Russian to Conclusions w. Anna Holmes & Brandy Zadrozny
Sep 24, 2026 · 1h 21m
Summary
Hosts Aaron Ryan and Brandi Zadrasni discuss a Kremlin-backed troll campaign using AI to fake celebrity endorsements for Republicans, noting how Brandi herself was targeted by a fake video claiming she recanted her reporting. They critique the lack of substance in Ross Douthat’s 60 Minutes interview with Patrick Clancy, the ex-husband of the woman charged with killing her children, and analyze the "burnerverse," a shadowy network of sports fans who digitally exploit women. The episode also features Anna Holmes on the power of saying no and includes a segment on bleeped political ads.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Neutrophil hair growth supplement
Sponsor: Real food for dogs in NYC
Sponsor: Bob's Discount Furniture
Discussion on AI-generated political ads
Analysis of deepfake campaign tactics
Interview: Russian disinformation and journalist safety
Troll farms and global disinformation sources
Critique of Russian propaganda video styles
Review of Patrick Clancy's 60 Minutes interview
Analysis of Clancy interview follow-ups and tone
Media ethics and public surrogate questioning
Sponsor: Smalls cat food and personal anecdote
Sponsor: Wild Alaskan Company seafood
The Burnerverse and online misogyny culture
Consequences for online harassers and bravery
Sponsors: Helix mattress and Jones Road makeup
Interview: Anna Holmes on 'The Power of No'
Sponsor: Haze cannabis products
Sponsors: CricketCon and Just Be with Bethany Frankel
Closing banter and show credits
Listen ad-free on Castria