Real America’s Voice – AmericaFest 2025 (Phoenix, AZ)

December 19, 2025, 7pm Hour | iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This special AmericaFest 2025 episode, hosted live from Phoenix by Real America’s Voice, delves into the intersecting themes of faith, freedom, American identity, and political coalition-building. The hosts and an array of guests—from grassroots attendees to high-profile activists and commentators—address pressing issues facing the conservative movement: the legacy of Charlie Kirk, challenges after January 6, prison and justice reform, building diverse coalitions (especially among Hispanic voters), culture wars, and the fight against extremism both on the left and the right. The event climaxes with deeply personal reflections, passionate calls for unity, moving tributes, and a message to the next generation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

I. The Significance of AmericaFest & Grassroots Voices

[03:13–04:55]

• Amfest Atmosphere: The broadcast kicks off amid jubilant energy, showcasing Amfest as a celebration of the "America First" movement, youth engagement, and coalition-building across the conservative landscape.
• Grassroots Testimony:
  • Sharon, an attendee from Virginia, shares her motivation for coming:
  • “I felt the calling again. …I want our country to be saved because I’m so scared of what’s going to happen if we don’t save it.” (04:31, Sharon)
  • Concern about local politics, schools, and the newly elected governor.
  • Expresses hope at seeing so many like-minded people rallying for the country and the future.

II. Second Chances, Prison Reform, and January 6th Reflections

[06:08–13:08]

• Redemption & Presidential Pardons:
  • Guests share stories of being pardoned by Trump and using second chances to give back (e.g., working in minority communities, advocating prison reform).
  • “With the first step back, over 40,000 people benefited. And no one's giving him his credit.” (07:04, H)
• Advice to Youth:
  • “Give yourself some grace. Love yourself and be. Be kind to yourself.” (08:26, F)
  • “Don’t take no shortcuts… try to continue to have a relationship with God…” (08:45, H)
• Political Accountability:
  • Critique of politicians’ performative support for January 6th defendants.
  • “They're serving themselves. They're not representing their constituents in their communities. …They’re not passing any legislation that benefits me.” (10:05, F)
• Prison System Reform:
  • Need to focus on job training and opportunities post-release, with praise for "Core 4" rehabilitation programs.
  • Hope expressed in new Department of Justice leadership (“Josh Smith is doing an amazing job. …he's going to do some great things.” (13:08, H))

III. Building Conservative Coalitions & Fighting Division

[18:18–21:39]

• Celebrating Unity Amidst Diversity:
  • Anticipation for Steve Bannon’s speech; panelists praise the “arena of ideas” within conservatism, contrasting it with perceived group-think on the left.
  • Cautions against “division and distraction” as tools of the “devil” to undermine the movement.
  • “The left talks about fake diversity all the time. You come to a Turning Point event… we’re bringing together coalitions of all different groups.” (19:31, G)
• Scott Pressler on Election Tactics:
  • Importance of expanding voting methods (early, mail-in) to counteract “low propensity” voters in the Republican base.
  • “If we don’t provide more opportunities, not fewer opportunities to vote, that’s how we lose elections… You can’t change the system unless you win.” (21:51, I)

IV. Engaging the Hispanic Community & Countering Media Narratives

[22:59–25:58]

• Discussion led by host Javier and Scott Pressler:
  • Concerns about diminished Hispanic turnout and influence in recent key races.
  • Critique of mainstream Hispanic media (Univision, Telemundo, CNN Español) for misrepresenting conservative policies—especially Trump’s stance on immigration and crime.
  • “We need Scott Pressler in the Hispanic community. …All the Hispanic community in media are Democrats, are globalists and Soros is buying a lot of media.” (24:03, D)
  • Mutual pledges to collaborate and amplify outreach to Hispanic voters, highlighting the importance of accurate economic messaging.

V. International Trends & Global Anti-Globalism

[26:43–27:35]

• Conversation shifts to the “right-wing wave” in South America (e.g., Javier Milei, Bukele) as inspiration for US conservatives.
  • “It’s ironic because I am an anti-globalist, but what we need is a global fight against globalism…” (26:51, I)

VI. The Legacy of Charlie Kirk: Unity, Division & Extremism

Rob Schneider’s Tribute & Warnings
[27:51–45:26]

• Emotional Eulogy for Charlie Kirk
  • Schneider recounts Kirk’s unique ability to foster dialogue, resist extremism, and inspire a new generation.
  • Warns against the dangers of letting “the most extreme voices” define the conservative movement.
  • Draws parallels between ancient Rome’s gladiatorial coliseum and today’s digital “bloodsport” culture:
  • “Our coliseum is Twitter. It’s Facebook, it’s cable news, it’s social media.” (29:16, E)
  • Praises the conservative community’s nonviolent response to Kirk’s death:
  • “You murder one of ours, and we come together with candles and pray. …That’s the difference.” (44:27, G)
• Quotes on Extremism
  • “If we let the extremists fill the void Charlie left instead of the reasonable, rational voices… then we will lose. …We will become unelectable and everything Charlie built will be for naught.” (29:16, E)
  • “Charlie said he wanted to be remembered for courage and faith. And he will be. Always.” (41:55, E)

VII. American Identity: Rejecting Both Left & ‘Heritage Only’ Right

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Keynote [48:24–63:11]

• Denunciation of ‘Woke’ Left and ‘Heritage-only’ Right
  • Refutes the idea that being an “American” is tied to lineage, race, or heritage.
  • “There is no American who is more American than somebody else. …It is binary. Either you’re an American or you’re not.” (48:24, C)
  • “Our lineage is not our strength. Our true strength is what unites us across that diversity and through that lineage.” (52:54, C)
• The Meaning of Conservatism Today
  • Conservatism is about upholding 1776’s ideals: merit, rule of law, free speech, patriotism.
  • “There is no Canadian dream. …It is the American dream that makes American exceptionalism possible.” (54:14, C)
• Drawing Boundaries
  • Excludes racism, anti-Semitism, and glorification of extremist figures from the conservative movement:
  • “If you believe that Hitler was pretty fucking cool, you have no place in the future of the conservative movement.” (56:30, C)
• Responsibility & Agency
  • Urges Gen Z and all Americans to reject victimhood, take responsibility, and believe in the American Dream.
  • “The number one factor that determines whether each and every one of you achieves your goals in life is actually you.” (58:39, C)
  • “Sometimes you have to believe it to see it. That is what faith in our country is all about.” (62:54, C)

VIII. Culture, Media, and the Battle for Narrative

[45:15–48:14]

• Culture as Battleground
  • Guests Nicole No Grady and Deepak discuss their faith-based work to counter the “spiritual stronghold” of mainstream Hollywood and create uplifting music/entertainment.
  • “Hollywood is where the foreground of the spiritual battle is, because it’s what people see on TV that really changes their mind and their thought patterns.” (45:26, A)
  • “I think empowerment is a really important way to think about music, think about life. …It’s about winning. It’s about affirmations…” (46:45, I)
  • The digital shift offers new opportunities for culture warriors on the right.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We got these guys up on stage right now, the J6ers, the incarcerated, unjustly incarcerated. …How much hope does this give you?” (05:00, G)
• “Don’t let your heart be troubled. The Bible tells us to fear not.” (05:50, G)
• “With the first step back, over 40,000 people benefited. …No one’s giving him his credit.” (07:04, H)
• “We are the low propensity party. …If we don’t provide more opportunities, not fewer opportunities to vote, that’s how we lose elections.” (21:51, I)
• “The left talks about fake diversity all the time. …We’re bringing together coalitions of all different groups.” (19:31, G)
• “Our coliseum is Twitter. It’s Facebook, it’s cable news. …When Charlie Kirk was murdered… there were people that celebrated.” (29:16, E)
• “Charlie Kirk was only interested in the pursuit of the divine truth and love of family and country and freedom and saving the republic.” (30:01, E)
• “If we let the extremists fill the void Charlie left… then we will lose. …We will become unelectable and everything Charlie built will be for naught.” (31:38, E)
• “Our true strength is what unites us across that diversity and through that lineage. That is what makes this country more distinctive than any other country on planet Earth.” (52:54, C)
• “If you believe that Hitler was pretty fucking cool, you have no place in the future of the conservative movement.” (56:30, C)
• “The number one factor that determines whether each and every one of you achieves your goals in life is actually you.” (58:39, C)
• “Sometimes you have to believe it to see it. That is what faith in our country is all about.” (62:54, C)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:13] – Show opens from AmericaFest in Phoenix; interview with grassroots attendee Sharon.
• [06:08–13:08] – Pardoned ex-inmates discuss redemption, personal change, and systemic reform.
• [19:31] – Coalition-building, division and “fake diversity” in politics.
• [21:51] – Scott Pressler makes the case for ballot-chasing and voting reform.
• [24:03] – Hispanic outreach and media criticism, cultural influence discussed.
• [27:51–45:26] – Rob Schneider’s emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk and warning about extremism.
• [48:24–63:11] – Vivek Ramaswamy keynote: American identity, unity, and the battle for the future of conservatism.
• [45:15] – Cultural icons on battling Hollywood’s “spiritual stronghold.”
• [63:11] – Close of substantive content, lead-in to Steve Bannon’s segment.

Summary Takeaway

AmericaFest 2025, as presented by Real America’s Voice, doubles as a memorial for Charlie Kirk, a reflection on the current state and future of the conservative movement, and a passionate call for greater unity, personal empowerment, cultural renewal, and principled boundary-setting. The episode’s personal testimonies and keynote speeches reinforce an ongoing project to build bridges within the conservative coalition whilst resisting both left-wing and right-wing extremism. Speakers uplift the ideals of faith, merit, candid debate, and the American Dream as essential for the country’s endurance and renewal.