Transcript

Henry Zebrowski (0:00)

Last podcast on the left is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game? Well, with the name your price tool from Progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try it@progressive.com Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates Price and coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states.

Nate (0:23)

Special Agent Will Trent, abc. Tuesdays you run from the dark.

Ed Larson (0:27)

That's why it chases you.

Nate (0:29)

Get out of my house. The hit series Will Tread is back.

Ed Larson (0:33)

Will, this is a manhunt, not a.

Henry Zebrowski (0:34)

Murder that needs to be solved.

Nate (0:36)

And the truth, this man killed my mother and left me to die. He's out.

Ed Larson (0:40)

I think if we don't catch this.

Henry Zebrowski (0:41)

Guy, then he's gonna go off the.

Nate (0:42)

Deep end of control.

Ed Larson (0:44)

They won't even see you coming.

Nate (0:46)

I have to end this will tread. Tuesdays 8, 7 Central on ABC and stream on Hulu.

Ed Larson (0:54)

There's no place to escape to. This is the lost on the left side stories.

Henry Zebrowski (1:02)

That's when the Cannibal started. Side stories. Yes. Got it.

Ed Larson (1:16)

God bless America. You know, I love being a winner.

Henry Zebrowski (1:19)

You know what it is about America is that no matter what, we'll surprise you.

Ed Larson (1:25)

Right?

Henry Zebrowski (1:25)

You don't know what we're going to do. You think we're going to zag? We're zigging.

Ed Larson (1:29)

Yeah. You think we're just blowing up fishing boats?

Last Podcast On The Left — Side Stories: New Year's Evil (Episode Summary)

Podcast: Last Podcast On The Left
Episode: Side Stories: New Year's Evil
Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Henry Zebrowski, Ed Larson, Nate (Producer), Holden McNeely (Guest)

Overview

Kicking off 2026 with their trademark blend of horror, satire, and true crime, Henry Zebrowski and Ed Larson return from the holiday break for a Side Stories episode that bounces between international conspiracies, sensational news, pedophile networks, and the minor indignities and hilarities of aging. Joined by Nate and featuring an "uncle corner" rap segment from Holden McNeely, the team dissects both world-shaking headlines and personal anecdotes, all filtered through LPOTL’s irreverent, darkly comic lens.

Main Discussion Topics & Insights

1. New Year's Banter & White House Cynicism (01:16–04:31)

The hosts reflect on the chaos and unpredictability of America as they step into 2026.
Banter about the “surprise” factor of America, with jokes about U.S. foreign policy and historical irreverence.
- “You don’t know what we’re gonna do. You think we’re gonna zag? We’re zigging.” — Henry Zebrowski (01:25)
A brief, sardonic take on the partial destruction of the White House and the fall from grace of American institutions.

2. Epstein Files & Political Conspiracies (04:45–23:16)

Venezuela Invasion Theories

Trump’s late-2025 invasion of Venezuela is blamed on both deflecting from the Epstein files and more fantastical motives (e.g., searching for Stargates).
Satirical assertion that "the tomb of Gilgamesh" and a Venezuela "Stargate" prompted the invasion.
- “We discovered the tomb of Gilgamesh. And do you know who Gilgamesh is?” — Henry Zebrowski (07:56)
Ed’s more down-to-earth theory: Trump invaded Venezuela to retaliate for absent wait staff at his Doral golf course, highlighting the episode’s blend of the absurd and realpolitik.

Epstein Files Dump

Over Christmas Eve, a massive dump of Jeffrey Epstein files is discussed, mocking the shoddy redactions and ineptitude of governmental cover-ups.
- “All they had to do was copy it and then paste it and then it unredacted it.” — Henry Zebrowski (16:30)
The hosts describe diving into the files, which include everything from new accusations involving Trump, Larry Nassar, David Blaine, and Woody Allen.
A major, chilling revelation: an unsubstantiated allegation involving Trump’s presence at a botched abortion involving Epstein, referenced in both emails and testimonials.
- “There was an... email with Jeffrey Epstein... talking about Trump being involved in a scenario where... he was a part of either a botched abortion or... they apparently threw a dead baby in a lake.” — Henry Zebrowski (19:56)
Emphasis on the density and darkness of the released material and the profound incompetence of the elite at hiding their crimes.

Satirical Defense of Clinton and Law

The episode jokes about Bill Clinton's supposed indifference to prosecution and frustrations over laws shielding ex-presidents (21:50).
- “Also, do you know why... Clinton could give a fuck... Just fucking kill me already.” — Ed Larson (22:05, 22:25)

3. Hypocrisy in Anti-Trans Politics; Dr. Ryan McDonough Case (27:40–33:03)

The team lampoons the case of anti-trans Alaska Medical Board doctor Ryan McDonough, focusing on his child porn arrest and possible suicide as the epitome of "family-values" hypocrisy.
Explains the logistics of pedophile file sharing and reiterates the prevalence of networks, given the Epstein revelations.
- “Unfortunately, I have to roll back all the years I kept trying to say that there are pedophile networks — because technically it’s the only way they can work.” — Henry Zebrowski (30:13)

4. Houston Bayou: Serial Killer Theories (34:18–37:55)

Ed flags a growing body count in Houston bayous (over 200 since 2017; 78 in the last two years), hinting at possible serial killers, but acknowledging there’s not enough concrete evidence yet.
- “They've started tracking how many bodies they find in the bayou... since 2017 they found 200 bodies. And the craziest part is over the last two years, they have found 78 bodies.” — Ed Larson (34:54)

5. True Crime Oddities: Beanie Baby Mogul Attack (39:43–45:29)

The strange case of Russell Fay, who broke into Beanie Babies billionaire Ty Warner’s home and beat his girlfriend/employee, with bizarre motivations involving Katy Perry and mental illness.
The hosts riff on the absurdity of beanie baby wealth, possible Canadian plots (tongue-in-cheek), and the luxury of the Santa Barbara prison where the perpetrator now resides.
- “Why did they make the Santa Barbara prison cute? It looks like a bell tower… why does it look like a Disney owner hotel church?” — Henry Zebrowski (46:12)

6. Uncle Corner & Holden’s Birthday Freestyle Rap (49:03–57:03)

"Uncle Corner": a new, tongue-in-cheek segment where the aging hosts (with Holden McNeely) reflect on overlooked fatherhood, birthdays, and the inevitability of aging.
Holden delivers a surprisingly competent freestyle rap recounting his birthday debacle: too much drink, light drug use, accidental injury at home, and the sadness of December birthdays.
- “I fell somehow in my chair. I think I leaned back, lay my chin on the dining room table, and I started bleeding all over the place. I have blood gushing out my chin, I knew I wouldn't win...” — Holden McNeely (54:20)
The segment is both humorous and bittersweet, as the group acknowledges the challenges and indignities of middle age within their comedic rapport.

7. Upcoming Live Shows & Fan Interaction (33:07, 60:25–61:59)

Announcements for live shows in Alaska, Illinois, Kentucky, Rochester NY, and London, Ontario.
- “The smaller the weirder the town, my favorite place to do a show.” — Henry Zebrowski (61:18)
They call on fans for local recommendations—restaurants, activities, etc.—to enrich their travel experiences.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Political Incompetence:
“The people that run our country right now are the single least-talented criminal organization we have ever seen.” — Henry Zebrowski (16:02)
On the Epstein Files Drop:
“It’s only 1% have been given to us. And he's already flushed a baby in Lake Michigan.” — Ed Larson (11:27)
On Hypocrisy & Scandal:
“It sucks that now, to like a politician, they just have to fuck adults.” — Ed Larson (06:44)
On Aging & Not Faking Youth:
“I’m not going to start saying words out of school. I’m not going to start acting like a child... I don’t need to pretend to be young. I don’t want to pretend to be you children. Dead ass. Fine.” — Henry Zebrowski (48:21)
On the Houston Body Count:
“It is insane what we’re seeing here... it also seems like they really think that there’s a serial killer down there, and they’ve been finding so many bodies that now it is officially… a thing.” — Ed Larson (36:10)
On Beanie Baby Crime:
“Do you think he had Princess Di murdered just to bring up the price of the baby... stock manipulation?” — Henry Zebrowski (44:50)

Timestamps For Key Segments

01:16–04:31: Opening banter, America’s chaos, White House cynicism
04:45–15:00: Venezuela invasion conspiracies & the search for Stargates
15:00–23:16: Epstein files dump, including Trump, Clinton, David Blaine, Woody Allen
27:40–33:03: Alaska Medical Board doctor's scandal & anti-trans hypocrisy
34:18–37:55: Houston bayou body count and serial killer speculation
39:43–45:29: Beanie Baby mogul assault and absurd billionaire culture
49:03–57:03: “Uncle Corner,” Holden’s birthday, and in-studio freestyle rap
60:25–61:59: Upcoming live dates & the joy of “weird” small towns

Tone

Signature LPOTL: A mix of gallows humor, rant, wildly speculative but knowing satire, and genuine outrage—punctured by moments of warmth and self-deprecation.
Conversational & Tangential: Rapid-fire jokes, inside references, and an open invitation for listener interaction.

Conclusion

The first Side Stories of 2026 balances fresh outrage over political corruption and shocking new details from the Epstein files, social commentary on hypocrisy, and comedically dark asides on everything from serial killers to Beanie Babies. The Uncle Corner and Holden’s birthday rap provide levity and a sense of camaraderie among aging weirdos still fighting to tell the darkest stories with a laugh.