Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy on why he "stays up at night" worrying about politics

Cooper and Co-host Demanded Better Pay in Barstool Sports Talks

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, describes a critical moment during the COVID-19 pandemic when Alex Cooper and her co-host Sophia Franklin, creators of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, sought better contract terms while working for Barstool. Portnoy recounts that the two women visited his apartment, where he claims to have offered them what he regards as the most advantageous deal he ever made at Barstool Sports. Despite this, Cooper and Franklin demanded even more money. Portnoy maintains that Barstool had them under an ironclad three-year contract, and when he refused their demands, he alleges that Cooper revealed a plan to accuse him and Barstool of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment as a strategy to exit the contract.

Portnoy Acknowledges Vulnerability to Accusations Regardless of Validity

Portnoy admits he felt highly vulnerable to such accusations because of his public persona and the comedic style for which he is known. He tells Steve Inskeep that if Cooper and Franklin had gone public with claims of harassment or a toxic workplace, their audience likely would have believed them over Barstool, regardless of whether the accusations were legitimate. Portnoy recognizes that the jokes he tells and his casual habit of referring to the podcast hosts as "girls" would mak ...

Portnoy Backs Trump In Response To What He Sees As Overly Critical and Socialist-Leaning Democrats

Dave Portnoy, known for drawing a large audience of younger men—particularly those who shifted to Donald Trump in the 2024 election—explains his political alignment as a response to what he perceives as negative tendencies among Democrats. Portnoy states that he voted for Trump mainly out of opposition to Democrats he considers "scolds" and due to the rise of Democratic Socialists. He suggests that socialist candidates and ideologies present a greater threat to the United States than other political issues and says this is a primary factor keeping him "mostly on Trump's side."

Portnoy's Politics Prioritize Anti-Semitism and Israel's Protection

Portnoy, who is Jewish, identifies rising anti-Semitism in the U.S. as an issue that significantly impacts his political choices. He expresses concern about what he sees as rampant anti-Semitic sentiment and notes that his support for Israel is central to his politics. Portnoy observes that backing Israel has become controversial, especially among younger people, who are more critical of pro-Israel stances and actions by the Israeli government. He says that it is "not a popular thing" to support Israel without calling its military actions genocide, which he personally does not consider them to be.

Trump's Support Among Y ...

Dave Portnoy’s memoir, "Cancel Me If You Can," chronicles his decades-long career at Barstool Sports, highlighting both his combative persona and his reflections on an unexpected journey.

Memoir Required Portnoy to Undergo More Discipline Than Typical Unscripted Broadcast Work

Writing the Book Was Irritating and Challenging Due to the Self-Editing Required, Unlike His Usual Spontaneous Style

Portnoy acknowledges that writing the memoir was an irritating process, primarily because, unlike his spontaneous style in podcasts and broadcasts, the book required him to self-edit and structure his thoughts. Steve Inskeep notes that Portnoy’s book, unlike his podcasts, forced him to adopt a more disciplined approach, which Portnoy found challenging.

Despite Constraints, the Memoir Retains Portnoy's Combative Persona, Praising Establishments and Denouncing Negative Figures

Despite the constraints, "Cancel Me If You Can" retains Portnoy’s signature persona—the man who calls out the pizzas he likes and the people he does not. The memoir reflects the same spirit that drew a large audience to his business, maintaining his unapologetically combative and outspoken style.

Portnoy Has Relished Confrontation and Disputes With Adversaries

Settling Scores With Those Who Crossed Him

Portnoy freely admits to relishing confrontation and the act of "vanquishing" his enemies. He states that in his book, there are adversaries who he still feels remain unsettled scores, although many others are dealt with. Portnoy describes himself as always having a chip on his shoulder, enjoying disputes and the opportunity to address perceived wrongs.

Plan for Public Event at Msg to Address Grievances and Confront Antagonists

Expanding on his penchant for confrontation, Portnoy discusses his idea for a future public event, jokingly called "Dave Portnoy in Evening of Hate," where trusted associates wo ...

Portnoy Acknowledges Troubling Ethical Violations and Corruption in Trump's Administration

Dave Portnoy openly affirms concerns about corruption and ethical violations during Donald Trump’s administration, specifically referencing questionable activities in cryptocurrency deals, family business ties in the Middle East, and exploitative stock trading. When Steve Inskeep brings up the list of examples—including the airplane from Qatar, family deals in the Middle East, and purchasing stocks in companies affected by government actions—Portnoy responds, "100% and I think it's all true,” acknowledging the breadth and reality of these concerns. He further admits that Trump and his family, such as his son’s involvement in crypto-related activities, have leveraged their positions for personal enrichment.

Concerns Affirmed: Cryptocurrency, Middle East Family Business, and Trump's Exploitative Stock Trading

Portnoy specifically highlights Trump taking advantage of cryptocurrency markets and notes that while many politicians engage in questionable financial practices, Trump’s scale and willingness to exploit these opportunities stand apart. He references Congress members who have traded stocks, but draws a distinction, suggesting, "this is at a whole new level." Portnoy is unequivocal that the level of exploitation regarding crypto and international business deals is unique to Trump’s administration.

Portnoy Prioritizes Corruption As a Major Political Concern

Portnoy makes it clear that corruption is a major concern for him in evaluating political candidates. He does not dismiss the seriousness of Trump’s behavior, saying there is “no doubt” about the problematic nature of exploiting crypto or leveraging political connections for financial gain.

Portnoy: Trump's Ethical Violations Egregious Due to Unprecedented Scale

When comparing Trump’s actions to those of other politicians, Portnoy concedes Trump’s violations occur on a different and more egregious level. He acknowledges that while Congress frequently engages in stock trading, Trump’s cryptocurrency involvement and pursuit of international business interests go further and represent a heightened degree of exploitation. Portnoy states, “He probably would take advantage of it the most,” emphasizing Trump’s willingness to exploit opportunities more aggressively than most politicians.

Congress Engages in Stock Trading, but Trump's Crypto and Business Exploitation Is Worse, Argues Portnoy

Portnoy points to the fact that many in Congress have benefited from stock trading but insists Trump’s activities, particularly around cryptocurrency and family business interests, are of a more serious nature and set a new precedent for the scale of exploitation.

Trump Exploits Opportunities More Than Most Politicians, Causing Issues

He reiterates that there is “no doubt” Trump is willing to go further than others in leveraging opportunities for personal financial gain, cau ...