In this episode, we look at the strange, "good" deeds of two horrible men. We explore whether writing poetry implies a soul, and if being a good teacher counts for anything when you are a dictator.

• Stalin: Responsible for millions of deaths... and the author of romantic poetry?
• Mussolini: The father of Fascism... and a talented violinist who fixed the school system?

Disclaimer: Highlighting these historical paradoxes is not an endorsement. We do not stand behind the actions of these dictators, and their few good qualities do not absolve them of their crimes.

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It sounds like fake news, but it’s history. In this episode, we challenge everything you think you know about three of the world's most feared rulers.

We dig into the uncomfortable truth that some of history's biggest villains implemented policies that modern democracies would envy.

The Warlord of Tolerance: How Genghis Khan, the man who slaughtered millions, established one of the first empires with total religious freedom.

The Dictator’s Utopia: Inside Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya, where healthcare was free, education was free, and the country had zero national debt. (We also discuss his creepy scrapbook dedicated to Condoleezza Rice).

The Renaissance Madman: Ivan the Terrible lived up to his name with massacres, yet he single-handedly opened Russia to global trade and funded the arts.

Note: This podcast is an exercise in holding two opposing thoughts at once. While we discuss specific positive policies, we strictly condemn the evil these figures committed. The good does not excuse the bad.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often think of dictators as one-dimensional monsters, but history tells a stranger story. In this episode, we explore the shocking artistic and intellectual pursuits of four of the world's most ruthless leaders.

Kim Jong Il's Musical Hit: How the North Korean leader composed operas that became surprisingly popular in China and even wrote a book titled The Art of Opera.

Mao Zedong's Poetry: The man responsible for millions of deaths was also a sensitive poet whose works are still read today.

Francisco Franco's Canvas: The "Hitler of Spain" had a hidden talent as a painter, leaving behind works retrieved from his private chambers.

Pol Pot's Classroom: Before the Killing Fields, this brutal revolutionary was a soft-spoken, beloved high school teacher who spoke constantly of kindness.

Note: This podcast is an exercise in holding two opposing thoughts at once. While we discuss specific positive policies, we strictly condemn the evil these figures committed. The good does not excuse the bad.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.