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
Sep 20, 2025 • 4h 2min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 200
Bridget Todd, a journalist and D.C. statehood advocate, sheds light on the implications of D.C.'s governance, emphasizing how the lack of statehood has allowed federal overreach and the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement. Thistle (Travis Tyler), a community organizer from St. Louis, shares insights about mentoring youth in group homes and restoring community trust to prevent violence. The discussion also dives into the chaotic nature of modern political violence and community resistance against federal actions.
23 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 23min
Part Six: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Explore the bizarre world of Heinrich Himmler, from his nerdy beginnings to becoming the master of the SS. Discover the SS’s odd attempts to replace Christmas with pagan traditions. Learn how Himmler’s fascination with the occult shaped his leadership and influenced the SS’s practices. Uncover the twisted marriage rituals introduced by Himmler to de-Christianize relationships, along with his wild genealogical ambitions. Delve into the early steps towards the horrific mass deportations initiated under his regime.
40 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
Part Five: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Heinrich Himmler’s journey from awkward boyhood to his sinister role in the SS unfolds in surprising detail. The podcast humorously contrasts Texas soccer taboos with Himmler's ascent amidst Nazi power struggles. Explore the absurdity of racial identity as it critiques far-right ideologies, all while reflecting on Himmler's twisted recruitment tactics. Delve into his political maneuvers, shifting loyalties, and the dark evolution of a man who embraced both the occult and brutality, reshaping Germany's dark future.
7 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 3h 14min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 199
Dana El Kurd, a political science professor and expert on Palestinian politics, discusses the intricate challenges of Palestinian statehood and the implications of international recognition efforts. Cooper Quinton, a malware researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, dives into essential digital hygiene practices, particularly for activists and journalists facing spyware threats. Their insights shed light on pressing issues like community activism, the impact of crime discourse, and the rise of technological surveillance that endangers civil liberties.
67 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 11min
Part Four: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Dive into the bizarre journey of Heinrich Himmler, from a nerdy boy to the chilling leader of the SS. Explore the absurd origins of Nazi ideology and the strategic propaganda that bolstered Himmler’s rise to power. Discover his obsession with creating a knightly order paralleling the Knights Templar and how his identity struggles shaped extremist beliefs. Delve into the dark legacy of figures like Lanz von Liebenfels and the disturbing connections between historical fascism and modern tech ideologies. It’s a wild blend of humor and horror!
87 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 9min
Part Three: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Join comedian and political commentator Jason Petty as he delves into the eerie transformation of Heinrich Himmler from a nerdy boy to the SS's master. The discussion highlights Himmler's fascination with the German occult and how fantasy intertwined with his radical ideologies. They also touch on his complex relationships, particularly with Marga Seagroth, revealing troubling views on women and race. Humorous comparisons to modern absurdities keep the conversation engaging, showcasing the often bizarre intersections of history and identity.
Sep 6, 2025 • 2h 54min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 198
Raven, a journalist from Unraveled in Chicago, dives into the murky waters of political conspiracies and grassroots movements. They discuss how the 2020 uprisings reshaped narratives and the rise of both left and right-wing conspiracy theories, notably 'Blue Anon'. The conversation highlights the challenges of reporting amidst misinformation, especially regarding ICE's presence in Chicago. Raven emphasizes community resistance against oppressive tactics and how local activism intersects with broader political dynamics, all while stressing the urgency of truthful dialogue.
103 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
Part Two: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Delve into Heinrich Himmler's transformation from a troubled youth to a leading figure in the SS. Explore his disillusionment with military life, shaped by personal tragedies and societal pressures. Discover how the post-war climate and fringe beliefs radicalized him, and how his fascination with Volkish ideologies influenced his dark ambitions. The discussion intricately balances humor with the grim realities of Himmler's character, revealing the complexities of his psyche through his own diary reflections.
90 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 10min
Part One: How Heinrich Himmler Went From Nerdy Boy To Master of the SS
Robert chats with Prop, host of Hood Politics, to delve into the chilling early life of Heinrich Himmler. They explore his transformation from a nerdy boy to a key figure in the SS, examining his complex persona and obsession with the occult. Their discussion reveals how Himmler's privileged upbringing and family dynamics fueled his dark ambitions, highlighting the influences that shaped his ideology. Prop offers sharp commentary, making the unsettling history both engaging and thought-provoking.
Aug 30, 2025 • 2h 36min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 197
David Forbes is an editor and journalist with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues, while Dana El Kurd is a political science professor and expert on Palestinian politics. They dive into Gavin Newsom's controversial social media tactics, critiquing his populist approach and its disconnect from genuine voter support. The conversation then shifts to academic freedom amid political pressures, particularly concerning pro-Palestine protests and anti-trans legislation in North Carolina, highlighting the ongoing struggles for marginalized voices in the face of institutional challenges.
