Guest #71 | Ian Wendt. Authenticity.
In this explosive conversation, Ian Wendt unpacks how a simple phrase—"Bet you didn't see this"—turned into a digital movement challenging propaganda, conservative hypocrisy, and silence around Charlie Kirk’s death. From influencer marketing to media manipulation, Wendt breaks down why questioning the narrative isn't conspiracy—it's patriotism..
🎙️ The Realest Voice in Patriotism | Ian Wendt on Truth-Telling, Charlie Kirk & the Battle for Gen Z
Ian Wendt doesn’t pull punches. He also doesn’t post unless he’s got the receipts. In this episode, we dive into why Ian became one of the most important truth-tellers on social media and how he’s building a movement that transcends party lines.
In Episode #386, Ray sits down with Ian Wendt, founder of Official Patriot Gear, to unpack the murder of Charlie Kirk, the psyops infecting conservative media, and what it means to truly put America First. Wendt’s refusal to play partisan games has earned him admiration and attacks in equal measure—and this conversation shows why.
🎯 Key Takeaways
"Bet you didn't see this" wasn't just a hook—it became a movement
Ian believes Erica Kirk may be Candace Owens' silent source
The influencers defending the official narrative are profiting from propaganda
Charlie Kirk’s death opened Pandora's box for a generation ready to question everything
Patriotism isn't about parties—it's about principles
🧠 Summary
Ian Wendt’s rise began not with a brand, but with a conviction. From dismantling race-baiting media narratives during the BLM riots to calling out conservative hypocrisy over Gaza, Wendt has always led with one thing: the truth.
In this episode, he and Ray dissect the troubling silence and coordinated spin following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, exposing how media influencers and even friends of Kirk may be more interested in clout than clarity. Ian drops a bombshell: he suspects Erica Kirk herself could be Candace Owens’ source.
They also tackle the weaponization of faith, the hasbara propaganda machine, and why Charlie Kirk’s transformation from controlled opposition to true truth-teller made him a threat to the global establishment. Ian's call is simple but radical: patriotism isn't left or right, it's truth vs. lies.
🔎 Practical Tips
Don’t just consume—question everything
Look at who's benefiting from the narrative
Create content with purpose, not just reach
Patriotism should unite, not divide
True influencers uplift truth, not their access
📚 Research Spotlight
Ian outlines how Hasbara (Israel's state-sponsored propaganda arm) rewired American public opinion post-1980s with PR experts like Frank Luntz—a system still used to shape pro-Israel sentiment today.
❓FAQ
Why does Ian think Erica Kirk could be the source for Candace Owens? Because unlike others close to Charlie, she hasn’t tried to silence Candace or defend herself—a silence Ian finds telling.
What does "Bet you didn't see this" really mean? It's not just about exclusive content—it's about offering a perspective you won’t get anywhere else.
Why is Ian critical of influencers like Officer Tatum or Benny Johnson? He accuses them of pushing pro-Israel propaganda while collecting checks and clout.
What does Ian mean by nonpartisan patriotism? A commitment to country and people over parties or profit.
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
00:15 — The birth of "Bet you didn't see this"
06:14 — Why Ian wouldn’t profit off Charlie Kirk's death
11:58 — Dissecting the official narrative
16:20 — From truth-tellers to enforcers of silence
24:05 — Kirk's PBD episode that changed everything
29:49 — Hasbara: Israel's propaganda machine
31:57 — The generational propaganda gap
33:39 — Kirk’s 10-point plan before his death
38:10 — Crackdowns, AI, and the censorship to come
43:28 — Redefining patriotism: empathy and America First
50:08 — From sales to a movement: How Ian built Official Patriot Gear
56:22 — The dark incentives driving influencer propaganda
🧭 Final Thought
In an age of manufactured narratives, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Ian Wendt isn’t just talking—he’s acting. Follow the facts. Follow the principles. And as always, judge the take.
🔗 Social & Links
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