Ruthless Podcast: "What's Next With Mamdani and the Shutdown" w/Carley Shimkus
Date: November 7, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
Guest: Carley Shimkus (Fox News)
Special Appearance: Will Kane
Episode Overview
This energized "Fun Time Friday" episode of the Ruthless Podcast is recorded live from the Patriot Awards. The hosts welcome Carley Shimkus for a fast-paced conversation that hits political developments (notably 2025 local elections and the rise of leftist politics in New York), behind-the-scenes of early-morning TV, the cultural significance of Fox’s Patriot Awards, and the overblown influence of celebrity politics. The conversation is peppered with humor, playful anecdotes, and real talk about media, family, and American values.
Main Topics & Key Discussion Points
1. Carley Shimkus Joins the Show (01:12–02:22)
- Warm Welcome: Carley is introduced enthusiastically as a long-anticipated guest. There's banter about scheduling, mutual admiration, and her excitement to be part of the “family” at Fox.
- Quote, Carley: “I was so excited to get the invite and we worked it out.” (01:44)
2. New York Politics & Election Aftermath (02:23–05:53)
- Mamdani’s Win: Discussion centers on Zohran Mamdani’s election, signaling a sharp left turn for NYC.
- Michael Duncan reiterates: “If Mamdani wins, New York gets what it's deserving. And I stand by that.” (02:23)
- Police and Policy Fallout: Carley foresees tangible impacts—police departures, rise in crime, and negative messaging about prostitution.
- “It's going to send a signal to both police and the bad guys. And I'm not kidding about that.” (02:37)
- Culture Clash: Real concern about signals sent to young women and the city's future.
- Insider Insights: Carley shares a story about Mamdani being called a “communist” by a Republican colleague and referring to fellow legislators as “comrades.”
- “During a speech, he called his colleagues comrades…” (04:41)
- Personal stakes: Carley notes, “...my innocent 2 year old son lives there. So I just want you to think about that.” (05:05)
3. State Exodus, Regional Politics & Culture (05:09–06:36)
- Migration Jokes: Talk about people fleeing blue states for red, with a comedic back-and-forth about who wants whom moving where.
- Michael: “Any Democrats fleeing New York do not come to North Carolina. You won’t enjoy it.” (05:22)
- Greg Abbott’s Comment: Discussion about Texas Governor Abbott's joke/proposal to tax new migrants from New York.
4. Fun Anecdotes: “Are We Related?” (06:41–07:02)
- Shimkus’ Husband’s Mystery: Carley relays a humorous, unresolved story about whether her husband or his friend is related to Michael Duncan or another podcast host, leading to a riff about the “Indianapolis Duncans” and their imagined Rolls Royce and media empire.
5. GOP Election Performance & Takeaways (07:02–08:06)
- Analysis: Carley downplays the importance of the 2025 off-year results—blue states stayed blue.
- “They really aren’t [a big deal]. I mean, we’re talking about blue states who stayed blue.” (07:18)
- Noted concern: Gains in Democratic support among Hispanics and young voters in New Jersey.
6. Carley’s Life as a Morning Anchor (08:06–10:53)
- Intense Schedule: Carley breaks down her grueling pre-dawn routine.
- “I wake up at 1:30 in the morning.” (08:32)
- 4 alarm clocks, irregular sleep cycles, occasional “nap” in the middle of the day.
- Upside: More time with her son than a traditional 9-to-5, despite “turning black inside too. I’m losing my mind but ... everything’s fine.” (09:26)
- Early-Riser Life: The challenge (and freedom) of finishing work by 9am, seeing New Yorkers at happy hour midday.
7. Behind the Scenes at Fox & The Patriot Awards (10:53–13:49)
- Patriot Awards Preview: Carley expresses genuine excitement for the Fox Patriot Awards, describing it as “the Oscars for people who love America.”
- “It’s really humbling to be in a room with so many inspiring people. ... This one cuts out the middleman, because ... [we] just honor the hero.” (10:37)
- Culture Shift: Recounts heartwarming moments—like an Olympian being honored for patriotism—and remarks on how national sentiment has shifted positively since then.
- “There’s been a real cultural change in our country right now and that’s something we should be proud of too.” (13:13)
- Fox Culture: Carley notes the familial relationship between Fox talent and its audience; everyone feels like they “get it.”
8. Fox, Work-Life & Hallmark Movies (13:49–14:47)
- Carley’s TV Habits: Joking about “watching Fox like a viewer” and a love of Hallmark movies.
- Banter about live-streaming Hallmark movies “Mystery Science Theater” style.
9. Daylight Saving, Schedules, and Senate Connections (14:47–16:13)
- Early Riser Humor: Jokes about the misery of daylight saving, with Carly pleading, “Just pick one.” (15:24)
- Mentions Senator Marco Rubio’s repeated (and so far unsuccessful) effort to “fix the time.”
10. Guest Farewells & Reflections (16:13–16:57)
- Carley’s Send-Off: Both parties express mutual appreciation and intentions to collaborate again.
- Josh: “Everybody should know in our audience, she is exactly what you think. Wonderful human.” (16:01)
- Carley: “I’m so happy to be on here. I hope you have me back. I’m such a fan of you guys.” (16:03)
11. Segment: Clooney, Celebrity Politics, and the Democratic Party (17:07–20:20)
- George Clooney & Biden/Kamala Op-Ed:
- The panel lampoons George Clooney’s role as the messenger calling (via op-ed) for Biden’s replacement in the Democratic ticket.
- Many jabs about Hollywood’s role in Dem politics and “fart sniffing” Oscar speeches.
- John Ashbrook: “The idea that he was sitting at a workstation batting out an op ed ... He didn’t write that.” (18:27)
- Michael Duncan: “You are, dude, you read lines off. That’s your job.” (20:04)
- Josh Holmes: “If there was some actor ... in a Republican primary ... people would be like, go f--- yourself.” (20:21)
- Patriot Awards vs. Hollywood: The contrast between Fox’s culture and elite Hollywood is highlighted.
12. Patriot Awards, Audience Connection, and Podcast Family (20:20–22:26)
- Fan Engagement: All agree the most meaningful part of their work is the genuine relationship with the Fox/Ruthless audience—“the audience is everything.”
- “What you hear on the show is exactly who we are.” (21:37)
- Live Event Buzz: Excitement at bumping into network stars and “everyday heroes” at the Patriot Awards.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- Carley Shimkus:
- “I wake up at 1:30 in the morning.” (08:32)
- “It’s really humbling to be in a room with so many inspiring people. ... This one cuts out the middleman, because ... [we] just honor the hero.” (10:37)
- Michael Duncan:
- “If Mamdani wins, New York gets what it's deserving. And I stand by that.” (02:23)
- “You are, dude, you read lines off. That's your job [to George Clooney].” (20:04)
- Josh Holmes:
- “If there was some actor ... in a Republican primary ... people would be like, go f--- yourself.” (20:21)
- “Everybody should know in our audience, she is exactly what you think. Wonderful human.” (16:01)
Tone & Style
The episode is true to Ruthless form: irreverent, witty, fast-moving, and self-deprecating. The panel bounces between hard news, political philosophy, camaraderie, pop culture riffs, and personal stories—all with a light touch and occasional sarcasm. Carley Shimkus fits seamlessly, blending media insight with down-to-earth humor.
Key Moments & Timestamps
- 01:12 — Carley Shimkus joins the show
- 02:23 — Mamdani’s NYC win, implications for law enforcement
- 04:40 — “Comrades” & the far-left shift in NYC politics
- 08:32 — Carley’s insane morning show routine
- 10:37 — The Patriot Awards: “Cut out the middleman…honor the hero”
- 13:13 — Cultural change in America regarding patriotism
- 17:07 — George Clooney, op-eds, and the parody of celebrity influence
- 20:32 — Contrasting the Fox/Patriot Awards world with Hollywood
- 21:10 — Reflections on audience relationships; podcast as a family
Summary
This jam-packed, high-spirited episode offers listeners political analysis with a wink and a nod. Carley Shimkus provides inside perspective on TV life, New York politics, and Fox culture, all while perfectly matching the Ruthless crew’s tone. The show pivots effortlessly from mockery of celebrity political power (“You are, dude, you read lines off. That’s your job.”) to sincere appreciation of American heroes and their audience.
For anyone who missed the episode, this is an unfiltered, comedic, and surprisingly heartfelt discussion blending news, culture, and personality—emblematic of the distinct Ruthless style.