American Sunrise – November 17, 2025
Real America's Voice – iHeartPodcasts
Overview – Main Theme and Purpose
This episode of American Sunrise delivers a fast-paced, opinionated round-up of the day’s major political and cultural stories from a conservative, “America First” perspective. The panel—Dr. Gina, David Brody, Terrence Bates, and guests—unpack the ongoing political rift between Donald Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), a key vote to release the Epstein files, national immigration crackdowns, Venezuela policy, and culture war issues including developments in the Catholic Church and Michelle Obama 2028 speculation. The episode blends news analysis, interviews, biblical inspiration, and audience engagement with a colloquial, sometimes feisty tone.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump vs. Marjorie Taylor Greene Feud
[04:37, 74:42, 114:04]
- The Breakup: Donald Trump publicly rescinds support for MTG, calling her a "traitor" after policy disagreements, notably over the Epstein files.
- MTG Responds: Emphasizes loyalty to Trump and America First but calls out toxic political fighting.
- “I have something in my heart...to end the toxic fighting in politics. And this has been going on for years. And it has divided our country, split up friends and families, neighbors, and it's not solving our problems.” (MTG, [05:24])
- On being called a "traitor": “That is so extremely wrong...words used that can radicalize people against me and put my life in danger.” (MTG, [115:17])
- Panel Reaction: Casts feud as “family squabble,” worries about distraction ahead of midterms.
- “We don't have the margins to be at each other's throats right now. We've got so much we need to accomplish.” (Rep. Jimmy Petronas, [79:15])
- “I, for one, am not willing to cede America First or MAGA or any of that. We've all worked too hard for too long.” (Dr. Gina, [75:09])
- Big Picture Message: Unity and reconciliation are stressed to avoid letting Democrats capitalize on the split.
2. Epstein Files Vote & Transparency Debate
[06:16, 10:06, 11:09, 85:33, 116:43]
- Upcoming Vote: House expected to vote on releasing all Epstein-related documents.
- Trump (now) Supports Release: “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files. Nothing to hide.” (Trump, quoted at [10:06])
- Concerns Raised:
- “If there was anything juicy left in these files...I think it would have already been leaked by now.” (GOP strategist Armin Kurdian, [11:09])
- “My biggest concern ... some people may just get damaged ancillary in this release.” (Kurdian, [11:09])
- “Wouldn't you rather see that than someone who did something criminal...go unreleased?” (Dr. Gina, [12:02])
- Panel Angle: Democrats may regret pushing for this if files implicate prominent liberals, with some suggesting Trump outsmarted critics.
- “Careful what you wish for, Democrats...you might not want what you get.” (Steve Gruber, [116:43])
3. National Security and International Affairs
Venezuela Policy & Immigration Enforcement
[26:39–33:58]
- On Venezuela: Trump teases decision on dealing with Maduro’s regime, with options including airstrikes and diplomatic pressure.
- “We cannot ignore a narco state backed by Beijing and Moscow...if the US is our house, the western hemisphere is our backyard.” (Retired Navy SEAL Mike Sorelli, [27:12])
- “For a guy who's ended so many wars, I don't think he's going to easily enter into one.” (Sorelli, [29:07])
- Charlotte ICE Operation: Federal agents conducted mass arrests of undocumented immigrants in Charlotte, NC.
- “Enforcing those immigration laws is not extreme. That's basic governance.” (Sorelli, [30:27])
- Panel voices support, blames Biden for prior laxness, and frames the crackdown as commonsense leadership.
Israel & Middle East Peace
[31:23]
- Israel Stance: Citing Netanyahu’s refusal of a Palestinian state as UN debates Gaza.
- “This is the typical UN Globalist mafia inserting themselves...We haven't even disarmed Hamas yet.” (Sorelli, [31:23])
- “Arab problems are best dealt with Arab hands. The Arab states need to step up here...” (Sorelli, [33:34])
- Panel Caution: Advocates measured US involvement, emphasizing regional actors’ responsibility.
4. Congressional Dysfunction, Shutdown, and “Draining the Swamp”
[91:30]
- Government Waste: HHS reports $250M in improper Medicaid payments, some to deceased recipients; similar SNAP program issues.
- “There's a whole lot of waste and ability abuse in our federal government.” (Terrence, [92:27])
- DOGE Program: Discussion of the anti-waste “DOGE” initiative, previously fronted by Elon Musk, now continuing quietly.
- “DOGE is still active and the efforts are still underway...just, you don’t have the face of Elon Musk there.” (David Brody, [93:30])
5. Cultural Flashpoints
Vatican-Holywood Elite Meetings & Catholic Discontent
[52:10–57:21]
- Pope Leo XIV Hosts Hollywood Liberals: Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett attend; conservative Catholics not invited.
- “What in the heck is this guy doing? What a mockery of God's faithful in the Catholic Church to be worried about rubbing elbows with Hollywood elite.” (Dr. Gina, [56:07])
- “All the popes since Pope John Paul...have been just not what the average Catholic that I know [wants]. And I just feel bad for them.” (Dr. Gina, [56:07])
- “If [the Pope] is doing stuff that’s just not biblical...we can go down the list...” (David Brody, [56:49])
- Panel Emphasis: Frustration with current Church direction, call for “traditional biblical values.”
Michelle Obama President Speculation
[131:47]
- Michelle Obama says the US “ain’t ready” for a woman president, rules out a run.
- “You insulted the entire American people. Did you hear that, America? You have a lot of growing up.” (Dr. Gina, [132:52])
- Panel disputes her reasoning, arguing that conservative women have risen internationally.
Biblical & Faith Focus
[10:06, 62:52]
- Daily Bible verse and “Moment of Faith” segments interwoven.
- “Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it.” (Dr. Gina quoting Isaiah 30:21, [10:06])
- Interview with Rabbi Jason Sobel on the prophetic links between Old and New Testaments.
- “He had to be buried in a rich man's tomb. A garden tomb...where did sin enter the world? In a garden. He had to correct it in a garden.” (Rabbi Sobel, [62:52])
- Panel members express amazement at the new scriptural insights.
6. Economy, Taxes & Wealth Building
[43:41, 102:09–104:12]
- Tax Advice and Second Chances: Interview with Charles “Duke” Tanner, ex-inmate pardoned by Trump, now an advocate for tax/grant access.
- “The First Step Act has helped over 40,000 plus men and women come home early...That’s what I would want the world to know. He's not just helping his friends, he’s helping America.” (Tanner, [45:02])
- Financial News Roundup: Bill Ackman plans for Freddie/Fannie consolidation, Trump's stance on tariffs for grocery costs, skills shortages in blue-collar jobs, and various wealth-building podcast plugs.
7. Other Notable Headlines
- Weather Stories: Heavy rains cause serious flooding in California with risk of mudslides—live weather updates and engagement with viewers for “hometown forecasts.”
- Drug Crisis Update: US military drone attacks on drug boats, efforts to reduce drug-related deaths highlighted as underreported Republican achievements.
- Health News: First documented US fatality from red meat allergy triggered by tick bite; promotion of wellness and nutrition products.
- Uplifting Story: Woman saves friend’s life over a video call; panel ties personal crisis to the theme of “misery becomes ministry.”
Notable Quotes & Moments (with timestamps)
- On the Trump–MTG feud:
- “We can just disagree on policy...But when people take it to another level, there’s no excuse for that.”
— Brian Glenn, [08:59]
- “We can just disagree on policy...But when people take it to another level, there’s no excuse for that.”
- On transparency vs. privacy in Epstein files:
- “Wouldn't you rather see that than someone who did something criminal, especially to a young girl, go unmentioned or unreleased?”
— Dr. Gina, [12:02]
- “Wouldn't you rather see that than someone who did something criminal, especially to a young girl, go unmentioned or unreleased?”
- On Venezuela:
- “For a guy who’s ended so many wars, I don’t think he's going to easily enter into one.”
— Mike Sorelli, [29:07]
- “For a guy who’s ended so many wars, I don’t think he's going to easily enter into one.”
- On Catholic Leadership:
- “What a mockery of God's faithful...to be worried about getting to rub elbows with Hollywood elite. It sickens me, to be honest.”
— Dr. Gina, [56:07]
- “What a mockery of God's faithful...to be worried about getting to rub elbows with Hollywood elite. It sickens me, to be honest.”
- On Draining the Swamp:
- “I think that's part of the reason Doge was so popular...because it was finally being addressed, it was finally coming to light, and we felt like our tax dollars were actually being protected.”
— Terrence Bates, [92:27]
- “I think that's part of the reason Doge was so popular...because it was finally being addressed, it was finally coming to light, and we felt like our tax dollars were actually being protected.”
- On Michelle Obama’s remarks:
- “She insulted the entire American people. Did you hear that America? You have a lot of growing up. Who the heck do you think you are?”
— Dr. Gina, [132:52]
- “She insulted the entire American people. Did you hear that America? You have a lot of growing up. Who the heck do you think you are?”
- On overcoming adversity:
- “Misery becomes ministry. Whatever misery you're suffering right now, God will turn that into your ministry.”
— Dr. Gina, [143:19]
- “Misery becomes ministry. Whatever misery you're suffering right now, God will turn that into your ministry.”
Segment Timestamps (selected highlights)
- Top Story: Trump–MTG Feud & Reactions: [04:37], [74:42], [114:04], [115:02]
- Epstein Files Debate: [10:06], [11:09], [85:33], [116:43]
- Immigration Crackdown/Operation Charlotte’s Web: [15:34], [30:02]
- Venezuela Foreign Policy: [26:39], [29:07]
- Weather Updates (CA Floods): [19:14], [77:55]
- Catholic Church/Culture Segment: [52:10], [56:07]
- Tax/Second Chance Feature with Duke Tanner: [43:41]
- "Moment of Faith"/Rabbi Sobel: [62:52]
- Michelle Obama & Women in Politics Segment: [131:47]
- Government Waste/DOGE Discussion: [91:30]
- Uplifting Human Interest/"Sunny Side Up": [141:07]
Tone & Style
- The panel cultivates an informal, at times punchy, camaraderie, with a mix of humor, faith, and populist bravado.
- Biblical references, spiritual encouragement, and direct audience calls-to-action (join us, scan QR codes) build the “community” mood.
- Analysis is issue-driven but colored by clear ideological alignment and ardent culture war framing.
Conclusion
This episode frames the political moment through the lens of intra-right disputes (Trump–MTG), anti-elite sentiment, faith-based appeals, and populist concerns about transparency, national strength, and cultural authenticity. With news, interviews, and interactive elements, the show advocates unity and action among its audience in anticipation of the coming midterms, aiming to keep focus on shared values and common foes.
