Behind the Bastards
Book Recommendations

Behind the Bastards

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 th...

Episodes 1,988
Books 1,560
The Letters of Jonathan Netanyahu: The Commander of the Entebbe Rescue Force Cover

Herman Wouk

The Letters of Jonathan Netanyahu

The Commander of the Entebbe Rescue Force

After his death, Yoni's letters were published, which became a significant part of the hero cult that formed around him. It was mentioned that there were also other books and movies made about him.

"

Yoni's letters after his death are published as a book, and there are books written about his fateful last battle. There have been movies made.

— Episode: Part Two: What the Netanyahu Family Did...

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Episode: Part Two: What the Netanyahu Family Did To Palesti...

After his death, Yoni's letters were published, which became a significant part of the hero cult that formed around him. It was mentioned that there were also other books and movies made about him.

"

Yoni's letters after his death are published as a book, and there are books written about his fateful last battle. There have been movies made.

Sexual Behavior in the Human Female by Alfred C Kinsey (1998-05-01) Cover

Alfred C. Kinsey

Sexual Behavior in the Human Female by Alfred C Kinsey (1998-05-01)

It was one of the most influential pieces of literature on American sex history, detailing topics like homosexuality, premarital sex, and even bestiality, and was a controversial New York Times bestseller.

"

In 1948, soon after beginning the Institute for Sex Research, Kinsey published one of the most influential pieces of literature in American sex history, sexual behavior of the human male.

— Episode: Part One: The (Male) Doctor Who Redesign...

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Episode: Part One: The (Male) Doctor Who Redesigned Vaginas

It was one of the most influential pieces of literature on American sex history, detailing topics like homosexuality, premarital sex, and even bestiality, and was a controversial New York Times bestseller.

"

In 1948, soon after beginning the Institute for Sex Research, Kinsey published one of the most influential pieces of literature in American sex history, sexual behavior of the human male.

Five years later in 1953, he published sexual behavior of the human female.

The books contained controversial information for the time as they detailed topics such as homosexuality, premarital sex and even bestiality.

Yet this illicit information intrigued the public and the books quickly rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list.

The Dorm Room Diet: The 10-Step Program for Creating a Healthy Lifestyle Plan That Really Works Cover

Daphne Oz

The Dorm Room Diet

The 10-Step Program for Creating a Healthy Lifestyle Plan That Really Works

It was mentioned as a book written by Dr. Oz's daughter when she was in college, which was later discussed in a humorous context.

"

The Dorm Room Diet. It's just free pizza and dick.

— Episode: Part Two: Dr. Oz: Why 'America's Doctor'...

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Episode: Part Two: Dr. Oz: Why 'America's Doctor' Is A Bast...

It was mentioned as a book written by Dr. Oz's daughter when she was in college, which was later discussed in a humorous context.

"

The Dorm Room Diet. It's just free pizza and dick.

Hey, you know, if you pour coffee into instant ramen. Right, exactly. It's an efficient breakfast. Two birds, one stone.

Mein Kampf: A Translation Controversy Cover

Michael Ford

Mein Kampf

A Translation Controversy

It was mentioned that the Protocols of the Elders of Zion heavily influenced its writing, even though the author knew the Protocols were fake, and excerpts from the book were read aloud.

"

To what extent the whole existence of this people is based on... This people being Jewish people is based on a continuous lie is shown incomparably by the Protocols of the wise men of Zion, so infinit...

— Episode: Part Two: The Conspiracy to Begin All Co...

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Episode: Part Two: The Conspiracy to Begin All Conspiracies

It was mentioned that the Protocols of the Elders of Zion heavily influenced its writing, even though the author knew the Protocols were fake, and excerpts from the book were read aloud.

"

To what extent the whole existence of this people is based on... This people being Jewish people is based on a continuous lie is shown incomparably by the Protocols of the wise men of Zion, so infinitely hated by the Jews. They are based on a forgery. The Frankfurter Zeitung mourns and screams once every week. The best proof that they are authentic, what many Jews may do unconsciously is here consciously exposed, and that is what matters. It is completely indifferent from what Jewish brains these disclosures originate. The important thing is that with positively terrifying certainty, they reveal the nature and activity of the Jewish people and expose their inner context as well as their ultimate final aims.

How to Spot a Fascist Cover

Umberto Eco

How to Spot a Fascist

The essay was referenced when discussing how aspects of American consumerist culture have been co-opted by far-right groups, including RAM, in their promotion and branding of a certain 'lifestyle fascism' aesthetic.

"

It's also a real good example of one of the things Umberto Eco talked about in her fascism, his essay trying to kind of explain what fascism is, syncretism, right?

— Episode: Part One: RAM: Nazi Fight Club

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Episode: Part One: RAM: Nazi Fight Club

The essay was referenced when discussing how aspects of American consumerist culture have been co-opted by far-right groups, including RAM, in their promotion and branding of a certain 'lifestyle fascism' aesthetic.

"

It's also a real good example of one of the things Umberto Eco talked about in her fascism, his essay trying to kind of explain what fascism is, syncretism, right?

THE SIGMA MALE BIBLE: An Ultimate Guide To The Lone Wolf - How To Be A Sigma - Psychology Of Attraction, Dating Secrets and Strategies. Art Of Confidence, Habits & Self-Discipline. Sigma vs Alpha Cover

Bud Watson

THE SIGMA MALE BIBLE

An Ultimate Guide To The Lone Wolf - How To Be A Sigma - Psychology Of Attraction, Dating Secrets and Strategies. Art Of Confidence, Habits & Self-Discipline. Sigma vs Alpha

It was described as a book on relationships written by a self-proclaimed expert, and was only available via his Tumblr blog as it was sold out and unavailable on Kindle.

"

That book was written by Dr. John T. Alexander, who builds himself as a relationship expert.

— Episode: Part Two: A Live Investigation Into The...

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Episode: Part Two: A Live Investigation Into The Sigma Male...

It was described as a book on relationships written by a self-proclaimed expert, and was only available via his Tumblr blog as it was sold out and unavailable on Kindle.

"

That book was written by Dr. John T. Alexander, who builds himself as a relationship expert.

And he authored the book 'The Sigma Male' and also maintains the Tumblr, sigmamale.tumblr.com.

His book is not available on Kindle. It's only in text and it's sold out. You have to go to his Tumblr.

THE SIGMA MALE CODEX: RULES FOR THE SIGMA MALE Cover

DANNELL JONES

THE SIGMA MALE CODEX

RULES FOR THE SIGMA MALE

It was described as a short, poorly written book about the Sigma Male philosophy, which included numerous poorly written and grammatically incorrect sentences, and was deemed a sad and potentially harmful book.

"

I need more. Yeah, you need more. You need THE SIGMA MALE CODEX rules for the Sigma male by Daniel Jones.

— Episode: Part Two: A Live Investigation Into The...

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Episode: Part Two: A Live Investigation Into The Sigma Male...

It was described as a short, poorly written book about the Sigma Male philosophy, which included numerous poorly written and grammatically incorrect sentences, and was deemed a sad and potentially harmful book.

"

I need more. Yeah, you need more. You need THE SIGMA MALE CODEX rules for the Sigma male by Daniel Jones.

If you are reading this, then it means that you are very intelligent and in search of knowledge. And if you are reading this and you are not in search of knowledge, you will have it by the time you are done. That's one sentence. Congratulations King. You can read now get ready for your life to fucking change.

Well, the Sigma male by definition is a man who does not think or act like everyone else where the Alpha male always wants to be seen. The Sigma male keeps a low profile as not to draw attention to himself, also the Sigma male is the most valued prize amongst women because unlike the Alpha male, the Sigma male makes no effort to chase women. Rather he catches women with his intellect one sentence.

I am a Sigma male and it took me a long time to come to that realization. I knew that an Alpha male because I had no desire to chase every woman that I saw and I knew that I wasn't a Beta male because they don't believe that they can get a woman. So I had to fall somewhere in between, which brought me to the concept of the Sigma male. It made perfect sense. I am educated and quiet and I am constantly analyzing everything around me.

The Sigma male reads, which means he is obsessed with educating himself and gaining knowledge and wisdom.

Fascism in Spain, 1923–1977 Cover

Stanley G. Payne

Fascism in Spain, 1923–1977

It was described as a landmark book, and details how the military's resistance to the left had less to do with politics than might be expected.

"

Historian Stanley Paine calls 1898 the first modern post-colonial trauma in Western Europe.

— Episode: Behind the Insurrections - The Birth of...

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Episode: Behind the Insurrections - The Birth of Spanish Fa...

It was described as a landmark book, and details how the military's resistance to the left had less to do with politics than might be expected.

"

Historian Stanley Paine calls 1898 the first modern post-colonial trauma in Western Europe.

I know. Right. Interesting. Yeah. Symptomatic of the dismay of the nationalist military was an editorial in El Giraldo Militar on 23rd, November 1908 entitled Worse than Anywhere. It declared wherever we look, we find greater virility than in our own people in Turkey, Persia, China, the Balkan states, everywhere we find life and energy, even in Russia. In Spain, there is only apathy and submission.

In his landmark book, Fascism in Spain, scholar Stanley Payne notes that the military resistance to the left had less to do with politics than you might expect.

Army officers demanded suppression of the left's disorder, violence and subversion of national unity.

In some provinces, sectors of the old political elite did join and dominate. But the organization also incorporated ordinary middle class people who had not previously been politically active.

Collectible Coin 190118 Germany 1936 A 5 Mark silver Cover

Collectible Coin 190118 Germany 1936 A 5 Mark silver

It was cited as a source for Robert Evans to discuss the impact of Kurt Eisner's assassination on Bavaria's political landscape and the subsequent rise of right-wing forces.

"

The assassination of Eisner had worked as a solvent upon political consensus such as it was in Bavaria. The Hoffman government found itself caught between the advance of radicalism on both the right a...

— Episode: Behind the Insurrections - Hitler's Muni...

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Episode: Behind the Insurrections - Hitler's Munich Beer Ha...

It was cited as a source for Robert Evans to discuss the impact of Kurt Eisner's assassination on Bavaria's political landscape and the subsequent rise of right-wing forces.

"

The assassination of Eisner had worked as a solvent upon political consensus such as it was in Bavaria. The Hoffman government found itself caught between the advance of radicalism on both the right and the left.

No longer able to maintain itself in Munich. The Hoffman government decamped on April 7th, eventually coming to rest in the northern Bavarian city of Bomberg.

Authority in Munich was assumed successively by two councils, the first led by an ill assorted collection of independent socialists and anarchists, and the second by the communists.

By the end of April, the feeble Red Forces had been pressed back into the environs of Munich itself.

At this moment, with their backs to the wall, elements of the Red Army executed 10 hostages. Some of the hostages were members of the right radical Thule Society. Others appeared to have been selected almost at random. None of the 10, however, had done anything to earn so terrible a retribution.

With one gratuitous act, the leftist defenders of Munich had opened the floodgates of violence. The aroused white forces poured into the city on May 1st, bent upon the eradication of the Bavarian Soviet Republic and its supporters in the most literal sense imaginable.

The hardened Free Corps and Army troops coursed through the streets of the city, shooting anyone who appeared even remotely suspicious.

The orgy of execution did not stop until May 7th, when it was discovered that the white forces had mistakenly murdered a group of 21 Catholic schoolboys.

These schoolboys were by no means the only innocents who fell before the guns. Before this first wave of killing had come to an end, over 600 individuals had been slain, many of them individuals with no connection to the Red Army or the Soviet Republic.

The revolution which had begun so peacefully six months before had ended in a bloodbath. Order had returned to Bavaria.

The debt with which the Nazi movement owed Pohner was real. As police president, Pohner extended a sheltering hand to protect the activities of the nascent Nazi movement.

In doing so, he ensured its survival and gave it an opportunity for future growth.

This passive image, however, does little to convey the full dimensions of Pohner's commitment to both the radical right in general and Nazis in particular.

The Secret of Selling Anything: A road map to success for the salesman… who is not aggressive, who is not a “smooth talker,” and who is not an extrovert Cover

Harry Browne

The Secret of Selling Anything

A road map to success for the salesman… who is not aggressive, who is not a “smooth talker,” and who is not an extrovert

It was described as a collection of folksy anecdotes about Welch's sales experience, along with inoffensive advice on how to sell products, and was deemed not worth reading.

"

Unlike loser jobs like bricklaying and lumberjacking, being a salesman is a true profession like being a doctor.

— Episode: Part One: How The John Birch Society Inv...

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Episode: Part One: How The John Birch Society Invented The...

It was described as a collection of folksy anecdotes about Welch's sales experience, along with inoffensive advice on how to sell products, and was deemed not worth reading.

"

Unlike loser jobs like bricklaying and lumberjacking, being a salesman is a true profession like being a doctor.

He does start the - I enjoyed that he starts the book by noting that unlike loser jobs like bricklaying and lumberjacking, being a salesman is a true profession like being a doctor.

The Road to Salesmanship, brackets, pamphlet, Robert Welch, Robert not capitalized, Welch capitalized, 1941, rare and out of print collector's item, limited availability.

The Road to Salesmanship, pamphlet in brackets, by Robert Welch, this time capitalized, 1941.

I found a copy of it on Amazon today for $3.99, and the product description text is wonderful.

May God Forgive Us Cover

Jr. MacArthur, Douglas (General) Welch, Robert H. W.

May God Forgive Us

It was Robert Welch's first political book, and a full-throated condemnation of US foreign policy in Asia, where he believed the government was handing the continent over to communists.

"

The strategy of the socialists is to divide and conquer.

— Episode: Part One: How The John Birch Society Inv...

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Episode: Part One: How The John Birch Society Invented The...

It was Robert Welch's first political book, and a full-throated condemnation of US foreign policy in Asia, where he believed the government was handing the continent over to communists.

"

The strategy of the socialists is to divide and conquer.

Call all businessmen crooks so that nobody will speak up for them and strangle them with controls and taxation.

Bribe all the farmers with their own money into a selfish pressure group for more bribes.

Infiltrate the labor unions and convert them into political tools.

Discredit the medical profession until the rest of the public clamors for government medicine.

Resdink Cousin Gifts for Women Men, I Love My Favorite Cousin Birthday Keychain, Best Graduation Present for Cousin Cover

Resdink Cousin Gifts for Women Men, I Love My Favorite Cousin Birthday Keychain, Best Graduation Present for Cousin

It was mentioned as an article written by Roy Cohn's first cousin's son, which contained a quote about Roy Cohn's overbearing mother.

"

My relatives couldn't stand Roy's overbearing mother, Dora Marcus Cohn. She was the original helicopter parent long before anybody knew that term, fussing over her only son's grades, appearance and re...

— Episode: Part One: Roy Cohn: The Man Who Made Don...

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Episode: Part One: Roy Cohn: The Man Who Made Donald Trump

It was mentioned as an article written by Roy Cohn's first cousin's son, which contained a quote about Roy Cohn's overbearing mother.

"

My relatives couldn't stand Roy's overbearing mother, Dora Marcus Cohn. She was the original helicopter parent long before anybody knew that term, fussing over her only son's grades, appearance and relationships.

The Appearance of Power: How Masculinity is Expressed Through Aesthetics Cover

Tanner Guzy

The Appearance of Power

How Masculinity is Expressed Through Aesthetics

It was quoted from, explaining the shift in McCarthy's tactics to focus on homosexuals to save face after his accusations of communists in the State Department failed.

"

To save face with his colleagues in the American public he changed his tactics calling out those he was unable to trace back to communism as being homosexual This began what is now called the lavender...

— Episode: Part One: Roy Cohn: The Man Who Made Don...

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Episode: Part One: Roy Cohn: The Man Who Made Donald Trump

It was quoted from, explaining the shift in McCarthy's tactics to focus on homosexuals to save face after his accusations of communists in the State Department failed.

"

To save face with his colleagues in the American public he changed his tactics calling out those he was unable to trace back to communism as being homosexual This began what is now called the lavender scare

Murder On Military Road: A Faye-Lynn Johnson Murder Mystery Cover

Ricky Corum

Murder On Military Road

A Faye-Lynn Johnson Murder Mystery

It was a dissertation that detailed the Portland Police Bureau's use of deadly force and the struggle for civil rights in Oregon. It was recommended over the union's book for providing a more insightful perspective.

"

I'm going to turn to a dissertation written by Katherine Nelson at Portland State University. Its title is On the Murder of Ricky Johnson, the Portland Police Bureau, Deadly Force, and the Struggle fo...

— Episode: Part One: The Worst Police Union In Hist...

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Episode: Part One: The Worst Police Union In History

It was a dissertation that detailed the Portland Police Bureau's use of deadly force and the struggle for civil rights in Oregon. It was recommended over the union's book for providing a more insightful perspective.

"

I'm going to turn to a dissertation written by Katherine Nelson at Portland State University. Its title is On the Murder of Ricky Johnson, the Portland Police Bureau, Deadly Force, and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Oregon.

It's a really good read. I would recommend it above the union's propaganda book. Although they both have some interesting stuff in them.

The Bureau focused their efforts on protecting property largely owned by whites within the black community and serving the white community while providing few benefits and little protection to Portland's black community.

The Intelligence Unit spied on black activists and used the gathered information to spread rumors that were meant to spark opposition from the community.

Police often used irrelevant information to support their charges, and many of them targets were previous victims of police brutality.

Pickets Pistols & Politics Portland Poli Cover

Susan Hauser

Pickets Pistols & Politics Portland Poli

The book was mentioned as containing information about a significant police discipline case, 'City of Portland versus Ward and Galloway', related to the possum incident, which had a lasting impact on labor law and police arbitration.

"

The City of Portland versus Ward and Galloway case is still the leading police discipline case in the United States and in labor law circles is the arbitration decision referred to the most often.

— Episode: Episode 1: Uprising: A Guide From Portla...

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Episode: Episode 1: Uprising: A Guide From Portland: Why Po...

The book was mentioned as containing information about a significant police discipline case, 'City of Portland versus Ward and Galloway', related to the possum incident, which had a lasting impact on labor law and police arbitration.

"

The City of Portland versus Ward and Galloway case is still the leading police discipline case in the United States and in labor law circles is the arbitration decision referred to the most often.

They Thought They Were Free: The Germans, 1933–45 Cover

Milton Sanford Mayer

They Thought They Were Free

The Germans, 1933–45

It was discussed in the context of former Nazis reflecting on their past actions, and the book revealed how many ordinary people rationalized their involvement in the Nazi regime.

"

One of the things that I think is most interesting about Meyer's book, They Thought They Were Free, is that he talks to like former Nazis about that.

— Episode: Part Two: How Nice, Normal People Made T...

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Episode: Part Two: How Nice, Normal People Made The Holocau...

It was discussed in the context of former Nazis reflecting on their past actions, and the book revealed how many ordinary people rationalized their involvement in the Nazi regime.

"

One of the things that I think is most interesting about Meyer's book, They Thought They Were Free, is that he talks to like former Nazis about that.

The German language, like every other, has some glorious epithets, untranslatable and will give word. Me Spice Burger is one of them. It means very roughly little men gone wild.

The German language, like every other, has some glorious epithets, untranslatable and will give word. Me Spice Burger is one of them. It means very roughly little men gone wild. I think about that a lot when I think about us, when I think about some of the things I've seen in the streets, little men gone wild.

Remember, none of these nine Germans had ever traveled abroad. None of them had ever known or talked with a foreigner or read the foreign press.

They were as uninterested in the outside world as their contemporaries in France or America.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.