Behind the Bastards

Michael Phillips, a historian focusing on capital punishment, joins investigative journalist Stephen Monticelli and Reverend Jeff Hood, a priest who has witnessed executions, to delve into the troubling realities of lethal injection. They explore its origins, public perception, and the morbid spectacle of early executions. Hood shares harrowing experiences accompanying condemned men, while the group discusses the high cost and political implications of the death penalty, revealing systemic flaws and moral dilemmas deeply embedded in America's justice system.

Who does Peter Thiel think the Antichrist might be? Dive into Thiel's apocalyptic views on technology and his critiques of modern churches. The hosts tackle Thiel's misreading of religious themes and explore his surprising candidates for the Antichrist, including Greta Thunberg. They discuss the implications of Thiel's ideas on immortality and cryonics, revealing his fascination with life after death. The conversation also touches on the political theories influencing Thiel's mindset, shedding light on the intersection of fear, authority, and technology.

Sarah Marshall, a journalist and podcaster known for her work on The Devil You Know, joins to unpack Peter Thiel's provocative beliefs about the Antichrist. They discuss Thiel's secret lecture series and his influence on Silicon Valley ideologies, including how his views challenge democracy. The conversation delves into Thiel's philosophical influences and critiques of modern science, revealing his concerns about apocalyptic futures and the role of authority. Marshall shares her unease about Thiel's perspectives, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in the next part.

All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file.  - Caribbean Roundtable - The Campaign to Bust Chicago’s Only Bookstore Union - What’s Real in the Politics of Population with Andrew - Occulture, William S. Burroughs, and Generative AI - Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #39 You can now listen to all Cool Zone Media shows, 100% ad-free through the Cooler Zone Media subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. So, open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “Cooler Zone Media” and subscribe today! http://apple.co/coolerzone Sources/Links: Caribbean Roundtable https://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/the-caribbeans-zone-of-peace-under-threat-a-conversation-with-david-abdulah/ https://newsday.co.tt/2025/10/20/trinidad-and-tobago-stands-firm-with-us-on-regional-security/ The Campaign to Bust Chicago’s Only Bookstore Union https://www.instagram.com/semcoopbooksellersunion/ Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #39 https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/justice-department-monitor-polls-24-states-compliance-federal-voting-rights-laws https://x.com/gavinnewsom/status/1981893887460544737?s=46&t=wjiWDhD7WaSqfSfZGiwlSw   https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-asia-trip-japan-10-27-25?post-id=cmh8yni6000053b6nah0oh7ol  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-was-fatally-hit-vehicle-fleeing-ice-virginia-highway-officials-say  https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/22/california-to-deploy-national-guard-to-support-food-banks-fast-track-funding-as-trumps-shutdown-strips-families-of-food-benefits/  https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bay-area-food-banks-california-national-guard/3969875 https://www.404media.co/ice-and-cbp-agents-are-scanning-peoples-faces-on-the-street-to-verify-citizenship/ /  https://www.energy.senate.gov/2025/10/lee-bill-fights-back-against-biden-s-border-chaos-destroying-america-s-parks-and-public-lands  https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/0DED04C4-18C7-4C1F-BCE4-DD5B79FB0264  https://www.energy.senate.gov/services/files/0DED04C4-18C7-4C1F-BCE4-DD5B79FB0264  https://x.com/DHSgov/status/1983273176907043070  https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571.94.0.pdf https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571/gov.uscourts.ilnd.487571.42.0_4.pdf  https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/28/judge-blasts-border-patrol-boss-greg-bovino-for-violating-excessive-force-order/ https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-bovino-ice-immigration-506c9c661ee75f3e955f346daeed5555  https://x.com/BillMelugin_/status/1982959806173581456  https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3864929/trump-administration-quietly-purges-ice-leaders-in-five-cities-sources/ https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/trump-plans-install-border-patrol-officials-lead-aggressive-migrant-cr-rcna240102  https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/others/20251029/korea-welcomes-trump-with-top-level-protocol https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/30/business/fentanyl-tariffs https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5579438-live-updates-trump-xi-meeting-government-shutdown/ https://www.npr.org/2025/10/30/nx-s1-5590754/trump-china-xi-meeting-lowers-tariffs https://centralnews.co.za/trump-becomes-first-us-president-to-receive-south-koreas-highest-honour-golden-crown-and-grand-order-of-mugunghwa-presented-in-historic-ceremony/ https://write.ellipsus.com/edit/aef875a8-f460-429d-af2a-66e197b3000f https://archive.vn/0s7cS https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2025/10/29/kat-abughazaleh-conspiracy-indictment-broadview-protests-donald-trump-deportation-campaignSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Jake Hanrahan dives deep into the dark world of David E. Taylor's cult, revealing shocking details of exploitation and deceit. They discuss the bizarre use of AI-generated ads targeting the desperate, alongside allegations of enslaved labor and gruesome control tactics. The conversation highlights the disturbing living conditions and manipulation tactics used against members, including threats of starvation and forced labor. Hanrahan also uncovers the troubling financial practices and lavish lifestyles funded by church resources, painting a chilling picture of religious corruption.

Jake Hanrahan, an investigative journalist and host of the Sad Oligarch podcast, joins to unravel the shocking story of Bishop David E. Taylor and his cult, often dubbed 'Jesus Christ's Best Friend.' They delve into recent FBI raids that spotlight the group's abuses and discuss how social media and call centers targeted vulnerable individuals. The conversation highlights Taylor's rise, including his self-promotion and dubious claims of miracles, while revealing the harrowing reality for cult members, marked by coercion and exploitation.

Dana Elkurd, a writer and analyst focused on Palestinian politics, sheds light on Trump's controversial 20-point Gaza plan and the ongoing ceasefire dynamics, emphasizing accountability. Meanwhile, Eric Meza from the Sierra Club discusses the environmental and cultural implications of proposed border wall construction near Tecate Peak, highlighting community resistance efforts. Both guests tackle critical issues of governance and grassroots activism, making connections between policy and its real-world impacts.

The discussion dives deep into Daryl Gates' controversial career, from his early police work in Watts to his dramatic response during the LA Riots. It explores the founding of SWAT, originally called Special Weapons Attack Teams, and its first major operation against the Black Panthers. The podcast highlights Gates' creation of the DARE program and critiques its effectiveness in schools. Ultimately, it addresses how rising crime and public perception kept Gates in power, leading up to the backlash from the Rodney King incident and the ensuing riots.

Bridget Todd, a journalist and co-host of the podcast There Are No Girls on the Internet, dives deep into the controversial legacy of LAPD chief Daryl Gates. They discuss how Gates pioneered SWAT and D.A.R.E., shaping modern policing. Bridget shares nostalgic yet critical memories of D.A.R.E., while Robert critiques its flawed messaging. The conversation touches on Gates' challenging upbringing, his paradoxical relationship with police, and the influence of Chief William Parker in his rise through the LAPD's ranks.

Dahlia Killsback, a Northern Cheyenne tribal citizen and expert in federal Indian policy, discusses Indigenous Peoples Day's significance and the historical implications of the doctrine of discovery. She examines colonialism's roots, federal policy evolution, and ongoing treaty violations while proposing ways to support tribal sovereignty. A reporter unpacks Title 42's role in border enforcement, highlighting the harsh realities faced by expelled migrants and the systemic issues within the immigration system. Personal stories and mutual aid responses bring a humanizing perspective to the ongoing crisis.