Digital Social Hour
Episode: Elijah Schaffer: The Dark Side of “Viral” Internet Culture | DSH #1790
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Elijah Schaffer
Date: January 28, 2026
Overview
In this raw, wide-ranging episode, Sean Kelly sits down with controversial podcaster and investigative journalist Elijah Schaffer. The conversation dives deep into the perilous realities of “viral” internet culture, the dangers and struggles of independent media, behind-the-scenes battles with mainstream conservative figures, cancel culture, personal trauma, and the addictive cycles plaguing young men online today. Elijah shares harrowing first-person experiences in the field, reflects frankly on faith, redemption, and sobriety, and issues a passionate call for honesty and authenticity in an era obsessed with fame and clicks.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Dangers and Fallout of Controversial Conversations
- Opening Critique of “Viral” Internet Figures: Elijah opens by lambasting Jack Doherty (00:00), calling him “worse than an online pimp” for promoting young adult stars to children and normalizing exploitative internet culture.
- Legal Struggles as the Cost of Authenticity:
- Schaffer is currently being sued for $5 million by the “FBI director’s girlfriend,” following what seemed to be a good period in his life (00:34–01:03).
- Shares he was previously sued for seven figures for hosting Nick Fuentes on his podcast (01:49), detailing the case brought by former co-host Sydney Watson.
- Quote:
“This is the second time I’ve been sued for millions of dollars. The first time I got sued was for having Nick Fuentes on my show.” — Elijah (01:49) - Lawsuits framed as discrimination, but Schaffer asserts the real motive was reputational damage after Fuentes outdebated Watson.
The Personal and Professional Risks of Platforming the “Canceled”
- Hosting Fuentes was “career suicide” in 2018 (04:34–07:30).
- Elijah describes “sneaking” Fuentes into BlazeTV under security’s nose, leading to direct threats of firing and eventual lawsuits (07:21–07:30).
- On why he did it anyway:
- Quote:
“It was worth it. And I would do it every single time. … If I could just do a little bit to help normalize the conversation, fight the censorship... I think it was worth it.” — Elijah (07:36) - Critiques conservatism’s “clout game” and lack of “authenticity.”
“There’s no authenticity in the media game anymore. It’s not about truth. It’s all about money and fame. And those are the death of man.” (06:13)
- Quote:
“The Zionist Agenda,” Censorship, and Feuds Within Conservatism
- Elijah calls out Ben Shapiro as “bleeding subscribers because he’s a liar” with a “clear agenda,” equating him to “the Jack Doherty of conservative politics” (08:38).
- Describes attempts by Shapiro and others to silence Candace Owens and Megan Kelly over their criticisms of U.S. support for Israel (08:38–11:09).
- Allegations of legal intimidation and organizational threats within right-wing media (11:09).
- Quote:
“We’re being threatened with excommunication, with censorship, being pushed off the lot.” (11:18)
- Quote:
- Argues that “truth-tellers” are being canceled for questioning excessive U.S. support for Israel while American infrastructure and public well-being decline (12:00–13:07).
- Quote:
“America, there’s too much damn Israeli power in this country. ... We don’t want that to go towards other nations anymore. It’s not anti-Semitic, man. It’s not hateful to love America, bro.” (12:57–13:08)
- Quote:
The Escalation of Urban Danger and the Collapse of Law and Order
- Sean and Elijah swap stories of violent encounters in U.S. cities (13:15–17:18):
- Sean almost robbed in Phoenix; Elijah details being nearly shot in Kenosha and violently mugged in Philadelphia.
- Describes police paralyzed by “stand down” orders during riots, leading to near-fatal situations and unchecked violence.
- Quote:
“You have a group of thugs surrounding you ... in an American city. This is America, damn it. This is our country. And people are walking around like animals.” — Elijah (15:18)
Inside the 2020 Civil Unrest & Media’s True Role
- Elijah gives a first-hand account of infiltrating Antifa, being shot by DHS at the federal courthouse siege in Portland, and his journalism during riots (17:51–20:06).
- Details his role in exonerating Kyle Rittenhouse through video evidence and the critical purpose of honest reporting:
- Quote:
“My work was used to exonerate a young man from being unjustly put in prison. That is what matters to me.” (20:44) - “That’s what work used to mean. ... Now it’s how can I get money into OnlyFans girls’ pockets, whom I’m also abusing?” (21:20)
- Quote:
The Toxicity of Looksmaxxing, Online Addiction, and Male Despair
- Harshly criticizes viral “looksmaxxing” culture and its effects on young men; references Clavicular and his botched cosmetic surgeries (23:19–25:59).
- Quote:
“You have a God sized hole ... Vanity has ruined a lot of women’s lives. It’s crazy to see it ruining men’s lives too.” (25:41) - Warns that the cycle of chasing validation—whether in looks, clout, or vice—is endless and destructive.
Sobriety, Addiction, and the Power of Faith
- Elijah reveals he quit alcohol after over a decade of heavy drinking (26:09–26:27).
- Talks about the “invisible” prevalence of alcoholism, normalization, and personal struggles with quitting (26:29–28:05).
- Profound moment of clarity:
- Quote:
“Can I become the man I want to be with alcohol in my life? And the truth is I couldn’t.” (29:28) - Shares mystical experience on a plane: “I heard a voice tell me you’re going to die [if you don’t change].” (29:59–30:01)
- Quote:
Message to Young Men: Redemption, Authenticity, and Obedience
- Encourages struggling listeners not to give up, to seek faith and change moment by moment (31:56–35:00).
- Stresses that genuine faith requires obedience, not performative gestures.
- Quote:
“You have to give up that thing in your life that you know is your god. ... If you are not in control of something, that is your god and you are a slave to it.” (32:47) - “The only people that bring up your past are women and the devil. ... The boys and God tell you about who you are now and where you can be.” (33:20)
- Final encouragement: “If you take the first step, I will show you more of myself.” (34:07)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “This is the second time I’ve been sued for millions of dollars. The first time I got sued was for having Nick Fuentes on my show.” — Elijah (01:49)
- “It was worth it. And I would do it every single time. … If I could just do a little bit to help normalize the conversation, fight the censorship... I think it was worth it.” (07:36)
- “There’s no authenticity in the media game anymore. It’s not about truth. It’s all about money and fame. And those are the death of man.” (06:13)
- “Ben Shapiro is bleeding subscribers because he’s a liar.” (08:38)
- “America, there’s too much damn Israeli power in this country.” (12:57)
- “You have a God sized hole ... Vanity has ruined a lot of women’s lives. It’s crazy to see it ruining men’s lives too.” (25:41)
- “Can I become the man I want to be with alcohol in my life? And the truth is I couldn’t.” (29:28)
- “If you are not in control of something, that is your god and you are a slave to it.” (32:47)
- “The only people that bring up your past are women and the devil. ... The boys and God tell you about who you are now and where you can be.” (33:20)
Key Timestamps
- 00:00 — Schaffer’s condemnation of Jack Doherty: viral toxicity and child exploitation
- 01:02–01:59 — Lawsuits as a result of platforming controversial guests
- 04:34–07:30 — Behind-the-scenes risks of anti-censorship conversations in right-wing media
- 08:38–13:07 — Ben Shapiro, media politics, and “the Zionist agenda” in US conservatism
- 13:15–17:18 — Urban violence, robbing, police inaction, and personal danger
- 17:51–20:06 — Antifa riots, federal building siege, and being targeted as press
- 20:44–23:19 — Rittenhouse trial, the meaning of honest journalism, critique of internet culture
- 23:19–25:59 — Looksmaxxing, addiction, emptiness among young men
- 26:09–30:01 — Sobriety, alcoholism’s hidden dangers, and Elijah’s spiritual awakening
- 31:56–35:00 — Message to the lost and broken, spiritual encouragement, call to authenticity
Tone & Language
- Candid, impassioned, and occasionally abrasive. Elijah’s delivery is unfiltered and emotionally charged, oscillating between aggressive critique, spiritual vulnerability, and hard-won wisdom.
- Sean Kelly provides balance—empathetic, occasionally self-disclosing, but largely guiding Elijah and probing for depth.
Where to Find Elijah
- YouTube: Daily show, “The Riff”
- Twitter/X: @ElijahSchaer
For listeners seeking a bracing look behind the curtain of viral media and the wars waged for truth in the digital age, this episode offers both a cautionary tale and a passionate call for purpose over popularity.