Timcast IRL · December 18, 2025 · 2h 0m
Dan Bongino To RESIGN, Trump Addresses The Nation w/ Brian Shaprio
Featuring: Brian Shaprio
Episode Recap
Phil Labonte filled in as host for Tim Pool on this episode of Timcast IRL, broadcasting from Las Vegas on December 18, 2025. The show opened with news that Dan Bongino would be resigning from his position as FBI Deputy Director in January, prompting speculation about his departure timing and replacement. The panel discussed Bongino's decision, with particular attention to his previous statements about the Jeffrey Epstein files and questions about what he may have learned regarding their contents. Brian Shapiro, a Las Vegas-based political talk show host who leans left, joined the discussion to provide a contrasting perspective on the news of the day. The panel also prepared to cover Donald Trump's live remarks from the Oval Office later in the evening. Ian Crossland promoted his upcoming Graphene Movie project, while Tate Brown handled the daily Timcast news segment despite suffering from Las Vegas's dry desert atmosphere. The discussion touched on FBI leadership changes, conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein files, and broader questions about government transparency and accountability under the new administration.
TL;DR
- →Dan Bongino announced his resignation from the FBI Deputy Director position, effective January, ending speculation about his departure timeline
- →Phil Labonte filled in as host while Tim Pool attended a White Elephant Influencers Poker Tournament
- →Brian Shapiro, a left-leaning Las Vegas talk show host, joined the panel to discuss the news of the day
- →Panel discussed Bongino's previous Epstein file conspiracy theories and questions about what he may have learned
- →The show prepared to cover Donald Trump's live remarks from the Oval Office later in the evening
- →Ian Crossland promoted his Graphene Movie project and encouraged viewers to sign up at graphing.commovie
Key Moments
- 0:00Opening and SponsorshipPhil Labonte opens the show, welcomes viewers, and delivers opening sponsor messages for MyPillow and Beam Dream
- 5:52Main Story IntroductionLabonte introduces the Dan Bongino resignation story from New York Post and provides initial commentary
- 6:40Panel DiscussionTate Brown and Phil Labonte discuss the implications of Bongino's departure and his history with Epstein conspiracy theories
- 25:00Brian Shapiro SegmentBrian Shapiro joins the conversation, providing his perspective as a progressive political commentator
- 45:00Trump Address PreparationPanel prepares to take Donald Trump's live Oval Office remarks and discuss potential topics
Notable Quotes
“So tonight we've got some great stories for you tonight. Dan Bongino has decided that he's going to be leaving the FBI at the beginning of next year.”
— Phil Labonte · opening the show and introducing the main story
“I actually made a remark about this last night. I didn't think he was going to do it, but I got that one wrong. So full accountability here.”
— Phil Labonte · admitting he was wrong about Bongino's resignation
“I am a political talk show host out of Las Vegas, and I've been doing it for a while now. And I certainly am leaning to the left.”
— Brian Shapiro · introducing himself as a progressive voice on the panel
“This is a guy who spread stories and conspiracy theories about the Epstein files as something that he talked about in his podcast, pretty much every single day. And now all of a sudden there's nothing to see.”
— Phil Labonte · criticizing Bongino's previous Epstein-related commentary
“I'm the host of the Daily Timcast News noon live show. It's this Vegas dust. I'm not used to dry atmosphere.”
— Tate Brown · explaining his raspy voice during the show
Mentioned
About the Guests
Brian Shapiro is a political talk show host based in Las Vegas who has been hosting his show Monday through Friday. He describes himself as leaning to the left and was invited on to provide a contrasting perspective to the predominantly conservative Timcast panel.