
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

Nov 17, 2024 • 43min
CZM Book Club: The Free Orcs of Cascadia by Margaret Killjoy
It's a Book Club Rerun! Margaret Killjoy reads her short story, The Free Orcs of Cascadia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 13, 2024 • 1h
Cool Rerun Part Two: The Jane Collective: Direct Action Abortion Access Works
It's another Cool People Cool Rerun! Margaret finishes talking with Samantha McVey about the more than a hundred women who provided safe, affordable abortion in pre- Roe v Wade Chicago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 17min
Cool Rerun Part One: The Jane Collective: Direct Action Abortion Access Works
Samantha McVey, host of Stuff Mom Never Told You and a champion of women's history and reproductive rights, joins to discuss the Jane Collective, a group of women who provided safe abortions in pre-Roe v. Wade Chicago. They explore the historical fight for reproductive freedom, connecting it to the current threats following the overturning of Roe. Through engaging stories, they highlight the challenges faced by individuals seeking reproductive healthcare, the importance of community activism, and the need for ongoing support amidst political turmoil.

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.