Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program | Best of the Program | Guests: Stephen Moore, Ben Lamb & Richard Werner | April 10, 2025

Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Glenn Beck Program hosted by the Blaze Podcast Network, Glenn Beck engages in an in-depth discussion with distinguished guests Stephen Moore, economist and founder of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity; Ben Lamb, Co-Founder and CEO of Colossal; and Professor Richard Werner from Germany. The conversation navigates through pressing topics in American culture, politics, and economic strategies, offering listeners insightful perspectives on trade tariffs, economic policies, and groundbreaking advancements in synthetic biology.

1. Trade Tariffs and Economic Strategy

Stephen Moore on Tariffs and Donald Trump's Negotiations

Glenn Beck opens the discussion by highlighting Stephen Moore's expertise on tariffs and their impact on the global economy. Moore elaborates on President Donald Trump's strategy to negotiate better trade deals with China and European nations. He emphasizes Trump's approach to decoupling the U.S. economy from China to create a "level playing field."

"President Trump is saying that you either start behaving yourself or we're going to throw you into the worst depression you ever had."
[06:42] - Ben Lamb

Moore underscores the significance of these tariffs, stating that while they might cause short-term fluctuations, they are essential for long-term economic stability and reducing dependency on China.

Ben Lamb on Global Economic Shifts

Ben Lamb contributes by comparing Trump's tactics to a strategic game of chess, describing Trump as "crazy like a fox" for his ability to stay multiple steps ahead in economic negotiations.

"If he can pull this off, and this would be a maestro, if he could do it, then all of a sudden you get fairer and freer."
[05:18] - Ben Lamb

Lamb also addresses the media's portrayal of Trump's actions as potentially retreatist, arguing instead that it is a calculated move to reset the global economic order.

Richard Werner on European Trade and Tariffs

Professor Richard Werner provides a European perspective on the ongoing trade tensions. He discusses the high tariffs imposed on China and the resultant risks of escalating the situation. Werner suggests that while the U.S. holds significant leverage as the most attractive market, fostering private conversations and face-saving solutions with Chinese leaders could de-escalate tensions.

"President Trump is very transparent, does things publicly, but maybe in this case where we are at this point, it's important to take it off the public focus and have some private conversations with Chinese leadership."
[22:59] - Stephen Moore

Werner advocates for policies that encourage the growth of small local banks to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial for job creation and economic resilience.

2. Economic Policies and the Banking System

The Decline of Small Local Banks

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the decline of small, local banks in the United States and Europe. Stephen Moore argues that the consolidation of banks has stifled job creation and hindered the growth of small firms, which are the backbone of the economy.

"If you combine the tariffs with the right monetary and banking policy, the US can be hugely successful."
[28:50] - Stephen Moore

Moore draws parallels with China's historical shift from a centralized banking system to one that supports numerous local banks, attributing China's economic boom to this diversification.

Impact on SMEs and Employment

Highlighting the critical role of SMEs, Moore explains that these businesses rely heavily on local banks for funding, as large banks prioritize big business over small loans. He emphasizes that reversing the trend of bank consolidation and fostering a diverse banking system is essential for a robust middle class and sustained economic growth.

"Small and medium-sized enterprises employ between 65 and 75% of total employment."
[28:22] - Stephen Moore

3. Synthetic Biology and De-Extinction

Ben Lamb on Colossal’s De-Extinction Projects

Transitioning from economics, Glenn Beck introduces Ben Lamb, who discusses his company Colossal's pioneering work in synthetic biology and de-extinction. Lamb shares insights into their projects aimed at resurrecting extinct species like the dire wolf, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger.

"We are really close to a fundamental step that we'll be able to [resurrect the dodo]."
[44:50] - Richard Verner

Lamb emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and how their technological advancements can aid in conservation efforts. He explains that while the dire wolves are being revived in secure ecological preserves, their work also fosters public interest and excitement in science.

Ethical Considerations and Future Implications

Discussing the ethical dimensions, Lamb addresses concerns about "playing God" by bringing back extinct species. He argues that responsible management and thoughtful implementation can mitigate risks, ensuring that rewilding efforts are beneficial rather than disruptive.

"Losing biodiversity should be a bipartisan issue and we really need to save these animals."
[36:58] - Richard Verner

Lamb also touches on the potential transfer of genetic editing technologies to humans, highlighting both the opportunities and dangers inherent in such advancements.

"A lot of our technologies will be beneficial long term to helping cure inherited disease states in humans."
[43:20] - Richard Verner

4. Technological Advancements and Geopolitical Implications

AI and Genetic Editing

Richard Werner delves into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in synthetic biology, noting that approximately 30% of their work relies on AI, a number that is rapidly increasing. He underscores the strategic importance of these technologies in maintaining a competitive edge on the global stage.

"You have to be able to edit multiple parts of the genome at the exact same time."
[43:20] - Richard Werner

Geopolitical Tensions and Technological Race

The conversation also addresses the geopolitical tensions arising from technological advancements. Werner warns of China's aggressive pursuit of genetic engineering to enhance human capabilities, likening it to dystopian scenarios.

"China is trying to breed smarter humans, stronger humans—it's the stuff of Nazi movies."
[39:08] - Glenn Beck

He advocates for the U.S. to lead in synthetic biology to counteract these developments and protect national interests.

"We have to change policies at the FDIC and also at the Fed. They have to be bank friendly and therefore small friendly and therefore employment friendly."
[30:22] - Stephen Moore

5. Concluding Insights and Future Outlook

Glenn Beck wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the discussed topics and the need for strategic policy changes to ensure economic stability and technological advancement. The guests collectively emphasize the importance of bipartisan support in addressing economic challenges and fostering innovation.

"If you combine the tariffs with the right monetary and banking policy, the US can be hugely successful."
[28:50] - Stephen Moore

Ben Lamb and Richard Werner also hint at future projects and advancements in synthetic biology, promising breakthroughs that could revolutionize conservation and human health.

"We are pretty bullish on that. It'll work out better this round."
[44:31] - Richard Verner

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• "President Trump is saying that you either start behaving yourself or we're going to throw you into the worst depression you ever had."
  - Ben Lamb [06:42]

• "If he can pull this off, and this would be a maestro, if he could do it, then all of a sudden you get fairer and freer."
  - Ben Lamb [05:18]

• "President Trump is very transparent, does things publicly, but maybe in this case where we are at this point, it's important to take it off the public focus and have some private conversations with Chinese leadership."
  - Stephen Moore [22:59]

• "Small and medium-sized enterprises employ between 65 and 75% of total employment."
  - Stephen Moore [28:22]

• "We are really close to a fundamental step that we'll be able to [resurrect the dodo]."
  - Richard Verner [44:50]

• "China is trying to breed smarter humans, stronger humans—it's the stuff of Nazi movies."
  - Glenn Beck [39:08]

Conclusion

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a thorough exploration of contemporary economic policies, the strategic imperatives behind trade tariffs, and the frontier of synthetic biology. Through expert insights and engaging dialogue, Glenn Beck and his guests provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing America today. Whether discussing the intricacies of economic decoupling from China or the ethical dimensions of species resurrection, the episode serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of modern American politics and technological innovation.