

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

5 snips
Dec 8, 2020 • 1h 9min
Part One: Roy Cohn: The Man Who Made Donald Trump
Robert is joined by Joelle Monique to discuss Roy Cohn.FOOTNOTES: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/roy-cohn-and-the-making-of-a-winner-take-all-america https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/10/roy-cohn-mafia-politics/599320/ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-18-vw-1638-story.html https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/eavesdropping-on-roy-cohn-and-donald-trump https://forward.com/culture/431851/how-roy-cohns-shame-made-him-and-trump-shameless/ https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a46616/dont-mess-with-roy-cohn/ https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/21/books/books-of-the-times-2-works-trace-the-turbulent-life-of-roy-cohn.html https://www.actl.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/journal_87_summer_2018_cohn_article.pdf?sfvrsn=4 https://newrepublic.com/article/155066/covering-roy-cohn http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6444/ https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/educational-resources/age-of-eisenhower/mcarthyism-red-scare https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/15/ethel-rosenberg-conviction-testimony-released-atom-spy https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/02/04/how-red-scare-destroyed-small-town-teacher/OyzaMTrsxMsx54liP1YX9I/story.html https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/15/weekinreview/nation-rosenbergs-50-years-later-yes-they-were-guilty-but-what-exactly.html https://minnesotaplaylist.com/magazine/article/2018/blacklisted https://ir.una.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1064&context=nahrd https://www.jstor.org/stable/3874391?read-now=1&seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a33350476/fear-city-new-york-mafia-donald-trump-tower-mob-ties-explained/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 7, 2020 • 56min
Episode 3: Uprising: A Guide From Portland: The Birth of an Uprising
The podcast delves into the relentless protests in Portland during June 2020, highlighting the infrastructure of resistance that fueled the uprising. It focuses on a pivotal June 18th protest, showcasing the Youth Liberation Front's actions and the polarized media reactions. The narrative weaves in personal stories of community resilience against right-wing violence. It also examines aggressive police tactics, including tear gas, set against a backdrop of nationwide unrest and the complicated federal response to monument protection.

Dec 3, 2020 • 58min
Part Two: The Worst Police Union In History
Dive into the murky waters of police accountability as the hosts unpack the dark history of the Portland Police Union. From depicting their inflammatory tactics during the 1970s protests to discussing corruption and systemic violence, the conversation weaves through harrowing anecdotes of misconduct. They deliver sharp critiques on insensitive police culture showcased by distasteful merchandise following tragedies. The episode also connects past injustices with today's calls for meaningful reform. Brace for a blend of dark humor and serious reflection!

Dec 1, 2020 • 1h 2min
Part One: The Worst Police Union In History
Tuck Woodstock, a Portland-area journalist known for his in-depth reporting on social issues, joins the conversation to expose the troubling history of the Portland Police Association, revealing its controversial origins and links to systemic racism. They discuss the damaging effects of police union protections on community safety and the historical relationship between law enforcement and Portland's black community. Woodstock also criticizes current reform efforts, questioning the legitimacy of police practices and the cultural implications of union control in policing.

Nov 30, 2020 • 42min
Episode 2: Uprising: A Guide From Portland: We Do This Every Night
In this discussion, Donovan Smith and Elaine Kinchin, both Portland journalists deeply engaged in social justice reporting, unpack the evolution of protests in Portland. They explore how a diverse group of strangers united amidst state violence, sharing personal anecdotes that capture resilience and community spirit. Topics like innovative protest strategies, the challenges of police confrontations, and the transformative power of grassroots movements highlight the ongoing fight for justice in a city defined by its activism. Their insights reveal both the beauty and complexity of this transformative moment.

Nov 30, 2020 • 55min
Episode 1: Uprising: A Guide From Portland: Why Portland?
Dive into the rich history and social dynamics of Portland, where grassroots movements thrive. Reflect on the powerful protests sparked by George Floyd's death, highlighting community resilience. Explore the escalating tensions during pivotal rallies, and grapple with the complex narratives of property damage versus personal violence. Discover the hip-hop community's struggles against police scrutiny while examining Portland's racial landscape. This engaging discussion connects the dots between past injustices and the ongoing fight for equality.

Nov 24, 2020 • 1h 4min
Let's Talk About Dave Rubin
Robert is joined by Shereen Lani Younes to discuss Dave Rubin.FOOTNOTES: https://twitter.com/nathanTbernard/status/997515380808650752 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiVQ8vrGA https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Dave_Rubi https://www.businessinsider.com/dave-rubin-dont-burn-this-book-review-out-of-ideas-2020-4 https://medium.com/@oliverjia1014/the-trouble-with-dave-rubin-4388caed5898 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 19, 2020 • 1h 21min
Elite Panic: Why The Rich And Powerful Can't Be Trusted
The podcast discusses the concept of 'elite panic' and explores the entitled behaviors of the rich and powerful. It highlights the negative impact of wealth on empathy and compassion and shares examples of elite panic during crises. The podcast also delves into the disturbing ways the rich exploit their positions of influence.

Nov 17, 2020 • 1h 2min
The War of the Eggs
Billy Wayne Davis joins Robert to discuss the war on eggs in gold rush era San Francisco, the dangerous practice of collecting eggs on the Farallon Islands, and the conflict between the egg company men and the lighthouse keepers. They also share their passion for duck eggs and duck fat.

Nov 12, 2020 • 45min
Part Two: The Con Artist Who Invented A Country
Join Laci Mosley, a talented comedian and actress, as she dives back into the notorious story of Gregor MacGregor, the con artist who aimed to create a fictional country. Discover the wild tactics he employed to lure investors into his mirage of land and wealth. The discussion humorously critiques colonial myths and exposes the gullibility of those chasing dreams of fortune. As settlers faced chaos and despair in their quest for a new life, Mosley and the host explore the psychological tricks behind MacGregor's audacious schemes.