The America First Podcast: Episode 40 (October 7, 2025)

Hosts: Joe the Box, Johnny Blanket, Fred Rubino, Ponytail Mike
Special Guest: Steve Stern
Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Date: October 9, 2025

Overview

This episode, recorded at the America First Warehouse, centers around American patriotism, current events, and the importance of grassroots involvement in the political process. Marking the anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, hosts reflect on support for Israel, discuss Veterans Day preparations, pride in American military traditions, and the need for active citizen participation at the local level. The episode culminates with an in-depth interview with Steve Stern, champion of "precinct strategy,” who emphasizes the power of local committee engagement in shaping the future of the country.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflecting on the Israel-Hamas Attack Anniversary

• The show opens by marking the two-year anniversary of the 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, expressing solidarity with the Jewish people and families affected.
• [00:00] Joe the Box: “It was the saddest thing that happened on that day...pray for the people that lost so much.”
• Hosts attribute hope for peace and strength to President Trump’s support for Israel, positioning him as a strong ally in contrast to liberal critics.

2. Importance of the MAGA Movement and Military Pride

• The hosts introduce Ponytail Mike as an honored guest and military veteran, tying in the call for renewed patriotism.
• Discussion of plans for Veterans Day at America First Warehouse, emphasizing the importance of honoring veterans and their families.
• [03:54] Ponytail Mike: “Absolutely, brother. I got some brothers coming out here...I love it.”
• Lighthearted banter about military naming conventions (Air Force, Navy, Space Force).

3. General Flynn’s Call to Civic Action

• The show plays a motivational clip from General Michael Flynn, urging American citizens to engage in their communities and participate in government.
• [04:49] Gen. Flynn (clip): “The adversaries that we face, it’s evil...We live in a republic...we the people are the ones that are supposed to say how it is that we are going to live.”
• Flynn highlights low voter turnout and stresses the spiritual and moral battle facing the country.
• Hosts echo Flynn's sentiment, emphasizing that MAGA efforts must start at the grassroots, not just at the national level.

4. Barriers to Local Political Participation

• Joe discusses running for a local GOP committee seat and being rejected, sparking conversation about establishment resistance to grassroots patriots.
• [07:08] Johnny Blanket: “You love the country...they didn’t want somebody like you in there.”
• The panel debates the infiltration of establishment or "ultra liberal" elements even at local levels and the importance of persistence.

5. Military Culture & Social Change

• Extended discussion on traditional military values, skepticism towards recent diversity efforts, and pride in service.
• [09:05] Ponytail Mike: “We got to put our name out there...build our military back up...not these woke people who don’t know what’s going on.”
• Anecdotes about physical fitness in the military, joking about Pete Hegseth's criticisms of unfit generals and service members.

6. An Emphasis on Patriotism and Symbolism

• Pride in wearing and displaying the American flag, with lighthearted joking about chromosome science and familial ties (the twin hosts).
• Debates about the acceptance and visibility of patriotic symbolism in some urban environments, particularly New York City.
• [15:34] Fred Rubino: “...a beautiful way to walk around and just display your patriotism without even opening your mouth.”

7. Critique of Progressive and ‘Woke’ Ideals

• Skepticism towards the idea of gender diversity in the military, talking about past norms versus today.
• A segment on the court practice of giving troubled youth a choice between jail or military service—seen nostalgically by the hosts as constructive.

8. Push for Political Involvement at All Levels

• The America First Warehouse is positioned as a cradle of grassroots MAGA activism.
• Discussion of how local offices—committee seats, councilmen, mayors—are critical front lines for changing the direction of the country.

Steve Stern Interview: Grassroots Power & Precinct Strategy

[24:51]–[48:00]

Steve Stern’s Background and Story

• Stern recounts his involvement in the Broward Republican Executive Committee, highlighting the challenges of breaking through establishment inertia and fostering grassroots communication.
• [24:58] Steve Stern: “Communication in this country is one of the things...people don’t communicate. So when I got involved, everything started really happening.”
• Shares his entrepreneurial history, his becoming known as "the flag shirt guy," and his connection to President Trump and the MAGA movement.

Explaining Precinct Strategy

• [28:28]–[32:30] Stern: Describes "precinct strategy"—getting ordinary citizens to fill thousands of vacant Republican committee slots nationwide to influence party decisions from the bottom up.
  • Only about half of these slots are filled: “We need more people all over the United States...the most important thing is to get candidates elected.”
• Differentiates between poll watchers, poll workers, and committee members, emphasizing the importance of engagement for election integrity.

Election Integrity Focus

• Outreach to encourage poll watching/working in critical upcoming elections (specifically New Jersey and Virginia).
• Tells story of collaborating with Dr. Robert Epstein to monitor and counteract big tech interference in elections.
• Details upcoming "Election Security" calls and events, encouraging listeners to get involved and watch seminars on Rumble.

Overcoming Establishment Resistance

• Discusses how grassroots conservatives can—and must—persist even when local party insiders resist new involvement, sometimes needing legal action or organized showings of support.
• [38:51] Steve Stern: “Don’t give up...if they don’t let you in, you bring your attorney in there and you bring about 50 people.”
• Cites successful efforts in pushing MAGA candidates and values in places like Florida.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Reads a birthday letter from President Trump, highlighting personal validation and the value of patriotic hard work.
  • [42:50] Stern (reading letter): “Our nation is strong because of patriotic individuals like you who believe in and defend...faith, family, community and country.”
• Discusses the trend of formerly liberal states and counties gradually shifting toward conservative, MAGA-friendly values as more people become involved and frustrated with progressive policies.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00–02:33] — Israel attack anniversary, solidarity with Jewish people
• [03:06–04:24] — Introductions of hosts, upcoming Veterans Day events
• [04:24–06:06] — General Flynn clip: the spiritual, moral battle for America; call to civic action
• [07:08–08:39] — Local politics: barriers to committee participation
• [09:05–11:07] — Military tradition, fitness, and criticisms of recent changes
• [14:32–15:49] — Symbolism: wearing flag shirts, patriotism
• [24:51–32:30] — Steve Stern interview: grassroots activism, origins story
• [32:31–38:51] — Mechanics of precinct strategy and election integrity
• [42:50–44:21] — Stern reads President Trump’s letter, discusses the motivating power of recognition
• [45:50–47:48] — Discussion of shifting political landscape, states becoming more conservative

Memorable Quotes

“The adversaries that we face, it’s evil...We live in a republic...we the people are the ones that are supposed to say how it is that we are going to live.”
— General Michael Flynn (clip), [04:49]

“If you’re a Jewish liberal and you see the leader of Israel get up there and say that Donald Trump’s the greatest friend Israel ever had, it’s time to rethink your politics and maybe come on over. There’s plenty of room in MAGA.”
— Fred Rubino, [01:58]

“Don’t give up, because—number one, you get voted in, you get on the ballot and you get in. If they don’t let you in, you bring your attorney...and bring about 50 people.”
— Steve Stern, [38:51]

“I wake up every morning, thank God, and so proud to be an American. So I like to wear my colors...And if it ain’t on my house, it’s on my body.”
— Johnny Blanket, [44:24]

“This is the most exciting thing—I’m going to show you for my 81st birthday there’s a letter from President Trump...”
— Steve Stern, [42:50]

“There’s something to be said when Israel has everybody go to the military.”
— Fred Rubino, [17:35]

Tone & Language

The hosts spoke in passionate, unapologetic, and sometimes humorous tones, blending personal anecdotes and direct political advocacy. The conversation was energetic, populist, and highly patriotic, with a persistent theme of “taking America back” through individual and local action.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Grassroots participation is crucial—listeners are urged to get involved at the local level, whether as committee members, poll watchers, or other civic roles.
• The “precinct strategy” model is presented as a remedy for establishment inertia and political apathy.
• The hosts and Stern champion persistence in the face of resistance, emphasizing that reclaiming America requires effort, community, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
• Displaying outward patriotism (flags, flag shirts) is portrayed as both a symbol and rallying call for like-minded Americans.

For more resources:

• The Flag Shirt Store (Steve Stern)
• Stern America on Rumble for Election Integrity events
• Contact: esthern1054@gmail.com

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