Sean Hannity on the Call He Made to Trump, the Texts That Got Released and the Life Nobody Knows About

Summary

The Sage Steele Show

Episode Title: Sean Hannity on the Call He Made to Trump, the Texts That Got Released and the Life Nobody Knows About
Date: May 27, 2026
Host: Sage Steele (represented in conversation by Ainsley Earhardt for this episode)
Guest: Sean Hannity

---

Episode Overview

This episode features an in-depth and candid conversation between Ainsley Earhardt ("filling in" as interviewer with Sean Hannity) and Sean Hannity himself, focusing on his deeply personal philosophies, privacy habits, storied media career, close relationships (especially with Donald Trump), and reflections on upbringing, masculinity, parenting, and hard work. The tone is honest, playful, and reflective, often veering into moments of self-deprecation and vulnerability that Hannity claims to rarely express publicly.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life in the Spotlight, Authenticity, and Surviving in Media

• Living with Public Scrutiny: Hannity discusses how being in the media means constant surveillance and litigation threats, prompting him to adopt extreme privacy measures (“I don’t have an email account. I don’t have a computer. I’ve never turned on the cloud to my phone ever. I erase every text message I have.” — Sean Hannity, 02:11–02:19).
• Text Leaks and Personal Integrity: He references the release of his text messages with Paul Manafort, Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows, and others, emphasizing the personal violation he felt and how the content showed he actually believes what he says on TV and radio (03:20–04:50).
  • “If it sounded different, you know, then you would say, 'Oh, he’s a phony.' So. But when they were all concluding, wow, it sounds analog, I’m like, yeah, well, that he’s genuine.” — Sean Hannity (04:40–04:50)
• On Contrived Media: Hannity criticizes the performative anger seen in much political media aimed at gaining clicks, maintaining that he’s always been authentic even at the risk of controversy (04:52–05:31).

2. Friendship and Influence with Donald Trump

• Relationship with Trump: Hannity neither confirms nor denies specifics about the frequency of his conversations with Trump but details the nature of their friendship and his ability to be candid with the former president (06:03–06:43).
  • "Donald Trump listens to everybody, but he is a man of his own mind. Do I have a friendship that I can be honest with him and give him my opinion? Yes." — Sean Hannity (06:19–06:43)
• Navigating Criticism: He shares a specific story where he called Trump after Trump’s controversial comments following Rob Reiner’s death, directly giving him feedback, highlighting their dynamic of honesty and respect (07:31–08:12).

3. The Role of Opinion vs. Journalism

• Host vs. Reporter: Hannity distinguishes himself as a talk show host with a point of view, not a straight news reporter, and believes it’s a crucial distinction often misunderstood by the public (10:04–10:17).
• On Supporting Trump: Both discuss how being critical does not contradict overall support, and criticize widespread 'performative outrage' over Trump's words and tweets (09:10–10:50).

4. Gender, Relationships, and Traditional Values

• On Masculinity and Modern Dating: The conversation shifts toward Ainsley's experiences as a strong, outspoken woman in media and the intimidating effect it may have on potential partners. Hannity reinforces the importance of confidence and traditional gender roles, stating, “I think it’s better when the man is the breadwinner and the provider. I think men are naturally… hunter gatherers in that sense, women have like amazing God given gifts that men don’t have, generally speaking…” (23:27–24:12).
• Relationships in the Public Eye: They discuss the challenges of maintaining relationships when one or both partners are public figures, emphasizing the need for security and confidence in a partner, and why celebrities often pair with each other (25:08–26:12).

5. Upbringing, Work Ethic, and Early Challenges

• Working-Class Roots: Hannity details his blue-collar upbringing, the numerous jobs he held from a young age (paperboy at 8, dishwasher at 12, bartender at 17), and how his parents’ constant work shaped his independence and ambition (46:23–53:12).
  • “My parents, much greater people than I am… They had the hardest life. They never really… They never had a new car. They never took a… We took one family vacation for three days… We didn’t go out to eat ever…” — Sean Hannity (52:00–53:07)
• Self-Reliance as a Teen: He openly shares about missing 37 days of school his senior year while working in bars, his creative ways of bypassing both school and parental rules, and the human touch from a school administrator who understood his situation (56:13–64:07).

6. Parenting Philosophy and Discipline

• Strict Yet Loving Approach: Both Hannity and Ainsley discuss the importance of boundaries, consequences, and consistency in raising children, including stories about discipline, spanking, and setting expectations early (65:24–71:35).
  • "One of the biggest mistakes parents make is… they need to be loved. ...Kids do want structure. They're not going to ask for structure at that age...But they want it." — Sean Hannity (73:21)
• Reflections on Mistakes: Both admit their mistakes as parents but highlight the positive outcomes of tough love.

7. Faith, Gratitude & Perspective

• Grounding in Faith: Hannity credits his Christian beliefs for his outlook on life and his gratitude for his achievements, expressing awe at the sacrifices of previous generations and those who serve in the military (36:12–37:43).
  • "My belief in God, my Christianity...I honestly just am at a point in my life that I’m grateful for things that I don’t think I deserved in my life." — Sean Hannity (36:18–37:04)

8. Humility, Success, and “Regular Guy” Persona

• Avoiding the Ego Trap: Despite celebrity, Hannity insists he remains grounded, dressing casually, shunning tuxedos, and celebrating—rather than resenting—Ainsley’s or others’ fame within their family and social circles. He emphasizes gratitude for his audience (“They’ve given me a life that I never dreamed of. I’m grateful.” — 31:45).
• Joy from Work: He repeatedly insists that his media work “is not work” for him and reiterates deep love for radio and TV, attributing any success to hard work and grounding.

9. Notable Personal Anecdotes

• The Matchmaker: Hannity reveals that he takes pride in setting people up romantically, joking about his old “Hanna-Date” matchmaking service.
• Wallpaper Wizard: Extensive discussion about his past as a wallpaper hanger, even imparting technical tips about wallpaper adhesives and wall preparation (47:06–48:11), and a playful dialogue about home renovation with Ainsley.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Release of Private Texts:

  “They’re talking about you. I’m like, okay, what did I do now? … And then the best, best part of the story is… oh my God, he really believes this shit. …Now I infer from that maybe the stuff they’re saying, they don’t believe.” — Sean Hannity (03:20–04:39)

• On Supporting Trump Authentically:

  “He hated me, so he’s gonna be himself anyway. ...We just don’t need to hear every single thought that goes through your head.” — Hannity recounting his message to Trump after controversial comments (07:37–08:01)

• On Media Personas:

  “I’m a conservative talk show host with an opinion.” — Sean Hannity (10:04) “A lot of people looking for clicks… I’m not in that space.” — Sean Hannity (04:52)

• Describing Traditional Values:

  “Women are just more nurturing. Men are better when they provide.” — Sean Hannity (24:12–24:20) “If you really love another person… you shouldn’t be looking at what you’re getting. You should be: what can you give, how can I serve?” — Sean Hannity (23:52–24:12)

• On Children and Parenting:

  “One of the biggest mistakes parents make is… they need to be loved. …Kids do want structure. They're not going to ask for structure at that age...But they want it.” — Sean Hannity (73:21)

• On Faith & Gratitude:

  “My belief in God, my Christianity ... I know I stand on their shoulders and it doesn’t give me a right to complain.” — Sean Hannity (36:18–37:04)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Privacy & Text Deletion Policy: 02:11–03:20
• On Leaked Manafort Texts: 03:20–04:44
• Authenticity in Media: 04:50–05:50
• Relationship with Trump & Giving Feedback: 06:03–08:12
• Opinion Host vs. News Reporter: 10:04–10:50
• Gender & Relationships: 19:09–24:12
• Work Ethic and Early Jobs: 46:23–53:12
• School Story & Parental Discipline: 56:28–64:07
• Parenting Approaches & Tough Love: 65:24–73:21
• Faith and Perspective: 36:12–37:43
• Wallpaper Tips: 47:06–48:30

---

Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation blends warmth, playful banter, and depth. Hannity reveals rarely-shared vulnerabilities, his gratitude for what life has brought him, and a drive rooted in both faith and the hardships of his working-class childhood. Ainsley gently but persistently probes for the “life nobody knows about,” resulting in a portrait that’s both relatable and revealing for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

---

Takeaways for New Listeners

• Sean Hannity is far more reflective, private, and working-class grounded than his media persona might suggest.
• His friendship with Trump is authentic, honest, and involves giving real feedback, not just affirmation.
• He maintains strict boundaries in his digital life due to ongoing legal and media scrutiny.
• He deeply values work ethic, Christian faith, and staying connected to regular people despite fame.
• Hannity and Ainsley share nuanced philosophies on success, relationships, parenting, and courage, drawn from personal struggle, media scrutiny, and faith.

---

End of Summary

Transcript

[Ainsley Earhardt]

When it's time to scale your business, it's time for Shopify. Get everything you need to grow the way you want. Like all the way. Stack more sales with the best converting checkout on the planet. Track your cha chings from every channel right in one spot and turn real time reporting into big time opportunities. Take your business to a whole new level. Switch to Shopify. Start your free trial today.

[Sean Hannity]

Pros save more on the materials you need to get the job done Inside and out at Lowe's right now, get 10% off in stock Trex Naturals decking now available in more styles. Plus get 15% off select custom entry, interior and storm doors. Then we'll deliver it all straight to your job site to help keep your jobs moving. Get the brand's pros trust priced right and ready when you need them. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's, valid through 527 while supplies last selection varies by location. If I had two books to write Sage, one would be An Undeserved Life. The second would be it hurts me

[Ainsley Earhardt]

a little bit that you feel like you don't deserve that.

[Sean Hannity]

I just never had it before. I'm never lonely because I'm always busy. But then when somebody else adds so much to your life, it just is that much greater. She's tricking me. She's making me say stuff I've never said before.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

How often do you talk to your friend Donald Trump?

[Sean Hannity]

I've told you more than I've told anybody publicly. This has not worked for me, you know, I want to know more about your story. Tell me more about.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, no, this is about you.

[Sean Hannity]

What happened to this interview? Take your thumb, stick it in their eyes.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Have you ever killed somebody?

[Sean Hannity]

If you come down.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

That's not answer, sunshine. Hi, Ainsley. Look, I know we don't serve a queen, but our language did come from Britain. Language is important. Do you see the smile on his face? Do you see that confidence? You're running for president, aren't you?

[Sean Hannity]

You really want me to answer?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Show

[Sean Hannity]

this isn't what you want to put this on? I don't have an email account. I don't have a computer.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Who doesn't have a computer?

[Sean Hannity]

Me.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

But is. So there's a reason for this. So no one can.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, I got. I mean, if you get enough preservation orders in your life, I'm like, I'm done. The answer is I don't have it. I've never turned on the cloud to my phone ever. I don't have a cloud. I don't Have a cloud account every day. I erase every text message I have. I do not have text messages with anybody.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Are you kidding?

[Sean Hannity]

No.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Did something happen? Is there trauma in your life you want to talk about?

[Sean Hannity]

It's not as bad or as sinister as you think. No, I just realized that.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Smart.

[Sean Hannity]

This. It's such a litigious society. I mean, after. Especially after 2020. I mean, they were after me. Like, they were so after me. I'm like, excuse me, I'm in the media. It's none of your business. My. I'll tell you exactly what happened. I shouldn't put that there, right?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, go for it. It's fine. We just. Look, we. We thought about bringing tables with us.

[Sean Hannity]

So when you have 12 or 1500 text messages, like I had with me and Paul Manafort being released to the public, my private text messages, and then during the J6 hearings, my text messages with Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows, Kayleigh McEnany, all released, I said, I had enough. I'm done. And so I didn't save anything. Now, they didn't get any of them for me anyway, because I would never hand it over. But for. I felt like that is such an invasion of my privacy. There's a great backstory to it, though. When they released, I think it was the Manafort text message exchanges. You know, all of a sudden, my producer comes in, my radio producer, and says, turn on CNN and msnbc. They're talking about you. I'm like, okay, what did I do now?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Right?

[Sean Hannity]

What did I do this time? And they're like, sean Hannity, Paul Manafort, all the text exchanges. And then the best, best, best part of the story is. And they would conclude, oh, my God, he really believes this shit. Although they didn't say shit. It sounds like his monologues on tv. Now I infer from that maybe the stuff they're saying, they don't believe.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes, exactly.

[Sean Hannity]

If it sounded different, you know, then you would say, oh, he's a phony.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly.

[Sean Hannity]

So. But when they were all concluding, wow, it sounds analog, I'm like, yeah, well, that he's genuine.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

This is terrible thing, that he's genuine about what he said.

[Sean Hannity]

I mean, I'm a real conservative. I believe what I say. I don't. Not contrived. I think that's one of the problems we have today. I think a lot of people looking for clicks to build an algorithm, because they monetize it and they'll say anything, and the angrier they are and the more personal attacks they make. I'm not in that space, I'm. You know what? I let my. I've been doing radio since 1987. Before you were born to write. We're on 760 stations. Even Dave's laughing. We're on SiriusXM. We also put that on a podcast. I've been on FOX since the day went on the air. 30 years.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

30 years. This year?

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Gosh. One of the OGs.

[Sean Hannity]

If I had two books to write Sage, and I'm not writing another one, I've written four. One would be An Undeserved Life. The second would be Everything I Wanted To Say But Knew would Get Me Fired.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, God. So you're writing that, right? And on the day that you step away.

[Sean Hannity]

No, I just like the title to make people think that everything I want to say, I say.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

How often do you talk to your friend Donald Trump?

[Sean Hannity]

I never disclose that. Okay.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You are friends, though. Isn't that a fair way to describe your relationship with him?

[Sean Hannity]

I talk to him often. I'm going to be with him in China. I'm going on the China tour.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Wow. Talk, slash text. Communicate. You communicate.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah. A lot. I do, you know, but it's not the way most people think. I mean, it's like these ridiculous comments that people make that Bibi Netanyahu convinced him to go to war with Iran. That's not. No. Donald Trump listens to everybody, but he is a man of his own mind. Do I have a friendship that I can be honest with him and give him my opinion? Yes. He's the president.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Sure.

[Sean Hannity]

He was elected to be the president. He's the one that makes that decision. And he's got very good instincts. And I think he will go down in history as consequential, transformational.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Absolutely.

[Sean Hannity]

And he has hard decisions to make. I think it's the hardest job in the world.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Absolutely. And I always wonder who the heck would want that because of your friendship. How difficult is it to not criticize? But if you. If there's something out there that you don't agree with, how he said something, which, hey, that's up for debate with pretty. Pretty much every day on Truth, Social or whatever it is. But I. But it, to me, would feel difficult to be constructively critical.

[Sean Hannity]

But I'll give you an honor. I'll give you a recent example. Remember the Rob Reiner. When Rob Reiner died and he made

[Ainsley Earhardt]

those comments that upset me. That upset me.

[Sean Hannity]

Okay. I called him and it just so happened. Melania was there. I said, put me on speaker. Really? Really. Like, this is I talked to him.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

New York as I am. I said, we don't need to hear every single thought that goes through your head. Yeah, we just don't. And I said, the guy's dead.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

He goes, he hated me, so he's gonna be himself anyway. It doesn't matter what anyone says. I think to hear a little pushback in a moment like that is good.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

But now, why wouldn't you do it on the air?

[Sean Hannity]

I would if I felt it was needed. For example, I think I probably did

[Ainsley Earhardt]

well because with Mueller, for example, when Mueller died and my goodness, that man put. That, put the Trump family through hell. And I saw same page times, a thousand. And to say, tweet, post, I'm glad he's dead. That, to me, is where you go for all those people of the fringe. Then you wonder why they go. I just. Stephen A. Smith admitted that the reason why he couldn't vote for Donald Trump is because of things like that, which I think is weak sauce. But whatever.

[Sean Hannity]

My point is, I am so over it, though.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And the thing is, just because you are critical doesn't mean you, you don't support. Because I completely support him. Would vote for him every single day, like, forever. And please just stop with that stuff, because there's hatred in that.

[Sean Hannity]

It would be, I think, in his best political interest at times and maybe win other people over. However, you know, it's, it's, it's very. I want the authentic, unique guy with every war and every, you know, blemish, because we all have them. And I would be lying to you if I feigned outrage or offense at any of it, because none of it outrages me and it doesn't outrage everyone that's so critical of him. They're full of, to use my New York term, they just bull. It's bullshit. They're not outrage. They're not. They feign phony outrage, you know, for themselves.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I do think that journalistically, it can be. It can be tough. And it's different if you are a reporter and you're at the White House. That's the thing.

[Sean Hannity]

I'm a conservative talk show host with an opinion.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You need to give your opinion. So that's what I think people need to remember is it is different than someone who has to report the news. You're going to report the news.

[Sean Hannity]

I could produce thousands of hours of straight news.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I'm reporting, and you give the news and then you give your opinion. And I think that that's something people don't understand. The difference with I do think that where sometimes it can be tough, you know, from those on the outside looking in. Not that we always care what they think, but it is interesting to at least understand where they're coming from is, no, we're not just all in bed with the Republican Party. And we're going to like, what is that line? And when we can at times say, yeah, I support the man. He's the right person for this job, the only person, and this could have been done better.

[Sean Hannity]

Just be honest and what bothers you and what doesn't. I mean, and Donald Trump is fine with that, too. I don't think any of that affects him, but I will for myself. I have been my entire career a committed conservative. Liberalism, to me, has caused great damage to this country. The presidency of Joe Biden created caused great damage to this country. So a few offensive words or positions. I know people acted outraged, what he said on Easter Sunday. And they're all, you know, feigning outrage. I don't believe them. They bubble and fizz like Alka Seltzer and water. I think a lot of people want, especially in this space, this podcast space,

[Ainsley Earhardt]

well, that's a whole different world where right now there's such divisiveness. I don't.

[Sean Hannity]

Do you give a shit? I don't care what they say.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I'm. But the future of the Republican Party. Can MAGA exist and the Republican Party, like, right now, there's a. There's a fracture there. And can we in 2028, continue this thing if those two sides don't stop doing this?

[Sean Hannity]

That'll work itself out.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

I have a funny feeling how it plays out, but I will save that for a different day. I walked in this room with no idea what we're going to talk about. You trust, though, the only thing we have to get into this interview.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes. No.

[Sean Hannity]

What do you mean, no? You don't even know what it is.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah, I do.

[Sean Hannity]

You do?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I think it. I think it's about.

[Sean Hannity]

You think. You know?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

Okay. I knew you were getting. Getting engaged the day before because we were doing a test run of me doing a podcast because I wanted to do one, and you were gracious enough to come on, and you were great.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I was honored to finally meet you in person. It was like, oh, come on.

[Sean Hannity]

I was honored to meet you.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

It meant the world to me. I was nervous.

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, come on.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Swear to God, I was so nervous.

[Sean Hannity]

Nervous?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah. The fact that you. That Sean Hannity knew I was getting engaged before, that was insane.

[Sean Hannity]

No. So I met you and your now husband.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And by the way, fast.

[Sean Hannity]

You know what you really need to do? You've got to put your wedding pictures. I've seen wedding pictures and they're like, oh yeah, nice. Oh they're really beautiful. Yours are like they should be in a bridal magazine, like every bridal magazine.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

When it comes to investing, are you just focused on what you're buying or have you thought about where you're holding it? Because that's where a lot of people get it wrong. Most investors don't fully understand the power of tax advantaged accounts. They're trading crypto or other assets in standard accounts and every time they make a move, they could be creating a tax advantage event. That means over time you're not just building gains, you're giving a portion of them away. And if you're a long term investor, it can be even more frustrating. You sit on an asset for years, it grows and when you finally sell, a big chunk goes to taxes. The solution is iTrust Capital. ITrust Capital lets you buy and sell crypto as well as physical gold and silver all inside a self directed ira so you can actively manage your portfolio without triggering capital gains taxes on every trade. You can open a new IRA with iTrust Capital or rollover an old 401k or existing IRA. That means taking retirement money that's been sitting in the same traditional system and actually putting it to work. You'll have more control, more flexibility and access to more alternative assets. And you'll get to keep more of what you make because you won't create a taxable event every time you make a trade inside the account. Use my link in the description below. To create an account with a thousand thousand dollars of funds and get a $100 funding bonus. Go to itrustcapital.com go sagesteel to learn more.

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures [e-mail] disclosures Dave told you.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Like, how did it come up?

[Sean Hannity]

So there are certain times you see people together and you just know. And there was something magical about the two of you and how you interact, interacted with each other. And I was really impressed by. I was kind of taken by it. And I have this thing I like to set people up. I like, you know, I used to have on my website, Hannah date and hundreds of people got married. I know, right? And hundreds of people got married. I'm going to bring it back, I think. And they'd meet and I don't know, but I could tell you had a really, really special connection with each other just talking to the two of you together.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

Loved him immediately. Ready? Loved you. So I was asking almost immediately, if you remember. Well, yes, but before that I was at. So when do you two get married? My.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes, that's right. And I was like, dave, yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

You go to the bathroom, you go to the restroom. And I said, he go. He pulled me aside and said, I'm asking her tomorrow. I knew. Before you go, the worst part of this story is I want to hear all about it. Because I'm so friggin nosy. Right. I'm a talk show host. I want to know more about it. And so I talked to Ainsley and I'm like, ainsley, they're getting married. They're really cool. You know, Sage, she knows you, loves you. And I said, he. He's a really cool guy. Really liked him. Because I, I have like this radar thing going on. I can read people like that.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I love that. I love that.

[Sean Hannity]

Never doubt it. If you see something in people that you don't like. We're almost indoctrinated into not seeing what we see.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes. To. To not to not trust your gut, basically.

[Sean Hannity]

Well, yeah. And people. Well, I don't want to think the worst of people. I'm like, I can see right through that person.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly.

[Sean Hannity]

You know, I will whisper to Ainsley or my kids, that person's a dirtbag. Stay away from them.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly.

[Sean Hannity]

And I can size them up that quickly. I have found it's actually discernment. It's a gift. Maybe I'm wrong sometimes. Sometimes people prove me wrong. Very rarely. And I knew right away. I really like both of you together. And so when you told me that, I wanted to know, and I told Ainsley and I said, well, I want to call and ask how it went. She goes, what if he didn't ask? And I'm like, oh, shit. I didn't think about that part. That wouldn't have been a cool call.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

That would be bad.

[Sean Hannity]

That would have been bad. I'm like, well. Then I went. I needed to know. Next thing, next time I see you, you guys are married already.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I know. Here's the thing. When you're. I mean, I'm three years older, so he. I know.

[Sean Hannity]

Wow. Robbing the cradle.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly. That was the plan the whole time. Sean, it's a good thing I didn't know that you were Hannah, date matchmaker.

[Sean Hannity]

Why?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I would have been like, hey, Sean, help. I would have.

[Sean Hannity]

Were you waiting for a long time to find the right person?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah. I'd been divorced for five years.

[Sean Hannity]

You were single for five years?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And in this business. And it's this business. What is this business that we're in? Just, you know, broadcasting and media and being.

[Sean Hannity]

You're in the public eye.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And what I found. There was one guy that I dated in. During those five years.

[Sean Hannity]

One in the business.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, he wasn't. He was in sports. No. Not an athlete. Hell, no. Don't even. But I. What I realized is that. Especially when you were controversial, which I went from being normal and not controversial to controversial overnight, you're normal.

[Sean Hannity]

You're not controversial.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And that and the sports industry. Right. If you are anything but one side,

[Sean Hannity]

and if you don't want to take an experimental shot. Bingo. Which it turns out, you were right. They were wrong. I mean, that was terrible.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I'm no rocket scientist here to figure out, like, yeah, this doesn't make sense. So that made me controversial. And that literally made. Okay, I'm just going to do a rude blanket statement, but I'm not going to use the word I want to use. I'll wait till after because my mom would kill me.

[Sean Hannity]

No, go all the way.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, because it's really a foul. It's disgust. It's a foul.

[Sean Hannity]

Go foul.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

It's gross.

[Sean Hannity]

It's all right.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

It's inappropriate.

[Sean Hannity]

You'll get a lot more clicks.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I've already been canceled. How many times? It's fine. Men Men.

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, are. Are.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I can't say it. No, no, no. Because it's gross. Dogs, pigs, a type of kitty cat. Soft. How about that? Soft. No balls. How about that? Okay, no balls. When it comes to this being around, in my case, this is what I realized. A strong woman who's actually very traditional as well. Like, I wanted a man to lead, support me, but lead, like, masculinity is so important. And that's how I grew up with my father. And so I.

[Sean Hannity]

Father, by the way. Father's awesome.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

The best.

[Sean Hannity]

The picture of you and your dad at your wedding.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I know.

[Sean Hannity]

Awesome. I know.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Don't get me going again. I think that this is this whole toxic masculinity and just the feminization. It's a whole different topic, which I want to dive further into just in my career in general. But what I found was that men were. Oh, gosh, she. She. She's perceived as this now. So, no, thank you. Like, no one has any interest in me because of that.

[Sean Hannity]

Is it because, like, I think men. I'll go through a list. I think men are intimidated by successful women. I think men can be intimidated by outspoken women, by pretty women, by, you know, there's a lot of little checklists where. And I'm like, and you're not a confident guy. You got problems.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Well, and that is everything. Because what woman, real woman, is going to be attracted to a man with no confidence?

[Sean Hannity]

We should bring Dave on just to show you. You married a guy's guy. He's hanging out in a T shirt, jeans. I know the sneaks, you know, which, by the way, he's pretty jacked. He's looking good.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Listen, don't make his head too big, okay? Don't make it blow up too much.

[Sean Hannity]

I have a whole thing about this, too. What if you break down the word gentleman?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Mm.

[Sean Hannity]

The word gentle is before man.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

And I think some men, you know, are they. You know, they think they're Bam Bam or Fred Flintstone or Dino the Dinosaur. I have no idea what they think. And they're not nice. And, you know, I know there are guys that I expect dinner on the table. I'm like, well, in my house, I actually cook dinner because I'm the better cook. All right, so we'll start there. I also believe, from a Christian perspective, is that. And by the way, I'm going to start. Disclaimer. Sorry. Don't. Don't take a relationship advice from me. However, I've gotten wiser as I've gotten older, and this is what I've learned. And this is the person that I strive to be and am becoming in many ways. But I believe that if you really love another person, you shouldn't be looking at what you're getting. You should be, what can you give, how can I serve? What can I do for you in terms of like, sorry, guys, open the door, pay for the date or don't go. You know, none of this will split the check stuff, which a lot of young kids do. Yeah, I. I do think it's better. And this is going to sound bam, bam ish and I don't really care. I think it's better when the man is the breadwinner and the provider. I think men naturally. And this is where I'm gonna have to deal with this shit after, but I don't care. I think there are natural hunter gatherers in that sense. Women have like amazing God given gifts that men don't have, generally speaking. There are plenty of exceptions to these rules. Right. So let's say that at the top, women are just more nurturing.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

More loving. You know, for example, my daughter will call Ainsley before she calls me.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yep.

[Sean Hannity]

I'll be next to Ainsley and she can call me now also. That's the path of least resistance. If she wants something.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

All right, that's part of it. But there's just a different bond. However, she's a daddy's girl in every way, too, which I love.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes. And then. And she always will be, by the way. I'm 53 and my dad. Absolutely. But there's a real emasculation, I think, and it is so much more costly than people understand. Not just to the man, to the kids, to the woman. And I don't. People don't want to touch it, but it needs to be discussed.

[Sean Hannity]

See, I also think if you're in the public eye, it brings a whole other element, you know? Now I know your husband, so I know he's a secure guy.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

Okay. For a lot of men, if they're with a famous woman, you're a star. Publicly, you are a star. Okay.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Strong word, Sean. I don't agree. But I'm now more so than espn. Crazy enough. Recognizable more now. And it's something that I was worried about because it is a thing for men. And I remember for years and years and years, I'd always try to just minimize it because I didn't want my husband to feel intimidated or fill in the adjective. I don't know. I don't have to worry about that with Him. And I think that's. It is key, actually. It doesn't work if that man isn't confident enough in themselves to understand. And for me, and I know this is how you are too. You've been in this at this level for longer than anybody, really. I'm not saying you're old, but I mean, she's just kind of old.

[Sean Hannity]

I didn't hear that.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Just did. Just saying.

[Sean Hannity]

I can't believe she did that. That's terrible.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

People don't understand it unless they're in it. Ainsley understood, understood what she was getting into here. Right. But it isn't something that you can, you can teach. And I just, I was like, listen, keep your Instagram private, for instance. And I'm sorry for what might come. People come after him and say terrible things now they've done it to my kids. I know you've experienced that. And it's sick. So you have to have somebody who has that confidence to say, okay, all that doesn't matter. And I know that whatever attention might come your way, that you love me. And if, if you can figure that out, I will say I kind of now understand why. And I'm down here compared to you. Look at Hollywood people, whatever. You almost understand why they marry each other, because they get it. They understand what that public spotlight is like now. They never last either. So I don't know what that breakdown is, but I do think it's, it's unique. It is unique. And you have to have, you have to have those conversations beforehand, obviously. Now, this is my second marriage and you learn a lot. Most people don't realize this, but over 85% of the grass fed beef sold here in the US is actually imported from overseas. The problem with that is that it creates a system that slowly pushes out American farmers and ranchers. And that's why I've become a lot more intentional about where I buy my meat. And that's why I choose Good Ranchers. Good Ranchers partners with local farmers and ranchers to deliver 100% American meat straight to your door. It's on pasture, raised. It has no antibiotics and no added hormones. It's the kind of quality you can actually feel good about serving to the people around your table. With Good Ranchers, you're not just getting high quality beef, chicken and pork. You're supporting the people right here in this country who are doing it the right way. And for me, that peace of mind matters. So if you've been thinking about making a switch, this is a great time to just try it. So start your plan today and you will get free meat included with every order plus $100 off your first three orders if you use My Code Sage. Just go to goodranchers.com, use code sage at checkout. Again, free meat with every order and 100 bucks off your first three orders. When you start your subscription plan only this month or if you just want to try it out, you can get 40 bucks off your first order with my code SAGE. Instead, goodranchers.com, american meat delivered Support for

[Podcast Sponsor/Announcer]

the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures [e-mail] disclosures.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You were married for a long I was married for 20 years to the day, the first time together from age 20 to 47. That's all I knew. You grew up with your first wife as well. Like you changed from 20 to 30, 30 to 40, 40 to 50. And then you say you take that wisdom and I learned I'm not allowed

[Sean Hannity]

to talk about it. So but I will just say this. I have learned a lot.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

And there's definitely, there is a factor if, if you're a public personality. Like I think the coolest thing I can tell you is obviously Ainsley's well known in her own right and you know, people may notice me and then they'll be oh, Sean Hannity, Sean Hannity. Then they'll see Ainsley and go, hold on, Ainsley, Ainsley. And all of a sudden, hey, you missed her. Can you Take a picture of me and Ainsley.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly.

[Sean Hannity]

But I celebrate that. I mean, she's worked her whole life, and, you know, I'm proud of her success and proud of the work that she does. She's less controversial than me, and. But, I mean, we kind of celebrate each other's success, and we get it. And, you know, it's. All my kids have known. I've been in the public eye since they were born.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

And so they grew up with it. They're fine with it. I mean, you're cool with all this, right? You don't. Yeah, my son and daughter, usually. Because nobody can work a camera. If somebody wants a picture, I'll do it.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

It's either that or I'm gonna stand here for 10 minutes exactly. You know, they're like, wait, wait, wait, hang on. I know how to do it. Oh, how do you turn it around again, Martha? How do you turn the phone around?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly. It's just easier. But I. I wonder.

[Sean Hannity]

But I'll tell you this. The minute people don't want your picture, I'm grateful, because those are our customers. Now, I. When people ask me, oh, that must be burdensome. I'm like, no. I mean, if somebody in your industry, whatever it happens to be, wanted your picture, would you say, no?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, my gosh, no.

[Sean Hannity]

No. You serve your clients, your customers, you. They've given me a life that I never dreamed of. I'm grateful.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

It's an honor. And I think that what I've tried to explain to. To people as well. Does it get old, even to my kids, who, you know, every once in a while, the kids are like, come on, I just want to go to lunch with my mom. I get that. And I know your kids have grown up with it, but it can still be annoying and difficult on them. But how I try to describe it is okay. Sean Hannity has come into their living rooms, bedrooms. You know, sometimes we're watching stuff late at night when you're getting ready for bed or listening, whatever, and so people feel like they know you. And it is absolutely an honor, because that's a choice. They could change the channel they have chosen to watch you.

[Sean Hannity]

I have to earn their viewership every night. I can't force people to watch. I love when people go to me. I go to bed with you every night. I'm like, really? You're like, I didn't know that, Ainsley.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, it's not. No, it's fine.

[Sean Hannity]

Then they'll say, I wake up with you every morning.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

That's a Good one.

[Sean Hannity]

That's pretty funny.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly. I do think I have seen so many people in our industry who are rude about it, who aren't nice, who don't take that moment. And yes, you might be in a rush, but when you forget where you came from, that's a problem. And I don't think I ever would have become that way. I was just raised differently, and you're just grateful, et cetera. But when I did see that with people that I looked up to, certainly espn, et cetera, it's like that's the opposite of how I want to be. It's good reminders along the way to be kind. These people are the reason why our kids have the life, the lives that they have, and family, like, a lot of people benefit from this because those people made a choice.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

Well, I mean, that's why I say they're our customers. We. My dream. When I first got behind a microphone, the light went on, and my life changed, and that's all I wanted to do. I never wanted to do anything else. And they make that dream come true if they tune into the radio show, if they watch the TV show, they watch the podcast. You know, that is what I love to do, sitting here with you. I love being here. This has not worked for me. You know, I want to know more about your story. Tell me more about.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, no, no. This is about you. You're.

[Sean Hannity]

Listen, what happened to this interview?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, absolutely not. You're really good at flipping. This is why you're Sean Hannity, because you can flip it. And I have questions about you because I never get to ask you questions. Oh, boy. I know.

[Sean Hannity]

Fire away.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Well, first of all, one of the things that struck me so much the day that you found out I was getting engaged before I did is what I was hoping. Like, my impression of you from afar and my hope when I met you in person was. It was fulfilled that immediately because you're literally a regular person, a regular guy. Look, jeans, tennis shoes, like you are.

[Sean Hannity]

This is me every day, chill and casual.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And by the way, with your. With your new podcast, he dressed as

[Sean Hannity]

cooler than I do, though.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Again, we're going to have a problem. Sean, bring him back down. You are the most welcoming, genuine superstar in our business that I think I've met. And it was just. It was refreshing because you know how it is. And to the point where I think I. I read that you think all tuxedos should be burned. Right? Is that true?

[Sean Hannity]

Yes.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Explain.

[Sean Hannity]

Fox made me wear it. I was the emcee of the last two FOX Patriot Awards.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

Which I'm honored to do because it is such a cool event and we honor the unsung heroes in life and people that would never get recognized never get credit. It's not that self congratulatory BS that you, you know, at an Emmy Awards or the Oscars, whatever. And we honor real heroes. So I'm really cool. But this is how I dress. Although there are changes. I mean, I do have a fiance and I will ask what would you like me to wear? Because this does not fit every situation and you know, is it really that big a deal, you know, to put on a different pair of pants on a nicer shirt? Not really.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And this is the wisdom that you've gained where you just decide, say, okay, what do you want me to wear? Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

You know, the other thing I learned, I, you know, I learned that I argue for a living and can argue for a living and oftentimes you argue and you win the argument, but you lose the war, you know, And I don't know, my faith, to be very honest, everything to me is like, goes back to faith. My belief in God, my Christianity. And I honestly just am at a point in my life that I'm grateful for things that I don't think I deserved in my life. I think of my parents, my grandparents, they were all poor and the hard lives that they had and how they all sacrificed for me and my sisters. I know I stand on their shoulders

[Ainsley Earhardt]

and

[Sean Hannity]

it doesn't give me a right to complain. Whenever I would see, I went to Walter Reed or Bethesda or. And I used to go a lot with Ollie north and we'd go together and I'd walk out of there embarrassed that I thought I had problems in life. Those are people that have real problems in life and they may not get their leg back. They may have to, you know, restart their lives and facing difficulties or challenges or, you know, friends of mine that get diagnosed with a really severe cancer and now they're in the fight for their life and some of them don't make it.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah, perspective.

[Sean Hannity]

I don't know it's called perspective. But you know what, you have it. You talk about meeting me, but to meet you, what I knew about you from afar was amazing to me. You know, the fact that you had the courage, the strength, the fortitude, the toughness. Most people in our industry would never do what you did. And that was take a stand. You didn't take one stand, you took two stands. And one was on the COVID shot and the other was on a political position you took, and other people were giving out commentary and you were willing to lay it all on the line for your deeply held personal beliefs. That is the embodiment of courage to me. And I think courage is one of the greatest attributes you can have in life, and I really admire you for it. So meeting you is an honor. Also, learning from people that are courageous and put it all on the line. Those are the people I admire the most. The people in our military, the 911 heroes. You go through the list of people that you meet in life.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

So, I mean, we have a lot to be grateful for.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

So much, so much. And I think so often, pretty much every day, about the what if. I may have told you this before, maybe it was on your show with Billy Bush. It almost makes me shudder to think of what if I had just continued to shut up and stay silent out of fear and to get that paycheck, you know, I would not be talking to you. That's for darn sure. Listen, he might be. No, I'm not Stephen A. Stephen A's allowed to. There's the Stephen A. Rules and there's everybody else. Oh, we talked about that because I had him on my show recently, and we laughed about it. And he's like, well, you know, I

[Sean Hannity]

go, well, why not on his show? He was on your show.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

He was on mine.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah. Steve's one of my close buddies.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I know you guys go way back.

[Sean Hannity]

He loves you.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah, and I love him, too. And it was actually so cathartic to sit down with him and talk for almost three hours. It was really. It was emotional. It was beautiful. There's a deep friendship that goes back almost 20 years now. But I would never have been allowed to talk to you, for sure. I would never have been able to be on Trump Force One the night of the election, the night before the election. I would never have met. I would never have met my husband. My life would be so different. So I hope that people.

[Sean Hannity]

I forget. How did you meet him?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, God. See, no, this is. You're in a Flip it again. No.

[Sean Hannity]

You notice I have no say on this show.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

It's the best story ever.

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, come on. You can't tease your audience.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You know, the day. The week after our wedding, which was September 5th, I should say two days before our wedding, he surprised me. He and David, my producer, surprised me and sat me down in my makeshift studio in Nashville before we had this new one, and he interviewed me. He sat in my chair and Interviewed me and went deep on a whole bunch of stuff. And he really did well. I was like, you know what? You're too good at this. You can leave now. I need a job and switch.

[Sean Hannity]

Because I'm used to interviewing.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I know it's very uncomfortable, and I will say that. Go Back to the September 10th, whatever it was, episode where he asked me questions. We both were sobbing at one point. It's really sappy. But we do go through how we met, and I don't want to take up my Sean time to explain that.

[Sean Hannity]

No, no, no. But it was like, take your time. I want to hear every detail.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, no, no.

[Sean Hannity]

Everyone. All right, now can we do.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Damn it. Like, don't do it.

[Sean Hannity]

Before you do. Before you tell the story. Now, what I am going to strongly suggest.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, boy.

[Sean Hannity]

Is that you have got to intersperse as you tell this story.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, I'm not telling it.

[Sean Hannity]

Well, first of all, you have a. A beautiful picture of you two on the beach getting engaged.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

Okay, number one, then. I'm not saying this because you're my friend and I love your husband. I'm not. But your wedding pictures are sick. It is like Bridal Magazine 101, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I'll say this. We plant 200 people, black tie. Even women wear black dresses. I don't want your hot pink showing up. I have a vision this time. And we planned it. Black tie, 200 people in four and a half months.

[Sean Hannity]

Crazy.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, it was insane. It was ridiculous.

[Sean Hannity]

So it was four more than I did he. After the.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

After. Yes, exactly.

[Sean Hannity]

You were even married before I got to know you got engaged. The next time I saw you, I went right up to, how'd it go?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

How'd it go? He's like, well, we're married.

[Sean Hannity]

No. Wrong. Wrong answer. The first thing I said to Ainsley, I told her you were going to be on, and she said, I want to know what happened. I said, you know. And she goes, look and see if she has a ring on.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Guys don't do that. Girls do that.

[Sean Hannity]

I didn't think about that.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I know. Exactly. And he did.

[Sean Hannity]

I did say to her, like, I hate jewelry. I don't wear jewelry. I don't wear watches.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Are you gonna wear one this time?

[Sean Hannity]

I had no choice.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I love her. Good. Good. Imagine being a young woman who's just found out she's pregnant and everything feels uncertain. You don't know where to turn, who to trust, or even fully understand what's happening in your own body. And meanwhile, you're Hearing voices telling you it's just a clump of cells. But deep down, you know that's not the whole story. And here's the reality. When a woman is given the chance to see an ultrasound, to actually see her baby, to hear that heartbeat, it can change everything. That moment brings clarity. It brings truth. And it often gives her the confidence to choose life. That is why preborn exists. When you help provide an ultrasound through preborn, you're not just giving a medical service. You're giving a woman the chance to see, to understand, and to make an informed, life changing decision. In fact, when a woman sees that ultrasound, she's twice as likely to choose life. And here's something else that matters. 100% of your donation goes directly to providing those ultrasounds. Administrative costs are covered separately, so your gift goes exactly where it's not needed the most. It's tangible impact. $28 sponsors one ultrasound. And for those who feel called to give at a higher level, $15,000 can fund an entire ultrasound machine, helping save lives for years to come. So if this is in your heart, I encourage you to act today. Dial pound250 and say baby or visit preborn.com sage to give securely, that is preborn.com being outside is good for us. It's that simple. And trails make it easy for us to walk, bike, and be active outside in our own backyards. On the trail, we see people moving, connecting with their communities, making the places where they live great. For 40 years, Rails to Trails Conservancy has led the way, creating trails across the country, making it safer and easier for everyone to get outside. They want you to get involved, find your trail and start your journey. Journey today at railstotrails.org iheart and follow RailsToTrails on social. You have no choice about jewelry. You have no choice what you wear. Go girl. Yes, she even.

[Sean Hannity]

I said, what am I wearing to the wedding? I just asked.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Is it a tuxedo?

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, I did ask if I could not wear that stupid bow tie thing.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Cumberbun. Are you doing that?

[Sean Hannity]

I have no. I don't even know what one is.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I can't.

[Sean Hannity]

You know, that's.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Well,

[Sean Hannity]

no.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Whatever. He.

[Sean Hannity]

He wore.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You enjoy dressing up. He bought. He bought that tuxedo that we wore at our wedding to go to the inauguration with me. He had the inside whatchamacallit. Just the inside of the jacket. What is that? Just the inside. Okay. The lining. That's a tough word for me.

[Sean Hannity]

Like the American flag. Like Pete Hegse.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No. Republican like the elephant red, white and blue. And he came to D.C. to meet me for the inauguration and surprised me. And I was like, that's love. So I was like, how much did you spend on that? You're wearing it for the wedding. We're gonna recycle.

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, really?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

We're gonna recycle this? Okay, enough, enough. We're not doing this. You're really, really good. So what I'm saying. Yes. What I was saying was the regular guy, Sean Hannity, also, I feel like it all makes sense with your perspective, with your humility because of the way you started. And I actually wrote down because I couldn't even believe how many different jobs you had. Newspaper delivery boy, dishwasher.

[Sean Hannity]

I was eight when I delivered papers.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Eight with his first job. Eight? Yeah. Newspaper dishwasher.

[Sean Hannity]

12.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Cook.

[Sean Hannity]

13.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Busboy.

[Sean Hannity]

15.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Waiter.

[Sean Hannity]

16.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Bartender.

[Sean Hannity]

17.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Illegal criminal.

[Sean Hannity]

It was illegal. All true. But the legal age was 18, so it was just a little early.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Okay, fine. Painting houses. Hanging wallpaper, which, by the way, I'm doing. I need a lot of wallpaper help in Nashville now, if you're not busy.

[Sean Hannity]

I got so good at hanging wallpaper.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Grass cloth or just wallpaper?

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, no, I could do real deal grass cloth. I could do string cloth. Grass cloth. I could do real cross, you know.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

When's the last time you hung wallpaper, Sean?

[Sean Hannity]

It's been a long time. However, I was really good at it. I mean, I'd get like $200 to do a bathroom. I'd knock it out in two and a half hours. You know, I love the whole creative process of doing amazing. And because you have to know where the last piece is going later. For example, have you ever hung paper?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, I just hire. No, but that scares me because you scares everybody. And I was like, it's worth paying you because if I screw that up.

[Sean Hannity]

Right. Like for. If you get pre pasted wallpaper. If you get the cheap stuff.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

What people don't know is as soon as it dries, you're going to see the seams. So you have to actually put the equivalent of Elmer's glue, but it's a liquid paper paste, so this way it won't separate. When it's done, you have to make sure your wallpaper is only going to look as good as your wall prep.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

So you have to prep the wall out. Are you laughing? Now?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

If you do.

[Sean Hannity]

Or string cloth, which is. You cannot get any wallpaper paste on it.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Exactly. It shows zero.

[Sean Hannity]

So you have to be really good at it. I learned from A friend of mine I went to high school with, he went to the Vermont school. Wallpaper, paper hanging. I ended up making a fortune. But then I also wanted to be

[Ainsley Earhardt]

grass cloth in my new dining room. Oh, okay, wait, go back.

[Sean Hannity]

Wait, I'm looking at it now.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Did it go?

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, it's good.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Is that good?

[Sean Hannity]

Who's doing that? The professional?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah, he's really good. And the whole family. You should see the stuff in the powder room.

[Sean Hannity]

First of all, why he's down on the ground is silly. You should have a table.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You should have a table.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, I had a table.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I know.

[Sean Hannity]

At one point.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Did you ever have it like a dream or a thought about doing any designer TV shows?

[Sean Hannity]

No.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You should. Can you imagine Sean Hannity hosting his own show on hgtv?

[Sean Hannity]

Well, I'm in the middle of my house looks like Gaza right now. Because I'm in the middle of. I'm in the middle of a home construction project that's pretty massive.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And you're not hanging the wallpaper. Are you standing over that? Being critical, I hope.

[Sean Hannity]

No. And one of the contractors says, oh, Mr. Contractor. Because I'm like, the people, you know, they're so slow. And I don't understand slow. Like, I also loved. I really. When I was in construction, I went to school in Rhode Island. I've been to school, college twice, didn't finish, ran out of money. And then I go back to work because I paid every penny myself. And so at one point, I went to a college, but it was a technical college. I wanted to be a contractor. Then the contractors found out I can paint, hang wallpaper, and lay tile, and they gave me more work than I ever dreamed of. And I'm like, guys, I can't go to class and do all this work.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, my gosh.

[Sean Hannity]

Their answer was no. No worries. We'll give you an A. I'm like, I want to learn to build a house.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

We'll give you an A.

[Sean Hannity]

We'll give you an A. Oh, my gosh. Because. But I was making them a ton of money. They all had private, you know, their own business on the side, on top of teaching at this college. They didn't care about teaching. They wanted. That was just an extra way to make money.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

But you've worked your butt off since you were eight. Where does that come from, you know?

[Sean Hannity]

Well, first of all, I kind of raised myself, and I don't want this to be misinterpreted. My parents, much greater people than I am. My dad grew up dirt poor, in bed, stuy in Brooklyn. My mom grew up in the South Bronx, dirt poor. She was the valedictorian of our high school class. She was brilliant. She could do the New York Times crossword puzzle in ink every single day and finish it. You ever try to do one?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah, I don't even try.

[Sean Hannity]

It's like, impossible. Yeah, she was very. She was just very learned. But she didn't. College was not. That wasn't part of the equation for them. But being a civil servant was the next level up from where their parents came from. All four of my grandparents came from Ireland, and they came here with no money and. But it was a big deal. My dad grew up in the Depression, fought in World War II. He signed up, came back, and when he got a 50 by 100 lot house, a typical Levitt style house, it was just a small little Cape Cod of. I went back once with CBS Morning show and looked at it now. They added a whole second. They had a second floor with one of those slanted roofs, like this tiny. It was a tiny house. And my room, I went in there. I'm like, this was tiny. I didn't know it was that small.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Mm.

[Sean Hannity]

Three older sisters, one bathroom, which is hell on earth. So your camera guy's laughing. All right, I got somebody. It really was. However, they were working all the time.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

My dad was a probation officer for family court and then was a waiter on the weekends, which got me into the restaurant business. My mom was a prison guard and work 16 hour shifts pretty much all of her life. My dad died six months after I started at Fox. My mom, not that long after. They had the hardest life. They really did. They never really. They never had a new car. They never took a. We took one family vacation for three days that was like a motel in the Hamptons or something. We never went on a family vacation. That wasn't part of the equation. We didn't go out to eat ever. That I can really recall. But because they weren't around, I got to live my life my way. I raised myself. And because I had money, like I. To this day, I mean, like my best friend from grade schools, John Gomez, he could not believe it. I'd walk in, you know, in grammar school, you know, and this is what it was like when I was a kid. Sean and I still carry that.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

There's 20s on the outside, but on the inside, let me tell you. Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

Here are the hundreds. There you go.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

People don't even like cash anymore. Oh, thanks. I'll take it.

[Sean Hannity]

So. But I always had Cash like that. And. But you know what the cool thing was? I got to buy my own food. Whatever I wanted. I wanted to eat pizza. I went to a deli. I'd get these. Remember the old Italian bread?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

I would get that with roast beef, lettuce, tomato, mayo, salt and pepper, and I'd eat the whole thing. I'd go home with that or five pieces of pizza. I mean, I. At that point in my life, I could eat whatever I want. Now I only eat meat and eggs. And I loved having money. I would go to school and my best friend growing up from third grade on, John Gomez, we're friends to this day. And he would bring in fried chicken or barbecue chicken. His dad would make. I didn't know at the time. His dad always sent extra in for me. And John would want to eat that crap pizza in the cafeteria. And I would give him money for the crap pizza. I would take the chicken.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, my gosh.

[Sean Hannity]

But. And then I'd go home with all this great food because we didn't sit around at 6 o' clock and have family dinner.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

They were working.

[Sean Hannity]

They were working.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And your sisters are older.

[Sean Hannity]

They were older. And like, occasionally they'd make like a meatloaf, which is garbage. I hate meatloaf now. I like it. But I make a better one than they did. And then when I was 13, the stuff I learned to cook at 13, seafood fra diablo, shrimp scampi, live stuffed lobster, fettuccine Alfredo. All of this stuff. I was making it all. And I learned. I love cooking. I love moving.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

I love. Like when I was washing dishes, I had to move up. They didn't have a machine. I did it all by hand. I moved fast. What I liked about painting and hanging paper and laying tile and doing construction is I like to move. When I was tending bar, I'd get an hour before my shift and I'd be cutting. We were known for frozen drinks and strawberry daiquiris, banana daiquiris, margaritas. No other bartender like making them. I loved it. And you had to make them all individual. You have to put it in a blender.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You like the detail?

[Sean Hannity]

Loved it.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

And I liked that. Bar was big. There were two of us working. We had three restaurant rooms. I mean, and sometimes they were packed to the brim. You had to move your ass. There were nights I'd come home with a few hundred dollars in cash, just in tips for the night. And I was a kid in high school. It became a problem, by the way.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

What do you mean?

[Sean Hannity]

Because the Bar. Last call was at 4:00am you know, and I'm 17. I was even a junior at that time. And then.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

So you're in high school, work until 4 in the morning. Bartending.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah. And then at 4, lock the door. At 4:30, I'd go to the diner. And then most days, I'd wait till my parents went to work. Then I'd go home and go to sleep. When you have a bad story?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes, please.

[Sean Hannity]

I don't think I've ever told it publicly. No. I might have, maybe. So senior year, high school, I was naturally, you know, bright.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

You know, like if I knew I had a test the next day, I would just. At 2 in the morning, when the bar would calm down, I'd open the book and I'd read a chapter or two and then say, okay.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, my gosh, I'm so jealous.

[Sean Hannity]

I did not. I never, never did homework. I would say, my entire school career, except for when I went to college, I got serious and I became a Dean's List student. Wasn't that hard. It was so easy, it was ridiculous. So that really sounds arrogant. Take that out. Take that back. All right. So it's my senior year in high school and my poor mother. I can't believe I did this to her. We get called in to see the dean of students, guy by last name Leitner. Turns out he projected a tough image, but he was actually pretty cool. And so I have no idea what this is about. My mother has no idea what it's about. She's asking me on the way in, what is this about? I'm like, I have no idea. I know. I don't know. And we go in, we sit down. She's in a prison uniform because she's leaving that meeting and she's going to the jail. And Mrs. Hannity, this is just before Christmas of my senior year in high school. I don't know if your son's gonna graduate. Mother looks at me like that. I'm like, oh, shit. And she goes, are his grades not good? I've seen his report card. The report card looked okay. I don't know. He. Since September, he's missed 37 days.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, my goodness.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, that was not good. That was not a good day in my life.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

What did she do?

[Sean Hannity]

She just looked at me. I don't. I'll never forget that face. To this day, 37 days. I said, Ma, I close the bar at 4am I start at 4, 5pm I go eat breakfast, wait for you to leave, and I can't I'm exhausted. And so we're, like, arguing. This guy is looking at this poor, nice, old kind of short Irish lady. And I could tell he felt horrible for her, not for me, because he's thinking, oh, this poor lady is dealing with this incorrigible SOB kid. So my mom very cleverly said to him, okay, he will not miss another day. I will drive him to school every day from now until graduation. I will drop him off right in front of your office and watch him walk into your office. And the guy said, fine. A little problem with that. She would drive me every day. I would walk in, I would check in with him, and then she would pull away. I would go to homeroom, check in. Then before the first class, I'd make my way to the other end of the school. I'd walk out. I'd hitchhike home. What?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Hitchhike home?

[Sean Hannity]

Well, I've said many times on the air I was an incorrigible child. I really was.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

If you've been feeling more tired than usual or dealing with bloating after meals, or if no matter how much water you drink, you still people don't feel hydrated, those could be signs of a dehydrated liver. Not dehydrated like just drink more water, but dehydrated at the cellular level. Here's what most people don't realize. Hydration isn't just about how much water you drink. If your liver cells aren't absorbing the water at the cellular level, it'll just pass right through you. And when your liver is dehydrated, everything suffers. Your energy tanks, your digestion slows down, you hold on to stubborn weight, and you feel decades older than you actually are. Plain water can't fix this on its own, and most electrolyte drinks are full of sugar and salt. That's where LTV from upwellness comes in. LTV is a daily hydration drink designed to support your body at the cellular level. It combines marine electrolytes with taurine to help your cells retain water, plus ingredients like milk thistle and dandelion root to support your liver's natural detox function. Many people notice a real difference after just a few weeks. Better energy, less bloating, smoother digestion, and finally, feeling properly hydrated all over again. So if you're ready to hydrate your liver at the cellular level, go to drinkltv.com sage to get your hands on LTV today. They're offering up to 64% off right now, but only through my link. Again, go to drinkltv.com sage or click the link in this description. I guess I thought that she would have scared it out of you.

[Sean Hannity]

Hitchhiking was, you know, back then. It was kind of normal.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

It was just normal. Yes.

[Sean Hannity]

It wasn't that. So I'd hitchhike home and I'd go to bed.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You'd sleep because you've been working all night.

[Sean Hannity]

And then I'd go back to work the next night.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

So you missed another 37 days.

[Sean Hannity]

More. one point, he pulled me aside and said to me, do I look stupid? No. I remember what he did. He did say to me, do I look stupid? He brings me in his office. At that point, I smoke cigarettes. He smokes cigarettes. He hands me a cigarette in his office. I'm like, yeah, you know.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, my gosh.

[Sean Hannity]

True story. And that's why I said he was kind of a cool guy.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

Everyone was afraid of him. I was not afraid of him.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You weren't afraid of anything. It feels like.

[Sean Hannity]

No, no. Fierce doesn't. I'm not afraid. Fear not. Let not your heart be troubled.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Very nice.

[Sean Hannity]

Right.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Full circle.

[Sean Hannity]

Words of Jesus. Okay. And he goes, really? I said, I know your whole routine. You come in, you check in, you walk out. He said, I'm not gonna call you out on this. He goes, but I'll say this. You better find out from those dopey friends of yours whenever there's a test, and you better show up and you better pass the test or you won't graduate. And he just kind of let me go. I think he realized school was not my number one interest. It wasn't like I was getting in trouble. Although tending bar at 17 and 18, probably not the best environment to be in. I actually walked away from that on purpose, which is when I made a transition to construction. Because that life is not. It wasn't leading down a good road for me. Because every night is a party. It just becomes one.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And the cash is great. And then you're young, with a lot of money in your pocket.

[Sean Hannity]

Well, the money part wasn't the problem. The stuff. Everybody at the bar wants to party with the bartender. And if I did, every shot that somebody bought me, you would never be able to walk. It'd be impossible.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You might not be here right now.

[Sean Hannity]

No. So you do a shot, take a sip of a beer, spitting it out. You know, there are all sorts of tricks and. But he saw that I was working. I think he saw some value in that for me, saw that I would work with him, saw that I could Pass the test. Felt. I think he felt really bad for my mother. I don't think he wanted to bring my mother back and put her through the horror of that she went through

[Ainsley Earhardt]

that day, knowing how hard she was working.

[Sean Hannity]

He knew it.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

See, I love that human element that he had for her and for you. I mean, especially when he brought you back in and. Here, sit down, here's a cigarette. My mom has a story like that where she was smoking a cigarette with her principal too. My mother's half Irish, half Italian too. You would love her. We'll have to make that happen because

[Sean Hannity]

I'm dying to meet her.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I mean, the visual of that and it, you know, very different time. My mom's obviously older than you and that. Can you imagine that happening today? I mean, instead they're trying to chop off body parts. It's very different.

[Sean Hannity]

It's worse on the smoking part. My parents smoked like my mother smoked Palm Malls for a long time. Non filtered cigarettes. But they smoked from the time I was young. I remember 12 years old, because at that point I was washing dishes, there'd be cigarettes on the table. I would take one out and smoke in front of them.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

At 12, they let you. They didn't care.

[Sean Hannity]

What were they going to do?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Well, they're your parents.

[Sean Hannity]

Well, another story if you really want another one. My mother said to me once, I remember, she's like, do not leave this house. I looked at her, I'm like, you can't stop me.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Oh, my God, I would have beaten you.

[Sean Hannity]

She couldn't catch me.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Okay?

[Sean Hannity]

I was a good athlete.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

First things first. Yeah.

[Sean Hannity]

But as I was leaving. Wait till your father comes home.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yes, that's the line.

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, I got the belt a lot.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Do you really?

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, ton from your dad all the time. And I can look back on it. First of all, I'm not damaged. I turned out okay. Wasn't the worst thing in the world. I mean, we, we like baby our kids.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, I can't stand it. I completely believe in spanking. Well, I never did.

[Sean Hannity]

Interestingly. I never. I did never spank my kids.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

They were perfect.

[Sean Hannity]

No, not at all. I took their shit. Whatever they liked, I took it. No, my son like PlayStation. Yes, I took it. He liked his little games. I took it. And I also put them in their room and locked the, you know, lock them in there. And I'd be like, you're in prison for the next 12 hours.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

The next 12 days.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, whatever. Yeah, you know, until they were. Until they break.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Until you gotta break them. You gotta Break them. I had to do. To do that with one of them this past weekend, actually. Break them.

[Sean Hannity]

How old?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

20.

[Sean Hannity]

What did she do?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I can't. I can't.

[Sean Hannity]

Oh, come on. Is that bad?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, not even that bad. Here, here's what it is. And whether they're 20. Mine are 20, 22 and almost 24. Or 2, 4 and 6 back in those days. I mean, honestly, the, the. The respect is what it comes down to.

[Sean Hannity]

She was being respectful.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Yeah. Disrespectful. And I'm out. I. I like. I'm done if it is. It is not. That's what I always tell them. It is not usually your words. It's how you use them. It's the tone.

[Sean Hannity]

So what did you do?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And then I'm done. Well, it goes back to when she was three. I'd say two, three. And.

[Sean Hannity]

Well, I think you're holding on to

[Ainsley Earhardt]

this a bit long for 17 years. No, this is the example about. About spanking and how you must set the tone for any young parents out there. If you don't set the tone early on, you're screwed. And it's going to be your own fault big time. Honestly. So I remember she. And she's the third. Right. And I had. When she was born, my, my. My third was born. My first was still three. So they were very close together.

[Sean Hannity]

That's hard.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I don't remember half of it. I'm still tired.

[Sean Hannity]

When did you become single then? How old were they then?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

13. 15.

[Sean Hannity]

17 hard years for that to happen.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Very, very, very hard. And they've done well, relatively speaking.

[Sean Hannity]

They have a great mom and they have a great stepdad.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

They like him more than me, that's for sure. And I don't blame them. And I don't blame them.

[Sean Hannity]

No, my kids, like, it infuriates me.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, don't.

[Sean Hannity]

Everybody in my life, honestly, that knows Ainsley likes her better than me.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

She is just sweet and kind.

[Sean Hannity]

There you go. See?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

But you're sweet and kind, too. I didn't say I liked her more. I have spent much more time around you. So if I can balance that out, then I'll make a choice.

[Sean Hannity]

Spend an hour with her. It's over. I lost.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Okay. I like that you just admit. Just don't even try. When Evan was three, two to three, we were. I was trying to get her in the bathtub and she was, you know, just a little attitude. And as that third kid, chip on her shoulder, you know, the youngest, and she mouthed off about something and she was getting ready to get in the tub. So, you know, this big. And she was naked, and I was. I got on her eye level and I said, don't say it again. And she said it. And I just.

[Sean Hannity]

I admire that. I admire that.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I've always said it's going to serve her well someday. Just not now. Just not now. And just never to me. Never to me. What's that whole line? I brought you in this world, I will take you out, and I will. I will gladly do it. I'll go to prison over. I don't care. So I got on her eye level, and she did it again. And I just took my hand and I smacked. I don't even remember. I honestly don't even remember. Smacked. And it wasn't a bad word. It was just. Don't say it again. Yeah, mouth and off. And I smacked her little butt. And because it was on skin. It sounds worse than it is. She let out a. It was a tap, but it was this on skin, bloody murder scream. And she's like, you hit me. And I got her this close, and I said, I didn't hit you. Your brother might hit you. I spanked you. There's a difference. And when you're disrespectful, you're going to get spanked. Her eyes got that big, and then I walked away, and she got in the tub.

[Sean Hannity]

Did you spank her? Seventeen years later, I punched her. You did not punch her.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I wanted to, but I did. I didn't.

[Sean Hannity]

All right, what did she do at 12? Now I want to know.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

She will literally never talk to me.

[Sean Hannity]

Like she had to kiss a boy.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

What?

[Sean Hannity]

She was with someone.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I'm sure she has never done that.

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah, okay.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

She's that Ole Miss. She's a sophomore sorority girl at Ole Miss.

[Sean Hannity]

Okay?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

So definitely, I'm just pretending like that this whole life isn't happening.

[Sean Hannity]

I do the same thing.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I do think it is so important to set the tone so it isn't beating your child. It's not at all. But I do. I mean, the discipline matters. And then people are like, I'll put them in timeout. And then they, oh, okay, let them go. Like, who's in charge here? So she. So, no, no. He just doesn't. He will bring you down. You're gonna. You're gonna leave me.

[Sean Hannity]

I just got done telling you that I hitchhiked, that I cut school, that I was tending bar and I was smoking in front of my parents at 12. And now you can't tell me what you did, yo.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Because that's about her. If you want to ask me question,

[Sean Hannity]

the terrible things I did, I was incorrigible.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I was perfect.

[Sean Hannity]

Were you really? Well, you. No. I bet you were a good kid.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

I was so annoyingly good, I regret it. I want to start over. I want to do over. Yes, it was annoying. Wait, do you agree, like, if kids don't. To all the young parents out there, it isn't about dominance. It's not that. But it is about structure and boundaries and accountability. And if you don't follow through as a parent, what you said and also admit when you're wrong, I mean, I think that that matters tremendously. But in that moment, I will say her eyes got really big and she shaped up, and it didn't happen. Now there's other things that every kid's gonna do. And then I walked away, and I was like, that's pretty good. I was pretty proud of myself. And then I walked five more steps and went, oh, no. Oh, no. Did I abuse her? Like, we always have questions, and to this day, do we handle things the right way? Your daughter's 24. Do you handle things right? We don't know. You do your best, but I do think when.

[Sean Hannity]

Let me ask you a question about me, because I think you're smarter than I am on this. So how did the person that I described to you my life growing up, how is it possible I became the worst helicopter parent in the world?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You did horrible. That's because you know what they could potentially do because you did it. But they.

[Sean Hannity]

Well, in fairness to me, they both were athletes, and I did invest in their sports, and that did consume every tennis. Right. Every weekend. And they were both, you know, played D1 college tennis. But I was all over.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

You knew the potential. You knew the potential of what's out there. Do you know my daughter? Exactly. My daughter, the one that's almost 24, said not the other day a couple months ago. She. I mean, we're pretty much best friends now, which is the point you hope to get to with your kids, right?

[Sean Hannity]

Yeah.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And she said to me, and I mean, we go at it still, and she's like, mom, I hated you. She's like, you weren't evil, but you were close to evil. She's like, I was so scared of you because I was just consistent and tough.

[Sean Hannity]

I like that.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

And I screwed up a lot, for sure. But I'm just saying, like, she knew the line, and she'd come very close to crossing it. But she said you were not evil, but close to evil. And I hated you. And she goes, and I'm going to be even tougher than you.

[Sean Hannity]

That's a great compliment.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

It really was. When there's been tears and questions, because all mothers and fathers do that. But kids do want structure. They're not going to ask for structure at that age. They're not going to ask for rules and accountability. But they want it, I think, beg for it without verbally saying it.

[Sean Hannity]

They need to be loved. And one of the biggest mistakes parents make is. She's tricking me. She's making me say stuff I've never said before. I've told you more than I've told anybody publicly. This has not worked for me, you know, I want to know more about your story. Tell me more about.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

No, no, this is about you.

[Sean Hannity]

What happened to this interview?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Best interview ever.

[Sean Hannity]

Take your thumb, stick it in their eye.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Have you ever killed somebody?

[Sean Hannity]

If you come down.

[Ainsley Earhardt]

That's not answer, sunshine. Hi, Ainsley. Look, I know we don't serve a queen, but our language did come from Britain. Language is important. Do you see the smile on his face? Do you see that confidence? You're running for president, aren't you?

[Sean Hannity]

You really want me to answer?

[Ainsley Earhardt]

Instacart makes grocery shopping easier. And just because you're not doing the shopping yourself doesn't mean you don't care how it's done. With Instacart Shopper notes, you can get particular about what you want right in the app. Like rotisserie chicken, that's extra crispy steak with marbling the Romans would have loved, and lettuce you'd actually pick yourself. Just leave a note for your shopper so they can get it right for you without having to ask. That way you can get groceries just how you like. Download the Instacart app and shop today. Wave to Earth the Pieces tour live across North America. Get tickets [e-mail].