Summary of "The Glenn Beck Program" Episode Featuring Jon Erwin | February 24, 2025

The Glenn Beck Program, hosted by the Blaze Podcast Network, delivers engaging storytelling, insightful commentary, and compelling perspectives on American culture and politics. In the February 24, 2025 episode titled "Best of the Program" with guest Jon Erwin, Glenn Beck and co-host John Irwin delve into a range of pressing issues from political appointments to social debates and the evolving landscape of Hollywood filmmaking.

1. Political Landscape and Leadership Changes

FBI Director Appointment

Glenn Beck opens the discussion by highlighting significant developments in the political arena, notably the appointment of Cash Patel as the new FBI Director. Beck emphasizes the symbolic importance of Patel's swearing-in, stating, "Patel has vowed to root out corruption left, right, or center" (16:00). Beck suggests that Patel's appointment signals a direct challenge to what he refers to as the "weaponized deep state." He anticipates increased transparency and accountability, mentioning, "Justice isn't going to care who you voted for" (16:15).

President Trump's Cabinet Finalization

Beck further discusses President Donald Trump's consolidation of his cabinet, praising the inclusion of figures like RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. He asserts that this team is committed to "shrink government and not meddle abroad unless America is directly threatened" (16:40). This, he argues, marks a significant departure from previous administrations, leading to policies aimed at constitutional governance without the entanglements of "endless wars" or a "nanny state."

2. State Crises and Government Response

Midwest Storms and FEMA Cuts

The conversation shifts to natural disasters, specifically recent Midwest storms affecting Illinois and Michigan. Beck criticizes the reduced role of FEMA, questioning the preparedness of these states: "Were you in Ghana? How come you didn't prepare?" (17:10). He contrasts this with Florida's proactive measures, suggesting that states should "step up or ask for help," thereby minimizing reliance on federal agencies.

Homelessness Crisis

Beck addresses the escalating homelessness issue, attributing it to recent staff cuts at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He challenges the media narrative, asserting, "It's decades of blue state failures, not a seven-day staffing trim" (18:00). Beck calls for local accountability, stating, "Governors and mayors, you all own this now," emphasizing the need for state-level solutions over federal intervention.

3. Social Issues and Cultural Debates

Language and Gender Neutrality

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the contentious shift in language and gender identity policies. Beck critiques Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers for adopting gender-neutral terminology in his budget, mocking terms like "inseminated person" and "parentage" (21:00). He introduces a satirical children's story he crafted to illustrate his disdain for what he perceives as excessive political correctness:

"Pat1, pat2 and pat3, three gender neutral anti racist warriors... 'I'm the inseminated person of color who birthed you...'" (21:30)

Beck uses humor to underscore his opposition, highlighting the confusion and frustration he feels towards evolving gender terminology.

Impact of Online Communities

The hosts discuss the role of the internet in amplifying extreme viewpoints, noting how isolation of "crazy people" in neighborhoods has transformed into organized online groups. Beck remarks, "They are now in a group and you're like, oh, wow, it seems like there's a lot of them," (19:59) pointing out the visibility and influence of such groups in the digital age.

4. Hollywood and Christian Filmmaking with Jon Erwin

Introduction to Jon Erwin

Jon Erwin, a prominent figure in Christian filmmaking, joins the program to discuss his latest venture, "House of David," available on Amazon Prime. Erwin shares his journey from a young aspiring filmmaker to a leader in producing faith-based content:

"I remember When I was 16 years old, my dad bought me a camera... and there's something just the Bible came to life in a whole new way." (30:25)

"House of David" and Storytelling

Erwin elaborates on "House of David," describing it as a modern retelling of the classic hero's journey, akin to "Lord of the Rings" or "Star Wars," but rooted in biblical narratives. He highlights the show's focus on character development and emotional depth, particularly in portraying King David's rise and his confrontation with Goliath:

"It's the classic hero's journey. Season one... the story of the rise of this young outcast shepherd boy chosen to be king..." (31:50)

Collaboration and Creative Control

Erwin emphasizes the importance of creative control in his projects, crediting the support of the audience and collaboration with platforms like Amazon Prime. He states, "When we support these things, it gives us leverage to get more things made," (40:57) highlighting a growing movement within Hollywood to produce content that aligns with Christian values and resonates with faith-based audiences.

5. Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects

Towards the end of the episode, Beck reflects on the transformation within Hollywood, celebrating the emergence of filmmakers like the Irwin brothers and Dallas Jenkins who prioritize Christian storytelling without compromising on quality. He lauds their efforts in creating impactful content that caters to a Christian audience, moving beyond the stereotypical "embarrassingly bad" Christian movies of the past.

Erwin shares insights into upcoming projects, including a film on the "Young Life of George Washington," further cementing his commitment to portraying American and biblical history through a faith-driven lens.

Notable Quotes

• Glenn Beck on Abortion:
  "What's more devastating is that a majority of women who get abortions say they would have chosen life if they just had some simple support." (00:35)

• John Irwin on Political Figures:
  "I don't get it. It really doesn't make sense to me when politicians don't align with their voters' needs." (16:55)

• Jon Erwin on Filmmaking:
  "When we support these things, it gives us leverage to get more things made." (40:57)

Conclusion

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a robust discussion on current political appointments, state-level crises, and cultural debates surrounding language and gender identity. The inclusion of Jon Erwin provides a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and Hollywood, highlighting the efforts to produce high-quality Christian content that appeals to a broader audience. Through sharp commentary and engaging storytelling, Beck and his co-host navigate the complexities of modern American society, advocating for transparency, accountability, and values-driven leadership.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript segments and are indicative of the location within the episode where the quoted or discussed content appears.