The Derek Hunter Podcast

I Wish I Had Better Answers, But It Seems Crazy To Me Too

Dean Karayanis, former Rush Limbaugh staffer and New York Sun columnist, steps in for Monday's edition of the Derek Hunter Podcast to dissect a wild week in political media, cutting through the mainstream talking points to examine what the political establishment is trying to hide. In this episode, Dean breaks down: Rahm Emanuel & The Democratic Culture War: A look at Emanuel's viral clip warning Democrats that focusing on advocacy over classroom excellence has driven reading and math scores to a 30-year low. Dean analyzes the shifting politics around Title IX and why both parties are switching scripts. The Socialization of the Left: With polling data showing two-thirds of Democrats view socialism favorably over capitalism, Dean tackles Bernie Sanders' radical agenda, Doug Schoen's warnings about far-left takeovers, and how the media scrubs the brand with the word "democratic." Oregon's Drug Policy Pivot: Dissecting the celebrated 40% drop in Oregon overdose deaths under Governor Kotek, revealing how the victory lap hides a quiet backtrack from disastrous full decriminalization. Media Absurdity in Oakland: Highlighting a local news report framing a drop in car break-ins as a "mixed outcome" because auto glass repair shops are losing money. The Trump-Iran MOU: Analyzing the unfolding strategy behind Donald Trump's proposed Iran agreement. Dean breaks down the DC reactions from J.D. Vance, Ted Cruz, and Bernie Moreno, contrasting Washington's lens with Trump's real estate-style negotiation tactics. An AI Parody: Dean shares a custom AI bit of Donald Trump reacting to the passing of ALF actress Anne Schedeen, who played the mother on the sitcom. Hypocrisy on Juneteenth: New York's leftist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, criticizes America by marking Juneteenth. Because his goal is to trash America's present by using the past, he chooses not to mention that it's the day Republicans forced Democrats to free their slaves at the point of the gun — and the fact that his native Uganda, where the mayor owns a 2-acre plantation house — is home to 190,00 slaves that the rich, privileged Mamdani says not a word about ever.

They love themselves more than anyone else ever could.

Not just trying to rip them off.

The real threat to the republic.

Is not love at all.

In this episode of the Derek Hunter Podcast, Dean Karayanis — New York Sun columnist and former Rush Limbaugh staffer — delivers hard-hitting, unfiltered breakdown of media double standards, establishment narratives, and foreign policy failures. Dean confronts retired General Mark Hertling over his appearance on Morning Joe, contrasting how the media coddles establishment military figures while demonizing anyone aligned with the right. He tears into Hertling's lectures on Middle Eastern culture and the flawed strategy regarding Iran's Karg Island, drawing sharp historical parallels to World War II, the Iraq War, and the Art of the Deal. Later in the show, the focus shifts across the Atlantic to Canada and Europe. Dean dissects a troubling clip from Canadian politician Mark Carney regarding a "New World Order" built out of Europe, exposing the left's sudden pivot from “diversity to an all-white, all European heritage focus on heritage. Plus, Senator John Fetterman (Democrat-Pennsylvania) challenges the media to confront the Democratic Senate candidate, Graham Platner (Nazi-Maine), over trolling on the child-rape app Kik. The media is trying to run interference for Platner, as illustrated in the Meet the Press conversation Senator Raphael Warnock. Asked if Platner has the character to serve in the Senate, the so-called reverend engages in a textbook filibuster and shills his new book. Free speech crackdowns in Ireland following civil unrest, where the beheading is fine but the people who shared the video are the problem. Plus, a quick-fire review of Steven Spielberg's latest sci-fi letdown, Disclosure Day and World Cup fever. Get yourself a cold beer, put on your sunscreen, and buckle up for a Monday reality check.

This Podcast is a Hate Crime

Always claimed, never true

And we're all screwed.

You knew it was coming, here's why they did it.

The infuriating Senate race in Maine must have Hitler, Himmler, and Goebbels cheering in hell. Dean breaks down his latest New York Sun column regarding Senator Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger, Graham Plattner. Dean pulls no punches discussing Plattner's Nazi Totenkopf tattoo, history with Blackwater, bloodlust for killing, and disturbing allegations of domestic abuse. So much for “believe all women.” Media Double Standards: Watch how corporate media handles a leftist candidate in crisis. Dean reacts to audio clips of CNN's Jake Tapper softening questions with James Carville with needless details that assist Carville in avoided Platner's evil, MSNOW's Chris Hayes tossing softball confirmation questions, and Congressman Ro Khanna moving the "red line" from believing women who allege abuse to saying it's cool as long as they don't leave more than “marks” on their bodies. The Scott Pelley "Combat" Myth: Dean calls out CBS anchor Scott Pelley for doubling down on claims of experiencing combat as a journalist, contrasting it sharply with the genuine humility of World War II and D-Day veterans. Pete Hegseth & French Ingratitude: On the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, residents of a French village claim U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth isn't welcome due to "warlike views." Dean delivers a blistering history lesson on Vichy France, historical collaboration, and the sacrifices marked by rows of American tombstones. Hollywood's "Dark Slop" Crisis: Turning to pop culture, Dean uses a clip from Raiders of the Lost Podcast discussing Legally Blonde to analyze why modern movies look visually unappealing, poorly lit, and homogenous compared to classic cinema shot on actual film.

His softball interview only made things worse for him.

Democrats are unserious people.

Quite a day for news.

Dude is a creep with issues.

In this guest-hosted episode of the Derek Hunter Podcast, columnist Dean Karayanis — New York Sun columnist and longtime member of Rush Limbaugh's “highly overrated staff” — dives into a wide-ranging, culturally sharp monologue exploring how modern society has cheapened life, diluted powerful historical lessons, and substituted serious political discourse with empty media crosstalk. Dean reacts to the Democratic Nazi candidate for Senate in Maine, Graham Platner, smearing Senator Collins (who voted to convict President Trump in his second impeachment trial) “set me to die” in Iraq, contrasting it with General George S. Patton's authentic, uncompromising World War II ethos. He explores how the cinematic portrayal of Patton by George C. Scott has shaped our collective memory of war, and how Hollywood narratives have warped our understanding of historical conflicts like Vietnam. Turning a critical eye toward the media landscape, Dean dissects the tragic passing of hockey legend Claude Lemieux, using it to launch a stark, data-driven critique of Canada's controversial MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) program. Drawing from his own professional background in veterinary medicine, he explains the profound psychological toll that ending life takes on the human brain and warns against a culture that treats human existence as a mere "clump of cells." Finally, Dean analyzes the upcoming Texas Senate race involving James Talarico, the pitfalls of Republicans relying on cheap mockery instead of serious policy persuasion, and the return of The Washington Star. He wraps up the hour with a refreshing media contrast: Michael Keaton's viral, purely entertaining commencement speech at Kent State, proving that public figures can still choose to uplift an audience rather than make everything about themselves in service of left-wing politics.

In fact, it's impossible.

They're both as honest as they are smart.

Well, that was interesting.

Was it a win or a loss?

Dean Karayanis steps behind the microphone for Derek Hunter on Memorial Day 2026. Reflecting on a successful stint hosting on WMAL, Dean balances a deep reverence for America's fallen heroes with a sharp, unfiltered look at the nation's current political and cultural landscape. A New York Sun columnist and former Rush Limbaugh staffer, Dean delves into a recent New York Times report regarding sexual harassment on Capitol Hill, dismissing the specific reporting as an "open secret" and a "system protecting itself" while demanding actual accountability and the release of protected names from lawmakers. The monologue shifts to look at media double standards, the weaponization of the term "election deniers," and a critical review of climate journalism after scientists officially retired their most extreme, long-term global warming scenario. Bringing the episode back to the core meaning of Memorial Day, Dean plays a clip from his History Author Show interview with Jeff Gottesfeld on his beautifully illustrated children's book, “21 Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.” The book explores the history, exactitude, and absolute dedication of the Tomb's Honor Guard that stands watch in silence, honoring those who sacrificed everything — including their names — for American liberty. Dean closes the show with a heartfelt thank you to Gold Star families and a call to protect the American experiment from ongoing domestic division.

I can see why the show was cancelled.

The asshole leaves the stage.

Principles: Not a Crazy Idea

Hear me out.

Dean Karayanis, New York Sun columnist and former Rush Limbaugh staffer, broadcasts straight from the writing shed to break down the media's relentless narrative control, the assault on free speech standards, and why the erasure of historical truth matters in Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey.” Dean will be guest-hosting for Derek at WMAL on Friday, May 22nd. Dean exposes the mainstream media's predictable meltdown over a clip of President Donald Trump talking about White House ballroom budgets, pointing out how journalists manipulate language to manufacture "all-caps EXPLOSIONS." He then dives into the brewing cultural controversy surrounding Hollywood's new adaptation of Homer's “The Odyssey.” Reacting to comments from The View's Sunny Hostin and actor John Leguizamo, Dean delivers a powerful defense of Greek history and culture. As a person of Greek ancestry, he takes aim at the hypocrisy of "cultural appropriation" rules, detailing the historical trauma of the Greek genocide and explaining why Hollywood's double standards insult true minority populations. Later in the program, Dean addresses the dangerous trend of government-backed censorship, sounding the alarm on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (AOC) calls to "rein in" the media environment and weaponize the FCC. He draws parallels to George Orwell's “1984,” highlighting how figures like former FBI Director James Comey celebrate using the legal process as a punishment against political enemies. Finally, Dean honors actress Gina Carano for winning her free speech battle against Disney and calls on conservatives to defend the U.S. Constitution as the ultimate bulwark against modern-day despots.

Kabuki Theater usually ends up meaning nothing.

You can't make this up.

Not a winner in the bunch.

Unity does them no good.

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?