The Derek Hunter Podcast

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.

Birds of a feather.

They aren't capable of functioning like normal human beings.

What a show!

Just stay out of the locker room, unless you're on the team

Dean Karayanis remembers his long-time boss, Rush Limbaugh, just a bit on the fifth anniversary of the GOAT returning his talent on loan from God. Team USA wins the gold, and some leftists decide they only love the country when they win. Team Canada and the country’s PM are sore losers. Trump sends USS Mercy to Greenland and papers create a scandal by saying nobody knows why, when they don’t bother to do the research. Russia sends an oil tanker steaming to Cuba — and Trump’s blockade. Stephen A. Smith rips Democrats who are boycotting President Trump’s State of the Union. Mexico’s most-wanted drug dealer gets splattered as America expands its military footprint in the country. Chris Christie blames Trump for AOC thinking she can be president, joining the bipartisan condescension of mocking her as “just a bartender,” as if people don’t love bartenders. Syria asks Germany not to return their refugees, calling them a security risk.

Leftists are the enemy

If this is the best of the best, we're screwed.

It's now or never for Trump, the next 2 years will suck.

Making an ass out of themselves on the world stage.

Dean Karayanis, New York Sun columnist, host of the History Author Show, and former member of Rush Limbaugh’s highly overrated staff, sits in for Derek. Mondays are becoming a regular thing! Topics include highlighting the success of Angel Studios, which is out with the enjoyable “Solo Mio” starring Kevin James and will have “Young Washington” this summer. Plus, a discussion of how to look and presidents, some anecdotes, and warnings about “celebrity historians” who shade the facts. Marco Rubio tells NATO allies what they fear to hear. “Irish Twitter” gets angry at Dean for pointing out the aid and comfort so many in their country gave Nazi Germany and Hamas as they rushed to tout Seamus Culleton as an innocent Irish victim of “fascist” America, only to learn he fled his country on drug charges and abandoned his two beautiful little girls before marrying a U.S. citizen last year in hopes of avoiding deportation for overstaying his visa by 16 years. “In the future, everybody will be Hitler for 15 minutes,” with apologies to Andy Warhol, as the Democrats slowly move on from Trump being Hitler to the next Republican, as they have done since FDR likened his GOP opponent to the Fuhrer while World War II was still raging. The show closes with a word from the first president ever captured in audio, Benjamín Harrison, and another clip from the archives: President William McKinley.

They hide it right in plain sight.

We are ready to believe you...if you'd just speak already.

These people got problems.

It's not what you think.

Dean Karayanis, New York Sun columnist and former member of Rush Limbaugh's highly overrated staff, sits in for Derek on Monday. Topics include the Super Bowl's cultural impact, the Bad Bunny halftime show watched on mute, DOW 50,000, TrumpRX, justice for Benghazi, the HBO documentary that tries to make Mel Brooks a victim, and how Democrats are seizing on President Trump blundering by sharing a video he didn't watch all the way through, resulting in a second or two of an October "Lion King" parody of the Obamas slipping through. Republicans are running for the tall grass in the vain hope that it'll save them.

The idiot machine is running full steam.

They are too important to have to face economic realities.

When they aren't screwing them, they're screwing them over.

Bad people with a lot of money and no sense.

It's impossible to care what karma brings them.

Right and left work off different dictionaries.

Nurse gets fired for death theats.

It's a game you don't want to play

Dean Karayanis, columnist for the New York Sun and former Rush Limbaugh staffer, sits in for Derek the day after another shooting that could have been avoided in Minnesota: Alex Pretti. Plus, why the aspirational vision of the future in Star Trek matters to the culture, the hypocrisy of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama on deaths at the hands of law enforcement, Shakespeare claimed to be a black woman by a UK feminist, and more.

They have no sane people left

Vile, vile cretures.

Both are important.

It's tough to be that stupid.

Relax, all the old crap will be there waiting when we all get back