The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 1232

Shocking Busfield Allegations, Oprah's Obesity Spin, and Kohberger and Sinema Lawsuits, with Maureen Callahan
Date: January 16, 2026
Guests: Maureen Callahan (Host, "The Nerve"), Brian Entin (NewsNation, via clips)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives into breaking cultural and legal news with Megyn Kelly and Maureen Callahan. Topics include law enforcement controversies (ICE operations), Hollywood's abuse scandals (Busfield, Nickelodeon), trans issues in sports, the Oprah weight loss narrative, the latest in the Idaho murder case (Bryan Kohberger), and the Kirsten Sinema "alienation of affection" lawsuit. The tone veers from sharp criticism and cultural commentary to moments of empathetic discussion, particularly on parenting and ethical dilemmas.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ICE Operations, NPR's Coverage & Media Narratives

Timestamps: 00:57–15:40

• Subject: Minneapolis ICE operations spark divisive media treatment.
• NPR coverage is criticized by Megyn and Maureen as “virtue signaling” and omitting crucial facts about activist escalation and actual ICE targets.
• The show plays and mocks NPR’s stylized pronunciations and lack of reporting on violence against officers.
• Quote (Megyn, 04:11):
  “No mention in the NPR report of the ICE officer ambushed Wednesday night or of the crimes committed by the illegal immigrants ICE is lawfully targeting. …It’s just, ‘They’re standing guard with their whistles. They’re so sweet.’”
• Moral Split: Maureen expresses discomfort at the escalation from both sides, referencing “Rashomon” and how perspectives on events are missing nuance; Megyn is firmly pro-ICE, invoking “assumption of the risk.”
• Memorable Moment: Reference to protesters—some painted as naive, some as willfully ignorant.

2. Hollywood & Activism through Film

Timestamps: 15:57–25:42

• Films Discussed: "One Battle After Another" (Leonardo DiCaprio/Sean Penn, labeled as a “mess” and Oscar-bait); The "Anniversary" (Kyle Chandler/Diane Lane)—interpreted as anti-Trump allegory.
• Quote (Maureen, 19:24):
  “That sex scene culminates, and this is why Sean Penn’s probably a lock for an award, with that woman ramming a firearm up his anus… Ridiculous.”
• Take: Hollywood’s political messaging is increasingly heavy-handed and out-of-touch.
• Sidebar: Megyn & Maureen debate the attractiveness and politics of Ben Affleck/Matt Damon.

3. Timothy Busfield Allegations & Hollywood's Pedophilia Problem

Timestamps: 26:04–47:33

• Development: Busfield failed to surrender immediately after a warrant was issued for child sex abuse allegations. His wife's behavior (Melissa Gilbert, “Little House on the Prairie”) is scrutinized for silence and attempts to distract via her lifestyle brand.
• Polygraph Doubts: Both Megyn and Maureen are highly skeptical.
• Quote (Maureen, 29:40):
  “Innocent people don’t run.”
• Pattern of Behavior: References to older allegations of inappropriate conduct with teen girls.
• Discussion broadens to Hollywood’s history—Nickelodeon’s Dan Schneider and documented abuse cases are dissected, with deeply disturbing audio clips played.
• Quote (Maureen, 36:10):
  “Pedophilia is so effing rampant in Hollywood. … Clean that up and then get back to the rest of us about how we should live and vote and think.”

Memorable Moments

• Nickelodeon Exposé: Chilling details of abuse, inappropriate scripts, and cover-ups.
• Pattern Recognition: Taking jobs around children (Busfield, Brian Peck) is called out.

4. Transgender Issues in Sports, Celebrity Activism, and Safety

Timestamps: 52:18–61:09

• Focus: Megan Rapinoe, Naomi Watts, Elliot Page, and ACLU campaign to allow trans girls (biological boys) into girls' sports.
• Pushback: Kelly/Callahan staunchly oppose, citing safety and fairness, play victim interviews of girls harassed by trans-identifying students.
• Quote (Megyn, 60:06):
  “What the F are we doing? What are we doing to these young girls? And the nerve of these Hollywood celebrities, of these multi-millionaires to never ask them. It’ll never touch them.”
• Point: Celebrity involvement is shallow, disconnected from real world consequences for ordinary girls.

5. Oprah’s Obesity Narrative Spin & GLP-1s

Timestamps: 70:04–79:38

• Book Plug: “Enough: Your Health, Your Weight and What It’s Like to Be Free”
• Oprah positions weight issues as a medical disease beyond personal control, crediting GLP-1 medications.
• Quote (Oprah clip, 76:02):
  “I understand now… If you carry the obesity gene… that’s what makes you overeat. …Obesity causes you to have all of that food noise.”
• Critique: Both hosts accuse Oprah of shifting narratives for personal gain; Megyn points out that discipline and self-control were relevant all along, and that overeating is common yet not destiny.
• Memorable Exchange:
  • Maureen (79:38): “Her narrative is always shifting with whatever circumstances benefits her.”
  • Megyn: “She saw yet another way to get herself into the news and get her face back on camera.”

6. Bryan Kohberger Lawsuit: Institutional Duty & Missed Warning Signs

Timestamps: 82:00–96:32

• Topic: Families of the University of Idaho victims are suing Washington State University for negligence, citing 13 prior complaint reports about Kohberger’s predatory behavior as TA.
• Key Details: Police and security officers at the university were numerous, but ratioed poorly; Kohberger had a record of stalking and making women feel unsafe, with no substantive action taken by the university.
• Analysis: Legal expert discussed threat-assessment protocols, concluding Kohberger was "way up there in threat potential."
• Quote (Maureen, 92:01):
  “I don’t understand what more these girls and women could have done. …The university’s response? Just get a male escort for you.”
• Takeaway: Systemic failure, university liability, and possible evidence discovery sought via the lawsuit.

7. Kyrsten Sinema Affair Lawsuit ("Alienation of Affection")

Timestamps: 102:12–112:18

• Scandal: Ex-wife of Sinema’s bodyguard alleges the Senator “stole” her husband, providing explicit complaint details (concerts, “boring missionary sex,” psychedelic-fueled trips).
• Fun Fact: North Carolina allows significant damages under “alienation of affection.”
• Quote (Maureen, 107:43):
  “The married person in this scenario is the one at fault. He broke the vow to you. He betrayed the vows of your marriage. He’s the problem.”
• Judicial Outlook: The real hurdles in proving a previously loving marriage and direct malicious interference.

8. IVF Mix-up: Daily Podcast Recap & Parental Identity

Timestamps: 116:37–142:10

• Story: Two couples undergo IVF, receive each other’s embryos—give birth, raise the baby, discover via genetic tests months later.
• Emotional Impact:
  • Profound grief, uncertainty, fear of losing the child you raised.
  • Attempts to “swap” babies proved traumatic; ultimately maintain blended, familial relationship.
• Deeper Questions: What is parenthood—biology, or love and nurture? Raises ethical quandaries about surrogacy, especially for gay couples, clinic negligence, and the boundaries of reproductive technology.
• Quote (Megyn, 120:13):
  “You know in your heart you are going to be torn apart from this child.”
• Quote (Maureen, 136:49):
  “They said they’re like sisters now. …It’s like the best of humanity.”
• Broader Point: Reproductive tech is under-regulated; most errors unnoticed unless there are obvious racial differences.

Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

Megyn (09:00): “If you don’t want to get shot in the face by ICE, don’t try to run one down. …Everybody knows not to do that. …That got her killed. …I am one of those 67% more Republican-leaning people who are in favor of this.”

Maureen (36:10): “Pedophilia is so effing rampant in Hollywood. Why don’t you guys…clean that up and then get back to the rest of us about how we should live and vote and think.”

Megyn (60:06): “What the F are we doing? What are we doing to these young girls? And the nerve of these Hollywood celebrities, of these multi-millionaires to never ask them. It’ll never touch them.”

Maureen (92:01): “I don’t understand what more these girls and women could have done. …The university’s response? Just get a male escort for you.”

Megyn (120:13): “You know in your heart you are going to be torn apart from this child.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• ICE/NPR/Protests: 00:57–15:40
• Hollywood Film/Activism: 15:57–25:42
• Busfield Allegations/Nickelodeon Abuse: 26:04–47:33
• Trans in Sports/Celebrity Activism: 52:18–61:09
• Oprah/GLP-1s: 70:04–79:38
• Bryan Kohberger Lawsuit: 82:00–96:32
• Sinema Lawsuit: 102:12–112:18
• IVF Story & Parental Ethics: 116:37–142:10

Overall Tone & Style

• Language: Sharp, candid, irreverent. Moments of empathy, particularly around parenting and child safety.
• Humor: Biting satire targeting celebrities, Hollywood, activists.
• Analysis: Heavy skepticism toward media, Hollywood, and progressive activism; strong emphasis on rule-of-law, personal responsibility, and parental rights.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Heard the Episode

This episode is a robust, no-nonsense round-up of controversies at the intersection of law, culture, and family life. It exposes flaws in elite institutions—media, Hollywood, universities—challenges celebrity hypocrisy, and insists on the importance of facts and personal responsibility. The final segment on IVF mishaps offers rare vulnerability and a compassionate view of what makes a parent. Anchored by Megyn and Maureen’s incisive perspectives, it’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.