Real America’s Voice – American Sunrise: October 23, 2025
Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Title: American Sunrise – October 23, 2025
Date: October 23, 2025
Overview
This American Sunrise episode features the Real America’s Voice team (David Brody, Terrence Bates, Emily Finn, Tracy Anthony) tackling major news stories of the day through a lens emphasizing American values, conservative perspective, and spirited analysis. The show focuses on the ongoing government shutdown, U.S. sanctions against Russia, drug boat strikes, cultural controversies, health news, economic updates, and unique faith-related stories, enriched by expert guests and energetic exchanges.
Key Topics & Segments
1. Government Shutdown & Debt Crisis
Timestamps: 06:40–11:50, 16:14–17:35, 61:04–62:15
- Democrats using the shutdown as 'leverage':
- Clip of House Democrat Catherine Clark explaining the shutdown is used for political leverage.
- Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) Guest Commentary:
- Decries Democrats’ alleged strategy as “unconscionable.”
- “They're using it as a weapon, and it's unbelievable that they would resort to that.” ([07:07])
- Connects the shutdown tactics to previous Democrat spending votes and criticizes lack of presidential leadership.
- Discussion on growing national debt, now topping $38 trillion.
- “To me, $38 trillion is unconscionable, Congressman.” – Terrence Bates ([08:19])
- Republicans argue for fiscal conservatism, criticize Democratic proposals to add $1.7 trillion in spending.
Notable Quote:
“We ought to be doing something about [waste, fraud, and abuse], not adding to it — yet that's the Democrats' ploy.”
– Rep. Randy Weber ([08:55])
2. U.S. Sanctions & Foreign Policy on Russia
Timestamps: 03:10–06:13, 18:57–20:11, 26:28–32:31, 68:00–68:47
- New Sanctions: President Trump targeting Rosneft and LUKOIL (constituting half of Russia’s oil output) to pressure Putin on Ukraine.
- “These are very big sanctions...against their two big oil companies.” – President Trump ([03:33], [68:03])
- Experts and hosts elaborate on challenges if China and India keep buying Russian oil.
- Statistical recap: Russia currently holds 85-90% of Donbas, and 11% of Ukrainian territory (up from 4% before the war).
- Dr. Rebecca Grant (IRIS Independent Research):
- Explains sanctions’ importance but cautions their limited effect if China/India continue trade.
- Suggests only increased military and financial pressure from both U.S. and Ukraine will move Putin.
- “China’s green light is what allowed all of this to happen.” ([31:26])
Notable Quote:
“What Trump is saying is, like, look, Putin, Vlad, take the deal, man… You got 85% of the Donbas region… take the victory, take the W, if you will. That’s what Trump is telling them. And Putin’s like, no, no, no, no, we’re going for the whole enchilada.”
– David Brody ([04:39])
3. U.S. Drug Boat Strikes
Timestamps: 11:51–13:00, 17:36–18:06, 63:29–64:41
- Trump administration’s ongoing military strikes targeting suspected narco-trafficking boats in the East Pacific and Caribbean.
- “If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, then stop sending drug boats to the United States.” – Sec. Marco Rubio ([17:36])
- Host and congressman emphasize U.S. military intelligence and legal authority for these strikes.
- Hints at possible future strikes against land-based targets with congressional notification.
Notable Quote:
“The president is right on track… he’s sending a message to the narco-terrorists that they can’t keep sending these drugs to America. We’re going to make sure they pay an ultimate price every time they try.”
– Rep. Randy Weber ([12:18])
4. Israel-Hamas Peace Deal and Middle East
Timestamps: 25:26–28:20
- U.S. Mediation Efforts:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio and VP J.D. Vance meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu to advance ceasefire and Gaza stabilization.
- Dr. Rebecca Grant Analysis:
- Discussion of “multinational force” involving Indonesia, Egypt, and Turkey to stabilize Gaza.
- Emphasizes need for building up Palestinian police, careful engagement with Muslim-majority peacekeepers.
- Assurance that the U.S. will likely maintain command and control.
5. Health News & American Nutrition
Timestamps: 35:09–43:45
- GLP1 Diabetes/Weight Loss Drugs & Sleep Apnea:
- New studies show possible lifesaving benefits (20% lower risk of death).
- Dr. Ben Carson’s New Role at USDA:
- Appointed national advisor for nutrition, health, and housing.
- Focus on curbing rising autism rates, food processing, and overall American health.
- “What do you have that's more important than your health? … Our expected life expectancy is stable or decreasing, whereas most other industrialized nations, theirs is increasing.” ([39:14], [41:00])
6. Cultural & “Woke” Controversies
Timestamps: 46:33–51:45, 109:47–114:02
-
NYC Mayoral Candidate Zoran Mamdani’s Race-Based Tax Proposal:
- Proposal to lower property taxes for predominantly minority neighborhoods, raise them in affluent/white areas.
- Hosts criticize the plan as divisive, “woke,” and damaging to New York’s future.
- “He’s got no chance... Zoran Mamdani has pretty much, I think, got this thing wrapped up.” – Terrence Bates ([47:31])
- “What he’s really talking about here is the advantaged and the disadvantaged in terms of neighborhoods.” – David Brody ([49:11])
-
Jen Psaki “Blink Four Times” Controversy:
- Former press secretary’s comments about VP J.D. Vance’s wife perceived as in poor taste; hosts call it “classless.”
- “Certain things are just out of bounds in my mind… going after a family member or wife who hasn’t really done anything, for me, is out of bounds.” – Terrence Bates ([113:16])
7. Crime, Immigration & Security
Timestamps: 94:03–99:52
- DHS Sec. Kristi Noem Touts Crackdown:
- Nearly 480,000 illegal aliens arrested in nine months, 70% with criminal records.
- “What Trump has accomplished for the American people is nothing short of extraordinary.” – Kristi Noem ([94:49])
- Steve Gruber Guest Segment:
- Argues for “three strikes and you’re out” laws; National Guard deployment to restore law and order in violent cities.
- “We can’t make America truly great again unless we save our great cities like New York, Washington, Chicago…” ([97:53])
8. Economic Updates
Timestamps: 83:41–89:09
- Walmart Drops H1B Visa Workers:
- Hosts debate American labor vs. imported workers—“What a concept. Walmart, give me a break.” – Jake Novak ([84:28])
- Obamacare Health Insurance Costs:
- Now at $27,000 average annually for families, blamed for rising costs across the board.
- Tax Planning & Secret Deductions:
- Julio Gonzalez and Duke Tanner Segment:
- Practical advice on last-minute deductions and grant opportunities for individuals and businesses ([101:55]).
- Julio Gonzalez and Duke Tanner Segment:
9. Unique and Uplifting Stories
Timestamps: 55:05–57:08, 116:37–119:20
- Pennsylvania Institutes “Day of the Bible”:
- September 12 declared official Day of the Bible, described as reclaiming heritage and faith in public life.
- Testimony of viewer traveling cross-country to attend church after seeing Real America’s Voice.
- St. Francis of Assisi’s Remains to Go on Display:
- 800th anniversary event in Italy, extraordinary opening of sealed tomb to the public in 2026.
- “It bridges kind of history and faith, and brings them together, makes it more real.” – Terrence Bates ([117:56])
Standout Quotes & Moments
-
On the Government Shutdown:
“It's unconscionable. She literally pointed out that they're using this shutdown as a weapon.”
— Rep. Randy Weber ([07:07]) -
On the Russia-Ukraine War:
“Trump is saying... Vlad, take the deal, man… What Russia has right there in Eastern Ukraine... just take the W.”
— David Brody ([04:39]) -
On Drug Boat Strikes:
“If people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, then stop sending drug boats to the United States.”
— Secretary of State Marco Rubio ([17:36]) -
On NYC Race-Based Tax Proposal:
“Every time I see a headline about this Mamdani guy... I can't believe he's getting so much traction in New York City.”
— Emily Finn ([46:33]) -
On Urban Crime:
“We can’t make America truly great again unless we save our great cities.”
— Steve Gruber ([97:53])
Additional Noteworthy Segments
- Weather Updates & Community Engagement:
Multiple segments provide tailored forecasts for viewers from all over the country, encouraging audience interaction ([20:16], [65:40]). - Audience-Focused Faith Stories:
Inspiring faith moments and testimonies featured throughout ([55:05–57:08]). - Regular “Sofa” Product Segments and ad reads (not summarized here per instructions).
Episode Flow & Tone
American Sunrise blends traditional news with sharp, sometimes sardonic commentary, high audience engagement, camaraderie between hosts, and spirited expert interviews. The panel keeps a lively, conversational tone and leans into humor, patriotism, and Christian values while discussing policy, government, and cultural issues. Recurring themes: distrust of Democratic leadership, promotion of fiscal conservatism, pro-Trump administration achievements, and outrage at perceived “woke” or left-leaning policies.
For Further Listening
- For more on national security and border issues, listen to Steve Gruber’s afternoon program.
- Faith-oriented viewers are invited to Revival Today with Jonathan Shuttlesworth, Sundays at 9am (REV network).
- For daily weather, tune in to Tracy Anthony’s Weather Nation updates.