

Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
As long as there’s been oppression, there’ve been people fighting it. This weekly podcast dives into history to drag up the wildest rebels, the most beautiful revolts, and all the people who long to be—and fight to be—free. It explores complex stories of resistance that offer lessons and inspiration for us today, focusing on the ensemble casts that make up each act of history. That is to say, this podcast focuses on Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 10, 2024 • 26min
CZM Book Club: Nazis Don't Go To Valhalla
Book Club Rerun from the ol' ICHH archive - now with Book Club wrapping! Margaret Killjoy joins us to read a special spooky week ghost story about the 2nd American Civil War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 6, 2024 • 34min
Part Two: Witches: Witches Were Pretty Cool Even Though They Didn't Really Exist
Dive into the dark history of witchcraft, where societal fears fueled deadly witch hunts, often rooted in misogyny and power struggles. Explore bizarre beliefs, like the infamous myth of male genitalia collection, alongside modern advertising. The impact of capitalism on gender dynamics and the patronage of witch trials reveals layers of societal oppression against women. The discussion humorously reflects on evolving perceptions of witches and how their historical narratives continue to shape our world today.

Nov 4, 2024 • 23min
Part One: Witches: Witches Were Pretty Cool Even Though They Didn't Really Exist
Dive into the captivating history of European witchcraft, exploring how witch trials became a battleground between Catholics and Protestants. Discover the evolution of the witch archetype from criminals to symbols of empowerment, reflecting on societal factors and cultural perceptions. Uncover the myths and realities behind witch hunts, with fascinating insights on notable figures like Dame Alice Keiteller. Engage in discussions about intimacy and the romanticized portrayal of witches, challenging historical narratives and celebrating their complex legacy.

Nov 3, 2024 • 25min
CZM Book Club: A Bunch of Stories About Russian Witches
Margaret reads you folklore about witches in Russia, because she likes witches and it's still sort of Halloween.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 30, 2024 • 41min
Part Two: Halloween Special: Spooky Stories
Margaret reads Prop the other horror story she wrote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 28, 2024 • 39min
Part One: Halloween Special: Spooky Stories
Margaret reads Prop two horror stories she wrote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 27, 2024 • 22min
CZM Book Club: "The Vampire Maid" by Hume Nisbet
Margaret reads you a story in which vampires serve as a metaphor for yet another thing, because vampires are cool.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 23, 2024 • 47min
Part Two: Pura Belpré: The Puerto Rican Librarian Who Brought Bilingual Storytelling to New York
Margaret finishes telling Samantha McVey some of the history of public libraries and how the first Puerto Rican librarian in the US changed everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 21, 2024 • 47min
Part One: Pura Belpré: The Puerto Rican Librarian Who Brought Bilingual Storytelling to New York
Margaret tells Samantha McVey some of the history of public libraries and how the first Puerto Rican librarian in the US changed everything.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 20, 2024 • 26min
CZM Book Club: "The Damned Thing" by Ambrose Bierce
Margaret reads you the story she figures probably inspired Predator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.