The Glenn Beck Program – "End of an Era: Stu's Final Day on 'The Glenn Beck Program' (for Now ...)"
Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Glenn Beck (A)
Co-hosts & Guests: Stu Burguiere (B), Pat Gray (E), Jeffy (H), Chance Son (C), various callers
Episode Theme & Purpose
This emotionally charged episode marks the last day (for now) of longtime co-host Stu Burguiere on The Glenn Beck Program after 28 years. The show is a blend of heartfelt goodbyes, comedic nostalgia, signature jabs, listener tributes, and classic bits, all while still covering major political and cultural headlines of the day. With warmth, candor, and irreverence, the team celebrates Stu's legacy, explores what comes next for both him and the show, and revisits some of their most memorable moments together.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Celebrating Stu’s Departure and Legacy
- Stu’s Last Day: After nearly three decades as co-host, producer, and “numbers guy,” Stu departs to start "Predictable Show," a new business based around prediction markets and data analysis (29:37).
- Comedic Recapping of History: Show features banter about Stu's previous “quittings,” failed ventures, and enduring friendship between the hosts (54:14).
- "He left this show once to start his own show, and it failed spectacularly." – Glenn (54:14)
2. Notable News & Political Coverage
- Global Headlines:
- Release of Pastor Son from South Korean prison, attributed in part to US pressure (07:42).
- Major developments under the Donro Doctrine: Panama cancels contract with China; new sanctions on Cuba; Venezuela to privatize oil (03:00).
- Economics: New head of the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh. Policy implications discussed with Jason (98:53).
- Arrest of Don Lemon and discussions of civil unrest rhetoric used by Minnesota’s governor Tim Walz (18:32).
- Analysis of Insurrection Rhetoric: Dissection of Tim Walz's "Fort Sumter" and "John Brown" comments, with Glenn arguing this signals a dangerous normalization of political violence (21:25).
- "That's not civil rights rhetoric. That's pre–Civil War rhetoric." – Glenn (21:25)
3. Stu’s Next Chapter
- The Predictable Show: A data-driven prediction market and news analysis start-up (29:37), focusing on “putting your money where your mouth is” in areas such as elections and global events.
- "You're investing with your own real money. People don't lie when that is on the line." – Stu (32:41)
- Assurances of Continued Appearances: Glenn assures the audience that Stu will still occasionally contribute to the program.
4. Listener Engagement & Reflections
- Call-Ins & Tributes: Listeners reminisce about classic bits, “moron trivia,” and sporting punishment stunts, such as Stu’s notorious blue-jays baseball incident, and the emotional support the show provided over decades.
- Real Impact: Audience reminded of their tangible role in helping save lives through program-led efforts (e.g., disaster relief, fundraising).
5. Montage of Memories & Internal Jokes
- Produced Montage: Retrospective audio highlights both comedic and serious moments from Stu’s tenure (48:53).
- Classic Bit Replay: Tim Walz call-in impression; running "Steve/Stu" name gag origin (152:34).
- "Find someone who's talented at their lowest, and then convince them you were part of their success later on." – Stu (129:31)
6. Personal Gifts and Goodbyes
- Exchange of Presents:
- On-Air Tears and Gratitude: Stu’s usually stoic persona breaks with visible emotion, and Glenn closes by reflecting on friendship, loyalty, and what truly matters in life (121:26).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
The Big Announcements & Emotional Goodbyes
-
Stu on leaving:
"Thank you… I can't picture adult life without doing the show. My wife is standing in the corner, and Glenn outranks her when it comes to time… Glenn took me from hanging balloons and gave me an entire career… I am endlessly grateful..." ([112:15]) -
Glenn’s Perspective on Life:
"If I had my life to do all over again… I would have been more like my friends. I would have said thank you more sincerely, listened more carefully, and encouraged more thoroughly." ([122:51])
Classic Comedy & Banter
- On old show bits and legacy:
"I just want to meet you in my office. Just bring a box. No big deal. You've been telling me that for 20 years." – Glenn ([14:59]) - The “Steve or Stu” Story:
“I just didn’t want to say anything at first. And then it got awkward, so I never said anything.” – Stu ([154:48])
On the Significance of Prediction Markets
- Stu explaining his next venture:
"These markets can really do damage in that world. They can cut through the punditry..." ([33:21])
Listener Testimonial
- Caller Mike, Illinois:
"You're the one that keeps us together here. Why you gotta be like that?" – Mike ([75:06]) - Caller Kelly, California:
"You have made me laugh and cry, and I prayed for you, all of you… God gave us a house next door with matching pastures…" ([148:49])
The Ultimate Parting Gift
- Glenn to Stu:
"Interns don't last 27 years and quitters don't get welcomed back. You'd be welcomed back any time. And failures don't leave legacies, which you have left, even though the odds may not be in your favor…" ([57:16])
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:52] – Glenn announces it’s Stu’s last day; outlines upcoming topics
- [07:42] – Chance Son discusses South Korean political-religious persecution and international help
- [14:18] – On-air banter about Stu leaving, recurring jokes on his departures
- [18:32] – Tim Walz’s controversial “Fort Sumter”/“John Brown” rhetoric
- [21:25] – Glenn breaks down the historical and political implications
- [29:37] – Stu announces “Predictable Show”; outlines the prediction market concept
- [48:53] – Montage of classic Stu moments over the years
- [54:14] – Glenn’s comedic roasting of Stu for leaving (again)
- [59:47] – Glenn gifts Stu the rare Eagles watch; emotional studio reactions
- [112:15] – Stu delivers his candid, heartfelt goodbye address
- [121:26] – Glenn reflects on friendship and gratitude
- [129:31] – Classic “how Stu/Steve got his name” story retold
- [148:49] – Listener Kelly’s touching call; move from California to Idaho
- [152:34] – The Steve/Stu name confusion origin, confirmed by both
- [163:25] – Listener Jason brings up the "Blue Jays ball" incident; crew discusses infamous on-air bits
Tone & Language
The episode is a signature blend of Glenn Beck’s sincerity, fast wit, and irreverent banter, laced with decades of inside jokes and genuine affection amongst the crew. At its core, the language is unvarnished, direct, but underscored with mutual admiration, gratitude, and emotional authenticity, especially as Stu’s hard-won composure gives way to tears during his farewell.
Summary Table: Segment Highlights
| Time | Segment | Summary | |-------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:52 | Show Opening / News Rundown | Glenn announces Stu’s last day, teases news (Fed, Venezuela, Cuba, Panama–China) | | 07:42 | Pastor Son Case | Interview on religious freedom in S. Korea, US advocacy | | 18:32–21:25 | Tim Walz Rhetoric | Audio/discussion: "Is this Fort Sumter/John Brown?" – Glenn’s deep dive on implications | | 29:37–33:21 | Stu Announces New Venture | Predictable Show: what are prediction markets, why they matter, how audience can get involved | | 48:53 | Montage & Memories | Audio medley of Stu’s highlights – humor, stats, debates, and personal growth | | 54:14–59:47 | Farewell Gags & Gifts | Glenn gives Eagles watch; laughs and emotional admissions on the air | | 112:15–121:26 | Final Goodbyes & Lessons Learned | Stu’s message to audience/Glenn, and Glenn’s reflections on friendship, gratitude | | 152:34–158:10 | "Steve or Stu" Name Origins | The infamous running joke unraveled | | 163:25–166:09 | Listener Calls (Blue Jays, etc.) | Audience reminisces about legendary pranks and moments |
The Last Word
"Good people you travel with, good people you share when you have nothing, good people who lift you up… If I had my life to do all over again… I would have said thank you more sincerely, listened more carefully, and encouraged more thoroughly. And I probably would have fired Stu pre-emptively. But that's a different story."
— Glenn Beck ([122:51])
For More
- Stu’s New Project: PredictableShow.com
- Glenn’s New Initiatives: GlennBeck.com / Torch
- BlazeTV and YouTube archives: For hours of highlight reels, classic bits, and ongoing content
This episode is a must-listen for long-time fans—a blend of laughter, reflection, and sincere thanks, marking both an end and a new beginning for one of radio’s most enduring partnerships.