Behind the Bastards: Part Two – Laetrile: The Fake Cancer Cure That Birthed The Right-Wing Medical Grifting Industry

Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Robert Evans
Co-Host: Miles Gray
Produced by: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to Laetrile and Its Origins

In this gripping continuation of the series, Robert Evans and Miles Gray delve into the controversial history of Laetrile, a substance promoted as a miraculous cancer cure. Laetrile, also known as amygdalin or vitamin B17, became a focal point for both medical fraud and the burgeoning right-wing skepticism of government-regulated medicine.

2. The Krebs Family and Early Promotion of Laetrile

The narrative begins with the Krebs family, particularly Ernest Krebs Jr., who spearheaded the promotion of Laetrile. Robert discusses how, despite FDA bans, Krebs Jr. ingeniously circumvented regulations by selling Laetrile through intermediaries like Andrew McNaughton, a Canadian gun runner.

Robert Evans [07:05]: "The field of cancer chemotherapy is a law unto itself. This jungle offers the greatest opportunity anywhere in commerce at this moment."

This strategic maneuvering marked the beginning of Laetrile’s persistence in the market, despite mounting evidence against its efficacy.

3. Government Crackdown and Resistance

In the early 1960s, the California Cancer Advisory Council launched investigations into Laetrile after receiving alarming reports. The council uncovered that Krebs Jr. was aggressively marketing an unproven and dangerous substance without any legitimate clinical backing.

Miles Gray [08:52]: "What are you doing? Maybe they were into that shit."

Despite regulatory actions, Krebs Jr. continued his operations, leading to multiple convictions for contempt due to his refusal to cease Laetrile sales. However, the penalties were minimal, reflecting the leniency often afforded to such medical fraudsters.

4. Rise of Patient Activism: Cecile Hoffman

Introducing Cecile Hoffman, a breast cancer survivor whose tragic outcome epitomized the perils of alternative treatments. After suffering from metastatic cancer, Hoffman became a pivotal figure by founding the International Association of Cancer Victims and Friends. Her advocacy for Laetrile not only galvanized patient support but also laid the groundwork for organized resistance against medical authorities.

Robert Evans [22:00]: "Cecile Hoffman is an ur figure in the annals of patient alternative medicine advocates."

Hoffman’s unwavering belief in Laetrile, despite its lethality, highlighted the emotional and psychological factors fueling the anti-establishment medical movement.

5. Link to Far-Right Politics: John Birch Society

The storyline takes a darker turn as Laetrile proponents align with the far-right John Birch Society. Dr. John A. Richardson, a member of this group, played a crucial role in transforming Laetrile advocacy into a political crusade against federal regulation.

Robert Evans [40:54]: "Crucial to the third stage of Littrill. Now, I want to quote from an article called Lesson in Cancer Quackery for the Cancer Journal."

Robert explains how Richardson and others used their political influence to frame Laetrile promotion as a fight for "freedom of choice," intertwining medical misinformation with conservative ideology.

6. State-Level Legalization Efforts

By exploiting state legislatures, Laetrile advocates successfully pushed for the legalization of Laetrile in numerous states during the late 1970s. This strategic shift allowed continued distribution and bolstered the legitimacy of alternative medical treatments.

Robert Evans [58:23]: "So basically you have this Food and Drug act. It gets stronger and stronger for a while. It really makes some massive changes, saves a ton of lives. And then the right wing, when they lose in court against it at the federal level, figures out, well, let's just cut the ground out from underneath it."

This maneuvering not only perpetuated the use of ineffective treatments but also set a precedent for future bypasses of federal medical regulations.

7. Tragic Consequences and Public Perception

The podcast recounts several tragic instances where Laetrile usage led to fatal cyanide poisoning, including the deaths of young patients like Elizabeth Hankin and Steve McQueen. These stories underscore the lethal consequences of unregulated medical treatments.

Robert Evans [62:42]: "Oh, man. He was super chill, thanks to Latrill. You know, he would have died a much worse death if it weren't for Latrill."

Despite these fatalities, Laetrile advocates continued to promote the substance, often downplaying its dangers and emphasizing anecdotal success stories over scientific evidence.

8. Legacy and Impact on Modern Medical Skepticism

The culmination of Laetrile’s history illustrates how medical misinformation can evolve into a politically charged movement. The establishment of Laetrile advocacy as a right-wing issue laid the foundation for contemporary skepticism towards medical authorities and regulatory bodies.

Robert Evans [49:57]: "All of Joe Rogan's business, you know, Alex Jones, this is the groundwork for why all of that is the case."

This historical account reveals the enduring impact of early medical grifting on today’s anti-establishment sentiments, highlighting the interplay between misinformation, political ideology, and public distrust.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Robert Evans [07:05]: "The field of cancer chemotherapy is a law unto itself. This jungle offers the greatest opportunity anywhere in commerce at this moment."

• Miles Gray [08:52]: "What are you doing? Maybe they were into that shit."

• Robert Evans [22:00]: "Cecile Hoffman is an ur figure in the annals of patient alternative medicine advocates."

• Robert Evans [40:54]: "Crucial to the third stage of Littrill."

• Robert Evans [58:23]: "So basically you have this Food and Drug act. It gets stronger and stronger for a while."

• Robert Evans [62:42]: "Oh, man. He was super chill, thanks to Latrill."

• Robert Evans [49:57]: "All of Joe Rogan's business, you know, Alex Jones, this is the groundwork for why all of that is the case."

Conclusion

"Behind the Bastards, Part Two: Laetrile" meticulously unpacks the sinister journey of a fraudulent cancer cure and its profound influence on the intersection of medicine and right-wing politics. Through the lens of the Krebs family's deceit, patient advocacy gone awry, and the strategic politicization of medical misinformation, Robert Evans and Miles Gray present a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked medical grifting and its lasting legacy on public trust in healthcare systems.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of how destructive narratives can take root when fueled by desperation, misinformation, and political agendas, ultimately shaping contemporary challenges in combating medical fraud and promoting scientific integrity.