Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program – Best of the Program | Guest: Justin Haskins | 5/13/25
Introduction
In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program, hosted by Glenn Beck on the Blaze Podcast Network, the discussion focuses on two critical and interrelated topics: the potential collapse of European nations and the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Glenn Beck is joined by Justin Haskins, an expert in polling and research, to delve into these pressing issues affecting American culture and politics.
Europe’s Political and Cultural Decline
Glenn Beck opens the conversation by expressing deep concern over the current trajectory of Europe. He highlights meetings among European leaders, including the Prime Minister of England, the President of France, and the Chancellor of Germany, who are attempting to "reset British relations with the European Union" (00:00). Beck draws parallels between Europe's situation and historical declines of great civilizations, emphasizing that Europe is "not just a continent, it's a cultural mirror" (19:45).
Beck points out several factors contributing to Europe's instability:
- Overcrowded Prisons and Refugee Crisis: "Their prisons are overcrowded. They've been overrun with refugees that are not assimilating. And you're about to lose Sweden..." (20:10)
- Spiritual and Moral Decay: He argues that Europe's problems are "spiritual" rather than merely economic or cultural. The replacement of leaders who believe in "liberty and faith and sovereignty" with "technocrats and bureaucrats" undermines the civilization’s foundation (20:45).
- Economic Fragility and Social Unrest: Beck warns of economic fragility, aging populations, dependency on foreign energy, and millions of migrants leading to increased violence and societal breakdown (21:10).
He further warns that Europe’s collapse will have dire consequences for America, including market crashes, supply chain disruptions, and an influx of refugees (19:55). Beck underscores the urgency of addressing these issues by fostering self-reliance and educating future generations about the mistakes of the past (21:35).
AI Concerns and Public Opinion
Transitioning to the topic of Artificial Intelligence, Glenn Beck introduces Justin Haskins, who shares his insights from recent polling conducted in partnership with the Heartland Institute and Rasmussen Reports. Haskins reveals that over 70% of likely voters are concerned about AI’s impact, a significant increase in public awareness compared to previous years (23:06).
Notable Quote:
Justin Haskins (21:49): "Oh, I'm terrified."
Beck and Haskins discuss the dichotomy of AI’s potential to either empower individuals or control them. According to Haskins, 42% of respondents believe AI will be used to control people, while 33% think it will empower individuals (23:38).
Potential AI Regulations and Public Support
One promising finding from Haskins’ research is the substantial support for regulating AI to protect human rights. When asked if listeners would support a law requiring AI developers to design systems that uphold constitutional rights such as freedom of speech, 78% of likely voters endorsed the measure (25:07).
Notable Quote:
Justin Haskins (25:07): "78% of likely voters, Democrats, Republicans, all age groups. 78% say yes."
Beck highlights this as encouraging news, indicating a strong public desire to impose constitutional safeguards on AI technologies. However, there remains resistance, exemplified by guest Stu Burguiere's cautious stance on the implementation of such regulations (25:17).
The Future Impact of AI on Jobs and Society
Despite the support for AI regulation, the conversation shifts to the potential negative impacts of AI on employment. Haskins discusses the possibility of AI eliminating millions of jobs over the next decade and the public’s response to proposed solutions like universal basic income funded by taxing big tech companies (30:12).
Beck and Haskins express skepticism about the feasibility of these solutions, emphasizing the lack of viable alternatives if AI continues to disrupt the job market (30:48).
Notable Quote:
Glenn Beck (30:57): "What are the alternative?"
Critique of Boeing’s Production Delays
Returning to concerns about American industry, Glenn Beck criticizes Boeing for its prolonged delays in producing new aircraft. He recounts the historical efficiency of American manufacturing during World War II compared to Boeing’s current struggles to build presidential airplanes, highlighting a loss of corporate spirit and accountability within Boeing (29:00).
Beck underscores the importance of maintaining American manufacturing prowess and warns against complacency. He recalls the resilience demonstrated during World War II, suggesting that a similar collective effort is necessary to overcome present-day challenges (30:40).
Notable Quote:
Glenn Beck (30:40): "Shame on you, Boeing. Shame on you."
Conclusion and Call to Action
In his concluding remarks, Glenn Beck emphasizes the urgency of addressing both the geopolitical instability in Europe and the rapid advancements in AI to safeguard American society. He calls on listeners to educate themselves, build resilience, uphold constitutional values, and reject dependency on government interventions.
Beck reinforces the theme of self-reliance and the necessity of moral and spiritual clarity to navigate the impending crises. He encourages proactive engagement to preserve the principles that have historically underpinned American strength and freedom (31:15).
Notable Quote:
Glenn Beck (31:25): "We have to decide what is worth saving, what is. We have to teach this to our kids."
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Glenn Beck Program serves as a stark warning about the potential decline of European stability and the transformative—and potentially disruptive—impact of AI on American society. Through insightful analysis and compelling discussions with Justin Haskins, Glenn Beck underscores the importance of vigilance, education, and proactive measures to preserve American values and ensure a resilient future.
Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript sections provided and are indicative of where key points and quotes occur within the podcast.
