Behind the Bastards

Andrew Ti, a comedian and the creator of 'Yo, Is This Racist?', joins to unpack the life of Frank Fay, the alleged father of stand-up comedy. They delve into Fay's controversial connections to the KKK and the darker historical threads in comedy. Much of the discussion centers on how Fay's unique style revolutionized solo performances and observational humor. The conversation also explores the complexities of comedy's legacy and the troubling behaviors that accompanied Fay's rise in the 1920s, prompting reflections on the ethics of humor.

Dana El Kurd, an expert in Palestinian and Arab politics, and Ushra Khalidi, a seasoned advocate for humanitarian efforts, dive into the pressing humanitarian crises in Gaza. They discuss the complex challenges facing aid distribution amidst political roadblocks, revealing how organizations like Oxfam are adapting. The conversation also critiques the militaristic approach to aid and examines the troubling rise of military contractors profiting from these crises. Their insights highlight the urgent need for awareness and action in response to these dire situations.

Dive into a satirical exploration of political literature, focusing on the absurdities within a controversial book that champions extreme ideologies. The hosts critique societal misconceptions about Islam and playfully analyze the absurd intersections of politics and art. With humor at the forefront, they tackle narratives of religious governance, while critiquing ineffective political campaigns. Alongside quirky discussions about social media and personal stories, they dissect the complexities surrounding Christian nationalism and accountability.

Comedian and writer Jamie Loftus joins for a lively critique of Pete Hegseth's contentious book 'American Crusade.' They humorously dissect Hegseth's background and the troubling ideologies reflected in his work. The conversation shifts from absurd pet ownership stories to the darker implications of fascism and Christian nationalism. Loftus and the host delve into historical misinterpretations, the dangers of aggressive political rhetoric, and scandalous allegations from Hegseth's career, all with a witty spin that keeps the tone both engaging and thought-provoking.

Selena Binnick, a therapist at UPMC, discusses the mental health impact of recent healthcare policies on trans youth. Dina Staley, founder of TransUniting, shares insights on community mobilization for trans rights. Artist Bailey Newposter reflects on artistic expressions of identity, while musician Janie Danger explores the intersection of personal experiences and creativity. Bridget Todd critiques AI-generated content that perpetuates racism, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability in digital media. The dialogue weaves in themes of community resilience and the importance of collective action.

In this engaging discussion, writer Stephen Monticelli dives into the dark legacy of Dr. James Grigson, a notorious psychiatrist whose flawed assessments led to wrongful executions in Texas. The talk explores the troubling intersection of psychiatric practice and political agendas, revealing how science can be twisted for harmful ends. Monticelli also highlights compelling cases of injustice, such as Randall Dale Adams, emphasizing the dire need for accountability in the legal system and the profound impact of unreliable expert testimonies.

Journalist Steven Monacelli joins Robert Evans to delve into the chilling tale of Dr. James Grigson, a psychiatrist infamous for manipulating the death penalty system in Texas. They explore Grigson's unethical practices, the dark legacy he left on American justice, and the disturbing intersection of psychiatry and capital punishment. The discussion also critiques the flawed evaluations that led to wrongful convictions, revealing the troubling implications of psychiatric testimony in court and the ongoing impact on marginalized communities.

Gillian Brockel, a journalist specializing in deportation flights, joins Mel Buer, a freelance reporter on ICE resistance, and A Cat With News, who covers community responses in Los Angeles. Together, they dive into the grim realities of U.S. deportation practices, highlighting the lack of transparency and the dangers faced by deportees. They discuss grassroots activism against ICE in LA, sharing powerful stories of community resilience. The episode also touches on the intersection of political narratives and personal struggles within immigration enforcement.

The podcast delves into the bizarre history of Laetrile, a so-called cancer cure intertwined with right-wing politics and alternative medicine. It critiques the aggressive marketing tactics around this unproven therapy, revealing the ethical nightmares and dangers faced by desperate patients. The narrative also connects the rise of medical misinformation and contemporary anti-vaccine sentiments, while humorously dissecting the absurdity of medical grifting. Stories of activists highlight the moral dilemmas in patient rights versus dubious treatment claims.

Miles Gray, co-host of The Daily Zeitgeist, joins the discussion on Laetrile, a notorious fake cancer cure linked to right-wing alternative medicine. They explore how Laetrile’s promotion reflects broader issues in public health and the intersection with political ideologies. The history of Laetrile reveals absurd lengths people go for healing and critiques unethical medical practices. With humor, they dissect the dubious origins and marketing tactics behind Laetrile, highlighting the dangers of pseudoscience in healthcare.