The Derek Hunter Podcast

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.

Not just trying to rip them off.

Is not love at all.

In fact, it's impossible.

Well, that was interesting.

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.

The asshole leaves the stage.