The Brett Cooper Show — Episode 66
Title: Charlie Kirk’s Movement Is Bigger Than Ever
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Brett Cooper
Episode Overview
In this emotionally charged episode, Brett Cooper reflects on the legacy and far-reaching influence of Charlie Kirk, especially in light of his recent assassination. Through personal observations, social media moments, testimonials from young supporters, and broader generational currents, Brett explores how Kirk’s outreach to Gen Z created a cultural shift within American conservatism—and possibly beyond. The episode delves into grassroots youth responses, shifting campus politics, global echoes, and significant events such as Gen Z’s revolution in Nepal, illustrating the increasing agency and boldness of younger generations.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Charlie Kirk’s Unique Engagement with Gen Z
- Rejected by Most, Embraced by Kirk: Brett recounts how Gen Z “has basically been the butt of every joke for years” and largely written off by mainstream politics—except Charlie Kirk, who “never gave up on Gen Z.” (00:00)
- Impact of Kirk’s Assassination: The show sets the stage for a “brutal” and emotional aftermath, noting the hopeful, organic grassroots youth response more than the “incredibly vile remarks” seen online.
2. Youth-Led Vigils and Spontaneous Community Action
- Across the U.S., from Washington State to California to Texas A&M, Brett observes candlelight vigils, handmade signs, and campus tributes (“Long Live Charlie Kirk”) initiated solely by young people, not orchestrated by official organizations.
- “These are just young people who were so impacted by Charlie and what he did ... all on their own volition, which was so incredible.” (01:45)
- The response, Brett suggests, has “washed away the hate and the vitriol ... that was so prevalent, especially in the 24 hours in the aftermath.” (03:35)
3. Testimonies: Charlie Kirk’s Influence on Young People
- Show includes direct video clips and quotes from several young supporters:
- Young Supporter 1: “He actually played a big role in how I thought about politics and how I put politics and God together.” (04:30)
- *Young Supporter 2 (10 years old): “I love God, I love my family, and I love my country.” (05:01)
- Young Supporter 3: “I was a little bit more in-between ... Going forward, this makes me more empowered...to be more conservative and speak my mind honestly.” (06:08–06:25)
- Brett emphasizes, “It’s pretty incredible that a 10 year old has more of a moral compass and empathy than a lot of people online.” (05:10)
4. Cultural and Moral Revival Among Gen Z
- Brett situates Kirk’s advocacy not simply within party politics but as a crusade for civil discourse, moral goodness, spiritual revival, and courage among young people.
- “He had this idea of a world that was based on civil discourse and understanding ... He wanted young people to live happy and healthy and full lives.” (06:38)
- Kirk’s ability to “listen to young people” is highlighted as vital to his effectiveness.
5. Media Response and Pushback
- Even mainstream outlets like The New York Times have recognized the mass youth support for Kirk, although reactions within comment sections reveal persistent polarization and hostility.
- Brett recommends Amir Odom's video as a resource for those seeking to debunk misconceptions about Kirk, underscoring the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
6. Data: Shifting Political Allegiances on Campus
- Brett references national survey findings: among TikTok users under 30 who voted for Trump, Kirk was the most trusted individual. Marked rightward shifts on college campuses (illustrated with “arrows” of political change) are directly attributed to Kirk’s presence, campus visits, and ability to “debate in good faith.”
- “Basically, every single college campus moved towards the right. And I would stake my life on saying that Charlie Kirk was a significant motivating factor in this.” (09:40)
7. Global Ripple Effect
- Kirk’s influence is seen as “global,” with swells of appreciation and activism appearing in places like Peru, where young people post tributes in his honor.
- “Charlie’s influence was global … This was a good man. He sought to understand. He sought to spread the gospel. Like, this was an incredible person.” (11:00)
8. Gen Z Overthrows Government in Nepal
- Brett pivots to a major international story: Gen Z’s role in ousting Nepal’s communist government through rapid, tech-driven revolt. Youth exposed inequalities via the “Nepo Baby” trend on TikTok; in response, the government banned apps, igniting a 48-hour revolution that ended with new leadership.
- “Gen Z unleashed. And they started a revolution that completely toppled the Nepal government in 48 hours, guys, 48 hours. Gen Z toppled a communist government.” (14:13)
- The episode details this as a profound example of Gen Z’s organizational prowess and courage, using encrypted channels (Discord, VPNs), culminating in a historic—and bloody—regime change.
9. Spiritual & Cultural Awakening Post-Assassination
- In the wake of Kirk’s death, spiritual revivals are noted: young people returning to church specifically “for Charlie.”
- “We are seeing that in the young people that are flooding churches around the country who are saying, I’m coming here for Charlie ... because it is what Charlie Kirk would have wanted.” (17:50)
10. Redefining Expectations for Gen Z
- Brett pushes back against the narrative that Gen Z is “too far gone,” arguing that Kirk always believed in—and mobilized—them.
- “Charlie Kirk never wrote us off. He never faltered in that. He consistently fought for us. He fought for us. He fought with us.” (19:00)
- The values of courage, goodness, meaningful lives, faith, and civil engagement are championed as the true heart of Kirk’s message and, by extension, the potential of Gen Z.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On organic youth activism (01:45):
“These are just young people who were so impacted by Charlie and what he did, the way that he brought people together, the way that he spoke to young people, his activism, they were impacted by him and they came together to celebrate that all on their own volition, which was so incredible.” — Brett -
On moral clarity from the next generation (05:01):
“I am 10 years old and how I learned about Charlie Kirk was he did these really great shows and one of the most important things that he said is I love God, I love my family, and I love my country.” — Young Supporter 2 -
On Kirk’s legacy of civil discourse (06:38):
“He wanted them to get involved. He wanted them to wrestle with big ideas and debate and seek to understand each other. He had this idea of a world that was based on civil discourse and understanding.” — Brett -
On campus political shifts (09:40):
“If you have lost hope in the American political system, if you have ever doubted Gen Z, I am excited to show you this because almost every single college campus that they surveyed shifted to the right.” — Brett -
On the Nepal revolution (14:13):
“Gen Z unleashed. And they started a revolution that completely toppled the Nepal government in 48 hours, guys, 48 hours. Gen Z toppled a communist government.” — Brett -
On spiritual renewal (17:50):
“We are seeing that in the young people that are flooding churches around the country who are saying, I’m coming here for Charlie ... because it is what Charlie Kirk would have wanted.” — Brett
Key Timestamps
- 00:00–02:25: Opening remarks on Gen Z’s grief, media response, and spontaneous youth vigils for Kirk
- 03:35–04:30: Descriptions and audio from campus vigils; testimonials from students
- 04:30–06:33: Compilation of video testimonies; Brett’s reflections on youth morality
- 06:38–10:30: Discussion of Kirk’s advocacy for civil discourse, campus politics, media bias, and data on shifting political trends
- 11:00–12:17: Kirk’s global impact and tributes from Peru
- 14:13–19:00: Detailed breakdown of the Nepalese Gen Z revolution and its context
- 19:00–End (~21:00): Final reflections on Gen Z’s potential, Kirk’s legacy, and the broader spiritual/cultural awakening
Tone & Language
The episode is deeply personal, passionate, and hopeful—punctuated by Brett’s characteristic directness and empathy. While Brett strongly critiques media negativity and political adversaries, the overall message is one of optimism about youth agency, cross-generational understanding, and moral renewal.
Summary Takeaway
Brett Cooper’s Episode 66 is less a static tribute and more a rallying call—urging listeners to recognize the transformative power of Gen Z and the enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk as a catalyst for political, cultural, and spiritual revival, both in America and abroad. The episode weaves together personal stories, global headlines, and an unwavering faith in the resilience and goodness of young people.