The Derek Hunter Podcast

The truth always comes one eventually.

Dean Karayanis, New York Sun columnist and former member of Rush Limbaugh’s highly over-rated staff, hosts, opening with some programing news: He’ll be stepping the captain’s chair to guest host The Chris Plante Show across 130+ radio stations this Wednesday. Dean rolls and analyzes some select clips President Trump’s unfiltered, Mar-a-Lago redo of the White House Correspondents' Dinner — from sharp zingers aimed at Gavin Newsom, Ilhan Omar, and Caitlin Collins, to the media's complete inability to get the joke about him running for a fourth term. The speech was a little sloppy, but foreshadows that the president plans to let lose in his final two years as he has nothing to loose .Plus, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent puts Senator Ron Wyden in his place, Elon Musk calling out the press for their “mistakes,” and why audience trust in journalism continues to hit record lows.

Something for everyone to hate.

And it isn't even close.

This is what the left wants to do to you.

It's coming sooner than anyone expected.

Dean Karayanis, member of Rush Limbaugh’s highly overrated staff and New York sun columnist, cuts through the news of a weird week to deliver an unfiltered analysis of current political events, media narratives, and the state of conservative commentary. Dean breaks down President Trump’s recent speech on election security and the SAVE Act, offering a candid critique of its delivery, messaging, and strategic focus. He explores why mainstream media miscasts conservative arguments while highlighting the pitfalls of punditry that prioritize clout over principle. As a result, old-school liberals like Van Jones and Bill Maher are facing an insurrection from what they call far-left and communists respectively because young people really believe what they were taught by demagogues like Bernie Sanders, Mr. Abdul El-Sayed, and J.B. “Just Blubber” Pritzker. Beyond election integrity, the episode touches on Iran, the backlash against people of Greek descent who ask Hollywood to live up to its promise of “representation” in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” and the importance of holding leaders accountable.

Missed opportunities...

They'll deny it till the cows come home, but the truth is the truth.

Be as mad as you need to be, deep down you know I'm right.

They just keep getting worse

Guest host Dean Karayanis dives straight into the breaking political shockwave out of South Carolina: the unexpected death of Senator Lindsey Graham, the looming primary shuffle, and the media's reaction to his passing. He transitions abroad to dissect a chilling "revenge targets" list published by an Iranian state-backed newspaper targeting the weak, America-bashing leaders of the U.K., Germany, and France. Turning to domestic races, Dean details the rapid collapse of Maine’s own Nazi Graham Platner amid a flurry of scandals and rape allegations, featuring a tense interview breakdown between CNN's Jake Tapper and a local state representative who’s not willing to give up on her fuhrer just yet. Finally, the episode closes with an analysis of independent spoiler candidates in the New Hampshire Senate race and a sharp critique of international virtue-signaling at the World Cup where Egypt pretends they care about Gazans.

Burn it all down and take the entire party with you!

Socialists destroy everything they touch.

Scumbag fraud having trouble lying his way out of this one.

In this episode of the Derek Hunter Podcast, guest host Dean Karayanis rings in the start of America's second 250 years with an unapologetically optimistic look at the nation's future. Drawing inspiration from his three decades working with Rush Limbaugh, Dean challenges the prevailing negativity and historical revisionism seen on social media. He dives deep into primary historical sources to bring to life the real, human stories of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, recounting the immense personal sacrifices, financial ruin, and physical brilliance of patriots like Robert Morris, Richard Stockton, and Abraham Clark. Along the way, Dean dissects the media's obsession with climate alarmism, contrasts the raw authenticity of figures like Donald Trump and Bill Clinton against modern political standards, and reviews the film “Young Washington,” reminding listeners that true leadership is forged through perseverance, learning from failure, and an unyielding commitment to liberty.

Happy Independence Day!

They hate you, hate them back

If they have it in them.

So few leftists actually seem like Americans anymore

In this pre-July 4th episode of the Derek Hunter Podcast, Dean Karayanis kicks off the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary by taking aim at the media's determination to paint the U.S. as a dystopia. Despite negative narratives and travel warnings, international tourists visiting for the World Cup are flooding social media with praise for American life — right down to our air conditioning, Buc-ee’s, and Bass Pro Shops. Dean breaks down the condescending media coverage from The New York Times and Politico that report Democrats are deeply uncomfortable with foreign visitors actually enjoying the United States. The monologue transitions to international relations and immigration policy following a Supreme Court ruling on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and other foreign nationals. Dean criticizes the media's framing of the Iranian national soccer team's elimination and calls out establishment figures like Mike DeWine and John Kasich for condescending, racist portrayals of Haitians, along with comparisons to the strict border enforcement policies of the Dominican Republic and Canada. Finally, drawing from his latest column in the New York Sun, Dean looks back at economic history to debunk Pope Leo’s declaration of food as “a basic human right.” By revisiting Governor William Bradford’s diaries, he explains how even the deeply pious Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony tried and quickly abandoned collectivism because it fundamentally goes against human nature. Dean closes with a patriotic reminder of the patriots who won the nation's independence — including 25% of Americans at the Battle of Yorktown who were Black — and issues a call to celebrate the American experiment.

Everyday is!

The SAVE Act isn't going to become law this year, no matter what.

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.