
Behind the Bastards
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 56min
CZM Rewind: The Andrew Tate Story (Part 1 & 2)
Dive into the complex world of Andrew Tate, exploring his controversial fame and the implications of his persona on social media. The discussion unveils his legal troubles, the mythopoetic men's movement, and critiques of modern masculinity. Insights into historical figures like Robert Bly add depth, while humorous takes on fairy tales showcase the evolving narratives of manhood. Delve into the darker side of Tate's empire, highlighting the ethical concerns of the cam girl industry and manipulative tactics used in his business ventures.

Apr 12, 2025 • 2h 47min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 177
In this engaging discussion, Ellie Ureman, a trans political comedy creator, Lex McMiniman from Teen Vogue, and labor activist Mark Medina delve into the pressing challenges faced by trans youth and immigrant workers. They analyze the media's portrayal of trans identities through the lens of Vivian Wilson's Teen Vogue cover and the fight for labor rights amidst state repression. The conversation highlights the importance of solidarity, community action, and creative storytelling in advocating for social justice and resilience in the face of adversity.

11 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 20min
Part Two: Alfred Hugenberg: The Elon Musk of Weimar Germany
Amanda Montell, author of "Coltish," sheds light on the enigmatic Alfred Hugenberg, a media mogul who shaped propaganda during WWI and aligned with the Nazis. They discuss how Hugenberg manipulated public sentiment to prolong the war and enabled Hitler's rise amid political chaos. Montell dives into the dark sides of nationalism and colonialism, exploring Hugenberg's aspirations for African expansion and his morally ambiguous decisions. The conversation intriguingly parallels Hugenberg's ambition with contemporary figures, sparking reflections on power and ethics in today's landscape.

31 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 14min
Part One: Alfred Hugenberg: The Elon Musk of Weimar Germany
Amanda Montell, author of "Cultish" and a cults expert, joins the discussion about Alfred Hugenberg, a key player in the rise of Nazi Germany. They explore his morally ambiguous political strategies, drawing unsettling parallels to modern entrepreneurship. Their conversation highlights Hugenberg's unification efforts and his complex relationship with nationalism and anti-Semitism. With humor and insights, they delve into the dangers of aggressive nationalism and the societal impacts of his actions in a transformative era.

Apr 5, 2025 • 3h 6min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 176
Andrew Sage, an expert on Latin American anarchism, delves into the fascinating history of anarchism in Uruguay and its implications for social movements and labor dynamics. Jamie Loftus, a librarian, sheds light on the alarming impacts of federal budget cuts on library funding, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting marginalized communities. Together, they explore the intersection of community resilience, anarchist thought, and the pressing need for advocacy in the face of systemic challenges and misinformation affecting public services.

Apr 4, 2025 • 42min
How ICE Is Targeting Students for Deportation
In a gripping discussion, the hosts explore how targeted deportations are disrupting academic freedom and activism, especially for students involved in pro-Palestine protests. They delve into alarming doxing campaigns and the chilling effects on free speech within educational institutions. Legal battles faced by students underscore the complexity of immigration laws and the emotional toll of deportation threats. The episode highlights the intersection of social media and government surveillance, raising critical questions about civil rights for non-citizens.

9 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 55min
Part Two: The Grifters Behind The Fake Autism 'Cure' Industry
Delve into the troubling world of the fake autism 'cure' industry, where desperate parents are often exploited. Hear about shocking scams, including a doctor selling spoiled blood to prey on families. The dangers of dubious therapies like chelation and hyperbaric oxygen treatment are critically examined, revealing their harmful effects. With a blend of humor and insight, the hosts unpack the emotional toll on families navigating these unproven 'cures,' highlighting the urgent need for accountability in a field rife with deception.

8 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
Part One: The Grifters Behind The Fake Autism 'Cure' Industry
Mangesh Hattikudur, a passionate independent podcaster known for his work with Robert Evans, joins the discussion on the dark world of fake autism cures. They delve into the history of dangerous treatments that have exploited vulnerable families, from chelation therapy to secretin. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding these dubious practices and the pressures parents face in seeking solutions. With a mix of humor and gravity, they expose the tragic consequences of misinformation in healthcare and the urgent need for better awareness.

10 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 3h 17min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 175
All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file. Rendition to El Salvador: How the Trump Administration Is Sending Asylum Seekers to Labor Camps Miniature Ethnic Cleansing: Encampment Sweeps in Oakland Should You Flee the United States? Elon Musk Has Lost the Gamers Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #9 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: Elon Musk Has Lost the Gamers https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/09/15/deshaun-watson-trade-details-texans-browns/75189022007/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1ykCc588Zw https://thecourier.com/news/549130/browns-need-to-start-asking-questions-about-depodesta/ https://www.georgiaentertainment.com/2024/04/georgias-got-game-why-the-gaming-industry-is-larger-than-film-television-and-music-combined/#:~:text=The%20dominant%20entertainment%20industry%20is,than%203%20billion%20active%20gamers https://app2top.com/news/the-gaming-industry-in-2024-by-the-numbers-a-review-by-gamesindustry-276003.html https://www.ign.com/articles/asmongolds-twitch-channel-banned-following-racist-rant-about-palestinians https://g-mnews.com/en/global-games-market-will-generate-usd-187-7-billion-in-2024/ Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #9 https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-plans/682151/ https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/26/politics/the-atlantic-publishes-signal-messages-yemen-strike/index.html https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12581 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9930/ https://x.com/presssec/status/1904875629612331123?s=46 https://t.co/JYbx0FtHc9 https://x.com/kyledcheney/status/1904884072763044089 https://t.co/kOhUqcypOJ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-administration-deportation-flights-el-salvador-doubles-down/ https://t.co/eFo00blJBh https://x.com/David_J_Bier/status/1904526812434084143 https://truthout.org/articles/tufts-student-activist-rumeysa-ozturk-abducted-by-ice-on-her-way-to-iftar/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 49min
Part Two: How Tainted Human Blood Became A Major U.S. Export
Ben Bowlin, a contributor to popular podcasts like Ridiculous History, joins to dive into the dark world of tainted blood donation practices. They discuss the controversial history of Arkansas prison blood donations that led to tragic health consequences for hemophiliacs. The conversation reveals the profit-driven motives behind unethical practices, touching on the absurdities of the illegal blood trade. Despite the heavy topics, humor weaves through the narrative, exposing systemic failures and the shocking realities within the healthcare system.
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