Behind the Bastards

Padraig, a history writer specializing in fascism, delves into the life of William Joyce, known as Lord Haw-Haw, and his rise as a Nazi propagandist. He discusses Joyce’s captivating speaking skills that garnered him a cult following, and the tensions with Oswald Mosley over antisemitism. Joyce’s strategic use of propaganda from Germany demoralized British listeners, despite ultimately becoming a figure of ridicule. The podcast covers his tumultuous marriage, tragic demise, and the lingering influence of his legacy among neo-Nazi groups.

In this engaging discussion, historian Pádraig O Ruairc uncovers the life of William Joyce, known as Lord Haw-Haw, who became infamous for his pro-Hitler propaganda during WWII. O Ruairc delves into Joyce's mysterious origins and his estrangement from his Irish roots. He explores Joyce's radicalization post-1916, his unsettling involvement with British paramilitary forces, and his unsavory turn toward fascism. The narrative reveals Joyce's hypocrisy and tumultuous personal life, setting the stage for his eventual alignment with Hitler.

Dana Elkurd, a journalist specializing in Middle East politics, leads a gripping discussion on Arab-Israeli normalization and its implications for Gaza. She’s joined by Ben Schumann-Stoller, a producer unpacking the historical context of normalization and the Abraham Accords. Matan Kaminar, an anthropologist, explores the darker aspects of Abrahamic narratives and their impact on xenophobia. Together, they dissect how political and economic interests often overshadow Palestinian rights, shining a light on the complexities of reconciliation and reconstruction.

Margaret Killjoy, a writer and cultural commentator, joins the discussion on the chilling realities of nuclear command-and-control systems. They explore the Minuteman launch paradox and how technical faults could accidentally trigger mass launches. Automation’s role in early launches and the morally abhorrent plans for civilian targets spark intense debate. Despite bureaucratic silence, voices like General Shoup’s challenge the status quo. As discussions turn to AI and crisis pressures for presidents, the looming threat of nuclear mishaps hangs in the air.

Get ready for a dive into the chaotic world of nuclear weapons policies. Discover the sheer incompetence behind early ICBM drafts and the fear of accidental launches. From lost atomic bombs in the ocean to the terrifying implications of launch-on-warning systems, the discussion highlights chilling moments in military history. Ethical debates on deterrence strategies and risks of automation add a thought-provoking layer as well. Prepare for a sobering exploration of how close we came to global catastrophe!

Margaret Killjoy, a writer, podcaster, and astute commentator, joins Robert to navigate the chilling landscape of nuclear history. They dissect the controversial use of atomic bombs in Japan and how postwar leaders minimized the horrors of radiation. Discussion flows to Curtis LeMay's aggressive military strategies and the concept of an always-ready nuclear force. Margaret and Robert explore the evolution of nuclear deterrence and the rapid stockpiling of thermonuclear weapons, all while highlighting the chilling reality of strategic bombing and its implications for global safety.

All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file.  - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part One: After The Jungle  - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part Two: To Be Called By No Name - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part Three: The American Nightmare - Darién Gap: One Year Later | Part Four: When Someone Needs Help  - Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #44 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: Darién Gap: One Year Later Primrose’s Legal Aid Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immigration-lawyer-for-primrose https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/world/americas/trump-us-mexico-border.html https://www.fresnobee.com/news/article299272524.html https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/woody-guthrie-deportee-song-immigrants-rare-recording-1235383582/ https://southkernsol.org/2024/09/30/marker-unveiled-at-1948-plane-crash-site-that-killed-28-mexican-passengers/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-orders/  http://www.toddmillerwriter.com/border-patrol-nation/  https://timzhernandez.com/all-they-will-call-you/  https://www.ice.gov/features/atd  https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/us/ice-impersonators-on-the-rise-arrests-made-as-authorities-issue-national-warning  https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1225&num=0&edition=prelim Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #44 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/business/economy/trump-north-american-trade-deal.html https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-us-may-exit-usmca-next-year-trump-meets-nvidias-huang-to-talk-ai-chip-curbs-231853198.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/03/business/supreme-court-tariff-ruling-refunds.html https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-deepens-tariff-cut-brazilian-224041283.html https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/violent-crime https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/violent-crime https://data.cityofnewyork.us/Public-Safety/NYPD-Complaint-Data-Current-Year-To-Date-/5uac-w243/about_data https://compstat.nypdonline.org/  https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/Particularly%20Serious%20Crimes%20Advisory_Dec%202023.pdf  https://www.nycbar.org/press-releases/mayor-eric-adamss-threats-to-new-york-as-a-sanctuary-city/#_ftn3  https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-5445  https://media.defense.gov/2023/Jul/31/2003271432/-1/-1/0/DOD-LAW-OF-WAR-MANUAL-JUNE-2015-UPDATED-JULY%202023.PDF  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckglx77mplgo  https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/analysis/2025/11/28/us-suspends-visas-in-depth-look-global-afghanistan-refugee-crisis  https://www.hrw.org/report/2019/10/31/theyve-shot-many/abusive-night-raids-cia-backed-afghan-strike-forces  https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-alerts/PM-602-0192-PendingApplicationsHighRiskCountries-20251202.pdf  https://www.cato.org/blog/fbis-crosshairs-socialist-rifle-association  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and  https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115625429081411360  https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-orders-enhanced-vetting-applicants-h-1b-visa-2025-12-04/  https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-somalia  https://x.com/ReichlinMelnick/status/1992048335876772353  https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1254a&num=0&edition=prelim  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/search?conditions%5Bsearch_type_id%5D=3&conditions%5Bterm%5D=TPS+somali&order=newest  https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-announces-modernized-more-affordable-national-park-access  https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/north-texas-men-indicted-eastern-district-texas-international-murderkidnapping-scheme  https://taskandpurpose.com/news/airman-texas-haiti-coup-plot/ https://nypost.com/2025/12/04/us-news/fbi-makes-arrest-in-jan-6-pipe-bomb-investigation-after-nearly-5-years/ https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/afghan-national-charged-murder-national-guard-soldier-sarah-beckstrom https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-mpd-detectice-affidavit.pdf https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/us/rahmanullah-lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-dc.html https://www.nyc.gov/assets/immigrants/downloads/pdf/nyc-detainer-laws.pdf https://time.com/7337578/ice-raid-new-york-mamdani/  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dvs1d2mlFUostowEZzfr0CoCrbUQw99a/view  https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doi/reports/pdf/2025/38DOC.Release.Rpt.09.25.2025.pdf  https://www.instagram.com/p/DRj_NZHjeRK/?hl=en&img_index= https://x.com/UofOklahoma/status/1995186884704690262?s=20  https://news.kalshi.com/p/kalshi-cnn-prediction-market-partnership  https://www.businessinsider.com/kalshi-cnbc-deal-cnn-data-integration-partnership-2025-12 https://x.com/ForecasterEnten/status/1978469463415755117See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the harrowing world of nuclear strategy and the controversial figures behind it. Explore the birth of the atom bomb and the Bomber Mafia's influence on military tactics. Discover Curtis LeMay's ruthless approach and the devastating firebombing of Tokyo. Hear about Louis Slotin's risky role in assembling nuclear cores and the chilling accidents that followed. The conversation touches on the moral dilemmas of air power and the lasting impacts of nuclear thinking on our world today.

Margaret Killjoy, a writer, podcaster, and historian, dives deep into the chilling history of nuclear weapons. She explores how humanity's decision-making led to the stockpiling of destructive atomic bombs, posing an ongoing threat to civilization. The discussion includes near misses during the Cold War, the moral calculations behind creating the bombs, and the paradox of those who facilitated nuclear development—seen as both heroes and potential mass murderers. Margaret also highlights the precarious nature of modern nuclear strategies and their catastrophic implications.

This week dives into the complex narrative of the Stop Cop City movement, highlighting its struggles and phases from occupation to repression. Fear emerges as both a tactical and defensive tool for activists and police alike. The conversation shifts to federal tactics, including Homeland Security raids and RICO limitations, revealing how governmental responses evolve. Gaming culture captures attention, with critiques of figures like Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried as they navigate public personas. The discussion wraps up by exploring the implications of fractured elite support on authoritarian coalitions.