Best John Ashbrook Podcasts (2025)

1
Burn Hollywood Burn - Will AI save the movies? Dan Morfitt fills in with guest John Ashbrook from Jul 7, 2025

Play Pause

17d ago

—

Music behind DJ: An Alan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn - "Audio from the motion picture trailer" [0:00:00] Music behind DJ: Kirk Pearson - "Theme from Techtonic" [0:00:48] Music behind DJ: Dan Morfitt with guest John Ashbrook - "Pt 1" [0:01:25] David Bowie - "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" [0:23:17] Music behind DJ: Dan Morfitt with guest John …

1
Senate Majority Leader John Thune Reveals Trump's Tax Wins, Spending Cuts & NIL Reforms 1:32:56

38m ago1:32:56

1:32:56

In this episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook interview Senate Majority Leader John Thune on the GOP's massive wins: tax cuts, no tax on tips/overtime, spending reforms, border security, and energy dominance via the "Big Beautiful Bill." Thune discusses Democrat obstruction o…

1
From Colbert to the WNBA...The Libs Are Not Alright - Plus, Karoline Leavitt Joins the Progrum 1:08:24

1d ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook on this explosive episode of the Ruthless Variety Program for sharp, hilarious conservative insights into politics gone wild! From the left's freakout over Stephen Colbert's cancellation (hello, Adam Schiff and Hakeem Jeffries!) to Hunter Biden's unhinged rants blasting George Cl…

1
Daniel Solove, author, "On Privacy and Technology" from Jul 21, 2025

1d ago

—

Daniel Solove, author, "On Privacy and Technology" Kirk Pearson - "Theme from Techtonic" - "Mark's intro" - "Interview with Daniel Solove" [0:03:11] - "Mark's comments" [0:44:53] The Metronomes - "A Circuit Like Me" [0:54:31]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/154339By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Can Garbage Culture Be Stopped? Plus, Salena Zito’s Gripping New Book 1:18:14

5d ago1:18:14

1:18:14

🎙️ Just like Smug said on X, today is going to be an insane day. And we start strong with a beef between Smug and JD Vance online that spilled into a PA rally. ⚡️ NPR apparently needs to be around or people will die? Somehow, this feels familiar to other Democrat arguments. Also, how to get a book deal for your poetry and we should be afraid of the…

1
Lib Journo Ruins the MLB All-Star Presser & NBC Defends the Auto-Pen 1:07:43

6d ago1:07:43

1:07:43

In our first episode since the Fox News announcement, we help newcomers learn what to expect from the Progrum—specifically, our great ability to mock the left. ️ MLB gets journo blowback at their All-Star press conference, NBC runs cover for Biden’s auto-pen and Trump looks right at home with the FIFA trophy. ️ Polling looks good for Mamdami and Cu…

1
🚨 BIG NEWS from the Ruthless Variety Progrum! 10:45

7d ago10:45

10:45

It’s a HUGE day on the Ruthless Variety Progrum. We are now part of the Fox News family! Thank you to all the fans who did the work to help us become one of the biggest podcasts in the business. ️ What you can expect from our big news, is that nothing on the progrum will be any different. Who we are off the mic is the same as who we are on the mic.…

1
Are Biden’s Auto-Pen Pardons Even Legal? + Trump’s Massive Shift on Ukraine 1:16:37

8d ago1:16:37

1:16:37

The controversial auto-pen signatures from the Biden administration's final days are finally getting examined. The fellas discuss how these decisions, particularly the pardons for figures like Anthony Fauci, Biden Family members, and Jerry Lundergan, were reportedly made without Biden's direct involvement, despite his team's insistence otherwise. B…

1
Duncan Moench on "soylent screens" and producerism from Jul 14, 2025 1:15:28

9d ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Duncan Moench on "soylent screens" and producerism Kirk Pearson - "Theme from Techtonic" - "Mark's intro" [0:01:51] - "Interview with Duncan Moench" [0:07:12] - "Mark's comments" [0:48:51] Posthuman - "The Screens Of Our Lives" [0:57:46]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/153977By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Another Bad Week for Democrats & Left-wing Violence Is On The Rise 1:17:32

12d ago1:17:32

1:17:32

In a truly bizarre Washington Post article, penned by a literal clown… Excuse us, a Clown. As we learn the grammatical rules of using Clown in a sentence, Subway Takes spiked their interview with Kamala because it was embarrassing. Release the tapes! Plus, Hakeem’s bad photoshop is not a first-time problem. ️ Then, anti-ICE violence is springing up…

1
How the Obama/Biden FBI & CIA Conned the American People 1:36:23

13d ago1:36:23

1:36:23

Justice might finally be coming for the Deep State, specifically to John Brennan and James Comey. The fellas discuss why Brennan and Comey are so different and who is worse for democracy. Then, never-before-revealed details from inside the Senate about what was really happening through Russiagate from the people in the middle of it. ️ Our lightning…

1
Will Elon Musk’s “America” Party End in Disaster? 1:42:37

15d ago1:42:37

1:42:37

What would an Elon Musk-backed third party do for American politics? The fellas look at which party benefits and if the formation of an "America" party would pave a clear path for Democratic victories. They also cover if Musk misunderstands US politics, or if he promised more with DOGE than he (or any one man) could deliver. Smug wants an influence…

1
These Are the Most American Moments Ever: July 4th with Ruthless 1:00:44

19d ago1:00:44

1:00:44

This special 4th of July Progrum features the fellas reminiscing about their favorite American moments and traditions. They share personal anecdotes and iconic historical clips, from the Wright Brothers' first flight to the Miracle on Ice, discussing moments that embody American ingenuity, resilience, and patriotism. Join the fellas as they count d…

1
How Trump Beat the Media & Academia 1:24:16

22d ago1:24:16

1:24:16

🎙️ The fellas bask in the $16M glory that is the latest Trump legal victory. Who else would build their empire like this? 🏊 Then, UPenn caves to the will of Donald Trump and Linda McMahon takes a well-earned victory lap. Holmes gives credit to Riley Gaines, who took an unpopular position when this all started, to her credit. ⚡️ The lightning round …

1
What’s Driving Trump’s Hot Streak? 1:27:23

22d ago1:27:23

1:27:23

🎙️Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook unpack a historic week: President Trump’s surgical strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, executed with zero U.S. casualties, crippled Iran’s capabilities while their weak retaliation fizzled, showcasing America First precision. NATO allies, inspired by Trump’s leadership, now pledge …

1
Compulsory surveillance and other threats from Jun 30, 2025

24d ago

—

Compulsory surveillance and other threats Kirk Pearson - "Theme from Techtonic" - "Mark's comments" 8X8 (Lane Steinberg & Alex Khodchenko) - "Are You Gaslighting Me, Alexa?" [0:53:33]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/153625By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Socialist Shocks New York: A New Dem Leader Emerges 1:15:54

29d ago1:15:54

1:15:54

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook break down a seismic week in politics! President Trump’s precision strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities delivers a masterclass in America First foreign policy—no U.S. casualties, Iran’s weak response fizzles, and NATO allies now pledge 5% GDP to defense, bowing to Trump’s leadership…

1
Trump's Masterstroke In Iran As Dems Spiral 1:22:35

1M ago1:22:35

1:22:35

🎙️ Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook as they analyze President Trump’s surgical strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, a bold move to neutralize a decades-long threat from the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism. 🇺🇸 With no American casualties and Iran’s weak response, Trump’s team, including Marco Rubio and JD …

1
Lori Emerson, author, "Other Networks" from Jun 23, 2025

30d ago

—

Lori Emerson, author, "Other Networks: A Radical Technology Sourcebook" Kirk Pearson - "Theme from Techtonic" - "Mark's intro" [0:02:25] - "Interview with Lori Emerson" [0:07:27] - "Mark's comments" [0:44:22] Kirk Pearson - "Modem of Home" [0:57:29]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/153378By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Trump's Military Options: Is A Strike On Iran Necessary? 1:04:23

1M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

🎙️ Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook tackle the Iran question: should Trump strike or seek peace? They explore the 50 years of context—Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the 444-day hostage crisis, Hezbollah’s 1983 Beirut bombing (241 US service members killed), and Qassem Soleimani’s IED attacks in Iraq. 🇮🇷 Guest Brian Hook, former …

1
Who’s REALLY Behind The “No Kings” Protest? 1:08:53

1M ago1:08:53

1:08:53

🎙️Join Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook as they jump into the chaotic "No Kings" protests, exposing Randi Weingarten and a $2.1B dark money machine behind the anti-Trump frenzy. The team roasts theater-kid protesters in cat costumes and a Boomer bashing a Trump voodoo doll!😆 Ray Starling from the North Carolina Chamber joins to d…

1
Unveiling our new theme song by Kirk Pearson, and Big Tech alternatives from Jun 16, 2025

1M ago

—

Unveiling our new theme song by Kirk Pearson, and Big Tech alternatives Tomaš Dvořák - "Gameboy Tune" - "Mark's intro" - "Kirk Pearson unveils the new Techtonic theme song" [0:09:35] - "Mark's comments" [0:36:14] Kirk Pearson - "The Self Driving Car's Gonna Repossess Itself" [0:56:15]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/153129…

1
How To Respond To Riots W/ Speaker Johnson 1:16:04

1M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

🎙️ Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook, and Speaker Mike Johnson as they unpack the LA riots, a Big Beautiful Bill, bold border security, tax cuts, and $1.6T in spending cuts! 🇺🇸 Speaker Johnson also reveals how Republicans are delivering on Trump’s 2024 mandate despite a razor-thin majority. The fellas are breaking do…

1
Riots Erupt: Trump Takes A Stand, Media Spins 1:34:23

1M ago1:34:23

1:34:23

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook discuss the chaos of LA’s latest riots—think burning Waymo cars, Mexican flags, and bricks flying off overpasses. 🚗🔥The left calls it “peaceful protest,” but the split-screen carnage tells a different story. The fellas unpack the media’s absurd spin, from CNN’s “fiery but mostly pe…

1
Matt Warwick fills in for Techtonic with Co-Host HurstBot from Jun 9, 2025

1M ago

—

By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
What's REALLY Behind The Trump Vs. Musk Reconciliation Fight? 2:04:17

2M ago2:04:17

2:04:17

It's a fight in DC; enter the fiery debate over the "Big Beautiful Bill." 💸 The fellas break down the tax cuts, Medicaid reforms, and border security measures, exposing the left’s CBO-fueled lies that keeping your taxes low is “deficit spending.” 🤡 Elon Musk’s surprising flip on the bill sparks heated discussion—hero or misunderstanding the process…

1
Uncovering BIAS In Boulder Terrorist Attack Coverage: A Deep Dive 1:17:05

2M ago1:17:05

1:17:05

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook analyze the media coverage following the shocking Boulder, Colorado terror attack, where an illegal immigrant threw Molotov cocktails at Jews advocating for hostages held by hamas. The suspect was chanting "Free Palestine." The fellas expose the media’s shameful cover-up by omissio…

1
Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna, authors, "The AI Con" from Jun 2, 2025

2M ago

—

Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna, authors, "The AI Con" Tomaš Dvořák - "Gameboy Tune" - "Mark's intro" - "Interview with Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna" [0:02:55] - "Mark's comments" [0:44:42] XTC - "Real By Reel" [0:54:37]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/152572By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Dems Spending Millions to Learn How to Talk To Men 1:46:16

2M ago1:46:16

1:46:16

🎙️ Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook as they unpack the Democrats' epic struggle to connect with American men. From luxury hotel PowerPoint pitches to a $20M plan to "speak to dudes," the Dems are lost in translation! 😆 Plus, Politico’s bizarre "shadow cabinet" picks, including an illegal immigrant for Homeland S…

1
Will The Big Beautiful Bill Make It Through The Senate? 1:05:54

2M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook offer insider analysis of Trump's tax cut package. The bill includes no tax on tips or overtime and prevents a massive tax hike! 💰 Speaker Johnson's leadership shines despite media doubts, and now it's the Senate's turn to seal the deal. When will Trump sign this big, beautiful bil…

1
David Greenwood, author, "The Cloud Intern" from May 26, 2025

2M ago

—

David Greenwood, author of the sci-fi dystopian novel "The Cloud Intern" Tomaš Dvořák - "Gameboy Tune" - "Mark's intro" - "Interview with David Greenwood" [0:02:28] - "Mark's comments" [0:39:13] Stereolab - "Aerial Troubles" [0:54:52]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/152407By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Why The Biden Health Claims Don’t Make Sense W/ Jillian Michaels 1:34:30

2M ago1:34:30

1:34:30

🎙️This Episode of the Ruthless Variety Progrum is a banger! 🔥 Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook sit down with fitness icon Jillian Michaels for a no-holds-barred talk! 💪 From her Biggest Loser days to battling the politicization of health, Jillian dishes on motivating millions, the MAHA movement, and why health should…

1
Biden Reveals His Biggest Lie Yet 1:38:04

2M ago1:38:04

1:38:04

🎙️ Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook analyze the Biden cognitive decline cover-up that’s rocking DC! Medical experts call BS on his sudden prostate cancer diagnosis—did they hide it for years? The Tapper Awards: We crown a champion! 🏆 Hannah Trudo's New Hampshire congressional run gets spicier! 🚨 Her “working-class” c…

1
Surveillance scholar Chris Gilliard on Facebook's spy glasses from May 19, 2025

2M ago

—

Surveillance scholar Chris Gilliard on Facebook's spy glasses Tomaš Dvořák - "Gameboy Tune" - "Mark's intro" - "Interview with Chris Gilliard" [0:02:57] - "Mark's comments" [0:43:09] Marie Davidson - "Demolition (Radio Edit)" [0:54:51]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/152175By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Biden Media Coverup, Plus Democrat Candidate's Shocking Secrets 1:40:00

2M ago1:40:00

1:40:00

🎙️ Strap in for an epic episode of the Ruthless Variety Program! 🔥 Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook expose the jaw-dropping cover-up of Joe Biden’s cognitive decline by journalists and Democrats! 🧠💥 Jake Tapper’s new book claims to “uncover” what we’ve been saying for years, but we’re not letting him off easy—enter t…

1
Why Did Dem Politicians Storm An ICE Prison? Arrest Details Revealed 1:50:31

2M ago1:50:31

1:50:31

We unpack the Democrats’ total meltdown—think Congress members storming a New Jersey ICE facility to defend convicted criminals and Joe Biden’s awkward return on The View that’s got his party begging him to vanish! David Hogg’s sudden pivot to “new leadership” is pure hypocrisy, and we’re calling it out! Plus, a wild Florida story where a woman sho…

1
Discussing "Careless People" by Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams from May 12, 2025

2M ago

—

Discussing "Careless People" by Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams Tomaš Dvořák - "Gameboy Tune" - "Mark's comments" Van Morrison - "Why Are You On Facebook" [0:53:52]https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/151952By Mark Hurst and WFMU

1
Is Trump’s Trade Messaging Working? 1:48:35

3M ago1:48:35

1:48:35

🚨 Get ready for a 🔥 banger of an episode from the Ruthless Variety Program! 🎙️ Join Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook as they break down the latest on Trump’s trade strategies, tariffs, and the economy with a sharp, no-nonsense take you won’t find in mainstream media. 🇺🇸💰 We’re unpacking the genius behind Trump and Tr…

1
What This Journalist's Stunning Career Change Reveals About The Media 1:12:52

3M ago1:12:52

1:12:52

Dive into this episode of the Ruthless Variety Program, where hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook peel back the curtain on the cozy relationship between mainstream media and the Democratic Party. This episode is packed with jaw-dropping revelations, hilarious commentary, and unfiltered takes on the state of journa…