Part Three: H.L. Hunt: The First Elon Musk
May 19, 2026 · 52m
Summary
In this episode of Behind the Bastards, host Matt Rogers and guest Princess Weeks continue their series on oil tycoon H.L. Hunt, focusing on his right-wing media empire. They discuss Hunt’s radio programs, his support for Joseph McCarthy, and his feud with Edward R. Murrow over perceived liberal bias. The hosts also cover Hunt’s bizarre personal life, including his bigamy, his self-published utopian novel, and his obsession with selling health supplements like GastroMagic.
Topics discussed
Intro, ads, and Kewpie Mayo
H.L. Hunt's bigamy and Mormon connections
McCarthyism and the birth of soundbite journalism
Edward R. Murrow vs. H.L. Hunt and conservative media
Lifeline radio show and the oil depletion allowance
Hunt's novel Alpaca and anti-Kennedy propaganda
Letters to the editor and GastroMagic pills
JFK assassination rumors and Hunt's bizarre later years
Conclusion, legacy, and final ads
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