I hope you like context. Not an amuse bouche of context. Like why is this giant pan of nachos in the appetizers context. I’ve been inspired to read more books on several groups I hadn’t heard of.

I really can’t believe i’m having to say this. I was really excited to check out what looked like a cool podcast until I tried to listen to one episode and had to switch it off 5 minutes in, which i never do. let me clarify that i’m not a trump supporter and usually identify as more of an anarchist, so I’m pretty open to hearing what everyone has to say. however, the blatant lack of perspective and intellectual dishonesty with this one was a huge turn off. As someone who’s studied Mandelstam, Akhmatova, Bulgakov and other writers of the time in depth, this episode left me really disillusioned about humanity in general. Is it possible that we’ve witnessed everything, and understood nothing? Mandelstam died in a gulag for writing a satirical poem about Stalin’s regime. The modern far left makes death threats against Trump and is applauded for their efforts. There is nothing, nothing to connect the two! Margaret’s snarky statements are simply an atrocious attempt to glorify her mediocre reporting through stealing victimhood from a real martyr. Famines that drove the poor people to horrors in Ukraine, and you say it’s basically the same here? Where you have your choice of supermarket, with wall to wall food? Where no one will ask for your Party membership? Where there are no bread lines for hours? Where you can go anywhere you like without a travel permit? When any field of work is open to you regardless of your political standing? I don’t deny that these freedoms come under attack. But a little perspective, a little intellectual honesty, and a little respect for those who actually did suffer would be appreciated. That’s all.

Ok, so I didn’t get a tattoo of the show, specifically, but I did get inspiration from the Bella Ciao episode. I had traveled to Italy and wanted to commemorate the experience and that podcast episode inspired what turned out to be a beautiful tattoo. My favorite thing about CPWDCS is that episodes I think will bore me (like Chumbawamba) turn out to be wonderful and I get introduced to all kids of unusual and inspiring history I don’t think I’d ever come across anywhere else. Margaret and Sophie are both joys and the guests are always a great addition. Love the real takes and the highlighting of these bright lights in dark times.

I have loved the shows on Mussolini and right now, Crass. One note I have is that there is a goya commercial. Not sure if this is part of an ad package, but wondering if we’re still not anti-goya?

I love the podcast, so much good history and I always learn surprising facts! Plus Margaret is a great host and writer. Absolutely loving the CZM Book Club Dino Wars series! I have laughed and cried, and love the pointed advice. Great job! ❤️

I have listened to this show on and off since it started, depending on how much podcast time I had, but lately it’s become a must-listen. The episodes on Chumbawamba and Crass were absolutely fantastic. Not only were they interesting in content, but hearing Margaret’s take as someone actually in the music and anarchist scene is really valuable. Her guests are always well chosen as well. Margaret is so endearing as a host- and she is quickly becoming a hero of mine. Love this show! 💚

I listen to a lot of CZM content and this show is my favorite among them. I used to read Historical YA Fiction in my youth and enjoy a good history podcast. Margaret introduces listeners to often obscured historical figures in dark points from all over the world. Whether the person lives to see their efforts succeed or don’t, I feel hopeful about humanity through all of her podcasts.

These are amazing podcasts, but I’m begging you guys to start putting notes in the episode descriptions. You’re often referencing little known writings, artists etc, which are difficult to hear correctly and difficult to find. (It took me a while to find Pietro Gori). Perhaps Apple Podcasts can also let you edit the automatic transcript. Reading lists would be godsend.

I want a Masterclass of american history by Margaret!!

And it’s not third. Excellent, well researched podcast about often-overlooked figures in history

i’ve moved many times; it’s often hard to find and connect into our chosen communities, especially as we get older. i just recently relocated to long beach and i’m lonely for a more inclusive radical community but listening to you inspires & reminds me of that solidarity. i appreciate your research, insights, and creativity ❤️

Margaret makes my life better. It feels hard not to feel anxious about the world and Cool People gives me the hope that I can make the world a better place or at least die trying!

Excellent Pod

This is the first podcast I've listened to that sounds like AI. It feels really artificial. Interesting nonetheless.

Been listening since the beginning, love it and still makes my day better every time I listen.

My new favorite podcast. Excellent.

Love you and love this show. Balances me after Robert puts me into a deep depression lol

Love this podcast. History is interesting but sometimes dry and this podcast makes it so entertaining and easy to follow. I learn a ton every time. Also, I wanna hear from Danil. Hi Danil!

This podcast is a mess. Even listening to it sped up the pace was unbelievably slow and they spent an hour covering what would have taken 20 minutes and been more entertaining on a different podcast. The idea is good but execution is seriously lacking.

Nice refresher from everyday onslaught of uncool people doing uncool stuff

Love learning about all the under-taught, radical subjects of history covered on the podcast. Margaret does a great job researching and keeping the nuance of her subjects. ❤️ Would love to hear her cover Clarence Darrow. He seems like a cool guy who did cool stuff. Hope he wasn’t a bad husband.

It’s always nice to know there have always been people fighting back against the Powers That Be.

I got my hopes up that this was a legit history podcast but then, after a baller into which had me excited Margaret dropped the, “if she even existed” regarding the subject of the podcast. I am not into history fan fiction but if that is your thing I suspect hanging with Robert Evans and Margaret Killjoy would be a great way to fanfic up some history.

funny and fascinating radical history!

I love learning about history through story. Margaret is absolutely amazing- I appreciate all of the context and love the “rants” too! The guests are always a wonderful addition. The addition of book club Sundays has brought me so much joy! Thank you for existing ❤️

Amazing material, amazing conversations, amazing narrator, amazing guests, amazing dynamic! P.S. the people who say you go on too many tangents are technically not wrong, but please, please, please don’t listen to them. I love podcasts narrated by chaotic ADHD people like myself :D

But it really helps that she shines a light on cool things done by cool people. There are many things I had no idea about prior to listening to this podcast. Margaret is the best to calm the spirit when humanity lets you down.

Listening to the last four episodes of Cool People Who Did Cool Things and their examination of Irish Nationalism, Internationalism, Socialism, and Labor-Unionizing has led me to reflect on my Irish heritage. I feel disconnected from being Irish, because the identity pushed on me as “White” in America requires a flattening of all cultural and ethnic identities in order to be subsumed by “whiteness”. White supremacy even when granting privilege to some groups still requires in trade for power and privilege, a destruction of traditional identity. Irish people (like all groups of people) did some cool things. Obviously there is no comparison of the harm done to white people by white supremacy, contrasted to the oppression and genocide that radicalized and minorities people have been subjected too, but everyone suffers under white supremacy (except maybe a few billionaires stirring up fights amongst the rest of us). Thanks Margaret! PS, love the vocal fry, keep up the good work!

Margaret is a wonderful researcher and funny to boot! This is one of my favorite podcasts and I always look forward to Mondays and Wednesdays to hear her latest episode

This is what I hoped podcasts would do. This is what behind the b is like without guy-snark and splaining. I learn and I laugh and I think. Thank you!⭐️💜

I like listening to behind the b*stards and coming over here is a Nice uplifting opposite where I can hear about the more positive side of history and the cool people that made it that way. I also like Margaret’s calming voice and I got the subscription so I can re-listen to episodes as I fall asleep

Excellent ideas, by the titles, but 40 minutes and two ad breaks in they finally touched on what a maroon community was, and promptly started talking about Maryland license plates and Canada. In an episode about Florida. I’m hanging in, hoping the actual content will surface.

I really enjoy this conversational and casual style of sharing knowledge. Sex work in the west and surrealist episodes are great!

It’s that simple. This show is a guide on how to be a better person. I came in at the “socialise everything” end of the spectrum. I’m a disability, abuse, and a-spectrums advocate who can’t get enough of volunteering. Yet every week gives me great ideas for how I can do more.

I actually really love this show, I just thought the title would be funny.

I could listen to Margaret read folk stories all day I’d love a spin off podcast

It’s hard to believe that anyone who is in to Cool Zone content wouldn’t love this podcast. It is well researched, Margaret is a phenomenal host, it has great guests, and the stories are super interesting. I’m sorry it took me so long to check it out. Much love to everyone involved! Also, Hi Sophie! Hi Ian!

hi ian!!!

Margaret has trouble staying on track and telling a story.

This podcast has a lot of potential but unfortunately the hosts spend too much of their time on meandering tangents and tedious personal anecdotes. They could easily cut the fat, and still have a really good podcast. I’m not saying “don’t listen” I’m just saying get ready to skip whole sections of their boring conversations so you can get to the actual topics.

Just a remarkable work of historical, political, social, and human analysis in an incredibly enjoyable format. Absolutely top tier all around and what every podcast should aspire to be

Tune in and pick some heroes to bring with you into a radical utopian future

The stories that Margaret picks are uplifting in the best way. The everyman-turned-revolutionaries she covers in these stories become common heroes by acting for basic rights, humane working conditions, and self determination, reminding us all that we can do the same. This is a vital reminder of our individual and collective empowerment in a society that incentivizes us to be hopelessly cynical. One thing could make the podcast more compelling: a more defined central narrative. This could be a tone of voice to signal to the listener that the tangent is over and we’re back in the main through line, or simply a more condensed version of this podcast. I appreciate the nuance and fleshing out of characters, but care more about the stories behind the compelling titles and the narrative arc of that journey. Right now, it’s not the easiest to follow. Thank you for this content, please make more!

Everything about this podcast is wonderful!! I look forward to Magpie every week, and all her awesome guests. If you need some happy history for all backgrounds and genders, this is the place. And also, puppies!!

This podcast is fabulous. Margaret is brilliant, funny and refreshing. I’m probably one of her older listeners, and like her I don’t always get the pop cultures references, but I have learned more salient history from this podcast than I did from high school and college. The delight is that with all the things still going on in this world, I am hearing hope and praise for humans who have heart, compassion and guts. I am on my second book of hers and have purchased two more. Good stuff.

You guys really outdid yourselves with the riot dog episode. 14/10 very smart and wholesome

Just waiting on the spin of serious, cool potatoes that did cool stuff.

Finally someone puts in a good word for potatoes.

This is a thoughtful, fascinating and entertaining show. Maybe not every facet of the show will match your own beliefs, but it will make you think. Plus you got to hand it to direct action.

The host is insufferable