
Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
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.
Latest episodes

Sep 9, 2024 • 57min
Part One: Mother Jones: Honestly Kind of a Fraud TBH
Laurie Penny, an insightful author and journalist known for her sharp commentary on feminism, dives deep into the complex legacy of Mother Jones. Penny explores the discrepancies between Jones' legendary image and the truth of her life, revealing uncomfortable truths about her views and actions. The conversation weaves through historical misrepresentations and the racial dynamics within labor movements, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced by immigrants and marginalized groups. Penny’s critique offers a fresh lens on activism and the narratives we uphold.

Sep 8, 2024 • 26min
CZM Book Club: "2 B R 0 2 B" by Kurt Vonnegut
Margaret, an astute reader and critic, dives into Kurt Vonnegut's '2 B R 0 2 B,' a classic sci-fi tale critiquing eugenics. She explores the chilling themes of voluntary death in a dystopian society, unraveling how a seemingly perfect existence can lead to emotional chaos. The podcast showcases dark humor through a dialogue between a painter and an orderly, highlighting absurdities in societal norms about life and death. Listeners are left contemplating morality and the weight of existence in our modern landscape.

Sep 4, 2024 • 1h
Part Two: The German Abolitionists: How the 48ers Joined the American Abolitionists
Cody Johnston, a commentator, dives into the fascinating intersection of German revolutionaries and American abolitionism. He unpacks the legacy of the 48ers in Texas, tracing their contributions and community-building efforts against slavery. The conversation highlights the role of German-language newspapers and the cultural significance of Cincinnati as an abolitionist hub. Johnston also reflects on the radical journey of figures like August Willich, illustrating the solidarity between immigrant groups and the black community in their struggle for freedom.

Sep 2, 2024 • 52min
Part One: The German Abolitionists: How the 48ers Joined the American Abolitionists
Margaret talks to Cody Johnston about how a bunch of German revolutionaries joined the movement against American slavery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 1, 2024 • 26min
CZM Book Club: "Virgin Ground" by Rosel George Brown
Margaret reads you a classic sci-fi tale of a marriage on Mars gone wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 28, 2024 • 60min
Part Two: Frances Perkins and the Quest to Rescue Jewish Children From Germany
Margaret finishes talking with Caitlin Durante about the first "Madame Secretary," who burned her political capital to keep the US border open and save Jewish children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 26, 2024 • 54min
Part One: Frances Perkins and the Quest to Rescue Jewish Children From Germany
Margaret talks with Caitlin Durante about the first "Madame Secretary," who burned her political capital to keep the US border open and save Jewish children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 25, 2024 • 32min
CZM Book Club: "Intentionalities" by Aimee Ogden
Margaret reads you a science fiction story about space unions and family ties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 21, 2024 • 56min
Part Two: The Orange Alternative: The Polish Hippie Surrealists Who Tore Down a Communist Government
Margaret finishes talking with Courtney Kocak about how a bunch of self-styled anarchist gnomes helped collapse a government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 19, 2024 • 51min
Part One: The Orange Alternative: The Polish Hippie Surrealists Who Tore Down a Communist Government
Margaret talks with Courtney Kocak about how a bunch of self-styled anarchist gnomes helped collapse a government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.