Dave Portnoy and Josh Richards have publicly stood by their podcast co-host, Brianna LaPaglia, after her unexpected separation from Zach Bryan. The breakup announcement came directly from Zach, who took to his Instagram stories to express his feelings candidly: “I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna’s privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too.” This heartfelt message caught Brianna, 25, off guard, leaving her feeling blindsided and shocked by the sudden change in their relationship status.

In a bold move to defend Brianna, Dave decided to create and release a diss track targeting the “Pink Skies” artist, titled “Smallest Man.” The 47-year-old media personality took to social media, sharing a video on X through the podcast’s account, stating, “Fine, you think that’s just it? You think we’re going to just put ‘Smallest Man’ away? I will write 10,000 diss tracks.” He further teased, “Maybe we do ‘Dave’s version’ — I heard Bri may get in the booth and do her version.” This playful yet confrontational approach indicates a deep loyalty to his friend and a willingness to take a stand.

For those interested in diving deeper into the lyrical content and the insights behind Dave’s diss track, continue reading below. We will explore the themes, references, and meanings embedded in his lyrics.

Unpacking the Lyrics: “I Said Trust Me, Caught Your Pants on Fire / Tinder, Bumble, Raya, Knew You Was a Liar”

The opening line of the track takes a sharp jab at Zach, alluding to rumors surrounding his alleged infidelity and previous appearances on various dating apps. This line, delivered with flair by both Dave and co-host Josh, sheds light on the public perception of Zach’s romantic life, which has often been scrutinized and debated. By referencing popular dating platforms, they emphasize the scandalous nature of his actions, suggesting a betrayal that resonates with listeners familiar with the complexities of modern relationships.

Highlighting Controversies: “Looking For Pink Skies, But Now You’re Seeing Stars / There’s Something in the Orange and It’s You Behind These Bars, B*tch”

In this part of the song, the duo cleverly weaves in references to Zach’s legal troubles, particularly his arrest in September 2023 for obstructing an investigation, as reported by the Craig County Sheriff’s Office. This lyric not only showcases their lyrical prowess but also serves as a reminder of the controversies that have surrounded Zach, creating a rich narrative that connects personal relationships with broader societal issues. The use of vivid imagery invites listeners to visualize the tumultuous journey Zach has faced, deepening the impact of the song.

Addressing Backlash: “Think You’re on Some Sh*t Tryna Diss Taylor Swift, Did a Hundo ‘Gram Stories Apologizing Like a B*tch”

Country star Zach Bryan deactivates X/Twitter account following backlash to tweet:

“Eagles > chiefs
Kanye > Taylor” pic.twitter.com/JBNgtf5g55

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 19, 2024

In a notable incident in 2024, Bryan sparked significant controversy on X, previously known as Twitter, by stating his preference for Kanye West over Taylor Swift. He tweeted, “eagles > chiefs Kanye > Taylor who’s with me,” which resulted in a considerable backlash from fans and the public alike. Following the uproar, he issued an apology on his Instagram Stories, attributing the tweet to being under the influence at the time. “To be completely honest, it just came off as rude and desensitized to Taylor. I respect her so much as a musician that the last thing I want is people thinking I don’t appreciate and love what she has done as a musician,” he explained. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities of public figures in the digital age, highlighting the impact of their words.

Celebrating New Beginnings: “How Lucky is Bri to be Free of ZB”

In a show of solidarity, the podcast team expressed their support for Brianna by incorporating a sample of Zach’s emotional song “28” into their discussion, emphasizing their relief and happiness for her newfound freedom from Zach. This gesture not only highlights their friendship but also reinforces the idea that moving on from toxic relationships can lead to personal growth and empowerment. By celebrating Brianna’s journey, they inspire listeners to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive friends.