Get ready for Hack Madness 2025, the fifth annual bracket-style tournament hosted by the Ruthless Variety Program, where 64 of Washington’s most notorious liberal journalists—plus two play-in games, making it 66—battle it out to be crowned the biggest "hack" in media. Modeled after March Madness, this satirical spectacle features four fierce divisions: Liberal Activist, Way Too Online, Fake News, and Establishment.

With top seeds like Nicole Wallace, Eugene Daniels, Margaret Brennan, and Norah O’Donnell leading the charge, this year’s lineup is the strongest yet, curated after a wild 2024 election cycle that saw hacks in overdrive. Ready to join the fun? Voting is live on ComfortablySmug’s X profile, and you can fill out your bracket at ruthlesspodcast.com. Don’t miss the action—dive into the ultimate media roast of 2025!

What is Hack Madness?

Hack Madness is the Ruthless Podcast’s annual tradition, now in its fifth year as of March 21, 2025, pitting 64 liberal journalists against each other in a public-voted tournament. Dubbed the "cream of the crop" of media hacks, this event offers a hilarious yet biting critique of perceived bias in journalism. With over a million brackets filled out in its history, Hack Madness 2025 promises its best bracket ever, featuring fresh faces and veteran contenders vying for the infamous title of biggest liberal hack.

Post-Trump’s 2024 reelection, the selection committee went all out, spotlighting journalists who “overperformed” in liberal hackery. CBS dominates with two #1 seeds (Brennan and O’Donnell), setting the stage for a potential network showdown. Newcomers like Peter Jameson and Laura Barron-Lopez bring fresh chaos, while veterans like Joy Reid and Keith Olbermann keep the stakes high. The transcript teases surprises—like S.V. Dante’s Super Bowl flop—making every vote count.

How to Participate

Vote Online: Head to ComfortablySmug’s X profile (@ComfortablySmug) to cast your votes for each matchup.

Fill Your Bracket: Visit ruthlesspodcast.com to download and submit your bracket—join the million-plus fans who’ve participated since 2020.
Stay Engaged: Follow the Ruthless Podcast on YouTube for updates, clips, and merch, including this year’s logo by Rachel Vance.

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Get ready for a no-holds-barred dive into politics, culture, and everything the mainstream won’t touch with Ruthless Podcast! Hosted by Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook, this self-proclaimed ‘variety progrum’ brings next-level conservative talk with a razor-sharp edge and a wicked sense of humor. From dismantling fake news to owning the libs, the fellas deliver unfiltered takes on the day’s biggest stories — think Trump’s latest wins, the Democrats’ implosion, or a rogue monkey making headlines. With over 500 episodes, a cult following of ‘minions,’ and heavyweight guests like J.D. Vance, Senator Tommy Tuberville, and Governor Brian Kemp, Ruthless has skyrocketed from Capitol Hill’s best-kept secret to one of America’s most influential podcasts. Expect epic games like ‘King of the Hill,’ insider scoops from D.C.’s power corridors, and a refreshing antidote to the humorless elite. Subscribe now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify—because when the fellas say ‘keep the faith, hold the line, and own the libs,’ they mean it!

KB