Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program – "The Only Real Righteous Revolutionary? Jesus" (April 18, 2025)

Introduction In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program, hosted by the Blaze Podcast Network, Glenn Beck delves into a series of pressing issues surrounding American culture, politics, and faith. The discussion spans from violent incidents influenced by social justice movements to economic concerns and the exploration of miracles through a special guest. The episode culminates with a profound reflection on Good Friday and the story of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the enduring power of faith and rituals.

1. Dallas Stabbing Incident and Social Justice Influence

[04:30 – 08:07]

Glenn Beck begins by recounting a tragic incident in Dallas, Texas, where a teenager named Carmelo Anthony violently stabbed another youth over a seating dispute at a track meet. Beck highlights the swift escalation from a minor confrontation to a fatal act, underscoring the presence of witnesses and the apparent simplicity of the case. However, the situation becomes more complex with the involvement of a Dallas-based "defund the police" activist and social justice leader.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Carmelo Anthony stabbed another boy, leading to death.
• Social Justice Involvement: An activist associated with the defund the police movement attends a press conference, derailing the initial narrative.
• Character Examination: Through online investigation, Beck reveals the activist's deep ties to progressive causes and questionable past, including criminal records and affiliations with controversial figures like Cori Bush and Louis Farrakhan.
• Implications: The episode criticizes the character and influence of social justice leaders, suggesting they enable or excuse violent behavior.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Beck: “This is an open and shut case... However, there is a Dallas based defund the police activist and social justice leader that is now involved with the family.” [04:30]
• Glenn Beck: “They are trying to burn down Tesla... It was disrespectful and just shows all of you the character.” [08:07]

2. Radical Op-Ed on Revolution and Its Dangers

[08:07 – 27:50]

Beck reads and critiques an alarming op-ed by Nicholas Decker titled "When Must We Kill Them?" The essay advocates for violent resistance against a perceived tyrannical administration, suggesting that war and even assassination might become necessary to preserve freedom.

Key Points:

• Content of Op-Ed: Decker argues that current administration practices are tyrannical and that extreme measures, including violence, may be required to stop them.
• Beck’s Response: He condemns the essay as lacking credibility and promoting dangerous ideologies, emphasizing that neither he nor his listeners support such extremist views.
• Broader Implications: Beck warns of a "culture of death" emerging from the rejection of eternal principles and the influence of misguided leaders on both ends of the political spectrum.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicholas Decker (Excerpt): “There may come a time when we shall have no guarantee of freedom...” [08:07]
• Glenn Beck: “I do not wish for this essay to be a mere catalog of outrages... None.” [25:56]
• Glenn Beck: “Let us make no mistake. The problem is not one man, but a whole class of people.” [27:04]

3. Economic Concerns: Dollar Decline and Gold Surge

[27:50 – 44:42]

Beck shifts focus to economic issues, highlighting the decline in the U.S. dollar’s purchasing power and the concurrent surge in gold prices.

Key Points:

• Dollar Devaluation: Over three years, the dollar lost 16 cents in purchasing power, a significant decline impacting American consumers.
• Gold as a Hedge: Since 2000, gold prices have increased by over 600%, serving as a reliable store of value against currency depreciation.
• Call to Action: Beck urges listeners to consider investing in gold to protect their savings, emphasizing its long-term benefits and current high valuations.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Beck: “In the last three years, according to the U.S. bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. dollar has lost over percent of its purchasing power.” [27:35]
• Glenn Beck: “Gold. Up over 600% since 2000. And look at it now. It's over 3,000.” [29:13]

4. Special Guest Segment: Exploring Miracles with Billy Hollowell

[49:50 – 122:21]

Glenn Beck welcomes Billy Hollowell, a filmmaker from the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), to discuss his documentary on miracles. Hollowell shares compelling stories of unprecedented healing and supernatural events, offering evidence to challenge skeptics and inspire faith.

Key Points:

• Documentary Focus: Investigates significant miracles, such as resuscitating the dead and curing paralysis, with medical documentation supporting these claims.
• Personal Stories: Hollowell recounts narratives like Jeff Markin's revival after a near-death experience and Brian Lapu's recovery from paralysis through persistent faith and prayer.
• Faith and Doubt: Discussions touch on the challenges of maintaining faith during unhealed situations and the transformative power of witnessing miracles.
• Future Projects: Hollowell mentions upcoming segments on supernatural phenomena, including angels and demons.

Notable Quotes:

• Billy Hollowell: “I walked away completely transformed and challenged by the insane things that we encountered.” [50:16]
• Glenn Beck: “If you listen to those voices, it is...” [58:33]
• Billy Hollowell: “We've got medical documentation. So that's the kind of stuff we were dealing with in this documentary.” [53:47]

5. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Its Implications

[122:21 – 81:22]

Beck and co-host Stu Burguiere discuss the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), citing statements from industry leaders like former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. They explore the potential for AI to surpass human intelligence and the societal changes it may bring.

Key Points:

• AI Progression: AI is evolving towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) within three to five years, capable of matching the smartest human minds.
• Recursive Self-Improvement: AI systems are beginning to improve themselves without human intervention, leading to Superintelligent AI (ASI).
• Economic and Social Impact: The rise of AI could disrupt traditional economic models, leading to concepts like Universal Basic Income (UBI) and altering job markets.
• Uncertainty and Control: There is significant concern about humanity’s ability to manage AI’s exponential growth and the lack of understanding of its internal operations.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Schmidt (Excerpt): “Within three to five years we'll have what is called general intelligence, AGI...” [75:50]
• Glenn Beck: “You can’t possibly... You can't ever turn it off.” [81:22]
• Stu Burguiere: “Anthropic has made its first investment in another startup, putting $1 million into GoodFire...” [80:24]

6. Faith, Rituals, and Good Friday Reflections

[112:01 – 129:11]

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Beck engages in a heartfelt reflection on Good Friday, weaving in the story of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. He emphasizes the importance of rituals in maintaining faith and community, drawing parallels between biblical events and contemporary spiritual practices.

Key Points:

• Good Friday Narrative: Beck narrates the crucifixion of Jesus, highlighting themes of sacrifice, love, and redemption.
• Importance of Rituals: He underscores how rituals provide structure, reduce anxiety, and foster community, comparing religious practices to everyday routines.
• Rise of Faith: Beck notes a surge in young people converting to Catholicism, attributing it to a hunger for substance and clarity amidst societal turmoil.
• Personal Stories: Callers share personal miracle experiences, reinforcing the episode's theme of faith and divine intervention.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Beck: “Let it go. Come to me. Step out of the shadows. Lay down the weight. It's not about being perfect. It's about being his.” [119:30]
• Billy Hollowell: “There are multiple miracles in there. And again, these are not just claims. We've got medical documentation.” [53:47]
• Glenn Beck: “As we head to Easter this weekend... Rituals slow us down. They make us present in the moment.” [124:50]

Conclusion

In this episode, The Glenn Beck Program navigates through a spectrum of topics—from critiquing social justice influences on violent incidents and alarming political rhetoric to exploring economic vulnerabilities and the profound impact of faith and miracles. The episode seamlessly blends urgent political commentary with deep spiritual reflections, urging listeners to remain vigilant, financially prudent, and spiritually grounded in turbulent times.

Final Thoughts: Beck emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith through rituals and community, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful practices that provide solace and purpose. He advocates for financial strategies like investing in gold to safeguard against economic instability and warns of the existential risks posed by unchecked artificial intelligence advancements.

Key Takeaways:

• Vigilance Against Extremism: Stay informed and critical of movements that may justify or excuse violence.
• Economic Preparedness: Consider alternative investments like gold to protect against currency devaluation.
• Faith and Community: Engage in rituals and maintain spiritual practices to navigate personal and societal challenges.
• Awareness of Technological Risks: Monitor and understand the rapid development of AI to mitigate potential threats.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Glenn Beck: “This is an open and shut case...” [04:30]
• Nicholas Decker (Excerpt): “There may come a time when we shall have no guarantee of freedom...” [08:07]
• Glenn Beck: “God always finds a way to remind us.” [125:17]
• Billy Hollowell: “We went around the entire country looking for stories of crazy miracles.” [49:50]
• Glenn Beck: “Good Friday, it was the most humiliating thing that could happen.” [120:34]

Conclusion This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between faith, politics, and personal resilience. Glenn Beck leverages current events and personal testimonies to advocate for preparedness, both financially and spiritually, urging listeners to uphold enduring values amidst evolving societal dynamics.