Podcast Summary: Real America’s Voice – THE ROAD FORWARD

Host: Dr. Tim Clinton (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode Date: September 14, 2025

Overview

This somber episode of "The Road Forward" is dedicated to processing the shock and grief following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent Christian faith leader, at Utah Valley University. Host Dr. Tim Clinton reflects on Kirk’s legacy, calls for prayer and unity, and speaks with Christian thought leaders Elizabeth Johnston, Gary Bauer, Troy Miller, and Rabbi Jason Sobel about cultural division, recent acts of violence, the state of faith in America, and prophetic perspectives on current events.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tragic Loss of Charlie Kirk

(03:05–05:47, 06:54–17:33, 22:58–32:22)

• Dr. Tim Clinton opens with a heartfelt reflection on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, expressing numbness, sadness, and anger at "the horrific and evil assassination" (03:05).
• Kirk is described as "a man after God’s own heart," loving husband and father, and staunch advocate for truth and righteousness in culture.
• The national and bipartisan reaction is mentioned, along with calls for prayer for Kirk’s family, especially wife Erica and their children.
• Clinton plans to examine responses to the tragedy with guests and to reflect on broader cultural crises in America.

Quote:
"One thing I think we can all do... is pray earnestly for his family, for Erica and his children... Charlie’s going to be sorely missed. Thank God, by the way, for the promise of heaven, of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Charlie’s faith, now his sight." (04:22 – Tim Clinton)

2. Interview with Elizabeth Johnston: Responding to Tragedy and Spiritual Crisis

(06:54–17:33)

• Elizabeth Johnston, Christian conservative author, discusses the murder of Irena Zarutska in Charlotte, NC, connecting it to a broader spiritual crisis in America.
• Expresses a need for "spiritual awakening" and a return to faith and repentance, referencing 2 Chronicles 7:14.
• Reflects on the impact on the younger generation—“they are hurting... but they are also ready, I believe, to go all in for Jesus Christ" (08:25).
• Critiques local policies and judicial failings that allowed repeat offenders to victimize the community (09:50), linking moral decay to societal structures.
• On Kirk’s legacy: stresses his courage to engage openly on hostile college campuses, his commitment to dialogue and truth (“he would walk straight into the fire to talk about Jesus Christ, to talk about family, to talk about freedom”—12:33).
• Encourages youth not to “shrink back in fear,” but to live boldly in faith and truth, “like Charlie did.”

Memorable Quotes:

• "We have lost our soul as a nation and we need a spiritual awakening for sure." (07:44 – Elizabeth Johnston)
• "Charlie has died. And I believe his life will be a seed for spiritual awakening, that people are going to wake up out of this slumber..." (13:33 – Elizabeth Johnston)
• "The reason free speech is important is because if we have free speech, it allows us to get to the truth." (14:33 – Tim Clinton, quoting Charlie Kirk)
• "It is high time that the body of Christ begin to use the life and breath we have been given... and snatch people out of hell, because that is where people are headed." (15:31 – Elizabeth Johnston)

3. Conversing with Gary Bauer: The Loss of Debate, Rise of Political Hatred, and Call to Action

(22:58–32:22)

• Gary Bauer, President of American Values, grieves Kirk’s murder and points out the cultural hostility against those advocating for traditional values.
• Expresses frustration at how "anybody in our country that argues for normalcy" is villainized by the radical left, who "has a big presence on our university campuses and in our culture" (24:48).
• Discusses the wider lack of reasoned debate and increasing polarization; highlights Kirk’s willingness to invite opponents and have open debates ("This is what America's supposed to be”—26:42).
• Decries media silence over both Kirk’s and Zarutska’s murders, charging that political narratives dictate attention and public outrage.
• Ends with a call for Christians, especially church leaders, to engage actively in the public sphere and combat societal division.

Notable Quotes:

• "Truth always wins out if there’s free and open debate." (26:42 – Gary Bauer)
• "We must win [this battle]... There is not a problem facing this country that can be solved without the active involvement of the church and Christian citizens." (31:18 – Gary Bauer)
• "...prayer without action is worth nothing." (31:18 – Gary Bauer)

4. Troy Miller on Media, Religious Liberty, and Signs of Revival

(35:51–43:07)

• Troy Miller, President & CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, discusses Barna survey findings showing that 60% of Americans engage in Christian media, including large proportions of Gen Z and Millennials (36:24).
• Survey respondents seek hope, encouragement, and guidance for life and relationships (37:06).
• Highlights the urgent fight for religious liberty, referencing cases of anti-Christian bias in schools.
• Criticizes mainstream media for selective coverage of violence, contributing to social division and distrust (39:20).
• Expresses optimism about a spiritual revival among young people (Gen Z), evident in packed Christian events and growing social media reach (41:49).
• Announces the "America Prays Initiative," calling for nationwide prayer up to July 4 (42:37).

Quotes:

• "America is waking up to the hypocrisy of the mainstream media... their hypocrisy here. And it’s being rejected." (40:00 – Troy Miller)
• "Their revivals, their meetings are being packed with these young, young kids who have lots of questions. But again… they’re coming to Christ. And that is extremely hopeful for our country." (41:49 – Troy Miller)

5. Rabbi Jason Sobel: Prophetic Perspective on the Middle East

(48:38–56:34)

• Rabbi Jason Sobel, Messianic Jewish leader, interprets the Gaza crisis and rising anti-Israel sentiment in the context of biblical prophecy.
• Argues that world criticism of Israel is misplaced, pointing to Hamas' responsibility for Gaza’s suffering and regional instability (49:31).
• Explains Jewish prophetic understanding: alliances forming between the "descendants of Esau" (the West) and "Ishmael" (Arab nations) will increase pressure on Israel, especially around biblical holidays (e.g., Rosh Hashanah).
• Stresses that the conflict is spiritual, not political or about land, and stems from longstanding satanic opposition to God’s covenant people (55:21).
• Predicts such trials are part of the “birth pangs of the Messiah,” suggesting a role for Israel in the unfolding of end-times events.

Key Quotes:

• "The reality is, Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007... They care more about warfare than they care about the welfare of their people." (49:31 – Rabbi Jason Sobel)
• "Anti-semitism, anti-Israel sentiment is all satanic in nature. It always has been." (55:21 – Rabbi Jason Sobel)

6. Final Reflections and Call for Hope

(56:41–end)

• Dr. Tim Clinton closes with prayer and encouragement, sharing Deuteronomy 31:8 and John 3:16 as sources of hope.
• Offers practical mental health resources, expresses empathy for those feeling anxious or hopeless, and provides information on Christian counseling and suicide prevention (56:41).
• Urges listeners to reach out for help and invites them to embrace faith if they haven’t already.

Encouraging Excerpts:
"You can look to God for wisdom and direction in your everyday life..." (56:41 – Tim Clinton)
"If you or someone you love is struggling, reach out for help... You don’t have to live like that." (57:10 – Tim Clinton)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Dr. Tim Clinton: “Charlie’s going to be sorely missed. Thank God, by the way, for the promise of heaven...” (04:22)
• Elizabeth Johnston: "We have lost our soul as a nation and we need a spiritual awakening for sure." (07:44)
• Elizabeth Johnston: "Charlie has died. And I believe his life will be a seed for spiritual awakening..." (13:33)
• Dr. Tim Clinton (quoting Charlie Kirk): "The reason free speech is important is because if we have free speech, it allows us to get to the truth." (14:33)
• Gary Bauer: "Truth always wins out if there’s free and open debate." (26:42)
• Troy Miller: "America is waking up to the hypocrisy of the mainstream media... and it’s being rejected." (40:00)
• Rabbi Jason Sobel: "Anti-semitism, anti-Israel sentiment is all satanic in nature. It always has been." (55:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Main theme setup / Kirk’s assassination: 03:05–05:47
• Elizabeth Johnston Interview: 06:54–17:33
• Gary Bauer Interview: 22:58–32:22
• Troy Miller Interview: 35:51–43:07
• Rabbi Jason Sobel Interview: 48:38–56:34
• Closing encouragement & resources: 56:41–end

Conclusion

This episode is both a mourning of recent loss and a rallying cry for spiritual renewal, courageous engagement in the public square, and an unwavering adherence to faith amid violence and division. The program uniquely blends reflections on current events, encouragement for individual and communal bravery, and calls for prayerful action and hope—with a consistent message: despite darkness, there is hope and a way forward rooted in faith.