Weird Little Guys
iHeartPodcasts and Cool Zone Media
Weird Little Guys is a weekly show about the worst people you’ve never heard of, taking you beyond the headlines to get to know the race warriors and aspiring terrorists trying to unravel the fabric of our society. Weaving together the origin stories of modern American white supremacist groups and the crimes that land their members in court, independent journalist Molly Conger exposes the monsters for what they really are - some weird guy. Whether they’re conspiring to build bombs or serving swastika shaped cookies at a dinner party, the weird little guys trying to destroy America are a little less scary with their masks off.
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 56min
CZM Rewind: An Accidental Nazi Rally
Dive into the chaotic summer of 2017, where rallies sparked by anti-Muslim sentiment attracted notorious white supremacists. Discover the disingenuous grassroots tactics of Act for America and how extremist groups manipulated these events for their gain. Hear about the tragic Portland train attack and the extremist responses that followed. Explore the motivations behind key speakers and the broader implications of a rising far-right movement. Reflect on the lessons of radicalization and the dangers of normalizing hate.
37 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 50min
Disorganized Crime, Pt. 4
This discussion delves into Frank Smith's controversial past, exploring his transition from a Nazi associate to a Christian Identity minister. It examines his proposal for a whites-only church and connections to criminal activities, including shady financial deals surrounding his church's operations. Additionally, the impact of significant figures like George Lincoln Rockwell and the Mob in Frank's life is analyzed, raising questions about the church's role as a potential front for illicit funds. The episode concludes with insights into Frank's legacy and the ongoing murky issues surrounding his church.
12 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 50min
Disorganized Crime, Pt. 3
Dive into the shocking life of Frank Smith, who went from a near-fatal mob hit in Massachusetts to becoming a bodyguard for George Lincoln Rockwell, the leader of the American Nazi Party. Explore the bizarre stunts of Rockwell's gubernatorial campaign and the FBI's covert tactics against him. Discover the hidden tragedy of Barbara von Goetz and her secret pregnancies, as well as the heartbreaking story of her daughter, Gretchen, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. It's a twisted tale of crime, extremism, and untold lives.
16 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 18min
The Other Rockwell
The conversation navigates the bizarre mix-up between Nazi leader George Lincoln Rockwell and beloved painter Norman Rockwell. It highlights amusing historical errors, including courtroom transcription blunders and newspaper mishaps. Listeners learn about Norman's discomfort with the confusion and his efforts to distance himself from his namesake. The discussion also delves into Norman's impactful civil rights artwork, which starkly contrasts George’s extremist actions, painting a vivid picture of two very different legacies.
19 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 45min
Disorganized Crime, Pt. 2
Discover the wild life of Frank Smith, who ingeniously tried to blend his mafia ties with the American Nazi Party. Uncover the chaos surrounding his audacious plans for a whites-only church in Maine. Learn about the tension during the Boston gang wars and how Smith’s actions disrupted mob operations. Hear about the dubious partnership between criminal factions and extremist ideologies, revealing how politics and crime intertwine in unexpected ways. Buckle up for a riveting exploration of ambition, betrayal, and historical intrigue!
34 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 41min
Disorganized Crime, Pt. 1
Delve into the tangled life of Frank Smith, a former mafia associate turned Nazi. Uncover the convoluted connections between organized crime, boxing, and a string of chilling bombings in the 1950s. Explore the shady circumstances surrounding the murders and shootings linked to Frank, his dubious trial defenses, and the odd behavior of juries in mob cases. Hear about his prison time, the bizarre ties with Raymond Patriarca, and his swift recruitment into extremist circles after his release. Get ready for a wild ride through crime and controversy!
29 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 46min
George Lincoln Rockwell's Coffin Flop
The bizarre saga of George Lincoln Rockwell's funeral unfolds, revealing the tensions between military protocols and Nazi symbolism. Legal battles arise as the ACLU defends the right to free speech, even for the American Nazi Party. The complexities of Rockwell's military eligibility are examined alongside the chaos of his funeral procession. Confrontations escalate with arrests, and ultimately, Rockwell's ashes find an unconventional resting place. This story blends history, legal intrigue, and the absurdity of a failed military tribute.
24 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 32min
Death of a Demagogue, Pt. 3.5
Dive into the complex life of John Patler, an assassin grappling with a past marked by violence and radical beliefs. Discover his bizarre arrest for being naked in a stranger's home and his subsequent return to prison. Explore the disturbing ties to his family, including the mysterious disappearance of his brother's partner. A chilling look at whether Patler truly changed after decades, contrasted with his later extremist comments. This story reveals how the legacy of hate can continue to fester and adapt in modern society.
44 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 49min
Death of a Demagogue, Pt. 3
Molly dives into the dramatic events surrounding George Lincoln Rockwell's assassination. She highlights conflicting accounts of the shooting and the mysterious figure of John Patler as the accused shooter. Legal battles ensue as circumstantial evidence shapes the trial's outcome. Fascinating conspiracy theories emerge, tying Rockwell's death to party infighting and external threats. Patler's intriguing post-conviction life raises eyebrows, particularly a bizarre 1976 arrest. This episode uncovers a tangled web of motives and intrigue in a historical tragedy.
68 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 47min
Death of a Demagogue, Pt. 2
Dive into the tumultuous world of the American Nazi Party as Molly unravels the events leading up to George Lincoln Rockwell's assassination. Discover the internal schisms over the definition of whiteness, and how Rockwell's strategic pivot to 'white power' aimed to unify his followers. Learn about historical figures like John Patler and Christopher Vidnevich, whose narratives highlight the chaotic ideology of the movement. The episode explores the complex motives behind Rockwell's murder and the conspiracy theories that arose within the ranks.
