jake Hanrahan, an investigative journalist and host of the Sad Oligarch podcast, joins to unravel the shocking story of Bishop David E. Taylor and his cult, often dubbed 'Jesus Christ's Best Friend.' They delve into recent FBI raids that spotlight the group's abuses and discuss how social media and call centers targeted vulnerable individuals. The conversation highlights Taylor's rise, including his self-promotion and dubious claims of miracles, while revealing the harrowing reality for cult members, marked by coercion and exploitation.