Podcast Summary: American Sunrise - September 19th, 2025
Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Episode: American Sunrise - September 19th, 2025
Date: September 19, 2025
Hosts: David Brody, Terrence Bates, Dr. Gina
Key Guests: Rep. Tim Burchett, Former President Donald Trump (clip), Former FBI Agent Jonathan Gilliam, Rep. Randy Weber, Dr. Frank Turek, Donna Fiducia, J6 defendants, Joe Bob
Overview
This episode of American Sunrise provides in-depth coverage and heartfelt commentary on a pivotal week for American conservatives, centered on the memorial service for Charlie Kirk following his assassination. The show also analyzes current political tensions, government stability, high-profile political appointments, escalating political violence, and the broader implications of culture wars. Throughout, the hosts and guests contextualize events within American values and Christian faith, emphasizing the themes of unity, resilience, justice, and hope.
Main Themes
- Reflections and preparations for Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, including leadership changes at Turning Point USA.
- Rising political violence and the response from lawmakers and thought leaders.
- Government shutdown threats and legislative battles.
- Reaction to ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel following comments about Kirk’s assassination.
- The designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization by President Trump.
- Ongoing debates over free speech, media responsibility, and double standards in justice.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Remembering Charlie Kirk
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Memorial Service Plans (07:45–14:20, 1:02:00–1:16:00, 1:57:00–2:07:00)
- Hosts express emotional weight of the week and describe Kirk’s assassination as a historical turning point.
- Dr. Gina: “I have a feeling that's kind of the direction this is going to go...the thing to remember is to keep those, especially those closest to Charlie…in your prayers, because it comes in waves.” (11:55)
- Announced Erica Kirk (Charlie’s widow) is unanimously elected CEO & chair of Turning Point USA, per Charlie’s wishes.
- Memorial service at State Farm Stadium expected to draw tens of thousands, with live coverage promised by RAV.
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President Trump’s Tribute (19:40)
- Excerpt from Trump’s statements:
“Just last week, a great American, Charlie Kirk, was heinously assassinated for speaking his mind…he was a great young man, incredible future.” (19:40) - Trump, J.D. Vance, Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump Jr. to speak at the service.
- Excerpt from Trump’s statements:
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Dr. Frank Turek’s Emotional Eyewitness Account (1:16:00–1:22:00)
- Dr. Frank Turek, who was on stage with Kirk at the time, recounts the chaos and desperate efforts to save Kirk:
“Charlie Kirk was literally like a son to me. When he was hit, if your son got hit, what would you do?...We were giving him CPR, but nothing was happening…it wasn’t like if we had...better medical facilities...we could have saved him. We couldn’t.” (1:17:35) - Stresses that Kirk “was killed instantly and felt absolutely no pain…he was with Jesus, absent from the body, present with the Lord.” (1:19:05)
- The segment is deeply affecting for the hosts and listeners alike.
- Dr. Frank Turek, who was on stage with Kirk at the time, recounts the chaos and desperate efforts to save Kirk:
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Reaction to the Outpouring (1:57:00–2:07:00)
- Joe Bob (host, Turning Point Tonight): “It just shows how much of an impact one man could have…there are football teams that can't fill those stadiums, and there are going to be 70,000...all there for one guy who...changed the country for the better.” (2:03:30)
- Erica Kirk’s tribute to Charlie is highlighted, describing him as “in athlete mode, training for this exact moment…admired for his greatness forever.” (2:00:00)
Political Violence, Radicalization, and Security
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Congressional and Guest Reflections (19:50–30:05, 1:30:00–1:44:30)
- Rep. Tim Burchett shares last conversation with Kirk, urges “real revival in this country, not just some flash in the pan.” (30:10)
- Debates around the rhetoric used by political figures, and a critique of how cultural institutions are “indoctrinated” to encourage division.
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J.D. Vance (clip), Jonathan Gilliam Assessment (56:11–1:02:00)
- Sen. J.D. Vance: “My friend is dead because of left wing political radicalization...That is not a both sides problem.” (56:50)
- Jonathan Gilliam, ex-FBI agent, concurs:
“That is the reality of the biggest national security threat in this country...this radicalization by the left...making Antifa a terrorist group is the first and greatest thing Trump could do.” (1:00:20)
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House Resolution Honoring Kirk (2:08:00–2:17:00)
- Rep. Randy Weber addresses expectations for bipartisan support of a resolution honoring Kirk and condemning political violence.
- “We need to stay here and do the people’s work...I’m all in favor of that.” (2:13:25)
- Debates censure of Rep. Ilhan Omar, who “mocked Charlie Kirk’s assassination,” and upholds the need for civility and unity in the House.
Media, Free Speech, and Cultural Response
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Jimmy Kimmel / ABC Controversy (1:08:00–1:18:00)
- Ongoing fallout over ABC’s indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel after comments on Kirk’s assassination.
- Curtis Haack (Media Research Center): “No one has a right to a television show...advertisers were starting to complain...they spoke to Kimmel...he was going to double down...they said, this guy doesn't get it. He needs to be put in time out.” (1:09:50)
- CNN’s Brian Stelter and President Obama (clip) decry chilling effects on free speech, but hosts note a double standard for conservative voices.
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Culture War Business Fallout (1:20:00–1:27:00)
- Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield quits, claiming attacks on free speech and company independence.
- Dr. Gina: “Let Ben and Jerry’s do all their stupidity and lose money…there’s so many good ice creams on our side. Parallel economy, guys.” (1:25:30)
- Brody: “No, actually, Jerry, it is actually about the ice cream. Just give me some ice cream.” (1:26:20)
January 6th, Double Standards, and Justice
- Segment on J6 Defendants (2:25:00–2:38:00)
- Donna Fiducia: “Compare Antifa to the reaction of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. You had people for years…blowing up cities, causing mayhem…with Charlie Kirk’s assassination, you have vigils, prayers, singing.” (2:26:10)
- J6er Robert Morse: “The next three and a half years after [graduating college], I would be behind bars…because I believe Trump did win in the 2020 election.” (2:29:36)
- Olivia Pollock shares that despite running from the government, “That message that my dad…Trump had us invited to his home…was hope.” (2:31:01)
- Both discuss coping, spiritual support, and the importance of unity and hope.
Faith, Perspective, and Moving Forward
- Bible Reflection and Commentary (15:30, 1:23:00–1:26:00)
- Dr. Gina shares 1 John 2:15–17 and discusses the importance of keeping faith and perspective amidst turmoil:
“The world is passing away…he who does the will of God abides forever.” (15:50) - Jim Mosley (Bible History Guy) points to the resilience and faith of Paul the Apostle, exhorting listeners to “rejoice in the Lord, like Paul says. Again, I say, rejoice.” (1:24:40)
- Emphasizes the sustaining power of faith and unity amid tragedy and national strife.
- Dr. Gina shares 1 John 2:15–17 and discusses the importance of keeping faith and perspective amidst turmoil:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “It is a turning point for our country, particularly for conservatives...the mood at Turning Point USA just days ahead of the final goodbye.” — David Brody (09:40)
- “He was killed instantly and felt absolutely no pain. That’s what I was told later...he was gone. He was with Jesus, absent from the body, present with the Lord.” — Dr. Frank Turek (1:19:05)
- “My friend is dead because of left wing political radicalization. That is not a both sides problem.” — Senator J.D. Vance (56:50)
- “You have vigils, you have prayers, you have singing. That is exactly what happened on January 6 until the police riled up the crowd by shooting rubber bullets and tear gas.” — Donna Fiducia (2:26:15)
- “Let Ben and Jerry’s do all their stupidity and lose money. Forget Ben and Jerry’s. They’re dust in the wind.” — Dr. Gina (1:25:30)
- “Greater is God than all our troubles. So I say, rejoice in the Lord, like Paul says. Again, I say, rejoice.” — Jim Mosley (1:24:40)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 07:45–14:20 — Memorial Service Planning, Erica Kirk appointed CEO/TPUSA
- 19:40 — President Trump’s Statement on Charlie Kirk
- 30:10 — Rep. Tim Burchett on Kirk’s legacy and the need for revival
- 56:11–1:02:00 — J.D. Vance and Jonathan Gilliam on left-wing radicalization
- 1:08:00–1:18:00 — ABC suspending Jimmy Kimmel, media reactions
- 1:16:00–1:22:00 — Dr. Frank Turek’s first-hand account of Kirk’s final moments
- 1:23:00–1:26:00 — Jim Mosley: Finding joy through faith amidst crisis
- 1:20:00–1:27:00 — Ben & Jerry’s business, woke branding segment
- 1:57:00–2:07:00 — Charlie Kirk memorial preview, tributes
- 2:08:00–2:17:00 — Rep. Randy Weber: Congressional efforts, honor resolution, censure debate
- 2:25:00–2:38:00 — Donna Fiducia, January 6th segment, J6ers share stories and hope
The Show’s Tone & Takeaways
American Sunrise maintains an emotional, community-minded, and faith-grounded tone. The tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination casts a shadow over the episode, driving discussions about unity, vigilant citizenship, resilience, and the importance of preserving traditional American values and free speech. The hosts aim to comfort their audience, call for action and prayer, and offer context beyond headline news, amplifying the voices and testimonies of those directly affected by political violence and social upheaval.
In Short:
This episode is both a memorial and a rallying point. It honors Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy, examines the deeper causes and dangers of escalating political violence, scrutinizes media and institutional responses, and ties it all together with appeals for faith-based optimism and American perseverance.
