The Charlie Kirk Show

Episode: Megyn Kelly Remembers Charlie Kirk
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly (Guest Hosting), with Andrew Colvett (Executive Producer), Turning Point USA staff
Notable Guest: Walter Kirn (Writer, Commentator)

Episode Overview

In this special episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, Megyn Kelly guest hosts from the Turning Point USA headquarters in Arizona, joined by Charlie’s inner circle and staff. With Charlie’s recent, shocking passing still reverberating, the episode serves as a poignant tribute, sharing candid memories, behind-the-scenes stories, reflections on his character, and the future of his movement. The episode covers the emotional and strategic transition within Turning Point USA, discusses cultural controversies (notably Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension), and ends with a discussion on Charlie's enduring impact and legacy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Honoring Charlie Kirk: Personal Reflections

(00:00–07:50)

• Initial Impact and Mourning: Upon arriving in Arizona, Megyn observes outpourings of love akin to “after Princess Diana died,” noting tributes, teddy bears, and signage around the TPUSA campus ([00:22]).
• Chemistry and Humor: Megyn and Andrew reminisce about the “weird chemistry” and authentic humor Charlie brought to his media appearances.
  • Quote (Megyn): “He always made me laugh... That’s an underappreciated quality of Charlie.” ([02:24])
• Charlie's Approach to Criticism: Noted for never speaking ill of others, even when under pressure to do so.
  • Quote (Andrew): “He wouldn’t gossip... He would never, ever spill the beans.” ([04:54])
• Inclusivity in Conservatism: Charlie's ability to bridge divides within the Republican Party, welcoming all ideological wings at events like AmericaFest and SAS ([07:28]).

2. Charlie’s Leadership, Discipline, and Legacy

(07:51–13:11)

• Statesmanship and Mission: Charlie aspired to be not just a provocateur but a builder and statesman, valuing coalition over viral takes.
  • Quote (Andrew): “Being a statesman, philosopher, theologian – those were the highest callings to Charlie. Not everyone can be a coalition builder.” ([07:54])
• Personal Discipline: He was a “biohacker” and meticulously managed his health, sleep, and educational regimen ([09:19]).
• Influence on Others: Suggested to produce and share a list of Charlie's readings, as people want to learn what shaped him ([09:46]).
• Announcement of New Leadership: Erica Kirk, Charlie’s wife, is unanimously selected as the new CEO and Chair of Turning Point USA, fulfilling his wishes for succession ([11:39]).
  • Quote (Andrew): “Charlie told me personally...if anything ever happened to him, this is what he wanted.” ([12:20])
• Charlie and Erica’s Relationship: Clips of the couple underscore their uplifting, inspiring love story ([13:13]–[15:08]).

3. Staff Memories: Humor, Discipline, and Teamwork

(15:12–28:51)

• Behind the Scenes: Staff recounts Charlie’s quick wit, dry humor (e.g., Juneteenth quip: “I’m on my way to work. Go to work today, everybody.” [25:40]), and genuine care for his team.
  • Quote (Mikey McCoy): “He was a disciplined alpha male...but happy to tap into his nerdy side to learn something new.” ([24:21])
• Campus Events Rigorous Routine: Charlie would exhaustively prepare for campus tours, speeches, and manage media content.
• Handling Fame & Routine: Enjoyed rare moments of anonymity abroad; practical, disciplined lifestyle (mint tea, no alcohol or coffee, strict schedule).
  • Quote (Blake Neff): “He was so famous, but loved just walking a city anonymously—like in Seoul recently.” ([19:07])
• Loyalty and Generosity in Leadership: Responsiveness, humility, and credit-sharing with staff ([11:21]).
• Personal Stories: Staffers worked closely on everything from media prep to wardrobe, underscoring the depth of their commitments.

4. Charlie’s Mission, Organizational Future, and Public Response

(28:52–41:22)

• Event Planning and Succession: The organization is busy preparing large-scale memorial events, with “heads of state” attending, signaling Charlie’s broad influence ([35:27]).
• Staff and Movement Resilience: Staff finds comfort and drive in carrying on his vision and believe deeply in Erica Kirk’s leadership.
  • Quote (Mikey McCoy): “For the first time since he passed, talking to Erica about the organization, it felt like speaking to Charlie again.” ([33:55])
• Unprecedented Influence: The team is stunned by the magnitude of tributes and the surge in people connecting with Charlie’s content posthumously ([36:41]).
  • “People messaging us saying, ‘Charlie brought me back to church.’” ([35:41])
• Content Library: Enough unposted Charlie content (“hours of tape”) remain for ongoing engagement ([38:52]).

5. Cultural Commentary: Jimmy Kimmel and Media Accountability

(41:22–62:57)

• Kimmel’s Indefinite Suspension: Megyn and Walter Kirn discuss Kimmel’s abrupt firing over inflammatory comments post-Charlie’s assassination—argue he became unfunny, partisan, and lost his mandate to the public ([47:14]–[52:41]).
  • Quote (Walter Kirn): “You wish death on half your audience in not so subtle ways... and now you’re gone—legitimately, because ABC uses the public airwaves.” ([47:14])
• Free Speech and Broadcast Standards: Distinction between cable (private) and broadcast (public) media; legal and cultural context for holding media figures to higher standards.
• Corporate and Political Hypocrisy: Critique of selective outrage—e.g., Ben Stiller lamenting for Kimmel but silent about Charlie ([55:35]).
  • Quote (Megyn): “National media being more upset at Jimmy Kimmel losing his show than they are at Charlie Kirk losing his life is kind of proving the point.” ([45:16])
• Broader Climate: Conversation reflects on media’s role in escalating divisions, the pressure for decency and accountability post-Charlie.

6. Spiritual and National Consequences: “A Movement of the Spirit”

(60:17–End)

• Impact on Public Discourse: Walter Kirn asserts that Charlie’s death could catalyze a spiritual revival and renewed civil discourse ([60:17]).
  • Quote (Walter Kirn): “True martyrs... are the most influential people in history.... We have a spiritual situation on our hands. It’s leading to a revival.” ([60:17])
• Challenge to Listeners: Megyn and Walter urge listeners to pick up Charlie’s mantle—emphasizing decency, courage, and engagement as essential American values ([62:54]).
• Concluding Optimism: Despite the grief, there is a resounding sense of hope and continuity at Turning Point USA under Erica’s stewardship.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “You can’t help but love the guy because the mission, his belief, his faith. He was generous to a fault, loyal to a fault, trustworthy.”
    — Andrew Colvett, [04:54]

• “Charlie was a master of collecting people.”
    — Andrew Colvett, [07:02]

• “To know him, truly, was to love him.”
    — Megyn Kelly, [04:21]

• “He was a disciplined alpha male... but when he had to tap into his nerdy side to learn something, he’d tap into it.”
    — Mikey McCoy, [24:21]

• “For the first time, when I was talking to Erica... it felt like for the first time, I was speaking to Charlie again.”
    — Mikey McCoy, [33:55]

• “Their [Charlie and Erica’s] love story has been so uplifting to everyone who’s ever felt love or wanted to in their lives.”
    — Megyn Kelly, [13:11]

• “You wish death on half your audience in not so subtle ways... and now you’re gone—legitimately.”
    — Walter Kirn (on Jimmy Kimmel), [47:14]

• “True martyrs... are the most influential people in history.... I think we've got a bigger situation on our hand. We've got a spiritual situation on our hand. It's leading to a revival.”
    — Walter Kirn, [60:17]

Memorable Moments & Lighter Touches

• Charlie’s Humor: Juneteenth “Go to work today, everybody” video ([25:40]); dry, ironic takes recognized as beloved by staff.
• Personal Habits: Staff tease Charlie’s mint tea order—to the point it’s now a viral meme ([20:28]).
• Staff’s Dedication: Stories of organizing Charlie’s wardrobe, content, and prep routines; camaraderie and youthfulness as the backbone of TPUSA ([29:31], [30:51]).
• Team’s Playful Banter: Joking about Charlie’s “nerdiness” versus his alpha personality; references to “Khaleesi” and “retribution” memes for Erica ([15:29],[15:34]).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–07:50 – Opening reflections, personal anecdotes, Charlie’s reputation for humor and grace.
• 07:51–13:11 – Statesmanship, leadership, succession plan revealed.
• 13:12–28:51 – Staff memories, culture, and the day-to-day “real Charlie.”
• 28:52–41:22 – Organizational resilience, global reaction, content vault.
• 41:22–62:57 – Media landscape, Jimmy Kimmel/ABC debate, decency on the airwaves.
• 62:58–End – Legacy, spiritual implications, closing optimism.

Final Thoughts

The episode is a heartfelt, multi-dimensional tribute to Charlie Kirk—reflecting on his legacy as a builder, statesman, friend, and inspiration. Staff and friends share their grief, but the conversation is undergirded by humor, hope, and resolve. The transition to Erica Kirk as leader is framed as a natural, meaningful continuation of Charlie’s vision. The episode closes urging listeners to channel their mourning into commitment—carrying forward values of truth, decency, and faith.

End of Summary