Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Why the Liberal Media is Collapsing"

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Hosts:

• Josh Holmes
• Comfortably Smug
• Michael Duncan
• John Ashbrook

Introduction

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve into the tumultuous state of the liberal media landscape. With a blend of sharp analysis and unabashed commentary, the hosts explore pivotal moments and figures contributing to what they perceive as the decline of liberal media influence.

Main Discussion: The Collapse of Liberal Media

Howard Stern's Transformation

The hosts begin by lamenting the perceived downfall of Howard Stern, once a beacon of countercultural radio. Initially celebrated for his edgy and provocative style, Stern has, according to the hosts, devolved into a figure resembling traditional liberal pundits.

• Josh Holmes [03:00]: "Howard Stern went from the most edgy dude... to becoming an old lady."
• Michael Duncan [09:03]: "He just became terrible."

They argue that Stern's shift mirrors a broader trend within liberal media, where entertainment quality has plummeted in favor of political activism and sensationalism.

Jim Acosta's Controversial AI Interview

A significant portion of the episode centers on CNN's Jim Acosta conducting an interview with an AI-generated clone of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the Parkland school shooting. The hosts express outrage over what they consider a mockery of genuine tragedy for political gain.

• Josh Holmes [16:57]: "Jim Acosta interviews an AI clone of a victim... I think it's one of the most immoral things you could possibly do."
• Michael Duncan [20:59]: "Those parents are disgusting. Jim Acosta is going to hell."

They criticize the ethical implications and the disrespect shown to the victim's memory, highlighting it as emblematic of the larger issues plaguing liberal media.

ABC News and Perceived Bias

The discussion shifts to ABC News and former reporter Terry Moran, who has accused the network of systemic bias against President Trump. The hosts argue that such biases are intentional, pointing out a lack of viewpoint diversity as a fundamental flaw.

• John Ashbrook [16:23]: "The problem with every single one of these news outlets is that it is 97% Dem."
• Josh Holmes [35:28]: "You had a problem... and you have some responsibility in a public medium to say truth."

They contend that ABC News, like other major networks, prioritizes a Democratic agenda over balanced reporting, leading to the marginalization of Republican perspectives.

Exodus from Traditional Media

Highlighting a mass exodus of journalists from outlets like the Washington Post, the hosts assert that traditional media institutions are failing to maintain their journalistic integrity. They mock the notion of obituary writers for media figures becoming the norm, symbolizing the death of reputable journalism.

• Josh Holmes [36:53]: "The vocational death cannot be reported on the real deaths anymore because it just doesn't work."
• John Ashbrook [31:14]: "Each account is a different headstone and it has dates and it has a little saying about what that person meant to society."

Segment: Hot Seat - Predicting the Next Fired Liberal Media Personality

Introducing a new segment called "Hot Seat," the hosts invite listeners to predict which liberal media personalities are next in line to be dismissed due to their neglect of a broader American audience. Utilizing listener comments, they engage in humorous and critical banter.

• Michael Duncan [42:07]: "Seth Meyers gave an interview and said he reveals concern about his show being canceled."
• John Ashbrook [50:18]: "A lot of people are turning off the networks because they're spreading propaganda."

This interactive segment underscores their belief that liberal media figures are increasingly out of touch and susceptible to being ousted.

Side Stories

Violence in Washington D.C.

The hosts address rising crime rates in Washington D.C., criticizing local politicians for their perceived inaction. They narrate incidents of violence, including carjackings and assaults, attributing them to the ineffective governance and lack of law enforcement.

• Comfortably Smug [55:00]: "DC is like a no man's land of crime and shooting and carjackings."
• Josh Holmes [58:30]: "If they're not cleaning up their act now, they're never going to do it."

They advocate for the federalization of D.C. to restore order and emphasize its importance as the capital of the United States.

Wild Critique of the Washington Post's Obituary Writers

Mocking the trend of obituary writers at the Washington Post, the hosts ridiculed the notion of these journalists writing their own obituaries or their colleagues'. This serves as a metaphor for the perceived decay of journalistic standards.

• Michael Duncan [37:45]: "I could do this tonight. This could be done by AI."
• Josh Holmes [38:30]: "The obit rider... He's never gonna do anything useful."

USDA's Animal Control Methods

In a lighter yet critical take, the hosts discuss the USDA's unconventional methods to scare off wolves, using clips from the movie Marriage Story to illustrate their point on misplaced priorities in wildlife management.

• Josh Holmes [75:16]: "She was screaming... Wolves are saying, 'no, this doesn't seem worse.'"

They mock the USDA's approach, suggesting it's ineffective and overly dramatic.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate their frustrations with the current state of liberal media and governance. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast by submitting their predictions and thoughts on who might be the next casualty of biased reporting. The episode concludes with a blend of humor and critical commentary, maintaining the Ruthless Podcast's signature tone.

• Josh Holmes [89:38]: "Who’s the next lib. Who’s the next media lib that is going to be fired?"
• Comfortably Smug [89:55]: "Until next time, minions, keep the faith, hold the line, and own the libs. Stay ruthless."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Josh Holmes [03:00]: "Howard Stern went from the most edgy dude... to becoming an old lady."
• Michael Duncan [16:57]: "Jim Acosta is going to hell. That is disgusting."
• John Ashbrook [31:14]: "Each account is a different headstone and it has dates and it has a little saying about what that person meant to society."
• Comfortably Smug [55:00]: "DC is like a no man's land of crime and shooting and carjackings."
• Josh Holmes [58:30]: "If they're not cleaning up their act now, they're never going to do it."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the hosts' critical perspectives on the liberal media's decline, ethical missteps in journalism, and broader societal issues. The inclusion of direct quotes with timestamps provides authenticity and allows readers to reference specific moments from the discussion.