Behind the Bastards

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.

Dana Elkurd, a writer and analyst focused on Palestinian politics, sheds light on Trump's controversial 20-point Gaza plan and the ongoing ceasefire dynamics, emphasizing accountability. Meanwhile, Eric Meza from the Sierra Club discusses the environmental and cultural implications of proposed border wall construction near Tecate Peak, highlighting community resistance efforts. Both guests tackle critical issues of governance and grassroots activism, making connections between policy and its real-world impacts.

The discussion dives deep into Daryl Gates' controversial career, from his early police work in Watts to his dramatic response during the LA Riots. It explores the founding of SWAT, originally called Special Weapons Attack Teams, and its first major operation against the Black Panthers. The podcast highlights Gates' creation of the DARE program and critiques its effectiveness in schools. Ultimately, it addresses how rising crime and public perception kept Gates in power, leading up to the backlash from the Rodney King incident and the ensuing riots.

Bridget Todd, a journalist and co-host of the podcast There Are No Girls on the Internet, dives deep into the controversial legacy of LAPD chief Daryl Gates. They discuss how Gates pioneered SWAT and D.A.R.E., shaping modern policing. Bridget shares nostalgic yet critical memories of D.A.R.E., while Robert critiques its flawed messaging. The conversation touches on Gates' challenging upbringing, his paradoxical relationship with police, and the influence of Chief William Parker in his rise through the LAPD's ranks.

Dahlia Killsback, a Northern Cheyenne tribal citizen and expert in federal Indian policy, discusses Indigenous Peoples Day's significance and the historical implications of the doctrine of discovery. She examines colonialism's roots, federal policy evolution, and ongoing treaty violations while proposing ways to support tribal sovereignty. A reporter unpacks Title 42's role in border enforcement, highlighting the harsh realities faced by expelled migrants and the systemic issues within the immigration system. Personal stories and mutual aid responses bring a humanizing perspective to the ongoing crisis.

Maggie, a writer and video essayist, dives into the dark history of Volkswagen’s slave plantation in Brazil. She discusses the shocking support from VW executives for Brazil’s military dictatorship, revealing a culture of labor exploitation and violence. The conversation highlights how heroic actions from teen soccer players and Father Ricardo Resende exposed the grim realities faced by workers. They also reflect on the lingering accountability issues and the moral implications for consumers, urging listeners to reconsider their support of the brand.

Maggie Mae Fish, a writer and video creator known for her insightful commentary, joins Robert to unravel Volkswagen's dark transformation from Nazi favorite to owner of a slave plantation in Brazil. They discuss Volkswagen's involvement in the military during WWII, its exploitation of forced labor, and the gruesome realities workers faced in Amazonian camps. The conversation dives into Brazil's political context during military dictatorship, shedding light on how modern slavery persists and the company’s eventual attempts at reckoning with its past.

This week features Raven, an independent journalist who offers an eye-opening account of ICE operations in Chicago, detailing mass raids and the troubling lack of accountability from federal agents. Dr. Kaveh Hoda, a gastroenterologist, sheds light on hepatitis B, debunking misinformation around vaccines and emphasizing their importance for public health. Discussions on the moral implications of entertainers performing for authoritarian regimes and the media's manipulation of mass shootings add further depth to the conversation.

Comedian Cody Johnston joins Robert to dissect Ben Shapiro's new nonfiction book, humorously critiquing its flawed metaphors, including an inaccurate portrayal of lions. They delve into how Shapiro's use of language frames protesters negatively while overlooking their motivations. The hosts challenge Shapiro's reliance on literary references and highlight inconsistencies in his arguments about morality and envy. Expect a witty, insightful analysis filled with clever banter as they unravel Shapiro's rhetoric.

Delve into the chaos of the 2001 anthrax attacks and the FBI's shocking missteps. A victim, Robert Stevens, faced a dire diagnosis, igniting national panic. The investigation stumbled as handwriting clues and insider information pointed to biodefense staff. Stephen Hatfield's life was turned upside down, thanks to profiling and relentless scrutiny. Despite the FBI's rush for closure, new insights decades later shifted suspicion to Bruce Ivins, but the mystery remains. The saga underscores the devastating impact of flawed investigations.