Podcast Summary

The Charlie Kirk Show

Episode: Turns Out, Jesse Watters Saved the World—Here's How
Date: July 8, 2021
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guest: Jesse Watters

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode features Fox News host Jesse Watters as he discusses his new book, How I Saved the World. The conversation focuses on Jesse’s unique approach to media, political satire, his background, and his observations of the American left. The discussion weaves together humor, advice for young conservatives, insights into media activism, and commentary on current political and cultural issues, all delivered in the candid, playful tone characteristic of both Kirk and Watters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Book Promotion

• [04:31] Jesse jokes about being “charming, brilliant, and generous,” setting a playful tone.
• Jesse discusses the inspiration for his book and explains the satirical nature of its title.
  • Quote: "[Liberals] have a savior complex. They're constantly trying to save everybody else. Meanwhile, their house is not in order... If we all focus on fixing ourselves, we can save the world." —Jesse Watters ([04:51])

2. Satirical Endorsements and Media Persona

• [05:44] Charlie reads negative media quotes about Jesse that are repurposed as “endorsements” for the book.
  • Quote: "I just plagiarized what these hateful mainstream media people said about me and slapped it on the back." —Jesse Watters ([07:03])
• Discussion about using critics’ insults as a badge of honor.

3. The Power of Humor and Ridicule in Politics

• [07:46] Jesse outlines how the left tries to police humor, arguing it's a powerful tool that humanizes conservatives and can “move the needle on policy.”
  • Quote: "If Republicans make jokes, that means we're racist because we come from an evil place... If we're likable, we're actually human." —Jesse Watters ([07:58])
• Humor and ridicule, Jesse argues, are central themes of the book.

4. Personal Background & Journey

• Jesse describes growing up with liberal parents, being sent to survival camps, and his early career setbacks.
• Stories of being fired from multiple jobs before landing at Fox.
  • Quote: "I think my parents were trying to kill me... but I survived. And look at me now, I'm a big smash hit on Fox." —Jesse Watters ([17:16])

5. Analysis of the Left: Insecurity and Psychological Motives

• Jesse suggests many liberals possess “massive insecurity,” driving a need to control and divide.
  • Quote: "For the most part, liberals are not secure in themselves. They're uncomfortable with the success of America and they feel guilt... by meddling, by controlling, by dividing, and by casting blame at pretty much everything that makes this country great." —Jesse Watters ([11:16])
• Discussion of how this impacts political and societal debates.

6. Experiences with Trump and Fox News

• [13:04] Jesse shares personal stories about Donald Trump, calling him a gracious and entertaining host.
  • Quote: "A liberal, a socialist, an anarchist ... you go in and you meet this guy. This guy will make you feel like you're having the time of your life." —Jesse Watters ([13:08])
• Life at Fox News and the daily challenge of engaging with liberal counterparts on-air and in person.

7. Dealing with Liberals: Advice for Conservatives

• [14:38] Jesse's advice for young conservatives: approach liberals with “whimsy, charm, and a little bit of mockery.”
• Emphasizes leading with patience and facts, likening engaging the left to guiding someone through a process.

8. Personal Anecdotes: Survival Camps and Capitalism

• Jesse tells stories of survival camps and “learning about capitalism from bellhopping.”
• Discusses the concept of self-reliance versus dependence in the context of political philosophy.
  • Quote: "Can a socialist survive in the woods? ... No, just because they would have to be asking other people for help the whole time." —Jesse Watters ([18:13])

9. Media Warfare and Ambush Journalism

• [19:15] Jesse describes past confrontations with NBC/General Electric and Keith Olbermann, including undercover reporting and media “wars.”
  • Quote: "Once you control your emotions, you can conquer anything." —Jesse Watters ([22:10])
• Shares “how-to” advice for handling ambush situations—don’t take the bait, keep your cool.

10. The Shift Away from Confrontational Journalism

• Jesse laments the decline of “ambush journalism” and direct engagement with powerful figures.
• Suggests conservative activism could revive this with on-the-street journalism.
  • Quote: "We need a little Mike Wallace...used to be the marquee program for putting mics in faces and holding these guys accountable." —Jesse Watters ([23:13])

11. Commentary on Politicians: Cori Bush and Maxine Waters

• [26:43] Jesse critiques Rep. Cori Bush’s policies and rhetoric, specifically on reparations and crime.
  • Quote: "She tries to make white people feel guilty about some...some stranger's great, great, great, great grandfather, what he did 300 miles away in another state. Nothing to do with us." —Jesse Watters ([27:16])
• Adds humor about not being related to Maxine Waters.

12. The Influence of a Small Activist Minority

• Jesse and Charlie discuss how a minority drives the national discourse through media and social platforms.
  • Quote: "We're not talking about 16,000 genders... that's not real America." —Jesse Watters ([30:53])

13. Career Advice for Aspiring Conservatives

• [31:16] “Do what you're told... stop complaining, work hard, keep your nose down. In 10 years you might have a show on Fox.”
  • Quote: "No one cares about what you think or what you feel. You're 23, you're probably making 45 GS. You're expendable." —Jesse Watters ([31:16])

14. Urgent Issues: Border, CRT, and Crime

• [32:21] Jesse and Charlie discuss major threats: lax border security, critical race theory in schools, rising gas prices, and increased urban crime.
  • Quote: "Critical race theory... they're trying to inject poison into the brains of our youth." —Jesse Watters ([32:21])

15. Critical Race Theory and Parental Backlash

• Jesse compares current energy against CRT at school board meetings to the Tea Party movement.
  • Quote: "Nothing more powerful than an angry mom... that's a bad combo. Nothing more dangerous than an angry mom in this country." —Jesse Watters ([35:18])
• Argues the left is “discombobulated” on how to defend CRT.

16. Personal Relationships & Politics: Jesse’s Mom

• [36:43] Jesse shares humorous stories about hostile texts from his anti-Trump mom, how they became a bit on The Five.
  • Quote: "I love her to death, but she has calmed since Sleepy Joe joined... I think that was the intention. It was to put everybody to sleep." —Jesse Watters ([37:40])

17. Eagles Football and Cultural Commentary

• Jesse confesses to still watching the NFL despite political controversies, citing lifelong Eagles fandom and football’s cultural importance.
  • "I'm immorally watching the NFL... I gotta watch my birds." —Jesse Watters ([38:18])

18. Book Promotion and Closing

• Jesse plugs his book, playfully urging listeners to help him beat a Reese Witherspoon book for the #1 spot.
  • Quote: "If you hate Hollywood, buy my book. We'll take her out." —Jesse Watters ([39:29])

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Jesse on Liberal ‘Savior Complex’: "Their house is not in order, so they need to focus on themselves first. Then if we all fix ourselves, we can save the world." ([04:51])
• On Handling Ambushes: "Once you control your emotions, you can conquer anything." ([22:10])
• On Angry Moms and CRT: "Nothing more dangerous than an angry mom in this country." ([35:18])
• Personal Humor: "I might actually tell your beautiful audience how to hold these punks accountable. We'll give you guys some tips about making these guys cry and pee themselves." ([40:09])

Important Segment Timestamps

• [04:31] — Jesse joins, discusses book’s satirical title
• [07:46] — Themes: humor and ridicule as political tools
• [13:04] — Insights into Trump’s character
• [19:15] — Media warfare stories and ambush tactics
• [26:43] — Critique of Cori Bush and divisive politics
• [31:16] — Career advice for young conservatives
• [32:21] — Concerns over border, CRT, and crime
• [35:04] — CRT parental backlash compared to Tea Party
• [36:43] — Jesse’s relationship with his anti-Trump mom
• [38:18] — Football fandom, cultural critique
• [39:29] — Final book pitch

Tone & Style

The conversation is quick-witted, satirical, and frequently self-deprecating. Both Kirk and Watters use humor to tackle cultural and political debates, often punctuating serious points with jokes or sarcasm. The episode combines earnest advice for young conservatives with playful banter and irreverence towards political opponents.

This summary captures the key themes, arguments, and memorable exchanges of an episode designed to entertain and energize conservative listeners while promoting Jesse Watters’ new book and discussing major current issues in politics and culture.