Steve Deace Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: We're Going to Need to Start Hearing a Plan for Iran
Air Date: March 25, 2026
Host: Steve Deace (Blaze Podcast Network)
Featured Guest: Del Bigtree
Main Co-hosts: Todders, Aaron McIntyre
Notable Regular: Daniel Horowitz

Episode Overview

Steve Deace and team tackle the escalating situation with Iran and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy, political strategy, and media misinformation. The team also discusses the lasting effects of the pandemic, censorship of dissenting voices, the political climate ahead of the midterm elections, and the persistent underperformance of Republicans in downballot races. Del Bigtree joins for a passionate segment on medical freedom, censorship, and the ongoing repercussions of COVID-era government and media overreach. The episode closes with analysis on recent political losses, the importance of red state bulwarks, and reflections on the need for clearer plans regarding U.S. involvement with Iran.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iran Crisis & U.S. Policy Confusion

• Timestamps: [08:50]–[19:24], [28:08]–[29:46]
• The panel expresses growing frustration and uncertainty over the status and strategy of U.S. engagement with Iran.
  • Reports on ceasefire negotiations are conflicting; Iran appears to have rejected terms.
  • U.S. leadership and objectives are unclear ("Do we have a clue who is running the country right now?" — Steve Deace, [09:46]).
  • The White House's claims of "big presents" from Iran are seen as vague and potentially manipulative ("We're getting to the realm of this now where… I was greatly enjoying said spectacle. Right on. But now we're kinda getting into… what does it really mean to severely degrade their military capability?" — Steve Deace, [11:33]).
• The hosts worry that without clear end goals ("If we walk away from Iran and the regime is in place, was all this worth it?” — Steve Deace, [11:07]), public support and strategic clarity are lacking.
• Discussion questions the wisdom of half-measures and warns against the instability that repeated, limited strikes (“Operation Lawnmower”) might create.

2. Political Accountability & Public Manipulation

• Timestamps: [10:31]–[11:16], [13:41]–[16:19]
• The group discusses manipulation of both markets and public opinion in the service of political narratives.
  • "We care less about manipulating markets and more about the fact that apparently we all accept that we have to constantly manipulate the American public…" — Todders, [10:31]
  • Steve laments public apathy: "You're going to need a new American public… because that's just the reality of the world..." — Steve Deace, [10:44]
• There's skepticism that Americans will support indefinite military actions or absorb the destabilizing economic consequences for the sake of foreign entanglements.
• Lack of honest and transparent communication from U.S. leaders, especially in foreign policy, is highlighted as a major concern.

3. Republican Political Struggles & Future Leadership

• Timestamps: [21:01]–[29:46], [81:54]–[89:46]
• Discussion of the Republican Party’s continued underperformance, particularly in downballot races.
  • Latest special elections in Florida (including Trump’s home district) saw significant losses, even with strong GOP turnout ("They lost by two because they lost the independent vote, something like two to one..." — Daniel Horowitz, [82:35]).
• The team debates the meaning of primary polling (JD Vance's odds as the next President) and the influence of online narratives and party fragmentation (“fog of war” similar to the Trump/DeSantis split).
• Daniel Horowitz later diagnoses the GOP’s broader systemic issues: loss of suburban and independent voters, lack of narrative, and no lateral wins to offset a "really bad" economy.

4. Del Bigtree Interview — Media Censorship & Medical Freedom

• Timestamps: [32:09]–[48:19]
• Del Bigtree discusses his recent return to YouTube after years of punitive censorship for challenging COVID narratives.
  • "You had Tony Fauci saying, if you're questioning me, you're questioning the science. And then after the pandemic’s all over, in front of Congress, he’s saying the social distancing thing, we just kind of made that up..." — Del Bigtree, [34:33]
• Bigtree reports international momentum for vaccine skepticism, citing high levels (~30%) of vaccine refusal worldwide — “There is a rebellion army, an army that knows the truth." [37:23]
• He details ongoing legal battles:
  • A judge in Massachusetts ruled to block Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s reduction of mandated child vaccines, requiring more pharma representation on advisory boards.
    • "The whole thing is so incredibly corrupt..." — Del Bigtree, [40:58]
  • Bigtree argues these fights are existential for free speech and medical choice.

5. Broader Culture, Religion, and Social Commentary

• Timestamps: [52:38]–[53:27], [71:25]–[74:21]
• The team explores deeper cultural trends, such as the rise of gender ideology:
  • "Transgenderism is the demonic parody of baptism… Both are a public declaration of faith." — Read by Aaron/Attributed to Wesley Thiessen, [52:38]
• On dating/marriage double standards, Steve and Todders examine the "conservative brosphere" and remind listeners that moral expectations must be matched by self-reflection and biblical context.

6. Buy/Sell/Hold Segment

• Timestamps: [51:08]–[77:46]
• This recurring segment features listener-submitted propositions on politics, culture, and faith, triggering lively debate and self-deprecating humor.

7. Closing Segment with Daniel Horowitz

• Timestamps: [81:54]–[97:42]
• Daniel provides a sobering analysis of GOP electoral prospects, warning of a systemic disadvantage not explained by traditional midterm cycles.
  • "With the polarization now in recent years, it's moved very little... it would be okay if we slaughtered the Democrats in 2022, they come and slaughter us in 2026. But... it's built upon... Republicans underperforming, then have a result like this, that's a big problem." — Daniel Horowitz, [86:58]
• Emphasizes the importance of red state bulwarks and strong attorney general candidates as potential firewalls against a likely blue wave.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If we walk away from Iran and the regime is in place, was all of this worth it?"
  — Steve Deace, [11:07]
• "We're just going to have to mow the lawn in Tehran... I'm fine with that. I don't know how many Americans are adult enough to absorb that."
  — Steve Deace, [16:20]
• "Transgenderism is the demonic parody of baptism… Both are a public declaration of faith.”
  — Submitted by listener Wesley Thiessen, [52:38]
• “You have to figure out what will that do long term to your oil supply… who’s going to really protect that and who’s going to be responsible for that?”
  — Steve Deace, [17:36]
• “There is a rebellion army, an army that knows the truth.”
  — Del Bigtree, [37:23]
• "That's the 400 pound gorilla behind this story and everything else—that the people like being manipulated."
  — Todders, [10:31]
• “With the polarization now… it would be okay if we slaughtered the Democrats in 2022, they come and slaughter us in 2026. But... it's built upon... Republicans underperforming, then have a result like this, that's a big problem.”
  — Daniel Horowitz, [86:58]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Show Open/What Happened While We Were Away: [04:26]–[08:46]
• U.S.–Iran Crisis Discussion: [08:50]–[19:24]; [28:08]–[29:46]; [81:54]–[97:42]
• Del Bigtree Interview: [32:09]–[48:19]
• Buy/Sell/Hold Segment: [51:08]–[77:46]
• Daniel Horowitz Analysis: [81:54]–[97:42]
• Closing Thoughts: [95:54]–[97:42]

Overall Tone & Style

The conversation is candid, intellectual, combative, and frequently laced with the “snarky twist” Deace is known for. The hosts combine deep political skepticism with a distinctively faith-informed worldview, often calling out manipulation by both the political class and the media. Moments of humor and personal anecdote temper the often-grim geopolitical and cultural assessments.

Summary Takeaway

The episode urges listeners to demand transparency and serious planning regarding Iran, warns the conservative audience against complacency and political manipulation, and illustrates the downstream effects of leadership voids both in Washington and among the conservative grassroots. The team stresses the need for personal integrity, independent thinking, and local activism as the 2026 elections approach and the global order remains volatile.