Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

Episode: How To Raise A Charlie Kirk | Turning Point Academy’s Dr. Hutz Hertzberg
Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Alex Clark
Guest: Dr. Hutz Hertzberg, Chief Education Officer, Turning Point Education

Episode Overview

This special tribute episode explores how to raise a Charlie Kirk—both in spirit and leadership—through the lens of faith, education, and civic responsibility. Alex Clark welcomes Dr. Hutz Hertzberg, a lifelong friend and early mentor to Charlie Kirk, who now leads Turning Point Education. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, insights into Christian-based education alternatives, and a behind-the-scenes look at the organizational resilience of Turning Point USA in the wake of Charlie’s assassination.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charlie Kirk’s Early Years and Moral Foundation

• Dr. Hertzberg describes Charlie as an influential, athletic, and organizing child, marked by a strong commitment to faith from an early age.
• Notable quote:

  “He was always trying to organize the other kids. And I'm thinking... we just don't really change that much.”
  — Dr. Hutz Hertzberg (03:02)

• Charlie’s spiritual turning point occurred in 5th grade, influenced by a godly teacher who prayed daily for her students (03:10).

2. Charlie's Faith: Private and Public

• Charlie’s faith became increasingly bold and integral as he matured.
• Notable quote:

  “He was first and foremost a follower of Christ... There was not a talk that he gave in these last few years that he didn't talk about his relationship with the Lord.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (04:40)

• Dr. Hertzberg affirms the authenticity of Charlie’s faith, citing private moments, prayer, and personal scripture sharing.
• Memorable moment: Confirming that Charlie was reading his Bible and texting his pastor on the flight the day he was killed (05:30).

3. Personal Quirks and Memories of Charlie

• Charlie was described as tall, often carrying a football, and obsessed with the Oregon Ducks and Chicago Cubs (06:51).
• He was “never vain”—often dressing casually, even for major meetings.

  “You could never say that Charlie Kirk was vain, ever.” — Alex Clark (07:28)
  “He just did not care about what he looked like. He was just so work focused, mission focused.” — Alex Clark (07:38)

• In Dr. Hertzberg’s interview for Turning Point Academy, Charlie’s leadership and ambition were clear:

  “I said, Charlie, what is your goal? He looked me right in the eye and he said, to save Western civilization.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (08:54)

4. Charlie's Vision: Opposition to the Department of Education

• Charlie advocated dismantling the Department of Education, believing education is the primary responsibility of parents (09:39).
• Dr. Hertzberg highlights Turning Point's involvement in the new 250 Civics Coalition, aiming to restore patriotic and civics education in alignment with America’s 250th birthday (11:15).

  “We're just so thankful that President Trump is dismantling it... Charlie was... ahead of his time.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (10:41)

5. Turning Point's Resilience After Charlie’s Death

• The organization, filled with devout Christians, remains determined to carry on Charlie’s mission.

  “We’re more resolute than ever... Everything changed for us and nothing changed for us.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (13:21)

• Alex underscores a unique spiritual culture:

  “This organization is filled top to bottom with strong Christians... group chats filled with prayers every morning... coming in early for Bible studies.”
  — Alex Clark (14:22)

6. Turning Point Education: Origin and Mission

• Initially conceived as a network of Dream City Christian schools nationwide, Turning Point Education evolved into a 5C Hybrid Model:
  • Christian
  • Classical
  • Conservative
  • Collaborative
  • Cost-Affordable
• Schools use church facilities to minimize costs, offering high-quality Christian education for approximately $2,500/year (19:20).
• Memorable moment: Since Charlie’s passing, over 1 million curriculum orders have poured in from 196 countries (24:10).

  “With all the sadness that we feel in Charlie's death, I mean the Lord is using this in amazing ways.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (24:42)

Five Major Focus Areas:

1. Hybrid Christian School Model (two–three days in-class, rest at home)
2. Educator Summits (drawing teachers from all backgrounds, 5-600+ attendees)
3. Patriotic/Judeo-Christian Curriculum (free, widespread global demand)
4. Affiliation Network (connecting like-minded schools and educators)
5. Prep Year Program (post-high school, foundation in faith and civics before college or career)

7. How Can Families Get Involved?

• Parents, teachers, and concerned citizens can access curricula, join summits, affiliate, or even start new schools—with support provided for free (27:57).
  • Website: turningpointed.com
  • All materials and mentorship provided at no cost.
• Notable quote:

  “If a parent... wants to be involved by either being, taking advantage of our curriculum or attending an Educator Summit or being one of our affiliates... all be great ways for them to be connected.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (27:57)

8. Advice for Raising the Next Charlie Kirk

• Teach children civics, American history, and the nation’s uniqueness.
• Cultivate a biblical worldview and a deep understanding of Christian foundations in American history.

  “To love America, you've got to know America.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (31:20)

9. Remedy to Heal a Sick Culture

• Dr. Hertzberg’s prescription: a national return to faith in God, sparking revival and covenant renewal.

  “If that's not your starting point, you're going to end up at a very different point.”
  — Dr. Hertzberg (32:54)

• References John 12:24, linking sacrifice and rebirth to potential national revival (33:30).

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “He was always trying to organize the other kids.” – Hutz Hertzberg (03:02)
• "He was first and foremost a follower of Christ." – Hutz Hertzberg (04:40)
• “You could never say that Charlie Kirk was vain, ever.” – Alex Clark (07:28)
• “To save Western civilization.” – Charlie Kirk, recalled by Hertzberg (08:54)
• “We're just so thankful that President Trump is dismantling it.” — Hutz Hertzberg (10:41)
• “We’re more resolute than ever... Everything changed for us and nothing changed for us.” – Hutz Hertzberg (13:21)
• “This organization is filled top to bottom with strong Christians.” – Alex Clark (14:22)
• “It's off the charts. Since Charlie's passing, we've had over 1 million orders of our curriculum.” – Hutz Hertzberg (24:10)
• “To love America, you’ve got to know America.” — Hutz Hertzberg (31:20)
• “God has got to be the starting point again… we need a returning to God in our country.” — Hutz Hertzberg (32:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Charlie’s Childhood & Faith: 01:57–05:40
• Personality & Leadership: 06:45–09:28
• Department of Education Critique & Civics Initiative: 09:30–12:41
• Resilience After Charlie’s Death: 13:20–15:52
• Turning Point Academy/Education: Origins & Model: 16:21–22:09
• Curriculum Impact: 24:10–24:42
• Prep Year Program: 26:42–27:53
• How to Get Involved: 27:53–30:44
• Parental Guidance for Raising 'a Charlie Kirk': 30:51–32:46
• Final Remedy for Cultural Healing: 32:46–33:58

Conclusion

This episode serves as both a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk and a practical guide to emulating his legacy through faith-based, parent-empowered education. It emphasizes action—both individually (raising informed, faithful children) and collectively (supporting educational alternatives). Through Dr. Hertzberg’s stories and Turning Point’s ongoing initiatives, listeners are invited to participate in shaping future generations according to “unpasteurized” truths and a Christ-centered worldview.