Behind the Bastards Behind the Bastards

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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