Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "RUTHLESS MAN OF THE YEAR"

Release Date: December 31, 2024

The "Ruthless Podcast," hosted by Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook, elevates next-generation conservative discourse by delivering incisive analyses of current events. In the episode titled "RUTHLESS MAN OF THE YEAR," released on December 31, 2024, the hosts engage in a spirited discussion to select their "Ruthless Person of the Year," employing an interactive voting system reminiscent of "American Idol."

Introduction to the Selection Process (00:00 – 02:32)

The episode kicks off with Josh Holmes introducing an innovative voting method where the audience can vote multiple times, mimicking the popular "American Idol" format. He explains:

Josh (02:17): "We are going to have the audience actually vote American Idol style on who they think the person of the year is."

However, the hosts humorously address potential voting abuses:

Smug (00:10): "Means you can vote as many times as a comment. So if you actually are a patriot, you just vote for whoever I say."

Comfort (02:43): "Imagine that you're going to the ballot box to vote as many times as you possibly can for that Democrat because you know the votes will be counted after election day and you can win."

Despite the playful banter, Josh emphasizes the importance of thoughtful voting, urging listeners to consider each nominee carefully:

Josh (02:59): "You’ve got to be thoughtful. You’ve got to hear everybody out."

Nomination Criteria and Exclusions (02:26 – 06:37)

Josh outlines the nomination process, where each host submits a candidate for "Person of the Year." Notably, Donald Trump is excluded from nominations this year to encourage diverse selections:

Josh (01:26): "We submit one that we think is befitting of a Person of the year. The one disqualification that we have this year is that you can’t name Donald Trump."

The conversation shifts towards the audience's role in voting, with Josh reiterating the significance of genuine participation over automated voting:

Josh (03:19): "But really often I really don't like if you do it. This isn’t exactly a ballot box. Let’s just put it that way."

Elon Musk: Champion of Free Speech (06:25 – 12:20)

The first major nomination presented is Elon Musk, lauded for his pivotal role in preserving free speech on Twitter. The hosts highlight Musk's battle against censorship and his commitment to open dialogue. Smug references past censorship issues:

Smug (09:34): "During the 2020 election, Twitter was locked down. The Biden administration collaborated with the DNC to deplatform conservatives, including removing references to the Hunter Biden laptop."

Michael Duncan adds context on how Musk's actions have shifted the power dynamics in social media:

Dunk (10:33): "Because of people like Elon Musk, they are no longer in charge."

The hosts commend Musk's bravery in the face of regulatory pressures and his dedication to protecting First Amendment rights:

Comfort (14:09): "He knows the consequences if people are not allowed to say what is on their mind."

Josh underscores Musk's impact on American democracy and his alignment with founding principles:

Josh (12:20): "He's willing to risk his immense fortune on the idea that people are allowed to say what is on their mind."

Mark Andreessen: Silicon Valley's Conservative Vanguard (26:50 – 33:26)

Mark Andreessen, a prominent venture capitalist, is the next nominee, recognized for his courageous stance against perceived governmental overreach in technology. Smug elaborates on Andreessen's efforts to rally Silicon Valley leaders in support of Trump:

Smug (27:55): "Marc Andreessen... never seen someone with his level of moral clarity."

The discussion highlights the historical left-leaning dominance in Silicon Valley and Andreessen's pivotal role in shifting some of its support towards conservative causes:

Dunk (30:03): "Silicon Valley used to be almost uniformly on the left... Andreessen has the courage to stand up and do what is right."

Josh praises Andreessen's intellect and strategic influence:

Josh (33:08): "Marc Andreessen... has the courage to show the kind of leadership that he did this year."

The hosts collectively acknowledge Andreessen as a national treasure for his contributions to protecting technological freedom and conservative values.

J.D. Vance: The Embodiment of the American Dream (33:29 – 46:21)

The final major nomination is J.D. Vance, celebrated for his authentic representation of the American working class and his resilience in the face of personal and political challenges. Smug defends Vance against media portrayals aimed at undermining his authenticity:

Smug (37:33): "The guy who wrote Hillbilly Allergy, they tried to say he’s some evil out-of-touch venture capitalist."

Josh emphasizes Vance's relatability and steadfastness:

Josh (39:22): "He did everything that I just discussed... he put on the uniform for this country."

The hosts share personal anecdotes illustrating Vance's genuine connection to his roots and his unwavering dedication to the American ethos:

Smug (40:11): "Vance isn't perfect. He's from Ohio, but he’s still a great guy."

Comfort adds a heartfelt endorsement of Vance's character and his embodiment of the American dream:

Comfort (41:00): "He is the American dream. Your circumstances don’t define you."

Vance is portrayed as a unifying figure who resonates with a broad spectrum of Americans, transcending political divides by showcasing strength of character and perseverance.

Additional Discussions: AI Regulation and Financial Oversight (27:40 – 34:15)

Beyond the primary nominations, the hosts delve into pressing issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Smug critiques the Biden-Harris administration's approach to AI, warning against excessive governmental control:

Smug (30:03): "Absolute control of platforms, absolute control of technology... They want to take away all freedoms from Americans."

Megyn Kelly discusses the CFPB's overreach, likening it to Elizabeth Warren's agenda:

Megyn Kelly (34:01): "Basically, terrorize financial institutions, prevent fintech, prevent new competition, new startups that want to compete with the big banks."

The conversation underscores concerns about bureaucratic overregulation stifling innovation and infringing on personal freedoms.

Conclusion and Call to Action (46:21 – End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their nominations and encourage listeners to participate in the voting process. They emphasize the importance of recognizing individuals who embody resilience, integrity, and a commitment to American values. Smug concludes with a rallying call:

Smug (47:18): "Keep the faith, hold the line, and own the libs. We'll see in the new year. Stay ruthless."

Josh reminds the audience to vote thoughtfully and engage actively:

Josh (46:58): "Vote early and often. You remember, just put it down there and subscribe and just do vote as many times as you want."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh (02:17): "We are going to have the audience actually vote American Idol style on who they think the person of the year is."

• Comfort (02:43): "Imagine that you're going to the ballot box to vote as many times as you possibly can for that Democrat because you know the votes will be counted after election day and you can win."

• Smug (09:34): "During the 2020 election, Twitter was locked down. The Biden administration collaborated with the DNC to deplatform conservatives, including removing references to the Hunter Biden laptop."

• Josh (12:20): "He knows the consequences if people are not allowed to say what is on their mind."

• Comfort (14:09): "He knows the consequences if people are not allowed to say what is on their mind."

• Smug (27:55): "Marc Andreessen... never seen someone with his level of moral clarity."

• Comfort (41:00): "He is the American dream. Your circumstances don’t define you."

Final Remarks

The "Ruthless Podcast" delivers a compelling episode spotlighting influential figures who uphold and advance conservative values in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape. Through engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook provide listeners with thoughtful perspectives on leadership, freedom, and the American spirit. The episode not only honors notable individuals but also galvanizes the audience to actively participate in shaping the narrative of American conservatism.