Podcast Episode Summary

Mark Levin Podcast (Cumulus Podcast Network)

Episode: The Transformation of Conservatism After Charlie Kirk
Date: September 16, 2025
Guest Host: Larry O’Connor (filling in for Mark Levin, who is on a pre-planned trip to Israel)

Episode Overview

This poignant episode, anchored by Larry O’Connor, focuses on the aftermath and seismic impact of the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. O’Connor, joined by callers across the country, examines the transformation of American conservatism following Kirk’s death, the role of media narratives, the challenges to free speech, and the renewed resolve in the conservative movement. The tone is both passionate and defiant, laced with grief, anger, and calls to action.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Personal Reflections on Charlie Kirk

[00:43 – 15:56]

• O’Connor recalls Kirk’s character: engaging, supportive, with little ego, focused on lifting others per the “rising tide lifts all boats” philosophy.

• First interaction in 2017: O’Connor notes Kirk’s roots and humility before he became a national figure.

  “Charlie Kirk approached his day in politics and in the media and in activism that if he could help you… then it would help all of us and it would help him in the long run as well. But his focus was on you. He was that kind of guy.”
  — Larry O’Connor [03:33]

2. The Impact of Kirk’s Assassination on Conservatism

[07:00 – 15:56; 20:25 – 22:06]

• Describes September 10 as a dividing line in conservative history: "pre-Charlie Kirk" and "post-Charlie Kirk."

• Emphasizes the conservative movement’s grief was not respected by mainstream media or political opponents.

• Draws parallels to past incidents (Gabby Giffords, Steve Scalise) to highlight media double standards and left-wing violence.

• Asserts: the conservative majority in America will no longer be silenced or apologize for their views.

  “We are not the fringe. We are not the minority… We are the dominant majority voice in this country and we’ve been forced to apologize for that.”
  — Larry O’Connor [13:45]

3. Caller Responses: Personal Transformation and Action

[18:29 – 20:23]

• Karen from Tampa: Finds new courage in faith, emboldened by Kirk’s example.

• O’Connor concurs, noting a wider sense of renewed boldness among conservatives.

  “It has really emboldened me… especially about my religion, being able to be courageous and talk about it more. That’s what he’s done for me.”
  — Karen, caller [18:29]

4. The Role of Media and “Othering”

[24:04 – 36:17]

• Plays long excerpts from President Biden’s “MAGA Republicans” speech to illustrate what he calls “othering,” dehumanizing language.

• O’Connor strongly criticizes media and elite institutions, arguing they marginalize and silence conservatives while stoking division.

  “That’s not language you use when you have a political disagreement. That is language you use when you’re trying to raise the red warning lights of emergency about people—about your fellow citizens.”
  — Larry O’Connor [26:07]

• Points out that Charlie Kirk was rarely, if ever, invited onto major political shows, signaling systematic exclusion.

5. The “Switch” Flipped in the Conservative Movement

[40:02 – 48:45]

• Reads a column by John Nolte (Breitbart) about the collective awakening within the MAGA/conservative movement following Kirk’s murder.

  • Key points: unified resolve, mobilization without top-down leadership, and disregard for legacy media’s power.
  • The movement now acts as a majority, not a fringe, and seeks accountability rather than media validation.

  “No one is standing around helplessly complaining about how the regime media aren’t fair… Instead… we realize that we have the power now.”
  — John Nolte, read by Larry O’Connor [41:57]

6. Conservative Unity Across Factions: The Trump-Kennedy Alliance

[54:45 – 58:29]

• Highlights Kirk’s role in facilitating an alliance between Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—bridging immense political divides for a 2024 victory.

• Suggests mainstream media ignores true examples of bipartisan unity when they arise from the right.

  “Charlie Kirk was the architect of quite possibly the single greatest political merger of modern American history.”
  — Larry O’Connor [55:41]

7. Free Speech, Industry Risk, and the Power of Talk Radio

[59:25 – 72:55]

• O’Connor expresses disappointment that radio industry employers did not comment publicly on Kirk’s murder, then delivers his own “statement” honoring Kirk and vowing resilience.

• Celebrates talk radio as the last “truly free public square in America.”

  “We will not be intimidated and we will not be silenced. Conservative talk radio is the last truly free public square in America… Charlie’s death is a wound, but it’s also a call to arms. Not with weapons, of course, but with words. Words of truth, words of conviction.”
  — Larry O’Connor [63:15]

8. Debates on Political Violence

[73:25 – 79:29]

• Patrick from Kansas City raises the necessity of universally condemning political violence.

• O’Connor pushes back, arguing that violence in recent years is not symmetrical and disproportionately targets conservatives.

• Extended, sometimes tense, exchange over events like January 6th, the murder of a Minnesota Democrat, and Ashley Babbitt’s death.

  “When all you do is say violence is bad, well, I’m sorry, but that’s actually kind of a meaningless bromide.”
  — Larry O’Connor [76:45]

9. Legacy of Charlie Kirk: Youth Mobilization and Demographic Shifts

[79:32 – 91:57]

• Kirk’s Turning Point USA cited as pivotal to a dramatic 44-point party identification shift among men 18–29 from Democrat to Republican 2023–2025.
• O’Connor urges listeners to take action—volunteering, voting, being more public in their beliefs.

10. Listener Pledges and Closing Calls

[94:43 – 118:12]

• Callers share how Kirk inspired them to:
  • Donate to crisis pregnancy centers (Alison, Greensboro) [48:45]
  • Be bolder in their activism or faith (Beth, Appalachia)
  • Get involved in local Republican committees (Sarai, Culpepper)
  • Run conservative theater with renewed vigor (Robert, Columbus)
• O’Connor and callers reflect on the wave of youth tributes and the persistent media misrepresentation of Kirk after his murder.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “We all witnessed in real time our friend and leader Charlie Kirk, slaughtered before our very eyes. And after, when we were not allowed to experience our grief… We couldn't have vigils… The very people who created the climate… had to trample all over the flowers and the balloon monuments.”
  — Larry O’Connor [05:05]

• “The bloody murder of Charlie Kirk has affected all of us. But I would argue that we've been affected even more by the aftermath, by the intervening days…”
  — Larry O’Connor [09:24]

• “We are not the fringe… We are the dominant majority voice in this country and we've been forced to apologize for that.”
  — Larry O’Connor [13:45]

• “This is a game changer, as well it should be. You have awakened us… But I do hear a lot of hand wringing. Oh, my goodness. How did this happen?”
  — Larry O’Connor [22:06]

• “You can and should debate with each other on policy—that’s the work of a free people. But the line that should never be crossed is to say those you argue with are inherently lawless, anti-constitutional, or sub-citizen.”
  — Larry O’Connor [32:35]

• “It was as if… someone downloaded a computer program directly into the fractured and fragile right-of-center movement… a switch within each of us was flipped and a miracle occurred…”
  — John Nolte, read by Larry O’Connor [41:57]

• “Charlie Kirk was the architect of quite possibly the single greatest political merger of modern American history… He got a pro-choice, climate change activist Democrat named Kennedy… to join forces with Donald Trump.”
  — Larry O’Connor [55:41]

• “We will not be intimidated and we will not be silenced… Charlie’s death is a wound, but it’s also a call to arms. Not with weapons, of course, but with words.”
  — Larry O’Connor [63:15]

• “That 42% of people who identify themselves as either liberal or very liberal in this country say that it is justified for citizens to use violence to achieve a political goal. Conservatives, 6%... That is who they are. But they can't face the reality.”
  — Larry O’Connor [99:12]

• “As we, well, we need this. We need to be together. We're in this together. As I said earlier about the dynamic relationship we create here in talk radio in a very intimate, intimate way. And Charlie was part of that.”
  — Larry O’Connor [113:24]

Listener Calls – How Charlie Kirk Inspired Action

• Personal renewals of faith and activism
• Direct charitable giving in honor of Kirk’s legacy
• Plans to volunteer, speak out, and educate others
• Refusal to be silent or apologetic about conservative beliefs

Closing Tone and Calls to Action

The episode closes with a call for greater resolve, unapologetic public action, and lasting commitment to free speech, debate, and conservative principles. O’Connor and the callers echo a sense that while Kirk’s death was a blow, it has emboldened and unified the movement, which is determined not to be “intimidated or silenced."

For new listeners:
This episode is emotionally charged and historically significant within conservative circles. It serves as both memorial and rallying cry, blending personal stories, sharp political analysis, and appeals for action—both political and cultural. If you wish to understand how Kirk’s assassination is seen as a transformational moment, both for the right and for American political discourse, this episode is an essential listen.