Podcast Summary: Real America’s Voice – AMERICA FEST 2025 DAY 4 LIVE COVERAGE PART 1
Date: December 21, 2025
Location: AMFest 2025, Phoenix, AZ
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Main Guests/Appearances: Pastor Greg Laurie, Michael Watley, panel of young congressional candidates, Steve Bannon (clip), Tom Homan, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Andy Biggs
Episode Overview
This dynamic episode covers the fourth day of Turning Point USA’s America Fest 2025, a gathering at the intersection of conservative faith, culture, and politics. The episode features live stage moments, personal remembrances of the late Charlie Kirk, spirited calls for youth engagement, and impassioned defenses of border security and American values. Key themes include the role of faith, the next generation of conservative leadership, America First policies, and unfiltered critiques of political opponents and Washington corruption.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Opening Reflections and Faith
- The hosts open with reflections on the spiritual tone of AMFest, emphasizing the role of faith in inspiring and anchoring the movement, especially for the younger generation.
- Charlie Kirk’s influence and the importance of keeping his legacy alive are recurrent motifs.
“It starts with faith and Turning Point. Understanding that and obviously see Charlie, his whole message understanding that, it’s just an honor.” (Host, 13:26)
- The group reminds listeners of the Christmas season and the festival’s proximity to this time of hope and renewal.
Tribute to Charlie Kirk & “Anthem of the Free”
- The episode pays tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier in the year, reflecting on his faith-driven purpose and lasting impact.
- The use of the J6 Prison Choir’s “Anthem of the Free” as an event anthem, noting its rise to number one on iTunes.
“Rest in peace, Charlie. Can’t believe they took your life... By any means, we have to keep freedom of speech alive.” (Excerpt from “Anthem of the Free”, 08:35)
Day’s Agenda & AI in Conservative Education
- The hosts preview a packed lineup (Pastor Greg Laurie, Michael Watley, Tom Holman, Rep. Byron Donalds, Glenn Beck, Speaker Mike Johnson, Donald Trump Jr., Erica Kirk, and special guests).
- Discussion of Glenn Beck’s innovative use of AI to educate the public using founding documents, balanced by concerns about the ethical use of technology.
“He is apparently the third largest collection of private founding documents outside of the Library of Congress... He’s created a virtual librarian George Washington that has ingested it all... to educate people using only those founding documents.” (Host, 21:54)
- Mixed feelings on AI, referencing Christian concerns and “mark of the beast” warnings, but acknowledging its potential if ethically managed.
Pastor Greg Laurie’s Keynote (“Parable of the Prodigal Son”)
Timestamps: (31:30–54:50)
Pastor Greg Laurie delivers a heartfelt message, intertwining his testimony, Charlie Kirk’s life story, and the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son to call attendees to Christian faith.
Highlights:
- Parallels between J.D. Vance's story ("Hillbilly Elegy") and Laurie's own—both raised by grandmothers, both found hope and purpose through Jesus.
- Laurie frames everyone as either the ‘rule breaker’ (prodigal) or the ‘rule keeper’ (elder brother), emphasizing that all need forgiveness, not merely ‘a little religion.’
- Laurie’s direct gospel invitation, prayer for salvation for listeners, and offer of a free “New Believer’s Bible.”
"'Maybe your past will explain you, but it doesn’t have to define you.'" (Greg Laurie about J.D. Vance/Self, 35:18)
"Friend, you don’t need a little religion. You need a lot of Jesus. That’s the answer." (Laurie, 51:22)
Notable Moment:
“If you need Christ in your life, pray this with me. Let’s all bow our heads. Pray this prayer right where you are...” (Laurie, 53:40)
Michael Watley – Political Rally & Senate Run Remarks
Timestamps: (58:20–1:10:44)
Michael Watley (current RNC Chair, now Senate candidate in NC) recounts calls from President Trump, praises Turning Point USA’s organizational muscle, and lays out a familiar America First platform (strong borders, strong economy, cultural conservatism).
Quote:
"President Trump would not be in the White House today if it were not for the people in this room and if it were not for the people of Turning Point." (Michael Watley, 1:03:30)
- Watley details his personal history, emphasizes the need for “a conservative champion” in NC, and underscores the necessity of keeping Trump’s agenda on track.
Emotional Appeal:
"Winning is not enough. It is not enough to win an election. It’s what you do after you win." (Watley, 1:07:45)
Panel: Young Candidates for Congress
Timestamps: (1:18:13–1:47:00)
Tyler Boyer (Turning Point CEO) moderates a panel with four congressional hopefuls (Amanda McKinney, Mark Lamb, Joe Mitchell, Michael Alfonso), discussing youth activism, corruption in DC, and immigration.
Key Themes & Calls:
- Rejecting corporate PAC money, supporting term limits, banning stock trading for Congress.
- Deep critiques of corrupt establishment and bipartisan failures.
"People go up there, they’re worth about $2 and they come out and they’re worth about $20 million. How’s that happen? It’s totally wrong. We have to stop it." (Joe Mitchell, 1:27:00)
- Sheriff Mark Lamb: Detailed, experience-warrior’s take on border security and the fentanyl crisis.
- Amanda McKinney: Spotlights the northern border and sanctuary policies.
- Candid personal stories of losing loved ones to drugs and motivating factors for seeking office.
- Repeated calls for Generation Z and young conservatives to “step up” through activism or public office.
Steve Bannon’s “War” Speech (Clip from Day 2)
Timestamps: (1:51:10–2:16:00)
Steve Bannon delivers a fierce address emphasizing that “We are at war,” crediting Charlie Kirk as a generational political machine-builder, deriding Never Trumpers (notably Ben Shapiro), and decrying attempts to dilute MAGA’s populist/nationalist focus.
Notable Quotes:
“Charlie Kirk knew we’re at war. And he knew we were going to be victorious if we didn’t quit.” (Bannon, 1:52:58)
“We won seven of eight national elections... This is why they hated Charlie Kirk.” (Bannon, 1:54:33)
- Bannon vigorously critiques “Israel first” neocon factions, reaffirming his “America First” ideology and resisting U.S. entanglement in foreign wars.
- Warns about efforts (from both establishment Republicans and the left) to co-opt or destroy the institutional strength built by Kirk and Turning Point.
Tom Homan – “Saving American Lives at the Border”
Timestamps: (2:17:23–2:31:00)
Tom Homan (Former ICE Director) touts Trump’s border security successes, details the operational crackdown on illegal immigration and fentanyl, and emotionally describes the ongoing efforts to reunite children smuggled into the country.
Key Points:
- Claims current border is “the most secure in the history of the country” under Trump’s administration.
- Recounts direct results: dramatic drops in illegal crossing, human trafficking, and fentanyl deaths.
- Homan’s emotional inclusion of missing children, law enforcement sacrifice, and the moral imperative of border control.
“President Trump is saving thousands of lives every month when 90, 95% less people come in.” (Homan, 2:21:33)
“I will have your six until the day I die.” (Homan to Border Patrol/ICE, 2:29:44)
Byron Donalds – Principles for the Future Movement
Timestamps: (2:32:33–2:50:25)
Congressman Byron Donalds hails Turning Point as the “heartbeat of the conservative movement,” passionately lists core conservative principles (faith, family, free markets, borders), and challenges the movement to unite, build each other up, and stay focused.
“...If someone disagrees with you, fine, so what? But if you’re going to be in this movement long term, you got to have a spirit of power.” (Donalds, 2:36:48)
- Warns against intra-movement infighting and social media “ratio” culture, calling it destructive.
- Calls for love, self-discipline, and organizational unity to win practical victories.
“Victory is finding leaders who stand by these principles... Democratic socialism is the thing that will destroy America. Radical Sharia is the thing that will destroy America.” (Donalds, 2:42:19)
Rep. Andy Biggs – Restoring the American Dream, “Naughty & Nice” List
Timestamps: (2:51:31–EoT)
Andy Biggs welcomes AMFest to Arizona, honors Charlie Kirk’s legacy, and animates the crowd with direct calls for activism and a comedic “politically naughty & nice” list contrasting Trump-era achievements with Democrat “failures.”
- Announces intention to place a statue of Charlie Kirk in the U.S. House.
- Rallying cry to maintain and expand GOP control, trust in God, and defend the American dream.
“Look at that legacy. Look at the movement. Look at the energy. This is the future of American politics right here... Get your rest, get together. We’re going to trust in God.” (Biggs, 3:02:25)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |-------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13:26 | Host | “It starts with faith... for the young people. You talk about impacting the next generation...” | | 35:18 | Greg Laurie | "'Maybe your past will explain you, but it doesn’t have to define you.'" | | 51:22 | Greg Laurie | "Friend, you don’t need a little religion. You need a lot of Jesus. That’s the answer." | | 1:03:30 | Michael Watley| "President Trump would not be in the White House today if it were not for the people in this room..." | | 1:27:00 | Joe Mitchell | "People go up there, they’re worth about $2 and they come out and they’re worth about $20 million. How’s that happen?" | | 1:52:58 | Steve Bannon | “Charlie Kirk knew we’re at war. And he knew we were going to be victorious if we didn’t quit.” | | 2:21:33 | Tom Homan | “President Trump is saving thousands of lives every month when 90, 95% less people come in.” | | 2:36:48 | Byron Donalds | “If someone disagrees with you, fine, so what? But if you’re going to be in this movement long term, you got to have a spirit of power.” | | 3:02:25 | Andy Biggs | “Look at that legacy. Look at the movement. Look at the energy. This is the future of American politics right here... Get your rest, get together. We’re going to trust in God.” |
Conclusion
Day 4 of AMFest 2025 pulses with reverence for Charlie Kirk’s legacy, bolstering faith and family, and bold rallying cries for youth engagement and political battle in the culture war. Through stirring keynote addresses, policy-heavy panels, and emotional personal stories, leaders and newcomers alike vow to continue the “America First” mission, safeguard the nation’s spiritual and physical borders, and build a movement ready for generational endurance.
Themes: Faith as foundation, generational change, anti-establishment energy, border security, populist nationalism, unity, and readiness for the challenges ahead.
To experience the energy of AMFest, its emphasis on Christian revival, MAGA populism, and calls for youth-driven political renewal, this episode offers a vivid real-time cross-section of the modern American conservative movement.