The Rubin Report: Bill Burr's Bizarre Elon Musk Rant Accidentally Exposed His Hypocrisy | Co-Host Jillian Michaels

Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: Dave Rubin
Co-Host: Jillian Michaels

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:36 - 01:15)

Dave Rubin opens the episode by introducing his guest, Jillian Michaels, known for her work as a fitness guru and host of the Keeping It Real podcast. The conversation begins with light banter about their voices and sets a collegial tone for the discussion ahead.

2. Analyzing Bill Burr's Rant Against Elon Musk (01:15 - 08:31)

Topic Overview:
Dave Rubin and Jillian Michaels delve into a controversial episode where comedian Bill Burr criticizes Elon Musk, drawing unexpected parallels to Adolf Hitler. They explore the implications of Burr’s remarks and the underlying hypocrisy.

Key Points:

• Bill Burr’s Criticism: Burr accuses Musk of authoritarian tendencies, likening him to dictators who undermine democracy. He expresses disdain for Musk's South African origins and implies Musk's intentions to transform the U.S. into a dictatorship.

  Notable Quote:
  Bill Burr (02:03): “Can you imagine doing that going to another country and just deciding, yeah, you know what? I'm going to change this form of government because I've decided, yeah, he doesn't mind living under a dictatorship as long as he's on the good side of it.”

• Hypocrisy Highlighted:
  Rubin points out the inconsistency in Burr's stance, noting that criticizing Musk for his background borders on xenophobia—a stance unlikely to be taken if the subject were from a different, non-white nationality.

  Notable Quote:
  Dave Rubin (03:35): “If they were saying that about Mexicans or about someone from the Middle East or anywhere else, they'd be calling themselves racist.”

• Escalating Tensions:
  The conversation shifts to the dangerous rhetoric Burr uses, including a reference to Luigi Mangione, who murdered a CEO over grievances, subtly suggesting that Burr’s language could incite violence.

  Notable Quote:
  Dave Rubin (07:38): “Because if you're saying that Elon basically is a Nazi, which is what he said right there and then the same week, you're basically saying, free Mangioni.”

• Jillian’s Perspective:
  Jillian Michaels criticizes Burr for attacking Musk's physical attributes and failing to engage with substantive issues, calling his arguments base and foolish.

  Notable Quote:
  Jillian Michaels (04:19): “I would hope that he's more intelligent than to feel the need to attack someone's physical attributes. Like that is the lowest of the low that only exceptionally ignorant people default to when engaging in an argument.”

3. Rosie O'Donnell’s Move to Ireland and Political Implications (10:39 - 15:17)

Topic Overview:
The hosts discuss Rosie O'Donnell’s relocation to Ireland, interpreting it as a reaction to the political climate in the United States, particularly under Donald Trump's influence.

Key Points:

• Rosie’s Departure:
  Rosie O'Donnell announces her move to Ireland, citing a desire for a better environment for herself and her child. The move is perceived as a direct response to the political tensions in the U.S.

  Notable Quote:
  Rosie O'Donnell (11:06): “Moved here on January 15th and it's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, that's what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child.”

• Political Reactions:
  Dave Rubin highlights a humorous clip where Trump questions the Irish Prime Minister about letting Rosie move, pointing out the disconnect and lack of recognition.

  Notable Quote:
  Gavin Newsom (13:58): “Why in the world would you let Rosie O'Donnell move to Ireland? I think she's going to lower your happiness level.”

• Jillian’s Commentary:
  Jillian Michaels applauds Rosie's decision, emphasizing the importance of public figures taking definitive stands by relocating when disillusioned with their home country's politics.

  Notable Quote:
  Jillian Michaels (12:41): “But I gotta give her some credit here, Dave, to be honest. How many times have we seen public figures say over the past decade that they're fleeing? She actually fled. I say good for her.”

4. Critique of Gavin Newsom’s Podcast and Governance (15:17 - 28:53)

Topic Overview:
The discussion shifts to California Governor Gavin Newsom's foray into podcasting, critiquing his decision to host right-wing figures and mismanage state responsibilities.

Key Points:

• Newsom’s Podcast:
  Rubin criticizes Newsom for starting a podcast where he invites controversial right-wing personalities like Steve Bannon and Michael Savage, portraying it as a futile effort to appear moderate while undermining his own governance.

  Notable Quote:
  Dave Rubin (17:08): “All, everything about him is just so freaking fake... he's bringing on right-wing people and they are smacking him down in a weird way, they're offering him that handout.”

• Jillian’s Concerns:
  Jillian Michaels expresses deep concern over Newsom’s actions, arguing that his attempts to engage with the opposition are manipulative and prioritize personal power over effective governance.

  Notable Quote:
  Jillian Michaels (19:10): “He actually has zero interest in improving the lives of Californians that live under his governance.”

• Policy Criticisms:
  The hosts discuss specific policies, such as Assembly Bill 665, which allows minors to consent to mental health services, interpreting it as part of a broader trend of undermining parental authority and promoting controversial social policies.

  Notable Quote:
  Dave Rubin (25:46): “This bill eliminates an eligibility disparity which places lower-income youth who do not have private health insurance at a disadvantage, improving access to life-saving care for young people.”

• Jillian’s Personal Stance:
  Jillian Michaels ties Newsom’s policies to personal decisions, sharing her own move away from California due to controversial laws, thereby reinforcing her critique of his leadership.

  Notable Quote:
  Jillian Michaels (27:38): “I was actually previously a fan of Michelle Obama. So I'm disappointed to see her fall so far from grace in that it was just utterly torturous to listen to...”

5. Michelle Obama’s Podcast Venture and Public Reception (28:53 - 35:17)

Topic Overview:
Dave Rubin and Jillian Michaels briefly discuss Michelle Obama’s new podcast, critiquing its content and public reception.

Key Points:

• Podcast Launch:
  Michelle Obama launches a podcast with a modest subscriber base, prompting sarcastic remarks about the saturation of podcasting among public figures.

  Notable Quote:
  Dave Rubin (30:43): “Is this another reason they don't like free speech? Like, it's, you know, did you see the one that said Joan Rivers was right?”

• Public Feedback:
  The hosts highlight negative comments from listeners, including absurd conspiracy theories, illustrating the polarized and often irrational nature of online discourse.

  Notable Quote:
  Jillian Michaels (31:32): “This was just utterly torturous to listen to. And again, did I mention I blame you for that.”

• Host’s Reaction:
  Jillian Michaels expresses disappointment in the quality and substance of Michelle Obama's podcast, reinforcing her stance against what she perceives as declining standards among high-profile individuals.

  Notable Quote:
  Jillian Michaels (31:56): “This is a former first lady who was extremely popular... I'm disappointed to see her fall so far from grace.”

6. Health and Lifestyle Segment with Jillian Michaels (35:17 - 35:17)

Topic Overview:
In a brief shift from political discourse, Dave Rubin engages Jillian Michaels in a light-hearted conversation about healthy eating habits.

Key Points:

• Diet Advice:
  Jillian Michaels emphasizes the importance of avoiding processed chemicals in food, advocating for natural ingredients and vegetables.

  Notable Quote:
  Jillian Michaels (34:05): “So it's the chemicals they use to bleach them and deodorize them. And that really brings me to the things you shouldn't eat... Always eat your vegetables.”

• Host’s Humor:
  Dave Rubin humorously acknowledges his dietary preferences, adding a personal touch to the segment.

  Notable Quote:
  Dave Rubin (34:58): “As you know, I eat a lot of steak. I will put some broccoli on the side for Jillian Michaels.”

7. Conclusion and Closing Remarks (35:12 - 35:17)

Dave Rubin wraps up the episode by thanking Jillian Michaels for her participation, despite playful jabs about the content consumed during their discussion.

Notable Quote:
Dave Rubin (35:17): “Sorry about making you watch stuff. But anyway, it was fun. Ciao.”

Key Takeaways

• Bill Burr’s Rant: The episode scrutinizes Bill Burr’s aggressive criticism of Elon Musk, highlighting potential hypocrisy and the dangerous implications of equating a tech mogul with authoritarian figures.

• Celebrity Moves and Politics: Rosie O'Donnell’s relocation to Ireland serves as a focal point for discussing the impact of political climates on public figures and their personal decisions.

• Gavin Newsom’s Leadership: The hosts express strong criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest endeavors, particularly his foray into podcasting and controversial policy decisions, questioning his effectiveness and motives.

• Media Saturation: The discussion on Michelle Obama’s podcast underscores concerns about the proliferation of celebrity-led media ventures and their varying degrees of quality and reception.

• Health Insights: Jillian Michaels provides practical advice on maintaining a healthy diet, emphasizing natural ingredients over processed alternatives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bill Burr on Elon Musk:
  Bill Burr (02:03): “Can you imagine doing that going to another country and just deciding, yeah, you know what? I'm going to change this form of government because I've decided, yeah, he doesn't mind living under a dictatorship as long as he's on the good side of it.”

• Dave Rubin on Hypocrisy:
  Dave Rubin (03:35): “If they were saying that about Mexicans or about someone from the Middle East or anywhere else, they'd be calling themselves racist.”

• Jillian Michaels on Bill Burr’s Arguments:
  Jillian Michaels (04:19): “I would hope that he's more intelligent than to feel the need to attack someone's physical attributes. Like that is the lowest of the low that only exceptionally ignorant people default to when engaging in an argument.”

• Rosie O'Donnell’s Statement:
  Rosie O'Donnell (11:06): “Moved here on January 15th and it's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, that's what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child.”

• Jillian Michaels on Gavin Newsom:
  Jillian Michaels (19:10): “He actually has zero interest in improving the lives of Californians that live under his governance.”

• Jillian Michaels on Michelle Obama’s Podcast:
  Jillian Michaels (31:32): “This was just utterly torturous to listen to. And again, did I mention I blame you for that.”

• Jillian Michaels on Healthy Eating:
  Jillian Michaels (34:05): “So it's the chemicals they use to bleach them and deodorize them. And that really brings me to the things you shouldn't eat... Always eat your vegetables.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Rubin Report presents a robust critique of prominent public figures and their actions within the current socio-political landscape. Dave Rubin and Jillian Michaels navigate through heated discussions, blending political analysis with personal insights, ultimately providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the topics covered. The inclusion of notable quotes enhances the depth of the conversation, offering clear perspectives on the issues at hand.