Podcast Summary: American Sunrise Early Edition
Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Host: Alison Hans with Brian Glenn and contributors
Date: January 13, 2026
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced review of urgent current events in America and abroad—from intensifying protests linked to Iran, to federal law enforcement under siege, domestic policy shifts on homeownership, foreign military action, and the ongoing debate on transgender participation in sports. The episode emphasizes American values, security, and freedom while calling out the perceived failures of progressive leadership.
1. Introduction – A Nation on Edge
(00:00–02:48)
- Opening tone: The show highlights a period of significant unrest.
- Topics previewed:
- Iran’s overt warnings to the US and growing violence in Iranian protests, spilling over into American streets.
- Federal law enforcement, especially ICE, under attack; assaults on agents drastically increasing.
- Legislative and political responses, with commentary from officials including Senator Ron Johnson.
- Promise of honest, unfiltered news (‘Real News, Honest Views’).
2. Iranian Protests Escalate—Tension Spills into U.S.
(02:48–04:17)
Key Points:
- Violent incidents at Iranian regime protests in Los Angeles:
- U-Haul truck drove into a crowd—driver detained, no major injuries.
- Protests in U.S. cities reflect global unrest and raise concerns about domestic security.
- Commentary: American cities like Santa Monica and McLean are centers for the Iranian diaspora and protest activity.
Notable Quote:
"Chaos abroad, tensions spilling into American streets." — Alison Hans (02:48)
3. Federal Agents Targeted: Rising Hostility and ICE Operations
(05:25–12:46)
Video Segment and Interview:
- Viral clip: Border Patrol Commander Greg Bevino’s agents are harassed in St. Paul, MN.
- Commander Greg Bevino (Guest, US Border Patrol):
- Says this hostility is now “a common occurrence,” though most bystanders are supportive.
- Blames inflammatory rhetoric from politicians like Ilhan Omar, Tim Walz, and Mayor Frey for inciting mobs.
- Contrasts peaceful operations in other states with rising violence in MN.
- Argues that state efforts to push out federal agents are “grandstanding” and unconstitutional.
Notable Quotes:
"We have to be on alert. That's, that's for certain, on alert everywhere we go… This doesn't just happen on its own." — Commander Bevino (07:44)
"There's always a causation for this and that causation is those elected leaders, those community leaders and some of those social media influencers. They're fomenting violence for their own needs…" — Commander Bevino (08:31)
"Some of the folks are in the find out phase right now. That's fine. It's going to get better." — Commander Bevino (12:21)
Timestamps for Segments:
- 05:25—Assault video plays
- 06:15—Commander Bevino interview begins
- 09:24—Discussion of AG, lawsuits to remove ICE
- 10:54—State-federal dynamics, National Guard debate
4. Housing Market Shift: “A Real Shot at the American Dream”
(14:06–19:12)
Discussion with Michael Wilkerson (Stormwater Advisors)
- Mortgage rates have dropped to a 3-year low after federal intervention under President Trump.
- Focus: Affordability crisis — Homes now 5x median income, versus 2x historically.
- Steps suggested:
- Increase real wages and supply to match price inflation.
- Keep institutional investors from competing with homebuyers.
- Psychological impact: The renewed sense of possibility for first-time buyers.
- Tax reform in Congress: Elimination of capital gains tax on home sales could invigorate market liquidity.
Notable Quotes:
"If you think about where have people still not been terribly satisfied? It's been on the economy and it's been on rising prices." — Michael Wilkerson (15:00)
"When people feel excluded from the economy, they're excluded from society. Homeownership has been the path to the American dream." — Michael Wilkerson (18:17)
Timestamps:
- 14:48—Wilkerson joins
- 15:00—Economic context, affordability
- 17:29—Advice for young buyers
- 18:17—Psychological turning point
5. Senator Ron Johnson on Security, Fraud & “Make or Break Moment for America”
(23:15–29:13)
Interview:
- America faces a “make or break” test of its values as law enforcement is targeted and left-wing protests escalate.
- Senator Johnson frames the radical left as infiltrating institutions and fueling chaos, emphasizing the contrast between peaceful enforcement and the dangers posed by activists.
- He draws parallels between present protests and past periods of unrest, implying current actions more closely resemble “insurrection” than Jan 6.
- Fraud discussion: Claims government bloat under Democrats leads to record levels of waste and fraud—cites $2.8 trillion in improper payments since 2003, with explicit criticism of new immigrant communities in Minnesota.
Notable Quotes:
"This is a make or break moment for America. Will enough Americans open up their eyes to what is happening, the danger... because of the radical left? That's pretty much the $64,000 question." — Sen. Ron Johnson (24:00)
"They are amateurs. They're very effective... unique in terms of the level of graft and how it's been contained and protected within that community." — Sen. Ron Johnson, on Somali fraud (28:07)
6. Foreign Policy: Trump’s Operation in Venezuela & Iran’s Escalation
(30:49–41:24)
Venezuela Operation:
- President Trump defends the military effort to oust Maduro, citing precedent and “America’s historic fight against tyranny.”
- Contributor Emily Finn: Explains such minor military actions have a long history without requiring congressional approval.
- Internal MAGA split on “America First”—Finn notes debate among Trump supporters about interventionism.
Notable Quotes:
"History shows America has long used force to fight tyranny and protect US Interests." — Alison Hans (30:49)
"It's the ripple effects... especially in terms of drug smuggling... that [have] meaning for Americans." — Emily Finn (33:14)
Iran’s Provocation & US Response
- Iran’s supreme leader posts an image threatening both U.S. presidents.
- Retired SEAL Mike Sorelli argues that the Iranian regime is provoking “total war,” is emboldened, and calls for decisive US action—including potential airstrikes and direct support to protesters.
- Critique of the UN as ineffective and outdated.
- Describes possible US cyber ops and airstrikes; argues for regime change as a path to peace in the Middle East.
- Emotional appeal: Sorelli reflects on fellow soldiers killed by Iranian-backed forces.
Notable Quotes:
"It's like the kid who continually touches the electric fence, gets shocked and never learns." — Mike Sorelli (35:28)
"Now is the time to finally put this regime to bed—to bury him and hopefully remove a cancer from the Middle East." — Mike Sorelli (36:01)
"The UN has become like an HR department for tyrannical despotic leaders... But the UN was a 1945 structure that has failed to adapt." — Mike Sorelli (36:44)
"We who have fought over there would be absolutely 100% aligned and behind President Trump if he does make the decisive decision to conduct airstrikes against Iran." — Mike Sorelli (40:30)
Timestamps:
- 30:49—Trump's Venezuela defense
- 31:33—Emily Finn segment
- 34:14—Iranian regime decried, Sorelli joins
- 37:45—Debate about the UN
- 39:00—Discussion of possible US options
- 40:30—Personal reflection, military perspective
7. Supreme Court: Transgender Athletes & Cultural Debate
(42:55–46:21)
Segment with David Brody:
- Supreme Court to hear arguments on trans athletes’ participation in sports; public largely supports a ban.
- Panel skeptical of transgender claims under the Constitution (“hogwash!”).
- Hosts reflect on real-world cases and propose legislative responses like the “Protect Children’s Innocence Act.”
- Cultural pushback: Panel bemoans the impact of “T” activists on the broader LGB community and questions rapid shifts in societal norms.
Notable Quotes:
"The question really is, do these transgender athletes have a constitutional right to, in essence, play where they want to play?... I say hogwash..." — David Brody (42:55)
"Parents 10, 20 years ago would say, this is nuts. But then when the schools and TV and movies are saying this is a totally normal thing, of course the parents are questioning themselves." — Alison Hans (45:25)
"The T's are ruining it for everyone anyway. That's my little rant." — Brian Glenn (45:51)
Timestamps:
- 42:26—Brody segment starts
- 44:10—Chloe Cole case and youth transition debate
- 45:51—Commentary on LGBT activism
8. Tone, Style & Memorable Moments
- The hosts adopt a direct, conversational style, mixing humor and banter with commentary (see repeated jests about 'pink memo' and dress codes).
- Language is urgent, combative, and values-laden: frequent assertions of 'faith,' 'freedom,' and 'common sense', and direct critiques of opponents as radicals.
- Emotional appeals throughout—in support of law enforcement, military veterans, and embattled protesters overseas.
9. Conclusion
- The episode provides a deep dive into unfolding crises at home and abroad, always linking them to American sovereignty, values, and the need for decisive action.
- It is highly opinion-driven, with guests and hosts sharing alignments and skepticism of rivals and institutions (notably the left, the UN, and progressive social trends).
- The repeated focus: this is a pivotal, uncertain moment for America—a “make or break” period requiring resolve and vigilance.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:
This American Sunrise Early Edition offers an unfiltered, urgent briefing and strong viewpoints on America’s political, security, and cultural flash points at the start of 2026. Through interviews, quoted testimony, and candid exchanges, the episode embodies the network’s tagline: “Real News, Honest Views.”
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