Behind the Bastards
Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries about Hitler but only a few about Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bad guys (and gals) are eternally fascinating. Behind the Bastards dives in past the Cliffs Notes of the worst humans in history and exposes the bizarre realities of their lives. Listeners will learn about the young adult novels that helped Hitler form his monstrous ideology, the founder of Blackwater’s insane quest to build his own Air Force, the bizarre lives of the sons and daughters of dictators and Saddam Hussein’s side career as a trashy romance novelist.
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 4min
Part Four: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
David Bell, journalist and commentator, brings concise analysis of Mohammed bin Salman and Saudi power dynamics. They trace MBS's rise through palace maneuvering and energy politics. They cover his social reforms, crackdowns on dissent, the NEOM vision, and the Khashoggi assassination. The conversation mixes geopolitical scrutiny with sharp storytelling.
14 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 5min
Part Three: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
A deep dive into Mohammed bin Salman’s rapid climb from driven young prince to concentrated power. They trace rivalries with other royal figures and his bold takeover of the defense ministry. The narrative follows the Yemen intervention, its humanitarian fallout, and his lavish behavior amid crisis. Political maneuvering, U.S. ties, and shifting alliances shape the story.
12 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 3h 4min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 216
Ellie Bell, a community organizer who leads campaigns to free detained immigrants, discusses ICE abuses and the campaign to free Albeiro. She describes deceptive stops, detention medical neglect, and organizing strategies to sustain mutual aid. Short, urgent scenes of raids, staffing failures, and practical ways people can support community defense.
15 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 50min
Part Two: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
In this engaging discussion, David Pell, a writer and podcaster, joins Robert to explore the life of Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the controversial Saudi crown prince. They dissect MBS's privileged upbringing in the House of Saud, revealing how his sheltered childhood influenced his sense of entitlement and ambition. The duo navigates the complexities of Saudi oil dependency, the flawed employment system, and MBS's early rebellious nature. They also delve into family dynamics and significant power shifts, foreshadowing MBS's ruthless rise in the political landscape.
34 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 56min
Part One: Prince Mohammed Bin Salman: The Tyrant of Saudi Arabia
David Bell, a writer and seasoned Saudi Arabia resident, delves into the intricate history of Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and the Saudi Kingdom. He traces the origins of the House of Saud and the influential role of Wahhabism in state-building. Bell highlights the transformative impact of oil on Saudi wealth and governance, while shedding light on Abdulaziz's brutal tactics to maintain power. The discussion also touches on MBS's upbringing and the ongoing internal fractures within the royal family as Saudi Arabia navigates modernization.
5 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 3h 27min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 215
Ben Roseporter, a sociologist, joins the discussion to provide on-the-ground insights about CES and technology culture. He critiques emotional robot demos, arguing they don’t truly create empathy. The hosts explore the future of healthcare wearables, highlighting privacy concerns with sensitive biometric data. They delve into the ethical implications of VR grief therapy, emphasizing the complexities of using deceased avatars. The conversation also touches on global youth uprisings and their impacts on climate and geopolitics.
35 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 34min
Part Two: Behind the Bastards Q&A: 2026 Edition
In a lively Q&A, the hosts share hilarious fast-food memories and trade Arby's jokes. They reveal surprising truths about historical figures' cruelty and discuss the pervasive issue of child abuse in societal movements. Plans for exploring Australian and Mexican historical figures spark curiosity. Topics on the Zizian cult illustrate belief systems gone awry, while reflections on powerful figures highlight a shift in accountability views. Gardening dreams and joy from community connections round out their engaging conversation about today's challenges.
45 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 28min
Part One: Behind the Bastards Q&A: 2026 Edition
Kickstarting the New Year, the hosts answer listener questions and share their holiday highlights. They dive into tactics for spotting misinformation and the importance of using multiple sources, critiquing AI summaries. Robert discusses the challenges of tackling monumental historical figures and shares insights on the common traits among those seeking power. Reflecting on their journeys, they explore the first 'bastard' in history and even joke about a hypothetical interview with L. Ron Hubbard. It's a blend of humor, insight, and engaging dialogue!
13 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 3h 28min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 214
The hosts dive into a lively Q&A, sharing humorous youth mishaps and their latest book updates. They explore the implications of the U.S. capturing Venezuelan President Maduro, discussing legal and geopolitical aspects. The conversation shifts to technology trends revealed at CES, including AI's impact on manufacturing and privacy concerns with financial tools. Global flashpoints in Syria and Iran are analyzed, setting a critical tone for 2026 predictions and reflections on media censorship and societal cynicism. It's a thought-provoking blend of humor, politics, and tech analysis!
29 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 5min
CZM Rewind: Part Two: How Cigarettes Invented Everything
James Stout, a historian and returning guest, dives deep into the tumultuous history of the tobacco industry. They explore how World War I helped cigarettes become mainstream, highlighting military culture and bonding through tobacco. The conversation shifts to the rise of anti-smoking movements and how advertising targeted women, linking smoking to independence and body image. Stout also reveals the industry's deceptive health claims and manipulation of media, showing how tobacco shaped modern advertising and contributed to today's misinformation tactics.
