Nightly Scroll with Hayley

Episode 202: Fun, Faith, and Freedom at Old State Saloon - Hayley Caronia

Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Hayley Caronia
Guest: Mark Fitzpatrick, Owner of Old State Saloon, Eagle, Idaho

Episode Overview

This episode explores the intersection of faith, conservative values, and community at Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho. Host Hayley Caronia interviews Mark Fitzpatrick—a business owner making waves for his unapologetic Christian and pro-Trump stance, bold anti-woke promotions, and his latest controversial offer: free beer for a year if you help ICE deport an illegal alien. The conversation delves into building community among like-minded patriots, navigating backlash, finding humor and resilience, and the place of open dialogue in American politics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins and Mission of Old State Saloon

• Three Years In Business: Old State Saloon has been open for nearly three years; it's Mark's first experience owning such a business.
• Community as Core: The intention is to create a space for Americans, patriots, and Christians to gather, dialogue, and seek the truth openly—even holding Bible studies and prayer in a bar setting.
  • Quote [02:07, Mark]: “We invite people to come talk at Old State Saloon… coach and teach the audience to actually ask questions… Open dialogue. Prayer, worship in a bar. It's amazing.”
• Openness to Dialogue: While unapologetically conservative, Mark emphasizes sharing space and conversation with those holding differing views (even liberals, gays, lesbians).

2. The Idaho/Local Political Landscape

• Conservative, but Not Homogenous: Eagle and much of Idaho are conservative, but Mark warns of complacency—many local politicians label themselves Republican yet legislate left-of-center.
  • Quote [05:22, Mark]: “We are very infiltrated with people who… run with a lot of money behind them as a conservative...but legislate to the left, unfortunately.”
• Political Disillusionment: There’s a local battle between "America First, Pro-Trump Republicans" and so-called "RINOs."

3. Mixing Business with Conservative Politics

• No Hesitance: Mark feels called to be bold; says he’d never want to own a bar that wasn’t like Old State Saloon.
  • Quote [07:20, Mark]: “If I couldn't own a bar like Old State Saloon...then I wouldn't want to own a bar.”
• Faith as Foundation: Being open about Christian values and conservative politics is viewed not as a risk, but as integral.

4. Alternative Celebrations: "Heterosexual Awesomeness Month"

• Reaction to Pride Month: Mark’s bar offers a counter-cultural celebration of heterosexuality during June.
• Backlash and Support:
  • Attacked by LGBTQ activists, but also supported by non-woke gays and lesbians who feel “Pride has gone too far.”
  • Mark sees the attacks as intimidation and doubles down rather than backing down.
  • Quote [08:48, Mark]: “God's design for sexuality is so awesome. So, you know, heterosexual awesomeness was born... loved by all the people that like to watch your show. And it was hated by so many people. I call them the LGBTQ mafia.”
  • On Pride: Mark believes the movement has shifted to “forcing transgenderism on children.”
  • Quote [11:26, Mark]: “Pride is about forcing transgenderism on children, and it doesn't get any more wicked than that.”

5. Trump Bar Identity & Themed Nights

• A “Trump Bar” or “Truth Bar”: Despite the branding, Mark says the ultimate loyalty is to God and truth, with Trump as the best current political option.
  • Quote [14:39, Mark]: “I would want to be known as a truth bar...my allegiance is to God, is what I'm trying to say.”
  • Election night parties, Trump-themed drink menus (e.g., “Biden’s Last Fall” mudslide, survival shot, etc.).
• Key Role of Humor: Trump drinks and events keep the environment fun and engaging.

6. Values-Based Promotions & Community Engagement

• Promotions:
  • Free beer for Trump voters on election night.
  • Free beer for Sunday churchgoers.
  • “Worship Nights” and “Conspiracy Night.”
  • New Controversial Promotion: Free beer for a year if you help ICE deport an illegal alien; also, “Manly Male American Monday” (free beer for ICE supporters).
  • Community Donations: Supporters contribute cash or buy rounds for patrons.
    • Quote [18:36, Mark]: “She gave me $500 in cash. That’s the kind of support that we have.”

7. Immigration, Crime, & “Mary Snitchmas”

• Local Impact: Cites local crimes by illegal immigrants (e.g., an 8-year-old killed in Boise hit-and-run).
• Promotion Mechanics: Tips to ICE (photo, call log, video, etc.) qualify for free beer if credible.
  • Quote [25:07, Mark]: “I didn’t think too far ahead on that...I’m probably going to give the benefit of the doubt to anybody.”
• Broader Message: Mark asserts the country is at a “dangerous point” and bold, perhaps extreme action is necessary.
  • Quote [22:38, Mark]: “It’s gotten to the point where it’s way too dangerous...Most people have no clue how dangerous at a point we are in history.”

8. Handling Threats, Boycotts, and State Pushback

• Constant Harassment: Receives threats, obscene messages, calls for the bar to be burned down (sometimes even with him inside).
  • Quote [28:50, Mark]: “I get so much gay porn sent to me...and the voicemails that I get...we’re going to start playing some of these voicemails.”
• Retaliation: After publicly criticizing local officials about immigration, Mark reports a sudden (and “random”) tax audit by Idaho authorities.
  • Quote [32:15, Mark]: “Suddenly today I get a call from the state tax board...I am under an audit for...tax audit. Amazing coincidence.”

9. “Conspiracy Nights” and Bar Culture

• Event Format: Trivia on conspiracy theories or “extremely offensive” political/religious facts—with the grand prize often an AR-15.
  • Quote [33:21, Mark]: “Those nights are a blast because the grand prize on those nights is an AR15.”
• Favorite Conspiracy Theory: Mark questions everything about NASA and the moon landing, calling it a “satanic space organization.”
  • Quote [36:04, Mark]: “NASA’s essentially a satanic space organization...I don’t really believe anything they say or do.”

10. Invitation to Trump & Inclusivity Message

• Would serve Trump “whatever he wanted”, with a preference for locally sourced products.
• Reiterates Opposition to Racist Labeling: Mark insists immigration/law-and-order stance is about legality, not race, and extends Christian love to all.
  • Quote [39:29]: “Race has nothing to do with skin color...The Bible says that at the throne of God, there will be people that are represented from all tribes and nations.”

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• On Open Dialogue:
  “Once you’ve had that conversation...it’s harder after that point...to go back to your computer screen knowing that person.” – Mark [03:33]

• On Community Support:
  “You just can’t be an idiot...the only people who aren’t welcome are people acting like idiots whether you’re Republican or Democrat.” – Mark [18:40]

• On Culture War Backlash:
  “They want you to fold under the pressure...But they knew I wasn’t going to quit. My persona is the more people do that, the more I want to double down.” – Mark [11:26]

• On Promotion Philosophy:
  “What we’re doing here is we’re raising awareness to something that's super important...people...support us because we’re sticking our neck out...with our brand and everything.” – Mark [26:53]

• On Being Called Racist:
  “This has nothing to do with race. This has to do with are you an American, who’s here legally...If you’re here illegally...illegals need to get out.” – Mark [39:29]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:07] Mark on origins and mission of Old State Saloon
• [05:22] Idaho politics and the real conservative fight
• [07:20] Faith, risk, and mixing business with conservative politics
• [08:48] Heterosexual Awesomeness Month story and Pride backlash
• [14:39] Trump Bar identity, themed drink menu
• [18:40] Community reactions and inclusivity
• [20:03] New “Free Beer for ICE Tips” promotion and why
• [22:38] Why Mark feels the U.S. is at a critical point re: immigration
• [25:07] Mechanics and reality of the ICE/beer promotion
• [26:53] The economics—and patriotism—behind the promotions
• [28:50] Online/vocal harassment and hate (calls, voicemails, targeted attacks)
• [32:15] After criticizing officials, Mark receives a tax audit
• [33:21] Conspiracy Nights (trivia, AR-15 prizes)
• [36:04] Mark’s favorite conspiracy: NASA skepticism
• [39:29] Addressing accusations of racism: focus on legality and Christianity

Closing & Contact Information

• Old State Saloon: 50 East State Street, Eagle, Idaho
• Website: oldstatesaloon.com (Store for donating/buying rounds, merch)
• Find their events on Rumble (Old State Salooncast)
• Mark’s final word: “It's not any kind of skin color that unites us. It’s our profession of faith in Jesus Christ … that would unite us.”

Final Thought

This episode provides a candid look into conservative bar culture, community-building, and the real-world impact—both positive and contentious—of boldly living out faith and patriotism in the public square. Mark and Hayley mix humor, grit, and conviction as they navigate American polarization, spotlighting what it means to be “unapologetic” in today’s culture wars.

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