The Rob Carson Show
Episode: From Trump’s Victories to Bolton’s Fall — and the Dumbest Protest Ever!
Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Rob Carson
Guest(s): Tony Kennett, Trey Gowdy, Jonathan Turley
Podcast Description: A lively blend of political analysis, comedy, and cultural commentary, Rob Carson brings humor and strong opinions to the week’s biggest stories and interviews.
Episode Overview
In this episode, Rob Carson delivers his trademark satirical take on recent political developments, focusing on Donald Trump’s series of political "victories," the impending legal trouble for former National Security Advisor John Bolton, and the upcoming "No Kings" protest — which Rob dubs “the dumbest protest ever.” Featuring analysis, banter with contributor Tony Kennett, and notable clips from newsmakers, the episode skewers progressive narratives, celebrates conservative momentum, and doesn't shy from controversy. Carson’s humorous, bold, and sometimes biting commentary threads the entire episode.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The 'No Kings' Protest: Satire, Irony, and Political Theater
- The episode opens with a mockery of the upcoming "No Kings" protest, which Rob and Tony describe as a pointless and self-defeating gesture by the left.
- [01:21] Jonathan Turley: “I love the no Kings thing because its very existence proves that it's not necessary. If this was a king-led country, you wouldn’t be able to have your no kings protest.”
- Rob repeatedly states that protesting against Trump as a "king" is illogical, noting that the very freedom to protest disproves the accusation.
- He lists off (with characteristic hyperbole) Trump’s supposed achievements, framing them as evidence against the "king" narrative (e.g., border security, decreased violence, prescription cost reductions, global peace initiatives, etc.).
- Points out how opposition protests have become performative and detached from real grievances:
- [01:44] Rob Carson: “Go throw your another temper tantrum... Donald Trump is a king. Oh, really? What’s that king like?”
- Memorable quote:
- [22:58] Tony Kennett: “I am fantastic and I'm so sorry that the no Kings protests are going to be attended by all three of those people. I know it's going to get exciting.”
2. Trump’s Record and Conservative Rallying
- Rob catalogs what he sees as Trump’s successes, touting border closures, wage growth, reduced crime, assailing the Democrat party for “never accomplishing anything.”
- See [04:00-06:00], where Rob outlines his recent Substack article and insists the Democrats “are freaking insane.”
- Discusses the partisan split: the vast majority (80%) are moderate, while “the radical left” is a dying, noisy minority.
- Encourages listeners to remain vigilant and patriotic, and to "overwhelm the left with joy and patriotism" ([06:16]).
3. Demonizing Democrats’ “Constituency”
- A soundbite from Caroline Levitt accuses Democrats of pandering to “Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals”
- Discussed at [05:56] and rebroadcast later.
- Rob and Tony reinforce the talking point that modern Democrats are “self-immolating” and alienating common-sense voters.
- Tony and Rob riff on how common-sense Democrats (e.g., John Fetterman) are being “sacrificed” by their own party ([24:29]).
4. John Bolton Indictment: Irony, Retribution, and Schadenfreude
- The crux: John Bolton, a longtime Trump critic, now faces indictment for mishandling classified info — the same charge he once championed against Trump.
- [07:41] Jonathan Turley and [10:19] Trey Gowdy are featured explaining the weight of the charges and the hypocrisy.
- [11:37] Trey Gowdy: “He is convicted and he spends the remainder of his natural life in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prison.”
- Carson’s schadenfreude is palpable — he admits, “it puts a smile on your face... this isn’t about retribution... it’s about accountability. And hell is coming.”
- The episode includes a musical parody by Jim Gossett on Bolton’s plight ([18:40]).
- Further, the discussion highlights that had Bolton not turned against Trump, he'd likely not be facing prosecution, with Jamie Raskin complaining about “selective prosecution” ([38:50]).
5. Pop Culture Notes: Kiss Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies
- Brief but affectionate coverage of the death of Ace Frehley at 74.
- [12:32] – Rob shares generational memories and praises Frehley’s influence.
- Pays homage to Kiss as a cultural phenomenon.
6. Virginia Attorney General Race & Democrat Missteps
- Segment on the Virginia AG debate and candidate Jay Jones’ apologetic stance after violent text messages ([31:07]).
- Rob and Tony mock the Democratic field and argue their positions defy family values and common sense.
- Critique on Democrats’ positions on abortion, transgender issues, and assisted suicide ([33:17]).
7. In Vitro Fertilization: Trump’s Move & Culture War
- Rob covers recent Trump administration policies making IVF more affordable ([34:58]), contrasting this with Democrat efforts to fund abortion.
- Tony Kennett: “That’s actual reproductive health care.”
- Rob recalls his personal struggle with IVF costs, driving the point home that helping families is being prioritized over abortion.
8. Conservative Optimism and Signs of Realignment
- Carson repeatedly asserts that “a wave of patriotism and joy, and now a godly movement” is underway, especially among young people ([36:35]).
- Attributes recent rightward trends to the failures of Democrats and the vibrance of the conservative cause.
- Optimism for upcoming midterms and general elections (“the 20% will become speed bumps on our road to history”).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:21 | Jonathan Turley | “I love the no Kings thing because its very existence proves that it’s not necessary. If this was a king-led country, you wouldn’t be able to have your no kings protest.” | | 05:56 | Caroline Levitt | “The Democrat Party’s main constituency are made up of Hamas terrorists, illegal aliens and violent criminals.” | | 06:16 | Rob Carson | “Overwhelm the left with joy and patriotism because honestly, they are just so foolish right now and they are dissipating into the dustbin of history.” | | 11:37 | Trey Gowdy | “He is convicted and he spends the remainder of his natural life in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prison.” | | 22:58 | Tony Kennett| “No Kings protests are going to be attended by all three of those people. I know it’s going to get exciting.” | | 23:58 | Rob Carson | “[Democrats] are in a death spiral to hell… it’s just anybody who has common sense.” | | 34:58 | Tony Kennett| “That’s actual reproductive health care.” (on making IVF affordable) | | 36:35 | Rob Carson | “This wave of patriotism and joy and now a godly movement has been put on, on light speed…” | | 38:50 | Jamie Raskin| “There is no way that had Bolton not broken with Donald Trump he would be facing these charges today…” |
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [01:17-03:00] – Opening and mockery of the “No Kings” protest
- [04:00-06:00] – Rob’s Substack musings: Achievements he credits to Trump, tirade against the Democrats
- [05:56-06:16] – Caroline Levitt on “radical” Democrat constituency
- [07:41-12:00] – John Bolton’s indictment analyzed; Gowdy’s and Turley’s commentary
- [12:32-16:30] – Ace Frehley (Kiss) tribute and cultural nostalgia
- [22:01-24:30] – More on “No Kings”, banter with Tony Kennett, lampooning protest size and effectiveness
- [31:07-33:47] – Virginia AG debate highlights and lampooning of Democratic policies
- [34:58-36:35] – IVF policy changes and contrast with abortion focus under Democrats
- [36:35-37:35] – Optimism for conservative movement and resurgence of faith, God, and patriotism
Tone & Language
Rob Carson’s tone throughout is sardonic, exuberant, and often mocking of his ideological opponents. The language swings between well-researched talking points (on Trump, Bolton, etc.) and cultural zingers, parody, and lighthearted ribbing with his guests. The discussion is fast-moving, peppered with personal anecdotes and musical snippets, but always comes back to a message of conservative resurgence and incredulity at progressive politics.
Summary
This episode highlights Rob Carson’s unique blend of political swagger and brash comedy. Key themes include lampooning leftist protests, celebrating perceived conservative victories, and indulging in schadenfreude at the downfall of Trump critics like John Bolton. Guest Tony Kennett’s banter reinforces the show’s irreverent but confident tone. Rob closes with optimism, seeing a cultural and political shift toward conservative principles, family, patriotism, and even a spiritual revival among young people. The episode is lively, pointed, and designed to rally the conservative audience while turning the lens of ridicule toward progressive rivals.
