Dave Portnoy Sits Down With Kmarko - DPS #55

[@ericsalerno521]

Dave makes time to negotiate Kind bars into Jersey Jerry’s contracts but can’t spare a minute for an OG employee? That just doesn’t seem right. One of the rare admitted mistakes by Dave. Probably no salvaging this relationship.

[@redhorse523]

The Kind Bars deal probably takes seconds. But worth more time for content. (Negotiating Kind Bars, Pizza’s, ‘Sauce,’ and below amateur boxing.). Is that not funny?

[@ninetytwodreams]

It was Nature Valley Biscuits…

[@hofcollector8717]

Yeah KMarko is done w Barstool. He does not feel appreciated so he is gonna leave. I don’t blame him.

[@swilliam81]

Easy salvaging if Dave puts his hard as I'm always right ego aside but yes probably no salvaging bc he won't do that. To say you wont have another conversation with him privately speaks volumes for a guy whose been with you since '09. Sad

[@12tippettm]

Dave, he's depressed. It's not about losing the job, he said he agreed, it's about how you did it and the lack of care there after. He doesn't hate anyone. Kevin, John, and Dan need to step up also as OG's. Get Keith some help. Drop the acts and be people, you guys made this place. Have a real conversation off camera. I've been following since high school over 10+ years, this was sad to see.

[@ntdman21]

All he wanted was 1 person to have his back. Imagine thinking you have all these friends but when you need them most they aren’t there

[@jeremyhall2876]

I’m with you on this man. Dude been with barstool for 10 years can’t just end it like that for content.

[@S7rongy]

Was gonna post something similar but I think you nailed it.

[@DougalSAFC]

100%. What struck me was that Dave kept circling back to the fact he’s allowed him to stay on the payroll, that was his way of showing he had his back. Disappointing response. Money isn’t the only thing people value. It’s also probably scant consolation when you see an entire career and journey go up in flames after two (albeit big) mistakes. Didn’t feel particularly good watching that.

[@matteagan1288]

Not everyone understands depression . Not something people at barstool can really help him with

[@cameronmcgowen8681]

I love Dave and rarely disagree with anything he does… not having the decency to tell a guy in person who’s been with you since the start that your moving on with no thanks for what he did to get you there… tough day for OG stoolies

[@swilliam81]

Agreed 100% but then you have yes man Gaz in his ear sucking his cack saying thats the way it is at Barstool. You're a publicly traded company now. Check on the mental health of your employees. Especially your day 1s. KMarko is right.... everyone is out for themselves. I've been in sales for 16 years. You can be the goat for 15 years...year 16 comes around and you dont produce it's what have you done for me lately. Dave's a loyal guy but he also needs to talk to him as a friend and help him out of this deep depression and funk. Kmarko deserves that for what he's done

[@sirgoddy1170]

OG Stoolies. I’m glad you have been around a while but what do you consider OG? At least 14 years right?

[@sirgoddy1170]

If you weren’t Around at at least the newspaper days it’s tough to call yourself an OG. I’ll give you some slack and say if you were a fan when the website came up, before the anti barstool protest vs the anti barstool folks at the black out tour - just stop calling yourself an OG. PS: Your take proves that you aren’t that OG you’re talking about lolollo

[@alleniverson9041]

@@sirgoddy1170 imagine arguing over who consumed barstool first 😂 guess what bro..I bought the first newspaper on august 27th. Who’s the real og now, mr og? Me you jabroni

[@SouthernSkeptic]

@@alleniverson9041 The paper was free. You didn't buy shit. Busted.

[@marcocusin4109]

Dave got mad at Brooks Koepka for cancelling their golf tournament and not having the decency of reaching out to him… Big Dave guy but tough look on this one

[@hannameister]

Very valid point

[@jacksevert3099]

wait until you ask Dave to maybe talk about the CEO and how she cheated vs the way he handled the kfc cheating issue...

[@ravit50]

@@jacksevert3099 did she cheat on her preggo wife? Gtfo

[@TheMjholmes]

@@jacksevert3099 need more context pls

[@jacksevert3099]

@@ravit50 i don't see pregnancy. all marriages are created equal! Gtfoh with semantic BS

[@taylorluchansky3055]

Normally, it looks like a slam dunk on the employees who come on. But that whole exchange felt wrong. That was not just a barstool convo. That ran deeper for Kmarko.. Kmarko pretty thoroughly defended his position with full recollection. You can tell its burned into his brain and he's reliving the betrayal day by day in this depressive state. He is clearly not okay. Hes waiting to collect his equity until he can get the fuck out. The second the Ben Simmons joke didn't land, the air left the room. That body language upon him getting up was baddddd. All the while Dave trying to awkwardly shake it off.

[@garrettwoodall9249]

agree completely

[@connorleary3080]

he was holding back tears at that point, thats a broken man and as someone who didnt have a strong favoring of kmarko before , i felt this

[@max-donahue6864]

Are we supposed to care?

[@369TP]

@@max-donahue6864 k Marko needs to remove the tampon.

[@dannyh5937]

Keep in mind Dave has always been pretty direct in his methods, with YP, Francis and others. KMarko is hurt, but that time during Covid and the election was a crazy time. Everything was so tense, people were taking shots at KMarko and K was letting blogs get through taking shots and making accusations. Keith let it get personal and Dave had to protect Barstool

[@temple06]

This is the first time I’ve listed to both sides, and didn’t have Dave’s side

[@jacksevert3099]

Not just that the shadowban segment was kind of pathetic to listen to. They're in denial and have the top guys at instagram and facebook looking into analytics instead of just accepting the fact that maybe pres is just losing steam. Maybe you're not growing anymore because the content isn't as funny as it used to be.

[@swilliam81]

Dave - work aside KMarko as a human seems like he's half dead and as a Milton tough soldier and as a Day 1 of yours you need to get him some help. You don't need to apologize for the demotion but you need to have a deep conversation with him about his mental state bc he is not ok. The guy is a shell of himself. Take a step back. Take an objective view and help him get back on the right track - as a friend - business aside. He has nothing left at this point. Help your Day 1 man. Don't let the adderall make you emotionless

[@taylorluchansky3055]

Agreed. That whole exchange felt wrong. A lot of pride as defense rather than self reflection on a possible mistake by Dave

[@okyes176]

@@taylorluchansky3055 it was very weird just felt like Dave was talking to a defeated depressed human. Dude definitely needs to get help before things get wrose

[@johnnyyak515]

Actually really good comment. I didn’t see it like that at first. I’m old I know. Kmarko bigcat kfc and pres in just the blog days when I thought bigcat was black cause it was just their writing they were on same level all hilarious and he has now seen his peers skyrocket to fame. Rough

[@369TP]

Even though I feel like K Marko is going about the situation wrong and pouting instead of focusing on becoming a better employee and correcting his mistakes, you are right that he needs help and Dave should be more concerned about coworker mental health. K Marko needs should just move on in life and quit, why torture yourself.

[@swilliam81]

@Estelle Getty Milton tough doesn't mean you started in Milton. It means you started while HQ was in Milton like KFC and Big Cat for example. KMarko started NYC in 09. He's been around longer than just about anyone and worked his balls off to build the blof. Big Cat came in 2016. Get a clue about what you're talking about.

[@TheDohBoyy]

Love portnoy but I really hate how he handled that Kmarko situation.... the guy is clearly fighting off tears because he feels like he has no meaning anymore and Dave just laughed it off. All Dave needs to do is sit down with him 1 on 1 and figure out something that would make him feel valuable again.... mental health is no joke and he’s clearly not ok

[@jossoid]

Gaz just proving his one of the all time yes men at the end of that Kmarko interview 😂

[@jacksevert3099]

The shadowban segment was kind of pathetic to listen to. They're in denial and have the top guys at instagram and facebook looking into analytics instead of just accepting the fact that maybe pres is just losing steam. Maybe you're not growing anymore because the content isn't as funny as it used to be.

[@ravit50]

@@jacksevert3099 when the numbers have been consistent for a decade and suddenly stop after pres hops on fox? Riiiiight. Keep smoking the pipe bud

[@jacksevert3099]

@@ravit50 Dave has been on FOX for years now! Like when Trump first got elected in 2016... 5 years ago buddy. ask yourself why now then? why now did the numbers stop growing after Dave has been absent from the company all summer. Please have some critical thinking.

[@Wendall989]

@@jacksevert3099 agreed. the content Dave puts out now sucks now compared to what it used to be. Pizza reviews are the only thing I watch him do. Other than that he’s dropped off a cliff compared to what they used to put out. And I’m not one of the people who complain about “the move to NYC, selling out, blah blah blah” but there’s a huge difference in the gen z crap he does kow compared to the funny stuff they used to do (for example the renaissance fair, the mcshay combine vid, running for mayor of Boston, etc etc). And it has nothing to do with him appearing on Fox but not surprised some whiny baby managed to blame it on political persecution lol

[@MBergeron31]

Gaz is a clown. He’s literally a Nate type

[@calebelliott2356]

Only time I’ve been disappointed in Dave… not in the wrong but when u have an employ for 10 years starting from the old days … doesn’t matter how busy you are.. that employe deserves a convo about a demotion … don’t like it feels like Dave is back peddling trying to justify not even talking to him..

[@Sorci3]

The backwards part is after he gets demoted, you give Coley and Nate the support the blog needed. But after 5+ years of running the blog and being overwhelmed zero convo is had with him at how to make it work better before he’s essentially fired. Wether it’s Erika or Dave having that chat - how can he not feel some sort of way.

[@Stamps600]

Agree, but felt like neither Dave or Erika let Kmarko know he was getting suspended (which turned out to be a demotion). Felt like it was told by Gaz or someone in a management position off camera. That is how I perceived what Kmarko said which maybe right or wrong.

[@ntdman21]

How does Nate not get suspended or demoted for abusing his power against trysta on her way out? Is there double standards?

[@CarlBrain493]

@@ntdman21 because Dave can use Nate to shit on him for content, Kmarko doesnt have that dynamic with him. This shines a pretty glaring light on that while Barstool is a great company to work for, but Dave is just your average shit boss who could care less if he has positive relationships with his employees.

[@RandyJamminMusic]

I agree with your point and I'm not siding with anyone, just pointing out an observation. If Kmarko is the EIC, isn't part of his responsibility to create a better blog infrastructure, or at least bring these concerns up to Dave an Erika. I think Dave is mostly trying to say is that, the blog was too wholly dictated by his agenda and Dave's distrust mainly stemmed from a lack of control, which again, I feel like is an EIC's responsibility to create infrastructure. It seems like when Cooley took over, he understood how to delegate, and create a better blanket of control. Or maybe when Dave made Cooley EIC he now understood they needed better controls. I think communication on both sides was lacking but, it's not Prezs' job anymore to deal with this type of day to day issues.

[@Sorci3]

@@RandyJamminMusic from what I thought I heard kmarko say is he sent an email to dave multiple (maybe he said 12) to try and have that convo about setting up the infrastructure and dave never responded and/or acknowledge it. Idk what health problems kmarko had but seemed like he wasn’t able to be in the office much during COVID plus dave wasn’t around either. But I agree it does fall on kmarko to set that up

[@ebitdareadthebook1535]

I'm 100% team Portnoy and have been for the last 7 years, but Dave, you handled the Kmarko situation as bad as you could have. You can tell he lived and breathed Barstool. You should have sat down face to face with him and had a conversation. Zero self awareness coming from Dave.

[@Matthew36959]

When it comes to human being/feelings type of stuff Dave's self awareness is -100.

[@swilliam81]

That's Dave for you... says he admits when he is wrong but rarely ever does. He's a great business man. He's a horrendous boss.

[@keithwarren9868]

Kmarko tried to use the political situation america is dealing with to try to get a barstool creator cancelled just because he did not like him. eIC cannot do that

[@Tennischamp450]

Agreed but kmarko is lucky to have a job after what he did

[@richardpoplis6777]

10000% correct

[@ryanmurphy606]

While Dave never apologizes, I think that was as close as one will ever come with KMarko. Such a scumbag move to not tell one of your first employees they are removed from their job, and Dave knows it.

[@Titleist24]

Kirk won

[@geoaerorider4589]

Dave cares for no one except Dave. It’s coded in his 👃 DNA.

[@chrisjames8835]

Dave says "I'm a terrible manager", Kmarko should of responded "why do you think employees are going to be happy with a terrible manager? And why do we have terrible managers at barstool?"

[@Titleist24]

@@chrisjames8835 or he could’ve said, “why am I getting paid to do nothing?” Or “why am I getting paid for trying to sabotage other employees?”

[@richardpoplis6777]

1000 % correct....

[@andrewwerdna4225]

Come on Dave, show that level of self awareness we occasionally get glimpses of. Talk to K Marko, stop broadcasting this. Dude looks broken... some people can’t block out endless harassment on the internet.

[@max-donahue6864]

Then he shouldn't have started shit and done his job better.

[@TonyToniTone81]

@@max-donahue6864 you’re either 13 or swallow dip spit.. idk which one yet

[@JB-df3hk]

@@TonyToniTone81 horrible take he let the power of his job get to his ego. He got his shit called out by Minihane and and then tried to fuck Kirk over for it. He was bad at his job!

[@roydonk2262]

Kind of disappointed in the OG's if they really didnt reach out to Kmarko when this all went down. I always found it wierd that Dan Kevin and Feits didn't say anything about it when he got demoted. Like him or not he was a cornerstone of what the company was founded on and he got steam rolled by the minifans as a bit that kind of broke him. Sad, hope he gets involved again, doesn't seem right.

[@frankj3676]

There is obviously a reason that Dan Kevin and Feits didn't say anything about it when he got demoted.....and a reason none of the OG's reached out. Ya'll eating this up is comical

[@Titleist24]

Kirk won

[@roydonk2262]

@@Titleist24 that is true.

[@JB-df3hk]

Lol what are we talking about here ? He picked favorites as the editor and chief and clearly hated Kirk. What he did to Kirk was fireable offense and lost all trust he knows it and everyone at the company knows it! This is why barstool is smart and successful !

[@mikez1530]

Like many here have said, love ya Dave and i'm not a big Kmarko guy but he's right on this one. You're acting like a suit demoting someone who has worked for you for years with no compassion/care. Your fans (including myself now and always) can relate more to Kmarko in this situation than you.

[@crouthfurniture9817]

@Tyler Randall how

[@davidfoley5817]

Mike Z said it perfect we all love Dave and he handled this BAD

[@DougalSAFC]

Can someone explain briefly what was in the Zonker blog and what was in the Trysta blog? Out the loop a bit here

[@mikez1530]

I am too to an extent but from what I do know I disagree with both kmarko and trysta's politics. With all that said I still think Dave is in the wrong here. He is the people's President and can't be acting like a soulless millionaire.

[@Awtkjebeieksndfn]

Dave loves to say how he has “said it before” about how he was wrong for how he demoted Kmarko . but never once said that to kmarko himself.

[@johnnyyak515]

And…… FYI I think you’d be shocked at the salary kmarko has collected without working as editor for a year he collected the same pay. Dave has said he can literally do whatever he wants to. He has a job people would die for (not me) but clearly it’s a very coveted job. Why doesn’t he go be funny if he’s so useful and or productive. This is nuts. Wtf do you want to happen. You want to go back in time. ?! This isn’t remotely a real world problem this is a show and kmarko is choosing to be a character on the show that is sad. That’s it.

[@2degen2quit]

@@johnnyyak515 If all your co-workers turned out to be two-faced fucks would you want to work with them? lmao

[@Titleist24]

Kirk won

[@swilliam81]

Or just a simple apology and appreciate for all his years of hard work. He's blinded by yes men to realize how far that goes for an employee and also increases their productivity and mental stability. Can't believe he gets away with this still being owned by a publicily traded company. Apparently his excuse is always "this is content". No, your soldier is wounded. Get him help!

[@Titleist24]

@@swilliam81 found kmarkos burner. What apology is owed? Kmarko essentially tried to tear down the company from within and smear people on his way. Does poor baby want an apology? How about getting paid millions to do nothing? Is that not enough?

[@8agames973]

How shitty to demote someone that’s worked for 10 years and not sit down and talk with them one on ome

[@anthonyaddonizio2484]

Correct

[@shoup1116]

Absolutely. Not cool

[@andtomerik]

Kmarko looks like a completely different person, you can tell the whole situation took such a toll on him. Truly feel bad for him, guy busted his ass for Barstool for years and got his heart ripped out. He probably knows where all the bodies are buried and could easily leave and air it all out, but chooses to stay, his loyalty is unmatched.

[@Mel-Miv-DeVoe]

Chooses to stay? He has equity and stands to make millions and hasn’t gotten a reduced salary. What a hero

[@millardfilmore1403]

@@Mel-Miv-DeVoe lmao

[@GMGBlackWhiteMUNGEY]

He has nowhere to go .. lol he’s terrible at what he does. He literally only had his job because of his seniority, which is a terrible decision for a growing company to make.

[@JB-df3hk]

He has been and always will be a douche. Go watch his old content. He always sucked

[@Riley63]

That interview with Kmarko makes Dave seem like a terrible boss. I hate to suggest that because I know that isn’t the case. This one was a tough look for him though.

[@mikeb9667]

What planet am I on?!?! Kmarko would've been fired 10x over for what he did and the lack of work since anywhere else.

[@Muzik1080]

@@mikeb9667 found portnoy's burner

[@zalapski9399]

@@Muzik1080 that joke / comeback is so washed up

[@mjh8753]

Kmarko is running a masterclass at being a victim. What a loser

[@Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssz]

@@mikeb9667 now do Portnoy’s scandals

[@iizBeNz]

This is actually sort of pathetic from Dave. He continually puts blame on Kmarko for something he also approved. He goes on to say there must have been something wrong to even ask Dave about approving such a blog post. If that was the case why were there only 2 of thousands of blog mistakes? Dave is talking like a child with no accountability and usually he isn’t that guy.

[@connorpowell8558]

@@Tgannyboi exactly - if that zonker blog was about Nate; Kmarko doesn't bring it to Dave's attention and just spikes it- Since Kmarko hates Kirk he wanted to post it. Dave got have a EoC that acts like that

[@gregmitchell1644]

Money isn’t everything Dave, you make Kmarko a millionaire but also made him miserable, that needs fixing, money isn’t everything and he’s clearly struggling.

[@Titleist24]

Kirk won

[@thanos2170]

Kmarko also used his platform to call another Barstool employ racist…

[@bryce6808]

Dave. : throws absolute sissy tantrum when top 10 professional golfer pulls from a match that does not benefit him at all but benefits Dave 1000% Also Dave : can’t wrap his brain around why an employee is upset he found out his job is taken away without notice or warning from a guy who doesn’t work at the company

[@chrisjames8835]

Dave can't understand why employees are upset when they work for (in his words) a "terrible manager"

[@ericwackowski7747]

You my friend are 10,000% correct. He freaked out over “having to practice on his golf game” and cried like a bitch over it and gave the “he’s dead to me”!

[@stebypeters8188]

@@chrisjames8835 I think Dave freaking out about the golf thing is kind of the show / persona he portrays that gets him more clicks.

[@chrisjames8835]

@@stebypeters8188 I kind of agree, he definitely knows it gets him more clicks, but he does it because it's his personality as well. Regardless, he knows he can be a difficult manager (or in his words terrible) so maybe should stick to content and give someone else those responsibilities as a number of employees are clearly unhappy with his actions. This is speculation, but I'd guess he likes the feeling of power and doesn't want to give that control up - especially if you consider who he used to be before he made some money. Money changes all men - and Dave is definitely a man.

[@JoshGolf]

Dave, I think Kmarko is just looking for an apology, to show him you can understand where he's at and all he's done

[@kharvell16]

That’s what the money is for

[@yeahboiBigLEE]

Why the fuck does Dave owe him an apology.....?

[@kurtisdawson1988]

Dave doesnt care guy

[@stevemygoodman7809]

Dave is a madman. You don’t get that rich by being an apology guy

[@hgselects]

@@stevemygoodman7809 Yeah dude, every wealthy person is a total a**hole...you got it *heavy eye roll*

[@manvswoodbeam]

Dave so obsessed with defending and explaining himself that he's not even listening to one of the guys who built his empire. Says he wishes he did something differently, but didn't apologize for it, which is bizarre.

[@faithmages1385]

Thought the same thing. This was very painful to listen to.

[@swilliam81]

100% good take

[@weebabyshakeus]

Yea Dave is so cringeworthy here. He talks about loyalty, but shown KMarko none.

[@PeepGamePopoff]

Imagine coming up with barstool idol and getting demoted to answering to Nate … insane

[@MBergeron31]

Dave's inability to apologize when he was clearly wrong is by far his worst quality. I feel bad for Kmarko and how his entire firing was handled.

[@originalbarstool8888]

dave can't apologize without a lot of "buts" he was clearly pouting more than Kmarko with his pathetic "he hates me". The whole thing was so hard to watch I almost regretted sending the blog in. The time to say he shouldn't have been brought a blog by a non employee was when it was brought to him. Or did he only find out later I don't work there?

[@thanos2170]

He did nothing wrong.

[@PROULXism]

I might be backing more KMarko now, damn

[@max-donahue6864]

Good luck lmao

[@Titleist24]

Kirk won

[@YaBoyPhones]

Kmarko looks exhausted and completely uninterested. Really do not know how to feel about it. The guy seems like he’s loved his job for a long time, stood by Dave during every encounter, edited/read/and created so many blogs daily, fucked up a bit and just got screwed at the end of the day. Dave gives him a lot of slack because he understands that shit happens and kmarko seems to be a bit jaded and pissed at the fact that he never got recognized and shown the respect he deserved/earned. Tough scene honestly because now Kmarko has finally just hit a wall and is just ready to move on….. sad. I definitely would not like to see him leave.

[@mgmoore3]

It’s such a tough spot to be in. Dan said “I wouldn’t ask that question if I didn’t truly believe it” to his work ethic. 1000000% recency

[@mgmoore3]

Bias. It’s hard to look at complete bodies of work when the company is so diverse

[@barstoolstuff4531]

100% KRYMARO has spilled his guts to the NY time hit piece people. That's why he couldn't look at Dave in the eyes for almost 90% of this exchange. BOOK IT. WAIT AND SEE.

[@MahaneyMedia]

He was done so wrong, for a man who has filter and ran the blog for years to make a couple mistakes to then get totally get stripped of his power is a bad decision. Especially to hear about it from this podcast and on Twitter, is unprofessional. Obviously, barstool is ran different and not your typical company, so not “professional” in the literal sense but he is a day 1 who has worked building up barstool for a decade, he deserves more respect with this whole situation.

[@ant3587]

You nailed it. Was never a Kmarko guy but you can tell he’s hurt. I’ve been a Barstool guy for a long time so this is hard to watch. I hope they come to some sort of resolution off camera

[@ninetytwodreams]

I don’t like Kmarko but I feel bad for him. Bad look for Dave

[@369TP]

K Marko needs to grow up and quit crying

[@zacharybannon5710]

Kmarko is in pain, protect your mental health …

[@Ian-yj9yx]

i felt like he was just hoping to be let go at times during that interview, very sad

[@Poise716]

Kmarko is 100 percent right he always had everybody’s back and gets no love

[@QillWhitey]

My guy dave stays busy.

[@ryanells4331]

Did you ever read the Zonker blog he let get posted?

[@leafs34]

Honestly feel really bad for kmarko, he’s done so much for barstool. He’s been there forever. This is tough to watch. I know alot of people hate him, especially for certain blogs going out but this doesn’t seem right.

[@max-donahue6864]

Feel bad a grown man fucked up at work and got demoted. Boohoo give me a break, don't spike blogs for political reasons and then post take down blogs for political reasons. I'm glad he's gone barstool hasn't missed him at all

[@jamescook5937]

What exactly happened i am a little lost?

[@leafs34]

@@jamescook5937 kmarko published 2 spiteful blogs

[@A_space_B]

Anyone who believed he was fired is a sucker. Lost his title, kept his salary and stock options, now works for Nate. Sounds worse than being fired tbh

[@mickmarty2082]

100% I feel 4 Keith

[@snowmanandbandit8829]

I’ll jump out the fuckin window before I left 5’2 Nate tell me something.

[@swilliam81]

You wonder why the guy looks like hes suicidal. He reports to Nate and Dave who he's been loyal to for over a decade ignored him for a year after demoting him publicly. It's fucked up and Dave's ego is so big... he has so many yes men he can't realize it. Sad. Feel bad for Kmarko. He's in a very dark place

[@ineverstudiedinschool2666]

Kmarko basically daring Dave to fire him is a power move 1:33:50

[@geoaerorider4589]

Alpha’d the hell out of Dave. 😂

[@giftedbelow1921]

This is a tough look for Dave. KMarko has every right to feel like this. Erika and Dave need to manage the needle better. With 90-100 blogs a day there are going to be misunderstandings and he deserves some direction, especially with Penn coming into the mix.

[@umiamimax]

Sucks to see someone say “brick by brick,” go on a year long victory tour about the Penn deal, and not realize kmarko was one of those bricks that helped build the company. Would have been nice just to say thank you for your past work, but we’re making a change

[@mgmoore3]

Him saying “everyone only cares about themselves” is so true. If Barstool isn’t careful their gonna learn the hard way these clout chasing zoomers don’t give a shiiiiiiit about a company if it can’t help their follower count. Gonna have to watch these youngens they are trying to grow with. But I think they’ll be pretty selective

[@Matthew36959]

Dave you fucked up this whole Kmarko situation. Erica should have had his back as well. You guys need to carve out a new role for him.

[@arnoldshepherds403]

The ending of that KMarko interview was unreal

[@snowmanandbandit8829]

@Estelle Getty This right here.

[@MahaneyMedia]

@Estelle Getty I disagree, like Dave said he is a tenured guy. A man who’s been there essentially from day 1, he does deserve more respect than others. Hence why he was editor in chief and for a company centered around blogging, you pretty much are better than others because you are their bosses and control what goes up and what doesn’t.

[@Poise716]

Disgusting behavior

[@369TP]

K Marko not laughing at the Ben Simmons joke and just crying is the character of a lil bee itch

[@Carlos2Dangerous]

@@369TP I’m pretty sure he was crying and wanted to get off camera tbh

[@stustu5774]

Keith's reasoning on how he feels is spot on. It sucks when people don't put a 1/4 the effort into you as you do into them

[@nathanbrown1210]

Expressions is literally one of the funniest people I’ve ever watched. He will be absolute gold

[@GabGotti3]

You guys thought Troopz was something……….Expressions is all that and more. BOX OFFICE!!

[@ptm8576]

@@GabGotti3 One of the most quick witted personalities out there

[@FKF95]

Expressions!!!!!!!! This is another great addition for Barstool

[@jadendodoo4979]

true

[@thomashouston8709]

Classic Dave making a snap decision without thinking about it long-term and then not owning up to anything afterwards...KMarko is the best and one of the only guys at Barstool who can logically defend himself in these arguments...

[@lucascreevy3531]

not gonna lie the hype has gotten to dave's head man (sorry no comma's)

[@Ericmurphy284]

Dudes worth like a quarter of a billion

[@ponder2006]

the lesson is no matter how important or invaluable you think you are you should always communicate with everyone and know exactly where you are with people...Kmarko assumed a lot of things about his relationships with Dave and everyone else. Turns out, when it matter there was nobody there.

[@stevemygoodman7809]

He screwed himself by allowing a non employee(Zonker) on the blog to call Barstool employees racist.

[@snowmanandbandit8829]

@@stevemygoodman7809 People seem to think that’s not a big deal when it really could have sunk the company.

[@Stamps600]

@@stevemygoodman7809 The blog itself was pretty basic political talking points blog where in no way did he call Kirk a racist. But Zonker called Kirk a racist either on his show or his own website (forgot)... Reason why Kirk and Dave were upset Zonker was able to get published with a political piece. Now if that blog was written by an employee, Dave doesn't care.

[@limpsnips8876]

Kmarko respect tour begins now. For the record guys, you can call out behavior of people you’re fans of, and still be fans of them. The way Dave handled this is inexcusable.

[@KillShotzFTW]

“You have earned the loyalty.” What a statement by Dave. He earned the loyalty, but Dave never offered an explanation to a guy who was there for him from the beginning. Such a shitty move by Dave. I don’t know how Dave could just sit there and watch him walk out the way he did. No compassion for a dude who gave a lot.

[@brysonstephens1352]

dave missed so hard on this, kmarko respect tour

[@KevinTyler21]

And that was one of the first times I’ve been mad at Eddy... “Like a Ben Simmons thing?” actually pissed me off for kmarko.

[@bradb5617]

Dave gaslight kmarko... Feel for Kmarko. This was tough to watch for Dave.

[@chazmascias4259]

Kmarko deserves so much better. The way he spoke showed the emotion and energy he put into his job. It's tough to watch. I honestly think Dave feels bad but refuses to admit he made an irrational decision. Dave likes to say Kmarko earned the loyalty and that's why he's not on his ass about the lower blog numbers. But it actually seems like he knows he betrays a loyal companion whose been there through the ups and downs and was embarrassed to talk to him. I'll always be a stoolie and part of Team Portnoy but damn Dave, you did this to one of us man. Kmarko deserves better.

[@lukeut8680]

Expressions has been cracking me up for years, what a great hire 💯

[@KevinTyler21]

Dave is so wrong about kmarko. Kmarko would always go to war on Twitter for barstool and always had super funny blogs. I think Dave is dogging a barstool OG that loves this company.

[@barstoolstuff4531]

dogging him by giving him free money for almost no work for a year and equity? Sure buddy. Go back to your safe space.

[@mikewhite2085]

Raking Kmarko over the coals for getting political and interviewing Trump makes no sense Dave

[@mgmoore3]

It’s a tough spot….but he said “If a standing president asks for an interview, you do it”….we shall see if that holds up.

[@barstoolstuff4531]

LOL. Youre a fool.

[@brodywinrow9222]

Kmarko was a solider who died from friendly fire.

[@swilliam81]

Except it wasn't friendly fire. It was a mob hit

[@IronikMo]

Expressions at 26:20

[@joshgershenfeld6728]

If Dan/Kevin/Erika never reached out…yikes. Especially Kevin, those two were day 1s together. Keith didn’t deserve any of this. Rest of em are all cowards.

[@connorpowell8558]

Def could've handled his demotion better but Kmarko actions led to his demotion - he is lucky he got to stay on full salary etc... most companies just cut ties after you screw up that badly.

[@edttt4491]

One of the best interviews the show has ever done. You can tell how intelligent Kmarko is with his response and how hurt he felt. Dave really made his feel awful with the report remarks saying that’s a 5 sec report. Feel awful how Dave just rejected Kmarko work ethic within barstool.

[@derekmarques3469]

If Dave "Didn't know what K-Marko was doing?" why did it take 3 people to replace him managing the Bloggers. Maybe if K-Marko had that support he wouldn't have let those mistakes happen. I totally get how disrespected K-Marko must feel and its not about the money if you don't feel appreciated.

[@quinnjones354]

I’m hyped for Expressions

[@matthendriks4228]

Kmarko deserves better

[@ptm8576]

Dave entering the UK market with Troopz, Expressions and Paddy is genius. Barstool to the moon!

[@TheMrdominator1997]

I feel if there late to the game, gambling in the uk is starting to become a problem and adding regulations. Tbh barstool is probably making a generation of problem gamblers in the us

[@barstoolstuff4531]

More than that, if they get into "the UK Market" they have access to Most of the EU and the rest of the world. I'm not saying that Barstool, Churnin, Penn National will get as big as Entain plc in worldwide gambling but if Churning, Barstool, and Penn do open a Sportsbook in England it is a definite beachhead in the attempt to be global like Etain plc. Smart Investors Keep an Eye on Barstool branded names applying for a Gambling License in Gibraltar.

[@darrylvalencia8515]

Dave is slowly laying down the foundation for a Barstool London. What a visionary!!!

[@KAP81]

About time too !

[@seangeston157]

Dave needs to make a change. I think he thinks he's off the hook by claiming "hand up I should've said it to your face" and then saying "thats how I roll - I'm a bad manager," Like seriously dave, this is one of the core four bloggers. You can't just get away with things by brushing them away and claiming you were wrong. You aren't always in the right and making these managerial changes won't change the trajectory of barstool. You honestly only come into unstructured office content when you have something bad to say. I get you are worried that people are going to take advantage of the Barstool name but the only person who has actually changed from barstool success is you

[@FranciscoUK]

Dave is great at establishing narratives to make his arguments

[@joshhutch3525]

Seriously, I think everyone watching this understood KMarko’s side, but Dave can’t accept that he handled something poorly for once and has to justify it by repeating his narrative over and over.

[@AfroVibez]

Barstool fans are going to love Expressions. Expressions is ridiculously talented, he is verbal Ronaldo on the mic. Everybody in Barstools are going to be given a nickname by the end of November. That's a guarantee 😂😂😂

[@exnihilo4547]

He once said the coach of his team should’ve been a cashier because all he knows is the counter 🤣🤣

[@cofoscho]

Eddie laughing during the entire Expressions interview made it so good

[@DavidR9567]

feel for kmarko here, you can see he loves barstool but it wasn't reciprocated

[@shoup1116]

Kmarko looks depressed…like for real.

[@shaunabel2859]

Kmarko was in the office working on one of the latest stool scenes and has never stopped tweeting barstool stuff, but we were all led to believe he had been fired, i am fully here for this one

[@Mark-sy5pn]

Forgot Keith still worked there, hadn’t seen him in anything since precovid. Glad to see he’s still there

[@paintervlogs8597]

hope he is not leaving, never disliked him, hope he finds his own niche

[@Mark-sy5pn]

@@paintervlogs8597 all the OG Milton guys gave me entertainment for like a decade. Really hope he stays with barstool, whether through his own choice or theirs.

[@TonyToniTone81]

This sounds like a lot of Dave backtracking his mistake of OKing the Zonkers blog. Free KMarko.

[@size5shots]

Dave looks terrible here, guy straight up doesnt run his company anymore

[@WillFallowfield]

Tough to watch. Seemed like Dave made an emotional decision (saying he went crazy, multiple times) but I’m not sure what to think. It may have been a business decision where he felt someone else would be a better fit to run the blog but then again, you have that conversation face to face and Dave obviously now realizes that. The question now is, if they would have had that conversation, would the situation be what it is today? Dave would and did say things wouldn’t have changed but I don’t think we’ll ever truly know. It was either an emotional decision or a shrewd business decision and I tend to lean toward the latter. Still should have had that conversation face to face.

[@hmd6202]

Very much agree with your comment. One of the main if not thee main reason stoolies are as diehard as they are is because of the authenticity of Barstool. Dave is as real and raw as it gets these days (Dana White/ UFC as well)and people love seeing it. 12+ months ago the World was flipped upside down. Who knows what initial pressure Dave felt during those first 3-6 months of complete uncertainty. Losing trust in a tenured employee that has been there from almost day 1, is an absolute dagger to the heart for KMarko. I'm all about the content, but there will come instances were having a private conversation is the most authentic option.

[@oscarnanco3559]

Expressions 26:20 You’re welcome

[@stevemygoodman7809]

29:40 RIP Ayliah I love back and forth 🤣🤣

[@MahaneyMedia]

Yeah how Dave did K Marko was not right, for a man who is considered a day 1 and one of the core 4, with Dave, Big Cat & KFC. You don’t do him like that, he has put in his time, I can totally understand his frustration with the whole situation.

[@Riley63]

Sadly, I think it’s just the core three at this point, and I don’t necessarily think that’s right…

[@leonardomartinez7037]

Damn, that Kmarko segment was a gut wrench. Feels for the guy. Dave handled that situation terribly

[@alex.murrieta]

Eddie comparing Kmarko to Ben Simmons is so so disrespectful.

[@MrZero0404]

reply boy could really be better at his job

[@J_Rio11]

You could tell Eddie hates him in that exchange

[@8agames973]

Wow…. Definitely on Kmarkos side! Way to stick up for yourself!

[@mgmoore3]

Kinda same. Sounds to me like he was trying harder to stay neutral in political times than any other site that posts blogs/stories? And Dave borderline said he did it to save himself. “If I didn’t make a change, I can only blame myself”. Sooooo….

[@barstoolstuff4531]

He had an agenda because of the trump interview. Half the people who are still there and all the people who aren't hated that including Krymarko but also including Big Kat. However big kat doesn't have a job overseeing a large portion of the barstool ip and Krymarko did and used it to retaliate against Dave and others he perceived to be "TRUM GUYS" like kirk. You sir are a fool for writing this. Your a dam fool of you think that its going to change KRYMARKOS fate.

[@ayftb6558]

@@barstoolstuff4531 kmarko is a republican

[@barstoolstuff4531]

@@ayftb6558 So is Paul Ryan, what is the point you think you are trying to make dummy.

[@ayftb6558]

@@barstoolstuff4531 that he wasn’t mad at the trump interview bozo

[@goated3557]

this shit is crazy, a real life version of the office except it’s actually real

[@josephfranzese2969]

damn actually feel for kmarko

[@mgmoore3]

He was givin an impossible task at an impossible time. No reason there shouldn’t have been more editors working with him (I know there are a few, but more) to hear that trysta (and I know she’s not the only one) was writing 10 politically charged post a day is WILD. But not surprising as she’s more of a traditional “journalist” and at this point that’s all they do

[@bradyanna2841]

I appreciate dave, eddy, n barstool for showing this to fans because we like the inside barstool stuff but I hope they talked off air and figured this out.....kmarko an OG and I hope he gets the credit he deserves

[@hptubez21]

Expressions and Dave. Best friends in the making.

[@mickmarty2082]

Kinda feelin 4 keith...

[@MrLeafsfan1234]

Im the biggest Dave guy there is. This is a big miss on his part. I don’t think Kmarko cares that he got demoted. Working somewhere for 10 years should have earned him some respect. He just got stepped over by his supposed friends

[@PatW420]

expressions is the best. im an arsenal fan and i love the lad. his vibe is contagious.

[@cmartwcup2723]

Kmarko always had his head locked onto his laptop in the background of all stool scenes, grinding. Would always see him and think, Kmarko is constantly at that laptop he's got a great work ethic.

[@jlovaglio]

FACTS, Dave! Wake up Eddie. "We are Family" is a staple at every wedding.

[@dco5162]

KMarko was the reason I found barstool years ago. The G.O.A.T of blogging. Sad to see Dave do him dirty like this.

[@MrRoyals59bolts]

Unfortunately, you see Dave's true colors at the end when he says, "Poutgate" which his trademark smirk. At this moment, he knew he'd get giant views/listens on this podcast episode. Money always talks and that is the only thing he cares about.

[@geoaerorider4589]

Quit being AntiSemitic!

[@powerhouse9868]

Wow, 1:28:57 Dave you are wrong.

[@ayftb6558]

everyone in the live chat calling kmarko a lib and soy boy is pretty ironic considering the internet shamed him for being a registered republican a few years back

[@chrislomicka]

I like new kmarko. Kind of emo and confident

[@Mexicanboy4496]

Dave is going 100mph for weeks and this is the results of it, loyal soldiers slow down and questions their leader.

[@craighartanagel858]

Wow Dave came off as a total Dbag with Kmarko. Should have done it better if it needed to be done. This convo needed to happen. Also could have pulled him back or given him more help, rather then just cut him from his roll.

[@vtpguitarist]

Dave not thinking LeSean McCoy would be a good brand ambassador in Philly is wild.

[@maxxlensky]

Dam got to feel for kmarko. He’s really down and hurt. That zonker blog was pretty crazy though and it was at a hot time. Kmarko and kirk had beef b4 hand and this blog was only posted cause it trashed kirk. That is the massive misstep kmarko took. His anger towards kirk overstepped his job and when u r an editor that is thr biggest no no

[@stevemygoodman7809]

Yea the resist programming people on Twitter were going after Dave and Minihane. So it’s a bad look to let zonker write how Minihane is racist on the blog

[@jandenny2073]

Can someone explain the Zonker blog I missed it at the time

[@Stamps600]

@@jandenny2073 Basically Zonker wrote a counter article to Kirk Minihane's polical points. The blog was all political but very basic. Problem was Zonker called Kirk a racist either on his website or Kirk's show which is why the shitstorm came about. Dave also got heated because he was getting the Portnoy is a racist card thrown at him at the time. Don't turn the blog political because I'm being called a racist right now. Yes the Portnoy victim part is a very strange leap frog, but that is what Portnoy says.

[@maxxlensky]

@@Stamps600 if I remember correctly the Kmarko blog came b4 Dave was a racist sequence. By a week or wtvr

[@Stamps600]

@@maxxlensky Get it but that is one of Dave's points. Also if the blog was wrote by an employee I don't think it would of ever been a problem especially an employee Kirk doesn't hate like Jack Mac, Big Ev, or Tyler O'Day type.

[@mcfc2528]

Expressions ! Barstool made the right move this is huge

[@jibba1681]

Kmarko had been doing solid work for years and Dave only started paying attention when the negative news came in. At least that what it seems.

[@SteaminBeaminn13]

Sounds like Dave figured ignoring the 12 emails about what the guidelines are was kmarkos fault lmaaaoo

[@andrewbarker713]

Down vote in solidarity with Kmarko