Ruthless Podcast-logo

Ruthless Podcast

News & Politics Podcasts

A variety progrum. Smug, Holmes, Duncan, and Ashbrook bring next generation conservative talk to the next level with RUTHLESS. There is no shelter for anyone as the fellas provide a lighter analysis of the news (and fake news) of the day.

Location:

United States

Description:

A variety progrum. Smug, Holmes, Duncan, and Ashbrook bring next generation conservative talk to the next level with RUTHLESS. There is no shelter for anyone as the fellas provide a lighter analysis of the news (and fake news) of the day.

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Democrats’ Hasan Piker Problem

4/24/2026
Democrats rally around Hasan Piker as the emerging thought leader of the party. Senate candidate Adam Schwarze joins the progrum to make his case for Minnesota. #hasanpiker #MinnesotaPolitics #2026Election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:20:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Fake Hate - How Democrats Manufacture ‘Extremism’ - SPLC Indicted

4/23/2026
SPLC and Democrats' “Fake hate” exposed. This is how Democrats use the Southern Poverty Law Center to manufacture extremism for power and profit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:29:04

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Is This the End for Ilhan Omar?

4/21/2026
Is this the end for Ilhan Omar—or just the beginning of a much bigger unraveling? #ilhanomar #politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:18:12

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Unbelievable Ways Liberals Spend Taxpayer Money + Michele Tafoya Joins the Progrum

4/17/2026
Why do liberals keep doubling down on policies that clearly aren’t working? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—jump straight into a week where the “woke agenda” isn’t failing… it’s accelerating. Because this isn’t subtle anymore. You’re seeing it in the spending, the priorities, the messaging—and the complete refusal to admit any of it might be wrong. So the real question becomes: is this about fixing problems… or protecting the ideology no matter the cost? The fellas break it all down—story by story—connecting the dots between policy decisions, cultural narratives, and the real-world consequences hitting taxpayers and voters right now. In this episode… California programs that defy common sense—and keep getting funded Boston spending priorities that leave basic needs behind A Senate candidate scandal that raises bigger questions about accountability Millennials vs Boomers—and who actually got the better deal PLUS, A STORY SO OUTRAGEOUS IT INVOLVES RFK JR., A ROAD TRIP, AND A RACCOON. Then it’s classic Fun Time Friday chaos. The fellas bounce from policy insanity to cultural absurdity, proving once again that real life is weirder than anything you could script. Special Guest: Michele Tafoya – Why she’s stepping into politics after a career in sports – What voters are actually frustrated about right now – The gap between political messaging and real-world outcomes – Why “moderate” branding isn’t matching policy reality At the end of the day, this episode hits one core idea: when failure isn’t punished, it gets repeated—and sometimes amplified. Question of the Day: Who had it worse? Boomers or millennials? If you’re not subscribed, you’re behind. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the comments—we read it all and bring your best takes into the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:36:39

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jail Time? Democrat Scandals Explode + How to Stop the VA Gerrymander

4/16/2026
When Democrats suddenly “discover” scandals in their own ranks, is it accountability… or strategy? Is the media actually exposing corruption—or just deciding who gets sacrificed? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—bring you a brutal week for Democrats, where long-buried stories explode into the open and the timing raises more questions than answers. Because let’s be honest: none of this came out of nowhere. The allegations, the whispers, the patterns—they’ve been there. So why now? And more importantly… who’s next? The fellas connect the dots between media silence, political usefulness, and the moment someone becomes expendable. From Capitol Hill chaos to a shocking corruption case flying under the radar, this isn’t just scandal—it’s a system. In this episode…Swalwell fallout and the sudden media awakeningThe Gallego connection and what he knew (and when)A Democrat corruption case you definitely didn’t hear aboutHow party power determines who gets protected—and who doesn’t PLUS, A CONGRESSWOMAN ALLEGEDLY STEALS MILLIONS… AND WEARS THE DIAMOND RING SHE BOUGHT WITH THE MONEY IN HER OFFICIAL PORTRAIT. Then the fellas zoom out. What happens when the media stops pretending? What does it mean for the future of the Democratic Party—and who’s really in charge? And just when you think it couldn’t get more chaotic… enter Joe Biden, back on stage and reminding everyone why 2024 ended the way it did. Special Guest:Rep. Ben Cline– The Virginia gerrymandering battle that could reshape Congress – Why a 10–1 map is even being attempted– How rural voters get erased in modern redistricting– What this fight signals for the 2026 elections And because this is the Variety Program… it goes completely off the rails. From communist sympathizers on college campuses to humanoid robots chasing wild boars, nothing is off limits. Question of the Day:Predictions - What’s the final vote on the VA gerrymander? If you’re not subscribed, you’re behind. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the comments—we read it all and bring the best takes into the show. 00:03:08 Swalwell Scandal Erupts and Democrats Pretend Ignorance 00:06:32 Media Knew About Allegations and Stayed Silent 00:09:33 Gallego Pressed on Swalwell Ties and Shifting Story 00:22:17 Shirtless Photo and Democrat Double Standards 00:23:14 Hidden Democrat Corruption Case Involving Disaster Relief Funds 00:32:47 Virginia Gerrymandering Fight Explained with Rep. Ben Cline 00:35:11 How Democrats Plan a 10-1 Map in a Purple State 00:45:53 What Virginia Vote Means for National Politics 00:58:10 Founders’ Vision vs Modern Representation Debate 01:02:10 Biden’s Public Appearance Raises Questions Again 01:07:15 Hasan Piker and the Rise of Radical Democrat Messaging 01:15:08 King of the Hill Segment Returns with Max Boot vs George Conway ➢ Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless/id1535384390 ➢ Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uj2OGFyb9QnrpZw1nYv7E ➢ Visit our website: https://www.ruthlesspodcast.com/ ➢ Ruthless on X: https://x.com/RuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthlesspod ➢ Ruthless on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialruthlesspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:36:39

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Catastrophic Collapse of Eric Swalwell w/ Ben Domenech

4/14/2026
Is the media exposing the truth—or just taking out one of their own? And if a Democrat goes down, is it ever really about accountability… or just clearing the field for the next one up? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook (with Comfortably Smug out on assignment)—jump straight into the Eric Swalwell implosion with special Guest Ben Domenech. What's the deeper game being played behind the scenes? Because this isn’t just a scandal—it’s a case study. Allegations pile up, the media suddenly “discovers” what they already knew, and a rising Democrat gets wiped out overnight. So the real question is: why now… and who benefits?The fellas break it all down—how power actually works inside the Democratic Party, why California is the ultimate prize, and how the media decides who survives and who gets buried.In this episode…The Swalwell scandal and the perfectly timed political takedownWhy media attacks on Democrats always serve another DemocratCalifornia’s outsized influence on national policy—and why it mattersHow internal Democrat power struggles are shaping the future of the party PLUS, AN INTERN RESIGNS LIKE HE’S A CABINET SECRETARY—AND IT’S EXACTLY AS RIDICULOUS AS IT SOUNDS. And it only gets better. The fellas dive into the broader collapse of Democrat messaging, the struggle to win back young male voters, and why some of the loudest voices shaping the party today are completely out of step with everyday Americans. Then it’s onto Iran, global energy politics, and the kind of high-stakes chess match most of the media refuses to explain.Special Guest:Ben Domenech (The Daily Wire)– The future of conservative media and opinion writing 📰– Why internal debate on the right actually matters– The power vacuum inside the Democratic Party—and who’s filling it 🏛️– What comes after Trump and how the movement evolves And because it’s Ruthless… we close it out the only way we know how—with total chaos. From chimpanzee civil wars to political absurdity, this episode goes everywhere.If you’re not subscribed yet, you’re missing the real conversation. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the comments—we read it all and use your takes on the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:26:33

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Rise and Fall of a Democrat Superstar

4/10/2026
Is the next “rising star” in politics already crashing back to earth? How does someone win big, get crowned the future of a party… and then immediately start losing the public? The fellas—Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook—jump straight into the rise and sudden fall of Abigail Spanberger, and what it tells you about how political narratives are built—and how fast they collapse. Because this wasn’t supposed to happen. She was marketed as the answer. The moderate. The safe pick. The future. So why are the numbers already turning? And what happens when voters realize they weren’t sold the full story? The fellas break it all down—how the “centrist” label gets used, how campaigns say one thing and govern another, and why this might be the blueprint Democrats are trying to run everywhere… whether it works or not. In this episode…The rapid rise—and even faster fall—of Abigail SpanbergerHow the “moderate Democrat” label wins electionsThe redistricting fight blowing up in VirginiaWhy 2028 hopefuls should be paying very close attention And because it’s Fun Time Friday… it goes completely off the rails. From cultural insanity to political chaos, this one covers everything. Special Guest: Dr. John Fleming (Louisiana State Treasurer & U.S. Senate Candidate)– His path from doctor and Navy veteran to Senate candidate 🇺🇸– Why he’s taking on both establishment Republicans and Democrats– The biggest issues driving Louisiana voters right now– How national politics is shaping local races We also crown a champion. Hack Madness wraps with a final showdown that says a lot about today’s media landscape—and who’s really driving the narrative. Question of the Day: What letter would you add to the acronym and what does it mean? 00:03:08 Abigail Spanberger’s Rapid Fall From Political Star 00:04:10 Masters Tournament Debate and Influencer Backlash 00:08:23 Spanberger’s Approval Collapse and “Centrist” Narrative Exposed 00:11:34 Policy Moves Driving Voter Backlash in Virginia 00:14:05 Redistricting Controversy and Gerrymandering Fight 00:18:10 Democrats Clash Internally Over Redistricting Strategy 00:21:29 Biden Playbook Criticism and Spanberger Under Pressure 00:27:09 Wes Moore Investigation Preview and 2028 Implications 00:31:17 Bronze Star Controversy and Media Smear Claims 00:34:05 Canada Budget Sparks Culture War Over Expanding Acronyms 00:42:45 Hack Madness Winner Crowned and Media Takeaways 00:48:46 Dr. John Fleming Interview on Senate Race and Policy Battles ➢ Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless/id1535384390 ➢ Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uj2OGFyb9QnrpZw1nYv7E ➢ Visit our website: https://www.ruthlesspodcast.com/ ➢ Ruthless on X: https://x.com/RuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthlesspod ➢ Ruthless on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialruthlesspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:20:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

How the Liberal 'Hot Take' Economy Got Iran Completely Wrong - It's All Fake

4/9/2026
Is the outrage real—or is it all just a performance? When the facts start coming in and the narrative falls apart, why do the loudest voices double down instead of backing off? The fellas—Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook—discuss the chaos surrounding Iran and expose what might be the biggest problem in modern politics: the “hot take economy.” Because here’s the reality no one wants to admit—when the conflict started, the takes were locked in. Outcomes didn’t matter. Facts didn’t matter. And when the ceasefire hit? The same people just… flipped the script. So what are we actually watching—analysis, or just people chasing clicks and cash? In this episode…The Iran ceasefire vs the media meltdown that followedHow the “hot take economy” locks in narratives before facts existDemocrat infighting exploding in California primaries2028 candidates running from their own 2020 positions PLUS, A CORPORATE RETREAT SO INSANE IT INVOLVES NAVY SEALS, FIRE ANTS, AND A NEEDLE TO THE BUTT. And it doesn’t stop there. The fellas dig into Swalwell allegations coming from inside the Democrat machine, break down why primaries are where the real knives come out, and expose how politicians are trying to memory-hole their own records before 2028 even starts. Then it’s Hack Madness Championship time—where two all-time media hacks go head-to-head for ultimate glory. Question of the Day:Is the Iran conflict over? Or is the pause temporary? If you’re not subscribed, you’re missing it. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the comments—we read it all and use your takes on the show. 00:03:08 Ceasefire with Iran Sparks Immediate Political Firestorm 00:04:55 Take Economy Accused of Bias Against Trump on Iran 00:06:08 Military Gains in Iran Conflict vs Political Backlash 00:08:38 Libertarian Right Splits Over War Strategy 00:10:44 Democrats Flip Messaging After Ceasefire Announcement 00:14:08 AOC and Critics Double Down Despite Ceasefire 00:18:31 Trump Outlines Ceasefire Terms and Iran Objectives 00:22:15 JD Vance Warns Against Political Black-Pilling 00:24:18 Eric Swalwell Scandal Allegations Surface from Democrats 00:37:48 Democrats Quietly Abandon 2020 Positions Ahead of 2028 00:55:05 Newsom Family Controversy and Criminal Justice Debate 01:00:01 Georgia Special Election Signals Midterm Warning Signs ➢ Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless/id1535384390 ➢ Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uj2OGFyb9QnrpZw1nYv7E ➢ Visit our website: https://www.ruthlesspodcast.com/ ➢ Ruthless on X: https://x.com/RuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthlesspod ➢ Ruthless on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialruthlesspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:19:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Trump Hammers Big Government — We Can’t Be Your Daycare + WH Science & Tech Advisor Michael Kratsios

4/7/2026
Is the federal government supposed to run your life—or just protect your freedom? When politicians start promising childcare, healthcare, housing, and everything in between… are they helping you, or making you dependent? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook—jump straight into one of the biggest fights shaping the future of the country: what is the role of government in America today? Because this isn’t just policy—it’s direction. One side wants more control, more spending, more dependence. The other is asking a question we haven’t seriously debated in over a decade: what happens when the system gets too big to manage—and too easy to exploit? In this episode… Trump’s argument on federal vs state power—and why it’s blowing up online How government programs are being exploited at scale Why fraud, waste, and abuse are no longer just talking points—they’re visible everywhere The growing cracks inside the Democratic Party’s own base PLUS, A NAKED BURGLAR IN VIRGINIA THAT SOMEHOW TURNS INTO A POLITICAL ARGUMENT. We also break down the ActBlue investigation that could shake up Democratic fundraising, CNN admitting Dem voters don’t trust their own leadership, and a Hack Madness Final Four update! And yes… Fun Time Friday delivers again. It always does. Special Guest: Michael Kratsios (White House Director of Science & Technology) – The national AI framework and why it matters for everyday Americans 🤖 – How the U.S. plans to win the global AI race—especially against China 🌎 – Why AI could spark a blue-collar boom, not just replace jobs 🔧 – Protecting families, lowering costs, and keeping innovation American 🇺🇸 If you’re not subscribed, you’re missing the real conversation. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the comments—we read all of it. #RuthlessPodcast #Politics #Trump #GovernmentSpending #AI #ActBlue #Democrats #FederalGovernment #America #PoliticalCommentary ➢ Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless/id1535384390 ➢ Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Uj2OGFyb9QnrpZw1nYv7E ➢ Visit our website: https://www.ruthlesspodcast.com/ ➢ Ruthless on X: https://x.com/RuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthlessPodcast ➢ Ruthless on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthlesspod ➢ Ruthless on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialruthlesspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:13:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

America is BACK - Astronauts to the Moon + Newsom’s Fraud Scheme

4/3/2026
Is America actually back—or are we just finally remembering who we are? When a bar full of strangers erupts like it’s the Super Bowl over a rocket launch, what does that say about the country the media keeps trying to write off? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook—jump straight into the tension between a rising American spirit and a political/media class that seems almost allergic to it. The fellas break it all down—calling out the nonsense and reminding everyone what happens when Americans stop buying the decline narrative. In this episode… Artemis 2 sparks a wave of genuine American pride 🚀 A country ready to win again—whether elites like it or not TMZ tries to turn DC into Hollywood—and proves how unserious politics has become A California fraud scandal so massive it shows exactly where your money is going PLUS, A STORY SO ABSURD IT SOUNDS MADE UP—BUT IT’S NOT. If you’re not subscribed yet, you’re behind. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the conversation—we read all of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:06:30

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Lib Sabotage of Trump Justice + OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap

4/2/2026
Is the system broken—or is it working exactly how the left wants it? When judges start issuing rulings on cases that don’t even matter anymore, what are we actually looking at… law, or pure political theater? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook —jump straight into the chaos and ask the question nobody in media wants to touch: is this about justice, or just headlines? Because when courts are making “decisions” with zero real-world impact, activists are celebrating wins that don’t exist, and journalists are spinning nonsense into narratives… you’ve got a problem. And the fellas aren’t letting it slide. In this episode… A federal court ruling that changes… absolutely nothing Why NPR’s “big win” is pure performance politics The White House ballroom fight that reveals how broken DC really is PLUS, A SUPREME COURT ARGUMENT SO INSANE IT SOUNDS LIKE IT CAME FROM A COLLEGE DORM. Special Guest: Brad Lightcap (COO, OpenAI) – Why AI is the next great American advantage :us: – How everyday people can actually use AI to build businesses and scale ideas :robot_face: – The real race with China—and what’s at stake globally :earth_americas: – Why this isn’t about replacing jobs, but multiplying what individuals can do And yes… we go there. From activist judges to wild courtroom logic to the broader question of whether the entire system is drifting away from reality, this one hits everything. Question of the Day: Is it time to start impeaching activist judges—or does that make things worse? Drop your take in the comments. If you’re not subscribed, you’re missing half the story. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the comments—we read all of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:25:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Who’s Behind The ‘No Kings’ Money Grab & Why Do They Hate Their Own Supporters?

3/31/2026
Are Democrats losing control of their own coalition—or is this exactly where it was always headed? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and (briefly missing) John Ashbrook—talk about a political landscape that feels less like strategy and more like chaos. From fringe activists gaining mainstream influence to protests that look more like performance art than persuasion, the question becomes unavoidable: who’s actually in charge anymore? The fellas break it all down with zero patience for nonsense and plenty of laughs, cutting through media spin, exposing contradictions, and calling out the uncomfortable reality shaping today’s political battlefield. And yes—it gets weird. Really weird. In this episode… No Kings protests that feel more staged than organic The rise of Hasan Piker and the Democrats’ growing identity crisis Media scrambling to clean up a monster they helped create Why Michigan—and voters in Dearborn—are suddenly center stage PLUS, A CHOCOLATE HEIST SO RIDICULOUS IT SOUNDS MADE UP. Special Guests: Scott Kupor (Director, Office of Personnel Management) – Fixing the federal workforce pipeline 🏛️ – Why young talent is avoiding government—and how to change it – AI, innovation, and rebuilding American competitiveness 🤖 – The real problem with outsourcing vs in-house expertise Daniel Bassali (Americans for Prosperity) – The push to celebrate America’s 250th 🇺🇸 – One Small Step: how everyday Americans can make an impact – The Liberty Bracket and ranking the greatest champions of freedom – Why cultural confidence in America actually matters right now We also dive into Hack Madness chaos, America’s 250th birthday, and yes… somehow a debate over George Washington vs Reagan vs MLK breaks out mid-show. And just when you think it can’t get stranger… 12 TONS of KitKats vanish in Europe. No, seriously. If you’re not subscribed yet, you’re already behind. Hit subscribe, follow us everywhere, and jump into the conversation—we read it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:37:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sedition or Stupidity? Why Are Democrats Defending Iran?

3/27/2026
Foreign policy chaos, media narratives spinning out of control, and politicians dodging the simplest questions… Special guests - Rep. Julia Letlow and Laurie Buckhout join us for two great interviews as we update our midterms race map! So what’s actually true—and who’s just playing politics? Don't forget to visit Ruthlesspodcast.com/map to check out all our interviews for midterm races! The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—jump straight into the mess. From Iran to Congress to campaign season, they break down the gap between reality and what’s being pushed in the headlines. In this episode… Schumer pressed on Iran—and can’t give a straight answer Democrats echoing foreign narratives Media vs reality on negotiations and military action Why this moment feels fundamentally different in U.S. politics PLUS, POLITICIANS ARE TAKING IRAN’S WORD OVER AMERICA—WHAT?! Then we bring in a major voice from the campaign trail as the stakes for 2026 heat up… Special Guest: Julia Letlow • Personal story of loss and public service 🇺🇸 • Senate run and Louisiana politics 🗳️ • Responding to stock trading accusations 📊 • Priorities: education, energy, and working families ⚡ And another key battleground voice… Special Guest: Laurie Buckhout • Military leadership and cyber warfare insights 🪖 • What voters actually care about on the ground 🏠 • Border security, economy, and “America First” 🇺🇸 • Taking on a vulnerable Democrat seat 🔥 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:29:10

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Why Democrats Won’t Take Yes for an Answer on DHS funding

3/26/2026
Government shutdown chaos. TSA lines out the door. Political blame flying everywhere. So what’s really going on—and who’s actually responsible? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—cut straight through it. No spin, no fluff. Just the reality behind the dysfunction, the strategy, and why you’re the one stuck dealing with it. In this episode… DHS shutdown fallout and TSA chaos Chuck Schumer under pressure inside his own party ICE funding fight and political maneuvering Dem strategy exposed in immigration debate PLUS, POLITICIANS ARE PLAYING CHESS… WHILE YOU’RE STUCK IN A SIX-HOUR AIRPORT LINE We also sit down with Senator Pete Ricketts for a real look at what’s happening behind closed doors—and what it means for the country moving forward. Special Guest: Senator Pete Ricketts • DHS shutdown negotiations and political gridlock 🏛️ • Economic pressure on everyday Americans 💵 • Election strategy and “fake independent” campaigns 🗳️ • Global tensions and impact on U.S. markets 🌍 Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s next. Follow us across social, drop your thoughts in the comments, and get involved—we’re watching and responding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:28:23

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Why CNN’s demise is accelerating

3/24/2026
Is the problem bad messaging—or is it something deeper? When legacy media starts copying podcasters and still can’t win back trust, what does that tell you? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—get into it as they break down a media landscape that’s clearly shifting, a government fight that’s hitting real people, and a growing gap between what’s being said… and what’s actually happening. From CNN experimenting with a more “authentic” look to ongoing fallout from DHS funding issues, the conversation keeps circling back to one thing: credibility. And if audiences don’t trust what they’re hearing anymore… where do they go? In this episode… CNN tests new formats but struggles with audience trust DHS funding fight impacts TSA workers and travelers Hack Madness returns and spotlights media figures Cuba debate highlights contrast between messaging and reality PLUS, A BAR BUILT TO “MONITOR THE SITUATION”… WITH NO WORKING SCREENS?! We also sit down with Senator Bill Cassidy for a grounded look at what’s happening in Washington and how it’s affecting everyday Americans. Special Guest: Senator Bill Cassidy • DHS funding and TSA disruptions ✈️ • Healthcare affordability and policy priorities 🏥 • Stop Insider Trading Act in Congress 💼 • Louisiana Senate race and voter concerns 🇺🇸 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:42:45

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Democrats' Bizarre Candidates + Hack Madness!

3/20/2026
What happens when the Democrats stop pretending to be normal? What happens when the mask slips and the people running for office start sounding completely insane? This week, the fellas jump straight into the chaos and ask the obvious question: how is this the bench the left thinks is ready to run the country? Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook are in peak form as we break down the weirdest, creepiest, and most revealing Democrat candidate moments of the week — and then unleash the most glorious tradition of the year. PLUS, IT’S HACK MADNESS SEASON. In this episode…Democrat candidates getting exposedJames Talarico’s bizarre vegan turn resurfacesA Texas congressional candidate’s truly insane music videoA New York Democrat attacking the 13th AmendmentThat’s right — the fellas officially launch Hack Madness, our annual tournament of the worst liberal hacks in media. The bracket is here. The seeds are set. The hacks are trembling. And the voting madness is about to begin. We also get some elite Trump stand-up, including his perfect St. Patrick’s Day riff on Mike Johnson and a brutally funny read on Macron. Because even in the middle of all the insanity, nobody does comic timing like Trump. What Hack Madness brings this year…Media accountability by forceThe 65 worst liberal hacks in the gameBracket drama, seeding chaos, and online warfareYour chance to vote and crown the absolute worst Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Follow us on social for clips, bracket updates, and Hack Madness voting. And get in the comments, because this one is too ridiculous not to argue about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:22:16

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Is Dem Leadership Collapsing? + The Fate of the SAVE Act

3/19/2026
Democrats are melting down, and the fellas are not letting them hide it. When party leadership is getting dragged around by the radical left, what’s left of the “moderate Democrat” brand? And when Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries can’t even steer their own caucus, how exactly are they planning to steer the country? Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook jump into the chaos surrounding Democrat leadership, the DHS shutdown disaster, and the growing reality that there is no such thing as a moderate Democrat anymore. In this episode… Democrat leadership in free fall Abigail Spanberger’s “moderate” mask slips DHS shutdown politics and the national security fallout The SAVE Act fight and what it actually means PLUS, Why are Republicans fighting each other while Democrats hand them a winning issue? The fellas break down how Schumer and Jeffries are boxed in by their own base, why the immigration debate keeps exposing Democrat weakness, and how even purple-state Democrats govern like full-blown radicals the second they get power. It’s not subtle anymore. It’s not complicated. And voters are starting to notice. Special Guest: Rep. Buddy Carter joins the progrum to talk Georgia’s massive Senate race and the road to taking out Jon Ossoff. What Buddy Carter breaks down… Georgia’s fight to flip a key Senate seat Why Ossoff doesn’t match Georgia values How Trump voters can be turned out in a midterm What separates him from the rest of the GOP field Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Follow Ruthless on social for clips, updates, and all the Hack Madness insanity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:41:26

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Gayatollah? + CNN Goes Pro-Iranian

3/17/2026
What happens when Iran turns into a global punchline, and the fellas decide to have a little too much fun with all of it? Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook are back, and this one goes all in. We kick things off with the wildest story in the world right now: the alleged “Gayatollah” intel bombshell out of Iran. Is this real life? Is this the weirdest regime collapse subplot imaginable? And why does every new detail somehow get even crazier? In this episode… The “Gayatollah” story and the internet’s total destruction of the new Iranian leader CNN’s absurdly soft coverage of the regime Joy Reid comparing America to Iran The media lies stacking up since the conflict began PLUS, THE NINTH CIRCUIT JUST WROTE “SWINGING DICKS” INTO A JUDICIAL DISSENT. We also get into the latest Democrat excuses; a would-be Senate candidate trying to explain away a scandalous skull tattoo, the Oscars’ insane eligibility rules, and one more brutal Harry Enten segment that shows just how deep the hole is for Democrats right now. Question of the Day: What’s the most outlandish media lie you’ve seen since the Iran conflict started? Drop it in the comments. Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday , Thursday and Friday, follow Ruthless on social for clips and updates, and get in the comments because we read the best ones on the next show. 00:02:16 Iran’s New Supreme Leader Rumor Sends the Show Off the Rails 00:04:14 Mossad’s Wildest Assignment Ever 00:13:31 Why Mockery Might Be the Best Weapon Against Tehran 00:16:43 Hack Madness Tease and CNN’s Media Circus 00:18:44 CNN Guest Says America Is the "Real Bad Guy" 00:23:15 Natasha Bertrand’s Latest Spin Gets Torched 00:28:07 CNN and the UK Caught Cozying Up to Iran 00:32:32 Joy Reid Compares America to Iran 00:39:07 Bernie-Backed Candidate’s Nazi Tattoo Disaster 00:45:50 Ninth Circuit Forces Women’s Spa to Admit Men Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:11:01

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Dems Shutdown DHS, Terrorism Skyrockets + Sean Hannity Joins The Progrum

3/13/2026
Some episodes start with laughs. This one starts with a warning. When a convicted ISIS supporter is released from prison and then allegedly shows up at the center of another attack, it’s not politics as usual. It’s not abstract. It’s not theoretical. Lives are at stake. So the question hanging over everything is simple: how many warnings does this country need before people start taking terrorism seriously again? The fellas — Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook — start this episode where it matters. The Old Dominion attack, the synagogue attack in Michigan, and the reality that DHS funding has been blocked while terror threats continue to rise. Then… because the news cycle refuses to stop being insane… things take a turn. Because while America is dealing with real threats, Iran’s regime is busy looking like the world’s most dysfunctional dictatorship. 🎙️ Special Guest: Sean Hannity • Launching his new podcast Hang Out with Sean Hannity • Why authenticity beats chasing clicks and algorithms • Lessons from Rush Limbaugh and the early days of conservative talk radio • The mindset and work ethic behind decades of media dominance Then the fellas get back to Fun Time Friday chaos: • The internet roasting Iran’s leadership meltdown • Dem-on-Dem political warfare in California • A viral generational fight over boomers, inheritance, and retirement • Italian baseball antics and the espresso-fueled dugout debate Question of the Day: What’s the worst excuse you’ve ever heard from a Democrat after getting caught red-handed? Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Follow Ruthless on social for clips and behind-the-scenes chaos. And if you enjoyed the show, send it to a friend who needs a little more ruthless in their life. 00:03:00 Fun Time Friday Kickoff 00:04:15 Synagogue Attack in Michigan and Rising Terror Threats 00:05:28 ISIS-Linked Shooter at Old Dominion University 00:10:12 DHS Funding Fight and National Security Fallout 00:13:52 Iran Regime Chaos and the New Ayatollah Drama 00:15:02 Internet Roasts Iran’s “Cardboard” Leadership Moment 00:22:24 Dem-on-Dem Warfare in the California Governor Race 00:33:28 Question of the Day: Obama’s Post-Presidency Role 00:39:47 Sean Hannity Joins the Show 00:50:30 Boomer Wealth Debate Goes Viral Online 00:59:32 Sean Hannity Interview 01:26:37 Wild Live TV Moment to Close the Show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:34:00

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Massive California Fraud Exposed + Chevron CEO Mike Wirth

3/12/2026
Yet another massive taxpayer fraud, this time in California. Why does the media seem more focused on narratives than the billions being stolen from taxpayers? Guests: Chevron CEO Mike Wirth on that state of American energy + AFP's Brent Gardner discusses the on-going Democrat shutdown of DHS. The fellas — Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook jump straight into the chaos. From shocking Medicare hospice fraud (89 HOSPICE COMPANIES REGISTERED IN ONE BUILDING?!) to Democrats shutting down the Department of Homeland Security during heightened global tensions, the episode asks a simple question: what the hell is actually going on in Washington? The fellas break down the latest political insanity, media spin, and policy failures — while also bringing in real experts who actually know what they’re talking about. In this episode… • Massive hospice fraud uncovered in California • Democrats blocking DHS funding during global tensions • Media narratives around terrorism and political violence • The economic and national security stakes of American energy Special Guest: Mike Wirth, CEO of Chevron • Global energy markets and the Iran conflict ⛽🌍 • The Strait of Hormuz and why energy security matters • AI, data centers, and the coming explosion in power demand ⚡🤖 • Why skilled trades and energy jobs are the future of the U.S. workforce Special Guest: Brent Gardner, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) • Why Democrats are blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security 🇺🇸 • The national security risks of shutting down DHS during global tensions • How grassroots pressure is being used to force Congress to reopen funding • The push toward America’s 250th anniversary and the “One Small Step” campaign celebrating American ideals Plus: The fellas break down media coverage of a terror scare in New York and play a new round of the legendary King of the Hill. Question of the Day: What do YOU think about Barack Obama? New episodes Tuesday, Thursday and Friday! Stay Ruthless Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:52:21