
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

19 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 1h 8min
Part One: Dungeons & Dragons: The History of Some Great and Terrible Nerdery
Ed Zitron, an expert on Dungeons & Dragons, discusses the cultural impact of D&D, evolution of war games, and the origins of role-playing games. The podcast also explores the history of D&D, its creation process, and the unique workplace culture of the game's creators.

Jun 30, 2024 • 36min
CZM Book Club: "Party Discipline" by Cory Doctorow, Part Four
Margaret finishes reading Robert Evans a novella about the near future of tech, surveillance, and teenage rebellion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 8min
Part Two: George Orwell and the War for Common Decency
In this discussion with Kaveh Hoda, a doctor and the host of House of Pod, the conversation dives deep into George Orwell's tumultuous experiences during the Spanish Civil War. They examine the ideological struggles he faced, especially with the influence of Marxism, and how these events shaped his writing. The talk also touches on the overlooked contributions of Indian soldiers in WWII, delving into the complexities of war propaganda. Hoda reflects on personal themes like imposter syndrome and the challenges of navigating cultural commentary.

Jun 24, 2024 • 57min
Part One: George Orwell and the War for Common Decency
Margaret talks with Kaveh Hoda about her problematic fave.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 23, 2024 • 30min
CZM Book Club: "Party Discipline" by Cory Doctorow, Part Three
Margaret continues to read Robert Evans a novella about the near future of tech, surveillance, and teenage rebellion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 10min
Part Two: ACT UP: How Angry, Dying Queers Invented Modern Activism
Francesca Fiorentini chats about ACT UP's activism against the Catholic Church and AIDS crisis, the origins and impact of Grand Fury, and the significance of 'queer' in LGBTQ+ communities. The podcast delves into advocacy, mental healing, and the legacy of ACT UP in reducing AIDS deaths.

Jun 17, 2024 • 57min
Part One: ACT UP: How Angry, Dying Queers Invented Modern Activism
Francesca Fiorentini discusses ACT UP's disruptive activism during the AIDS crisis, leading to policy changes and medical advancements. The podcast explores the impact and legacy of ACT UP in shifting societal views, saving lives, and inspiring future movements. It also touches on the urgency of saving lives during epidemics, the origins of ACT UP, and the group's effective tactics in advocating for AIDS patients.

Jun 16, 2024 • 28min
CZM Book Club: "Party Discipline" by Cory Doctorow, Part Two
Margaret continues to read Robert Evans a novella about the near future of tech, surveillance, and teenage rebellion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 12, 2024 • 1h 9min
Part Two: Mutual Aid and Burial Societies: The Origins of Black Cooperativism in the US
In part two, Margaret talks with Joelle Monique about the deep roots of economic cooperation in Black America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 10, 2024 • 1h 15min
Part One: Mutual Aid and Burial Societies: The Origins of Black Cooperativism in the US
Margaret talks with Joelle Monique about the deep roots of economic cooperation in Black America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.