The Glenn Beck Program: Best of the Program | Guests: Salena Zito & Pastor Josh McPherson | 9/19/2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program dives deep into the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, exploring the diverse public reactions across the political spectrum, particularly focusing on the groundswell of grassroots and faith-based responses. Glenn is joined by political journalist Salena Zito and Pastor Josh McPherson to discuss how this event is shaping American culture, faith communities, and the ongoing culture war. The episode also touches on broader media reactions, faith, societal divisions, and the potential for spiritual and cultural revival.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Legacy and Impact of Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

• Profound National and Grassroots Reaction: Glenn describes the extraordinary national and international attention surrounding Charlie Kirk’s memorial, noting press interest surpassing that of the Super Bowl. He teases an upcoming announcement with TPUSA (Turning Point USA).
• Varied Reactions Across the Political Spectrum: The assassination has led to dramatically different responses from left and right, highlighting deep cultural and political divisions.

Salena Zito on Charlie Kirk’s Character & Cultural Shift

• Charlie’s Selfless Motivation: Salena recalls meeting Kirk as a teen, emphasizing his focus on faith, family, and bringing people together (“There wasn’t an ulterior motive. With Charlie, there never was, really.” - Salena, 04:14).
• Unexpected Public Mobilization: Salena notes a real, grassroots awakening, particularly among suburban, college-educated moms—traditionally Democratic demographics—who feel alienated by media coverage and are taking public stances on faith and freedom (05:21–08:24).
• Youthful Counterculture: She describes young people showing up in town squares for vigils and prayer, likening this faith-based movement to a new American counterculture (09:02–10:05).

Concerns Over Authoritarianism and Polling

• Questioning Poll Narratives: Glenn raises concerns about youth being “more authoritarian,” referencing recent polls, and Salena critiques the metropolitan/elite-centric methodologies that distorts the real American pulse (10:05–12:22).
• Disconnect Between Media Bubble and Heartland: Salena points out that cultural and political change is often missed by “cultural curators” in “super zip codes”—elite urban areas—reminding listeners that elections and revolutions happen elsewhere.

2. Media Narratives, Martyrdom, and Celebrity Reaction

Glenn & Salena on Media and Comedy

• Critique of Media Bubble: Glenn discusses the firing of comedians Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel, noting a disconnect between elite celebration and middle America’s values. Salena agrees, arguing that local affiliates and changing markets—not just “culture war” rhetoric—drive these decisions (12:22–16:03).

Defining Martyrdom: Glenn Beck & Pastor Josh McPherson

• Martyrdom’s True Meaning: Pastor Josh traces the Greek origin of “martyr” as “witness,” stating Kirk was a martyr for both Christian and American ideals by courageously speaking about faith publicly (18:04–19:26).
• Connection of Christian and American Principles: Both Glenn and Pastor Josh stress how Charlie Kirk uniquely fused American civic values with Christian theology, making him especially influential and a target (19:26–21:27).

3. Faith Communities and Spiritual Revival

Surging Church Attendance and Revival

• Unprecedented Surge in Worship: Pastor Josh describes a tidal wave of attendance in churches nationwide following Kirk’s death, suggesting a possible spiritual revival (“Easter-level, record attendance on a random Sunday in September...up 30%, 40%—some guys texted me 70%, 80%.” - Josh, 25:56).
• Awakening Across America: Glenn and Josh agree this tragedy is acting as a catalyst for spiritual reflection, action, and potentially long-lasting change (“I believe we’re moving into a season of revival, and it’s staggering. It’s a stunning thing to behold.” - Josh, 27:37).

The Power of Example: Kirk as “Our Champion”

• Catalyst for Youth & Everyday Believers: Pastor Josh tells a story of a college student who brought 10 friends to church for the first time after Kirk’s assassination, highlighting the event’s ripple effect on action and conviction (28:33–31:23).
• Redefining ‘Extremism’: Old-fashioned values like faith, family, and community service are now labeled as “extreme,” causing many to see themselves reflected in Kirk’s story (28:33–31:23).

4. Political and Media Divides: Human Decency and Incendiary Responses

Left-Right Spectrum’s Response to Violence

• Rainn Wilson’s Call for Decency: Glenn plays a clip of actor Rainn Wilson denouncing left-wing callousness over Kirk’s assassination (“We cannot think or talk that way. That is not okay.” - Rainn Wilson, 33:05).
• Media Deflections & False Narratives: Glenn critiques figures like Mark Ruffalo and Rep. Ilhan Omar for shifting the conversation from tragedy to partisan issues or spreading misinformation about Kirk (33:22–36:14).

Chilling Examples of Political Intolerance

• Mayor of Dearborn’s Response: Glenn reacts to a Michigan mayor’s hostile remarks towards a constituent opposed to a pro-Hezbollah street naming, highlighting the growing intolerance for dissent in American local politics (38:10–38:23).
• Erosion of Civility: Glenn expresses alarm at how societal divisions and “Jimmy Kimmel disease”—the penchant for hyperbolic smears—are corroding public discourse.

5. Freedom of Speech, FCC, and Local Control

Media Regulation Debated

• Local Affiliates vs. National Networks: The show examines how the firing of Jimmy Kimmel is used by networks as convenient cover amid declining ratings and affiliate pushback (40:21–41:23).
• FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr: Carr explains the difference in content regulation between broadcast platforms and cable/streaming, stressing that local affiliates (not national networks) have a legal duty to uphold local “community standards” and can preempt national programming accordingly (41:23–43:22).
• Glenn’s Take: While personally wary of regulatory bodies, Glenn supports the principle of local control over media, not top-down censorship (43:22–45:32).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Charlie Kirk’s Legacy:
  “He always shared the spotlight...No matter where he was...that’s the kind of guy he was.” — Glenn Beck (05:21)

• On the Counterculture:
  “That’s the counterculture. We’re looking at the counterculture. And it’s people of faith and purpose. I know it’s not the bad guys.” — Salena Zito (09:02)

• On Polling and “the Real America”:
  “If you’re polling, and you’re not polling from Somerset, Pennsylvania, then you’re not getting the full breadth of understanding what is happening in this country.”—Salena Zito (11:02)

• On Martyrdom:
  “Charlie Kirk...like no one I’ve ever met, had the ability to connect those dots...the greatness of America and the glory of Jesus...they killed Charlie Kirk because he was talking and the next generation was listening.”—Pastor Josh McPherson (19:26)

• On Revival:
  “I think Charlie’s life and death has awakened, Glenn, a spiritual hunger that I have never seen at levels in our nation across the board...I believe we’re moving into a season of revival, and it’s staggering.” — Pastor Josh McPherson (25:56, 27:37)

• On Media Echo Chambers:
  “They all talk to and see the same people all the time...Nobody’s going to tell them, ‘oh, you’re seeing this in the wrong way.’” — Salena Zito (13:52)

• On Societal Breakdown:
  “You are an Islamophobe, and although you live here, I want you to know as mayor, you are not welcome here. And the day you move out...I will launch a parade celebrating the fact...” — Mayor of Dearborn, as recounted by Glenn Beck (38:10–38:22)

Key Timestamps

• Charlie Kirk’s Unifying Impact, Faith & Family (04:14–05:21)
• Suburban Moms’ Grassroots Awakening (06:20–09:05)
• Critique of Media and Ratings Bubble (12:22–16:03)
• Defining Martyrdom & Kirk’s Witness (18:04–19:26)
• Ripple of Kirk’s Death in Churches, Revival (23:58–27:37)
• Story of Personal Ministry Impact (28:33–31:23)
• Rainn Wilson: Human Decency Amidst Tragedy (32:29–33:09)
• Controversial Political Discourse, Mayor’s Response (38:10–38:23)
• FCC, Affiliates, and Local Control Over Content (41:23–45:32)

Conclusion

This episode stands as a reflection on the deep rifts—and potential for renewal—now coursing through American political and cultural life in the wake of a highly public tragedy. Glenn Beck and his guests trace the contours of grief, faith, activism, and media transformation, ultimately observing an unexpected, possibly historic spiritual stirring across the country.

If you want a window into America's fractured present—and its search for hope and purpose—this conversation is an essential listen.