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
63 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 18min
Part Two: The Zizians: Birth of a Cult Leader
David Gborie joins to explore the captivating rise of Ziz LaSota, a bright young girl from Alaska who becomes a controversial figure in the rationalist movement. They discuss her obsession with philosophy and ethics, especially regarding sentience and artificial intelligence. The conversation dives into how cult leaders can emerge from charismatic individuals like Ziz and the psychological influences that lead followers to embrace radical beliefs. Gborie also highlights the absurdities of tech culture and the moral dilemmas faced in the gig economy.
101 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 12min
Part One: The Zizians: How Harry Potter Fanfic Inspired a Death Cult
David Boree, co-host of 'My Mama Told Me', joins to dive into the dark tale of the Zizians, a group tied to bizarre occurrences and violence. They trace how fandom, particularly Harry Potter fanfic, intersects with real-life tragedy, specifically the killing of a Border Patrol officer. The conversation goes deeper into how online communities can evolve into dangerous cults, the absurdity of celebrity politics, and the unsettling philosophies influencing rationalist ideologies surrounding AI, showcasing the thin line between fiction and reality.
Mar 8, 2025 • 2h 58min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 172
In this discussion, Margaret Kiljoy, an activist and journalist known for her environmental advocacy, shares insights into the ongoing resistance against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Kevin MacDonald, a retired Irish Defense Forces officer, reflects on peacekeeping complexities in Africa, particularly in the Congo. Venkthesh Ramnath, a pulmonologist, addresses the upcoming 'telemedicine cliff' and its impact on healthcare. Kaveh Hoda, a gastroenterologist, adds perspectives on healthcare challenges amidst legislative changes, highlighting the intertwining of technology and patient care.
54 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 36min
Part Two: In Honor Of Our New Monarchy, Let's Talk About Versailles
Delve into the extravagant world of Versailles, where the nobles' gambling mirrored today's crypto craze. Discover the Sun King's tragic demise and the eerie undercurrents of poisoning among the elite. Dive into the bizarre court traditions and the scandalous intrigues that thrived in this lavish palace. Gossip emerged as a powerful tool, shaping public perception and political outcomes. From opulence to decline, the historical parallels resonate with today's societal divides, illuminative of the dance between wealth and power.
55 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 20min
Part One: In Honor Of Our New Monarchy, Let's Talk About Versailles
Sophie Lichterman, who once found herself caught in an HGH ring scandal, joins for a captivating discussion. They explore the notorious court of Versailles, likening it to a grandiose frat house that shaped French nobility's disconnect from reality. The chat humorously reflects on the absurdity of political dynasties, with a nod to a 2016 Trump rally. From Louis XIV's early struggles to the palace's opulent absurdities, they unravel how this history mirrors today's rising oligarchy and social dynamics, showcasing the enduring impact of luxury and power.
Mar 1, 2025 • 3h 21min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 171
Molly White, a crypto journalist known for her keen insights into cryptocurrency, Steve Monticelli, who investigates extremism, and Dr. Michael Phillips, a historian specializing in racism and eugenics, join the conversation. The trio delves into the rise of arguably absurd meme coins influencing Argentine politics and critiques the dark side of crypto scams. They also examine the tensions surrounding critical race theory in education, alongside a discussion about America's complex Christian identity and the reshaping of political narratives by neo-reactionaries.
29 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
Part Two: Bruno Bettelheim and The Quest To Make a "Good" Concentration Camp
Alison Raskin joins the discussion to delve into the controversial legacy of Bruno Bettelheim, a Holocaust survivor turned child psychologist. They explore how his methods for treating "emotionally disturbed" children veered into troubling territory, often prioritizing control over care. The dialogue illuminates the abusive practices at his orthogenic school and critiques the historical pathologization of childhood behaviors. Raskin also addresses misconceptions around autism, urging a reevaluation of harmful narratives that persist today.
38 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h
Part One: Bruno Bettelheim: The Worst Psycho-therapist
Allison Rankin, a writer, director, and comedian, dives into the controversial life of Bruno Bettelheim, a survivor of concentration camps who made waves in child mental health care. They explore Bettelheim's attempts to create a 'good' concentration camp for children, raising ethical questions about his practices. The conversation also touches on his complex background and the implications of his distorted narratives during WWII, highlighting how they challenge our understanding of trauma and the Holocaust.
6 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 2h 26min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 170
This week, grassroots organizing at Peet's Coffee is highlighted, showcasing workers' struggles against management. An exploration of anarchism reveals its nuanced definitions and opposition to authority. The podcast dives into the challenges delivery workers face and advocates for direct action in labor movements. Political tensions are discussed alongside health policy shifts and their impact. Finally, there’s a light-hearted yet serious look at global threats and the importance of understanding mutual aid principles.
21 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 57min
Part Two: Tony Alamo: The Worst Preacher
Samantha McVeigh joins the discussion on the scandalous life of Tony Alamo, the once-famous preacher turned cult leader. They delve into Alamo's shocking past of exploiting child labor to create celebrity jackets while committing horrific crimes. The conversation covers his bizarre practices after his wife's death, including exhibiting her body to followers. They explore the disturbing realities of child brides and the manipulative tactics he used under the guise of faith, exposing the dark side of fame intertwined with consumer culture.
