Part One: Radovan Karadžić: The Genocidal Dictator Who Became a New-Age Guru

This episode of Behind the Bastards explores the life of Radovan Karadžić, a Bosnian Serb leader responsible for the Bosnian genocide who later reinvented himself as a new-age energy healer. The hosts provide extensive historical context on the Balkans, detailing the complex ethnic conflicts, the brutalities of World War II, and the rise of the Chetniks. They also discuss the Karadžić family’s lineage, including his father’s violent history and the region’s oral traditions. The episode blends dark humor with serious analysis of how Karadžić transitioned from war criminal to spiritual guru.

Topics discussed

9/11 episode intro and personal memories Promoting Jamie Loftus's novel 'The Tower' Sponsor read and transition to Balkan history Geography and tribal structure of the Balkans The Karadžić clan and Serbian language history Serbian casualties in WWI and WWII occupation Ustaše regime and genocide against Serbs and Muslims Chetnik tactics and Nazi reactions to Balkan violence Busting the myth that Ustaše were too extreme for SS Tito, the Communists, and the Chetniks Sponsor read and Tito's long rule Radovan's birth, family, and accidental shooting Radovan's childhood and family trauma Radovan's education and early personality Radovan's time in Sarajevo and political awakening Yugoslav identity vs. ethno-nationalism Sponsor read and Radovan's time in New York Radovan's poetry and roommate Barry Farber Radovan's career as a psychiatrist and football psychologist Tito's death, the rise of nationalism, and outro

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Part One: Radovan Karadžić: The Genocidal Dictator Who Became a New-Age Guru

Summary

Topics discussed