Digital Social Hour Episode #1885: The Deep State Just Ruined Trump...

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Dave Smith
Release Date: March 24, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives into the intersection of politics, comedy, and the controversial underbelly of American power structures—specifically the "deep state" and its impact on Donald Trump. Sean Kelly and comedian/political commentator Dave Smith unpack how unelected government actors, media manipulation, and public narratives shape reality, especially concerning Trump’s presidency, the Epstein saga, and the shifting landscape of American political discourse. They also reflect on their personal careers, media consumption, and the economic consequences of policy decisions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Deep State and Trump

• Dave Smith asserts that Trump’s presidency was sabotaged by what he calls a “deep state” orchestrating the Russia investigation and controlling narratives.
• Epstein Case as a Signal:
  Smith claims that the lack of meaningful prosecution in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal is a clear sign “Trump is here and he’s playing ball with whatever those power structures are. He’s not looking to clean them up. He’s a part of this now.” (29:15)
• Smith criticizes former Trump allies (like Dan Bongino) for “running cover” and not holding the administration accountable on issues like Epstein.

“The deep state did Donald Trump dirty in his first run… they ruined his presidency by concocting the Russia hoax.”
— Dave Smith (29:14)

2. Comedy, Podcasting & Political Commentary

• Dave Smith’s Background:
  Smith details his journey from gritty New York comedy clubs to political podcasting, emphasizing the importance of tough, rowdy crowds for developing comedic skill (04:00–06:24).
• Blending Comedy and Politics:
  Smith talks about the balance between crass humor and sharp political observation, noting that as his audience grew more politically focused, he pivoted to incorporate more tight, news-driven jokes while maintaining his signature irreverent style (07:30–08:09).

“Now I would say my act’s like 50/50 political jokes and other shenanigans.”
— Dave Smith (07:59)

3. Media & Information Consumption in the Age of AI

• Obsessive News Routine:
  Smith describes spending hours daily reading the New York Post, Allsides, The Hill, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Zero Hedge, and others, plus using AI tools to summarize podcasts and articles (08:35–10:24).
• Both Smith and Kelly highlight how AI streamlines research, enabling rapid assimilation of vast information—crucial for staying “competitive” in the podcast world (10:24–11:01).

“Let me tell you, it used to be four hours a day. Now it’s more like two.”
— Dave Smith (10:24)

4. Debate Culture & Authenticity

• The hosts criticize contemporary figures who avoid open debate, notably Dan Bongino and Ben Shapiro, linking their avoidance to a loss of audience trust (31:22–32:04).
• Challenge to Bongino:
  Smith issues a public debate challenge, even humorously offering to shine Bongino’s shoes if he wins a vote, but doubts it will happen (31:24–32:01).

“If you’re running from the facts, you don’t want to actually have conversations about these things.”
— Dave Smith (32:01)

5. Economic Policy: Tariffs, “Free Money,” and Government Meddling

• Tariffs:
  Smith is staunchly anti-tariff, arguing they kill small businesses, disrupt planning, and breed favoritism through government carve-outs—ultimately hurting entrepreneurs and consumers (38:00–39:51).
• Devil’s Bargain of Cash Handouts:
  He warns that government financial handouts (stimulus checks, subsidized insurance, etc.) artificially inflate prices for everyone, referencing education, housing, and health care as primary examples (40:17–41:42).

“All that you do when you hand people free money to go buy a specific item is drive up the price of that item so that you’re more in debt to consume what you otherwise would have been able to consume.”
— Dave Smith (41:07)

6. Health Care System’s Failures & Alternatives

• Smith deconstructs why U.S. health care is so expensive: licensing laws limit competition, government-subsidized insurance creates demand without cost discipline, and catastrophic-only coverage is no longer widely available for healthy people (46:40–51:04).
• He argues that the real scam is artificially inflated billing to make insurance appear more valuable, and recounts how uninsured patients can negotiate massive discounts (49:07–49:34).
• Alternative Models:
  Praises crowdfunding health insurance models like CrowdHealth for healthier, younger people. Notes, “You can have Andy (CrowdHealth CEO) on—he’s great.” (51:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Donald Trump has that thing where he says nothing. Don’t worry, it will work… The problem is no one else can pull that off.”—Dave Smith (27:39)
• “It’s a signal to everyone, cuz everyone knows the Epstein story doesn’t add up.”—Dave Smith (03:25, 29:15)
• “[On stimulus money] It’s literally a devil’s deal where you feel like… the government’s handing me free money, but it hands it to everybody else to go purchase that exact good. Now the good is just more expensive.”—Dave Smith (41:07)
• “If you have a copay of 30%. And I don’t have insurance at all, and they cut my bill by 70%. What did I pay? The copay. So I’m convinced all the insurance stuff is… artificially billing things high to pretend like your insurance is covering more than it actually is.”—Dave Smith (49:07–49:34)
• “[On debate culture] People don’t like that. The running… It signals, oh, you don’t really want to be challenged on any of what you’re saying.”—(32:03–32:04)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Deep State & Trump/Epstein: 03:00–03:38, 29:12–30:19
• Smith’s Comedy Origin Story: 04:00–06:24
• Politics in Stand-up: 07:30–08:09
• Media Diet & Using AI in Research: 08:35–10:33
• On Audiobook Speed and Retention: 11:05–12:04
• Debate Culture & Calling Out Bongino/Shapiro: 31:22–32:04, 35:43–35:56
• Economic Policy (Tariffs, Handouts): 38:00–41:42
• Health Care System Breakdown: 46:40–51:04

Tone & Style

The conversation is fast-paced, irreverent, and blends sharp skepticism with humor. Dave Smith brings a cynical, almost conspiratorial energy to topics like government, policy, and media, while also offering personal anecdotes from both his stand-up and podcast careers. The atmosphere is brash, unfiltered, and at times self-deprecating, designed to provoke thought and challenge mainstream perspectives.

Summary Takeaway

DSH #1885 is a no-holds-barred critique of American political theatre, policy rackets, and media gatekeeping, filtered through the raw humor and relentless skepticism of Dave Smith. Listeners are treated to both an insider’s perspective on comedy/political podcasting and a scathing analysis of how narratives are manufactured and perpetuated in modern America. The episode is as much a call-out of public figures “playing ball” and avoiding accountability as it is a practical guide on becoming an informed (and wary) citizen in the AI era.