The Antihero Podcast Episode: Squadcast (Live) 01/09/2025
Release Date: January 10, 2025

Introduction & Episode Logistics

• [00:00 - 02:00] Hosts Introduce the Live Session
  • Brent kicks off the live session, mentioning he's filling in for Brent's regular host due to traffic delays ("Brent's on 95 and it's moving slow as shit, so he is going to be an hour late." [00:52]).
  • Justin apologizes for being absent from a live event in Philadelphia, where Brent is heading for Counterculture's first big live show ("Justin: Sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry." [01:38]).
  • The hosts outline the session's agenda: super chats, video breakdowns, and Q&A with listeners, highlighting the LA fires as a major topic.

Technical Difficulties & Episode Production

• [03:00 - 08:55] Discussing Audio Issues with Kevin Wolf's Interview
  • Brent recounts a problematic episode where Kevin Wolf’s audio failed: "The Kevin Wolf on the left, his audio didn't come through." ([04:17]).
  • Efforts to fix the audio were unsuccessful, leading to Drew manually transcribing Kevin's lip movements and re-recording his voice, transforming the episode into an audiobook format ([05:00] - [06:31]).
  • The team faced further delays with editing and uploading, resulting in a rushed and incomplete release that lost initial traction ([07:05] - [08:55]).

Network Transition to Counterculture

• [09:00 - 14:30] Leaving 'Failure to Stop' Network and Founding Counterculture
  • Brent explains the departure from the Failure to Stop network due to conflicts over an episode criticizing Tim Kennedy ("We left our network obviously." [09:17]).
  • The creation of Counterculture as a new network focused on first responders and military was discussed, aiming to provide an alternative to dominant voices like Black Rifle Coffee Company ("We created Counterculture, which is a first responder military network." [12:10]).
  • Tyler emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives within the first responder community, contrasting with dominant narratives ([13:08] - [14:30]).

LA Fires Discussion

• [15:00 - 18:00] Analyzing the LA Fires' Impact and Political Blame
  • The hosts delve into the recent LA fires, discussing fatalities and disruptions ("Has anybody died from these LA fires yet?" [16:14]).
  • Brent attributes blame to California Governor Gavin Newsom for cutting water supplies to protect fish, exacerbating fire conditions ("Everybody's blaming Newsom." [16:55]).
  • Discussions include the logistical challenges faced by firefighters, such as limited water access and budget cuts to fire departments ([16:50] - [18:00]).

Martial Arts in Law Enforcement

• [60:00 - 62:14] Evaluating Effective Martial Arts for Cops
  • Tyler and Brent discuss the practicality of various martial arts, favoring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for its effectiveness in law enforcement scenarios ("For law enforcement, BJJ probably is the most practical." [59:47]).
  • Drew introduces Arnis, a Filipino martial art, highlighting its focus on weapon-based and hand-to-hand combat techniques ([60:21] - [60:55]).
  • The conversation touches on the importance of adaptability and functional training over traditional or purely athletic disciplines ([61:05] - [62:14]).

Stolen Valor and Tim Kennedy Controversy

• [74:00 - 83:32] Debating Tim Kennedy's Credibility and Alleged War Crimes
  • The hosts confront allegations against Tim Kennedy, questioning the veracity of his military claims ("Tim Kennedy wasn’t there, but he absolutely..." [74:33]).
  • Tyler and Brent scrutinize Tim’s statements about receiving medals for valor, suggesting inconsistencies and potential fabrications ("I guarantee you, you go find the guy that was on the thermal..." [75:13]).
  • Drew shares insights from David Hookstead, who contacted USASOC regarding Tim's claims, receiving a dismissive response that implicitly accuses Tim of dishonesty ("USASAK covers psyOps, civil affairs, green Berets..." [82:20]).
  • The discussion emphasizes the importance of accountability and the burden of proof shifting onto Tim to substantiate his allegations ([83:32] - [83:39]).

Super Chats and Listener Engagement

• [22:00 - 124:55] Listener Interactions and Comments
  • Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with super chats—live messages from listeners providing questions, comments, and shout-outs.
  • Topics covered in super chats include:
    • Fire and Rescue Operations: Appreciation messages and questions about firefighting strategies.
    • Gun and Tactical Gear Recommendations: Inquiries about firearms like the FNX and SR25, with Tyler providing expert opinions ([94:37] - [95:37]).
    • State Preferences: Listeners discuss favorite states for living outside Florida, with Tyler advocating for North Carolina due to its diverse geography and climate ([99:32] - [101:15]).
    • Law Enforcement Practices: Questions about police protocols, body cams, and handling violent situations, with detailed responses from Brent and Tyler ([115:00] - [117:45]).
    • Humorous and Off-Topic Comments: Light-hearted banter and jokes about martial arts, military bands, and personal anecdotes ([87:00] - [120:00]).

Sponsorships and Commercials

• [43:00 - 46:00] Sponsored Segments
  • Shell Shock CBD: Promoted by Justin, emphasizing their THC-free, triple-tested CBD gummies for a perfect night's sleep with a money-back guarantee ([43:00] - [44:46]).
  • Brotherhood Blades: Introduced by Tyler, highlighting their durable, USA-made blades designed by and for law enforcement and first responders, offering lifetime warranties and custom options ([44:46] - [45:03]).
  • Howell Arms: Drew discusses this disabled veteran-owned business specializing in custom firearm creation and gunsmithing, founded by two-tour Army combat veteran Richard Howe ([45:03] - [46:00]).

Military Bands and Budgeting Controversy

• [50:00 - 55:00] Critique of Military Band Funding
  • Tyler and Brent express strong opinions against the high annual funding ($260 million) allocated to military bands, questioning their necessity and efficiency ([50:25] - [55:00]).
  • Brent likens the military bands to non-essential activities, arguing that funds could be better spent on combat roles or operational needs ("Why do we have to... football team." [47:49]).

Final Discussions and Wrap-Up

• [117:00 - 126:33] Concluding Remarks and Future Plans
  • The hosts discuss upcoming live events, Patreon giveaways, and milestones like nearing 100,000 YouTube subscribers.
  • Brent emphasizes the importance of exposing corruption in both military and law enforcement, maintaining accountability ("You have to police our own." [67:39]).
  • The episode concludes with final super chats, listener appreciations, and interaction among hosts, maintaining the camaraderie and engaged atmosphere throughout ([124:00 - 126:33]).

Notable Quotes

• Brent: "It was like the moment you write a book and you go public... you lose the right to be like, oh, you should have talked to me." ([112:06])
• Tyler: "A cop can punch you in the face as long as it's needed." ([109:39])
• Drew: "I have a problem with people defending liars... liars want to protect other liars." ([68:20])

Key Insights and Conclusions

• Accountability is Crucial: The podcast emphasizes the importance of holding both military and law enforcement accountable, advocating for transparency and truth over protecting flawed individuals.
• Content Creation Challenges: Technical issues and production delays can significantly impact content release and audience engagement, as highlighted by the audio problems with Kevin Wolf's interview.
• Community Building: Transitioning to the Counterculture network aims to foster a more inclusive and representative environment for first responders and military personnel, providing diverse perspectives.
• Budget Prioritization: There's a strong stance against allocating substantial funds to non-essential activities like military bands, arguing for more efficient use of resources towards operational needs.
• Stolen Valor Awareness: The hosts are committed to debunking false military claims and ensuring the integrity of genuine service members' contributions, confronting individuals like Tim Kennedy who allegedly fabricate their military achievements.

Conclusion

This live episode of The Antihero Podcast offers a blend of serious discussions on current events like the LA fires and system accountability, alongside lighter moments of humor and community interaction. The hosts demonstrate a commitment to truth and integrity, engaging listeners through direct conversations, super chats, and expert insights while navigating the challenges of live content production.