Behind the Bastards

Journalist Steven Monacelli joins Robert Evans to delve into the chilling tale of Dr. James Grigson, a psychiatrist infamous for manipulating the death penalty system in Texas. They explore Grigson's unethical practices, the dark legacy he left on American justice, and the disturbing intersection of psychiatry and capital punishment. The discussion also critiques the flawed evaluations that led to wrongful convictions, revealing the troubling implications of psychiatric testimony in court and the ongoing impact on marginalized communities.

Gillian Brockel, a journalist specializing in deportation flights, joins Mel Buer, a freelance reporter on ICE resistance, and A Cat With News, who covers community responses in Los Angeles. Together, they dive into the grim realities of U.S. deportation practices, highlighting the lack of transparency and the dangers faced by deportees. They discuss grassroots activism against ICE in LA, sharing powerful stories of community resilience. The episode also touches on the intersection of political narratives and personal struggles within immigration enforcement.

The podcast delves into the bizarre history of Laetrile, a so-called cancer cure intertwined with right-wing politics and alternative medicine. It critiques the aggressive marketing tactics around this unproven therapy, revealing the ethical nightmares and dangers faced by desperate patients. The narrative also connects the rise of medical misinformation and contemporary anti-vaccine sentiments, while humorously dissecting the absurdity of medical grifting. Stories of activists highlight the moral dilemmas in patient rights versus dubious treatment claims.

Miles Gray, co-host of The Daily Zeitgeist, joins the discussion on Laetrile, a notorious fake cancer cure linked to right-wing alternative medicine. They explore how Laetrile’s promotion reflects broader issues in public health and the intersection with political ideologies. The history of Laetrile reveals absurd lengths people go for healing and critiques unethical medical practices. With humor, they dissect the dubious origins and marketing tactics behind Laetrile, highlighting the dangers of pseudoscience in healthcare.

In this discussion, journalist Vladimir van Wilgenberg, an expert on Kurdish political issues, dives into the complexities of ethnic struggles in Iran, focusing particularly on the plight of the Kurdish population. He elaborates on the effects of governmental repression and the humanitarian crises faced by minorities. The conversation expands to the ongoing Kurdish peace process and implications of recent disarmament initiatives, illustrating the intricate dynamics at play in the region. Van Wilgenberg emphasizes the need for authentic representation and the role of social media in raising awareness.

In this engaging conversation, guest Jeff May, a podcast host and YouTube personality, dives into the fraught legacy of Antonio Salazar, the Portuguese dictator. They explore Salazar's economic policies that favored the wealthy while oppressing the poor, his strategic neutrality during WWII, and his brutal repression tactics supported by the CIA. The discussion reveals the absurdities of his regime, the strained colonial efforts in Africa, and the eventual collapse of his dictatorship during the Carnation Revolution, all laced with dark humor and sharp insights.

Join Jeff May, a recurring guest and podcast enthusiast, as he dives into the life of Antonio Salazar, the cunning Portuguese fascist dictator. They explore Salazar's rise to power during Portugal's political turmoil, juxtaposing his adept economic strategies with his ruthless governance. The conversation humorously labels dictatorial skills while dissecting Salazar's enigmatic leadership style and personal paradoxes. From his privileged upbringing to controversial romantic entanglements, the discussion reveals the complexities that shaped this notorious figure and his regime.

Danelle Kurd, a seasoned political analyst on Palestinian issues, and Theo Henderson, a passionate advocate for the unhoused, dive into pressing societal challenges. They confront the dynamics of Palestinian politics, exposing Western misconceptions. The duo critiques the 'genocide budget' and its implications for marginalized communities, particularly the unhoused. They also share personal narratives around homelessness and advocate for empathy in responses to societal injustices, emphasizing the need for change in how we approach these critical issues.

Joe Kasabian, a historian and expert on the Holocaust, joins to unravel the enigma of Adolf Eichmann, the notorious architect of genocide. They discuss Eichmann's desperate escape plans as World War II ended and critique the moral failures of the Allies who hesitated to pursue justice. The conversation shifts to his final days, revealing his manipulative tactics to maintain a facade of normalcy amidst chaos. The hunt for Eichmann and the complexities of his trial shed light on the enduring implications of complicity in evil.

Joe Kasabian joins to unpack the chilling legacy of Adolf Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust. They discuss Eichmann's logistical role in mass extermination, the tensions within the Nazi hierarchy, and the ordinary people who became perpetrators. The conversation also contrasts Eichmann's ruthless ambitions with the heroism of Raoul Wallenberg. Through unsettling insights, they explore the depth of human behavior in response to tyranny and the dark consequences that unfolded during this heinous period.