Just the News No Noise with John Solomon and Amanda Head
Episode Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Amanda Head
Notable Guests: Jerry Dunleavy, Carrie Lake, Aaliyah Nadeem, Dr. Peter McCullough, Brian Leib
Main Theme: The aftermath and implications of Charlie Kirk’s assassination—free speech, government response, political polarization, and community impact.
Episode Overview
This episode centers on the political and societal reverberations following the high-profile assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Host Amanda Head guides conversations with several prominent guests, dissecting issues of free speech, media narratives, politicization of law enforcement, the reaction of conservatives and liberals, community healing, and ongoing conspiracy theories surrounding Kirk’s death. The tone is urgent, reflective, and at times combative, with a strong defense of conservative values and a critique of liberal institutions and media.
Major Segments and Key Insights
The Boundaries of Free Speech in an Era of Violence
[03:00–06:50] Amanda Head Monologue
- Amanda addresses the tension between free speech and incitement, particularly in the wake of Kirk's assassination and vitriolic online rhetoric.
- She clarifies the difference between protected speech and inciting violence, referencing the Supreme Court’s Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) decision.
- Discusses the real-world consequences for inflammatory speech, especially in right-to-work states.
Notable Quote:
“Free speech isn't a blank check. It never has been. You can say what you want, but you don't get a free pass from consequences, especially when your words cross into inciting violence or harm.” — Amanda Head [05:50]
- Emphasizes that “private” social media is not shielded from public or workplace repercussions.
- Criticizes the selective concern for free speech, especially among those recently penalized for their own extreme comments.
Government and Media Response to Domestic Terrorism
[06:54–20:03] Interview with Jerry Dunleavy (Just the News)
Politicization of Law Enforcement
[06:54–11:53]
- Jerry critiques the Biden administration for categorizing January 6 cases as separate domestic terrorism instances, inflating the threat level from the right.
- Claims that this led to policy skew and a lack of balanced threat assessment.
Notable Quote:
“...It is not clear, at least we cannot turn to the government currently for an accurate assessment of what the current domestic terrorism threat picture is...” — Jerry Dunleavy [07:43]
Institutional Bias and Lost Focus
[11:53–16:14]
- Explores the influence over multiple federal agencies (FBI, DOJ, ATF, NSA, Pentagon) and their focus on right-leaning groups, parents at school boards, and religious conservatives.
- Argues that politicization distracted from threats from left-wing extremists and foreign actors.
Handling Radical Groups
[16:14–20:03]
- Jerry discusses radical leftist and Marxist groups like Armed Queers SLC.
- Suggests both law enforcement and journalists should follow the financial and organizational networks behind them, highlighting funders like Neville Singham.
Notable Quote:
“There are large financial networks, left wing networks, that are funding a lot of radical groups that by their own words wants to bring communist revolution to the United States.” — Jerry Dunleavy [17:38]
Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and Community Healing
[21:17–29:42] Interview with Carrie Lake
On Kirk’s Enduring Impact
[21:37–23:18]
- Carrie Lake notes a surge in interest for Turning Point chapters and anecdotes of spiritual revival following Kirk’s death.
- Recounts that 32,000 (later growing to 35,000) requests have been made to form school chapters.
Notable Quote:
“The power of Charlie Kirk will live on beyond his death. An assassin's bullet can't take that power away.” — Carrie Lake [22:45]
Navigating Political Division
[23:18–25:59]
- Carrie asserts Charlie was mislabeled as divisive and describes his strengths in debate and empathy.
- Condemns online hate and laments the refusal of some Democrats to participate in unity vigils.
Institutional and Media Critique
[27:57–29:34]
- Blames “communist takeover” for pervasive radicalism and indoctrination in schools and media.
- Calls for stricter accountability measures for legacy media, including revoking broadcasting licenses for repeated dishonesty.
Political Outlooks & Responding to Cultural Attacks
[30:56–37:58] Interview with Ohio Congressional Candidate Aaliyah Nadeem
Nadeem’s Backstory and Perspective
[32:43–34:17]
- Shares her kidnapping to Iraq as a child and eventual return, followed by a 21-year military/intelligence career.
- Emphasizes gratitude to America and commitment to conservative values.
Defending Conservative Values after Kirk
[35:15–36:08]
- Voices concern over spiraling public attacks on conservatives in the fallout from Kirk’s assassination.
- Hopes the backlash wakes up moderate Democrats.
Priorities for Ohio
[36:40–37:44]
- Focuses on restoring manufacturing, addressing Ohio’s fentanyl crisis, and fiscal responsibility.
- “Your report card is an F” for current congressional representation.
Medical Freedom and COVID Legacy
[39:30–45:20] Interview with Dr. Peter McCullough
Charlie Kirk’s Role in Health Freedom
[40:01–41:45]
- McCullough credits Kirk for facilitating open COVID-19 debates, especially among youth.
- Urges restoration of scientific discourse and open inquiry in medicine—a call for “autopsy of what went wrong” post-pandemic.
Notable Quote:
“We didn’t see that on college campuses and quite frankly we didn’t see it in graduate schools, medical schools or even on faculties of medicine. We have to get back to that.” — Dr. Peter McCullough [41:19]
Emerging Health Threats and Vaccine Discussion
[42:51–45:20]
- Warns about Chagas disease and the importance of readiness for parasitic illnesses.
- Promotes detox and preventative products for those with COVID-19 vaccine concerns.
Examining Conspiracies: “Blame Israel” Narratives
[46:44–52:11] Interview with Brian Leib (Henry Public Relations)
Outlandish Blame after Kirk’s Death
[47:11–51:01]
- Brian discusses rapid emergence and spread of conspiracy theories blaming Israel, often spearheaded by fringe and far-right voices, notably Candace Owens.
- Warns that such rhetoric places Jewish Americans in further danger.
Notable Quotes:
“The fact that she's fanning the flames right now when they haven't even buried Charlie.”
“Freedom of speech doesn't mean that you need to start putting Jews in the crosshair just to get some clicks on your website.” — Brian Leib [48:08, 51:23]
Memorable Quotes & Timestamps
| Time | Speaker | Quote | |--------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:50 | Amanda Head | “Free speech isn't a blank check. It never has been...” | | 07:43 | Jerry Dunleavy | “We cannot turn to the government currently for an accurate assessment...” | | 17:38 | Jerry Dunleavy | “There are large financial networks ... that want to bring communist revolution to the United States.” | | 22:45 | Carrie Lake | “The power of Charlie Kirk will live on beyond his death. An assassin's bullet can't take that power away.” | | 41:19 | Dr. McCullough | “We didn’t see that [discussion] on college campuses ... We have to get back to that.” | | 48:08 | Brian Leib | “The fact that she's fanning the flames right now when they haven't even buried Charlie (Kirk).” | | 51:23 | Brian Leib | “Freedom of speech doesn't mean that you need to start putting Jews in the crosshair just to get some clicks...” |
Episode Structure and Flow
- Opening Commentary on free speech boundaries and societal consequences
- Dunleavy Interview: Administrative and law enforcement responses, threat assessment, and radical group dynamics
- Carrie Lake Segment: Honoring Kirk’s influence, criticisms of media/education, and faith-driven healing
- Aaliyah Nadeem Segment: Personal story, conservative values, and policy focus for Ohio
- Dr. McCullough Segment: Kirk’s COVID legacy, ongoing health risks, and resurgence of medical debate
- Leib Segment: Debunking and warning against conspiracy theories targeting Jews and Israel
- Closing: Calls for rational discourse, unity, and defense of American values
Summary
This episode offers an intense, emotionally charged dive into how a political assassination can stir debates about free speech, left/right extremism, media malfeasance, and America’s philosophical trajectory. The guests and host advocate for stricter lines against hate and incitement, accountability in media and government, and vigilance in safeguarding both conservative values and community decency. The episode also highlights the importance of rejecting scapegoating and divisive conspiracy theories, particularly in the wake of tragedy.
Timestamps at a Glance
- [03:00] – Amanda Head on free speech and workplace consequences
- [06:54] – Jerry Dunleavy on misrepresentation of domestic terrorism
- [11:53] – Agency politicization and post-January 6th law enforcement focus
- [17:02] – Radical left-wing groups and funding networks
- [21:37] – Carrie Lake: Charlie Kirk’s spiritual and organizational legacy
- [27:57] – Media and education as “tools of indoctrination”
- [32:43] – Aaliyah Nadeem: Her story and run for Congress
- [35:15] – Conservatism under attack after Kirk’s death
- [40:01] – Dr. McCullough: COVID narrative, health freedom, and vaccine safety inquiry
- [46:44] – Brian Leib: Combating anti-Israel conspiracies post-assassination
For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode provides a critical reflection on freedom, justice, institutional trust, and the power of principled debate in tumultuous times.
