Ruthless Podcast Offers Sharp, Humorous Conservative Insights

Review praises the show's unabashed takes, irreverent humor, and insider access to D.C. players.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:55pm

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An abstract, avant-garde painting featuring four overlapping, fragmented figures in shades of grey, blue, and green, conveying the high-energy, irreverent spirit of the Ruthless Podcast.The Ruthless Podcast's quartet of D.C. insiders bring their sharp, humorous conservative commentary to life in a dynamic, fractured visual style.Toledo Today

A review of the Ruthless Podcast, a conservative political podcast hosted by four D.C. insiders - Josh Holmes, 'Comfortably Smug,' Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook. The podcast is praised for providing sharp, humorous commentary on the news of the day, with the hosts drawing on their extensive experience and connections in Washington to offer unique perspectives.

Why it matters

With the deaths of conservative media giants like Rush Limbaugh and Scott Adams, the Ruthless Podcast has emerged as a new must-listen for those seeking unfiltered, unapologetic conservative analysis and commentary. The hosts' insider access and ability to 'tell it like it is' make the show a valuable resource for understanding the inner workings of politics.

The details

The Ruthless Podcast launched in 2020 and features the four D.C. insiders as hosts. They offer 30-minute segments at the start of each episode giving their takes on the news, often in a conversational and humorous style. The hosts have extensive experience in politics and campaigns, allowing them to provide unique insights and access to key figures. While the show is best when all four hosts are present, it remains worthwhile even when one is absent.

  • The Ruthless Podcast launched in 2020.
  • New episodes are posted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

The players

Josh Holmes

The 'quarterback' of the show, Holmes is a former chief of staff to Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and keeps the podcast moving at a brisk pace.

'Comfortably Smug' (Shahank Tripathi)

A former hedge-fund analyst turned Republican consultant, 'Smug' brings a quick-witted and unapologetically conservative perspective to the show.

Michael Duncan

A partner with Holmes and Ashbrook at the D.C. public affairs firm Cavalry, Duncan provides unique insights and stories based on his own experiences.

John Ashbrook

Also a partner at Cavalry, Ashbrook brings a communications and messaging background that resonates with the reviewer, who finds his perspectives particularly insightful.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to waste my time listening to a political podcast that doesn't make me think, doesn't make me laugh, and which takes itself so seriously that it too often misses the point while it navel-gazes.”

— Tim O'Brien, Reviewer

What’s next

The reviewer indicates they may do more podcast reviews in the future, encouraging readers to suggest other conservative podcasts they would like to see reviewed.

The takeaway

The Ruthless Podcast has emerged as a must-listen for those seeking unfiltered, unapologetic conservative commentary and analysis, with its hosts' insider access and ability to 'tell it like it is' making it a valuable resource for understanding the inner workings of politics.