Podcast Summary: The Glenn Beck Program
Episode: 'General Lee' Car Stunt Proves America Is BACK, Baby
Guests: Robert Edsel & Raymond Kohn
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Glenn Beck Program aired on June 30, 2025, host Glenn Beck delves into pressing issues facing American society, from increasing internal threats to ideological battles over land ownership and economic systems. Featuring guests Robert Edsel, author of Remember Us, and Raymond Kohn, founder of the Northeast Ohio Dukes, the episode intertwines stories of bravery, historical reflection, and grassroots activism to paint a picture of America's current cultural and political landscape.
Coeur d'Alene Fire Incident: A Sign of America's Rising Darkness
Glenn Beck opens the discussion by recounting a harrowing incident in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where a man intentionally set a forest fire to ambush and kill firefighters. This event is portrayed as a stark indication of escalating violence within the United States.
Glenn Beck [07:26]: "What kind of madness? It's evil. That's all it is. It's just evil."
Beck emphasizes the calculated nature of the attack, contrasting it with random acts of violence, and underscores the vulnerability of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Mike Lee's Housing Proposal and the Battle for Federal Lands
The conversation shifts to Senator Mike Lee's controversial housing proposal in Utah, which initially aimed to sell off federal lands—a move met with fierce opposition. After significant backlash, Lee withdrew his provisions, sparking debate about government overreach and land ownership.
Glenn Beck [08:35]: "But where are the people standing up saying, seizing the means of production? This guy wants to take control of your factory, your farm, your business, your labor."
Beck juxtaposes Lee's initial stance with that of a Democratic socialist candidate advocating for the "seizing of the means of production," highlighting what he perceives as a false equivalence between land privatization and socialist economic reforms.
Identifying the True Enemies: Capitalism vs. Collectivism
Glenn Beck critically examines the differing threats posed by land privatization versus socialist rhetoric. He contends that while addressing government overreach in land management is vital, it pales in comparison to the dangers of collectivist economic ideologies that advocate for state control over individual enterprise.
Glenn Beck [09:56]: "Right, if you believe in America is a place where rights are granted by God, not government, where property is yours, it is sacred... It's about economics. It's about freedom."
Beck warns against equating these two issues, arguing that socialism fundamentally undermines personal freedoms and economic incentives, drawing parallels to historical totalitarian regimes.
Liz Wheeler on College Indoctrination and Political Shifts
Guest Liz Wheeler provides insight into how college campuses have become breeding grounds for socialist ideologies, influencing young voters and altering political dynamics. She argues that the indoctrination of millennial and Gen Z students has led to significant electoral outcomes, such as the election of socialist candidates.
Jason Buttrill [49:00]: "He won because of the two and a half million indoctrinated kids who are registered New York City voters."
Wheeler emphasizes the importance of addressing educational reforms to prevent further ideological shifts that could jeopardize American values and governance.
Robert Edsel and the Legacy of the Monuments Men
Robert Edsel, author of Remember Us, shares his experiences with the Monuments Men—a group dedicated to recovering art stolen by Nazis during World War II. Edsel recounts a touching story of connecting families with their rightful art pieces, illustrating the enduring impact of preserving history and honoring sacrifices.
Robert Edsel [90:32]: "It's a deeply moving experience... every time we see someone reunite with their art, it's pure gratitude."
Edsel's work serves as a reminder of the importance of memory and the role it plays in fostering a resilient and informed society.
Raymond Kohn and the "General Lee" Stunt: Celebrating American Spirit
Raymond Kohn, founder of the Northeast Ohio Dukes, discusses his passion for stunt driving, particularly recreating iconic jumps from the TV show The Dukes of Hazard. His recent stunt—jumping the General Lee over a water fountain in Somerset, Kentucky—symbolizes small-town America's enduring pride and adventurous spirit.
Raymond Kohn [110:18]: "We are thankful that the legendary stuntmen who inspired me made jumps safer for us today."
Kohn's endeavors are portrayed as a testament to American ingenuity and the cultural nostalgia that binds communities together.
The Crucial Role of Faith and Education in Preserving Freedom
Beck concludes the episode by stressing the necessity of reclaiming faith and education to combat ideological threats. Drawing parallels to historical anti-religious campaigns by authoritarian regimes, he urges listeners to reinvest in personal belief systems and critical thinking to safeguard American freedoms.
Glenn Beck [104:00]: "Education and faith, without those two pillars, we can never save our country."
He warns of the potential loss of moral and intellectual foundations if these areas are neglected, advocating for a collective effort to nurture independent thought and spiritual resilience.
Conclusion
Throughout this episode, Glenn Beck navigates a range of topics that intersect with American identity, security, and ideology. By highlighting real-world events, historical reflections, and personal stories of resilience, the program underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain freedom and unity in the face of internal and external challenges. Guests Robert Edsel and Raymond Kohn add depth to these discussions, offering perspectives on the importance of history preservation and cultural pride.
Listeners are left with a call to action to defend American values through education, faith, and community engagement, emphasizing that the preservation of freedom requires vigilant and collective effort.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Glenn Beck [07:26]: "What kind of madness? It's evil. That's all it is. It's just evil."
- Glenn Beck [09:56]: "Right, if you believe in America is a place where rights are granted by God, not government, where property is yours, it is sacred..."
- Glenn Beck [09:56]: "It's about economics. It's about freedom."
- Robert Edsel [90:32]: "It's a deeply moving experience... every time we see someone reunite with their art, it's pure gratitude."
- Raymond Kohn [110:18]: "We are thankful that the legendary stuntmen who inspired me made jumps safer for us today."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and narratives presented in the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have not listened.
