The Antihero Broadcast

Episode: Friendsday w/ Elizabeth Lane
Date: January 21, 2026
Host: The Antihero Podcast
Guest: Elizabeth Lane (Independent Journalist, Host of the Elizabeth Lane Show)

Episode Overview

This “Friendsday” episode brings on guest Elizabeth Lane, an independent journalist originally from the country of Georgia, for a deep-dive on global politics, media, the military, immigration, and cross-cultural perspectives. With plenty of spirited debate—mainly between Elizabeth and co-host Jimmy—the conversation explores what it means to be American, the legacy and influence of the United States abroad, war, and the subjective versus objective measures of national greatness. The panel maintains its hallmark blue-collar authenticity while challenging one another on military ethics, geopolitics, and cultural myths.

Main Topics & Key Discussion Points

Sports, Current Events & Show Updates

[02:08] Brief update on sports and current guests, including a Miami football fan dealing with a tough loss.
Commentary on the wild nature of football seasons and some tongue-in-cheek remarks about sports “being rigged.”

Guest Introduction & Background - Elizabeth Lane

[06:07] Introduction of Elizabeth Lane: born in the country of Georgia (not the US state). Now based in the US.
[06:51] [07:41] Discussion on why Georgia punches above its weight in strength sports and the “testosterone in the DNA.”
Elizabeth’s early passion for acting, relocation to the US for theater/Hollywood, and eventual transition into independent journalism due to dissatisfaction with “shallow” LA/Hollywood culture.

Quote [07:44]:
"You know, it's funny, I consider myself more American than Georgian. ... My mindset is very American. So when I go back, every single time, my Georgian friends like, you know what? You're too American now. I was like, you know what? I'll take that as a compliment." — Elizabeth Lane

[08:20] Lived in Germany and Ukraine for extended periods as a student.
[08:41] Moved to the US right after high school, for college.
[08:54] Perspective on illegal immigration:
“Illegal immigration rubs the wrong way, you know, for every single legal immigrant because you go through a huge process... And then someone just crosses the borders, never pays taxes... and somehow has the same rights as you, if not more. And that's crazy to me.” — Elizabeth Lane

Career in Journalism

[10:58] Worked for both “big companies” (e.g. Unified TV) and as an independent contractor/creator.
Independent YouTube presence: “Elizabeth Lane Show” (for free content); primary work found behind paywall at Unified TV.

Critique of Dan Crenshaw & SEAL “Drama”

[12:22] The panel asks about Elizabeth’s public dislike for politician/former SEAL Dan Crenshaw.
The conversation delves into how certain military veterans are put on pedestals politically, only for disillusionment to set in later.
[13:33]
"Absolutely. He's absolutely... that's why he's called I patch McCain. But yeah, I started disagreeing with his policies..." — Elizabeth Lane
Detailed behind-the-scenes disagreement with Crenshaw, expressing disappointment with his “warmongering” stance and lack of humility (“refuses to acknowledge any slight mistake”) [16:35].

Notable Exchange:

[17:01] "Let's say you're Dan Crenshaw and you get challenged by Sean Ryan... I would be like, f the paperwork. Let's go, bro. ... Let's clean up my name..." — Elizabeth Lane
Panel commentary on the “SEAL ego,” and the over-glorification of certain military careers.

Debate: The Morality of American Military Actions

[20:07+] Elizabeth criticizes American veneration of foreign wars and certain veterans:
“I respect people who go to war to protect their country, I don't respect people who go to war to up other people's countries... What did Dan Crenshaw did to be put on pedestal and to be thanked for his service fucking up Middle East and then that backfiring on our country?”
Spirited debate with Jimmy, who pushes back:
"First of all, like, the, the soldiers of the United States do not pick the wars that we get sent to. ... If you have ever been in a military unit, like... that becomes your family..." — Jimmy ([21:14])
Elizabeth counters: Many SEALs come from broken families, and once disenchantment with the system sets in, it is a moral duty to walk away.
The debate becomes both personal and philosophical:
- Elizabeth: Argues that US soldiers have agency to “say no,” and blames both propaganda and personal lack of awareness for perpetuating “unjust” wars.
- Jimmy: Insists that people serve because of bonds and unit loyalty, and that the propagandized nature of American youth should mitigate some blame.
[26:44] Jimmy highlights the turning point for many veterans: realizing America misled them, but staying out of loyalty to younger soldiers.
[30:48] “If you're going to say that we are heavily propagandized, you can't blame the kids for going, I want to join the army and go do a gunfight like Blackhawk Down.” — Jimmy

On Propaganda, War, and Government Motivation

Discussion of the historical pattern of America entering wars on dubious premises and the difficulty of believing government/media narratives.
Elizabeth references Daniel Ellsberg, Vietnam, and Iraq “Weapons of Mass Destruction” as evidence Americans “should have known,” but remain willfully blind.
Debate over personal responsibility at a young age.
[33:24] Host Tyler contextualizes:
“19 year olds... they're just not like I was at 19 and 20 years before that. It wasn't like my dad.”

US Foreign Policy, Russia, and Proxy Wars

[36:45] Elizabeth insists Russia–Ukraine conflict orchestrated primarily by US and UK intelligence (“the United States CIA and its goons driving the Ukrainian war”).
Thorough breakdown of post-Soviet intelligence landscape; strong critique of US/CIA meddling in world affairs.
[44:01] Elizabeth provides detailed argument on Trump’s actions, US hypocrisy concerning international law, and global double standards.

Notable Quote [45:31]:
"If you still want to do that, right, if you still want to do that, you can come out and say, well, America no longer recognizes international law and standards. ... But here's the problem. He didn't say that. He still comes out and says, for everyone else, bro, you have to obey by international law that I myself dictated, but I don't have to. Now you're a hypocrite. Now you can be trusted. Now we are a clown." — Elizabeth Lane

Deep Dive: Geopolitical Power, Cabals & The Multipolar World

Extended dialogue about whether America is at the center of a global “cabal,” with vying interpretations:
- Elizabeth: Yes, the US is the mafia boss to Europe’s junior partners.
- Jimmy: Argues US is being manipulated by internal special interests—CIA, military complex, not the American people or government as a whole.

Key Exchange [61:00]:

“...the United States has become the protector and the footer of the bill. But we're the ones that are actually getting... ratcheted into this war…” — Jimmy
“...the US sits over on the other side of the ocean, knows that it's happy and it's like absolutely intact and funds Nazis while also aiding with food and other, you know, goods to Soviet Union. Why? Because it's in their own interest to have these people murder each other…” — Elizabeth Lane ([63:46])
History of US dominance after WWII—Marshall Plan, Operation Gladio, manipulation of European post-war reconstruction.
Gladio explained as covert NATO/CIA “stay-behind” armies sowing chaos in Europe, illustrating the deep reach of American influence.

Are “Proxy Wars” Good for Military Effectiveness?

[39:56] Tyler asks whether American involvement in proxy wars, in a perverse way, keeps the US military “sharp.”
Elizabeth: "Absolutely not," pointing to Russia’s unexpectedly strong showing in Ukraine and arguing America's proxy war experience did not translate to success.

Is America Truly the "Best Country?"

[76:07+] The hosts challenge Elizabeth regarding her critique of America given her continued residence.
[78:07] Elizabeth contends America's global image is in part a "myth" propagated by Hollywood, and many immigrants are simply “too broke” to go back home or admit things didn't work out.
Differentiation between immigrants who stay (often poor, seeking handouts) and those who leave or return home (often wealthier).
Elizabeth shares that, for her, American culture—especially the distance in friendships and individualism, contrasted with the tight-knit (but sometimes intrusive) culture in Georgia—is the main reason she remains:
"I like my privacy. ... I'm not a person who likes big groups..." ([99:35])
The hosts repeatedly press for a more “convincing” reason why America is "better," challenging the notion that individualism alone justifies her dropping Georgian citizenship.

The Subjectivity of Best Countries & Cultural Fit

[88:20] Elizabeth: “You know what's better and freer country? Georgia, where I come from… Medical services, banking industry. ... My mom had cancer. ... Everything was paid for immediately.”
Hosts counter with questions about scale, diversity, and whether smaller homogeneous states like Switzerland are fair comparisons.
Discussion clarifies that “better” is highly subjective and context-dependent.

Personal Ties, Culture, and National Loyalty

[91:36] Elizabeth adamantly states that her move to America was for cultural fit, not opportunity or political ideology.
Tells anecdote of how her mother failed to adapt to American culture and returned to Georgia:
"Culturally different is not better or worse, it's just different."
Explains that after investing so much of her “conscious life” in the US, and creating relationships and family, it’s "really hard to leave" even if the dream has faded.
[106:36] Jimmy draws parallel between veterans staying in the military out of loyalty and Elizabeth remaining in America out of inertia, relationships, and hope for potential.

Lightning Round — Hot Take Segment

Do you believe the moon landing happened?
- Elizabeth: “I don't know. ... I've heard from people who are very high up... that it was all faked... but as a journalist, I never dived into that rabbit hole.” ([111:17])
- Jimmy believes it happened, citing external (e.g., India’s lunar images, lack of CCP denial) evidence.
Holocaust death numbers?
- Elizabeth: “6 million is a bogus, stupid number... I don't have any exact number. ... But 6 million is nowhere near the number that Hitler either killed, burnt or gassed.” ([113:04])
- Panel: Not deniers, but skeptical of official and popularly cited figures.
Is the US truly the “best country” in the world?
- Elizabeth: “Objectively, I don’t think it is. ... But American pride can never be brainwashed. ... If you chose it to be yours, then you have to love it no matter what.” ([97:03])

Closing Thoughts

The conversation concludes with some agreement that the heart of America—the “average person”—is not the problem, but rather systemic forces in government, special interests, and lobbying.
Despite cultural critique, Elizabeth claims US citizenship (having relinquished Georgian), citing cultural fit and a sense of purpose.
The group mentions a future “Antihero European Tour” for cross-cultural learning and perspective ([117:15]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Elizabeth Lane [08:54]:
"Illegal immigration rubs the wrong way... you have to do everything in the right way. And then someone just crosses the borders, never pays taxes, never does anything for this country, and somehow has the same rights as you, if not more. And that's crazy to me."
Elizabeth Lane [20:07]:
"I respect people who go to war to protect their country, I don't respect people who go to war to up other people's countries..."
Jimmy [21:14]:
"If you have ever been in a military unit, like the fir... that becomes your family, that's more your family than..."
Tyler [33:24]:
“19 year olds... they're just not like I was at 19 and 20 years before that. It wasn't like my dad.”
Elizabeth Lane [45:31]:
"If you still want to do that... you can come out and say, well, America no longer recognizes international law and standards... But here's the problem. He didn't say that..."
Elizabeth Lane [97:03]:
"No matter how your country is, you should love your country more than anything. ... If you chose it to be yours, then you have to love it no matter what."

Key Timestamps

06:07 — Elizabeth Lane joins, introduces background
08:54 — On illegal immigration as a legal immigrant
12:22–17:47 — Critique of Dan Crenshaw & ex-military celebrities
20:07–35:02 — Spirited military/morality debate: soldier agency and propaganda
36:45–44:01 — Global cabals, US vs. Europe, Russia/Ukraine breakdown
61:00 — Is the US leading the world or being manipulated by it?
76:07–92:17 — Why do immigrants come/stay? Is America really “best”? Cultural fit vs. opportunity
106:36 — “Why do you stay even if you’re disillusioned?”—personal ties, hope, inertia
111:17 — Lightning round: moon landing, Holocaust numbers
117:15 — “Antihero European Tour” idea

Overall Tone

Candid, sometimes combative but respectful—reflective of veterans’, blue-collar, and independent journalism sensibilities. Elizabeth is direct and analytic, unafraid of controversy; the hosts push back with humor and patriotic perspective, but all parties are open to challenging entrenched beliefs.

Where to find Elizabeth Lane

X (Twitter): @imelizabethlane
Instagram: @TheRealJournalist
YouTube: Elizabeth Lane Show

Summary for New Listeners

If you’re seeking a raw, unscripted, international lens on America’s self-perception, ethics, and place in the world—filtered through the experience of both veterans and a prominent immigrant journalist—this episode is packed with challenging debates, new perspectives, personal stories, and the honesty (and humor) you expect from The Antihero Broadcast.

The Antihero Broadcast

Episode: Friendsday w/ Elizabeth Lane
Date: January 21, 2026
Host: The Antihero Podcast
Guest: Elizabeth Lane (Independent Journalist, Host of the Elizabeth Lane Show)

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Key Discussion Points

Sports, Current Events & Show Updates

[02:08] Brief update on sports and current guests, including a Miami football fan dealing with a tough loss.
Commentary on the wild nature of football seasons and some tongue-in-cheek remarks about sports “being rigged.”

Guest Introduction & Background - Elizabeth Lane

[06:07] Introduction of Elizabeth Lane: born in the country of Georgia (not the US state). Now based in the US.
[06:51] [07:41] Discussion on why Georgia punches above its weight in strength sports and the “testosterone in the DNA.”
Elizabeth’s early passion for acting, relocation to the US for theater/Hollywood, and eventual transition into independent journalism due to dissatisfaction with “shallow” LA/Hollywood culture.

[08:20] Lived in Germany and Ukraine for extended periods as a student.
[08:41] Moved to the US right after high school, for college.
[08:54] Perspective on illegal immigration:
“Illegal immigration rubs the wrong way, you know, for every single legal immigrant because you go through a huge process... And then someone just crosses the borders, never pays taxes... and somehow has the same rights as you, if not more. And that's crazy to me.” — Elizabeth Lane

Career in Journalism

[10:58] Worked for both “big companies” (e.g. Unified TV) and as an independent contractor/creator.
Independent YouTube presence: “Elizabeth Lane Show” (for free content); primary work found behind paywall at Unified TV.

Critique of Dan Crenshaw & SEAL “Drama”

[12:22] The panel asks about Elizabeth’s public dislike for politician/former SEAL Dan Crenshaw.
The conversation delves into how certain military veterans are put on pedestals politically, only for disillusionment to set in later.
[13:33]
"Absolutely. He's absolutely... that's why he's called I patch McCain. But yeah, I started disagreeing with his policies..." — Elizabeth Lane
Detailed behind-the-scenes disagreement with Crenshaw, expressing disappointment with his “warmongering” stance and lack of humility (“refuses to acknowledge any slight mistake”) [16:35].

Notable Exchange:

[17:01] "Let's say you're Dan Crenshaw and you get challenged by Sean Ryan... I would be like, f the paperwork. Let's go, bro. ... Let's clean up my name..." — Elizabeth Lane
Panel commentary on the “SEAL ego,” and the over-glorification of certain military careers.

Debate: The Morality of American Military Actions

[20:07+] Elizabeth criticizes American veneration of foreign wars and certain veterans:
“I respect people who go to war to protect their country, I don't respect people who go to war to up other people's countries... What did Dan Crenshaw did to be put on pedestal and to be thanked for his service fucking up Middle East and then that backfiring on our country?”
Spirited debate with Jimmy, who pushes back:
"First of all, like, the, the soldiers of the United States do not pick the wars that we get sent to. ... If you have ever been in a military unit, like... that becomes your family..." — Jimmy ([21:14])
Elizabeth counters: Many SEALs come from broken families, and once disenchantment with the system sets in, it is a moral duty to walk away.
The debate becomes both personal and philosophical:
- Elizabeth: Argues that US soldiers have agency to “say no,” and blames both propaganda and personal lack of awareness for perpetuating “unjust” wars.
- Jimmy: Insists that people serve because of bonds and unit loyalty, and that the propagandized nature of American youth should mitigate some blame.
[26:44] Jimmy highlights the turning point for many veterans: realizing America misled them, but staying out of loyalty to younger soldiers.
[30:48] “If you're going to say that we are heavily propagandized, you can't blame the kids for going, I want to join the army and go do a gunfight like Blackhawk Down.” — Jimmy

On Propaganda, War, and Government Motivation

Discussion of the historical pattern of America entering wars on dubious premises and the difficulty of believing government/media narratives.
Elizabeth references Daniel Ellsberg, Vietnam, and Iraq “Weapons of Mass Destruction” as evidence Americans “should have known,” but remain willfully blind.
Debate over personal responsibility at a young age.
[33:24] Host Tyler contextualizes:
“19 year olds... they're just not like I was at 19 and 20 years before that. It wasn't like my dad.”

US Foreign Policy, Russia, and Proxy Wars

[36:45] Elizabeth insists Russia–Ukraine conflict orchestrated primarily by US and UK intelligence (“the United States CIA and its goons driving the Ukrainian war”).
Thorough breakdown of post-Soviet intelligence landscape; strong critique of US/CIA meddling in world affairs.
[44:01] Elizabeth provides detailed argument on Trump’s actions, US hypocrisy concerning international law, and global double standards.

Deep Dive: Geopolitical Power, Cabals & The Multipolar World

Extended dialogue about whether America is at the center of a global “cabal,” with vying interpretations:
- Elizabeth: Yes, the US is the mafia boss to Europe’s junior partners.
- Jimmy: Argues US is being manipulated by internal special interests—CIA, military complex, not the American people or government as a whole.

Key Exchange [61:00]:

“...the United States has become the protector and the footer of the bill. But we're the ones that are actually getting... ratcheted into this war…” — Jimmy
“...the US sits over on the other side of the ocean, knows that it's happy and it's like absolutely intact and funds Nazis while also aiding with food and other, you know, goods to Soviet Union. Why? Because it's in their own interest to have these people murder each other…” — Elizabeth Lane ([63:46])
History of US dominance after WWII—Marshall Plan, Operation Gladio, manipulation of European post-war reconstruction.
Gladio explained as covert NATO/CIA “stay-behind” armies sowing chaos in Europe, illustrating the deep reach of American influence.

Are “Proxy Wars” Good for Military Effectiveness?

[39:56] Tyler asks whether American involvement in proxy wars, in a perverse way, keeps the US military “sharp.”
Elizabeth: "Absolutely not," pointing to Russia’s unexpectedly strong showing in Ukraine and arguing America's proxy war experience did not translate to success.

Is America Truly the "Best Country?"

[76:07+] The hosts challenge Elizabeth regarding her critique of America given her continued residence.
[78:07] Elizabeth contends America's global image is in part a "myth" propagated by Hollywood, and many immigrants are simply “too broke” to go back home or admit things didn't work out.
Differentiation between immigrants who stay (often poor, seeking handouts) and those who leave or return home (often wealthier).
Elizabeth shares that, for her, American culture—especially the distance in friendships and individualism, contrasted with the tight-knit (but sometimes intrusive) culture in Georgia—is the main reason she remains:
"I like my privacy. ... I'm not a person who likes big groups..." ([99:35])
The hosts repeatedly press for a more “convincing” reason why America is "better," challenging the notion that individualism alone justifies her dropping Georgian citizenship.

The Subjectivity of Best Countries & Cultural Fit

[88:20] Elizabeth: “You know what's better and freer country? Georgia, where I come from… Medical services, banking industry. ... My mom had cancer. ... Everything was paid for immediately.”
Hosts counter with questions about scale, diversity, and whether smaller homogeneous states like Switzerland are fair comparisons.
Discussion clarifies that “better” is highly subjective and context-dependent.

Personal Ties, Culture, and National Loyalty

[91:36] Elizabeth adamantly states that her move to America was for cultural fit, not opportunity or political ideology.
Tells anecdote of how her mother failed to adapt to American culture and returned to Georgia:
"Culturally different is not better or worse, it's just different."
Explains that after investing so much of her “conscious life” in the US, and creating relationships and family, it’s "really hard to leave" even if the dream has faded.
[106:36] Jimmy draws parallel between veterans staying in the military out of loyalty and Elizabeth remaining in America out of inertia, relationships, and hope for potential.

Lightning Round — Hot Take Segment

Do you believe the moon landing happened?
- Elizabeth: “I don't know. ... I've heard from people who are very high up... that it was all faked... but as a journalist, I never dived into that rabbit hole.” ([111:17])
- Jimmy believes it happened, citing external (e.g., India’s lunar images, lack of CCP denial) evidence.
Holocaust death numbers?
- Elizabeth: “6 million is a bogus, stupid number... I don't have any exact number. ... But 6 million is nowhere near the number that Hitler either killed, burnt or gassed.” ([113:04])
- Panel: Not deniers, but skeptical of official and popularly cited figures.
Is the US truly the “best country” in the world?
- Elizabeth: “Objectively, I don’t think it is. ... But American pride can never be brainwashed. ... If you chose it to be yours, then you have to love it no matter what.” ([97:03])

Closing Thoughts

The conversation concludes with some agreement that the heart of America—the “average person”—is not the problem, but rather systemic forces in government, special interests, and lobbying.
Despite cultural critique, Elizabeth claims US citizenship (having relinquished Georgian), citing cultural fit and a sense of purpose.
The group mentions a future “Antihero European Tour” for cross-cultural learning and perspective ([117:15]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Elizabeth Lane [08:54]:
"Illegal immigration rubs the wrong way... you have to do everything in the right way. And then someone just crosses the borders, never pays taxes, never does anything for this country, and somehow has the same rights as you, if not more. And that's crazy to me."
Elizabeth Lane [20:07]:
"I respect people who go to war to protect their country, I don't respect people who go to war to up other people's countries..."
Jimmy [21:14]:
"If you have ever been in a military unit, like the fir... that becomes your family, that's more your family than..."
Tyler [33:24]:
“19 year olds... they're just not like I was at 19 and 20 years before that. It wasn't like my dad.”
Elizabeth Lane [45:31]:
"If you still want to do that... you can come out and say, well, America no longer recognizes international law and standards... But here's the problem. He didn't say that..."
Elizabeth Lane [97:03]:
"No matter how your country is, you should love your country more than anything. ... If you chose it to be yours, then you have to love it no matter what."

Key Timestamps

06:07 — Elizabeth Lane joins, introduces background
08:54 — On illegal immigration as a legal immigrant
12:22–17:47 — Critique of Dan Crenshaw & ex-military celebrities
20:07–35:02 — Spirited military/morality debate: soldier agency and propaganda
36:45–44:01 — Global cabals, US vs. Europe, Russia/Ukraine breakdown
61:00 — Is the US leading the world or being manipulated by it?
76:07–92:17 — Why do immigrants come/stay? Is America really “best”? Cultural fit vs. opportunity
106:36 — “Why do you stay even if you’re disillusioned?”—personal ties, hope, inertia
111:17 — Lightning round: moon landing, Holocaust numbers
117:15 — “Antihero European Tour” idea

Overall Tone

Candid, sometimes combative but respectful—reflective of veterans’, blue-collar, and independent journalism sensibilities. Elizabeth is direct and analytic, unafraid of controversy; the hosts push back with humor and patriotic perspective, but all parties are open to challenging entrenched beliefs.

Where to find Elizabeth Lane

X (Twitter): @imelizabethlane
Instagram: @TheRealJournalist
YouTube: Elizabeth Lane Show

01/21/2026: Friendsday w/ Elizabeth Lane

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

The Antihero Broadcast

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Key Discussion Points

Sports, Current Events & Show Updates

Guest Introduction & Background - Elizabeth Lane

Career in Journalism

Critique of Dan Crenshaw & SEAL “Drama”

Debate: The Morality of American Military Actions

On Propaganda, War, and Government Motivation

US Foreign Policy, Russia, and Proxy Wars

Deep Dive: Geopolitical Power, Cabals & The Multipolar World

Are “Proxy Wars” Good for Military Effectiveness?

Is America Truly the "Best Country?"

The Subjectivity of Best Countries & Cultural Fit

Personal Ties, Culture, and National Loyalty

Lightning Round — Hot Take Segment

Closing Thoughts

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Overall Tone

Where to find Elizabeth Lane

Summary for New Listeners

Summary

The Antihero Broadcast

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Key Discussion Points

Sports, Current Events & Show Updates

Guest Introduction & Background - Elizabeth Lane

Career in Journalism

Critique of Dan Crenshaw & SEAL “Drama”

Debate: The Morality of American Military Actions

On Propaganda, War, and Government Motivation

US Foreign Policy, Russia, and Proxy Wars

Deep Dive: Geopolitical Power, Cabals & The Multipolar World

Are “Proxy Wars” Good for Military Effectiveness?

Is America Truly the "Best Country?"

The Subjectivity of Best Countries & Cultural Fit

Personal Ties, Culture, and National Loyalty

Lightning Round — Hot Take Segment

Closing Thoughts

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Overall Tone

Where to find Elizabeth Lane

Summary for New Listeners