

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

Sep 23, 2024 • 47min
Part Three: The Korean People's Association of Manchuria: When Two Million People Lived In a Horizontal Society
Margaret continues talking with Mia Wong about the deep history of Korean anarchism and how it led to one of the great experiments with antiauthoritarian social structure of the 20th century. Part 3/4 Sources: Shin Chae-ho, "Declaration of the Korean Revolution;" Ha Ki-rak, "A History of the Korean Anarchist Movement;" Dongyoun Hwang, Anarchism in Korea; Peter Gelderloos, Anarchy Works; dogej63, "Summary of the Sinmin Prefecture."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 22, 2024 • 30min
CZM Book Club: "The Story of the Unknown Church" by William Morris
Margaret reads you a story about decoration. Really.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 18, 2024 • 55min
Part Two: The Korean People's Association of Manchuria: When Two Million People Lived In a Horizontal Society
Mia Wong, an expert on Korean anarchism, dives deep into the unique societal structures of the Korean People's Association of Manchuria. She explores how two million people cohabited in a community-oriented environment, fostering cultural cohesion. Discussing the consequences of Japanese imperialism, Wong highlights the resilience of Korean students and the revolutionary ideologies that emerged. The conversation also touches on the interplay of nationalism and anarchism and the historical narratives that shaped the quest for Korean independence.

Sep 16, 2024 • 55min
Part One: The Korean People's Association of Manchuria: When Two Million People Lived In a Horizontal Society
In this engaging discussion, Mia Wong, an expert on the history of Korean anarchism, delves into the remarkable story of the Korean People's Association of Manchuria. She explores how this community created a horizontal society amid Japan's colonial rule, blending history with personal anecdotes. The conversation highlights the complexities of Korean anarchism as a form of resistance against oppression and examines the societal structures shaped by Confucianism and Catholicism. Wong sheds light on the often-misunderstood legacy of these movements within the broader anti-colonial narrative.

Sep 15, 2024 • 47min
CZM Book Club: "The Sapling Cage" by Margaret Killjoy
Audiobook narrator Jackie Meloche reads Margaret the first chapter of her own upcomin book!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 11, 2024 • 57min
Part Two: Mother Jones: Honestly Kind of a Fraud TBH
Margaret finishes talking to Laurie Penny about the goth hellraiser labor organizer whom she thought would be cool but was actually kind of a racist liar who was probably grifting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.