Summary of "The Glenn Beck Program" Episode Featuring Brad Meltzer & Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann (01/17/25)

Released on January 17, 2025, this special episode of "The Glenn Beck Program" hosted by the Blaze Podcast Network features acclaimed author Brad Meltzer and filmmaker Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann. The discussion delves into Meltzer’s new book on the JFK conspiracy and Mann’s documentary on California wildfires, offering deep insights into American history, political divisions, and environmental management.

I. Political Transition and the End of an Era

Glenn Beck opens the episode by reflecting on the recent political shift, describing it as more than just a presidential exit but the culmination of decades-long societal changes marked by division, misinformation, and loss of common sense. He emphasizes the significance of this transition as "the end of an era marked by madness, confusion, Division, distortion, a deafening cacophony of chaos" ([02:05]).

"This administration exiting is not just another exit, you know, exit of a president. It's not the same... it's truly the end of an era." — Glenn Beck [02:08]

Beck underscores the importance of rebuilding and restoring faith in institutions and each other, advocating for an era rooted in freedom, diversity of thought, and mutual respect.

II. Interview with Brad Meltzer: Unveiling the JFK Conspiracy

Brad Meltzer, along with co-author Josh Mensch, presents his latest work, "JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy and Why It Failed." Meltzer discusses the discovery of a lesser-known assassination plot against JFK before his presidency.

A. The Hidden Plot to Assassinate JFK

Meltzer recounts the story of Richard Pavlik, a disgruntled postal worker who intended to kill JFK using dynamite. This plot, however, was thwarted by unforeseen events—a midair collision of two airliners that diverted attention from Pavlik’s assassination plans ([22:45]).

"America becomes obsessed with this kid... It knocks this JFK story off the front page, buries it into the middle of the newspaper." — Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann [22:50]

B. Anti-Catholic Sentiment and Societal Division

The conversation delves into the anti-Catholic prejudice that fueled Pavlik’s motives. Influential Protestant leaders, including Billy Graham and Reverend Norman Vincent Peale, expressed concerns over JFK's loyalty to the Pope over the United States, fostering an environment of distrust and division ([25:42]).

"They worried that JFK would be loyal to the Pope and not to the United States." — Brad Meltzer [24:53]

Meltzer draws parallels between the societal divisions of the 1960s and today, highlighting how entrenched biases continue to foster political and social discord.

"It's right. We are now. And it sounds almost silly now, but there were Protestant leaders back then who did not want a Catholic becoming president." — Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann [25:38]

C. Parallels to Present-Day Politics

Meltzer emphasizes that the divisive atmosphere surrounding JFK's presidency mirrors current political tensions, where extreme partisanship and lack of mutual respect hinder constructive dialogue and progress.

"Whatever side you're on, you think the other side are complete and utter morons. Does that sound familiar to you?" — Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann [25:28]

III. Discussion with Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann: "Hotshot" Documentary and Wildfire Management

Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann, co-author of Meltzer’s book and filmmaker, discusses his documentary "Hotshot," which explores the real history of California wildfires and critiques the prevailing narratives around climate change.

A. Creation and Rejection of "Hotshot"

Mann explains that "Hotshot" was turned down by major distributors like HBO and Netflix due to its minimal focus on climate change, instead highlighting historical wildfire data and practical fire management strategies ([32:17]).

"We gloss over the climate change thing and say, look, had horrible fires for centuries." — Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann [32:17]

B. Climate Change vs. Fire Management Strategies

The documentary contrasts wildfire management in California with Florida’s proactive approach. Mann points out that Florida mitigates wildfire risks through widespread prescribed burns—practices that California has largely neglected, exacerbating fire severity ([35:03]-[35:49]).

"Florida proactively burns more than California has burned in the last 50 years." — Brad Meltzer [35:19]

C. Critique of Hollywood’s Wokeness

Mann criticizes Hollywood for prioritizing political agendas over authentic storytelling, leading to the rejection of films like "Hotshot." He argues that this "woke epidemic" stifles meaningful narratives and alienates audiences seeking genuine content ([33:26]).

"They’re shooting themselves in the foot by turning down a profitable film just because it didn’t sufficiently validate your dogmatic ideology." — Brad Meltzer [33:32]

"If you're saying you have to work three times as hard, that means you're demeaning women." — Brad Meltzer [40:31]

D. Environmental and Practical Insights

Mann highlights the ecological benefits of prescribed burns, such as soil renewal and supporting ecosystems dependent on fire for reproduction. He critiques policies that ignore these practical solutions in favor of ineffective climate change narratives ([37:06]-[38:02]).

"If you keep putting it on climate, it's the most disempowering narrative you could possibly because it creates this learned helplessness." — Brad Meltzer [38:02]

IV. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Concluding the episode, Beck and his guests reiterate the importance of acknowledging historical lessons to address present challenges. They advocate for restoring rational discourse, empowering individuals to take action, and rejecting divisive ideologies that undermine societal cohesion.

"Lead the way. Be the one who chooses faith over fear, courage over conformity, love over hatred." — Glenn Beck [40:31]

The episode wraps up with encouragement to support independent projects like "Hotshot" as alternatives to mainstream media narratives, fostering a more informed and resilient American society.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "This administration exiting is not just another exit... it's truly the end of an era." — Glenn Beck [02:08]
• "Whatever side you're on, you think the other side are complete and utter morons. Does that sound familiar to you?" — Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann [25:28]
• "They’re shooting themselves in the foot by turning down a profitable film just because it didn’t sufficiently validate your dogmatic ideology." — Brad Meltzer [33:32]
• "If you keep putting it on climate, it's the most disempowering narrative you could possibly because it creates this learned helplessness." — Brad Meltzer [38:02]
• "Lead the way. Be the one who chooses faith over fear, courage over conformity, love over hatred." — Glenn Beck [40:31]

Conclusion

This episode of "The Glenn Beck Program" offers a compelling exploration of historical conspiracies and contemporary environmental challenges, urging listeners to seek truth, embrace proactive solutions, and foster unity amidst division. Through the insightful dialogues with Brad Meltzer and Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann, the program underscores the necessity of informed action and the reclamation of common sense in shaping America's future.