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
Dec 26, 2024 • 1h 1min
CZM Rewind: White Terror
The podcast dives into the chilling rise of white supremacist terrorism, exploring a series of violent incidents linked to radicalized teenagers. It highlights the influence of the Teragram Collective, a neo-Nazi group that distributes terrorism manuals online. Discussion on the alarming ramifications of digital radicalization sheds light on the societal impact of extremist ideologies. The narrative also covers the historical context of White Terror and the disturbing tactics employed by these groups to recruit and incite violence.
18 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 44min
A Klansman in Berlin: Dennis Mahon, Pt. 2
Dive into the chilling world of extremist ideologies and their messy intersections with local culture. Hear about an undercover informant's dangerous mission at a secluded Ozarks compound and uncover the propaganda tactics used by figures like Dennis Mahon. Explore the dark roots of skinhead culture in Tulsa, its violent history, and the exchange of hate between American and German neo-Nazi groups. The story reflects haunting legacies of violence, politics, and personal narratives intertwined within a disturbing cultural landscape.
30 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 41min
Klansas City Kable: Dennis Mahon, Pt. 1
Delve into the chilling underbelly of the hate movement with tales of clandestine Klan gatherings and the twisted friendships that flourish in extremism. Discover the rise of a notorious Klan figure, navigating law and societal tensions in Kansas City. Explore the moral dilemmas surrounding free speech as journalism students engage with hate groups, igniting fierce debates. Unearth bizarre connections and dark humor through unusual accounts, revealing the disturbing links between hate, media, and criminal activities.
27 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 54min
Ku Klux Kable Access TV
Tom Metzger, a prominent figure in the 1980s white supremacist movement, and J.B. Stoner, known for his deeply racist views, dive into the unsettling legacy of public access television. They discuss how their show, 'Race and Reason,' infiltrated local channels, spreading extremist ideologies. The conversation highlights a tense standoff involving the FBI and a fugitive Nazi, the complexities of funding for radical movements, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding free speech versus hate speech. Their insights shed light on the impact of televised propaganda on societal attitudes.
13 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 37min
CZM Rewind: Barry Black Pt. 1 & 2
The discussion dives into the controversial Supreme Court ruling that legalized cross-burning under the First Amendment. It uncovers the life of Barry Black, a Klan leader involved in infamous legal battles and campaigns against a rural gay bar. The narrative also touches on themes of hate, civil rights, and the historical context of racism in Virginia. Amidst personal stories of resistance, it highlights the struggle of LGBTQ+ individuals against intimidation and explores legislative actions aimed at combating hate symbols, culminating in the complex legal landscape of today.
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 4min
Arrested Democracy, Pt. 2
Darren Huff's chaotic attempt to seize control of a courthouse reveals a tumultuous blend of radical beliefs and misguided action. Walter Fitzpatrick's bizarre citizen's arrest leads to comical courtroom moments, underscoring the absurdities of far-right ideologies. Intriguing discussions of conspiracy theories showcase the alarming mindset behind these movements, while the tension in Tennessee highlights local discontent with military orders. Lively anecdotes at children's parties inject humor, balancing the serious themes of political legitimacy and legal challenges.
13 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 53min
Arrested Democracy, Pt .1
Explore the bizarre world of conspiracy theories sparked by Barack Obama's presidency. Discover how a retired Navy officer spiraled into paranoia and what drove a man to storm a courtroom in Tennessee. Dive into the nuances of the birther movement, highlighting the intertwining of racism and extreme beliefs. Unravel the strange narratives surrounding sovereign citizens and their twisted legal antics. Finally, follow the chaotic quest to indict a sitting president, showcasing the unsettling dynamics between citizen dissent and the law.
Nov 7, 2024 • 60min
A Deal With the Devil: Ethan Melzer, Pt. 2
Ethan Melzer, a former U.S. Army paratrooper who pleaded guilty to plotting a terrorist act against his own unit, delves into the haunting betrayal of his radicalization. He recounts his descent into extremism, influenced by a toxic mix of isolation and manipulation from a neo-Nazi group. The chilling dynamics of his case reveal the disturbing intersections of military service and extremist ideologies. Ethan also discusses the role of an FBI informant and the complexities of his journey, highlighting the alarming potential for extremism within the military ranks.
6 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 54min
The Devil's Chat Room: Ethan Melzer, Pt. 1
Dive into the chilling tale of Ethan Melzer, a U.S. Army private caught in a web of neo-Nazi beliefs and occult practices. Discover how his intentions to leak military deployment details were interconnected with extremist ideologies and the violent consequences that followed. Explore the alarming ties between hate groups like Rapewaffen and satanism, alongside the pressing dangers they pose to society. The discussion also touches on the psychological struggles of individuals engaged in criminal landscapes, raising questions about morality and influence.
Oct 24, 2024 • 44min
Weird Little Check-in
There's no new weird little guy this week, but I wanted to check in with you about how the show is going so far and squeeze in a few weird little facts that got left on the cutting room floor of past episodes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
