The Glenn Beck Program – Best of the Program | Guest: Liz Wheeler | 9/15/25
Overview
This episode is a poignant and candid reflection on the recent assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, its shockwaves through American culture, and the broader climate of polarized politics. Glenn Beck and his guests, including Liz Wheeler, navigate the emotional aftermath, the role of cancel culture, parental responsibility in a fractured moral landscape, and the nature of true leadership and civil rights in today's America.
Key Discussion Points
1. Remembering Charlie Kirk: Character, Impact, and Legacy
[00:30–10:00]
- The episode centers on reactions to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with Beck and co-hosts recalling his legacy—especially his capacity for calm, faith-filled discourse even with opponents.
- Beck expresses admiration for how Kirk matured in his public approach, becoming more confident and serene in his debates, particularly about faith.
“I bet you he mellowed as he became more mature in his faith. I bet he mellowed at that point and became just more confident in his faith as well.” — Glenn Beck [06:22]
- Viral moments are discussed, notably a podcast clip where Kirk addresses adult entertainers with respect and genuine faith:
“I think God has a better plan for you… Jesus loves all of you and he can transform your life. He transformed my life. I’ve had a lot of problems in my life. A lot of problems. And Jesus solves everything.” — Charlie Kirk [08:49]
- Beck and Stu express that this respectful engagement is the best way to remember Kirk.
2. The Fallout: Investigations and Social Media Reactions
[09:52–15:41]
- Beck details ongoing FBI investigations into social media accounts that had apparent foreknowledge of the assassination—raising questions about broader involvement and motives.
- He shares breaking news about unrelated arrests and the climate of fear and suspicion surrounding politically motivated violence.
- Raises concerns about mob behavior and mass celebration of political violence.
3. Cancel Culture vs. Common Decency: Where’s the Line?
[15:41–26:30]
- Discussion of the distinction between “cancel culture” (de-platforming over past opinions or jokes) and the justified removal of people who celebrate murder or violence.
“If anybody on my staff would have said, oh my gosh, this is so great… I would have fired them on the spot. We didn’t say those things. And you know, that’s not what normal people think.” — Glenn Beck [15:22]
- Critique of left-wing origins of cancel culture and skepticism toward the left suddenly “caring” about it when it boomerangs.
- Stu and Glenn draw a bright line between punishing crime celebration (essential decency) and canceling for ideological nonconformity.
“If I found out a coworker was secretly in the KKK, would you want them to be around you working? No.” — Stu [19:21]
- Teachers and adults working with children are held to a particularly high standard regarding public reactions to tragedy.
“Every single teacher should be fired… if you didn’t stand up in front of your class and say, ‘Look, I disagree with Charlie Kirk… but this is wrong.’” — Glenn Beck [19:54]
- The notion that some sports teams and public figures honored Kirk’s death represents a sign of positive cultural shift and decency.
4. Civil Rights, Leadership, and the Changing Battlefield
[25:23–29:14]
- Beck argues for redefining civil rights leadership in the current era—suggesting that freedom of speech and thought are the civil rights issues of today.
“The civil rights of our era is about freedom of speech, freedom of thought. That’s what the whole argument is about… How is Charlie Kirk not the iconic civil rights leader of the day?” — Glenn Beck [27:46]
5. Community Response & Listener Input
[29:14–30:35]
- Caller Skyla from Utah calls for memorializing Kirk at UVU (Utah Valley University), where negative behaviors were reportedly tolerated, advocating for public commemoration and accountability for campus leaders.
6. Liz Wheeler Interview: The Crisis of Parenting in America
[31:24–43:59]
- Liz Wheeler joins to discuss her recent commentary on the parenting crisis, directly linking the breakdown of family and moral instruction to tragedies like the Kirk assassination.
“Parents are given a duty to shepherd their children’s souls… Parents, especially my generation or one generation above, are godless themselves. And then they wonder why their children turn out captured by the demonic.” — Liz Wheeler [34:49]
- Wheeler insists on parental vigilance—even if unpopular or difficult—and calls for countercultural, faith-based parenting.
- Beck pushes back, reflecting on his own flawed upbringing and the immense, sometimes overwhelming, challenge of effective parenting in a culture with few supportive institutions.
“My dad was a workaholic and my mom was an alcoholic. I don’t know how to be a dad… We were tired and just trying to keep our head above water.” — Glenn Beck [36:35]
- Both agree on the urgent need for higher parental standards, but Beck cautions against “dogpiling” on already grieving parents, suggesting, instead, the focus should be on offering guidance to new parents and support to those struggling.
“You might still lose your kid. Liz, thank you so much. God bless you. Always a fan and always great to have you on.” — Glenn Beck [43:59]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On faith and discourse:
“He was a shining light of what you were supposed to do, and I thought it was really, really impressive.” — Stu [07:38]
- On cultural rot and the celebration of death:
“You're a horrible human being if you react that way to anyone's murder.” — Stu [22:24]
- On the erosion of civil rights:
“That’s a civil right. I have the civil right to be able to stand up and say, ‘No, I don’t want my children seeing that…’” — Glenn Beck [28:43]
- Wheeler’s call to responsibility:
“We have a parenting crisis in our country because parents think their children are boss... Parents… are godless themselves. And then they wonder why their children turn out captured by the demonic.” — Liz Wheeler [34:41]
- On hope and national spiritual renewal after tragedy:
“This is our whole country. We're all rising up like a roaring lion, determined not just to post about this and talk about this, but to enact change…” — Liz Wheeler [31:24]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Charlie Kirk’s Respectful Debate & Viral Clip: [06:22–09:48]
- FBI Investigation & Social Media Foreknowledge: [09:52–12:41]
- Cancel Culture and Celebrating Tragedy: [15:41–21:48]
- Teachers and Public Reaction to Murder: [19:54–21:48]
- Redefining Civil Rights and Leadership: [25:23–27:46]
- Liz Wheeler on Parenting & Moral Formation: [31:24–36:12]
- Parenting Pushback & Agreement: [36:12–43:59]
Conclusion
This episode’s emotional core is the tension between outrage at political violence and the pressing need for moral and cultural renewal. Beck, Stu, and Wheeler demonstrate a blend of righteous anger, introspection, and hope, urging Americans—especially parents and leaders—to reclaim foundational values. It’s a call not only for truth but for decency, and above all, for a return to faith as the anchor in turbulent times.