

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

7 snips
Feb 27, 2024 • 1h 6min
Part One: TB Joshua: The Evangelical Pastor Who Built His Own Hell
The podcast delves into the controversial life of TB Joshua, a Nigerian pastor known for trapping people in his cult. It explores his outrageous claims, the growth of his church, and the exploitative tactics used to deceive followers for financial gain. The hosts discuss racial dynamics, manipulative strategies, and the dangers of seeking health advice from unauthorized sources.

Feb 24, 2024 • 2h 35min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 119
Explore the impact of 'Whipping Girl' on transgender discourse, the evolving struggles for trans liberation, and the unraveling of anti-trans movements. Dive into the relationship between stigma and contagion in mobilizing moral panics, the importance of inter-community trans discourses, and the unveiling of a Confederate statue in 1924. Experience the chaos and confusion of reckless shooting incidents, a hilarious misunderstanding involving acorns and gunfire, and the tragic consequences of police negligence.

31 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 27min
Part Four: Was Robert. E. Lee a Good General?
Delving into Robert E. Lee's generalship, the podcast discusses his struggles in leading a primitive army, military failures, and challenges with the Confederacy. It questions the myth of Lee as a perfect general, highlighting his strategic mistakes and failures in modern warfare. Exploring his legacy post-Civil War, including the transformation of Arlington into a cemetery, the podcast sheds light on the conflicting views of this historical figure.

31 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 8min
Part Three: Why Did Robert E. Lee Turn Traitor?
Delving into Robert E. Lee's decision to fight for the Confederacy, exploring his conflicted loyalties and the weight of historical decisions. Discussing the complexities of loyalty, cowardice, and historical decision-making, challenging common narratives. Highlighting Lee's transition to the Confederacy, his motivations beyond loyalty, and the controversies surrounding his choices.

Feb 18, 2024 • 3h 19min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 118
The podcast delves into extreme violence, radical views, financial struggles, and military ideologies. It explores conspiracy theories, disruptive tactics at public meetings, and the manipulation of Israeli propaganda. The speakers challenge misconceptions, discuss Jewish identity, and express gratitude for platforms promoting critical discussions.

28 snips
Feb 15, 2024 • 1h 19min
Part Two: Robert E. Lee: A Lifetime of Failure
The podcast explores Robert E. Lee's career in the army and his violence towards enslaved workers. It also discusses West Point's engineering education, Lee's personality and demeanor, Jonathan Edwards' views on race, the dilemma of judging people from the past, Lee's military career in the Mexican-American War, the controversy surrounding his legacy, and the hosts' personal projects.

37 snips
Feb 13, 2024 • 1h 2min
Part One: Robert E. Lee: A Lifetime of Failure
Jason Petty, aka Prop, joins the podcast to discuss Robert E. Lee, a prominent furry and slave owner. They explore topics such as Lee's capabilities as a general, the economic realities of slave ownership, and the financial struggles faced by Lee's family. The chapter also delves into Light Horse Harry's failures after the war and Henry Lee's dangerous job providing security for a federalist newspaper.

Feb 10, 2024 • 3h 55min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 117
Topics discussed include unionization efforts and working conditions, disturbing events at a progressive shop, sexual assault and mishandling within a company, challenges in the kitchen and unfair treatment, frustrations with management, fear and challenges in union organizing, the Texas National Guard's occupation of the border, dangerous conditions and fatalities at the US-Mexico border, border patrol agents' obligations and search and rescue efforts, the challenges of immigration and a call for new border control, Charles McBride's experience in Ukraine, the overthrow of the Syrian government and perspectives on it, the Pentagon's unaccounted trillions, activities and lawsuits of white supremacist group Patriot Front, vigilante violence in American history, lawsuits and acts of vandalism by Patriot Front, the functionality and controversy surrounding GAB, a legal case and online service, the internal critique of Stalinism and the failure of Maoism, campaign-style mobilizations in China, mobilization methods and pollution reduction plans in China, misconceptions and cultural revolution trauma in modern China, promoting podcasts and shows.

Feb 7, 2024 • 3h 52min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 109
Topics discussed in this podcast include the evolution of the anti-war movement, successful protests to block military shipments, the importance of direct action and civil resistance, the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border, the diverse range of people volunteering for mutual aid groups, the flawed claim of young men becoming more conservative, Gen Z voting patterns in the 2022 midterms, changing political leanings and attitudes of Gen Z, the impact of marriage and Gen Z optimism, generational perspectives and policy preferences, the accuracy of polling data, a brutal attack on Paul Polosi, conspiracy theories and right-wing ideology, shooting incidents by extremists, the targeted attack and murder of a transgender girl, reactions to the death of a controversial figure, Soviet-China relations, the Sino-Soviet split and triangle diplomacy, Kissinger's role in establishing US-China relations.

Feb 3, 2024 • 3h 28min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 116
Podcast explores the potential for a new civil war in the US and the challenges faced by right-wing groups near the Texas border. It also discusses the misconceptions of a civil war and the power of mutual aid in helping migrant communities. Furthermore, it addresses restrictive gender-affirming care policies, deceptive tactics in anti-abortion and anti-trans legislation, and the influence of small groups with unpopular ideologies. The podcast delves into the influence of gender therapists and the flaws in the standards of care for transgender individuals. It also explores the consequences faced by trans people, the impact of the incentive structure on suffering, and the backlash against measure 110 in Portland. The podcast highlights the reality of drug use and crime, erosion of personal privacy rights, regulations on drone use by police departments, and the lack of transparency in police drone surveillance.