

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

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 6min
CZM Rewind: Part Two: Dr. Oz: Why 'America's Doctor' Is A Bastard
Matt Lieb, a comedian and podcast regular, joins the discussion on the controversial Dr. Oz, examining his rise from surgeon to television celebrity. They analyze the balance between audience trust and sponsorship demands, highlighting the dangers of celebrity health advice. The conversation critiques Oz's mixed legacy, from promoting healthy habits to questionable alternative medicine, and questions the ethical implications of prioritizing fame over patient welfare. With a blend of humor and critique, they delve into the darker side of health media.

8 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 56min
CZM Rewind: Part One: Dr. Oz: Why 'America's Doctor' Is A Bastard
Matt Lieb, co-host of the Sopranos podcast, joins to dissect the controversial figure of Dr. Oz. They humorously critique Oz’s dual persona as 'America's Doctor' and explore his unsettling blend of medicine and mysticism. The conversation highlights the rise of alternative medicine, reflecting on the societal pressures that distort medical integrity. There’s a keen examination of how middle-class moms fueled his fame, and the ethical dilemmas he's faced as entertainment influences health care—a compelling look at celebrity culture’s impact on medicine.

Nov 24, 2024 • 3h 16min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 157
Carl Casarda, a firearms expert and YouTuber, joins investigative reporter Stephen Monacelli and historian Michael Phillips for a riveting discussion. They dive deep into the Great Replacement Theory, exploring its historical roots and alarming implications for societal violence. Casarda emphasizes responsible firearm ownership and training, while Monacelli sheds light on the impacts of political extremism. Phillips connects the dots between historical eugenics and today's fears, revealing a troubling narrative of racism and anxiety shaping contemporary politics.

16 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 4min
Part Four: How Lawrence of Arabia Invented Modern War
The podcast dives into the intriguing life of T.E. Lawrence, highlighting his complex legacy and moral challenges during warfare. It humorously contrasts societal views on masculinity with the harsh realities of combat. The discussion explores Lawrence's tumultuous relationship with Arab independence, the aftermath of his actions, and British missteps in the Middle East. It raises questions about trauma and morality, while also critiquing the 'white savior' narrative and the psychological burdens of conflict. Expect whimsy mixed with serious historical reflections!

20 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 57min
Part Three: How Lawrence of Arabia Invented Modern War
Discover how T.E. Lawrence ingeniously shattered bridges and crippled an empire with camels and flour. Dive into the audacious strategies behind the assault on Aqaba, revealing the complexities of modern warfare. Explore Lawrence’s unconventional tactics, blending humor with tactical brilliance, and the moral dilemmas he faced. Unpack the impact of the Sykes-Picot Agreement on Arab independence, alongside a candid examination of trauma, sexuality, and mental health in the context of war.

22 snips
Nov 16, 2024 • 2h 41min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 156
Dive deep into the impact of Trump's election on transgender rights, exploring healthcare access and institutional challenges. Hear firsthand accounts of feelings in Gaza amid fears of intensified suffering under a Trump presidency. The podcast also tackles the implications of Trump's tariffs on trade and domestic industries, scrutinizing their effects on capitalism and small businesses. Plus, discover shifting political dynamics within Asian American communities and the complex relationship between identity, voting behavior, and right-wing media influence.

14 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 1h 8min
Part Two: How Lawrence of Arabia Invented Modern War
Margaret Killjoy, an insightful author and cultural critic, joins to discuss the multifaceted legacy of Lawrence of Arabia. They dive into how Lawrence’s experiences shaped modern military strategies and the ethical dilemmas he faced during warfare. The conversation scrutinizes the political landscape of his time, particularly the rise of Arab nationalism and its complex interplay with Western imperialism. With a mix of wit and depth, they also explore Lawrence's guerrilla tactics that revolutionized warfare, highlighting the human costs intertwined with historical conflicts.

32 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 19min
Part One: How Lawrence of Arabia Invented Modern War
Robert tells Margaret Killjoy the whole story of Lawrence of Arabia, a British imperialist, hopeless romantic and asexual icon who invented the concept of modern insurgent war. Through it all we ask: was he a bastard? (4 Part Series) https://www.cliohistory.org/thomas-lawrence/lawrence/youth https://www.investigativeproject.org/4256/guest-column-the-final-death-of-lawrence-of-arabia https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/02/young-lawrence-a-portrait-of-the-legend-as-a-young-man-review https://www.salon.com/2015/03/01/i%C2%A0realize_now_that_he_was_sexless/ https://www.thehistoryreader.com/military-history/t-e-lawrence-art-war-twenty-first-century/ https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/opinions/2016/2/16/what-would-t-e-lawrence-do https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-lawrence-arabia-180951857/ https://www.tracesofevil.com/p/blog-page_24.html https://www.firstworldwar.com/features/telawrence.htm https://baklol.com/baks/Misc/Great-people-who-were-also-per-_1492/T--E--Lawrence-_18491 https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2016/sykes-picot-100-years-middle-east-map/index.html https://stljewishlight.org/top-story/lawrence-of-arabia-or-lawrence-of-zion/ https://theintercept.com/2023/03/23/peter-thiel-jeff-thomas/ https://israelforever.org/programs/balfourinitiative/Implementing_Balfour_Declaration/ https://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Opinion/Implementing-the-Balfour-Declaration https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/manuscript-reveals-dark-side-of-lawrence-of-arabia-s-sex-life-76363.html https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Desert-Fire-T-Lawrence-ebook/dp/B006072QSG https://www.nytimes.com/1970/03/22/archives/the-naked-truth-nothing-withheld-revealed-at-last-the-secret-lives.html https://www.pbs.org/lawrenceofarabia/players/dahoum.html Schneider, James. Guerrilla Leader: T. E. Lawrence and the Arab Revolt (p. 52). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. Sattin, Anthony. The Young T. E. Lawrence (pp. 34-35). W. W. Norton & Company. Kindle Edition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 9, 2024 • 2h 39min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 155
All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file. Trump's Constitutional Sheriffs Remember, Remember, the (Other) 5th of November An Election Episode feat. Robert Still Don't Panic: An Election Response Trump's Deportation Plans 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: Trump's Constitutional Sheriffs https://politicalresearch.org/the-insurgence-sheriffs Remember, Remember, the (Other) 5th of November https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/real-story-of-bonfire-night/ https://www.ajc.org/news/on-luther-and-his-lies https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/guy-fawkes-bonfire-night/index.html https://deadline.com/2024/10/lilly-wachowski-anarchists-united-grants-1236161483/ https://www.autostraddle.com/lilly-wachowski-interview/ Trump's Deportation Plans https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-ELECTION/MIGRATION-DEPORTATIONS/akpeoeoerpr/ https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/cbp-enforcement-statistics/title-8-and-title-42-statistics-fy22 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/how-trump-would-crack-down-immigration-second-term-2023-11-14/ https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-pledges-10000-extra-border-agents-fight-with-harris-over-immigration-2024-10-13/ https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/mass-deportation https://www.ice.gov/identify-and-arrest/287gSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

56 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 17min
Part Four: How Peter Thiel Became the Gravedigger of Democracy
From humor about allergies to deep dives into Peter Thiel’s political paradoxes, this discussion blends levity with intense analysis. It examines Thiel's anti-immigration support despite his immigrant roots and addresses the chaotic fallout from a Florida DJ rivalry involving Hulk Hogan. The darker side emerges with the Gawker saga, illustrating the clash of wealth and media freedom. Plus, they critique political hypocrisy and delve into Thiel’s controversial medical practices, raising ethical questions about his influence on democracy and national security.


