Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"This episode is presented by 20th century studios Sin Help from the twisted mind of Sam Ramy, director of the Evil Dead and dragged me to hell." — Host (Implicitly, as an intro)
"But the first head to go up on the Mount Rushmore of Evil just maybe the worst we have to offer. Who knows? See, we figured it would be appropriate to kick off this event with a Nazi because who's more objectively evil than Nazis?" — Ed Larsen
"He's the most evil man in the world. Everyone's going to pay me, ain't they? Going to bend of a backwards for me." — (Singing/Parody)
This episode of Last Podcast on the Left focuses on the early life and influences that shaped Heinrich Himmler, the SS commander and one of the most powerful figures in Nazi Germany. The hosts begin by setting the stage for their "Mount Rushmore of Evil" series, highlighting the problematic nature of the monument itself and its historical context. They then introduce Himmler, contrasting his perceived physical appearance with his immense power and influence. The discussion traces Himmler's upbringing within a strict, academic household, suggesting that his father's emphasis on order and obedience laid the groundwork for his later rigid adherence to Nazi ideology.
The narrative then explores Himmler's early fascinations with pseudoscience, occultism, and a romanticized version of German history, particularly the myth of the Aryan race. They detail his exposure to groups like the Thule Society and the influence of "Volkish" ideology, which promoted ideas of racial purity and agrarianism. The hosts emphasize how Himmler, despite his physical insecurities and perceived shortcomings, was drawn to these ideas as a means of finding purpose and a sense of superiority, ultimately connecting them to his later role in orchestrating the Holocaust and other atrocities.
The episode further examines the societal and economic conditions in post-World War I Germany, including hyperinflation and political instability, which created fertile ground for extremist movements. Himmler's personal frustrations, his perceived lack of social grace, and his struggles with anxiety are presented as contributing factors to his embrace of a hateful and exclusionary ideology. The hosts conclude by highlighting how Himmler's personal narrative, combined with the broader historical context, paved the way for his significant role in the Nazi regime, setting the stage for future episodes.