
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

Jul 24, 2024 • 55min
Part Four: Operation Nemesis and Armenian Resistance to Genocide
James Stout discusses Operation Nemesis, the assassination missions targeting Turkish leaders post-genocide. The podcast explores the historical context, covert operations, and moral complexities of seeking justice. It also touches on political intrigue, migrant struggles, and the pursuit of redemption amidst turbulent times.

Jul 22, 2024 • 49min
Part Three: Operation Nemesis and Armenian Resistance to Genocide
James Stout discusses the group of unlikely heroes who assassinated the architects of the Armenian genocide. The podcast explores Armenian resistance, the brutal nature of the genocide, and the impact of genocidal violence. It also delves into Kurdish involvement, acknowledgment, and Sakhoman Talirian's revolutionary acts during World War I.

Jul 21, 2024 • 36min
CZM Book Club: "The Orchard of Tomorrow" by Kelsea Yu
Author Kelsea Yu discusses her book 'The Orchard of Tomorrow' in the Cool Zone Media Book Club. The podcast delves into themes of love, rebuilding the world, nostalgia in a peach orchard, pursuit of immortality, and complex relationships. It also features a heated conversation, reflections on past choices, and exploration of allegories and concepts within the story.

Jul 17, 2024 • 50min
Part Two: Operation Nemesis and Armenian Resistance to Genocide
James Stout discusses the group of unlikely heroes who assassinated the architects of the Armenian genocide. Topics include Armenian resistance movements, revolutionary actions, roles of anarchist women in historical events, and the Ottoman Empire's involvement in World War I.

12 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 49min
Part One: Operation Nemesis and Armenian Resistance to Genocide
James Stout, an expert on Armenian resistance history, discusses Operation Nemesis and the Armenian Genocide. Topics include the lack of awareness, historical figures like Gomitas, and the complex history of Armenia. The conversation also touches on the Ottoman Empire, kayaking mishaps, legal advice, and summer fun. Additionally, the podcast covers the tolerance and complexity within the Ottoman Empire, the transition to a constitutional monarchy, and the challenges faced by ethnic minorities like Kurds and Armenians.

Jul 14, 2024 • 27min
CZM Book Club: "The Three Trials of the Wind," by Shiv Ramdas, Part 2 of 2
Margaret finishes reading you a reimagining of Hindu mythology by a masterful speculative fiction author.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 10, 2024 • 60min
Cool Rerun: Part Two: Aqua Tofana: How to Kill Your Husband
In part two of this week's rerun episode, Margaret continues her conversation with Shereen about how, in the era before divorce, a group of women sold poison to aspiring widows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 8, 2024 • 1h 1min
Cool Rerun: Part One: Aqua Tofana: How to Kill Your Husband
Margaret's taking the week off! Here's a rerun where Margaret talks with Shereen about how, in the era before divorce, a group of women sold poison to aspiring widows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 7, 2024 • 31min
CZM Book Club: "The Three Trials of the Wind," by Shiv Ramdas, Part 1 of 2
Margaret reads you a reimagining of Hindu mythology by a masterful speculative fiction author.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 2min
Part Two: Dungeons & Dragons: The History of Some Great and Terrible Nerdery
Margaret finishes talking with Ed Zitron about the origins of one of her all-time favorite games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.