The Antihero Podcast
Episode: "10/27/2025 NO MORE EBT DUE TO GOVT SHUTDOWN!! Plus Portland and ICE"
Date: October 27, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, the hosts of The Antihero Podcast dig into the looming end of EBT/SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown and examine how this could ripple out with real-world consequences. They also dive deep into the dynamics of law enforcement in Portland, including police and ICE relations, and how local politics impact policing. The episode features candid discussions about the first responder/veteran community, generational welfare, police morale, public accountability, and a few lighter moments with listener call-ins and shoutouts.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. EBT/SNAP Payments and Government Shutdown (Main Theme)
- Immediate Crisis: Hosts explain that if the government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, EBT/SNAP benefits may not be paid, impacting 40 million Americans.
- “[SNAP] possibly not coming in November 1st… the amount of problems that is going to be generated from not paying the people… is gonna be wild.” (A, 33:59)
- Underlying Issues:
- The system was designed as temporary aid but has become generational dependence.
- “It's meant to help. It's not meant to exist forever, but it’s turned into like a supplemental income. It's turned into an entire generation of income.” (A, 35:05)
- Hosts debate if it should be time-limited and express mixed feelings about government assistance, drawing sharp analogies (e.g., “power outage at home” for resource allocation—see 42:36).
- They anticipate unrest if benefits are interrupted: “If you stop EBT or snap come November 1st...everyone is going to feel this.” (A, 34:01)
- The system was designed as temporary aid but has become generational dependence.
- Political Calculations: Elected officials avoid reforming benefits to secure votes, even when dysfunction is obvious.
- “If you do one thing against that you're out of office, you’re not going to win reelection... they don't care.” (B, 08:53)
2. Portland, ICE, and Local Police
- Complex Four-Way Dynamic: ICE, Portland police leadership, city council, and rank-and-file officers all operate under conflicting directives due to local sanctuary policies.
- “Their hands are tied as cops. They're not legally allowed per ORS city code, to assist the feds with any immigration enforcement.” (B, 07:28)
- “They're categorizing all seizures as kidnapping. So the PD is considering the federal agents taking custody people into custody as kidnapping.” (B, 07:46)
- Liaison/DLO officers: Dialogue Liaison Officers (DLOs) assigned to communicate with protesters and facilitate First Amendment rights—cannot take enforcement action.
- “They’re called DLO program—dialogue liaison officers...their job is to try to communicate with protesters and facilitate their First Amendment right. They’re not supposed to take any law enforcement action.” (B, 10:09)
- Call-In Verification: Listener "Ben" confirms state's constitutional prohibition of local PD assisting ICE since 1984. Reprisals against cops who break this policy are severe:
- “If a guy helps and he gets caught, he's done. They will burn him at the stake.” (E, 51:06)
3. The Culture and Evolution of the Show
- Mental Health in First Responders: The show grapples with finding a balance between humor and the gravity of mental health topics among first responders. The hosts recount pushback from some listeners:
- “We had a guy who tried to kill himself explaining how he's now helping others...somehow we got called like morons...” (B, 02:13)
- Toxic Subculture: The first responder/veteran subculture’s resistance to vulnerability:
- “It's toxic as fuck. Yeah, everybody's an asshole.” (A, 02:10)
4. Law Enforcement Morale, SWAT and Community Support
- Fundraising for Midland County SWAT Team: Direct call with SWAT member Luis (24:01-26:28) highlights lack of morale funding for police units, reliance on community donations.
- SWAT Standards & Police Recruitment: Discussion on the dilution of SWAT standards, nepotism, and how performance and fitness thresholds have softened in policing across America.
- “Do you think they should have to maintain fitness?...Absolutely. Every SWAT guy that makes a standard on the team should be able to pass that at any given…” (A/B, 31:29)
- Generational Issues in Law Enforcement: Similar generational problems arise in policing as in welfare—subpar officers move up and become role models:
- “You’re running out of high performing people... starting to allow subpar performance.” (B, 32:14)
5. ICE Masks, Doxxing, and Public Records
- ICE Agents’ Use of Masks: A message from an ICE agent explains why agents mask up due to real doxxing threats targeting families (16:51):
- “You bet your ass I’m wearing a mask…I refuse for them to be subject to terrorist threats of violence.” (A, quoting ICE agent, 16:51)
- First Amendment and Privacy: Hosts discuss how public records access and the internet age were never anticipated by the founding fathers:
- “Do you think that the First Amendment and public record, the way it sits today, intended for everyone to easily be able to access everyone else's address, location, home? I don't think it did.” (B, 18:18)
6. Calls from Listeners (Charity Shoutouts, Stories, and Banter)
- Charity Highlight: #CharityOfTheEpisode segment introduced. SWAT Christmas party highlighted. (22:04-26:53)
- Community Banter: Ongoing calls with listeners bring military/LE stories, friendly roasting, and inside jokes (see 90:00–96:29 “Clint’s Call” for an extended humorous recount of a live-fire exercise with the British military and Gurkhas).
7. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On SNAP/EBT and Government Crisis
"If you stop EBT or snap come November 1st, if they don't figure it out, everyone is going to feel this."
— Host A, [33:59]
On Culture and Change in First Responder Sphere
"It's toxic as fuck. Yeah, everybody's an asshole."
— Host A, [2:10]
On ICE Agents Masking Up for Safety
"I signed up for this to enjoy this job. My wife and my family did not. And I refuse for them to be subject to terrorist threats of violence."
— Quoted ICE Agent, [16:51]
On Portland Police/ICE Dynamic
"It's as simple as that. But because they're doubling down on the sanctuary city stuff...their hands are tied as cops."
— Host B, summarizing tip from “boots on the ground,” [07:18]
On First Amendment & Doxxing
"The fact that we've taken it to like, I can subpoena your cell phone or...know where you live...it's backwards. ...We didn't [intend] that."
— Host B, [19:06]
On SWAT Standards
"Any SWAT guy that makes a standard on the team should be able to pass that standard any given..."
— Host B, [31:31]
On Intergenerational Welfare
"You have 40 million people who essentially...did nothing but not be able to get a job and not be able to eat...they're planning on being supported the rest of their lives.”
— Host B, [53:26]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Portland ICE/PD Deep Dive: 06:41–13:00, resumes with call-in at 48:20
- ICE Masking/Doxxing Info: 16:51–19:06
- Charity/Listener Call (Midland County SWAT): 22:04–26:53
- Main SNAP/EBT Segment (Societal Impact): 33:44–44:36, resumes 52:27–60:00
- On Public Records & Doxxing: 18:18–21:57
- Listener “Clint” Military Story: 90:00–96:29
Tone and Style
- Language is frank, often darkly humorous, laced with first responder/veteran bravado and irreverence.
- The hosts blend in banter, personal anecdotes, strong opinions, and call-ins, maintaining a conversational, in-the-know tone for their audience.
Summary for Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This wide-ranging episode captures real anxieties about the upcoming government shutdown, not just for welfare recipients but law enforcement and veterans as well. With a mix of policy analysis, agency gossip, and gallows humor, hosts break down how civic dysfunction—from Portland sanctuary city law to the generational spiral of SNAP—affects communities and first responders. Listener call-ins add authenticity and comic relief, especially around the intricacies and personalities in law enforcement. The podcast remains grounded in the first responder experience, continually reinforcing its "all truth" tagline—raw, opinionated, and unfiltered.
Additional Resources
- For further support and bonus content, join their Patreon (see [01:23]).
- For those interested in supporting the Midland County SWAT Christmas party: contact Luis at LGodina@mcounty.com (phonetic: Lima Golf Oscar Delta India November Alpha at Mike Charlie Oscar Uniform November Tango Yankee dot com).
[End of Summary]