PBD Podcast Ep. 703 Summary

Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Patrick Bet-David (Pat)
Co-hosts/Panel: Tom, Adam, Vinnie

Episode Overview

This episode tackles a high-energy mix of major breaking news and hot topics:

• Dan Bongino’s resignation from the FBI deputy director role
• Stunning updates in the Nick Reiner murder case
• Fiery fallout between major conservative influencers at Turning Point USA (Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Nick Fuentes)
• An in-depth look at the latest polling in the 2028 JD Vance vs. AOC race
• Political donor drama and the influence of major events on the conservative movement
• Media industry shakeups as Barstool takes its flagship podcasts exclusively to Netflix
  All delivered with the PBD Podcast’s unique blend of banter, sharp opinion, and passionate debate.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Dan Bongino’s "Shock" Resignation from the FBI

[11:57–24:35]

• Announcement: Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, announces his resignation. Speculation swirls about reasons and replacement.
• Pat’s Read: “Dan Bongino, a man who is loved by his audience... I want to thank President Trump, AG Bondi, Patel for the opportunity to serve with purpose.” (12:10)
• Tom’s Take: Not surprised; describes Bongino as a man with “deep, narrow principles” who struggled in an organization as complex and at times corrupt as the FBI. “You could see the frustration in Dan Bongino... It’s hard to be a direct control.” (12:44)
• Vinnie’s Theory: Bongino was hamstrung by FBI bureaucracy, unable to pursue big issues like Epstein, which he championed before taking the job.
  • “That video... that didn’t look like it was him speaking, especially not the guy from the podcast.” (15:00)
• Adam’s Counterpoint: Pushes back on the “Bongino betrayed us” narrative: “Dan Bongino is a patriot…Just because he comes into the FBI...everything that he's ever done is compromised? To me, that's B.S.” (16:48)

Memorable Moment:

Vinnie and Adam’s heated exchange:
Vinnie: “My opinion, the guy, the Christian guy that was talking about Epstein... came in and... he killed himself. Give me a break.”
Adam: “You give me a break. Dan Bongino lacks credibility?” (19:27–19:33)

• Pat’s Perspective: You can't take every job—“Don’t take the job. There is no way you could do the job [as a strong Christian in that position].” (23:52)
• Forecast: Anticipation for Bongino’s return to commentary/podcasting—will he be able to tell the whole truth?

2. White House Hanukkah Party & Miriam Adelson's $250 Million Pledge

[24:35–38:23]

• The Event: Recap of the White House Hanukkah party, attended by Miriam Adelson, Mark Levin, Adam (co-host), and others.
• Main Drama: Miriam Adelson’s tongue-in-cheek $250 million donation pledge if Trump seeks a third term—media immediately spins it.
  • Adam: “It’s sarcasm…If you give $250 million, you’re gonna get a little stage time. That’s how it works.” (29:40)
• Mark Levin’s Viral Hug: Mark calls Trump “the first Jewish president.”
  • Tom: "He's manhandling him." (27:28)
  • Pat: “I would be very uncomfortable if somebody put their arms around me like that… You don’t do that publicly with the camera on.” (35:04)
• Trump’s Religion: Spirited debate—Is Trump a Christian?
  • Vinnie rolls a clip: “He just said, 'I’m not Christian.’” (30:28)
  • Adam: "Trump was raised Presbyterian but now identifies as non-denominational Christian." (30:43)

3. Turning Point USA – Conservative Civil War: Shapiro vs Tucker, Candace, Fuentes

[41:38–59:54]

• Turning Point’s Expansion: Erica Kirk announces record numbers—50 new chapters daily, 1M student members.
  • Pat: “Numbers are unbelievable...this is extremely impressive.” (41:39)
• Ben Shapiro’s Speech (42:05):
  • Directly calls out Nick Fuentes (“Hitler apologist, Nazi-loving”), Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Andrew Tate.
  • “If you have that person [Fuentes] on your show and you proceed to glaze him, you ought to own it...That is precisely what Tucker Carlson did.” (42:36, 43:04)
• Tucker’s Response (44:06):
  • Mocks “deplatforming” calls at a free speech event like Turning Point.
  • “I laughed, that kind of bitter, sardonic laugh ... To hear calls for, like, deplatforming and denouncing people at a Charlie Kirk event? … This is hilarious.” (44:24)
• Adam’s Political Lens:
  • “Who is helping coalesce, build a coalition? … Are you helping bring people together to win midterms [for Trump and his agenda], or are you trying to tear it down?” (45:45)
  • Calls Tucker “fake” for reportedly moving to Qatar.
• Vinnie’s Critique:
  • “Why would Ben Shapiro go up in front of TPUSA and talk shit about two other people...? That’s your moment.” (48:54)
• Pat’s Analysis:
  • “Tucker is a more talented person than Ben…Ben is brilliant. Tucker is talented and capable…Tucker went emotions, heart, love. Ben is logic.” (52:31)
  • “It’s a power grab. Who’s going to be the face of the conservative movement?” (57:22)
• Overall: The segment captures a conservative movement torn between unity and infighting, strategy and ego.

4. 2028 JD Vance vs. AOC Poll Shock

[61:54–87:25]

• The Poll:
  • Newsweek/Argument Verisite survey: AOC leads JD Vance 51-49 in a hypothetical 2028 matchup (margin of error: ±2.7%).
  • Tom: “It’s a real poll and people should be concerned…It means a consolidated Democrat side is closer than you think.” (62:14)
• AOC’s Response Video:
  • “Let the record show...I will stop him [Vance].” (65:51)
• Cynicism on Polling:
  • Adam: “This is a left-leaning poll that was just created…How much credibility do you give this organization? … I’m at zero, maybe 1%.” (69:12)
• Pat’s Warning:
  • “That’s pompous…That’s by far the worst argument to have…Never underestimate your opponent...” (71:52)
  • Cites the surprise election wins by left/progressives as a warning to overconfident conservatives.
• Consensus: The team agrees AOC is an influencer and a threat, and the GOP must not sleep on this trend.

5. Nick Reiner’s First Court Appearance: The Hollywood Tragedy

[88:46–104:58]

• Recap: Nick Reiner, son of Hollywood icons Rob and Michelle Reiner, makes first court appearance for allegedly murdering his parents.
• Bizarre Preceding Events:
  • Michelle Obama appears on late-night TV mourning the Reiners; Adam and Tom recall strange, dark video clips, old tweets, and troubling roast jokes about the family.
  • Reports of Nick in rehab 18 times by age 22 (“By the age of 22, he went to rehab 18 times”—Pat, 96:14).
• Key Moment:
  • Adam—raw personal share: “The person most likely to kill you is someone you know... This, to me, comes down to a parent's love gone horribly wrong.” (102:55)
• Panel’s Consensus:
  • The story is a Hollywood tragedy touching on addiction, family dysfunction, and media hypocrisy.

6. Barstool Sports Moves Podcasts to Netflix – Media Shakeup

[105:13–111:45]

• Announcement: “Barstool is partnered with Netflix for three of our top podcasts. Exclusive video only on Netflix starting next year.” (108:53)
• Tom’s Take: “As podcasts are increasingly video…Netflix is signing free agents and staking their claim to the future.” (108:43)
• Listener Poll: 93% say PBD Podcast should stay “on YouTube/Spotify,” not go exclusive to Netflix.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pat (on Tucker vs Ben): “You’re married to Ben…but you’re attracted to Tucker.” (54:28)
• Tom (on Bongino): “He discovered what a broad, and maybe a little corrupt here and there, organization it was.” (12:44)
• Adam (on conservative infighting): “There’s a lot of infighting within MAGA...The last thing Charlie Kirk wants is Nick Fuentes and Candace and even Tucker being the face of the new MAGA establishment.” (45:45)
• Vinnie (on Candace Owens): “Let him [Nick Fuentes] sit in front of Steven Crowder and say his point. I learned more about him through his podcast than I ever knew...That’s awesome.” (48:13)
• Pat (on political strategy): “Never ever underestimate your opponent that is willing to go to all levels to get the job done.” (76:23)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|---------------| | Bongino’s resignation, FBI speculation | 11:57–24:35 | | WH Hanukkah party, donations, Jewish vote | 24:35–38:23 | | TPUSA infighting: Ben vs. Tucker, Candace | 41:38–59:54 | | AOC vs. JD Vance poll, GOP overconfidence | 61:54–87:25 | | Nick Reiner murder, Hollywood reactions | 88:46–104:58 | | Barstool/Netflix exclusive deal | 105:13–111:45 | | Santa surprise, fan contest winner | 111:54–122:55 |

Final Thoughts – Host’s Closing Reflections

• The panel agreed that the right faces an inflection point: unity vs. ego, substance vs. style, action over arrogance.
• “Faith over fear” was a recurring motif, connecting personal and political courage.
• The specter of the 2028 election and the surging left (“the AOC effect”) is sounding an alarm—complacency is the enemy.
• The episode ends on a warm note, with Santa joining the show and a fan winning a guest spot, reminding listeners of family, fun, and gratitude even amid relentless political battle.

For New Listeners

This energetic, debate-filled episode offers an unvarnished look at how the country’s biggest personalities and trends are shaping the conservative movement, grappling with infighting, crisis, and change. It’s deeply opinionated but rich in insight, mixing hard news with real emotion and authentic banter.