Behind the Bastards

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.

In this discussion, comedian and writer Jamie Loftus dives deep into the infamous Sam Bankman-Fried saga and Michael Lewis's controversial coverage of him. Loftus critiques Lewis's celebrity-driven journalism and his tendency to befriend subjects, which may have clouded his judgment. They explore how Lewis portrayed SBF's quirks as genius traits and the implications of his narratives on public perception. Insights on ethical questions surrounding Lewis's works like The Blind Side add a layer of complexity, making for a captivating conversation on media integrity.

Part One: Robert sits down with Jamie Loftus to talk about the collapse of one of the great financial criminals of our time. Original Air Date: 11.22.22 Part Two: Everyone's favorite crypto conman is back behind bars! Robert sits down with Jamie Loftus to talk about his plans to buy an island and make he and his friends living gods. Original Air Date: 8.15.23See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dana El Kurd, a researcher specializing in Palestinian scholarship, dives into the significance of the Journal of Palestine Studies and the unique challenges faced by Palestinian academics. Alma Avaye, a former Condé Nast executive, shares her insights on the fallout from layoffs and union activities, highlighting the impact on diversity and retaliatory firings at Teen Vogue. Both guests emphasize the need for marginalized voices in academia and the media while advocating for greater worker rights and sustainable journalism.

The saga of Bo Gritz unfolds with his bizarre attempts to rescue POWs, highlighted by a league of misfit volunteers training in a cheerleading academy. Their absurd plan to invade Laos as tourists and failed missions become fodder for laughs. Celebrity donations spice up the story, but Gritz also drifts into extremist rhetoric and militia politics. Despite a fleeting moment of heroism during the Ruby Ridge standoff, his later ventures into conspiracy have a tragic end, marked by financial ruin and personal battles.

In this live show, guest Jason Petty, a hip-hop artist known for his unique takes on politics, joins Robert to dissect the controversial figure Bo Gritz, a right-wing militia icon. They navigate Gritz’s wild life—from his questionable military claims to his ties with the Rambo mythos. The duo also dives deep into Gritz’s infamous exploits during the Vietnam War and examines the commercialization of the POW/MIA movement. With humor and insight, they punctuate the unsettling legacy of Gritz while engaging the audience in a spirited discussion.

This podcast features Dana Al-Kurd, a scholar specializing in Palestinian politics, and Ahmad Moore, a fellow and activist focused on pro-Palestine organizing. They delve into the profound impact of the recent genocide on U.S. pro-Palestine movements, discussing shifts in tactics and the framing of narratives. Moore highlights the transition toward analyzing imperialism and settler-colonialism, as well as calls for arms embargoes. Their insights illuminate the evolving landscape of diaspora politics and movement strategy.

In this installment, T.T. Lee joins to explore the horrific life of Thomas Thistlewood, a notorious slave plantation owner. They discuss how Thistlewood framed sexual violence as a 'natural' necessity, likening enslaved people to livestock in his diaries. The conversation delves into his sadistic punishments and the corporal torture inflicted on the enslaved. With shocking insights into Thistlewood's sexual exploitation, including abuse of underage girls, the episode documents how reading fueled his horrific actions, revealing a chilling history of pain and resistance.

T.T. Lee, a comedian and insightful commentator, joins Robert to delve into the haunting diary of Thomas Thistlewood, a notorious slave plantation owner. They dissect the depths of brutality documented in Thistlewood's meticulous records and explore the chilling realities of plantation life in Jamaica. T.T. unpacks the coded language Thistlewood used to hide his sexual crimes, while Robert highlights how these entries reflect a broader culture of exploitation. Together, they reveal that Thistlewood's horrifying actions were disturbingly typical of his time.

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.