Behind the Bastards

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ben Bolin, a knowledgeable host behind podcasts like Stuff They Don't Want You To Know, joins the conversation about the controversial blood plasma donation program in Arkansas prisons under Governor Clinton. They delve into the ethical dilemmas of exploiting marginalized communities and the dark history of tainted blood in the U.S. From humorous anecdotes about early blood transfusion trials to the grim realities of inmate exploitation, this discussion shines a light on the troubling intersections of healthcare and ethics.

Jenny Keesden, a dedicated writer and activist from Northeast Syria, shares her insights into the ongoing struggles for women's rights and regional autonomy in a politically complex landscape. She discusses the impact of American military withdrawal, highlighting grassroots movements advocating for change. Keesden dives into the symbolic resistance represented by the Tishrin Dam, showcasing local resilience amidst conflict. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of foreign involvement in shaping the region's future.