

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

Jun 3, 2021 • 1h 8min
Ben Shapiro's Godawful Book: The Final Episode
Robert is joined by Katy Stoll and Cody Johnston for the last reading of Ben Shapiro's terrible novel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 1, 2021 • 1h 47min
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Joining Robert is Propaganda, a host on Hood Politics and a keen observer of societal issues. They delve into the harrowing tale of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, discussing the exploitation of immigrant workers and the perilous conditions in early sweatshops. The conversation highlights labor rights' evolution spurred by tragedy, with poignant reflections on the need for accountability and safety in the workforce. Through humor and history, they connect past struggles to modern labor challenges, making the legacy of this tragedy resonate today.

May 27, 2021 • 1h 25min
Part Two: What the Netanyahu Family Did To Palestine
Robert is joined by Dana El Kurd to continue to discuss the Netanyahu Family. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 25, 2021 • 1h 12min
Part One: What the Netanyahu Family Did To Palestine
Robert is joined by Dana El Kurd to discuss the Netanyahu Family, Zionism and Palestine.FOOTNOTES: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-18008697net https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/benjamin-quot-bibi-quot-netanyahu https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/04/opinion/incitement-movie.html https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/31/assassination-yitzhak-rabin-never-knew-his-people-shot-him-in-back https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-22-mn-431-story.html https://www.ampalestine.org/palestine-101/history/intifadas/first-intifada-historical-overview https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20171209-remembering-the-first-intifada-2/ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/03/12/world/middleeast/netanyahu-west-bank-settlements-israel-election.html https://apnews.com/article/fef216bbfc30edfe50c910521fad6e3d https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/2020-occupied-territories-heinous-killings-settler-violence https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/benjamin-netanyahu/who-is-benjamin-netanyahu-580010 https://www.history.com/news/gaza-conflict-history-israel-palestine https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mec/2018/05/10/mowing-the-grass-and-the-force-casualty-tradeoff/ https://www.ampalestine.org/palestine-101/history/intifadas/second-intifada-introduction https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/jcs/article/view/220/378 https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-pale-of-settlement https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/what-is-nakba-palestine-israel-conflict-explained-1948 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/5/19/nakba-survivors-share-their-stories-of-loss-and-hope https://theintercept.com/2018/02/19/hamas-israel-palestine-conflict/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 snips
May 20, 2021 • 1h 32min
Part Three: How The Dulles Brothers Created The CIA And Destroyed Everything Else
In this discussion, guest Jason Pargin, an expert on the Dulles brothers and the CIA, reveals how these influential figures shaped U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. They delve into the Dulles brothers' controversial covert operations, highlighting events in Guatemala and Iran that prioritized political goals over human lives. Additionally, the conversation critiques the legacy of fear that continues to influence American politics today. Pargin advocates for understanding the moral complexities behind historical interventions and their lasting global impacts.

16 snips
May 19, 2021 • 1h 9min
Part Two: How The Dulles Brothers Created The CIA And Destroyed Everything Else
In this fascinating discussion, Jason Pargin, an author and cultural commentator, dives deep into the legacies of the Dulles brothers. They explore how John Foster Dulles's troubling ties to Nazi Germany shaped American foreign policy post-World War II and led to significant moral compromises. The conversation also delves into the ideological rift between the brothers and their impact on the CIA's formation. Pargin emphasizes the importance of understanding these complexities in realizing how decisions made by powerful figures have repercussions on a global scale.

17 snips
May 18, 2021 • 1h 14min
Part One: How The Dulles Brothers Created The CIA And Destroyed Everything Else
Jason Pargin, a former editor for Robert Evans, joins to delve into the Dulles Brothers' controversial legacy. They explore how their affluent upbringing and ideologies significantly shaped the CIA and U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. From the complexities of their decisions surrounding the Lusitania to their narcissistic traits impacting leadership, the discussion uncovers the moral dilemmas and lasting consequences of their actions. Pargin also reflects on the romance of espionage and the intertwining of corporate interests with government actions in Latin America.

May 13, 2021 • 58min
Part Two: Dr. Phil Is Even Worse Than You Think And You Probably Think He Sucks
Jamie Loftus, a sharp-witted comedian and seasoned commentator, joins to delve into the controversial world of Dr. Phil. They unpack his notorious methodologies, revealing the potential harm his persona causes to guests and viewers. Loftus critiques the ethics of exploiting vulnerability for ratings, highlighting troubling cases from reality TV, including the detrimental impact on those like Todd Herzog. The discussion opens a broader conversation about media ethics, celebrity accountability, and the sinister side of sensationalized entertainment.

May 11, 2021 • 1h 7min
Part One: Dr. Phil Is Even Worse Than You Think And You Probably Think He Sucks
Jamie Loftus, a comedian and cultural critic, joins to dissect the convoluted persona of Dr. Phil. They humorously explore his media influence, upbringing, and the duality of his character, revealing the underlying narcissism. Loftus critiques the theatricality of Dr. Phil’s emotional seminars and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his advice, all while discussing his troubling relationships and connections to Oprah Winfrey. The conversation navigates the lure of short-term cults and the bizarre intersection of therapy with entertainment, showcasing why Dr. Phil's fame can be so problematic.

May 6, 2021 • 1h 5min
Part Two: Excited Delirium: How Cops Invented A Disease
Robert is joined again by Ben Bowlin to continue to discuss Excited Delirium. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.