

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

19 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
Part One: The Sordid Story of Nature Boy: The Instagram Cult Leader Who Hates Toilets
Katy Stoll, a frequent collaborator known for her insightful commentary on Some More News, joins the discussion about the bizarre rise of Nature Boy, an Instagram cult leader against toilets. They delve into the darkly humorous world of modern cults and how social media has reshaped follower dynamics. The conversation touches on Nature Boy's troubling past as a foster child, mental health challenges, and his unorthodox beliefs about hygiene. Expect laughs and critiques as they navigate the strange intersection of influence and absurdity in today's society.

May 10, 2025 • 3h 38min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 181
All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file. Who We Talk About When We Talk About Borders Trans Journalism In the Era of Trump Trump vs. DC: Inside the Takeover You’re Not Hearing About feat. Bridget Todd The Gang Reviews Andor Season 2, Ep. 4-6 Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #15 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: Who We Talk About When We Talk About Borders https://www.patreon.com/posts/127235976?utm_campaign=postshare_creator Trans Journalism In the Era of Trump https://ashevilleblade.com/ https://thefreeradical.org/ https://www.madycast.com/subscribe Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #15 https://www.reuters.com/world/india/one-killed-seven-injured-militant-attack-indias-kashmir-india-today-tv-says-2025-04-22/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/05/trump-defends-toy-tariffs/83455040007/ https://www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/news-and-opinion/us-visa-applications-from-japan-require-disclosing-social-media-history/ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/06/us/politics/trump-libya-migrants.html https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2021/07/libya-horrific-violations-in-detention-highlight-europes-shameful-role-in-forced-returns/ https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/63406/sudanese-war-refugees-recount-libya-horrors https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/62731/scores-of-bodies-uncovered-in-libyan-mass-graves-linked-to-human-trafficking https://www.context.news/money-power-people/sudans-refugees-face-deadly-game-of-snakes-and-ladders-in-libya https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/61979/david-yambio-life-in-libya--living-a-nightmare-part-2 https://www.aclum.org/sites/default/files/field_documents/2025-05-07-105954.pdf https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/2025/05/06/eeuu/inteligencia-ee-uu-venezuela-tren-de-aragua-ley-trump-trax https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/judge-blocks-trump-administration-requiring-proof-citizenship-register/story?id=121134512 https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-home-suspect-accused-doxing-ice-agents-raided-searched https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/israel-gaza-destroy-trump-deal https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-is-heading-for-a-full-occupation-of-gazaand-all-the-risks-it-entails-58516d60 https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/un-rejects-israel-gaza-aid-plan https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/ship-carrying-activists-aid-gaza-attacked-by-drones-ngo-says-2025-05-02/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

91 snips
May 8, 2025 • 1h 30min
Part Two: Robert Maxwell: How Ghislaine Maxwell's Dad Ruined Science
In this discussion, guest Adam Conover, a comedian and host known for debunking misconceptions, delves into the controversial life of Robert Maxwell. They explore Maxwell's dramatic post-war journey, his rise in scientific publishing, and the ethical dilemmas he created in academia. Conover’s sharp humor highlights the paradox of a man who mixed ambition with dubious practices, affecting science and knowledge access. The conversation also touches on Maxwell’s troubled family life and his complex legacy, especially regarding his daughter, Ghislaine Maxwell.

37 snips
May 6, 2025 • 59min
Part One: Robert Maxwell: How Ghislaine Maxwell's Dad Ruined Science
Adam Conover, host of Factually and known for Adam Ruins Everything, dives deep into the turbulent life of Robert Maxwell, the controversial media mogul and father of Ghislaine Maxwell. They unravel his transformation from a Nazi adversary to a corporate raider who undermined the scientific community. The conversation highlights Maxwell's duplicitous identity, legacy of exploitation, and the haunting influence he had on his daughter's life. Through humor and historical context, they explore themes of power, identity, and morality in a captivating tale.

May 3, 2025 • 3h 22min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 180
Dive into the fascinating dynamics of a controversial Canadian election, where shifting voter sentiments and key figures like Trudeau and Carney shape the landscape. Explore the collapse of the old economy, the complexities of international trade, and the rise of nationalism. The podcast delves into anarchism as a possible antidote to current political systems, contrasting it with cosmopolitan ideals. Plus, enjoy a humorous critique of media narratives through the lens of the popular series Andor, paralleling rebellion themes with real-world challenges.

26 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 29min
Part Three: The Pol Pot Episodes: How A Nice, Quiet Kid Murdered His Country
Pol Pot and his friends are now in charge of Cambodia and in a remarkably short period of time they manage to kill two million people. Including a leftist academic from the UK who thought the Khmer Rouge was rad. Here's how!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 55min
Part Two: The Pol Pot Episodes: How A Nice, Quiet Kid Murdered His Country
Robert continues the story with young Pol Pot's years in France where he and his friends radicalize themselves in what has to have been the deadliest book club of all time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

43 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 3min
Part One: The Pol Pot Episodes: How A Nice, Quiet Kid Murdered His Country
In this insightful discussion, writer and podcaster Andrew Ti delves into the extraordinary life and troubling ideologies of Pol Pot. They explore how a seemingly quiet kid transformed into a dictator, driven by radical beliefs that led to devastation in Cambodia. The podcast also touches on the cultural shadows and historical factors that influenced his rise, alongside humorous musings on disparate topics like Ben Affleck's infamous tattoo. It's a compelling blend of dark history and light-hearted banter that keeps listeners engaged.

Apr 26, 2025 • 3h 43min
It Could Happen Here Weekly 179
Join historian Mike Duncan, known for his engaging podcasts on revolutions and Roman history, and philosopher-comedian Michael Burns as they discuss the unsettling parallels between fiction and reality, particularly in the context of a Martian revolution. They unpack the implications of corporate dominance, the role of community organization in overcoming systemic challenges, and explore the rise of authoritarianism and online extremism. With a mix of humor and critical insights, they examine how today's political climate mirrors historical upheavals and the importance of collective action.

40 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 3min
Part Two: What's New With Andrew Tate?
Dive into the bizarre world of Andrew Tate and his digital empire. Discover the strange cult-like community he's built, preying on vulnerable young men. The discussion hilariously contrasts lighthearted topics, like a LeBron James Ken doll, with darker themes of manipulation and exploitation. Uncover the twisted financial schemes and toxic ideologies surrounding modern pickup artistry. Hear about the alarming methods used to control followers, echoing historical cults. It's a wild ride blending humor with critical insight into today's troubling influencers.