Get ready to delve into a captivating journey as we unveil the best episodes from the thought-provoking podcast “Behind the Bastards.” Join us as we explore the depths of infamy, revealing the stories of individuals who have left an indelible mark on history. From notorious figures to lesser-known villains, this podcast sheds light on the motivations, choices, and consequences that have shaped our world. Prepare to be enthralled by tales of power, corruption, and the human capacity for both good and evil.
Among the must-listen episodes is the deep dive into the life of J. Edgar Hoover, the enigmatic director of the FBI. This episode delves into Hoover’s ruthless tactics, his obsession with communism, and the dark secrets he kept hidden. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, the podcast unravels the complex legacy of a man who wielded immense power behind the scenes. Another standout episode focuses on the infamous televangelist Jimmy Swaggart. Swaggart’s rise and fall is a tale of hypocrisy, sexual scandal, and the perils of unchecked religious authority. The episode exposes the dark underbelly of televangelism, questioning the motivations and actions of those who claim to represent the divine.
For those interested in exploring the darker chapters of American history, the episode on the Tuskegee syphilis experiment is a must-listen. This shocking story uncovers the horrors of a decades-long medical experiment conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service on African American men. The podcast exposes the ethical violations, scientific misconduct, and the devastating impact on the lives of countless individuals. Through in-depth interviews and archival research, this episode serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the need for vigilance in the pursuit of justice.
The Origins of “Behind the Bastards”
In the realm of podcasts exploring the dark side of history, “Behind the Bastards” stands as a beacon of entertainment and education. Created and hosted by Robert Evans, a journalist and author known for his sardonic wit and incisive research, the podcast has amassed a loyal following eager to delve into the repugnant tapestry of human misdeeds.
The genesis of “Behind the Bastards” can be traced back to Evans’s teenage fascination with historical villains. Intrigued by the motivations and actions of notorious figures like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, he embarked on a journey to understand the human capacity for evil.
In 2017, after a particularly harrowing episode of the podcast “Chapo Trap House,” where Evans shared his insights on the Tiananmen Square massacre, he was approached by the producers of the show. Recognizing his unique voice and expertise, they offered him the opportunity to launch a podcast focused exclusively on “bastards” throughout history.
Thus, “Behind the Bastards” was born, a podcast that delves into the lives and actions of the most despicable human beings, exposing their hypocrisy, cruelty, and the lasting consequences of their actions.
Production Process and Collaborations
Evans’s meticulous research and attention to detail are evident in each episode of “Behind the Bastards.” He meticulously pores over historical documents, interviews experts, and consults with specialists to present a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of his subjects.
Over the years, Evans has also collaborated with a diverse array of guests, including historians, activists, journalists, and survivors. These collaborations have enriched the podcast’s content and perspectives, offering listeners a broader understanding of the historical context and the impact of the “bastards” on society.
| Year |
Episode Title |
Subject |
| 2018 |
Episode 1: The Worst Man in the World |
Adolf Hitler |
| 2019 |
Episode 35: The Humanoid Typhoid Mary |
Marion Barry |
| 2020 |
Episode 69: The Notorious R. Kelly |
R. Kelly |
| 2021 |
Episode 100: The Sackler Family |
Sackler family |
Robert Evans: The King of Conspiracy Theories
Background:
Robert Evans emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of alternative media and investigative journalism. Known for his involvement in the podcast “Behind the Bastards,” Evans has gained recognition for his ability to unravel complex conspiracy theories and shed light on their origins and implications.
Notable Achievements:
“Behind the Bastards” and Conspiracies:
Evans’s podcast, “Behind the Bastards,” has become a popular platform for discussing controversial topics and debunking conspiracy theories. The podcast delves into the lives and actions of notorious figures, offering a nuanced perspective on their role in historical events. Evans’s research-driven approach and engaging storytelling style have garnered a dedicated following among listeners eager to comprehend the intricacies of conspiracy theories.
Some notable conspiracy theories covered on “Behind the Bastards” include:
| Episode Title |
Conspiracy Theory |
| The John Birch Society |
A far-right organization known for spreading anti-communist propaganda |
| Pizzagate |
A false claim that Hillary Clinton and other Democratic figures were involved in a child sex trafficking ring |
| QAnon |
A sprawling conspiracy theory involving a secret cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles |
The Insanity of Richard Nixon
The Plumber’s Gambit
After his landslide reelection in 1972, Nixon launched a series of covert operations known as “the Plumbers.” These operations aimed to silence political opponents and gather intelligence on potential threats. The Plumbers’ actions included illegal break-ins, wiretaps, and the use of dirty tricks.
The Saturday Night Massacre
In October 1973, Nixon ordered the firing of Archibald Cox, the special prosecutor investigating the Watergate break-in. This action, known as the “Saturday Night Massacre,” provoked widespread outrage and further damaged Nixon’s credibility.
The Tapes and the Trial
In July 1974, the Supreme Court ordered Nixon to release audio recordings of his conversations related to the Watergate scandal. These tapes revealed Nixon’s involvement in the cover-up and led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives.
Nixon’s Legacy
Nixon resigned from office in August 1974, becoming the first US president to do so. He faced trial for obstruction of justice, but was pardoned by President Gerald Ford. Nixon’s presidency is a cautionary tale about the dangers of presidential power and the importance of accountability.
| Year |
Event |
| 1972 |
Reelection and launch of the “Plumbers” |
| 1973 |
Saturday Night Massacre |
| 1974 |
Release of the tapes, impeachment, and resignation |
The Role of Kissinger in the Chile Coup
Kissinger played a pivotal role in the 1973 military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende in Chile. He authorized CIA covert operations to destabilize the country, pressured Allende’s government internationally, and ignored clear warnings of impending violence. His actions contributed to the deaths of thousands of Chileans and the establishment of a repressive dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet.
Kissinger’s Complicity in Human Rights Abuses
Kissinger’s complicity in human rights abuses extended beyond Chile. He was aware of the CIA’s use of torture in Vietnam and ignored reports of genocide in East Timor. He also authorized the “Operation Condor” campaign, which saw the coordination of South American dictatorships in kidnapping, torturing, and murdering political opponents.
The “Kissinger Tapes” and Nixon’s Impeachment
In the 1970s, the Nixon administration secretly recorded conversations in the Oval Office. These recordings, known as the “Kissinger Tapes,” revealed Kissinger’s involvement in the Watergate scandal and his contempt for the American public. They played a crucial role in the impeachment of President Richard Nixon.
Kissinger’s Post-Watergate Career
Despite his role in Watergate and other scandals, Kissinger maintained a prominent public profile after Nixon’s resignation. He served as Secretary of State under President Gerald Ford, and remained an influential figure in foreign policy for decades. However, his legacy remained tainted by his association with human rights abuses and his cynical approach to diplomacy.
Assessing Kissinger’s Legacy
Henry Kissinger was a complex and controversial figure who left a lasting impact on international relations. While he achieved some diplomatic successes, his willingness to compromise with dictators and his disregard for human rights have cast a shadow over his legacy. His actions in Chile, Vietnam, and elsewhere continue to be debated and analyzed by historians and political scientists.
| Year |
Event |
| 1969 |
Became National Security Advisor to President Richard Nixon |
| 1971 |
Authorized CIA covert operations to destabilize Chile |
| 1973 |
Played a key role in the Chile coup |
| 1974 |
Was implicated in the Watergate scandal |
| 1977 |
Became Secretary of State under President Gerald Ford |
The Rise and Fall of the Proud Boys
The Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group, emerged as a significant force in American politics before their swift decline. Let’s explore the key episodes that marked their ascent and downfall.
1. The Founding (2016)
Gavin McInnes, a prominent alt-right figure, established the Proud Boys as a “Western chauvinist” club. Their recruitment efforts targeted disgruntled former Donald Trump supporters.
2. Charlottesville Rally (2017)
The Proud Boys gained national attention at the Charlottesville rally, where they clashed violently with counter-protesters. This event solidified their status as a militant white nationalist organization.
3. “Stand Back and Stand By” (2020)
During the first presidential debate between Trump and Joe Biden, Trump famously urged the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by.” This endorsement boosted their visibility and recruitment efforts.
4. January 6th Insurrection (2021)
The Proud Boys played a significant role in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Many members were arrested and charged with seditious conspiracy for their involvement in the siege.
5. Leadership Vacuum and Internal Divisions (2021-2022)
After the January 6th insurrection, several Proud Boys leaders were arrested or left the group. This created a power vacuum and led to internal divisions, weakening the organization.
6. FBI Crackdown and Indictments (2022-Present)
The FBI has been actively investigating the Proud Boys, resulting in numerous arrests and indictments. The pressure from law enforcement has further weakened the group’s ability to operate.
7. Proud Boys Offshoots and Fragmentation
With the decline of the Proud Boys as a cohesive organization, various offshoots and splinter groups have emerged. These groups, such as the Oath Keepers and America First, share similar extremist ideologies but operate with different structures and leaderships.
| Proud Boys Offshoots |
| Oath Keepers |
| America First |
| Groypers |
| Sons of Odin |
The True Story of “The Manchurian Candidate”
Background
The Manchurian Candidate is a 1962 political thriller film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Janet Leigh. The film tells the story of a brainwashed Korean War veteran who is programmed to assassinate a presidential candidate.
Inspiration
The film was inspired by the real-life case of Sergeant Raymond Shaw, a Korean War veteran who was brainwashed by North Korean and Chinese communists to assassinate his father, Senator John Shaw, a top contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 1960.
Themes
The Manchurian Candidate explores themes of brainwashing, political conspiracy, and the dangers of power. The film also offers a scathing critique of American Cold War policies, particularly the use of mind control and covert operations.
Cast and Performances
Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, and Janet Leigh all delivered memorable performances in The Manchurian Candidate. Sinatra played Raymond Shaw with a chilling intensity, Harvey played Major Ben Marco with a wry sense of detachment, and Leigh played Rosemary Forsyth with a mix of vulnerability and determination.
Critical Reception
The Manchurian Candidate was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Harvey) and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Impact
The Manchurian Candidate has been praised for its suspenseful storytelling, complex characters, and timely themes. It is considered one of the greatest political thrillers of all time and has influenced numerous other films and television shows.
Historical Accuracy
While The Manchurian Candidate is based on a real-life case, it takes significant liberties with the historical record. For example, the film portrays Raymond Shaw as an involuntary pawn in a political conspiracy, while in reality he willingly collaborated with the North Koreans and Chinese.
Legacy
The Manchurian Candidate remains a powerful and provocative film that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its themes of brainwashing, political conspiracy, and the dangers of power are more relevant than ever in the modern world.
| Raymond Shaw |
Major Ben Marco |
Rosemary Forsyth |
| Frank Sinatra |
Laurence Harvey |
Janet Leigh |
The Horrors of the Unit 731
10. The “Log of Hell”
The “Log of Hell” is a chilling account of the horrors inflicted by Unit 731 on its victims. Written by a former member of the unit, the log details the brutal experiments conducted on prisoners, including vivisection, freezing, and exposure to chemical weapons. It provides a horrifying glimpse into the depravity of Unit 731 and the unimaginable suffering endured by its victims.
| Victim |
Experiment |
Outcome |
| Changchun |
Amputation without anesthesia |
Died from infection |
| Baikal |
Injection of the bubonic plague |
Died in agony |
| Vladivostok |
Exposure to extreme cold |
Suffered severe frostbite and died |
Best Behind the Bastards Episodes
Behind the Bastards is a popular podcast that delves into the lives of some of history’s most notorious figures. The show is hosted by Robert Evans, a journalist and author who has a knack for finding the most interesting and bizarre stories about these individuals.
There are many great Behind the Bastards episodes to choose from, but some of the best include:
- Episode 1: The Worst Person in the World – This episode tells the story of J.B. Danquah, a Ghanaian politician who was known for his racism and his role in the country’s independence movement.
- Episode 10: The Boy King of Ancient Egypt – This episode tells the story of Tutankhamun, the young pharaoh who ruled Egypt for nine years and died under mysterious circumstances.
- Episode 35: The Man Who Invented Hell – This episode tells the story of Jonathan Edwards, a Puritan minister who preached about the horrors of hell and helped to shape American Christianity.
- Episode 45: The Mad King of Bavaria – This episode tells the story of Ludwig II of Bavaria, a eccentric king who built elaborate castles and was eventually declared insane.
- Episode 55: The Butcher of Baghdad – This episode tells the story of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian terrorist who led the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
People Also Ask About Best Behind the Bastards Episodes
What is the most popular Behind the Bastards episode?
The most popular Behind the Bastards episode is “Episode 1: The Worst Person in the World,” which tells the story of J.B. Danquah, a Ghanaian politician who was known for his racism and his role in the country’s independence movement.
What is the funniest Behind the Bastards episode?
The funniest Behind the Bastards episode is “Episode 45: The Mad King of Bavaria,” which tells the story of Ludwig II of Bavaria, a eccentric king who built elaborate castles and was eventually declared insane.
What is the most disturbing Behind the Bastards episode?
The most disturbing Behind the Bastards episode is “Episode 55: The Butcher of Baghdad,” which tells the story of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian terrorist who led the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
