Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show

Episode: Andy Biggs and Nick Shirley in Phoenix

Date: April 3, 2026
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guests: Andy Biggs (Congressman, gubernatorial candidate), Nick Shirley (investigative journalist)

Overview

This episode of The Charlie Kirk Show features two pivotal conversations recorded at a live event in Phoenix. Host and grassroots activist Charlie Kirk welcomes Congressman and Arizona GOP gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview on Arizona politics, policy, and conservative philosophy. In the latter half, viral investigative journalist Nick Shirley joins to discuss exposing large-scale government fraud, sharing insights on grassroots activism, media accountability, and inspiring ordinary Americans to take action.

Part 1: Interview with Andy Biggs, Congressman & Arizona GOP Gubernatorial Candidate

Andy Biggs: Background and Philosophy

Timestamp: 02:51–06:23

• Biggs describes his political upbringing in a grassroots activist family in Tucson.
• Recalls neighborhood backlash from his mother’s outspoken letters to the editor, which instilled a sense of political engagement and resilience:
  • “My mom would write letters to the editor… she would draw fire… people would come and try to throw eggs at our house… so my car was egged, spray painted with swear words.” — Andy Biggs (03:13)
• Despite initial reluctance to enter politics, Biggs meets his wife at a political event and is gradually drawn into activism.
• He encourages others: “If you show up, people ask you to do something and... if you do it, they will trust you to do more.” (05:03)
• Practiced law and worked with pro-life/family NGOs internationally before running for state office after Arizona’s redistricting in 2002.

Legislative Experience and “Governor Credentials”

Timestamp: 07:35–09:25

• Biggs distinguishes himself from other congressional candidates by highlighting deep, practical experience at the state legislative level:
  • President of the Arizona Senate, key role in writing the state budget, and experience working with both Republican governors and Democrats like current Gov. Katie Hobbs.
• Stresses the importance of collaboration, policy knowledge, and process mastery.

The “Spirit” of Arizona & Current Challenges

Timestamp: 09:25–12:41

• Discusses Arizona’s historic ethos of rugged individualism and self-reliance.
  • “Arizona… historically was for rugged individuals… not looking for government to take care of them.” (10:20)
• Notes the recent shift to a “purple” state but claims the core values persist.
• Major issues facing the state:
  • Declining wage and job growth, affordable housing crisis, water scarcity, and porous southern border fueling crime and drug issues (esp. fentanyl).
  • “We’ve lost the American dream here in this state… you have to facilitate and create an atmosphere where young people… can buy a single family home.” (12:41)
  • Focus on making neighborhoods both affordable and safe, and restoring educational integrity/choice.

Affordable Housing—Regulatory & Land Use Fixes

Timestamp: 15:04–16:40

• Land use: Only 18% of state land is privately owned; government holds most assets suitable for homebuilding.
• Permitting: About 30% of Arizona’s housing cost is permitting/fees; another 25% is land costs.
  • Biggs advocates streamlining regulatory hurdles to make housing affordable for first-time buyers.

Economic Growth and Jobs

Timestamp: 16:40–17:46

• Calls for a more competitive tax structure (Arizona has a 2.5% flat tax but must keep up with lower-tax states).
• Reducing regulatory barriers is key to new business investment:
  • Example: High-tech manufacturing (Hadrian) relocating from LA County to Arizona.

Energy, Water, & the Salt River Project (SRP) Fight

Timestamp: 17:46–23:31

• Deep dive into the upcoming SRP board elections:
  • “It’s absolutely… at the tops. We got to take care of this.” (19:48)
• Warns of the “California Green New Deal” agenda entering state policy via SRP and state regulators pushing unreliably expensive wind/solar power.
• • Arizona’s unique legacy building dependable water and power infrastructures—praises dams, nuclear (Palo Verde), natural gas, and clean coal.
  • Criticism of green mandates: “They want to crush freedom with their authoritarian…policies that will drive people out of Arizona.” (23:31)
• Plans for pushing nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) to expand clean, reliable energy.

Vision for Newcomers & Conservative Candidacy

Timestamp: 25:01–28:48

• Biggs pitches to transplants and independents:
  • “Regardless of where you’re coming from… you want to be able to afford to live, have good housing, buy food and get around—and there’s no better place than Arizona.” (25:01)
• On claims that he’s “too conservative” to win:
  • “I’m one of the Republicans that votes against his party… really am independent.” (26:32)
  • Focus on practical goals all voters share: safety, education, job opportunity.
• Co-panels note that “squishes” (moderate GOP candidates) suppress base enthusiasm and turnout.

Audience Q&A

Timestamp: 29:02–35:13

• Election integrity: Biggs expresses concern about fraud but confidence in improved efforts by Maricopa County officials and emphasizes “make it too big to rig” turnout strategy.
  • “We expanded the majority of Republicans in both the House and Senate… when we do that… we win.” (29:27)
• Restoring academic integrity: Calls for ending Common Core, focusing on phonics, science-based math, and robust U.S. history education. Looks to Mississippi and Louisiana as models for academic turnaround.
• Policy specifics: Water, affordable housing, power—all areas Biggs claims he has actionable plans for (website: bigsforgovernor.com).

Part 2: Interview with Nick Shirley, Investigative Journalist

Early Influences & The Charlie Kirk Legacy

Timestamp: 36:43–40:30

• Shirley credits Charlie Kirk for inspiring action over passive commentary:
  • “It’s easy for people to complain. Very few people actually do the thing… I would much rather actively be trying to do something than just complaining without bringing a solution.” (38:47)
• Emphasizes Charlie’s standard: be the change, don’t just talk about change.

Grassroots Investigation: “Just Go to the Source”

Timestamp: 41:23–43:12

• Practical advice for would-be investigators:
  • “The most important thing is going to the location, going to the source… Nobody wants to go outside.” (41:23)
  • Courage to speak truth, even on issues that “shouldn’t be controversial.”
• Example: Investigating learning centers and daycare fraud in Minnesota using open records and on-the-ground interviews.

Exposing Somali Daycare Fraud & Political Fallout

Timestamp: 43:28–46:46

• Chronicles exposing massive learning center fraud and its political consequences (including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stepping down).
• “He called me a delusional far right conspiracy theorist… But why would he step down if there wasn’t anything to be hiding from?” (45:53)

Taking Risks, Facing Backlash, and Spurring Change

Timestamp: 48:01–49:10

• After the Minnesota exposé, Shirley received death threats but persists, now focusing on California’s soaring MediCal/Medicaid expenditures as his next fraud investigation.
• Observes how tax-heavy blue states produce worse services and mounting debt, arguing that overreliance on government crowds out genuine market-driven solutions.

Origin Story—Entry into Activism

Timestamp: 51:01–54:14

• Originally sought to lampoon conservative activists at AmFest, but found genuine patriotism and concern.
• Covers the border crisis as first major project—serendipitously running into Andy Biggs at the border, witnessing real-time trafficking and government mishandling.
• Broke ground with viral videos showing the realities of New York City’s migrant hotel system.

The Power of Grassroots Journalism

Timestamp: 66:16–67:41

• Encourages everyday people to investigate and document local corruption; not everyone needs to be a public-facing YouTuber.
• Notes that much of the necessary information is public record, but agencies frequently stonewall, so persistence is crucial.

Audience Q&A & Building an Anti-Fraud Movement

Timestamp: 56:34–72:55

• Recommends reporting local fraud tips and supporting investigations directly (supportnickshirley.com; X account subscriptions).
• Developing antifraudclub.com as a hub to empower decentralized, citizen-led investigations.
• Considers collaborating with other investigative journalists, e.g., James O’Keefe, for larger impact on issues like election integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• “There’s so much going on inside this country… The most important thing is, if you see something in your own city, DM me or email me.” — Nick Shirley (56:42)
• “People get killed over millions of dollars; billions of dollars is a little bit more risky to even expose.” — Nick Shirley (48:14)
• “A lot of things that aren’t controversial are becoming controversial… you have to have the courage to speak on the non-controversial issues that have now become controversial.” (42:03)
• “What they did in Louisiana and Mississippi… eliminate Common Core, go back to phonics and science-based mathematics.” — Andy Biggs (33:40)

Memorable Moments & Humor

• Comic riff on Arizona's pronunciation of “quasi” vs. “quasi.” (18:14–18:48)
• Shirley’s real-life run-in with Ilhan Omar at the State of the Union:
  • “I really wanted to say hi to her, but I don’t think she wanted to say hi back.” (54:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Biggs on grassroots origins: 03:13–06:23
• State budget/governor experience: 07:35–09:25
• Arizona spirit & challenges: 09:25–12:41
• Affordable housing solutions: 15:04–16:40
• Utility/energy/“Green New Deal” critique: 17:46–23:31
• Biggs on voters & conservatism: 25:01–28:48
• Election integrity Q&A: 29:27
• Academic integrity Q&A: 33:13–34:47
• Nick Shirley on activism: 38:47; 41:23–43:12
• Fraud exposé & political impact: 43:28–45:53
• Origins: Border reporting: 51:01–54:14
• Building anti-fraud network: 57:42–58:35

Tone and Language

• Candid, often humorous, sometimes fiery
• Strongly results-oriented, focused on practical activism and solutions
• Conservative and faith-infused, particularly on topics like family, education, and governance

Final Takeaways

This episode offers an intimate look at political leadership and activism in Arizona at a crucial electoral moment, delving into pragmatic strategies for good governance, the preservation of American values, and the mechanics of grassroot movement-building. The conversations with both Andy Biggs and Nick Shirley blend policy depth, personal anecdote, and actionable guidance for listeners eager to participate in the American experiment—whether through voting, watchdogging local government, or starting an investigation armed with only a smartphone and resolve.

For further resources, listeners are directed to:

• bigsforgovernor.com (Andy Biggs campaign)
• supportnickshirley.com and antifraudclub.com (Nick Shirley’s investigative work)
• charliekirk.com for show updates and news