Summary of "The Megyn Kelly Show" - Episode 1036: Absurd Signalgate Spin, NPR Exec Grilled, and Biggest Media Hacks in America, with Ruthless Podcast Hosts

Release Date: March 27, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 1036 of The Megyn Kelly Show, hosted by Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM, listeners are treated to a robust discussion centered around the ongoing "Signalgate" controversy, a heated grilling of NPR Executive Catherine Martin, and an engaging segment on the year's biggest media hacks featuring hosts from the Ruthless Podcast. The episode is characterized by Megyn's sharp critique of mainstream media biases, her support for the Trump administration, and a playful yet incisive "Hack Madness" segment that mirrors March Madness's competitive spirit.

1. Absurd Signalgate Spin

The episode opens with Megyn Kelly expressing her frustration over the persistent focus on the Signalgate scandal:

"Oh, they're still on Signalgate everywhere. Which is like, move on. It's not going away." [00:XX]

Kelly criticizes both Democratic enthusiasm for the scandal and the Trump administration's continued commentary on the issue. She emphasizes the administration's accomplishments in handling significant matters, suggesting that media and political energies are being squandered on what she deems a "pointless" controversy.

"You have so many good things you can talk about that don't involve this egg on the face situation." [04:XX]

2. NPR Executive Grilled

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the NPR Executive Catherine Martin's handling of the Signalgate situation. Kelly and her co-hosts, Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook, delve into allegations of political bias within NPR and the broader media landscape.

a. Allegations of Bias at NPR

Kelly accuses NPR of leaning heavily left and consistently criticizing figures like Pete Hegseth, suggesting that NPR's coverage is not only biased but actively seeks to undermine Republican figures.

"All these left wing hacks get called out explicitly for their left wing hackism. And we'll do more of that here." [05:XX]

b. Catherine Martin's Responses

During a congressional hearing, Catherine Martin is portrayed as defensive and evasive when questioned about NPR's alleged bias and specific incidents linking her statements to personal beliefs.

"I do not believe we are politically biased. No. We are a nonpartisan organization." [43:13]

Kelly and her hosts highlight Martin's inability to recall specific tweets and her reluctance to acknowledge any internal bias, painting her as detached from the real issues at NPR.

"I think he's a little overqualified for this job, but I love how Elon is now, like, generic IT guy for the entire government." [19:XX]

c. Role of Uri Berliner

Uri Berliner, a long-time NPR journalist, is a focal point in the debate over NPR's staffing and editorial decisions. The hosts question Martin's denial of partisan bias in NPR's hiring practices, contrasting it with Berliner's claims of a predominantly Democratic editorial board.

"We have 87 Dems and zero Republicans." - Citing Berliner [43:XX]

Kelly asserts that NPR has failed to address these biases, leading to a decline in trust and support from certain listener demographics.

"It's more dishonesty. She doesn't find that concerning. Right." [47:19]

3. Biggest Media Hacks in America, with Ruthless Podcast Hosts

In a creative twist, Kelly introduces "Hack Madness," a parody of March Madness, where she and her co-hosts evaluate and rank media personalities based on their influence and perceived biases.

a. Hack Madness Tournament

The segment features a bracket-style competition among various media figures, assessing their performance and impact throughout the year. Notable participants include Don Lemon, Margaret Brennan, and emerging voices like Eugene Daniels from Politico.

"Margaret Brennan has done a phenomenal job building towards this championship and I don't think she's going to be denied this year." [86:10]

b. Commentary on Specific Media Hacks

Each media personality is critiqued for their reporting styles, biases, and controversies. The hosts use humor and sharp wit to highlight perceived flaws and inconsistencies.

"She sounds like Penelope Cruz." - Referring to Hilaria Baldwin [57:17]

Kelly playfully mocks the shifting personas of public figures, emphasizing the performative aspects of modern journalism.

"His body movements are so great. They make the hits, don't they? Like, he's like, yeah, they threw the roof." [27:05]

4. Cultural and Political Commentary

Beyond the primary topics, the episode touches on broader cultural and political issues, including:

• Representation and Identity Politics: Kelly criticizes political figures like Hilaria Baldwin for perceived inauthenticity and pandering to specific demographics.

• Corporate Accountability: Discussions around companies withdrawing support from Pride Fest parades reflect the ongoing battle over DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and corporate stances on social issues.

"This is a huge victory in an important battle that we've all been fighting." [100:02]

• Media Influence on Public Opinion: The hosts argue that mainstream media's focus on scandals detracts from more substantial political discourse and governance.

5. Conclusion

Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by reinforcing her stance against media biases and her support for initiatives that align with conservative values. She underscores the importance of holding media executives accountable and encourages listeners to engage with content that promotes honest and unbiased reporting.

"It's your home for open, honest and provocative conversations with the most interesting and important political, legal and cultural figures. Today you can catch the Megyn Kelly Show on triumph a SiriusXM channel..." [Last Segment]

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next show, promising continued critique of media practices and further exploration of political dynamics.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• "You have so many good things you can talk about that don't involve this egg on the face situation."
  — Megyn Kelly at [04:XX]

• "I do not believe we are politically biased. No. We are a nonpartisan organization."
  — Catherine Martin at [43:13]

• "All these left wing hacks get called out explicitly for their left wing hackism. And we'll do more of that here."
  — Megyn Kelly at [05:XX]

• "It's more dishonesty. She doesn't find that concerning. Right."
  — Megyn Kelly at [47:19]

• "Margaret Brennan has done a phenomenal job building towards this championship and I don't think she's going to be denied this year."
  — John Ashbrook at [86:10]

• "This is a huge victory in an important battle that we've all been fighting."
  — Michael Duncan at [100:02]

• "You have to pick one, Holmes. You can't. You. You. You have to pick one."
  — Megyn Kelly at [62:21]

Key Takeaways

1. Media Bias and Accountability: The episode underscores a deep-seated skepticism toward mainstream media, particularly NPR, alleging significant political bias and a lack of accountability among its leadership.

2. Support for Conservative Policies: Megyn Kelly and her co-hosts consistently express support for the Trump administration's actions, criticizing both media narratives and Democratic efforts to delegitimize these policies.

3. Engagement Through "Hack Madness": The innovative "Hack Madness" segment serves as both entertainment and critique, allowing for a competitive yet pointed evaluation of media figures.

4. Cultural Critiques: The show delves into broader societal issues, including corporate stances on social movements and the performative nature of political figures in media spaces.

5. Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, question media narratives, and support media outlets and personalities that align with their values.

Conclusion

Episode 1036 of The Megyn Kelly Show offers a comprehensive and critical examination of media practices, political biases, and cultural dynamics from a conservative perspective. Through incisive commentary, strategic segments like "Hack Madness," and robust discussions with podcast hosts, Megyn Kelly provides listeners with an alternative lens to view and analyze current events and media narratives.