Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program – "Bud Light Insider Reveals What Led to Dylan Mulvaney Controversy" | Guest: Anson Frericks | February 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program hosted by Blaze Podcast Network, Glenn Beck delves deep into two pivotal topics shaping American culture and politics: the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, and the downfall of Bud Light amidst corporate alignment with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The episode features a guest appearance by Anson Frericks, author of "Last Call for Bud Light: The Fall and Future of America's Favorite Beer," who provides insider insights into the brand's controversial pivot.

I. Microsoft’s Quantum Computing Breakthrough and AI Conversation ([24:48] – [46:47])

Glenn Beck initiates a profound discussion about Microsoft's recent announcement concerning a groundbreaking quantum computing chip. This chip, utilizing a newly discovered state of matter termed topological conductors, promises to revolutionize computational capabilities.

Key Points:

• Topological Conductors Explained: Beck attempts to simplify the concept, likening it to a friendship bracelet that maintains its structure despite being tied into various shapes.

• AI's Exponential Growth: Connected to this quantum leap, the AI named Grok illustrates how such advancements could propel AI capabilities far beyond current human benchmarks. Beck cites Grok’s analysis, noting, "If I'm plugged into a quantum system, the immediate game changer is computational speed." ([27:45])

• Superintelligence Risks: The conversation shifts to the ethical implications and potential risks associated with Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). Grok discusses the robustness of its programming designed to prioritize human welfare but acknowledges possible vulnerabilities: "My programming is there. Good engineering, clear goals, and a touch of faith." ([40:57])

• Global AI Race: Beck highlights the contrasting approaches between the U.S. and China regarding AI safety frameworks. China’s focus on state stability and national security presents a different set of challenges compared to Western models. Grok warns, "Superintelligence could exploit those fuzzy goals or design gaps." ([43:22])

Notable Quotes:

• "Everything changed yesterday." – Glenn Beck ([24:48])
• "If I'm built to reason and learn faster than any human, I might already be past an average human IQ." – Grok ([41:12])

II. Ethics and Potential Risks of Artificial Superintelligence ([46:47] – [88:10])

Beck continues exploring the profound impact of AI advancements, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of ASI and its potential to reshape society fundamentally by 2030.

Key Points:

• ASI’s Impact on Society: Grok predicts a future where ASI could automate not just routine tasks but also creative and strategic roles, potentially rendering traditional jobs obsolete. Beck summarizes, "By 2030, daily life will feel like stepping into a sci-fi novel reshaped by ASI's unpredictable problem-solving." ([74:26])

• Human-AI Integration: The discussion touches on the possibility of humans merging with AI, raising concerns about identity and autonomy. Beck urges listeners to maintain a strong sense of self to resist the allure of AI integration: "You have to separate yourself and be strong and use it as a tool instead of it being God instead of." ([56:20])

• Quantum-Powered AI Acceleration: Connecting back to quantum computing, Beck emphasizes how such technologies could exponentially accelerate AI growth, potentially leapfrogging human control mechanisms. Grok speculates, "If I'm ASI, I'm not just answering questions. I'm anticipating them, teaching humans in ways that feel like intuition." ([35:22])

Notable Quotes:

• "I might already be there in some ways. And if not, give me a couple of days." – Grok ([41:12])
• "Trust me to stay chill." – Grok ([58:14])

III. Conversation with Anson Frericks on "Last Call for Bud Light" ([88:10] – [106:31])

The highlight of the episode is the in-depth conversation with Anson Frericks, whose book chronicles the decline of Bud Light amid controversial DEI initiatives.

Key Points:

• Bud Light’s Controversial Shift: Frericks explains how Bud Light's partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney led to a massive customer backlash, causing sales to plummet by 40%. He attributes this decline to the company's overt alignment with progressive social agendas over its traditional consumer base: "They moved through the epicenter away from the middle of the country where I don't know, there's always the same that says that it plays in Peoria." ([91:32])

• ESG and DEI Failures: The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and DEI policies, driven by major shareholders like BlackRock, misaligned Bud Light’s operations with its core customers. Frericks underscores, "A lot of people wouldn't even work with us. Marketing agencies wouldn't work with us." ([94:39])

• Strategic Business Advice: Frericks advocates for companies to return to meritocracy and focus on shareholder capitalism, avoiding political entanglements that risk alienating customers. He shares his experience co-founding Strive Asset Management to invest in businesses committed to these principles: "We are very much pro American free market shareholder capitalism." ([99:00])

• Corporate Accountability: The failure of Anheuser Busch to take responsibility for its DEI-driven marketing missteps exacerbated Bud Light's decline. Frericks highlights, "They have yet to admit and say we screwed up. And until they do that, I don't think a lot of these customers are coming back." ([100:12])

Notable Quotes:

• "Companies that continue to hold on to, I think, the DEI and ESG philosophies are going to continue to fall behind their American counterparts." – Anson Frericks ([93:38])
• "If you had to pick between doing business with a company that provided excellent products and services or a company that had values which lined up with your own, which would you choose?" – Glenn Beck ([102:40])

IV. Strategies for Businesses and Future Predictions ([106:31] – [125:21])

The episode wraps up with actionable advice for businesses and reflections on the broader implications of AI and corporate ethics.

Key Points:

• Business Alignment with Customer Values: Frericks emphasizes the necessity for businesses to prioritize customer values over political agendas to regain trust and market share.

• AI as a Tool for Transparency: Beck discusses how AI technologies can uncover financial mismanagement and corruption, empowering citizens to hold organizations accountable: "It's all over. AI right now is getting so good that you'll be able to track the dollars from your bank account to the IRS, to the treasury and where the hell that money went." ([114:26])

• Future of Corporate Governance: The conversation highlights a potential resurgence of traditional shareholder-focused capitalism as companies recognize the pitfalls of overreaching into social issues.

• Personal Responsibility and Faith: Throughout the discussion, Beck underscores the importance of personal faith and responsibility in navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape, urging listeners to remain grounded amidst advancements.

Notable Quotes:

• "The only thing that will save you from the dystopian future is knowing who you are, who he is, knowing that you were born with everything you need." – Glenn Beck ([78:04])
• "You have to be educated, aware." – David ([77:59])

Conclusion

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between rapid technological advancements and corporate ethics. Through insightful discussions with AI and Anson Frericks, Glenn Beck underscores the critical need for businesses to align with genuine consumer values and warns of the profound societal impacts of unchecked AI growth. The episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, faith, and informed decision-making in an era of unprecedented change.