Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program – Best of the Program | Guests: Paul Sperry & Salena Zito | 07/18/25

Introduction

In this special "Best of the Program" episode of The Glenn Beck Program, hosted by Glenn Beck and Jason Buttrill, the discussion delves deep into pressing issues of American politics, media integrity, and unsettling personal accounts from key guests. The episode, released on July 18, 2025, features insightful conversations with Paul Sperry of Real Clear Investigations and New York Times best-selling author Selena Zito. Additionally, the program touches on bizarre news stories, blending serious discourse with Glenn Beck's signature engaging style.

1. Unveiling Corruption and DOJ Investigations with Paul Sperry

Timestamp: 04:30 - 16:19

The episode kicks off with a robust discussion led by host Jason Buttrill, who introduces Paul Sperry, Real Clear Investigations' senior reporter. Sperry brings to light a significant development involving the Department of Justice (DOJ) and a purported grand conspiracy under investigation.

• DOJ's New Conspiracy Investigation: Sperry reveals that the DOJ is set to declassify documents related to the "Russiagate" scandal, suggesting a deeper conspiracy (05:42). He emphasizes that these documents will "definitely back up the internal CIA review of the ICA and possible perjury by Brennan and Comey" (06:40).

• Smoking Gun Evidence: Sperry discusses the potential impact of these documents, describing them as an "unbelievable smoking gun" (07:35) that could reshape the political landscape. He highlights ongoing investigations that increasingly point towards a coordinated effort to undermine former President Donald Trump.

• Conspiracy Theory Details: Delving deeper, Sperry outlines how the investigation links high-profile figures like James Comey and John Brennan to a broader conspiracy aimed at protecting Hillary Clinton and framing Trump. He asserts, "They all conspired to protect Hillary and to frame and to stop Trump" (08:31).

• Implications for Those Involved: Addressing the severity of the situation, Sperry speculates on the potential legal repercussions for the conspirators, suggesting that the case could involve numerous co-conspirators and extend to significant legal actions (11:54). He stresses the importance of publicizing these documents to ensure accountability and transparency.

• Media's Role and Public Perception: Sperry criticizes the mainstream media for allegedly burying significant stories like Epstein's, arguing that the release of these documents will compel media outlets to cover them. He states, "The dam is starting to break on all this" (16:10), indicating a shift towards greater media scrutiny.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Sperry (05:42): "They have declassified a new batch of documents related to the Russiagate hoax and they're planning to release them soon."
• Paul Sperry (07:35): "This is like an unbelievable smoking gun if it is as advertised."

2. Spotlight on Selena Zito: Witness to History and Author of "Butler"

Timestamp: 19:36 - 33:46

The program transitions to a heartfelt introduction of Selena Zito, a renowned New York Times best-selling author. Selena shares her harrowing experience as a journalist present during a critical moment in American history.

• Personal Account of the President's Shooting: Selena recounts being just feet away from the President when he was shot, describing the immediate aftermath and the psychological impact it had on her and her colleague. She emphasizes the importance of journalists maintaining professionalism in the face of trauma, saying, "Your feelings are not supposed to be part of it" (25:44).

• Impact on Mental Health: Contrary to expectations, Selena reveals she did not seek psychiatric help post-incident, adhering to her belief in professional detachment. This sparks a debate with Jason Buttrill about the necessity of mental health support after such traumatic events.

• Discussion on Epstein and Media Integrity: The conversation pivots to a recent Wall Street Journal report about a letter and drawing purportedly sent by Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. Jason critiques the credibility of the reporter involved, linking him to Glenn Simpson of Fusion GPS—the firm behind the Steele dossier. Selena condemns the Wall Street Journal's oversight, questioning how such an error "got on to a page in a storied news organization" (27:38).

• Legal and Ethical Implications: Both guests discuss the potential for lawsuits and defamation claims against the Wall Street Journal for publishing the inaccurate letter, highlighting the broader issue of media responsibility and fact-checking.

• Selena's Book "Butler": Selena elaborates on her book, which not only recounts her eyewitness experience but also delves into the broader societal and political implications of that day. She mentions a concluding chapter titled "The Reckoning," which addresses the current state of her profession and the nation's direction.

Notable Quotes:

• Selena Zito (19:42): "It really gives a profound look at what is happening in the country."
• Selena Zito (23:28): "They were saying, 'We also are going to fight. This is about standing up for America.'"

3. Bizarre News: MRI Magnet Mishap and the Haunted Annabelle

Timestamp: 33:56 - 45:24

Shifting gears, the podcast ventures into more unusual news stories, blending skepticism with curiosity.

• MRI Magnet Incident: Jason recounts a startling news story where a man with a heavy metal necklace was inadvertently pulled into an MRI machine, sustaining critical injuries (34:00). The hosts express disbelief over the lack of proper safety measures, questioning how unauthorized access occurred and the adequacy of door locks.

  • Safety Concerns: Glenn criticizes the facility for not securing the MRI room properly, emphasizing the potential dangers. He humorously relates the incident to a fictional scenario involving Magneto (36:04).

• Haunted Doll Annabelle's Tragic End: The discussion moves to the untimely death of paranormal investigator Dan Rivera, known for touring with the allegedly haunted Raggedy Ann doll, Annabelle. They explore the doll's sinister history, including violent incidents and claims of demonic possession.

  • Origins of Annabelle: Pete describes the doll's backstory, including its possession by a spirit named Annabelle and the violent outcomes faced by those who tried to appease it. He questions the rationale behind putting a supposedly evil object on tour, suggesting it defies common sense and poses unnecessary risks (40:14).

  • Personal Beliefs on Evil and Possession: Both hosts share their beliefs in the supernatural, with Glenn recounting a personal experience involving a mysterious blue door with "bad mojo" that he and his team destroyed to prevent further evil (44:25).

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Beck (35:02): "This is like if Magneto... does his little thing."
• Jason Buttrill (41:27): "I believe a lot of people in the country today are possessed."

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, The Glenn Beck Program offers a compelling mix of investigative journalism, personal testimonies, and intriguing news stories. Paul Sperry's insights into the DOJ's potential crackdown on corruption and Selena Zito's firsthand account of witnessing a presidential shooting provide deep dives into the current political and social climate. The foray into bizarre news stories adds a unique flavor, keeping listeners engaged with a variety of topics. Glenn Beck and Jason Buttrill maintain their trademark candidness and critical perspectives, encouraging listeners to question and seek the truth behind the headlines.

Final Notable Quote:

• Glenn Beck (34:00): "He was like, oh my gosh, they're killing the date, everything."

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles within American politics, media integrity, and the unexplained phenomena that continue to captivate public interest. Whether dissecting high-stakes political conspiracies or exploring eerie supernatural claims, The Glenn Beck Program remains a pivotal platform for alternative perspectives and in-depth analysis.