Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Why the Left is Going Crazy Over Sydney Sweeney, Plus EPA Admin Zeldin Joins the Progrum with Breaking News!"

Release Date: July 29, 2025

1. Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan (Comfortably Smug), and John Ashbrook delve into the intense backlash from the left against Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney. Additionally, they welcome Lee Zeldin, the newly appointed Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who shares groundbreaking updates on deregulatory actions aimed at dismantling the previous administration's climate agenda. The episode seamlessly blends serious political discourse with lighter segments, including tributes to Hulk Hogan and a humorous tale involving a seagull.

2. The Sydney Sweeney Controversy

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the left-wing critique of Sydney Sweeney, a prominent A-list actress. The hosts argue that the left's opposition isn't rooted in ideology but stems from personal dissatisfaction and projection.

• Josh Holmes [00:00]:

  "That is so much of left wing politics isn't actually an ideology. It's just people who are just miserable... That woman's probably depressed."

• Michael Duncan [00:21]:

  "Yeah, no, I think that's... it's the politics of projection."

The hosts contend that accusations labeling Sweeney as a fascist or as part of fascist propaganda are unfounded, suggesting instead that critics are dealing with their own issues by targeting her.

3. Interview with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

A significant portion of the episode features an exclusive interview with Lee Zeldin, the EPA Administrator, who discusses the administration's aggressive rollback of the Obama-era endangerment finding—a regulation declaring carbon dioxide as a pollutant and justifying extensive climate change measures.

• Lee Zeldin [19:00]:

  "We are choosing to protect the environment and grow the economy. Repealing the endangerment finding will be the largest deregulatory action in the history of America."

Zeldin criticizes the previous administration's approach, arguing that it prioritized environmental justice over actual remediation, leading to economic strain. He highlights the $20 billion parked funds mismanaged by the Biden EPA and details efforts to redirect these funds more effectively.

• Josh Holmes [13:06]:

  "Congress Isn't... [left-wing] is ruining it by putting a lot of money into passing regulations that hurt the economy."

Zeldin emphasizes the dual focus on maintaining environmental standards while fostering economic growth, opposing the notion that stringent regulations are inherently detrimental to both.

• Lee Zeldin [24:48]:

  "We care about protecting the environment without strangulating our economy. Americans want to afford heating their homes, buying cars, and having jobs."

He also recounts his confrontation with Senator Jeff Merkley regarding the misuse of EPA funds, underscoring the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability.

4. Republican Strategies and Senate Races

The conversation transitions to the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Senate races, featuring an interview with RNC Chair Michael Whatley. The focus is on the crucial Senate race in North Carolina, where a Republican candidate is needed to secure a majority post-midterms.

• Michael Whatley [69:58]:

  "North Carolina is a red state through and through. We need to save the Senate seat from Roy Cooper because he's going to lie."

Whatley discusses strategies to mobilize the Trump coalition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong Republican presence to support President Trump's agenda. The hosts and Whatley highlight voter shifts across demographics, noting significant moves towards the Republican Party among white, Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters since 2018.

• John Ashbrook [58:15]:

  "Black voters have gone from D + 76 to D + 52. That's a 24-point move towards the Republican Party."

This realignment is attributed to effective party messaging and addressing economic concerns, positioning the Republicans as champions of both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

5. Lighter Segments and Cultural Commentary

Balancing the intense political discourse, the podcast incorporates lighter moments, including tributes to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and a humorous segment about a woman who inadvertently brought a seagull infected with bird flu into her home.

• John Ashbrook [53:14]:

  "The most iconic Hulk Hogan moment was body slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania. Absolute legend."

In the seagull story, the hosts humorously speculate on the woman's intentions and the bird's predicament, showcasing the podcast's ability to blend humor with current events.

• Josh Holmes [93:53]:

  "Something from Lord of the Rings."

These segments provide a respite from the heavy political content, engaging listeners with relatable and entertaining anecdotes.

6. Conclusion

The Ruthless Podcast wraps up by emphasizing the importance of sustained Republican efforts in upcoming elections to maintain and expand their political gains. The hosts reaffirm their commitment to tackling both significant policy issues and cultural battles, urging listeners to stay engaged and support their initiatives.

• Michael Duncan [87:10]:

  "Stay ruthless."

The episode underscores the podcast's dedication to providing unfiltered conservative analysis, celebrating victories against left-wing policies, and fostering a sense of community among its listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes [00:00]:

  "That is so much of left wing politics isn't actually an ideology. It's just people who are just miserable."

• Lee Zeldin [19:00]:

  "We are choosing to protect the environment and grow the economy."

• Michael Whatley [69:58]:

  "North Carolina is a red state through and through. We need to save the Senate seat from Roy Cooper because he's going to lie."

• John Ashbrook [53:14]:

  "The most iconic Hulk Hogan moment was body slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania."

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a thorough examination of current conservative battles against left-wing policies, significant policy changes under the new EPA administration, strategic political maneuvers within the Republican Party, and engaging cultural commentary, all delivered with the podcast's signature blend of passion and humor.