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
23 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 14min
Part One: Beria: Stalin's Pedophile Cop & the Soviet Oppenheimer
Joe Kassabian dives into Lavrentiy Beria's dark past as Stalin's head of secret police, discussing his sex crimes, ethnic cleansing, and nuclear ambitions. They explore Beria's rise to power through ruthless tactics, manipulation, and disturbing predatory behavior towards underage girls. The discussion delves into the shadowy world of Soviet politics and the challenges of researching historical figures like Beria.
Apr 6, 2024 • 2h 33min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 125
Exploring the origins of April Fool's Day and the Syrian New Year, the significance of April 1st, solidarity among nurses for Palestine, controversies surrounding the Kinsey Institute, legal battles and immigration enforcement in Texas, criminalizing homelessness, and emphasizing individual action to address social issues.
24 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 31min
Part Two: How Conservatism Won
Exploration of rightward societal shifts and neoliberalism's influence. Financial gains of conservatism and Reagan's anti-Berkeley tactics. Humorous cat-FBI takeover and political commentary. Reagan's battles against student activism, budget cuts, and police brutality impact. Rise of conservative economic policies and unethical asbestos practices. Evolution of conservative think tanks shaping policy and threats against establishments.
27 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 1h 25min
Part One: How Conservatism Won
David Bell discusses the funding of right wing think tanks and the shift in American culture. Topics include the evolution of political labels, the influence of think tanks on policy decisions, the flawed strategy of the Rand Corporation in the Vietnam War, and the marketing of trickle-down economics.
Mar 30, 2024 • 3h 4min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 124
Exploring finance tools in the prison industrial complex, financial bezels of scams, prison uprisings, AI disinformation, conflict in Rakhine State, ethnic resistance struggles, worker self-management post-colonial economies, Houthi resistance in naval warfare, irregular conflict tactics in Ukraine and Myanmar, covert anti-ship sabotage in Miyama, and playful naval warfare engagement.
Mar 28, 2024 • 1h 7min
Part Two: The Real Bastard Was Health Insurance Companies All Along
Delve into the deceptive practices of healthcare fraud and the dark side of fitness services, as a man poses as a doctor to defraud insurance companies. Unraveling an intricate fraudulent scheme, this episode sheds light on the challenges in holding insurers and healthcare providers accountable, with a touch of gratitude and humor sprinkled throughout.
Mar 26, 2024 • 1h 12min
Part One: The Fake Doctors Who Gave Everyone Alzheimer's
Dr. Kaveh Hoda shares hilarious fake doctor stories exposing the dark side of health insurance. Topics include deceptive fake doctors, medical fraud, unethical practices, and the controversy surrounding coconut oil's impact on Alzheimer's patients.
Mar 23, 2024 • 2h 43min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 123
The podcast delves into protest tactics in Atlanta, house raids on activists, decline of third places in cities, dangers of stalkerware, tech-related issues, spyware activities, impact of media on crime rates, tough-on-crime policies, and non-state actors' use of advanced weaponry like surface-to-air missiles.
Mar 21, 2024 • 1h 2min
Part Two: The Dennis the Menace Creator was a Shockingly Bad Man
Discusses Hank Ketchum's questionable parenting, his attempts to hook up at Disneyland, and uncomfortable racism. Explores the troubled marriage of the Dennis the Menace creator, his neglectful fatherhood, and the complexities of parenting.
5 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 4min
Part One: The Dennis the Menace Creator was a Shockingly Bad Man
Delve into the shocking life of Dennis the Menace creator, Hank Ketcham, and how his personal struggles tainted his world-famous cartoon. Explore ethical dilemmas in art, labor issues in animation, and the sacrifices for creative success. Uncover the harsh childhood of the cartoonist, his journey to Disney, early days of Disney animation, and Disney's role in wartime propaganda. Discover the birth of Dennis the Menace amidst strained marriage, neglectful parenting, and a strange coincidence with another character.
