Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: Riots Erupt: Trump Takes A Stand, Media Spins
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook

1. Introduction

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve into the recent riots in Los Angeles, analyze the interplay between former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, and engage in an in-depth interview with iconic comedian and actress Roseanne Barr. The episode offers a conservative perspective on current events, critiquing media narratives and exploring the motivations behind the unrest.

2. Los Angeles Riots: Analyzing the Outbreak and Media Narratives

Overview of the Riots: The episode opens with a robust discussion about the resurgence of riots in Los Angeles, marking them as a continuation ("part two" and humorously questioning if it counts as "part three") of previous civil disturbances.

Hosts' Perspectives:

• John Ashbrook ([00:00] – [04:19]): Criticizes the media portrayal of rioters, suggesting that the narrative is skewed to depict law enforcement as antagonists while downplaying the violence and property damage caused by protesters.

  "This message that the media is run with of like, if cops are actually the bad guys... It’s ridiculous." ([00:00])

• Michael Duncan ([00:09] – [11:05]): Frames the riots as expressions of frustration by the "unheard" masses, arguing that property damage should not be equated with violence.

  "Riots are the voice of the unheard. Property damage isn't violence." ([00:09])

  "They do six months of Marxist theory and then summertime is praxis." ([02:35])

• Josh Holmes ([01:19] – [25:02]): Highlights the role of Dick Durbin, labeling him as a primary adversary to Trump, and warns against a government takeover of credit cards proposed by Durbin, emphasizing the importance of protecting consumer choice and security.

  "Tell Republicans and Congress. Congress, stop Dick Durbin's takeover of your credit card before it's too late." ([00:25])

Key Events and Media Spin:

• The hosts argue that ICE's actions in raiding homes to enforce longstanding immigration laws have been misrepresented by the media as unjust and extrajudicial, whereas they believe these actions are lawful and necessary.

  "They serve these search warrants and then immediately becomes a problem. And like all good riots, they always start right there in Los Angeles." ([06:56])

• They critique media outlets for attempting to downplay the severity of the riots, using euphemisms like "peaceful protests" while showcasing violent imagery, such as cars being set on fire.

  "It's a horrible, insidious idea that the left pushed and the media pushed on their behalf... it's ridiculous." ([10:49])

• The discussion includes references to past riots in 2020, suggesting that the current unrest surpasses previous events in both scale and media reaction.

  "I feel like they may have outdone themselves even by that standard." ([08:27])

Notable Quotes:

• "Nothing like a West coast riot. Because the west coast riots don't quit." – Josh Holmes ([01:53])
• "Every time police come, it makes things worse." – Hosts ([Various Timestamps])

3. The Trump-Elon Musk Feud: Power Plays and Media Manipulation

Background of the Feud: The hosts discuss the escalating conflict between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, highlighting allegations of human trafficking against Trump and Musk's public criticism of Trump's policies.

Key Points:

• Accusations Against Trump: Michael Duncan references a grand jury indictment accusing Trump of human trafficking and shipping migrants across the country, suggesting this undermines Trump's leadership.

  "They are accusing him of basically shipping migrants all around this country, that he was involved in human trafficking." ([16:07])

• Media Spin: The podcast critiques how media outlets are framing these allegations to vilify Trump, portraying his administration's policies as divisive and dangerous.

  "None of this is complicated, but they've created a leftist political infrastructure... treating setting fire to communities as an act of war." ([16:37])

• Elon's Counteractions: Elon Musk's attempts to undermine Trump's policies by threatening to cancel SpaceX contracts and shutting down key programs are discussed, portraying him as overstepping political boundaries.

  "Musk comes back saying that he's shutting down the Dragon man spacecraft program... that's a big blow." ([47:03])

Notable Quotes:

• "He didn't appreciate that..." – Michael Duncan ([45:05])
• "Exaggerating, but it is kind of the framework in which has been presented." – Josh Holmes ([11:16])

4. Exclusive Interview with Roseanne Barr

Introduction: The podcast features an exclusive interview with Roseanne Barr, celebrating her contributions to television and her alignment with conservative values.

Key Discussion Points:

• Career Highlights: Roseanne Barr outlines her rapid ascent in the entertainment industry, her experiences on "The Roseanne Show," and the creative freedom she enjoyed during the show's peak.

  "The first night on stage... put me on the Tonight Show that week." ([63:39])

• Personal Struggles and Faith: She shares personal anecdotes about dealing with fame, mental health challenges, and the pivotal role of faith in her life.

  "I have no idea. I just was regular." ([69:22])

  "I have to answer to God because I believe in that and I don't want to make him mad." ([75:10])

• Political Views: Roseanne emphasizes her support for Trump, her disdain for what she perceives as systemic hypocrisy, and her commitment to representing "Middle America."

  "I wanted to show that it's not the experts... the working class is the most integrated class in America." ([75:35])

• Upcoming Projects: She discusses her new documentary, "Roseanne Barr and America," which aims to tell her story and address the impact of her firing from the show.

  "Joel Gilbert made a really fantastic documentary about my whole life getting to fame and what happened after." ([73:45])

Notable Quotes:

• "I can't live with lies. I can't live with hypocrisy and lies and double talk and forked tongue." – Roseanne Barr ([78:46])
• "I'm here to fight it. That's why I got famous." – Roseanne Barr ([79:36])

5. Listener Engagement and Q&A

Question of the Day: The hosts pose the question, "Should Trump send in the Marines?" to their audience, anticipating decisions to restore order amidst the growing unrest.

Listener Comments:

• Various Perspectives: Listeners express skepticism about Elon Musk's motivations, the feasibility of Trump's potential actions, and the overall direction of political discourse.

  "I can't help but wonder if this feud is a way for Elon to move back to the center for the sake of his businesses." ([37:28])

  "Sadly, the situation with Elon ends in typical fashion... Republicans implode when they actually have power." ([38:30])

Hosts' Remarks:

• Critical of Media and Leftist Tactics: The hosts critique the left for lack of cohesion, using Marxist ideology to fuel unrest, and manipulating media narratives to vilify conservative leaders.

  "This is what they expected to have happen. They were watching uprising. Uprising is good because uprising means that Trump is being divisive." ([22:55])

6. Lighthearted Variety Segment: The Escaped Zebra

Overview: Adding a humorous twist to the intense discussions, the hosts share and laugh over a viral video of an escaped zebra being airlifted by helicopter in Tennessee.

Highlights:

• Comedic Banter: The hosts jokingly debate the logistics of handling the situation, including playful suggestions about zebra-stuffing and making conversation starters.

  "This zebra has a dump truck. Truck ass." – Michael Duncan ([54:50])

  "You'd have the taxi. He just put the bullet hole right there." – Comfortably Smug ([58:57])

• Entertaining Insights: The segment showcases the hosts' chemistry and ability to balance serious discourse with light-hearted content, maintaining an engaging atmosphere.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Final Remarks: The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating their key points about media manipulation, the importance of enforcing immigration laws, and the ongoing Trump-Elon feud. They emphasize the need for listeners to engage with their content, subscribe to their YouTube channel, and participate in the ongoing conversation.

Closing Quote:

• "Keep the faith, hold the line and own the libs. We'll see you Thursday. Stay ruthless." – John Ashbrook ([93:17])

8. Notable Quotes Compilation

• "If cops are actually the bad guys... It's ridiculous." – John Ashbrook ([00:00])
• "Riots are the voice of the unheard. Property damage isn't violence." – Michael Duncan ([00:09])
• "Tell Republicans and Congress. Congress, stop Dick Durbin's takeover of your credit card before it's too late." – Josh Holmes ([00:25])
• "I have to answer to God because I believe in that and I don't want to make him mad." – Roseanne Barr ([75:10])
• "I'm here to fight it. That's why I got famous." – Roseanne Barr ([79:36])

9. Final Notes

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a comprehensive conservative analysis of current events, blended with personal insights from Roseanne Barr and moments of levity. It serves as a resource for listeners seeking alternative viewpoints on media narratives and political conflicts.

For those interested in exploring more, subscribe to the Ruthless Podcast on YouTube and engage with the hosts through comments and discussions.