Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Why CNN’s Demise is Accelerating
Date: March 24, 2026
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
Special Guest: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

Overview

This episode examines the decline of CNN and legacy media, the current political showdowns over DHS funding, and the ongoing “Hack Madness” bracket. The hosts lampoon media attempts to copy the podcasting format, lay out the latest Capitol drama, and offer a detailed interview with Sen. Bill Cassidy. It’s a fast-paced, irreverent tour through media failures, congressional leadership squabbles, and the 2026 campaign trail.

1. CNN and the Legacy Media Crisis

Theme: The hosts discuss CNN’s desperate attempts to revive declining ratings and credibility by adopting podcast-style broadcasts and performative authenticity, while missing the deep trust problem with their audience.

Discussion Highlights:

• Podcasting Aesthetic Copycatting: CNN anchors like Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper are mimicking the casual, "authentic" look of podcasts—broadcasting from their offices with mics and headphones.
  • Quote: Josh Holmes (07:46): “You might also be wondering about the decor, the posters and the kerchiefs and such on my wall. Well, the theme is these are all losing presidential campaigns. How Fitting.”
• Superficial Changes vs. Real Problems:
  • The hosts lampoon CNN’s idea that changing set design or adding microphones can reverse their audience exodus.
  • Quote: Comfortably Smug (08:12): “The reason why we have more listeners and viewers than CNN isn’t because people are like, I want to see a guy with a mic and headphones. … It’s because those legacy media companies like CNN lost all the trust of their audience.”
• Audience Frustration and Institutional Rot:
  • CNN’s root issue isn’t production value, it’s the years spent “driving [their] brand into the ground by lying and covering" for Democrats.
  • Hosts point to Jake Tapper’s book-switching positions on Biden as evidence of why viewers lose faith.
• Media Gimmicks:
  • The hosts note CNN’s technical failures (bad audio, using expensive mics wrong, "no cloud lifters", etc.) and compare it to their own NASA-like podcast studio setup.

Memorable Moment:

• Michael Duncan (13:19): “It’s a gimmick because … now we’re sort of artistes about this medium … those look to be extremely expensive microphones. But I noticed the audio fidelity was dog shit.”
• The crew closes the segment by reinforcing that trust and authenticity—not set decoration—drive media audiences.

Timestamps:

• CNN Set Discussion/Broadcast Gimmicks: 02:44 – 14:30

2. DHS Shutdown, Airport Chaos, and Democratic Messaging

Theme: Breaking down the government standoff over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, the resulting airport chaos, and Democrats’ messaging failure.

Key Points:

• TSA Lines & Blame-Shifting:
  • The hosts ridicule Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries for blaming Republicans as TSA wait times spike, while pointing out that ICE remains funded.
  • Quote: Josh Holmes (19:33): “What the hell is he talking? Life is more extreme at airports all across the country, potentially to brutalize or in some instances, kill them.”
• Democratic Messaging Meltdown:
  • Dems are accused of stalling to please their activist base, while practical consequences pile up.
  • The hosts highlight the inconsistent arguments and claim Democrats have "no adult leadership."
• Media Complicity:
  • Sheltering Dems from tough questions—CNN (and Tapper) “wouldn’t need a goofy ass fake podcast office” if they engaged in real journalism.

Memorable Moments & Quotes:

• Comfortably Smug (20:53): “Democrats are doing this for nothing. They’re just causing the misery because their base of support is a bunch of deranged theater kids who are like, show me you’re doing something. Like, okay, we’ll make everyone’s lives miserable.”
• John Ashbrook (23:58): "CNN will never ask him the question... CNN will never come back at him and say, 'Well, you know ICE is functioning ... what are you going to do to get TSA agents paid?'"
• Joe Scarborough’s Spin:
  • The hosts mock Scarborough for blaming TSA agent woes on Republicans, even though the source article says Democrats blocked funding.
  • Comfortably Smug (27:47): "You always know that someone is dropping a horrible take when the replies are turned off … what a coward."

Timestamps:

• Airport/DHS Discussion: 02:44, 16:22 – 27:56

3. Hack Madness: Holding the Media Accountable

Theme: The hosts elevate their ongoing “Hack Madness” —a March Madness-style bracket to identify the worst media partisans and hacks.

Key Points:

• Voting Frenzy & Journalists’ Reactions:
  • Over 1500 brackets submitted in the first 36 hours.
  • Bracket includes not only CNN and MSNBC stalwarts but also new media influencers (Hasan Piker, Jennifer Welch).
  • Journalists react—some humorously, others furiously.
• Audience Engagement:
  • Listeners are encouraged to participate and share bracketology.
  • Picks, predictions, and favorite “hacks” are celebrated in the comment segment.

Memorable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes (28:52): “One of the … central tenets of why we did this show in the first place was to point out … who the worst offenders were ... People who just make shit up as they go along.”
• Comfortably Smug (29:31): “We will not put your thumb on the scale to try to decide. This is decided by you, the people."

Timestamps:

• Hack Madness: 05:01, 28:05 – 31:25
• Listener comments on Hack Madness: 32:38 – 36:28

4. Chuck Schumer’s (Possible) Downfall: Dems Leadership Drama

Theme: An in-depth walkthrough of a Wall Street Journal article outlining Democratic Party efforts to count votes for replacing Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic leader.

Key Points:

• Reporting the Mutiny:
  • Chris Murphy and Elizabeth Warren are portrayed as ringleaders gauging support for ousting Schumer, reflecting widespread Democratic caucus dissatisfaction.
  • Multiple on-the-record and off-the-record sources confirm the leadership challenge conversations.
  • The hosts take a victory lap, having predicted this a year ago.
• Progressive Frustrations:
  • Discontent is seen as coming from both progressives and moderates tired of “getting marched off a cliff every six months.”
• Warren’s Position:
  • Discussion on whether Warren truly wants the top spot, or is gathering leverage for her progressive “madrasa” of activists.

Memorable Quotes:

• John Ashbrook (47:42): “In more than four dozen interviews … many said the concern about Schumer’s leadership was widespread.”
• Comfortably Smug (52:58): “She [Warren] wants to be the king ... and I would not be surprised if the day comes when she rolls up to Schumer and says to him, we can do this shit the hard way, we can do it the easy way ... That’s coming, dude.”

Timestamps:

• Schumer/Democratic Leadership Discussion: 37:03 – 54:16

5. Left-Wing Tourism: Cuba, Code Pink & Socialist Hypocrisy

Theme: The hosts roast progressive influencers and activists for their performative “solidarity” trips to Cuba, highlighting the disconnect between their rhetoric and surreal self-indulgence.

Key Points:

• Hasan Piker’s “Struggle” at Cuban Resorts:
  • Piker laments the contrast between his luxury accommodations and the poverty outside, while sipping espresso in a blackout-ravaged country.
  • Smug (56:16): "These…aren't like dudes who are battle hardened from the jungle…these are dudes who have like mansions and Porsches and are like…let's be honest, I've been at better five star resorts."
• Code Pink Concert in Havana:
  • Activists party with concerts in areas with power and resources, while Cuban locals endure deprivation.
• Useful Idiots & Foreign Influence:
  • Host notes reporting on Code Pink’s ties to groups with links to Cuban intelligence and Chinese-connected funding.
• Ideological Blindness:
  • Washed out American leftists blame Cuba’s misery exclusively on America, never questioning seventy years of communist failure.
  • Michael Duncan (60:20): “They [the left] show up on the shores of Cuba and suddenly nothing works, and they don't for a second think…maybe my entire worldview is wrong..."

Memorable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes (57:44): “If you have to drink anything like this with your pinky up and you’re doing it while you’re lamenting the powers that be. It just doesn’t land.”
• Comfortably Smug quoting Mike Solana (59:10): “They flew to an impoverished prison state, celebrated the government responsible for a 50 year humanitarian crisis... among the most vile kind of human the Western world has ever produced.”

Timestamps:

• Cuba/Progressive Activism Segment: 54:16 – 61:29

6. Variety Segment: Heavy Rescue, Bar Fails, & Listener Comments

Key Moments:

• 500-pound Man Rescue in California:
  • Dark humor as the hosts ponder whether poor sidewalk maintenance or personal health was to blame.
  • John Ashbrook (65:16): “I think the state of California is a hellhole. … This state does not know how to manage anything. Don’t go there."
• DC’s “Monitor the Situation” Bar Flop:
  • An intended live-event monitoring bar fails spectacularly with 80 broken TVs and rain-soaked, disappointed patrons.
  • Michael Duncan (68:09): “You can’t monitor the situation without monitors.”
• Listener Comments:
  • Comments on prior episodes, including a hilarious airplane limerick story and Hack Madness picks.

Timestamps:

• Listener Comments: 32:38 – 36:28
• Variety Segment: 61:29 – 71:36

7. Senate Race Interview: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

Theme: Louisianans’ interests, Cassidy’s record, party splits, and insider trading reforms.

Key Points:

• Life in the Senate & DHS Crisis:
  • Describes the TSA/airport disaster, blaming Democrats for backtracking on negotiated deals and seeking headlines over solutions.
  • Cassidy (73:24): “The metaphor ... is fecal material hitting a fan.”
• Healthcare, Affordability & Accomplishments:
  • Cassidy highlights legislative achievements in drug pricing, infrastructure, anti-fentanyl acts, and fairness at the IRS.
  • Promotes internet broadband funding in Louisiana as an economic game-changer.
• Stock Trading Reform:
  • Promotes Stop Insider Trading Act, targeting faith restoration.
• Voter ID and Election Security:
  • Advocates for SAVE Act, stressing overwhelming public support—even as Senate Democrats stonewall it.
• Campaign Dynamics:
  • Addresses his complex relationship with Trump, optimism about his re-election, and how candidates can still appeal directly to voters.

Memorable Quotes:

• Cassidy (77:11): “I’m shocked Democrats are playing something for a political advantage that has no impact upon people’s lives. … I’m just shocked.”
• Cassidy (83:37): “Nothing like a hanging to sharpen a man’s mind… you’re at a kitchen table, you can’t afford your bills…that sharpens a person’s mind.”

Fun Detail:

• Cassidy gifts the show a gator head, prompting jokes about Louisiana customs.

Timestamps:

• Cassidy Interview: 71:36 – 96:58

Takeaways & Quotes Hall-of-Fame

• “At CNN, we derive inspiration from losers and it shows.” — Comfortably Smug (07:46)
• “Democrats are doing this for nothing. They’re just causing the misery because their base... is a bunch of deranged theater kids...” — Comfortably Smug (20:53)
• “The idea that throwing a coat of paint on it… that’s not it.” — Josh Holmes (12:07)
• “You always know that someone is dropping a horrible take when the replies are Turned off.” — Comfortably Smug (27:47)
• “I’m sure she begged to be in this article!” — Michael Duncan, on Sen. Tina Smith (44:49)

Episode Timeline

• 00:00 – 02:44: Opening banter, CNN’s struggles
• 02:44 – 14:30: CNN’s format flops & media criticism
• 16:22 – 27:56: DHS shutdown fallout, Dem message fail
• 28:05 – 31:25: Hack Madness launch & engagement
• 32:38 – 36:28: Reader comments, limerick callback
• 37:03 – 54:16: Schumer leadership mutiny analysis
• 54:16 – 61:29: Cuba’s “useful idiots,” Code Pink
• 61:29 – 71:36: Rescues, bar fail, variety antics
• 71:36 – 96:58: Senator Bill Cassidy interview, campaign insights

Final Thoughts

This episode blends sharp media critique, deep dives into Congressional dysfunction, a recurring focus on holding journalists publicly accountable, and campaign-season shenanigans. The hosts’ banter oscillates between biting sarcasm and inside-the-Beltway strategy, making this a lively political round-up for listeners who want entertainment and no-BS conservative analysis.