The Derek Hunter Podcast

Dean Karayanis, New York Sun columnist and former Rush Limbaugh staffer, takes the helm of the Derek Hunter Podcast, bringing his signature historical perspective to the chaos of modern politics. From the "shoot-to-kill" raid on Mar-a-Lago to the selective morality surrounding Joe Biden's classified documents, Dean breaks down why the "will of the people" is often a hollow excuse for undermining the Constitution. Plus, a look at the "Crusader" ambition of Congresswomen Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, the rising fury of the "Essex Man" in Britain, and a masterclass from Milton Friedman on why inflation is a hidden tax you never voted for but always pay. Selective Transparency: A deep dive into the DOJ's efforts to block the release of Joe Biden's audio tapes and the stark contrast in how the media and government treat document scandals depending on the last name of the politician involved. The "Parchment Guarantee": Using the wisdom of Justice Antonin Scalia, Dean explains why a "living, breathing Constitution" is a threat to liberty and why the judiciary must remain insulated from the "will of the people." AOC vs. The Establishment: An analysis of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's recent interview with David Axelrod, exploring her "Crusader" mindset and why Republicans fail when they underestimate her political connectivity. The "Essex Man" and Global Populism: A cautionary tale from the UK, where hardworking citizens are abandoned by both parties in favor of open borders and "colonization," leading to a surge in support for Nigel Farage. Inflation 101: Vintage clips from Milton Friedman explain the "hangover" of government spending. Dean argues that inflation isn't caused by unions or oil sheiks—it's made in Washington.

Sometimes people get what they deserve.

A brutal debate performance out in LA.

The battle cry of the Democrats.

There is an important difference.

In this episode of the Derek Hunter Podcast, guest host Dean Karayanis of the New York Sun pulls no punches while dissecting the anti-capitalist “Animal Farm,” a bastardization of George Orwell's novella, that's being distributed by Angel Studios — which billed itself as a “values-based” organization — and the conservative commentators who did paid endorsements. Dean contrasts the unwavering integrity of Rush Limbaugh with a new generation of media figures he accuses of "capturing a dime" at their audience's expense. From the "weaponization" of Canadian politics and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Ramstein Air Force Base to a scathing critique of Angel Studios, Dean explores how the dilution of language and the monetization of anger are reshaping the political landscape. Plus, identity politics — from The View to NASA — is a "brick in the wall" strategy designed to stifle individual potential, and the Nazi running for Senate as a Democrat in Maine ought to be handled without snide jokes that make Graham Platner seem humorous.

There is no putting them back together again.

The idea of having to earn votes scares the hell out of them.

He does not like being treated how he treats others.

They all want blood on their hands.

Dean Karayanis, former Rush Limbaugh staffer and opinion columnist, critiques the media's refusal to assign a leftist political motive to their latest would-be assassin targeting President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, contrasting today's "anti-reality" with facts people would rather not face. The episode also explores a shift in U.S.-UK relations over the Falkland Islands and Dean's New York Sun review of the Netflix Hulk Hogan documentary, examining the blurred lines between public persona and private truth. Plus, President Trump makes the obvious case that a bump in oil prices is a lot cheaper than having to rebuild cities that Iran nukes if they get The Bomb.

And fails, miserably.

The money and power of victimhood.

They're showing you who they are.

They show you who they are, believe them.

In this Monday edition of the Derek Hunter Podcast, guest host Dean Karayanis of the New York Sun and the Rush Limbaugh show delivers a blistering critique of the current state of Western defense, focusing on the decline of the British Royal Navy. He highlights the staggering reality that the UK's fleet has dwindled to just 17 frigates and destroyers—fewer vessels than PepsiCo once technically owned — leaving Prime Minister Keir Starmer making "checks his mouth can't cash" in the Strait of Hormuz. The episode features rare, haunting 1934 audio of Winston Churchill warning a complacent Parliament about the rising threat of Nazi Germany— a message Karayanis applicable to today's "axis of hatred" led by Iran. The discussion also covers: Trump's AI Avatar: A look at how "scary good" AI voice tech is becoming as it reads President Trump's latest broadsides against the Iranian blockade. The "Human" Politician: A breakdown of Senator Ruben Gallego's attempt to distance himself from the Eric Swalwell scandal. Media Hypocrisy: Why Bill Maher is the "canary in the coal mine" for a Democratic Party that is turning toward radicalism and court-packing.

Dean Karayanis steps back into the host chair to close out the week for Derek Hunter with a wide-ranging look at a world that seems to have forgotten its history. Dean breaks down the recent Senate vote on Minnesota mining, questioning why environmental groups invoke the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt while modern "colonizers" ignore the very regulations that keep America from becoming a Third World polluter. Later, Dean dives into his latest column for the New York Sun, comparing the Eric Swalwell "honeypot" scandal to the transparency of Alexander Hamilton — a man who was a "dirtbag" adulterer but not a crook. From the "rich friend" reality check for the UK and Italy to selective biblical pandering by the pope and politicians, Dean pulls no punches. Finally, the show wraps with a surprising lesson on humility and failure from an unexpected source: William Shatner. The irony of Chilean mining companies and Minnesota's shifting cultural identity. The Hamilton Model: Why admitting to an affair is better than a political cover-up. Article 5 Reality: Why Europe's "equal" status is a myth maintained by American muscle. The 2x4 Method: How the U.S. Navy is successfully choking off the Iranian economy. Shatner's Regret: What Star Trek V teaches us about taking responsibility for our own "plastic spiders."

Dean Karayanis, columnist for the New York Sun, welcomes back his half-Greek writing partner from the Rush Limbaugh Show and former producer of The Drudge Report, George “Koko” Prayias for a fun look at the world's serious issues. The episode debuts “One-and-a-Half Greeks” new theme song. It's a little bit country, but the show is all Rock and Roll. The discussion covers the left's embrace of Tax Day and hiking taxes on “the rich,” in the person of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Democrats used to stay quiet on this day because America was built on a tax rebellion, but they've changed the electorate and now it's a holiday — even though Americans will work for the government this year from January 1 to April 26, projected as Tax-Freedom Day. The war in Iran illustrates another break with the past, as Senators Schumer, Gillibrand, and Fetterman all find themselves targeted by the ascendant antisemite, socialist wing of their party. Swalwell is an indication that they will take down anyone who gets in their way, aiming the same anger at old-school Democrats that they once reserved for Republicans. Even Pope Leo, who George — as a life-long Catholic — laments is a “Chicago Machine Pope,” has decided to go all-in on the global effort to halt Trump's agenda and rein in America. That this puts them on the side of the terrorist regime in Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah doesn't embarrass them. But at least the fiction that the groups aren't all one in the same has been exposed by the ayatollahs' own admission.

Dean Karayanis dives into the shifting media landscape and the latest political firestorms. Dean opens with a candid discussion on his approach to commentary: refusing to pander or condescend to readers and listeners with references because respecting the listener's intelligence is a lost art in modern commentary. The episode features a deep dive into the recent allegations against Eric Swalwell, critiquing the media's hesitant questioning compared to past Republican scandals. Dean also analyzes Nancy Pelosi's defensive posture during interviews and the strategic errors Republicans make when Democrats are "destroying themselves." Dean breaks down the Strait of Hormuz blockade, the effectiveness of U.S. naval defenses against Chinese-supplied hypersonic missiles, and why the "comprehensive ceasefire" rhetoric from China and Iran falls short of reality. From the Frank Sesno-style of soft-ball journalism to the "frank anti-Semitism" of Hezbollah, this episode is a masterclass in connecting historical context to today's headlines. Dean also discusses a History Author Show interview from ten years ago with Nathan Stoltzfus, author of "Hitler's Compromises: Coercion and Consensus in Nazi Germany," as a contrast to the Iranian regime and its proxies who are more in the Stalin mode of dictators.

What was he thinking?

Dean Karayanis breaks down a whirlwind Monday in global politics. From the shifting sands of the Middle East to Vitor Orban's loss in Hungary, Dean cuts through the "access media" noise to find the truth behind the headlines. The Iran Ultimatum: Dean analyzes President Trump's bold Sunday declaration of a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. He explores why the media's World War III predictions keep falling flat and examines the reality of Iran's "extortion tolls" on international shipping. A look at the shocking election results in Hungary. Dean discusses what the end of the 16-year "strongman" rule means for American conservatives who rely on endorsements rather than local campaigning, and expresses mock surprise that a supposed “authoritarian” conceded. The Battle for History: Addressing his latest column in the New York Sun, Dean says Al Sharpton's call for black Americans to boycott the America 250 celebrations erases the service of thousands of Black patriots like Crispus Attucks — the first man killed in the American Revolution. The "America First" Democrat: Why is Senator John Fetterman the only prominent Democrat willing to root for American interests against Iran? Dean compares Fetterman's "civilization over chaos" stance with the "deranged" defeatism of New York Times columnist Tom Friedman. Economic Realities: Why are egg prices collapsing, and why isn't the media giving the current administration a shred of credit for market recovery?

Here's what I would tell him he should do.

Evil, corrupt or stupid? Maybe all three?

These people are evil and corrupt.

Never Get High on Your Own Supply

Dean Karayanis, New York Sun columnist and former Rush Limbaugh staffer, delivers a fast‑moving, historically grounded, and sharply opinionated monologue that blends humor, cultural memory, and political critique. He opens with a Mel Brooks WWII anecdote — using it as a springboard to contrast Allied sacrifice with the brutality of Iran's regime and how a Jewish kid from Brooklyn and Nazis could give each other their due but President Trump's critics cannot. From there, its reflections on the recent U.S. rescue of a downed airman in Iran, arguing that critics refuse to acknowledge success because it disrupts their preferred narrative about President Trump and American military capability. Dean skewers foreign commentators, media outlets, and political figures who frame the rescue as a “failure” or “gamble,” highlighting what he sees as deliberate distortion. He draws on pop‑culture touchstones — Batman Begins, Jaws, Rambo — to illustrate how institutions and pundits often move the goalposts, dismiss victories, or twist facts to maintain a predetermined storyline. Throughout the episode, he contrasts Hollywood cynicism with real‑world heroism, emphasizing the value America places on rescuing its own. The conversation expands into broader reflections on war reporting, historical amnesia, and the persistence of anti‑American sentiment. Karayanis cites military assessments, past conflicts, and media behavior during hurricanes and crises to argue that critics are invested not in accuracy but in undermining the administration. He closes by examining Trump's version of Nixon's “Madman Theory” ahead of his warning that Tuesday will be “Power Plant and Bridge Day” when they're destroyed — framed as strategic psychological pressure — and advises not to let partisan narratives overshadow the reality of American success on the battlefield.

Get rid of the rest of the dead weight!

I'm not sure, but there is one Democrat who could fill it if there is.

There's no point to being in the majority if you allow rogue judges to overrule you all the time.

Democrats rally against America.

Dean Karayanis, columnist at the New York Sun and former Rush Limbaugh staffer, jumps into the week's political chaos from the anti-government “No Kings” protests to Iran and the midterms. He challenges how labels are used to shape public perception, citing that protesters “were out there just defying the government” and noting the double standard in how similar actions are described depending on who's involved. Dean also unpacks the bizarre uncertainty surrounding Iran's leadership, questioning why Western media treats the Ayatollah as alive despite no proof: “You can't negotiate with a ghost.” He draws parallels to pop culture — from Woody Allen's “Sleeper” to John Gill on the Nazi episode of “Star Trek” — to highlight how easily narratives can be manufactured. The episode then shifts to U.S. politics: Trump's messaging strategy, the GOP's internal fractures, and the danger of relying on personality over principles. Dean warns that Republicans must rediscover ideological consistency rather than “count on… everything going back to normal when he's gone.” He closes with media bias in coverage of war crimes, where analysis shows only Israel and America are ever accused of them but not Iran in the first three weeks of the war, as well as the geopolitical stakes of Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the overlooked voices of Iranians who oppose their regime. As always, Dean blends history, humor, and sharp critique to frame the week's events with context and clarity.

And they'll probably take him out soon.

They tell you their priorities, believe them.

No third option.

These people have none.

In this episode of the Derek Hunter Podcast, New York Sun columnist and Rush Limbaugh Show alum Dean Karayanis delivers a candid, no-holds-barred look at the intersection of military propaganda, political legacies, and the double standards of the American establishment. Military Fact-Check: A deep dive into the viral IRGC footage claiming to show a downed American F-35. Featuring insights from combat veteran Ryan Bodenheimer (Max Afterburner), Dean explains why the "thermal" evidence is likely AI-generated and why Iran's PR machine is their only successful front. The Robert Mueller Legacy: Following the death of the former FBI Director, Dean pushes back against the "secular sainthood" being granted by the media. He explores the fallout of the 2016 investigation, the concept of "process crimes," and why criticizing public figures is a fundamental American right. The Iran War & Global Security: An analysis of the strike on Diego Garcia and what it reveals about Iran's true missile capabilities. Dean discusses the vindication of Reagan's SDI (Star Wars) vision and the shifting stances of European allies like Spain and the U.K. as the threat reaches their borders. Cultural Commentary: From the passing of Chuck Norris to the pervasive rise of gambling in pro sports, Dean tackles how "politics" is selectively used to overshadow legacies and the unexpected areas where he finds common ground with AOC.

Just kidding, they've always loved Nazis.

Everyone's got an axe to sell, er, grind.

Dean Karayanis, former Rush Limbaugh staffer and New York Sun columnist, steps in for Derek Hunter. The show digs into the 2026 war with Iran, a critique of media "elites," and a reflection on the shifting tides of American foreign policy and cultural resilience. The New York Times' skepticism regarding Israel's "decapitation" strategy against Iranian leadership is debunked with historical parallels to the fall of the Nazi regime. Dean pulls no punches on the resignation of National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, the "trust policies" of Fairfax County that he argues are endangering citizens, and the curious silence of the "Arab Street" as Iran's proxies face dismantling. The episode rounds out with a cultural critique — moving from the "woke" re-branding of Texas Democrats to the aspirational, colorblind philosophy of Star Trek's original series. It's a masterclass in connecting historical precedent to the chaotic reality of 2026. The Iran Conflict: Why "decapitating" leadership works and why the media is desperate to find "pragmatic" terrorists. NATO & The "Ugly American": A look at France and Ireland's critiques of U.S. policy and why Dean agrees with Lord Palmerston that nations have no permanent allies, just permanent interests. Domestic Security: The tragic murder of Stephanie Minter and the "trust policies" hampering law enforcement. Star Trek Philosophy: What Kirk, Uhura, and Lincoln can teach us about not fearing words in a hypersensitive age.

Sometimes the worst people are your "friends."

Dean Karayanis, Rush Limbaugh staffer and columnist at the New York Sun, delivers a fast-paced analysis of the ongoing conflict in Iran, contrasting current military actions with historical precedents. Despite media negativity and "Trump Derangement Syndrome," the Trump Administration's aggressive stance is a necessary victory against a regime that has threatened — and taken — American lives since the 1979 hostage crisis. Key discussion points include: The War in Iran: Touting military's success, emphasizing that the U.S. has significantly degraded Iranian leadership and neutralized threats without suffering the high casualty rates seen in previous conflicts. Historical Comparisons: A dive into the 1983 invasion of Grenada and how President Reagan "reset the clock" for American prestige. A vintage “Saturday Night Live” parody of Time-Life illustrates how media attitudes toward military victory have shifted — and not for the better. The "Jolene Doctrine": A scathing critique of General Stanley McChrystal's recent comments, mocking McChrystal's use of Dolly Parton lyrics to criticize the war effort, questioning the general's own record regarding the Pat Tillman investigation and the Afghan withdrawal. Domestic Politics & Crime: Rather than focus on the terrorist and the ideology, the commonwealth attorney prosecuting the ROTC attack at Old Dominion, Ramin Fatehi, blames a "national sickness" — our Second Amendment rights — as if we haven't had that for 250 years, but open borders and importing people who hate us plays no role. President Trump gets blamed for three murders in a Utah national part because some park rangers — who are not law enforcement — may have been laid off. The broadside ignores that crime in America is down to levels not seen since 1900 under this presidency. A clip of James Carville claiming to be “an instrument of God's will” and proudly touting his “hate” and “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as expression of Christ's will. It's the ravings of an angry, bitter guy who's hilarious in his frustration about his party's failures — a frustration similar to a man in a house of prostitution who forgot his Viagra. St. Patrick's Day Special: Closing on a lighter note, Dean plugs his History Author Show interview with Irene Levy Baker on her book, “Cheers to McGillin's: Philly's Oldest Tavern,” that being McGillin's Old Ale House in Philadelphia, founded in 1860.

They're both Democrats

No one is afraid, we're just sick of it all.

Not sure which side some of these people are really on.

There's money in panic, but there's really nothing to be concerned about...yet.

In this episode of the Derek Hunter Podcast, guest host Dean Karayanis, New York Sun columnist and former Rush Limbaugh staffer, delivers a sharp-witted and historical analysis of the escalating conflict with Iran. Following the death of the previous Ayatollah, Dean mocks the appointment of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, by the "Council of Experts" — a puppet organization designed to maintain a hereditary dictatorship under the guise of an Islamic “Republic.” He targets Western media, like the New York Times, for "romanticizing" the new leader as a "man of mystery" rather than a standard fanatic. The IRIS Dena vs. The Belgrano Strategy: A significant portion of the show is dedicated to Dean's recent column for the New York Sun, where he compares the recent sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena to the 1982 sinking of the ARA General Belgrano during the Falklands War. Just as the Argentine junta claimed the Belgrano was "sailing away" and outside an Exclusion Zone, Iran and its supporters are framing the destruction of the Dena as a war crime because it was in international waters. The Reality: Karayanis cites historical evidence—including a 1982 BBC interview with Margaret Thatcher and later admissions by the Belgrano's captain—to argue that "international waters" do not grant immunity to enemy combatants executing tactical maneuvers. In truth, the Dena was warned twice by the U.S. and offered safe harbor by India, but the captain chose to proceed, making the ship a legal military target. The Culture of Mockery and Free Speech: A broader critique of "useful idiots" in the West and the decline of creative freedom. Dean creative diversity, critiquing the "X-Men Reboot" social media account, arguing that modern writers have turned characters into political avatars for themsevles. He uses Nightcrawler and Magneto as examples of how true diversity includes diversity of belief and internal conflict. British "Tools of Hate": Dean mocks the U.K. labor government's labeling of the Union Jack and St. George's Cross as “symbols of hate,” exposed in a leaked report, a stance that outraged liberal (but not leftist) John Cleese. “The Germans” episode of Cleese's landmark series, “Fawlty Towers, illustrates that comedy is being stifled by people who refuse to analyze the "butt of the joke," which is often the person being unreasonable, not the victims of history. Dean concludes with a message of resilience, urging listeners to support the "flying machines" and the brave individuals fighting to dismantle the Iranian regime, while maintaining a sense of humor in the face of global tension.

There is little doubt she earned the invitation to leave.

Which is the bigger mess?

Now the fun begins.

Iran and principles...

In this high-energy, provocative episode, the guest host (filling in for Derek Hunter) delivers a raw, uncompromising breakdown of the reported deaths of the Iranian Ayatollah, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and dozens of high-ranking regime leaders. Drawing on his years working for Rush Limbaugh, the host argues that the "mystery" of how to handle tyrants has finally been solved through a return to the "Sunday Punch" philosophy of Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. The episode dismantles common foreign policy "myths," specifically the idea that "you can't kill an idea." With a blend of dark humor and historical grit, the host posits that ideas live in heads—and when those heads are removed, the idea dies with them. He contrasts the current administration's forceful military action against decades of "mealy-mouthed" diplomacy, specifically calling out the failures of the Carter and Biden eras. Infused with pop-culture references—from Animal House and Pulp Fiction to Shaka Zulu—this episode is a victory lap for American strength, arguing that the only way to ensure peace is to make the price of "Death to America" slogans too high to pay.