🚨 BIG NEWS from the Ruthless Variety Progrum!

Summary

Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: 🚨 BIG NEWS from the Ruthless Variety Progrum!
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook
Podcast Description: A variety program where Smug, Holmes, Duncan, and Ashbrook elevate next-generation conservative talk with a blend of insightful analysis and wry humor, tackling the day's news with no holds barred.

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1. Major Partnership Announcement with Fox News

The episode kicks off with Michael Duncan breaking the exhilarating news that Fox News has entered into a licensing agreement with Ruthless Podcast. This significant collaboration marks a pivotal expansion for the podcast, integrating it into Fox News' expansive media landscape.

• Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media, highlighted the synergy of the deal:

  "The Ruthless deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content." ([00:00])

• Porter Berry, President and Editor-in-Chief of Fox News Digital and New Media, emphasized the alignment with the creator economy:

  "As the creator economy continues to evolve, a spirit that Ruthless has championed from the start allows us to expand our reach." ([00:00])

2. Hosts Celebrate the Milestone

The team expresses immense excitement and gratitude over the partnership, reflecting on their journey and the support from their dedicated audience.

• Michael Duncan shares his overwhelming joy:

  "Oh, man. Dude. Oh, what a dream come true, fellas." ([01:24])

• Josh Holmes humorously compares the moment to being on set with a renowned journalist:

  "I thought I was on set with Tom Brokaw there." ([01:24])

• John Ashbrook acknowledges the listeners' role in reaching this milestone:

  "For our day one listeners, thank you. Your loyalty got us here." ([02:10])

3. Commending Fox News’ Industry Leadership

The hosts delve into the reasons behind choosing Fox News as their partner, lauding the network's dominance and commitment to quality content.

• Comfortably Smug recounts a personal interaction with Fox Network legends, underscoring the cultural fit:

  "It's just like, it's just an incredible, incredible day." ([06:36])

• Michael Duncan praises Fox News as the "gold standard for conservatives" and credits their strategic efforts for surpassing other cable networks:

  "Fox News is the gold standard for conservatives. They are now the number one channel on television, beating ABC, CBS, NBC." ([04:25])

• John Ashbrook enthusiastically adds:

  "Crushing them." ([04:29])

4. Reflecting on the Growth of Ruthless Podcast

The conversation shifts to the podcast's evolution from humble beginnings to a sought-after platform for political discourse.

• Michael Duncan reflects on the podcast's trajectory:

  "We started with something less than a professional product four years ago and have evolved significantly." ([01:33])

• Josh Holmes highlights Fox's genuine interest in their audience, which set Fox apart from other potential partners:

  "They cared about our audience and wanted to learn about our audience." ([03:04])

5. Emphasizing Authenticity and Connection

The hosts stress the importance of authenticity in their content, differentiating Ruthless from other political podcasts that rely on scripted talking points.

• Michael Duncan shares insights into their interviewing style:

  "We ask questions about their personality, not just their stances on issues. This fosters trust and elicits genuine responses." ([09:32])

• Josh Holmes commends Fox News for allowing them to maintain their authentic voice:

  "When we were asked about branding or changes, Fox told us to change nothing and do more of what audiences love." ([05:46])

6. Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Continued Growth

Riding the wave of this major partnership, the hosts discuss the exciting prospects for future content and expansion.

• John Ashbrook announces an increase in episode frequency and more high-profile interviews:

  "You get more episodes every week, more interviews with top players, and more exciting content all over the place." ([02:10])

• Michael Duncan expresses confidence in their path forward:

  "From moment one, there has never been a day where it's not what you see is what you get. We're excited about where it goes from here." ([09:32])

• Comfortably Smug proclaims their status in the podcasting world:

  "One of the reasons why we are the hottest, most influential podcast in the entire world." ([08:35])

7. Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to their supporters and reaffirmation of their commitment to delivering quality content.

• Josh Holmes extends gratitude to loyal listeners and acknowledges critics:

  "Thank you to the haters, everyone who doubted us. As an agony of defeat guy, proving people wrong is gratifying." ([08:42])

• John Ashbrook encourages listeners to engage with the podcast:

  "Remember to like and subscribe on YouTube if you haven't yet. Until next time, minions, keep the faith, subscribe, hold the line and own the libs." ([10:22])

• Final Sign-Off:

  "We'll see you Thursday. Stay ruthless." ([10:22])

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Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Partnership: Ruthless Podcast's collaboration with Fox News signifies a major milestone, expanding their reach and integrating into a leading media network.

• Audience-Centric Growth: The hosts emphasize that their success is driven by a loyal and engaged audience, whose support has been instrumental in their growth.

• Commitment to Authenticity: Ruthless distinguishes itself by prioritizing genuine conversations and authentic interactions over scripted content, fostering deeper connections with listeners.

• Future Expansion: With Fox News' backing, the podcast is poised to deliver more frequent episodes, high-profile interviews, and diverse content, continuing its trajectory as a premier conservative talk show.

This episode serves as both a celebration of Ruthless Podcast's achievements and a commitment to future excellence, all while maintaining the authentic and irreverent tone that has endeared them to their audience.

Transcript

[Michael Duncan]

Foreign. Good day. We come to you today with breaking news out of New York. Fox News has announced a new media expansion that includes a licensing agreement with Ruthless Podcast. CEO of Fox News Media. Suzanne Scott says, quote, the Ruthless deal is a natural extension of our powerhouse brand as audiences reshape how they consume quality content. Since its launch as an alternative to progressive podcasts ahead of the 2020 presidential election, the fellows irreverent variety of next generation conservative talk with a wry sense of humor has solidified it as the preeminent go to podcast for political power players. President and editor in chief of Fox News digital and new media Porter Berry added, quote, as the creator economy continues to evolve a spirit that Ruthless has championed from the start, we are expanding our reach to meet audiences wherever they engage with the Fox News media content, which remains in a league of its own. And now for breaking news reaction, we turn to us. Let's go. Oh, man. Dude. Oh, what a dream come true, fellas.

[Josh Holmes]

I thought I was on set with Tom Brokaw there.

[Michael Duncan]

I mean, it was so hard to stay in character.

[Comfortably Smug]

It was so hard not to laugh.

[Michael Duncan]

It is a listen. This is an incredible day. And I think we start with an enormous amount of gratitude both to the Fox News family for believing in us and seeing the value that we can bring to that next generation that they're talking about. But also to all of you, the listener who have been with us, many of you, since day one. We've grown over time. We started with, shall we say, something less than a professional product four years ago. And we've evolved and brought new things in. We've had a lot of fun along the way and it's been a blast.

[John Ashbrook]

Yeah, to me, I mean, it's, it's an incredible day. I told everyone today was going to be an insane day. And this is what happens each and every day. But honestly, this is. I'm so thrilled and grateful because of our audience. We have the best listeners and viewers on YouTube that anyone could ask for. And this is an opportunity with Fox of where the only thing that changes is you get more. You get more episodes every week. You get more interviews with the top players in the game and you get more exciting content all over the place. There's going to be more exciting things coming in the future. But all this means is for our day one listeners. Thank you. Because your loyalty, you telling your friends, your family to tune in, to get on board, to subscribe, is what has gotten us here. And we're going to bring you even more of the best Stuff, no question.

[Josh Holmes]

Yeah. I think the thing that really struck me, and we talked to a lot of people over many, many months about trying to grow the show and what we might do. And a lot of people talked a lot of different deals and a lot of things. I think the thing that made Fox different is they cared about our audience and they wanted to learn about our audience. And I don't mean just anybody at Fox. I mean everybody at Fox. Yeah, they were listeners themselves. And for that reason, it gives us a confidence that we can grow this brand with them.

[Comfortably Smug]

You know, fellas, the other night we were at dinner with a handful of the legends who built that network and created some of the household names that everybody watch so frequently over the years. And they were all saying very smart things. You guys were saying very smart things. But at some point during the dinner, I just sort of lost track of the conversation because all I could hear in my head was this magic moment.

[Michael Duncan]

It's true. Look, Fox News is the gold standard for conservatives. It has been, and I think it always will be. They see value in generational change. They understand that people are consuming news differently and they want to be at the cutting edge of all that. And that leadership from the top down is basically what built a network that is, what are they like four to one? Everybody else in the cable industry and they're just.

[John Ashbrook]

And even beyond cable, they're now the number one channel on television. They're beating abc, cbs, NBC.

[Comfortably Smug]

Crushing them.

[Michael Duncan]

All of them, totally. But it comes. We got a little under the hood insight as to how that happens. It's not happenstance. You know, if you, if you're not involved in media or politics or anything else, you know, you think you got a good brand and is a loyal following or whatever. But when you see the sort of painstaking effort that they undertake every day to make sure what they bring to audiences the absolute best in class, best interviews, the best information, the best personalities. I mean, we. We got to see why it is that they are the best. And it was so attractive for us to be a part of just this gold standard that they had built over the years. And I'm blown away to be able to work with these folks because they're also our friends. You've seen us on Fox dealing with interviews and that kind of thing. Just about every show on the network. What you don't know, it's not shtick. When we're on, they're our friends. These are people who, when you know, in real life are incredibly good at what they do. But gracious and thoughtful and interesting and funny and, like, it's just a perfect fit culturally for what it is that we hoping to do to even grow this thing larger than we already have.

[John Ashbrook]

And to me, that was also the most exciting thing is when we really got under the hood, we started talking shop nuts and bolts. How's this partnership going to work? We're like, okay, so what would need to change? What's going on with, like, branding ideas or whatever? And they're like, change nothing. Yeah, just do more of it. The people want it. We love it. Give them more. And we're like, let's go. I mean, like, I heard that. And I was like, yes, let's go. Yes, let's do that.

[Josh Holmes]

Some additional thank yous beyond the Fox family that I would like to do. First of all, all of our buddies back home who listen and watch the.

[Michael Duncan]

Show, they're the ones that we think about every time the microphones turn on.

[Josh Holmes]

And they keep us well grounded. Oh, yeah. And thank you to, like, everyone on Capitol Hill and all of the people who drag their bosses here into the studio and convince them, no, you got to go in and talk to the fellas. We appreciate you, too, because you're, you're.

[Michael Duncan]

Going to love it.

[Comfortably Smug]

They know that they're going to love it. And when they come in, they do love it. And I, I mean, I have the same gratitude that you guys expressed. The one thing that sticks out in my mind is one of my daughter's good friends. Whenever he comes over to our house, he's like, What a day, Mr. Ashbrook.

[Michael Duncan]

What a day.

[Comfortably Smug]

It's the first thing that came to my mind when the news hit. It's just like, it's just an incredible, incredible day.

[Michael Duncan]

Yeah. Yeah. And where we've gone just in the compendium, this is not what we thought of when we first started. And we were nowhere near prime time, shall we say. It's been a real work in progress. It started with Tom Cotton doing us a solid as the first interview that we ever did on the program. And we often joke with him. That took a lot of guts for him to trust us with that when we had USB mics slammed into the side of the laptop. But over time, it became a destination for lawmakers, for people in the White House, for candidates, for others to come in and have a natural conversation. Right. Something that you don't see everywhere else where you can see another side of the personality that they're not allowed to exhibit in a political space. They don't get that in the sound bites. And I think what's so rewarding in part about this is the relationship that you guys referred to, not only with the audience, but with those guests, with people who know that what we're trying to get is real information for our audience, and we're trying to provide them with a value prop that you don't get everywhere. And part of that is getting to know you a little bit, you know, are three questions that we asked every guest. You know, it's not like, what's your stance on X, Y and Z? It's their personality. And we've found that when you do that kind of thing, they open up and you can get actual answers to questions that you want, rather than a talking point back. And there's a trust level involved and a trust level that we've had with our audience because we've tried different stuff. I mean, we sing, we dance, and we entertain here on the program.

[Comfortably Smug]

And just one of the reasons why we are the hottest, most influential podcast in the entire world.

[John Ashbrook]

That's what they say.

[Michael Duncan]

Let's go.

[Josh Holmes]

Many people are saying, people, may I do one more? Thank you.

[Michael Duncan]

Yes.

[Josh Holmes]

Thank you to the haters, everyone who doubted us.

[Michael Duncan]

Yes.

[Josh Holmes]

Because as an agony of defeat guy who likes to prove people wrong. Yeah, I'm glad we were able to do that.

[Michael Duncan]

There was a lot of people at the onset of Ruthless that were like, what the hell are you guys doing? You know, because it was a real big risk in our line of work. We came from a serious. We ran campaigns. We were, you know, chiefs of staff and comms people on Capitol Hill. And it's just not done where you take the mask off and you can just be yourself and have an entertaining, often comedic conversation, because you don't want to show any vulnerability in that world, and you don't want anybody to really get to know you beyond the really important, smart stuff that I'm going to say. And basically we were like, fuck that.

[Comfortably Smug]

Right?

[Michael Duncan]

You know, it's not worth doing unless we can do it authentically the way that we want to do it. And from moment one, and I really salute you guys on this, too, there has never been a day where it's not what you see is what you get. If the microphones were gone and there were no cameras, we would all be sitting at a bar somewhere in D.C. doing the exact same thing that you're listening to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and now Fridays. It's been a real pleasure, and we're super excited about where it goes from here, because, like, you said smuggler. Bigger and better, buddy.

[John Ashbrook]

Bigger, better and more.

[Michael Duncan]

Bigger, better and more. So thank you once again to FOX News. Thank you to our audience who've been so special to us and given us the motivation to keep going and keep making this a bigger thing. We're going to see you on Thursday. Do we do it?

[John Ashbrook]

I think so. Absolute banger of an episode. Gentlemen, thank you so much to our listeners. Remember, like and subscribe on YouTube if you have. Not yet. So until next time, minions, keep the faith, subscribe, hold the line and own the libs. We'll see you Thursday. Stay ruthless.