Real America’s Voice: America’s Voice Live – Thanksgiving Special (November 27, 2025)

Episode Overview

This special Thanksgiving edition of "America’s Voice Live" with Steve Griffin dives into the roots and meaning of the holiday, the enduring importance of faith and American values, the economic state under President Trump’s second term, gratitude for the military, and ongoing cultural and political debates. The show features in-depth interviews and analyses with guests including Dr. Jerry Newcomb (Executive Director, The Providence Forum), Chris Widener (author), Dan Geltrude (America’s Accountant), Drew Bavona (Navy veteran and attorney), and Bishop E.W. Jackson (Founder, S.T.A.N.D). The episode also features a segment of “What are you thankful for in 2025?” with listener responses, uniting the community around gratitude and American values.

1. Historical Roots & Meaning of Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims, Mayflower, and the First Thanksgiving

Guest: Dr. Jerry Newcomb, Executive Director, The Providence Forum
[03:49 – 15:44]

• Thanksgiving Origins:

  • The Pilgrims, a persecuted English Christian congregation, voyaged to America seeking religious freedom.
  • After hardships, including losing about half their community that first winter, the Pilgrims and local natives celebrated a joint feast in 1621, emphasizing gratitude even during adversity (05:10–07:24).
  • “They gave thanks to God in all circumstances. And I think that’s a beautiful lesson for all of us.” — Dr. Jerry Newcomb [07:22]

• Mayflower Compact:

  • Before landing, the Pilgrims established the Mayflower Compact, considered a precursor to the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing self-governance and covenants rooted in faith (05:10–07:24).
  • “They said, we came for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith, and we do covenant and combine ourselves into a civil body politic.” — Dr. Jerry Newcomb [06:20]

• Resilience and Alliance with Native Americans:

  • The Pilgrims, aided by Native Americans like Squanto, survived through mutual aid and forged a peace treaty lasting over 50 years (09:00–10:44).
  • "The Pilgrims give us a good example of getting along with different people and showing a lot of religious tolerance, but while always maintaining their own faith.” — Dr. Jerry Newcomb [10:21]

• Dispelling Myths and Economic Lessons:

  • The first Thanksgiving was not an annual tradition until Lincoln’s proclamation during the Civil War (14:02–14:27).
  • The experiment with communal property taught them the necessity of personal responsibility and incentive, moving away from enforced socialism towards private land ownership (11:50–14:02).
  • "America's first foray... into socialism... It never works because it undermines human nature.”—Dr. Jerry Newcomb [13:31]

2. Faith in America: Revival and Responsibility

The Recent Shift in American Faith

Guest: Chris Widener, Author of "The Coming American Revival"
[20:26 – 26:39]

• Recent Surge in Faith:

  • Following Charlie Kirk’s murder (a significant event for RAV listeners), church attendance, Bible sales, and Christian app downloads have surged dramatically, signaling a spiritual awakening.
  • “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” — Steve Griffin [21:35]
  • “People are recognizing the importance of faith... I am concerned, though, about... cheerleading and rah rah... but they don’t understand the cost of discipleship.” — Steve Griffin [21:54–22:11]

• Genuine Commitment vs. “Cheap Grace”:

  • Importance of understanding “cost of discipleship,” referencing Bonhoeffer — commitment to living by Christian principles, not just surface-level faith (22:46–24:18).
  • “It’s not by works, it’s only by grace. The book of Ephesians... not anything good that you’ve done. It’s the free gift of God.” — Steve Griffin [23:24]

• Call for Revival:

  • The planned “Revival250” in Jacksonville aims to call the American church back to repentance and biblical roots, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by recognizing its spiritual heritage.
  • “We need to say we are an important, significant part of this country and it's time for us to step up and lead.” — Chris Widener [25:34]
  • revival250.com (Event promotion)

3. The Economy Under Trump’s Second Term

Current State of the Markets & Economic Policy

Guest: Dan Geltrude, “America’s Accountant” – Geltrude & Company
[31:37 – 37:09]

• Mixed Economic Results:

  • While markets are strong, essential goods (coffee, beef, oranges) have seen double-digit price increases; energy is more affordable, yet electricity costs are up (32:17–32:40).

• Energy Independence:

  • Trump administration’s focus on energy independence and dominance, achieved by expanding drilling and pipeline activity.
  • "We have to become energy independent. Because wherever we're buying our energy from, Steve, the truth of the matter is, is they are not our friends." — Dan Geltrude [33:56]

• Housing Market & Policy:

  • Affordability crisis: housing supply is low, and the unpopular new 50-year mortgage policies don’t address the root issue of supply.
  • “Do you want to be paying for your home until you’re in your 90s?... that’s not the way to solve this problem.” — Dan Geltrude [35:39]

• Healthcare Shift:

  • Proposal to redirect government payments directly into health savings accounts rather than to Obamacare, as “Affordable Care Act simply did not work.”
  • “We know the Affordable Care Act is unaffordable. We need a change there.” — Dan Geltrude [36:30]

4. Honoring the Military: Service, Sacrifice, and Gratitude

Guest: Drew Bavona, U.S. Navy Veteran & Child Attorney
[42:44 – 48:51]

• Gratitude for Military Service:

  • Recognition of the ongoing sacrifices of service members at home and abroad. Discussion of the uplifting effect that dignitary visits have on troops during the holidays.
  • “So often in the military, we don’t feel that we’re accomplishing that much at home. So much of what we do is abroad." — Drew Bavona [44:08]

• Thankfulness for Peace:

  • Noted appreciation for the current absence of major U.S. war deployments.
  • "Today we don’t have an American president sneaking into an active military zone right now into a war zone. … that’s worth being thankful for, isn’t it?" — Steve Griffin [44:33]

• Military as Equalizer and Career Path:

  • Encouragement for young people to consider service, regardless of background.
  • “Across socioeconomic spectrums... rich or poor, the government needs your help to maintain that freedom.” — Drew Bavona [47:45]

• Post-Military Career:

  • Drew now serves as an attorney advocating for injured children, reflecting the importance of giving a legal voice to the most vulnerable.

5. Faith, Debate, and the Legacy of Charlie Kirk

Guest: Bishop E.W. Jackson, Staying True to America’s National Destiny (S.T.A.N.D.)
[54:18 – 61:43]

• Continuing Charlie Kirk’s Legacy:

  • Kirk was known for inviting honest debate and crossing cultural divides; his passing intensified efforts to foster faith-based resurgence in diverse communities.

• Resurgence of Christian Faith:

  • Significant increases in church engagement, Bible sales, and app usage reflect a renewed hunger for spiritual grounding.
  • "There is no question there is a move of God in the United States of America. ...It really began... with Donald Trump." — Bishop Jackson [55:42]

• Combating Political and Racial Division:

  • Jackson discusses the mission of S.T.A.N.D.: unifying Americans around Judeo-Christian values and re-examining manipulated political narratives in inner cities.
  • “Their mission is to bring Americans together across racial and cultural lines, to uphold our Judeo Christian heritage and values.” — Bishop Jackson [57:03–57:31]

• Democratic Party Critique and Cultural Manipulation:

  • Challenges long-standing political affiliations in black and Hispanic communities, highlighting historical roots and present tactics.
  • “It’s the spirit of slavery, isn’t it? ...Creating dependence and making people believe they simply cannot make it without the support of the government.” — Bishop Jackson [59:48]

• Promoting Dialogue:

  • Forums in inner cities aim to foster honest discussions about race, opportunity, and America’s promise, inspired by Kirk's approach.

6. Community Voices: What Are You Thankful For In 2025?

Host-Led Segment with Listener Responses
[66:41 – End]

• Expressions of Gratitude:

  • Listeners express thanks for:
    • Retirement after decades of work (“Real Americans willing to work hard, not ask for handouts”)
    • President Donald Trump, and prayers for his protection (“Keep him safe, Lord, please.”)
    • Strength of the MAGA movement, gold prices, gun rights and safety, and restoration of Christian values (“God’s infinite love and grace”)
    • Faith and family: “We don’t mind telling you we’re Christians and we’re okay with it. We’re Christians.” — Steve Griffin [69:45]

• Sense of Community:

  • The host urges continued support for the RAV family, gratitude for each viewer, and a reaffirmation of shared American and Christian values.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “They gave thanks to God in all circumstances. And I think that’s a beautiful lesson for all of us.” — Dr. Jerry Newcomb [07:22]
• “America's first foray... into socialism... It never works because it undermines human nature.”—Dr. Jerry Newcomb [13:31]
• “People are recognizing the importance of faith... I am concerned about... cheerleading and rah rah... but they don’t understand the cost of discipleship.” — Steve Griffin [21:54–22:11]
• "It’s not by works, it’s only by grace. ...It’s the free gift of God." — Steve Griffin [23:24]
• “We have to become energy independent. ...They are not our friends. ...We have to take care of ourselves.” — Dan Geltrude [33:56]
• “It’s the spirit of slavery... Creating dependence and making people believe they simply cannot make it… without the support of the government.” — Bishop Jackson [59:48]
• “We don’t mind telling you we’re Christians and we’re okay with it. We’re Christians.” — Steve Griffin [69:45]
• “So again, on this Thanksgiving Day, thank you for being here. Thank you for spending time with us. ...We appreciate you being here every single day.” — Steve Griffin [70:01]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Thanksgiving History: [03:49–15:44]
• Faith and American Revival: [20:26–26:39]
• Economy and Markets Overview: [31:37–37:09]
• Military Appreciation: [42:44–48:51]
• Faith, Debate, Charlie Kirk’s Legacy: [54:18–61:43]
• What Are You Thankful For in 2025? (Listener segment): [66:41–70:52]

Tone and Style

The episode blends warmth, traditional values, and patriotic gratitude with candid criticism of political and economic systems. The hosts and guests speak directly and passionately, often invoking faith in God and drawing lessons from history, while inviting the audience to count their blessings and participate in honest discussion about America’s future.

This summary captures the heart of the special Thanksgiving edition, weaving together reflections on history, faith, the military, economic realities, societal shifts, and the power of community.