Ruthless Podcast

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

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

What happens when a guy screams “Allahu Akbar,” throws an explosive at a crowd in New York, and the media still twists itself into knots trying to protect the narrative? Who’s the real target here, and why does the press seem more offended by the protest than the violence? The fellas — Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook — jump straight into the insanity, breaking down the NYC attempted terror attack, the liberal media spin machine, and the misplaced empathy that keeps letting radicalism hide in plain sight. In this episode… The NYC bomb attack and the media’s absurd framing Why the left keeps downplaying Islamic extremism Democrats blocking Homeland Security funding PLUS, THE MEDIA IS REALLY OUT HERE DEFENDING WHO NOW?! And we’ve got Special Guest Todd Blanche — the Deputy Attorney General — joining the fellas for a conversation on what the DOJ is actually doing while the press chases fairy tales. We get into: - The attempted terror attack in New York and how quickly law enforcement moved - Why homeland security actually has to mean something again - The fraud explosion bleeding taxpayers dry - What it’s like going from Trump defense lawyer to the number two guy at DOJ Go to  https://zbiotics.com/RUTHLESS and use RUTHLESS at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Question of the Day: What’s your best fake lib-journal headline for the New York City terror attack? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when a sitting U.S. Senator, who’s also a former Navy SEAL, walks in and breaks down the Iran conflict with the kind of clarity you only get from someone who’s lived the GWOT? Everybody’s got a take on Iran. Almost nobody can explain it like this. The fellas — Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook — listen to Senator Tim Sheehy to lay it out: why this moment feels like the culmination of a fight that’s been running for decades, why the “we’re starting a war” framing doesn’t match reality, and why the potential domestic ripple effects are concerning. In this episode… Sheehy’s Iran breakdown: proxies, deterrence, “finish the job” logic. PLUS, DHS funding fight and what’s at stake when the basics get politicized.Variety chaos: the kind of headline that makes you rewind to make sure you heard it right. The show swings to Ohio: the fellas sit down with Senator Jon Husted — a legit football guy with a national championship story — to talk the Ohio Senate race, how he pitches “grow the pie” economics, and why career and technical education is the part of the jobs debate that actually touches real families. Then we hit the rest of the mix: quick hits, clips, and the kind of cultural weirdness that only lands in this feed. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next drop, follow us on social for the clipped moments, and hit the comments hard — we’re stealing the funniest and the sharpest for the next round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

War in Iran continues — and the fellas are not holding back. Does Iran have a Navy or just expensive toys? And why do Democrats suddenly sound like they don’t know what they believe? Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook jump straight into the politics of war. The fellas break down what the Iran operation signals about American power, why the isolationist panic might be missing the point, and how the left keeps getting the messaging wrong. From Chuck Schumer confusion to House Democrat word salads, it’s a masterclass in political incoherence. Then it’s off to Texas — where John Cornyn shocks the field, Ken Paxton gears up for a runoff, and Jasmine Crockett flames out in spectacular fashion. What does it mean for 2026? Who’s up? Who’s cooked? Special Guest: NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman 🚀 • Trump’s mission to return to the Moon 🌕 • Beating China in the new space race • Building a permanent moon base • The future of Mars and American dominance in orbit This one covers everything — war, primaries, media meltdowns, and literal space exploration. Question of the Day: What’s Jasmine Crockett’s next move? Cable news contract? Podcast? TikTok prophet? Drop your funniest prediction in the comments. Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Follow us on social for clips and behind-the-scenes. Comment, like, share — and stay ruthless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump green-lights the strike on Iran—and Washington instantly splits into two camps: strength vs. “what did you just start?” So what’s the real play here… and do you trust Trump’s plan, or are we walking into the world’s messiest endgame? The fellas—Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—jump in fast, cutting through the spin and asking the questions everyone’s thinking but nobody on cable will touch. In this episode… Trump’s Iran strike and the nuclear clock Why China and Russia stay weirdly quiet DHS shutdown chaos vs. “big boy stuff” reality A palate-cleanser that somehow gets even more unhinged Special Guests: Senator John Kennedy + Brian Hook 🇺🇸 Kennedy on why Trump owns the moment—and why Capitol Hill can’t stop making it political 🧠 Hook on the 1979 origin story, proxies, missiles, and why “negotiations” so often turn into a time-buying trap 🎯 What “success” looks like when you’re trying to stop a nuclear breakout—not win a news cycle 🌍 The regional chessboard: allies, Abraham Accords math, and what comes after the ayatollah Question of the Day: Do you trust Trump’s plan for Iran—or do you think this spirals? Drop your take and tell us what people in your group chat are saying. Hit subscribe right now so you don’t miss the next drop, follow the show on your socials for clips, and comment like you mean it—because we’re reading them and bringing the best ones into the next episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Michael Knowles joins the fellas, the gloves come off. The culture war isn’t slowing down — it’s exposing who’s ready for the moment and who isn’t. Why do Democrats keep misreading the country? Why do they double down on the exact messaging that turns voters away? And is the cultural fight now more decisive than any policy debate? Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook kick off with Michael Knowles and dig into what’s really driving the political realignment. In this episode… • Why the culture war is remains a battlefield heading into 2026 • What Democrats keep getting wrong about voters • How elite institutions overplay their hand every time • The messaging mistakes Republicans still need to fix PLUS, A STATE OF THE UNION HARD PIVOT THAT DESERVES ITS OWN AWARD. Special Guest: Michael Knowles 🎙️ • The deeper cultural divide shaping national politics • Why Democrats can’t stop misreading middle America • Faith, identity, and populism in the modern Right • Where the movement goes from here Special Guest: Congressman Wesley Hunt 🇺🇸 • His closing argument in the Texas Senate primary 🗳️ • Youth, energy, and the next generation of GOP leadership • Why Texas could reshape the national Senate map Special Guests: Nick Shirley and David Hoch 🎥 • The fraud investigations forcing DC to pay attention • How independent journalism is driving accountability • What happens when grassroots reporting outpaces legacy media And we roll out ruthlesspodcast.com/map — click your state, watch every candidate interview, and decide for yourself. No spin. No filters. Just the fellas asking the questions. Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Fun Time Friday. Follow Ruthless on social for clips all week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🎤 Trump turns the State of the Union into a midterm war map — and Democrats can’t decide whether to sit, shout, or show up in frog costumes. Is this the moment that resets 2026? Or just another viral night in the circus? Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook break down the speech the way the MSM won’t. The optics. The traps. The binary choice moments. And why some Democrats might wish they had just stayed home. In this episode… • The “stand up if you agree” moment that froze the Democrats cold • Why sitting might haunt Democrats in campaign ads • Trump’s closing argument for the midterms • The alternative “State of the Swamp” disaster PLUS, DEMOCRATS ROLL OUT A GIRAFFE AND FROG BRIGADE. YES, REALLY. Then we deliver on a promise. Special Guest: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton 🇺🇸 • The high-stakes Texas Senate primary showdown • Runoff math and what happens if no one hits 50% 🗳️ • How he answers the impeachment and personal attacks • Why Texas could shape the national Senate map We also sit down with Jessica Anderson of Sentinel Action Fund 📊 • Can Republicans break the midterm curse? • The economic message that actually moves voters • How to keep the Trump coalition engaged And we unveil something big: RuthlessPodcast.com/Map — click your state, watch the candidates, decide for yourself. No filter. No spin. Just the fellas asking the questions. Question of the Day: Did this State of the Union change the midterm trajectory — or not? Drop your take in the comments. Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Fun Time Friday. Follow Ruthless on social for clips all week. Comment, share, and send this to the group chat. 00:02:30 State of the Union sets the 2026 midterm battlefield 00:05:52 Congress stock trading crackdown and the political optics 00:08:24 Minnesota fraud scandal and the immigration culture clash debate 00:13:15 The stand-or-sit moment that becomes campaign ammo 00:16:52 Why the “they’re crazy” line lands with voters 00:20:22 New interactive map to vet candidates by state 00:27:44 Democrats’ disruptions and the sanctuary cities flashpoint 00:31:59 The alternative SOTU meltdown and why it backfires 00:36:59 Democrats mock American heroes and the backlash case 00:40:04 Trump’s “golden age” pitch and the midterm contrast strategy 00:48:59 Question of the Day: Does this SOTU move votes? 00:50:21 Listener responses on Democrats’ biggest midterm liability 00:52:20 Interview: Texas AG Ken Paxton on the Texas Senate primary 01:18:55 Post-interview: Can Paxton clear 50% or trigger a runoff? 01:21:19 King of the Hill: Bill Kristol vs. Joe Walsh meltdown tournament 01:32:49 Interview: Jessica Anderson on winning the midterms with data 01:49:36 Strategy debrief and why the map could change primaries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Team USA delivers gold — and the Democrats deliver… whatever this is. The fellas break down Gavin Newsom’s bizarre “I’m just like you” pitch, Gretchen Whitmer freezing on Ukraine, and Andy Beshear wrapping progressive policy in Sunday-morning language. Then it gets worse: Democrats quietly admit their 2024 problem in a locked-up autopsy they don’t want you reading. Also in this episode: • The Texas Democrat primary FCC “equal time” twist no one in media wants to talk about • Trump’s greatest stand-up hits (yes, we play them)• Canada coping after hockey heartbreak • A runaway hog with maximum confidence Then — Featured Interview: Stephen Moore 📈💰 • What’s really driving inflation right now • The outlook heading into the State of the Union • Tax policy, spending fights, and the midterm stakes • Why energy policy and deregulation matter more than headlines • How voters should actually think about growth, wages, and the economyA straight-up economic breakdown from one of the architects behind major tax reform — no spin, just the numbers and what they mean going forward. Sports pride. Political malpractice. Variety the way it’s supposed to be. Question of the Day: What’s the Democrats’ biggest liability right now? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Fun Time Friday. Like. Comment. Share. Stay ruthless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York just dropped a $127 BILLION budget — and somehow you’re still not getting what you paid for. Where’s the money going? And how long before this model spreads to every blue state in America? The fellas — Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook — dive headfirst into the insanity. New York’s Mamdani budget math doesn’t add up. $50 billion for schools. Massive spending hikes. “Tax the rich” — except it never stops there. Is this the future Democrats want nationwide? IN THIS EPISODE… • The jaw-dropping NYC budget breakdown • Why raising taxes never fixes the problem • Eric Swalwell’s resurfaced poetry • Trump’s stand-up moments at the Board of Peace PLUS, A LIBERAL PARENTING GROUP CHAT TURNS INTO A WAR ZONE. Yes. A DC mom group melts down over Israel, Gaza, and “comrades.” You truly can’t make this up. Then — Featured Interview: Todd Ricketts 🇺🇸⚾ • Cubs season outlook • The MLB salary cap fight • Bears stadium drama • Launching the new “Free Spoke” search engine Serious policy. Cultural absurdity. Sports. Politics. All in one. Question of the Day: What’s your favorite Trump stand-up moment — and why? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Fun Time Friday. Like. Comment. Share. Stay ruthless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colbert says he was “silenced.” Reality: CBS lawyers reminded him the FCC equal-time rule exists — and he didn’t want to give the other Democrat equal airtime. So instead of booking other candidates, he kicked the interview online and cried censorship. This wasn’t Trump. It wasn’t the FCC storming the studio. It was a late-night host trying to tilt a primary on broadcast TV — and getting boxed in by the rulebook. Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook break down the spin, the fundraising play, and the Democrat-media machine that treats late night like a campaign arm. In this episode:• The Equal Time rule Colbert pretends doesn’t apply• Why CBS lawyers stepped in• How a “banned interview” turns into a multi-million dollar outrage haul• The real reason Jasmine Crockett didn’t get the same invite PLUS — we actually believe in equal time. Featured Interview: Coach Dooley, candidate for U.S. Senate in Georgia 🇺🇸• Why he’s running• What makes this Georgia race critical• How Republican primaries are shaping up nationwide• What voters in Georgia are really focused on. Then it’s King of the Hill chaos — Bill Kristol vs. Steve Schmidt — because no episode is complete without a little courtroom carnage. Question of the Day: Should CBS pull Colbert off air for turning his show into a Democrat campaign shop? Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Fun Time Friday. Like. Comment. Share. Stay ruthless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AOC hits the Munich Security Conference and faceplants on foreign policy—so why is the media acting like it was a breakout moment? Is this the Democrats’ next presidential contender… or a kingmaker they’re trying to polish in real time? The fellas break down the Taiwan dodge, the Venezuela spin, the “global south” rhetoric, and the press running cover like it’s their full-time job. Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook connect the dots—and then pivot to the chaos back home. In this episode… AOC’s Munich meltdown and the 2028 implications Rubio’s contrast and the Western values fight Democrats shutting down DHS—who owns it? The media’s “just a few stumbles” spin cycle PLUS, OBAMA SAYS ALIENS ARE REAL… AND NOBODY FOLLOWS UP?! Special Guest: Congressman Andy Barr 🇺🇸 Why he’s running for Senate How he plans to win a tough GOP primary 🗳️ What Kentucky voters are actually talking about Why this race matters nationally Question of the Day: Can AOC actually win the White House? Why or why not? Drop it in the comments. Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Fun Time Friday. Follow Ruthless on social for clips all week. And jump in the comments—we read them. #RuthlessPodcast #Ruthless #AOC #Munich #Politics #ForeignPolicy #MarcoRubio #DHS #ICE #AndyBarr #Kentucky #SenateRace #PoliticalPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota Mayhem, Irish Heat, and Kentucky Senate Showdown | Ruthless Podcast Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook kick off another Fun Time Friday with the Ruthless Podcast crew tackling the week's most unbelievable stories. This episode features incredible congressional testimony that has to be heard to be believed, some well-deserved heat thrown at Minnesota's left-wing imports, and the Irish finally getting their turn in the hot seat. 🎙️ What's in This Episode: Unbelievable congressional testimony from Thursday that we couldn't ignore Why every horror seems to come from Minnesota (sorry, Josh) The Irish take some heat - it's not just the Italians anymore Serious topics delivered with the signature Ruthless sense of humor FEATURED INTERVIEW: Former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron joins us to discuss his 2025 Senate primary campaign. Cameron breaks down his vision for Kentucky, explains his approach to the competitive three-way Republican primary race against Andy Barr and others, and shares why he's focused on kitchen table issues like groceries, gas prices, and summer leagues instead of political drama. Get an inside look at one of the most closely watched Senate primaries in the country. 🔔 Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ruthless 💬 Drop a five star review 👍 Like if you enjoyed this Fun Time Friday episode Question of the Day: What’s the most obvious fake-news immigration story you’ve seen in the last year? Drop it in the comments—local stories welcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fellas discuss one of the biggest political stories flying under the radar: a State Department report identifying far-left activist groups as potential vectors of Chinese influence operation. That’s not just politics — that’s national security. Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook break down: • The State Department naming Code Pink and The People’s Forum in a report to Congress • How foreign influence exploits U.S. nonprofit networks • Why Minnesota protests and ICE clashes don’t look organic • The money trail behind radical “riot-on-demand” activism • Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith launching investigations into foreign-backed nonprofits Then it’s media malpractice time. Axios had to delete a headline after reporting that crime plunged in major cities “despite” Trump’s crackdown. The fellas unpack what that framing says about the press — and why enforcing laws suddenly became controversial. Plus: • A liberal columnist admits broken windows policing might actually work • The SAVE Act panic — and why requiring ID to vote is suddenly “controversial” • Somalia requiring voter ID before Democrats can agree on it And it’s primary season. Senator John Cornyn joins the program to discuss: • His reelection fight in Texas • Border security and ICE enforcement • Texas securing $11 billion in federal reimbursement • Performance politics vs actual legislating • The stakes of a contentious Republican primary Texas voters have a big decision ahead — and the outcome could impact Senate races nationwide. Question of the Day: What’s the most obvious “revelation” a liberal has had during the Trump era? Drop your answer in the comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fellas tackle the Olympics controversy head-on as US athletes seem more interested in trashing America than representing it. What happened to patriotism in elite sports and why is anti-American sentiment getting rewarded instead of condemned. Plus, Congressman Pete Stauber joins to share his unique perspective on the US Olympic hockey team, Minnesota's political transformation, and his family's Olympic legacy. The fells also discuss the train wreck Super Bowl halftime show, was it the worst halftime shows of all time? Ruthless delivers sharp political commentary with humor, insight, and unapologetic conservative values. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. Subscribe now and stay ruthless! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook dissect Kamala Harris's awkward campaign relaunch and what it means for a bankrupt Democratic Party. From her Gen Alpha "skibidi" vibes to failed youth appeals, we break it all down with zero holds barred. Then, tune in for an exclusive interview with RNC Chairman Joe Gruters on crushing fundraising records, election integrity lawsuits, midterm battle plans, and a potential game-changing "Trumpapalooza" convention to defy history and secure Republican majorities. Key topics: Kamala's rebrand flop, Democratic desperation, health insurance greed, media meltdowns, Supreme Court wins, grassroots strategies, and holding the House & Senate in 2026. Perfect for fans of sharp political satire and insider GOP insights. Subscribe now for weekly episodes packed with laughs and analysis! #RuthlessPodcast #KamalaHarris #RNCMidterms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We open by laying out what actually just happened with the SAVE Act and why it matters right now. The bill clears the House, heads toward the Senate, then gets stripped out during a government funding move. We walk through the numbers, the polling, and the quiet shift from open opposition to procedural delay. We also get into why voter ID keeps pulling strong public support while Democratic leadership keeps finding reasons to slow-walk it. From there, we get into the arguments we keep hearing and why they don’t hold up under scrutiny. We talk through the bipartisan Carter–Baker commission findings, the Real ID framework, and the data showing how few registered voters lack identification. We also address the push to blame online narratives and personal attacks instead of dealing with the policy itself, including outside agitators trying to redirect frustration away from Senate leadership decisions. After that, we move fast. The lightning round hits a law firm offering to evict Billie Eilish from a Los Angeles mansion on behalf of a native tribe and the plan to reinstall a Christopher Columbus statue on White House grounds. King of the Hill returns with a fresh matchup, Florida enters the taco business with cold-stunned iguanas, and we sit down with Byron Donalds for a wide-ranging conversation on ICE, immigration enforcement, and the Florida governor’s race. We close by asking what it will really take to get elected Democrats to stop dodging voter ID and deal with it head-on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The left has become insufferable theater kids 🎭 — staging Iwo Jima reenactments with the wrong flag 🇸🇴, blocking Minneapolis streets with shipping crates 🛑, and screaming “no one is illegal on stolen land” while living securely mansions 🏰. Josh, Smug, and Duncan and Ashbrook break down the performative outrage 😤, the foreign money behind it 💰, the recycled San Francisco protests 🔄, and why social media + cash incentives have turned activism into cringe cosplay 📱🤡 Plus: NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson joins for a deep dive on the 2026 midterms 🗳️ — record fundraising 💰, prime pickup opportunities 🗺️, Democrat civil war 🤯, redistricting battles ⚔️, and why turning out Trump voters is everything 🇺🇸 Also in this episode: Australian strip club chair fights 🪑🥊, the immortal name “Dick Bigger Jr.” 😂, cold-stunned Florida iguanas 🦎❄️, and more unhinged variety 🔥 Keep the faith , hold the line, and own the libs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🎙️ We’re live in Philadelphia to kick off America 250, and we’re coming in hot: big crowd, big venue, and a full night built around pride in the country and what it still makes possible. We talk about why celebrating the 250th isn’t just a party—it’s a push to re-learn what holds this place together. Then we bring out the NFL’s own Jaws, Ron Jaworski, and the conversation lands on values, work ethic, leadership, and what it takes to win when the stakes are real—on the field, at work, and at home. 🇺🇸 From there, we sit down with the people turning “one small step” into action across communities. We get into why this moment matters, how grassroots pressure actually moves decision-makers, and why civic confidence is slipping for too many people. We also talk through why Philadelphia’s history—Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Constitution Center—hits different when you stand in the middle of it.️ 🐘 Then the fellas bring the games. We play Dem or Journo and Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity joins us to talk service, manufacturing, watching taxpayer dollars, unclaimed property wins, and what it looks like to run a massive office like a serious operation. 💥 Finally, Guy Benson steps in with a sharp take on immigration, federal enforcement, and the outrage of taxpayer fraud—then we cap the night with Hard Pivot, a game where Guy shines as bright as they come. 00:00 - America 250 kicks off live in Philadelphia 06:23 - Ron Jaworski joins the progrum 09:45 - Leadership and the American dream mindset 15:08 - Dick Vermeil, team culture, and paying the price 29:35 - America 250 toolkit and celebrating all year 33:06 - AFP leaders on “one small step” and civic action 38:34 - Libre Initiative and Hispanic outreach 42:33 - Concerned Veterans of America and veteran voices 49:00 - Demerge Snow: wild quotes about American history 1:03:21 - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity on service and stewardship 1:15:21 - Guy Benson on immigration, enforcement, and fraud outrage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🎙️ The fellas sit down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for a wide-ranging conversation that hits policy, politics, and the pure theater of the moment. We talk through what Trump Accounts are built to do—seed money, compounding, and a real push toward financial literacy—plus how the private sector and states may stack on top of it. We also get into the broader economic pitch: growth, inflation, deficits, and why Bessent thinks the private sector is about to do the heavy lifting. 💰 Then we sprint to catch up with Senator Ted Cruz after President Trump riffs—very publicly—about Cruz as a possible Supreme Court pick. Cruz gives us a definitive answer, explains why he doesn’t want the robe, and lays out how he sees his role in the middle of policy fights instead. We also get the behind-the-scenes origin story of Trump Accounts—from a late-night Vegas poker table to drafting the provision that ends up in the bill.️ 👑 After the interviews, we talk through what we heard, what it signals for the midterm conversation the fellas are building toward, and we get into listener comments on early Senate predictions. We close it out with our Thursday staple, King of the Hill, where Cheri Jacobus takes on champion Steve Schmidt. 00:00 — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent 03:16 — What Trump Accounts are and why the media isn’t covering it 09:18 — Smug’s big announcement 10:34 — Markets, compounding, and why this is meant to change behavior 14:22 — Davos: what happened with Gavin Newsom 23:32 — Fraud, NGOs, and “benefits turned into business” 31:19 — What “too small to succeed” means 33:32 — Smug’s baby news 44:15 — Trump’s Cruz riff: Supreme Court chatter goes public 45:35 — Ted Cruz on possible SCOTUS nom 59:18 — King of the Hill Subscribe for more unfiltered conservative commentary, interviews with top leaders, and laughs! Hit that like button if you're ready for America's comeback. #RuthlessPodcast #ScottBessent #TedCruz #TrumpAccounts #EconomicBoom #SupremeCourt #maga Our Sponsors: ➢We need to stand with President Trump in his fight against big insurance companies. Learn more: https://www.americansforopengovernment.com/ ➢Tell Congress year-round E15 is long overdue. https://fieldsoffreedomalliance.com/ ➢Unleash American energy to be bigger and better than ever before, because when America builds, America wins. https://permittingreformnow.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices