Summary of "The Glenn Beck Program" featuring Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus | June 13, 2025

Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of The Glenn Beck Program, host Glenn Beck delves deep into the geopolitical tensions surrounding Israel's recent military actions, former President Donald Trump's foreign policy legacy, and the growing concerns of Islamic extremism both internationally and within Western societies. Joining him is retired Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, whose military expertise provides insightful analysis into these pressing issues.

1. Glenn Beck’s Monologue: The Weight of War and Israel’s Strategic Strike [00:00 - 02:03]

Glenn Beck opens the episode with a passionate monologue addressing the complexities of war, drawing parallels between historical conflicts and the current situation in the Middle East. He reflects on his evolving perspective on war, stating:

"I hate war. I used to be, you know, in my youth, a little more war happy... But I have learned... that what I was for was absolutely wrong."
[00:00]

Beck criticizes past U.S. foreign policies, labeling the State Department and neoconservatives as misguided for engaging in prolonged conflicts without clear objectives or understanding of their adversaries. He underscores the emotional and societal toll of these wars, emphasizing the nation's need to genuinely support its soldiers and their families.

2. Israel’s Surgical Strike on Iran: A Game-Changer [02:04 - 17:36]

Transitioning to the heart of the discussion, Beck analyzes Israel's recent preemptive strike against Iran, highlighting its precision and strategic significance. He asserts that this action marks a departure from previous, drawn-out conflicts:

"This was targeted. This was surgical. This was preemptive... they were trying to build a nuclear bomb... They chose death."
[10:45]

Beck praises the strike for its effectiveness in neutralizing key Iranian military leaders and facilities, arguing that it serves as a crucial deterrent against future nuclear ambitions. He contrasts this with the doctrine of mutually assured destruction, suggesting that Iran's regime poses a unique and existential threat that requires decisive action.

3. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus on the Strike’s Impact and Future Implications [17:37 - 30:01]

Lt. Col. Conricus provides a detailed military perspective on Israel's operation, emphasizing its historic nature and the extensive preparations involved:

"This is a really, I think an historic operation that will be studied by military experts."
[18:25]

He elaborates on the intelligence collaboration between Mossad and the Israeli Air Force, and the strategic goal of crippling Iran's nuclear capabilities. Conricus also addresses the potential responses from Iran, noting the delicate balance of power and the urgent need for diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation.

Discussing former President Trump's role, Conricus commends Trump's decisive actions, such as the elimination of General Qassem Soleimani, which he believes have weakened Iran's strategic position:

"I give credit to President Trump for supporting Israel and for working together with Israel... That's what the US President should be doing."
[23:05]

4. The Fallout of U.S. Foreign Policy: Deception or Honesty? [22:00 - 26:04]

Beck questions the portrayal of Trump’s actions as deceptive, defending the president's transparent warnings to Iran:

"He kept giving them the same warning over and over again."
[21:57]

In response, Conricus acknowledges the dual nature of military strategy, where deception can be a tactical advantage without compromising the integrity of leadership:

"I think actually it's both. It's deception in the good way of how to wage war and how to catch your enemy unaware and unprepared."
[22:55]

The discussion also touches upon the political narratives spun by opponents, with Beck critiquing figures like Ben Rhodes for misrepresenting Trump's foreign policy achievements.

5. Domestic Threats: The Rise of Islamic Extremism in the West [26:04 - 29:45]

Shifting focus to internal security, Beck highlights the growing presence of Islamic extremists within America and Europe, raising alarms about their potential to destabilize democracies:

"They are trying to import their failed system of governance and their outlook on life... They are advocating violence."
[28:30]

Conricus echoes these concerns, pointing out the infiltration of extremist ideologies in Western cities and the consequent erosion of law and order:

"There is a significant threat to the Western based system of democracy, civil liberties, law and order."
[27:10]

Both speakers stress the urgent need for robust measures to counteract these threats, advocating for a balanced approach that distinguishes between peaceful Muslims and extremists.

6. Political Theater: Senatorial Performances Under Scrutiny [30:02 - 38:39]

In a humorous yet critical segment, Beck satirizes recent antics by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla, Elizabeth Warren, and Cory Booker, portraying their actions as theatrics unbecoming of legislators. He mocks Padilla's failed attempt to hijack a press conference, calling him a "big clown," and ridicules Warren's dramatic speeches as "Trail of Tears," suggesting that such performances undermine serious governance.

"These are not convincing people that anyone could take seriously even if they tried."
[39:37]

This segment serves as a critique of perceived incompetence and performative politics within the Senate, contrasting sharply with the gravity of international security issues discussed earlier.

7. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook [38:40 - End]

As the episode wraps up, Beck reinforces the importance of strong leadership and vigilance in both foreign and domestic arenas. He emphasizes the need for America to support allies like Israel while addressing internal threats to maintain national integrity and security.

"Peace doesn't come from pretending evil doesn't exist."
[29:45]

Lt. Col. Conricus concurs, stating that the current actions are merely the "end of the beginning," hinting at ongoing and future challenges that will require continued attention and strategic responses.

Conclusion

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a robust analysis of contemporary geopolitical tensions, the ramifications of U.S. foreign policy, and the rising threats of extremism within Western societies. Through spirited dialogue and expert insights from Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping today's political landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Glenn Beck: "I hate war... what I was for was absolutely wrong."
  [00:00]

• Glenn Beck: "This was targeted. This was surgical... They literally choose death."
  [10:45]

• Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus: "This is a really, I think an historic operation that will be studied by military experts."
  [18:25]

• Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus: "I think actually it's both. It's deception in the good way of how to wage war..."
  [22:55]

• Glenn Beck: "Peace doesn't come from pretending evil doesn't exist."
  [29:45]

Join the Conversation

For those intrigued by the discussions in this episode, The Glenn Beck Program continues to explore pivotal issues in American culture and politics, offering storytelling, insights, and compelling perspectives to keep listeners informed and engaged.