By Richard Luthmann
Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann tackled the week’s biggest controversies in the current events segment of the latest episode of The Unknown podcast. They dived into Joe Rogan’s Ukraine comments, Hunter Biden’s pardon, Trump’s cabinet picks, and escalating global tensions.
The duo’s unfiltered takes left no issue untouched, with Luthmann even calling for the CIA to “neutralize” Vladimir Putin.
Joe Rogan, Ukraine, and Cancel Culture
The episode opened with Joe Rogan’s recent remarks on the Ukraine war, including accusations that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky exhibited “cocaine behavior” and criticism that Zelensky was escalating the conflict with Russia. Rogan’s comments drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian journalist Anna Belokur of the Kyiv Independent.
Belokur accused Rogan of parroting pro-Putin propaganda without understanding the conflict’s complexities.
“Rogan’s talking points mirror those of Vladimir Putin,” she said in a statement. “He hasn’t educated himself on Ukrainian history or the realities of living in a war zone.”
Luthmann dismissed Belokur’s critique, calling it an attempt to cancel Rogan.
“She’s basically saying, ‘Don’t listen to him because we don’t agree with him,’” Luthmann said. “That’s cancel culture.”
Volpe disagreed, saying Belokur was simply pointing out Rogan’s lack of expertise.
“She didn’t call for his cancellation. She’s saying his opinions are meaningless because they’re uninformed,” Volpe said.
The pair debated the larger context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Volpe placed sole blame on Vladimir Putin for the war, stating, “Putin started this, escalated it, and keeps it going. The U.S. isn’t at fault for his aggression.”
Luthmann countered by accusing the Biden administration of mishandling relations with Russia.
“Biden’s placating strategy emboldened Putin. Under Trump, Putin didn’t dare take an inch of Ukraine,” Luthmann argued.
Luthmann went further, calling for decisive action against Putin.
“If Putin is this bad, the CIA should put a bullet in his head. If not, let Trump handle him. He kept Putin in check without starting World War III,” he said.
Hunter Biden’s Pardon Sparks Outrage
The podcast shifted to domestic politics, with Luthmann calling Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter, a “watershed moment.”
“This pardon destroys any moral high ground the Democrats had left,” Luthmann said. “It gives Trump all the political capital he needs.”
Volpe, however, noted that controversial pardons are nothing new. “Mark Rich’s pardon under Clinton was just as bad. This is politics as usual,” he said.
Luthmann emphasized the legal strategy behind the pardon, arguing it shields the Biden family from future investigations.
“Legally, it takes Hunter out of the equation, and that’s the real reason for it,” he said.
Pete Hegseth and Trump’s Nominees
The conversation turned to Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for a key cabinet position. Hegseth has faced backlash from conservatives over his role in arresting a pastor during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Luthmann defended Hegseth as a figure respected by veterans and law enforcement.
“He’s someone who’s been under fire and earned respect. Losing him would be a mistake,” Luthmann said.
Volpe was less optimistic, predicting that the controversies surrounding Hegseth would derail his nomination.
“This drip-drip-drip of scandals will sink him,” Volpe said, citing past controversies and public backlash.
Luthmann praised Trump’s overall cabinet picks, giving him an “A+” for assembling a loyal team. Volpe was more critical, describing some of Trump’s selections as “embarrassments” and questioning their qualifications.
Trump’s Tensions with Canada
The show touched on a lighter issue: Trump’s reported exchange with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Luthmann chuckled as Volpe described the former president’s dig: “If you can’t rob Americans for a billion dollars a year, maybe you should just become the 51st state.”
Luthmann defended Trump’s blunt style, saying, “Sometimes people like Trudeau need to be insulted.”
Volpe called it childish, likening the exchange to high school antics.
Syria’s Civil War and U.S. Involvement
Volpe highlighted escalating tensions in Syria, where reports of a looming civil war have drawn international attention. A U.S. government statement denied involvement in the conflict, but Volpe expressed skepticism about the factions at play.
“You’ve got Assad on one side and terrorists on the other. Neither is a good option,” Volpe said.
Luthmann doubted the U.S.’s non-involvement.
“When the government says we’re not involved, it probably means we are,” he said. “There’s definitely covert stuff going on.”
A Platform for Provocative Debate
The latest episode of The Unknown once again showcased the duo’s unfiltered approach to current events. From global crises to domestic politics, Luthmann and Volpe offered bold opinions and fiery exchanges.
“You don’t have to like what we say, but at least we’re having the conversation,” Volpe said in closing.
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