Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – It Could Happen Here (Weekly 184)
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Hosts: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In this episode of Behind the Bastards, titled "It Could Happen Here," the hosts delve into multiple pressing issues, including the crisis surrounding transgender healthcare in the UK, the intricacies of the U.S. asylum system, and a disturbing act of anti-Semitic violence in Washington, D.C. The episode intertwines investigative journalism with personal insights, highlighting systemic failures and societal challenges.

2. Transgender Healthcare Crisis in the United Kingdom

Guests: Mira Lazine, Freelance Trans Journalist

The episode opens with a grim exploration of the escalating oppression of transgender individuals in the UK. Mira Lazine discusses a two-stage cover-up involving the National Health Service (NHS) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) concerning transgender youth.

• NHS Whistleblowers:
  Mia Wong [04:50] describes how whistleblowers within the NHS revealed that 16 transgender minors had committed suicide due to prolonged waitlists for essential healthcare. Lazine explains, "Doctor for Safeguarding Children... tried to warn people basically. And they all ignored him."

• The CAST Report:
  The CAST report, authored by Dr. Hilary Cass, is criticized for its flawed methodology and anti-trans bias. Lazine points out, "She left out a bunch of studies, especially more recent ones with better methodologies."

• Media and Government Response:
  The BBC is accused of disproportionate coverage favoring anti-trans narratives. Lazine states, "They rushed to report on it, something they claimed was not newsworthy previously."

Notable Quote:
"These meeting minutes are still public too. Moggan is not bullied in that. It's still on his Twitter account. Good Law Project is not fully a thing anymore. They're kind of dissolving their stuff right now." — Mira Lazine [17:10]

3. Investigating Deportation Flights and Government Accountability

Guests: Clayton English, Aviation Enthusiast and Journalist

The discussion shifts to the use of private jets for deportation flights, highlighting Plane N588AT, which was involved in transporting individuals to Djibouti under suspicious circumstances.

• Flight Tracking:
  Clayton English [53:30] explains his use of aviation tracking apps to identify the plane's route, noting its unusual departure from Harlingen Airport.

• Government Response:
  Despite initial inaction, local authorities in Ireland begin investigating after awareness is raised through aviation enthusiasts. English describes, "I called the Shannon Garda... trying to send someone to check the plane."

Notable Quote:
"This is a luxury jet... moonlighting as a prisoner vessel for kidnappers." — Clayton English [57:00]

4. The U.S. Asylum System Under Siege

Guest: Taraji P. Henson, Immigration Lawyer

Taraji P. Henson provides a critical analysis of the deteriorating asylum process in the United States, exacerbated by recent executive actions.

• Expedited Removal Proceedings:
  Henson [81:31] discusses how individuals crossing the southern border now face immediate deportation without the usual due process, under sections like 212F and 235 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

• Case Study – Primrose:
  The episode details the plight of Primrose, a Zimbabwean asylum seeker, illustrating systemic failures such as judges issuing deportation notices mid-case. Henson remarks, "It's completely inappropriate... it's a due process violation."

• Calls to Action:
  Henson emphasizes the importance of legal representation and community support, urging listeners to connect with mutual aid networks and support affected individuals.

Notable Quote:
"These auditions are finite. So if you know any asylum seeker or can support any asylum seeker right now, now, they made it in. Let's give them their best shot." — Taraji P. Henson [87:43]

5. Anti-Semitic Violence and Media Response

Hosts: Greg Lodd, Debbie Brown, James

The episode covers the harrowing shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., carried out by Elias Rodriguez, a man with deep-seated anti-Israel sentiments.

• Incident Details:
  Debbie Brown [119:03] describes the event where Rodriguez targeted and killed two individuals outside the Capitol Jewish Museum, chanting "Free Palestine" during his arrest.

• Perpetrator's Background:
  Rodriguez's manifesto reveals pro-Hamas and anti-imperialist ideologies. His associations with extremist online communities like Something Awful and Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) are highlighted, though it's clarified that his actions are not typical of these groups.

• Media and Political Reactions:
  The international backlash includes condemnation from U.S. officials and the Israeli government, with Netanyahu labeling Rodriguez's actions as "today's version of Heil Hitler."

Notable Quote:
"Free Palestine is just today's version of Heil Hitler... They want to annihilate all Jewish people who have been in the land of Israel for 3,500 years." — Netanyahu [119:52]

6. Impact of the U.S. Budget Bill on Trans Healthcare

Reporters: Mia Wong, Maddy Kastigan, Mira Lazine

Mia Wong reports on the House Resolution 1 (HR1), a budget bill that poses significant threats to transgender healthcare through Medicaid cuts and restrictions.

• Medicaid Cuts:
  Mia explains, "Republicans implemented a ban for gender-affirming care for minors... expanding it to all ages on Medicaid and ACA plans."

• Legislative Strategies:
  The bill uses reconciliation processes to embed policy changes into the budget, bypassing standard legislative scrutiny. Advocates urge citizens to contact their senators to oppose these provisions.

• Long-Term Implications:
  Hosts discuss the necessity of building grassroots support and mutual aid networks to counteract ongoing and future legislative attacks on marginalized communities.

Notable Quote:
"We cannot rely on the government to give us essential healthcare... We need to start focusing on building long-term solutions." — Maddy Kastigan [118:29]

7. Conclusion and Calls to Action

The episode concludes with strong encouragement for listeners to engage in activism, support affected communities, and stay informed. Emphasis is placed on the power of grassroots movements and the importance of solidarity in combating systemic injustices.

Closing Quote:
"The frontier of the rebellion is everywhere and even the smallest insurrection pushes our line forward... These things can be resisted in so many different ways." — Mia Wong [148:00]

Key Takeaways:

• Systemic Failures: Both the UK and U.S. healthcare and asylum systems are failing marginalized communities, leading to tragic consequences.

• Media Bias and Government Accountability: There is a concerning trend of media outlets and government bodies either ignoring whistleblower evidence or favoring biased reports that undermine vulnerable populations.

• Call for Activism: Listeners are urged to take actionable steps, including contacting legislators, supporting legal defenses, and joining mutual aid networks to resist oppressive policies.

Recommended Actions for Listeners:

1. Contact Senators: Advocate against discriminatory budget provisions affecting transgender healthcare.
2. Support Legal Efforts: Donate to organizations fighting for asylum seekers' rights.
3. Join Mutual Aid Networks: Engage with local groups to provide direct support to affected individuals.
4. Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources and investigative journalists covering these critical issues.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "These meeting minutes are still public too. Moggan is not bullied in that." — Mira Lazine [17:10]
• "This is a luxury jet... moonlighting as a prisoner vessel for kidnappers." — Clayton English [57:00]
• "These auditions are finite. So if you know any asylum seeker or can support any asylum seeker right now, now, they made it in. Let's give them their best shot." — Taraji P. Henson [87:43]
• "Free Palestine is just today's version of Heil Hitler... They want to annihilate all Jewish people who have been in the land of Israel for 3,500 years." — Netanyahu [119:52]
• "We cannot rely on the government to give us essential healthcare... We need to start focusing on building long-term solutions." — Maddy Kastigan [118:29]
• "The frontier of the rebellion is everywhere and even the smallest insurrection pushes our line forward." — Mia Wong [148:00]

Further Listening:

For more in-depth analysis and ongoing coverage of these critical issues, subscribe to Behind the Bastards on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.