The Derek Hunter Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Iran War, NATO’s Ghosting, and the Myth of "Moderate" Dictators Mar 18, 2026

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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.

The Enemy Within Mar 17, 2026

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Sometimes the worst people are your "friends."

War in Iran, Reagan’s Legacy, the "Jolene Doctrine," and American Resolve Mar 16, 2026

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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.

Homegrown Terrorists and Self-Inflicted Wounds Mar 13, 2026

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They're both Democrats

Islamo-Tired-Of-It Mar 12, 2026

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

Actively Rooting Against America Mar 11, 2026

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

No Time To Panic About Iran Mar 10, 2026

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

The Sinking of Iran’s IRIS Dena and the "Mysterious" Ayatollah Mar 09, 2026

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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.

And Then There Were Noem... Mar 06, 2026

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There is little doubt she earned the invitation to leave.

Identity Politics, the Middle East and Texas? Mar 05, 2026

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Which is the bigger mess?