'Ruthless' hosts track down top Republicans at RNC midterm convention in new Fox Nation special
The “Ruthless” podcast team made a splash on the floor of the Republican National Committee’s mid‑term convention in Dallas, Texas, offering viewers an unvarnished look at the GOP’s campaign strategy for the November election. In a special episode streamed on Fox Nation, the four‑person host lineup – Republican strategist Josh Holmes, Shashank “Comfortably Smug” Tripathi, Michael Duncan and John Ashbrook – moved through the packed convention hall, talking with senior officials and party leaders about the party’s plans and the role of President Donald Trump in the upcoming mid‑term push.
The podcast, launched in October 2020, has long been known for its irreverent take on conservative politics. In 2025, it became part of Fox News Media’s new‑media expansion, bringing the show into the broader Fox News ecosystem and giving it a platform on Fox Nation. “We’re partnering with Fox News Media to bring our brand of political commentary to a wider audience,” said Holmes. “The special is a chance for our listeners to see the GOP’s strategy in action.”
During the Dallas event, the hosts met with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who spoke about Trump’s vision for a “first‑of‑its‑kind” Republican mid‑term convention. “What I love about President Trump is he’s so innovative. He’s creative, he thinks differently, he thinks outside the box. For the first time, we’re going to do a mid‑term convention,” Duffy told the hosts. “I think this is a great idea: energize our base.”
In addition to Duffy, the “Ruthless” crew spoke with other high‑profile GOP figures, including Linda McMahon, former WWE chairman and Republican fundraiser; Chris LaCivita, a former presidential campaign adviser; and James Blair, a former White House aide. The conversations covered a range of topics from messaging to fundraising and the party’s stance on key policy battles. “We’re hunting down the big names, catching them in the moment,” said Holmes. “It’s a chance to hear their thoughts on the front lines of the campaign.”
The special episode, which can be viewed in full on Fox Nation, blends the hosts’ signature political banter with real‑time reporting from the convention floor. Viewers can see the crowd‑packed hall, the buzz of delegates, and the behind‑the‑scenes moments that rarely make it into mainstream coverage.
The mid‑term convention in Dallas represents a shift for the GOP, marking the first time the party has held a dedicated convention to outline its strategy ahead of a mid‑term election. Analysts say the event is intended to galvanize the base and set a clear message for the party’s candidates nationwide.
The “Ruthless” podcast episode arrives at a time when the GOP faces significant challenges in the 2024 mid‑terms, including a competitive political climate and a contested narrative about the party’s future. By providing a direct, on‑the‑ground look at the convention, the podcast offers listeners a unique perspective on how the party is positioning itself for the next election cycle.
The full episode is available to stream on Fox Nation, giving fans a chance to hear the GOP’s leaders speak candidly about the party’s strategy and the role of President Trump in a historic mid‑term convention.