My favorite professor recommended this podcasts to me and I am forever grateful to her. Whenever I wake up and it’s Tuesday/Thursday morning I’m like “Hell yeah! Time to get disappointed at humanity!” Haha. This show is entertaining and funny, but most importantly, I learn something. I learn how we got to the America we are today and how something like this has always happened before. Plus there’s always cool people, gems of society working to try to help us. Love every bit of this. Thank you Robert and Sophie for making my week better. Always, Johnny T

Been listening to you guys forever, recommend you all to everyone I know

Sophie seems like a good, sweet, kindhearted person, but she is not Robert. I want to hear Robert and his guest(s), and I would prefer to hear from Sophie less. She is not funny, and her attempts to come off as funny just seem exaggerated, like she’s trying so hard to be “one of the boys”. Again, wonderful human and will always think highly of her as a producer and person, so I say this with the highest respect: please be quiet, Sophie.

It takes them so long to get to the point and then boom 3 min of advertising- then they move on from that point to something else. Impossible to listen despite some interesting topics

Forever.

Listened with intent of hearing real content + title being relevant to stories of interest BUT all of podcast episodes were heavily political and off topic! True TDS + no need to even bring up on most occasions. Who cares. Also, learned so much more about the same topics in 2 IG posts for example than one full episode here - they go off topic and waste of time listening! Stay relevant. Stay off politics unless you want to market yourself as political BIASED commentary. Otherwise show is wildly underrated and improperly marketed.

Sophie is the best!!

Idk..trying to listen to my first episode, and like every other word is an f-bomb. I have no issue with some swearing, but it’s so much that it’s gratuitous and honestly pretty distracting. Also, they go off on completely unrelated tangents more than not in this episode..🤦‍♀️

I love the show and I'm a subscriber. I understand why Robert's humorous take on horrible things is polarizing. Personally, I think it sometimes help move the show forward by alleviating some of the heaviness that come with the territory. Now request 1: could we please have an episode on Jim Jones the cult leader? Request 2: could we please recognize that Sophie is an amazing producer who doesn't need to co-host? Her interventions bring nothing to the show beside a distraction. Her reactions come across as childish and unnuanced. It's just annoying to see the show completely derailed over a random unrelated anecdote.

This is one of the best podcast ever very informative,intelligent,interesting accurate-love it. Thank you

Poor pro-Sophie bots… I’ve been listening to for years, and I used to LOVE this pod. But Sophie needs to exercise her talents as a producer. She is not a cohost.

Learn how to pronounce names. Historically, the account is reasonably accurate and Robert’s horror at the situation is appropriate. His guest thinks it’s hilarious. Don’t have her back. She’s awful and her ignorance, arrogance and always talking over the host is incredibly annoying. I have some knowledge of the subject matter here and yes, the horror is real. There wasn’t much funny about it at all.

Stopped listening over a year ago, came back to see if anything had improved. Nope, it got worse. Liked it way better when the politics weren’t so blatantly off-the-rails left and the facts presented weren’t cherry-picked to reflect this. Do better Robert.

Look I’ve been listening to this podcast for over well 5 years at this point and I loved it. It used to be my favorite, I deeply enjoy Robert’s reporting, the bringing in of guests to be cohosts for the episodes to learn as they go but objectively it is a different podcast than when it originated because of the dynamic switch with Sophie being included. This isn’t about her as a person but rather the interrupting, the heavy bias and rude to everyone introjections that make me cringe. It’s not the show it used to be objectively, I go and re-listen to old episodes but I just can’t listen to the new ones anymore. It’s not a reporting history podcast anymore.

Gross, offensive and super racist.

I’ve listened to this show for years but I just can’t anymore. It seems like there’s more and more Sophie as time goes on which makes me want to listen less and less. I checked, and over half of the podcasts I listen to are hosted by fantastic women, so I wanted to make sure this wasn’t unconscious bias. Speaking of which, Sophie’s bias comes through loud and clear and it’s getting old.

Robert: 10/10. Sophie: 11/10. This show is high quality, incredibly well researched and informative, and the dynamic between these two is entertaining and genuine. Never change!

Show isn5 stars. Sophie is -420 stars. Great show however Sophie shouldn’t be allowed to participate. She is extremely annoying and adds nothing to the show. I’ve had to skip entire episodes because she talks over everyone just to say nothing. So annoying.

I love this show and I want to counterbalance the recent reviewer who said they wanted Sophie to stop jumping into the conversation. Absolutely no shade intended towards Robert and the many wonderful guest cohosts, but Sophie is my favorite part of this podcast. I also love the way that Sophie and Robert bounce off of each other and each guest. Please keep up the great work yall!

Long time listener, absolutely love this show. But please please I BEG you Sophie, turn off your mic. You’re making a show that Robert researched and wrote up and can deliver really profoundly, and your interruptions are ruining it Let him read the script, it’s written that way for a reason. I keep starting episodes and I can’t keep listening because you won’t shut up! It’s very difficult to process all the interjections AND the information BTB was a staple in my podcast rotation, but I seriously can’t stand to listen to it like this; I can’t even follow the story with all your extra bits I mean this with all the respect due to a producer of some excellent podcasts, and with no personal malice: PLEASE SHUT UP!!

Just after listening to the episodes on MK Ultra…. Wow, nailed that sh🖤t. Do I laugh? Do I cry? 🤯🤣

Used to be a fan and now I can hear all of Robert’s bias. It’s sad. Comments on facts is funny; cherry picking facts to tell an erroneous story and reach the conclusion you’d like, I believe that is called confirmation bias.

Robert always puts so much effort into all of these episodes, and the banter balances out perfectly with the informative nature of the podcast. I really don’t think that Sophie is as big a deal as everyone is making her, and I personally find her charming. Keep up the good work!

Tried to listen to the episode on Robert Maxwell and I just can’t get through it. There’s so much in pointless laughter between sentences that I’m getting impatient and bored. It would be great if the laughter was caused by funny statements, but they are laughing at nothing.

I kept forgetting to review BTB but I have a second to do so now: I listened to this for a few years but I had to stop because of robert. There are other, more thoughtful, more vigorously researched podcasts out there whose host acknowledge and take seriously all forms of oppression and how they exacerbate one another. As a Black american that’s important to me but it should also be important to a show talking about HISTORY and its impact on the present. This podcast, like too many other ‘progressive’ podcasts, has a major blindspot: a blindspot that has been the downfall of and an issue in leftist spaces (and failed movements, orgs, and efforts) for generations. It’s the bigotry/misogyny that’s seen as normal, not as serious, and a background issue to ‘real’ issues. Robert has unchecked biases that he will never reflect on because he thinks he’s one of the good ones. I realize that ‘untouchable’ behavior with well-meaning white people but I also realize it with well-meaning cis men of any race/ethnicity. Again, we should know and be trying to do better by now and not render ourselves opps of progress. BTB talks about white supremacy but it doesn’t significantly dive in to global male supremacy; which is something that’s been present before then and is inherent to imperialism, capitalism, and all forms of colonization. BTB also doesn’t significantly acknowledge or contextualize femicide and how women and people of marginalized genders are being lynched, by mostly cis men; and how male dominated governing bodies facilitate(d) that violence. Patriarchal colonization and oppression is something all MaGes and women and kids, of all classes, experience and bear the brunt of; especially those in black and brown countries. I want better for progressive/leftists spaces. Including our media!

This popped up in my recommendations and sounded right up my alley. Started with SEAL Team 6 Ep 1 and only made it 16 minutes. I’m normally one who enjoys unscripted banter from the hosts, but this just wasn’t working for me. The only way I can think to describe it is like someone reading a Reddit thread out loud to me. It’s exhausting.

Robert and the script carry the show, ad breaks are what they are and easily skipped, and overall the topics covered are interesting which Ive enjoyed. Recently Ive noticed an uptic in reviews saying any criticism of sophie is directly connected to misogyny…come on yall are we listening to the same show? Also are you all bots? I see significantly less examples of her positive additions to the show from these types of reviewers and that makes me suspicious. In the navy seals episodes they discuss direct and nasty examples of macho military guy culture that is not meant to be positive. Sophies commentary during these episodes ads nothing new or funny in any way. The main thrust of this series is the harmful effects of overcompensation, psychosis, and propagation of hypermasculine action warfare that pathetically results in civilian and even comrade casualties for no reason… interjecting into Robert’s script with things like“little boys want to play with their toys” just feels trite and attention seeking. No one who wouldn’t agree with that sentiment would even listen to a show like this right?? It’s just kinda unfunny and repetitive comments that we all already agree on seem to be all she is capable of providing. Jackie Zebrowski, Jordan Jensen, Jamie Loftus, there are lots of ladies in this scene that rule; unfortunately Sophie isn’t one of them and unless that improves Id prefer she sticks to being the producer and not the cohost.

I was just trying to listen to the World Cup soccer episode and was not able to finish because the whole episode (pt 1) barely mentioned the “bastard” history related to the soccer team. Spent most of the episode discussing Hussein’s childhood and hardly any mention of soccer. I don’t have it in me to attempt episode two. This could have been one episode about the topic but it’s spread into two episodes because there is so much background.

Comparing concentration camps, where people were worked to death and killed indiscriminately, to places where illegal immigrants are held until they can be deported back to their country of origin is LAUGHABLE...

I love this podcast. I love the banter, the sidetracks, the amazing amount of research Robert puts into the subjects, the guests, the interjections, the absolutely horrifying information, all of it. I appreciate the balance between the facts about awful people with humorous banter. I don’t know why so many of these reviews are focused on Sophie (well I can guess) but she’s the f’n best and whining about wanting to hear leas from her is frankly loser behavior.

It simply means the one who sacrifices himself. It doesn’t mean doppelgänger. You had Iraqi friends; I’m surprised you didn’t ask them. Any Arab would have told you the meaning, lazy job.

Fun, thoughtful and always well-researched.

This show has become just that. Half the show is ads, stupid jokes and the producer or guest talking over the host. Thanks for the good early episodes but I’m out, y’all jumped the shark.

Everyone complaining about Sophie is being misogynistic and everyone complaining about “too much banter” should maybe listen to an audio book instead of a podcast?

I have to agree with many other recent comments about Sophie’s commentary. I’m not trying to pile on a bunch of hate; I’m sure Sophie is a great producer, but I don’t think she makes a good co-host, which is what she seems to be lately. Frequent interjections that interrupt/talk over Robert or the guest and unnecessary or unrelated comments that distract from the script make it harder to listen. Fyi, I am NOT a man and do consider myself a feminist. I love listening to other BtB femme guests like Jamie, Margaret, or Princess Weeks. My criticism is not rooted in misogyny. I just don’t think Sophie is meant to host or guest on this podcast. Otherwise, this is a fantastic show. Robert does such an excellent job of researching and presenting the material. The discussion with guests is thoughtful, humorous, and often informative. I hope to be a loyal subscriber for years to come. Despite my criticism, I appreciate the hard work both Robert and Sophie do to make this podcast and I really enjoy listening.

I am SO DONE with people saying straight slop about how sophie needs to "interject less" and there needs to be "less chit-chat" but in reality if you strip away things like this then there isn't much of a podcast at all! The people saying this are misogynists and people who are incapable of feeling joy. Keep up the great work!

Been a long-time listener and have truly loved the pod. Robert is truly a gifted writer and host, and the subject matter is always fascinating. Lately, though, Sophie has featured herself so prominently that many episodes have become impossible to listen to. And before anyone comes with the accusations of misogyny, this has nothing to do with her being a woman and everything to do with her interjections being insufferable and adding absolutely nothing to the script. It’s clear that she’s a prolific and talented producer, but that is where she should remain. Hopefully this and the many other reviews of similar sentiments will be read and taken constructively. No one listens to this podcast to hear her or hear about her. I hate missing good episodes because of her refusal to stay in the background.

No shade, but if you made a word cloud of everything Garret says, the two biggest words by far would be “quote” and “unquote.” The show is amazing, however.

I tried one episode and couldn’t get past the hosts’ elitist condescending delivery as they insist on caveating every detail of the narrative through their modern leftist lense.

Honestly think this would be better as a one-person show. I turned this on because I wanted to hear a good, well-researched story, and then remembered that I can only get that if I sit through the mind-numbing process of two other people trying to get a (usually unhelpful) word in. This issue would be resolved, I feel, if the show were just Robert and someone else—either Sophie or a rotating selection of guests.

I love Robert's twisted sense of humor and the in depth history of despots, dictators and corrupt institutions. But I will only give it 4 stars because of the It Could Happen Here episodes. It's cluttering up my feed and needs its own subcategory. Edited to add: Sophie does a lovely job of reining Robert in. I love hearing her insight. So leave her alone!

Good stuff. I really love the podcast. Robert is funny, clearly brilliant, and also an idiot in the best way. A fun idiot, the “watch this hold my beer” type. I would shoot a gun w bro and I really don’t like guns. Majority of the guests are great too…. Idk if podcasters even read these, bc it seems that A LOT of others feel the same way. —I’m not a cis-man. I don’t think it’s fair to jump to misogyny when a woman is given feedback. —But fr in the nicest most loving way possible pls less Sophie. She seems wonderful, but she’s just not funny. She doesn’t add anything except unnecessary interruptions to say “ewww + cringe joke”. All love. I don’t wanna hurt anyone’s feelings truly. Just my two cents. I don’t think I can listen much longer. But seems like they’re doing great so I’ll find another fave. Talented duo one should be the podcaster (or whatever tf you call it) and the other the podcast producer not another guest. All love.

Great contact but the whole morning show vibe is a put off. I can get over it but the first laughing is kind of weird. Perhaps it’s real and I can’t get over it. It sounds like Christopher Hayes from MSNBC.

Great concepts and content…awful delivery. So much vocal fry…

I came to BTB from Lions Led By Donkeys. From BTB went to every other show in this network it’s amazing the quality and mix of journalism and keeping it light and yes, there’s nuance and people with opinions that might not be your opinion. Cool take what you want. Leave what you don’t. And everyone needs to stop hating on Sophie. The executive producer is the one who does 90% of the work you just don’t see it. I’m sure Robert would be the first one to say there is no CZM without Sophie.

I really enjoy this podcast. But, considering the host’s journalistic background, I come to it expecting some clearer information. There have been multiple instances where the wrong word has been accidentally said and it entirely changes the context of the statement being made. Example: Dr Laura, Ep 2. “… women have an ethical objection,” when it is clear Robert meant to say “obligation.” This is especially important when you’re quoting a source. As a podcast editor myself, the need for pickups on these things is important.

I have been listening to BTB for six years now. think everyone rating this down because of their misogynistic views on Sophie is ridiculous, she’s a critical part of production and her insights are valuable. Robert is an amazingly thorough storyteller and goes to great lengths to research these stories. Definitely worth your time. And to all of the people saying Sophie needs to say less, I think YOU need to say less. Keep up the good work, BTB!

My favorite podcast by far, but Sophie needs to step back from interjecting and just be a producer. I like her but she interrupts too often and it takes away from the guest. I haven’t been listening lately because of this.

Too much chatting and not enough facts. Cutting out the chatter would leave 20% or less of discussion and facts.

The premise for this podcast is to feature disgusting, vile people and their crimes. In that sense Robert did a great job. You could’ve cut this podcast from 4 to 3 episodes if you remove the emotional interjection from the female on the panel. We’re smart people, we don’t need to be prompted to hate Jimmy Savile more. Robert’s personal views on other subject matter is constantly interjected. Did some research on Robert, he is an “investigative journalist”. So I would like to know the facts behind his statement on the podcast, “the genocide committed by US immigration authorities.” Any good investigative journalist should deal only in facts and I guarantee he does not have facts to support his statement of genocide. This podcast is a delete out of my library.