Ruthless Podcast

Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook

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.

  1. 10 HR AGO

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

    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

    1hr 37min
  2. 1 DAY AGO

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

    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

    1hr 37min
  3. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Catastrophic Collapse of Eric Swalwell w/ Ben Domenech

    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

    1hr 27min
  4. 10 APR

    The Rise and Fall of a Democrat Superstar

    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

    1hr 20min
  5. 9 APR

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

    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

    1hr 20min
  6. 7 APR

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

    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

    1hr 13min
  7. 2 APR

    Lib Sabotage of Trump Justice + OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap

    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

    1hr 26min

About

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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