Ruthless Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: What to Expect From Trump at the United Nations
Date: September 23, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, John Ashbrook
Guests: Chris Wright (Secretary of Energy), Darren Grubb (Medicare Advantage Majority Spokesperson)

Episode Overview

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast delivers a lively, deeply conservative take on upcoming U.S. activity at the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on President Trump’s energy and foreign policy agenda. The hosts conduct a wide-ranging interview with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, previewing his and President Trump’s messages to the UN on American energy dominance and the Western climate agenda. The episode also features a policy-focused segment about the political battle over Medicare Advantage, lighter banter on football and current events, and an offbeat look at animal activism and local news.

Main Segment: Trump, the UN, and American Energy

1. Setting the Stage: The UN General Assembly & Trump’s Return

• The hosts open with characteristic humor and jabs at the left, previewing Trump’s anticipated confrontational return to the UN General Assembly in New York.
• Josh Holmes [03:22]: “Our Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, has a meaningful role to play...educating the world on, well, let’s just say their lack of thoughtfulness about their climate agenda.”

2. Chris Wright Interview on Energy Policy and Climate Debate

The Backdrop:

• Chris Wright describes being invited to “Climate Week” at the UN for the first time and relishes the opportunity for a rational, science-based discussion on energy and climate.
• Chris Wright [08:44]: "It's what I've always wanted to do – lay out the climate change data and the climate economics...and have a rational dialogue about it."

Critique of the Global Climate Agenda:

• Wright and the hosts assert that the European climate approach has left the continent "hamstrung", overly reliant on Russia for energy, and in economic stagnation.
  • Comfortably Smug [04:34]: “You only have to have two eyes and two ears to learn what the Europeans did that put them at a disadvantage against Russia.”
  • Chris Wright [16:58]: “They destroyed their economy, stopped economic growth, exported their industries, and they went from 80% to 76% [hydrocarbons]. That was a tradeoff worth making.”

The “Climate Cult” and Anti-American Motives

• The conversation criticizes the left’s climate discourse as “cultish” and disconnected from actual science.

  • Josh Holmes [09:15]: “Making rational, scientific arguments to what has become a climate cult on the left...all they do is just sort of like talking-point it.”
  • Chris Wright [14:26]: “Where did all that intellectual [leftism] go? It went into the environmental movement...it filled that hole of top-down, we-the-anointed, and the government must fix the energy system.”

• They contend much of the critique of American energy is rooted in anti-capitalism/anti-Americanism.

  • Josh Holmes [12:58]: “When they’re talking about climate, it's just a means to the end...shutting down industry in the United States.”

The Data and Media Disconnect

• Wright recounts the experience of publishing DOE climate reports, only for opponents to attack findings they hadn’t read.
  • Chris Wright [09:43]: “I've yet to have an interview...with anyone who's read our report. They all know it's bad and it's wrong, but none of them have actually read it.”
  • Notable moment of science vs. politics humor: the only “refutation” is debating whether sea level rose seven or eight inches since 1900, joking about Obama’s beachfront home (“Maybe that 7 vs 8 inches probably made a big decision in his real estate purchase”). [11:22]

Europe and the Future

• Wright shares optimism that privately, many European officials concede the need for a more pragmatic energy approach and a shift away from failed “net zero” policies.
  • Chris Wright [19:51]: “I actually left much more optimistic than I arrived...they want the war with Russia and Ukraine to end. They want economic future. They want to participate in AI.”
  • Wright also claims many Democrats privately support a more “common sense” energy approach in the U.S. ([20:53]).

The Centrality of Energy to Freedom and Prosperity

• Wright traces his own path from energy skeptic to proponent, arguing abundant, affordable energy is what drives prosperity and reduces poverty:

  • Chris Wright [23:13]: "My entire life since then...has been about...what are the efforts that will lift people out of poverty. Which is another reason I'm so passionate about the climate crises, because they're the opposite of that."
  • On history: “Global human life expectancy was 30 years 200 years ago...all of this change [was from] economic liberty...and energy.” [25:13]

• He positions Trump’s policies, particularly promoting natural gas and nuclear, as the true means of lowering emissions:

  • Chris Wright [27:08]: “My guess is the world leader that'll do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions than any leader ever will be President Trump, because he’s all in on natural gas, he's all in on nuclear.”

Permitting, LNG Exports, and Economic Security

• The hosts and Wright blast the Biden administration for restricting natural gas export terminals, arguing that U.S. LNG helps global climate and security, and that relevant studies proving so were “buried.” ([28:27]–[30:45])
  • Chris Wright [28:15]: “Day one thing for President Trump – we're going to start permitting natural gas export terminals again...it's awesome for American jobs, it's awesome for security across the pond.”
  • Josh Holmes [31:11]: “To have a study like that where you don't center what it means for Americans and American workers is just incredibly crazy.”

Personal & Lighthearted

• Wright shares how his early interest in energy began (sparked by 1980s predictions of "the end of oil"), his belief in energy’s poverty-lifting power, and quirky personal details (like his favorite meal: "my wife's Thanksgiving turkey" [31:43]; his regret at not being a pro tennis player).
• On what motivates him: Chris Wright [34:27]: “Thrill of victory for sure...the agony of defeat is just the price on the way.”

Wright’s Message to UN

• He pledges to deliver “common sense” and facts at the UN, especially about the real impact of U.S. natural gas/nuclear on global emissions ([27:39]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Josh Holmes [03:22]: "Chris Wright...educating the world on, well, let’s just say their lack of thoughtfulness about their climate agenda."
• Chris Wright [10:56]: "The National Academies report...said no, it's actually seven inches [not eight] of sea level rise."
• Chris Wright [16:58]: "They destroyed their economy...exported their industries, and they went from 80% to 76% [hydrocarbons]. That was a tradeoff worth making."
• Chris Wright [27:39]: “Are you gonna say that to the UN people?” “Absolutely. I'm absolutely gonna say it. I mean, it's, it's, you know, it's true.”
• Comfortably Smug [11:22]: “Maybe that’s why Obama bought a house on the coast.”
• Wolf [12:58]: “The reason why these lefty environmental radicals target energy so religiously is because they know that energy is the engine of capitalism.”
• Chris Wright [26:25]: “Air and water have gotten massively cleaner...wealth allows you to clean water, clean air, do everything. Greenhouse gases are harder...but U.S. per-person emissions are at their lowest since I was born.”

Timeline of Key Segments (Timestamps MM:SS)

• 01:27 – Opening banter, Michael Duncan absence, Colts chat
• 02:33 – Teasing the UN General Assembly & White House guests
• 03:22 – Lead-in to Chris Wright/energy discussion
• 07:41 – Interview with Secretary Chris Wright begins
• 08:44 – Chris Wright on finally being invited to “Climate Week” at the UN
• 09:15–15:05 – Science vs. climate “cult”, leftist motives, personal history
• 16:11–18:20 – Biden admin energy policies, US/EU contrast, EU’s “net zero” problems
• 19:51–23:12 – European discussions, Democratic support for U.S. energy, poverty/energy history
• 25:13 – Impact of energy on human progress & prosperity
• 26:25–27:39 – Data on U.S. emissions, Trump vs. Biden on climate
• 27:47–30:55 – Permitting, LNG exports, “buried” Biden admin climate report
• 31:43–36:57 – Personal “three questions,” fun with Chris Wright
• 37:12–39:27 – Post-interview reactions, reiterating themes
• 39:27–41:09 – “Question of the day”: What should Trump say to the UN?
• 41:10–50:51 – Variety segment: animal activism, “chicken rescue,” and a “vicious squirrel” in local news
• 51:01–53:51 – NFL/football banter
• 53:51 – Interview: Darren Grubb on Medicare Advantage Majority (extends to ~66:56)
• 66:56–end – Wrap-up, Medicare, boomer engagement, preview of next episode

Policy Highlight: Medicare Advantage Majority Interview

Overview

• Darren Grubb outlines the importance, popularity, and bipartisan support of Medicare Advantage, warning against cuts that could hurt seniors, especially as the 2026 midterms approach.
• Comfortably Smug [54:15]: “A lot of people have come to rely on it. And it hasn’t been without its share of opponents. I’ve never understood why politicians would oppose extra benefits for people who need them.”

Key Points

• The left’s traditional opposition seems rooted in preference for single-payer health care and resistance to anything seen as “privatization.”
  • Josh Holmes [59:18]: “What is it about the progressive left argument against Medicare Advantage?...it’s always been a target.”
• Grubb: Cuts would “pass billions in costs onto the seniors” and have “an outsized impact on groups that need it most.”
• Politically vital for both parties due to “the deciders” (senior voters), who have “long memories” and can swing elections.
  • Darren Grubb [57:37]: “Seniors are a huge voting bloc...protecting Medicare Advantage remains critical policy, but it’s central to any credible electoral strategy.”

Engagement Pitch

• Seniors and listeners are encouraged to participate via MedicareAdvantageMajority.org to defend the program.

Variety & Humor: Animal Rights & Local News

• Chicken Rescue Caper: Extended comedic riff on an animal rights activist charged with stealing chickens from a processor, lampooning left-wing extremism, legal absurdities, and drawing exaggerated consequences.
  • John Ashbrook [44:02]: “She’s essentially trying to hijack trucks, right?...Put her in for 50 years.”
• Vicious Squirrel Saga: Local news dramatics about a rogue squirrel attacking residents, the hosts connecting it (tongue-in-cheek) to "sleeper cell" animal activism.
  • Josh Holmes [48:42]: “If a squirrel killed me...you can’t have a funeral.”

Memorable Quotes

• Chris Wright [27:39]: "Absolutely...I'm going to say it [at the UN]."
• Josh Holmes [03:22]: “He's going to be educating the world on...their lack of thoughtfulness about their climate agenda.”
• Comfortably Smug [11:22]: “Maybe that's why Obama bought a house on the coast.”
• Wolf [12:58]: “The reason why these lefty environmental radicals target energy so religiously is because they know that energy is the engine of capitalism.”
• John Ashbrook [44:02]: “Put her in for 50 years. We need a 'you fuck around and you find out' law and order system.”

Concluding Reflections

• Hosts reiterate that Trump’s and Wright’s UN presence will signal a forthright, fact-driven, “common sense” American energy policy, dismiss leftist “climate cultism,” and champion American economic/national security interests.
• Medicare Advantage is cast as a battleground for senior voters ahead of the midterms, while the segment underscores the program’s popularity and bipartisan importance.
• The show closes with audience questions, listener engagement prompts, and signature irreverent calls to “keep the faith, hold the line and own the libs.”

Overall Tone

• Brash, humorous, and combative
• Deeply skeptical of progressive/left-wing motives on climate and healthcare policy
• Champions “common sense” conservatism and American exceptionalism
• Mixes policy seriousness with lively banter and satire

For Further Engagement

Key timestamped segments:

• UN/energy policy – [03:22]–[37:12]
• Medicare Advantage – [53:51]–[66:56]
• Animal activism/local news – [41:10]–[51:01]

Question of the day:
What should Trump say to the UN? (Hosts encourage audience feedback for next episode)

End of summary