Ruthless Podcast - podcast cover

Ruthless Podcast

Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrookruthlesspodcast.com
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.
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Episodes

Can Trump Stop Inner City Crime In Left-Wing Cities?

🎙️If anyone doubted that Donald Trump is tough on crime, look no further than D.C. and his press conference from yesterday. The fellas give a perspective that no one else has, living and working in D.C. - and trust us, it’s worse than you think. Also, journos making excuses has a compelling backstory that you have to hear. 🫏 Mayor Pete has a black voter problem, in that they hate him. Or at least 100% of those polled hate him. James Carville is back and Ruben Gallegos presidential run can’t ge...

Aug 12, 20251 hr 20 min

Gov. Abbott Explains How This Will End for Texas Democrats

🎙️ The fellas are stepping up their work for the boomer viewers of the pod with our new Thank A Boomer shirts. After unveiling that, down to business. 🐘 Texas Gov. Abbott breaks down how the democrats leaving the state will ultimately end, but also raises the concerns for how the voters are being constantly taken advantage of. And, of course, a little UT football talk. ⚡Barack Obama weighed into the Texas legislators abandoning their jobs, whether we wanted him to or not, then more democrat in...

Aug 08, 20251 hr 6 min

Why the Liberal Media is Collapsing

🎙️ Howard Stern is just the latest liberal figure to find himself on the outs. And speaking of fired left-wing media figures, the fellas try to make sense of Jim Acosta interviewing an AI avatar. It’s beyond cringe, then they speculate about who is the next media figure to get pushed out. 🚔 It’s time to federalize D.C.! Not just because of this latest incident receiving media attention. There is a long list of grievances and reasons why it’s in the best interest of everyone. ⚡ ️King of the Hil...

Aug 07, 20251 hr 32 min

Libs New Strategy to Fight Trump, Plus Guy Benson Joins the Progrum!

🎙️There’s pushback to Trump’s decision to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test, and it’s because of body-shaming? Watching film on Sen. Warren, maybe some additional core days would be good for the elderly. ⚡Dems have a solution for their aging audience and we’re not surprised by it: throw a bunch of money at influencers to carry their water. Not sure how that’s a new plan, but… Also, a little breaking news, Sen. Martin Heinrich’s PAC wants to treat supporters. ️😘 Trump weighs in on the Sy...

Aug 05, 20251 hr 28 min

JD Vance Exclusive Interview: Keeping America Safe, Life as VP, UFOs, NFL Drama & Sydney Sweeney Backlash

Join the Ruthless Variety Program for an exclusive interview with Vice President JD Vance. Keeping America Safe, UFO videos, Sydney Sweeney backlash, sharing wild stories about life as VP—like hiking with the nuclear football, missing driving, and breaking the Ohio State championship trophy—VP Vance gets Ruthless. Hear about NFL obsessions, Bengals Super Bowl hopes, staying grounded with high school buddies, and tackling big issues like law enforcement in Cincinnati. Plus, post-interview takes o...

Aug 01, 20251 hr 2 min

Democrats Reeling, Trump Dealing

🎙️ Democrats know they need to make themselves culturally relevant, but they just don’t seem to know how to do it. Between making TikToks that border on elder abuse, or screaming from the well of the Senate - nothing seems to be working. Meanwhile, Trump keeps racking up wins across Europe. 💥 Turns out, you can’t say that on television. Jim Kramer gets a little spicy on the news, and there’s plenty of Trump being a boss across the EU to keep us busy. ⚡️ Disney adults are somehow getting worse ...

Jul 31, 20251 hr 37 min

Why the left is going crazy over Sydney Sweeney, plus EPA admin Zeldin joins the Progrum with breaking news!

🎙️ Sydney Sweeney is being called a fascist because of an ad for jeans. This is the sort of vintage woke-left content that has been quiet since Trump took office. 🌎 EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin breaks news on the progrum announcing the repeal of the "endangerment finding," a 2009 Obama-era regulation. This finding declared carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants endangering human health, which then served as the basis for a slew of regulations on vehicles, airplanes, and manufa...

Jul 29, 20251 hr 40 min

Hulk Hogan Tribute: Iconic Moments, Wrestling Legacy & Politics

Join the Ruthless Variety Program crew; Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook, for a heartfelt tribute to Hulk Hogan. Reflecting on his larger-than-life legacy as an 80s icon, from Hulkamania and WWF triumphs to his epic RNC moment supporting Trump, the fellas discuss how wrestling mirrors American politics (shoutout to Vince McMahon's Netflix doc). Packed with laughs: Childhood Hulk sightings, wrestling games, concert tales from Chicago to Fleetwood Mac, Hunter Biden'...

Jul 25, 20251 hr 9 min

Senate Majority Leader John Thune Reveals Trump's Tax Wins, Spending Cuts & NIL Reforms

In this episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook interview Senate Majority Leader John Thune on the GOP's massive wins: tax cuts, no tax on tips/overtime, spending reforms, border security, and energy dominance via the "Big Beautiful Bill." Thune discusses Democrat obstruction on nominations, government funding battles, midterm strategies, and potential NIL reforms in college sports. The crew dives into the Russia hoax, Trump...

Jul 24, 20251 hr 33 min

From Colbert to the WNBA...The Libs Are Not Alright - Plus, Karoline Leavitt Joins the Progrum

Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook on this explosive episode of the Ruthless Variety Program for sharp, hilarious conservative insights into politics gone wild! From the left's freakout over Stephen Colbert's cancellation (hello, Adam Schiff and Hakeem Jeffries!) to Hunter Biden's unhinged rants blasting George Clooney, Pod Save America, and Jake Tapper, we break it all down with zero filter. Hear exclusive audio from Hunter's meltdown, our take on the WNBA's p...

Jul 22, 20251 hr 8 min

Can Garbage Culture Be Stopped? Plus, Salena Zito’s Gripping New Book

🎙️ Just like Smug said on X, today is going to be an insane day. And we start strong with a beef between Smug and JD Vance online that spilled into a PA rally. ⚡️ NPR apparently needs to be around or people will die? Somehow, this feels familiar to other Democrat arguments. Also, how to get a book deal for your poetry and we should be afraid of the gay Chinese robots. 🇺🇸 #1 best-selling author, Salena Zito, discusses her book and being next to Trump in Butler, PA. It’s a gripping account, plu...

Jul 18, 20251 hr 18 min

Lib Journo Ruins the MLB All-Star Presser & NBC Defends the Auto-Pen

In our first episode since the Fox News announcement, we help newcomers learn what to expect from the Progrum—specifically, our great ability to mock the left. ️ MLB gets journo blowback at their All-Star press conference, NBC runs cover for Biden’s auto-pen and Trump looks right at home with the FIFA trophy. ️ Polling looks good for Mamdami and Cuomo just can’t seem to get it right with a terrible roll-out of his mayoral run. Plus, a man fights a bull in the street - but it doesn’t look like th...

Jul 17, 20251 hr 8 min

🚨 BIG NEWS from the Ruthless Variety Progrum!

It’s a HUGE day on the Ruthless Variety Progrum. We are now part of the Fox News family! Thank you to all the fans who did the work to help us become one of the biggest podcasts in the business. ️ What you can expect from our big news, is that nothing on the progrum will be any different. Who we are off the mic is the same as who we are on the mic. Like, subscribe, watch us on YouTube or listen on any platform. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday! Stay RUTHLESS. Learn more about your...

Jul 16, 202511 min

Are Biden’s Auto-Pen Pardons Even Legal? + Trump’s Massive Shift on Ukraine

The controversial auto-pen signatures from the Biden administration's final days are finally getting examined. The fellas discuss how these decisions, particularly the pardons for figures like Anthony Fauci, Biden Family members, and Jerry Lundergan, were reportedly made without Biden's direct involvement, despite his team's insistence otherwise. But Hunter got a handwritten one. The deep state left a note. So this is your friendly reminder that the State Department fired employees want you to d...

Jul 15, 20251 hr 17 min

Another Bad Week for Democrats & Left-wing Violence Is On The Rise

In a truly bizarre Washington Post article, penned by a literal clown… Excuse us, a Clown. As we learn the grammatical rules of using Clown in a sentence, Subway Takes spiked their interview with Kamala because it was embarrassing. Release the tapes! Plus, Hakeem’s bad photoshop is not a first-time problem. ️ Then, anti-ICE violence is springing up around the country and yet, no one is wondering how we got here. From the shooting last year, the fire-bombing of Gov. Shapiro, to the LA riots and m...

Jul 11, 20251 hr 18 min

How the Obama/Biden FBI & CIA Conned the American People

Justice might finally be coming for the Deep State, specifically to John Brennan and James Comey. The fellas discuss why Brennan and Comey are so different and who is worse for democracy. Then, never-before-revealed details from inside the Senate about what was really happening through Russiagate from the people in the middle of it. ️ Our lightning round with Biden’s doctor pleading the 5th, Trump taking what he wants (even from his own cabinet) and then King of the Hill with Cheri Jacobus and M...

Jul 10, 20251 hr 36 min

Will Elon Musk’s “America” Party End in Disaster?

What would an Elon Musk-backed third party do for American politics? The fellas look at which party benefits and if the formation of an "America" party would pave a clear path for Democratic victories. They also cover if Musk misunderstands US politics, or if he promised more with DOGE than he (or any one man) could deliver. Smug wants an influencer-based Epstein inquisition impaneled with some broad powers. Great coverage of the “kill the gringo” protests and if Smug would escape them in Mexico...

Jul 08, 20251 hr 43 min

These Are the Most American Moments Ever: July 4th with Ruthless

This special 4th of July Progrum features the fellas reminiscing about their favorite American moments and traditions. They share personal anecdotes and iconic historical clips, from the Wright Brothers' first flight to the Miracle on Ice, discussing moments that embody American ingenuity, resilience, and patriotism. Join the fellas as they count down the greatest moments on film, and watch their analysis of unforgettable scenes, like Trump’s assassination attempt. PLUS your comments and a fond ...

Jul 04, 20251 hr 1 min

How Trump Beat the Media & Academia

🎙️ The fellas bask in the $16M glory that is the latest Trump legal victory. Who else would build their empire like this? 🏊 Then, UPenn caves to the will of Donald Trump and Linda McMahon takes a well-earned victory lap. Holmes gives credit to Riley Gaines, who took an unpopular position when this all started, to her credit. ⚡️ The lightning round features Alligator Alcatraz, or Gator GITMO, Democratic meltdown around the Big Beautiful Bill and then we play some King of the Hill. 👩🏻‍⚖️ Then,...

Jul 03, 20251 hr 24 min

What’s Driving Trump’s Hot Streak?

🎙️Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook unpack a historic week: President Trump’s surgical strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, executed with zero U.S. casualties, crippled Iran’s capabilities while their weak retaliation fizzled, showcasing America First precision. NATO allies, inspired by Trump’s leadership, now pledge 5% GDP to defense, with Germany set to become Europe’s largest military power, buying American-made equipment. 💪 The Big Beautiful Bill secures bord...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 27 min

Socialist Shocks New York: A New Dem Leader Emerges

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook break down a seismic week in politics! President Trump’s precision strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities delivers a masterclass in America First foreign policy—no U.S. casualties, Iran’s weak response fizzles, and NATO allies now pledge 5% GDP to defense, bowing to Trump’s leadership. 💪 Democrats, meanwhile, spiral into chaos, embracing a socialist nominee in NYC, Zohran Mamdani. He's a radical who pushes abolishing police, pris...

Jun 26, 20251 hr 16 min

Trump's Masterstroke In Iran As Dems Spiral

🎙️ Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook as they analyze President Trump’s surgical strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, a bold move to neutralize a decades-long threat from the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism. 🇺🇸 With no American casualties and Iran’s weak response, Trump’s team, including Marco Rubio and JD Vance, dunk on critics like Margaret Brennan. 💪 Plus, the LA sheriff’s department is more worried about Iran than local crime? The crew also dives...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 23 min

Trump's Military Options: Is A Strike On Iran Necessary?

🎙️ Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook tackle the Iran question: should Trump strike or seek peace? They explore the 50 years of context—Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the 444-day hostage crisis, Hezbollah’s 1983 Beirut bombing (241 US service members killed), and Qassem Soleimani’s IED attacks in Iraq. 🇮🇷 Guest Brian Hook, former Assistant Secretary of State, breaks down Israel’s surgical strikes on Iran’s proxies (Hamas, Hezbollah) and missile capabilities, exposing Iran’s ...

Jun 19, 20251 hr 4 min

Who’s REALLY Behind The “No Kings” Protest?

🎙️Join Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook as they jump into the chaotic "No Kings" protests, exposing Randi Weingarten and a $2.1B dark money machine behind the anti-Trump frenzy. The team roasts theater-kid protesters in cat costumes and a Boomer bashing a Trump voodoo doll!😆 Ray Starling from the North Carolina Chamber joins to discuss a tax provision threatening tobacco farmers, and we unpack a wild Italian crypto kidnapping saga. 🤯 Why does this matter? The 2024 election ...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 9 min

How To Respond To Riots W/ Speaker Johnson

🎙️ Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook, and Speaker Mike Johnson as they unpack the LA riots, a Big Beautiful Bill, bold border security, tax cuts, and $1.6T in spending cuts! 🇺🇸 Speaker Johnson also reveals how Republicans are delivering on Trump’s 2024 mandate despite a razor-thin majority. The fellas are breaking down the chaos of LA, Seattle, Atlanta, and Chicago riots, roasting Katy Perry’s absurd colonialism take, and laughing at protesters’ logical meltdow...

Jun 12, 20251 hr 16 min

Riots Erupt: Trump Takes A Stand, Media Spins

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook discuss the chaos of LA’s latest riots—think burning Waymo cars, Mexican flags, and bricks flying off overpasses. 🚗🔥The left calls it “peaceful protest,” but the split-screen carnage tells a different story. The fellas unpack the media’s absurd spin, from CNN’s “fiery but mostly peaceful” to professors warning against stopping the madness. Plus, Maxine Waters’ viral flop trying to “use her congressional authority” to visit an...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 34 min

What's REALLY Behind The Trump Vs. Musk Reconciliation Fight?

It's a fight in DC; enter the fiery debate over the "Big Beautiful Bill." 💸 The fellas break down the tax cuts, Medicaid reforms, and border security measures, exposing the left’s CBO-fueled lies that keeping your taxes low is “deficit spending.” 🤡 Elon Musk’s surprising flip on the bill sparks heated discussion—hero or misunderstanding the process? 🤔 Plus, exclusive interviews with Senator Joni Ernst, dishing on Senate drama and her jokes under fire, and LIV Golf champ Talor Gooch, sharing t...

Jun 05, 20252 hr 4 min

Uncovering BIAS In Boulder Terrorist Attack Coverage: A Deep Dive

Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook analyze the media's biased coverage of the Boulder, Colorado terror attack against Jewish people, arguing it stems from the Democratic Party embracing pro-Hamas elements as a constituency. They connect this attack to other recent anti-Semitic violence and criticize how media outlets downplay the motives and victims. The episode also features an interview with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about the Great American Road Trip and DOT priorities, plus variety stories on travel etiquette and a bizarre Chinese zoo.

Jun 03, 20251 hr 17 min

Dems Spending Millions to Learn How to Talk To Men

The Ruthless crew dives into a New York Times report revealing Democrats are spending millions on strategy sessions in luxury hotels, struggling to figure out how to connect with American men. They argue the problem is policy, not messaging, pointing to issues like DEI and Me Too alienating men. The episode also hilariously dissects Politico's bizarre 'shadow cabinet' suggestions, including an illegal immigrant for Homeland Security and a comedian for Small Business Administration, highlighting the party's detachment.

May 29, 20251 hr 46 min

Will The Big Beautiful Bill Make It Through The Senate?

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook offer insider analysis of Trump's tax cut package. The bill includes no tax on tips or overtime and prevents a massive tax hike! 💰 Speaker Johnson's leadership shines despite media doubts, and now it's the Senate's turn to seal the deal. When will Trump sign this big, beautiful bill? The fellas break down the week's biggest wins with Senator Shelley Moore Capito! 🚗💨 Sen. Capito led the charge to crush California's insane EV ...

May 27, 20251 hr 6 min
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