Podcast Summary: The O'Reilly Update, November 26, 2025

Podcast: Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News and Analysis
Host: Bill O'Reilly
Guest Newsreader: Mike Slater
Date: November 26, 2025
Episode Theme: Thanksgiving reflections and updates on key national issues, combining historical context, cultural debates, and political analysis.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a digest of current American news, engaging with cultural controversies, political investigations, and a historical Thanksgiving message from Bill O’Reilly. The news segment, delivered by Mike Slater, discusses military ties to Scouting America, debates around women's sports, political accountability, and some lighter animal-related stories. O’Reilly’s “message of the day” ties modern American experience to the historical struggles of the Puritans, offering perspective for the Thanksgiving holiday. Listener questions on politics and global affairs follow, with O’Reilly’s signature direct, sometimes acerbic, commentary.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. News Highlights with Mike Slater ([00:39]–[03:33])

• US Military and Scouting America:

  • The Secretary of War proposes cutting military support for Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts) over its adoption of gender ideologies and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).
  • Quote: “The organization, once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt, no longer supports the future of American boys.” – Mike Slater [01:18]
  • The memo claims the Scouts have strayed from their original mission to "cultivate masculine values."
  • Military assistance, such as medical and logistical aid for national events, could be revoked.

• World’s Strongest Woman Competition Controversy:

  • A trans woman, Jamie Booker, wins the competition, prompting backlash from female competitors and sparking further debate over fairness in women’s sports.
  • One competitor walked off the podium, another shared “protect women’s sports” on social media.
  • Quote: “The woman who got second place walked off the podium saying, this is BS.” – Mike Slater [02:02]

• FBI Investigating the ‘Treasonous Six’:

  • FBI seeks to interview six Democratic Congress members after a video surfaces urging troops not to obey illegal orders.
  • Special mention of Senator Slotkin (Michigan, former CIA), criticized by CIA insiders.
  • Quote (re: Slotkin): “She joins the ranks of disgraced former intelligence officers who use credentials to advance a malicious and disingenuous political agenda.” – CIA spokesperson paraphrased by Mike Slater [02:36]

• Animal News:

  • Notable deaths and pardons: "Grandma," a 141-year-old Galapagos turtle at the San Diego Zoo, passed away.
  • Presidential turkey pardons: Trump re-pardons last year’s turkeys and claims this year's are the largest ever.
  • Quote: “The turkeys that Trump pardoned this year, biggest ever, over 50 pounds each.” – Mike Slater [03:20]

2. Bill O'Reilly's Message of the Day – Thanksgiving Reflections ([04:40]–[06:27])

• Historical Parallels:

  • O'Reilly connects Puritan struggles with modern American hardships, emphasizing perseverance during adversity.
  • Quote: “If the Puritans had a crystal ball, they might have insisted the Mayflower turn around… things are kind of dark and foreboding, a little like today.”— Bill O'Reilly [04:45]
  • Despite past and present difficulties, he underscores America’s enduring opportunity.
  • Quote: “We are living in a land of opportunity. That's a cliché, but it's true. And that is my theme this Thanksgiving week.” – Bill O’Reilly [05:40]

• Looking Ahead:

  • Acknowledges challenges forthcoming in the next year but maintains a spirit of optimism and resilience.
  • Adds a lighthearted touch: “But we certainly have more fun than they did. And we don’t have to wear those dopey hats.” – Bill O’Reilly [06:19]

3. Listener Questions and Political Analysis ([06:28]–[08:46])

• Bitcoin & AI (from Bonnie Fitzpatrick, TX):

  • O’Reilly admits to not understanding or trusting Bitcoin, warning listeners away from it despite Trump’s sons’ involvement.
  • Quote: “Bitcoin I know nothing about. I stay away from it. You're crazy if you get involved with bitcoin.” – Bill O’Reilly [06:56]

• Sanctions on Russia (from Tanya):

  • Explains that targeting Putin’s assets is difficult: “Putin’s bank accounts aren’t under Putin’s name…he’s hiding the money so we can't go after him. But we can strangle the economy.” – Bill O’Reilly [07:37]

• Republican Legislation (from Craig Camerata, NY):

  • Discusses difficulty passing Trump’s executive orders into law due to Senate filibuster, calls for Republicans to present clearer policies, especially on health care and immigration.
  • Quote: “They should at least be putting forth some vision of health care. I'm waiting.” – Bill O’Reilly [08:17]

4. Historical Segment: "Something You Might Not Know" ([09:33]–[12:14])

• Life for Puritans in Plymouth Colony:
  • O’Reilly shares strict Puritan rules and harsh punishments (stocks, public whippings, humiliation, "pressing" as torture).
  • Quote: “Work, trade, travel, entertainment, even public laughter…forbidden. Banished offenders were often sentenced to hours in the stocks…” – Bill O’Reilly [10:11]
  • Promotes his book "Killing the Witches" for more stories on the period.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• “If the Puritans had a crystal ball, they might have insisted the Mayflower turn around…” — Bill O’Reilly [04:45]
• “The military would no longer provide medical and logistical aid for the National Jamboree.” – Mike Slater [01:28]
• “The woman who got second place walked off the podium saying, this is BS.” — Mike Slater [02:02]
• “Bitcoin I know nothing about. I stay away from it. You're crazy if you get involved with bitcoin.” — Bill O’Reilly [06:56]
• “We are living in a land of opportunity. That's a cliché, but it's true.” — Bill O’Reilly [05:40]

Important Segments with Timestamps

• [00:39] – News Headlines with Mike Slater
• [01:03] – US Military and Scouting America Debate
• [02:00] – World’s Strongest Woman Competition Transgender Controversy
• [02:34] – FBI and ‘Treasonous Six’
• [03:15] – Notable Animal Stories (Turtle Dies, Presidential Turkey Pardons)
• [04:40] – O’Reilly’s Thanksgiving Message: Historical Reflections on Struggle and Opportunity
• [06:28] – Listener Questions: Bitcoin, Russia, GOP Legislation
• [09:33] – “Something You Might Not Know”: Puritan Laws and Punishments

Tone and Style

O’Reilly’s tone is conversational, occasionally biting but always direct and aiming for relatable commentary. The historical reflections tie national hardships—both then and now—together to foster perspective and gratitude. He fields listener questions with characteristic bluntness, mixing skepticism with humor and traditional values.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode of The O’Reilly Update covers contentious cultural debates, political investigations, and the enduring challenge of living up to American ideals, all illuminated with a Thanksgiving lens. The discussion moves briskly through major news, infusing serious topics with moments of dry wit and a focus on historical perspective, making it a timely episode for the holiday week.