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. 1H AGO

    How Bad Will the Dem Civil War Get?

    🎙️ This entire shutdown was a plan without a strategy for success, driven purely by Schumer's desperation to appease an angry base after repeated losses to Republicans. Now, the media is struggling to spin a clear loss as a "win," while Democrats like Sen. Andy Kim still genuinely believe they were fighting a principled fight over Obamacare. This lack of introspection and the sheer cynicism driving the party's leadership have created the perfect conditions for a massive internal civil war. 🫏 In Today's cynical Democrat Party, the hunger for power outweighs family loyalty - see Sen. Shaheen. This is followed by the hard left, led by AOC, twisting the knife in Schumer’s back, accusing him of a coordinated effort to abandon their fight. The fellas speculate if Schumer's political career is finished because he prioritized the fringes and lost the begrudging respect for effectiveness that a true leader must maintain. 👑 Then, King of the Hill is a battle of titans with Cheri Jacobus and Jennifer Rubin facing off in the ring. Finally, we cover Texas Democrat Senate candidate James Talarico, who has centered his campaign on his Christian faith. Axios exposed Talarico for liking and following Instagram accounts of adult film actors and escorts, which is just hilarious. 00:00 - The Democrat Party's Long National Nightmare Begins 04:50 - Andy Kim and the Obamacare Delusion 13:00 - Family Feud: The Shaheen Civil War 16:15 - AOC Puts the Knife in Chuck Schumer 22:02 - Left-Wing Media Slams Schumer 37:41 - The Faith-Forward Texas Democrat and His NSFW Followers 47:04 - King of the Hill: Jennifer Rubin vs. Cheri Jacobus 58:07 - China Goes a Bridge Too Far Our Sponsors: ➢Beverage America believes in the promise that makes this nation great. Learn more at http://wedeliverforamerica.org/ ➢Unleash American energy to be bigger and better than ever before, because when America builds, America wins. https://permittingreformnow.org/ ➢Every year, corporate insurers get richer, while Americans pay more and get less. Paid for by American Resolve Action: https://www.resolveaction.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 5m
  2. 2D AGO

    Why Democrats Caved On The Shutdown

    🎙️ It’s not surprising, but the fellas called every twist and turn of this government shutdown fiasco months ago. Senate Democrats finally caved, reopening the government without securing any of their stated demands, which further proves that the shutdown was entirely a political exercise to push turnout for Election Day. We get into the media's baffling spin, which finally admitted to a "Democratic filibuster" only after it was broken. Once again, democrats will hurt the American people if it helps them politically. 💥 We revisit our past predictions, including conversations all the way back to March. The "deal" that was supposedly brokered was the exact same offer Republicans made weeks earlier, revealing the whole bipartisan agreement narrative as complete "bulls**t." This political theater was underscored by Senator Tim Kaine's admission that he was more focused on the election than on the financial pain his constituents faced during the shutdown—a classic example of elected officials prioritizing politics over their actual jobs. ⚡The fellas cover a stunning video of a rat hunting a bat, which has Ashbrook’s brain turning on how to defeat these creatures. Then, the American Beverage Association talks about their efforts to curb sugary drinks and create jobs. ️ 00:00 - The Fellas’ Predictions Come True 04:13 - MSNBC's Confusion and CNN's Admission of a "Democratic Filibuster" 08:13 - Memory Lane: The Program Predicted the Shutdown's Timeline and Political Roots 18:58 - Tim Kaine Gives Away the Game 23:39 - Progressives Call for Schumer's Ouster 32:10 - Bizarre Footage of a Rat Eating a Bat 44:55 - Kevin Keane, American Beverage Association President, on Jobs and Consumer Health Our Sponsors: ➢Beverage America believes in the promise that makes this nation great. Learn more at http://wedeliverforamerica.org/ ➢Want to make a difference in your community? https://takeonesmallstep.org/ Join AFP's grass-roots efforts at https://afpvolunteer.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 7m
  3. NOV 6

    Is Mamdani a Midterm Curse for Democrats? - Election Debrief + Rep. Tom Emmer

    🎙️ The Progrum kicks off with a raw analysis of Tuesday's election results, dissecting the sweeping win of socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York. The fellas argue that the media and national Democrats are gravely misinterpreting the result, which was not a sign of broad enthusiasm but a narrow victory powered by radical, highly-educated urbanites. We discuss the historic trouble Republicans have faced in off-year elections when Trump isn't on the ballot, noting the persistent challenge of lower turnout among the new working-class base compared to the energized, high-propensity suburban Democratic voter. This discussion provides the vital context needed to understand the mechanics of a national election cycle and avoid making the same mistakes in the midterms. 🗳️ Then, the broader electoral lessons from Virginia and New Jersey, focusing on the unexpected energy of the Democratic turnout. The fellas point out that the recent government shutdown was a strategic, planned partisan fight that successfully mobilized the federal worker base, acting as the Left's new and highly effective get-out-the-vote operation, similar to past protests and riots. The takeaway is clear: the party needs a strategy that is both unique and authentic, not merely riding on a predecessor's momentum. 🐘 House Majority Whip, Rep. Tom Emmer, talks government shutdown chaos and why Democrats refused to pass the same spending resolution they supported 13 times under the current administration. Emmer says Chuck Schumer is a "scared old man" past his prime who burned five weeks for a failed "electoral advantage." We also give the co-hosts a Minnesota education on Tim Walz, with Emmer calling the Governor a "corrupt, fraudulent human being" overseeing $2 billion in fraud, including the $77 million SNAP scandal. Plus, we dig into the off-year election "bellwether" claims and analyze the mechanics of the 2024 House map, which shows a Republican advantage with only three members in districts won by the Democratic Vice President. 💰Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers on his lawsuit against foreign actors influencing state elections, a topic we've covered before, and one that's been gaining national attention, particularly with the Fox News exclusive on the "Mamdani Machine." Hilgers emphasizes that while the federal ban on foreign funding is clear, loopholes allow outside money to flood state ballot initiatives, which is what his team is fighting in Nebraska. 00:00- The New Left-Wing Coalition 01:59 - Mamdani‘s Ideological Extremism 15:55 - Electoral Autopsy: Virginia and New Jersey Results 25:30 - Republican Coalition Challenges 35:25 - We Play King of the Hill 45:07 - Majority Whip Tom Emmer on the Government Shutdown and Tim Walz 01:12:32 - King of the Hill with David Frum vs Cheri Jacobus 01:24:00 - Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers on Prosecuting Hansjörg Wyss Our Sponsors: ➢Go to https://zbiotics.com/RUTHLESS and use RUTHLESS at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. ➢Find out the true power of America's oil and natural gas. Go to https://lightsonenergy.org/ ➢Help fuel America's energy advantage. Visit https://www.chevron.com/America to learn more. ➢Want to make a difference in your community? https://takeonesmallstep.org/ Join AFP's grass-roots efforts at https://afpvolunteer.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 43m
  4. NOV 4

    Will Democrats’ Cynical Election Strategy Work? PLUS Sen. Dave McCormick Joins the Progrum

    🎙️ The fellas discuss the Democrats' concerning lack of a national message, noting their reliance on negative identity politics and edgy rhetoric exemplified by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's new found f-bombs. A deep dive into Barack Obama’s recent appearance in Virginia highlights the former president’s selective support, so weird that he didn’t endorse what would have been the first black female governor… ever. It’s a stunning example of the Democratic Party’s rudderless leadership and the confusing signals they send to their base. ⚡Ashbrook's theory that the government shutdown was a cynical ploy orchestrated by Democrats to energize federal workers is catching on, you heard it here first. This strategy, which seemed far-fetched at first, is now being taken seriously by figures like Senator Ted Cruz. Then we break down what could be a surge in the key Virginia districts voting. The fellas also explain the risks of low-propensity Republican voters sitting out off-year elections. 🐘Then we welcome Senator Dave McCormick to the Progrum. The Senator gives his unfiltered take on the government shutdown’s stupidity, his genuine working relationship with Senator Fetterman, and the dangers of the Democratic Party’s radical leftward lurch represented by figures like Zoran Mamdani. McCormick concludes with an optimistic view of the American economy, crediting deregulation and foreign direct investment for the surge in prosperity.️ 00:00 - Election Day 2025 Preview and the Democrat Disconnect 06:37 - Obama’s Hypocrisy on Full Display 15:20 - Is the Shutdown Part of a Get Out the Vote Strategy? 19:22 - New Jersey and Virginia Early Vote Analysis 39:46 - Variety: Pill Popping Sheriff and Macaque Update 49:50 - Senator Dave McCormick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 24m
  5. OCT 31

    Is the Dem Shutdown Coalition Fracturing? + Chairman Brett Guthrie Makes Gambling News

    🎙️ House Democrat leadership insists there are "zero cracks" in their party's strategy, a claim that evaporates under the slightest pressure. We highlight the growing defiance from within the democrat ranks, including their largest constituency: the federal employees union, which is now openly demanding the government be reopened. When confronted with basic questions from journalists, leading Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Kamala completely fall apart. Maybe they’re just not used to getting a tough journo question. ⚡ C️ourt proceedings require you to wear pants, and this extends to a telecommute. We address this pants-off-officer, plus an Italian wine importer with a strong opinion on the New York mayor's race (and class distinctions in Italian surnames). 🐘 Chairman Brett Guthrie covers high-stakes policy, from the $70 billion in fraud in entitlement programs to the colossal energy needs for AI. The Chairman also reveals that his committee is looking closely at the integrity of sports betting and the NCAA's ill-timed decision to allow college athletes to bet on professional sports, especially in light of recent pro-league scandals. 00:00 - Hakeem's "Zero Cracks" Lie 04:38 - The Federal Employees Union Demands the Government Reopen 06:45 - Cracks in the House: Rep. Gottheimer's Call for a Clean CR 10:00 - Senator Fetterman Adequately Diagnoses Schumer's Problem: Fear of the Extreme Left 14:16 - Schumer's Meltdown and the Press Corps' Basic Questions 19:26 - Kamala's World-Class Pivot: Was Biden Too Frail to Campaign? 25:40 - Rep. Crockett's Defamatory Content and the Media's Fact Check 35:05 - Fun Time Variety: The Wine Importer, The Pantsless Cop, and High-Class Italians 44:48 - The Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie 55:50 - Guthrie On AI's Energy Demand and the Integrity of Sports Betting Our Sponsors: ➢Go to https://zbiotics.com/RUTHLESS and use RUTHLESS at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. ➢The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease wants to act sooner on Alzheimer's, not later. Learn more at https://www.pfcdalz.org/ ➢Tell Republicans in Congress stop Dick Durbin's takeover of your credit card before it's too late - https://electronicpaymentscoalition.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 16m
  6. OCT 30

    End Game for Dems' Failed Shutdown?

    🎙️ The Schumer Shutdown has some confusing goals. The fellas dissect the nonsensical argument from Democrats like Senator Chris Coons and Sheldon Whitehouse, who repeatedly call the plight of American workers their necessary "leeeverage" to push a bailout for insurance companies. The complete lack of strategy from the Democrats over the past six months proves their cynical politics have hit a new low, a low that even the mainstream media and CNN's Harry Enten are being forced to cover with brutal honesty. 🇺🇸 Brent Gardner from AFP joins us to give his expert take from under the dome and the doors, confirming that voters across the country see the Democratic Party’s position for the cynical mess that it is. ⚡ Then, Smug introduces us to a shocking left-wing podcaster who is celebrating political violence and using her platform to call out Democratic leadership for not being radical enough. All because of the utter lack of leadership from Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, who are terrified of their increasingly deranged base—a base that Politico reported would bring the "guillotine" to moderates. 🐵 Ben Stiller shot some sort of hostage video and a terrifying monkey update. And of course, we play King of the Hill, where David Frum takes on champion Sarah Longwell. 00:00 - The Madness of the Democrat Government Shutdown Strategy 03:54 - Democrats' "Leverage" Argument and the ACA Failure 07:40 - UnitedHealth, AARP, and the Insurance Company Bailout 14:38 - Rep. Stansbury's Intellectual Dishonesty and the Media 20:45 - Brent Gardner on the Shutdown: The State of Play and Republican Strength 39:35 - Question of the Day: Are Democrats Dumb or Crazy? 47:50 - Ben Stiller Gets Political, The Radical Left Speaks, and Monkey News Our Sponsors: ➢Beverage America believes in the promise that makes this nation great. Learn more at http://wedeliverforamerica.org/ ➢Find out the true power of America's oil and natural gas. Go to https://lightsonenergy.org/ ➢Want to make a difference in your community? https://takeonesmallstep.org/ Join AFP's grass-roots efforts at https://afpvolunteer.com/ ➢The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease wants to act sooner on Alzheimer's, not later. Learn more at https://www.pfcdalz.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 25m
  7. OCT 28

    Democrats Caught in Another Massive Lie + Gov Glenn Youngkin Joins the Progrum

    🎙️ Gavin Newsom's latest pathetic attempt to change who he is has him claiming to be a dirt-poor, hustling athlete. Spoiler alert - he did not grow up on these streets. The fellas trace the ludicrous claim from Gavin, but explain how it shows his chameleon character, once again. More busted lies from KJP and Kamala - who is claiming that Biden was fine to BE president, he was just too much of an empty skin-suit to RUN for president. ⚡ Then, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin joins the show just a week ahead of his state's off-year elections. He delivers a scathing assessment of the Democratic ticket, emphasizing the risk of overturning his accomplishments: $143 billion in economic growth, $9 billion in tax relief, and protections for women's sports. Youngkin repeatedly calls out Abigail Spanberger for her cowardly refusal to condemn Jay Jones, who has advocated for political violence. The governor also weighs in on the government shutdown, supporting the congressional efforts to fund the military and first responders. 💥 The show concludes with an exclusive deep dive into foreign money influencing American politics with Caitlin Sutherland. She reveals how liberal nonprofits are co-opting political causes, shining a light on the left-wing shell game. ️ 00:00 - Gavin Newsom's "Wonder Bread" Upbringing vs. Reality 12:24 - Karine Jean-Pierre's Book and Lack of Introspection 15:54 - Kamala Harris' Admission on Biden's Frailty 20:55 - Governor Glenn Youngkin 30:16 - Youngkin Handicaps Virginia Races and Explains Winning Formula 55:46 - Major Crack in Democratic Coalition + Eric Swalwell's "Trump Ballroom" Pledge 01:09:27 - Interview with Caitlin Sutherland: Foreign Money in U.S. Politics Our Sponsors: ➢Beverage America believes in the promise that makes this nation great. Learn more at http://wedeliverforamerica.org/ ➢Find out the true power of America's oil and natural gas. Go to https://lightsonenergy.org/ ➢The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease wants to act sooner on Alzheimer's, not later. Learn more at https://www.pfcdalz.org/ ➢Tell Republicans in Congress stop Dick Durbin's takeover of your credit card before it's too late - https://electronicpaymentscoalition.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 31m
4.7
out of 5
5,506 Ratings

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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