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
Sep 6, 2025 • 2h 54min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 198
Raven, a journalist from Unraveled in Chicago, dives into the murky waters of political conspiracies and grassroots movements. They discuss how the 2020 uprisings reshaped narratives and the rise of both left and right-wing conspiracy theories, notably 'Blue Anon'. The conversation highlights the challenges of reporting amidst misinformation, especially regarding ICE's presence in Chicago. Raven emphasizes community resistance against oppressive tactics and how local activism intersects with broader political dynamics, all while stressing the urgency of truthful dialogue.
31 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
Part Two: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Delve into Heinrich Himmler's transformation from a troubled youth to a leading figure in the SS. Explore his disillusionment with military life, shaped by personal tragedies and societal pressures. Discover how the post-war climate and fringe beliefs radicalized him, and how his fascination with Volkish ideologies influenced his dark ambitions. The discussion intricately balances humor with the grim realities of Himmler's character, revealing the complexities of his psyche through his own diary reflections.
42 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 10min
Part One: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Robert chats with Prop, host of Hood Politics, to delve into the chilling early life of Heinrich Himmler. They explore his transformation from a nerdy boy to a key figure in the SS, examining his complex persona and obsession with the occult. Their discussion reveals how Himmler's privileged upbringing and family dynamics fueled his dark ambitions, highlighting the influences that shaped his ideology. Prop offers sharp commentary, making the unsettling history both engaging and thought-provoking.
Aug 30, 2025 • 2h 36min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 197
David Forbes is an editor and journalist with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues, while Dana El Kurd is a political science professor and expert on Palestinian politics. They dive into Gavin Newsom's controversial social media tactics, critiquing his populist approach and its disconnect from genuine voter support. The conversation then shifts to academic freedom amid political pressures, particularly concerning pro-Palestine protests and anti-trans legislation in North Carolina, highlighting the ongoing struggles for marginalized voices in the face of institutional challenges.
26 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 53min
Part Three: Lee Atwater: The Political Dirty Tricks Artist Who Gave us President(s) George Bush
Delve into the cutthroat world of political strategist Lee Atwater, whose tactics during the 1988 election reshaped modern campaigning. Explore the notorious Willie Horton ad, and its chilling racial implications. Discover Atwater’s complex legacy, influencing figures from George H.W. Bush to Donald Trump. The discussion mixes humor with sharp insights, revealing the ruthless dynamics of political ambition and the personal toll of his controversial strategies. It's a captivating reflection on the intersection of dirty tricks and modern politics.
32 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 55min
Part Two: Lee Atwater: The Political Dirty Tricks Artist Who Gave us President(s) George Bush
Dive into the controversial life of Lee Atwater, a master of political dirty tricks. Explore his mischievous college days and the pranks that foreshadowed his future in politics. Discover how his manipulative genius shaped the Republican Party and navigated the complex world of electoral strategies. The discussion reveals the darker side of campaign tactics, including the exploitation of racial sentiments. With sharp humor and insightful critiques, the podcast uncovers Atwater's legacy on modern political discourse.
19 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 56min
Part One: Lee Atwater: The Political Dirty Tricks Artist Who Gave us President(s) George Bush
Discover the controversial world of Lee Atwater, the mastermind behind modern Republican dirty tricks. Explore his mentorship of political figures like Karl Rove, highlighting the manipulative methods that shaped elections. The discussion humorously examines the implications of deep fakes and dives into Atwater's complex family history. Personal anecdotes reveal how tumultuous childhood experiences forged his political acumen, setting the stage for a legacy that continues to influence today's political landscape.
Aug 23, 2025 • 2h 56min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 196
Bridget Todd, a DC resident and host of 'There Are No Girls on the Internet', delves into the federalization of D.C.'s police force, exploring its implications for local governance. Historian Michael Phillips and investigative reporter Stephen Monticelli discuss the troubling legacy of company towns in the U.S., linking them to modern capitalist ventures like those of Elon Musk. They reveal how these towns have historically eroded democracy and workers' rights, raising questions about the future of corporate influence on communities.
10 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 53min
Part Two: The Evilest Football Player of All Time
Dive into the dark journey of Alexandre Villaplane, who moved from football fame to a life of crime and became a notorious mass murderer. Explore the moral complexities of athletes who succumb to scandal and the impacts of gambling and match-fixing. The discussion also touches on WWII's shadow over Paris, detailing the trauma of those involved with the Indish Legion. With humor and serious reflections, the podcast exposes the intertwined worlds of sports, crime, and the legacies we inherit from tumultuous times.
17 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
Part One: The Evilest Football Player of All Time
In this episode, Dana Schwartz, host of the Hoax and Noble Blood podcast, dives into the dark legacy of Alexandre Villaplane, a once-celebrated French football star who turned into an SS enforcer during the Nazi occupation. The discussion unveils his transformation from an athlete to a figure of moral decay, framed against the complexities of French-Algerian history. They also explore the psychology of hoaxes and misinformation while humorously examining the nuances of sports villains. It's a fascinating blend of history, sports, and ethical dilemmas.
