The Glenn Beck Program: Guest Host Justin Barclay – What You Never Knew About a Christmas Favorite | 12/24/25
Date: December 24, 2025
Host: Justin Barclay (filling in for Glenn Beck)
Podcast Network: Blaze Podcast Network
Overview
This special Christmas Eve edition of The Glenn Beck Program features Justin Barclay as guest host, delivering a lively, insightful, and at times festive broadcast. The show blends news analysis, commentary on cultural and political hoaxes, reflections on faith and American traditions, the real story behind "A Christmas Story," ongoing Christian persecution in Nigeria, and a dose of heartwarming holiday tales. There are special guest interviews, including with Congressman Bill Huizenga, Dr. Quentin Schultz, and Trump impersonator Sean Farish, plus a poignant retelling of the Nativity.
Main Themes & Structure
- The Collapse of the Latest Epstein “Hoax” (03:25, 14:49)
- Christian Persecution in Nigeria & Government Response (25:00)
- Gene Shepherd, “A Christmas Story”, and American Life (47:22)
- Interview: Trump Impersonator Sean Farish (86:06)
- Holiday Good News Stories (117:52)
- The True Christmas Story & Reflections (106:03)
Key Segments
Analyzing the Latest Epstein Letter “Hoax”
Timestamps: 03:25–14:49
Justin Barclay unpacks the rapid unraveling of a supposed bombshell in the Epstein files—an explosive letter purportedly from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar implicating President Trump.
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Barclay’s Take:
“Another day, another hoax…This may have set a brand new world record.” (03:25) -
What Happened:
The narrative spread by the media and some Democrats: a letter allegedly links Trump to Epstein’s crimes. DOJ and FBI, however, quickly clarified the note was a fake, postmarked after Epstein’s death. -
Critical Insight:
“The way the Democrats and the way the mainstream media are going to use it is a hoax.” (09:04)
“It was so fake that…from the very beginning it was a fake, it wasn’t real.” (14:49) -
Commentary on Misinformation:
Barclay cautions about AI-enabled fake news and stresses the need for discernment, quoting Gene Shepherd:
“In God we trust, all others pay cash.” (15:44) -
Takeaway for Listeners:
Be armed with the truth and logic for holiday gatherings—and watch for media “hoaxes.”
Christian Persecution in Nigeria: On-the-Ground Update
Timestamps: 26:08–36:44
Guest: Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-4)
Subject: His recent trip to Nigeria and the dire situation for Christians under attack by radical groups.
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Current Situation:
“...we are seeing a clear targeting of Christians in the Middle Belt…also the rise of Boko Haram in the northeast…” (26:31) -
Government’s Role:
“The Nigerian government writ large…have got to change their attitude and change their actions…” (26:31) -
Personal Impact:
Huizenga worships with local Christians and shares an encouraging moment when the Minister of Defense—recently appointed—joins a church service, calling for action against terrorism.
“For Minister Musa to see and look people in the eye and tell them that this is not acceptable…that was a significant moment.” (31:15) -
No Quick Solution:
“You first have to acknowledge that you have a problem and they’re getting there with that.” (33:19) -
Call to Action:
Pressure from abroad—especially from the US and other Western nations—is causing progress, but vigilance is needed.
The Real Santa Claus: Saint Nicholas as Christian Hero
Timestamps: 38:54–41:03
Justin Barclay transitions from Nigerian Christian persecution to the inspiring backstory of Saint Nicholas:
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Key Point:
Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian persecuted for his faith, is the origin of "Santa Claus." Early Christians faced harsh persecution under Rome, echoing struggles today in Nigeria and other places. -
Theme:
Even in hostile cultures, simple faithfulness and secret generosity (“give in secret”) have ripple effects that last centuries.
Gene Shepherd, “A Christmas Story,” and Life Lessons
Timestamps: 47:22–63:24
Guest: Dr. Quentin Schultz, author of You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out: Life Lessons from A Christmas Story.
Discussion: The deeper meanings behind the beloved holiday film, and the enduring impact of writer Gene Shepherd.
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On Gene Shepherd’s Storytelling:
“He learned to tell stories in parables, just the way that Jesus used to talk and teach.” (49:22) -
Symbolism of the Leg Lamp:
“He said, you gotta pay attention…the leg lamp is a trophy wife…men get romantically involved in these things that cause trouble; now he’s got a trophy wife, and the trophy wife is the doggone lamp.” (49:50) -
Gene on Technology & Media:
“AI is a scam. You can’t really trust these media people…and at some point it’s going to come crashing down because there’s no way computers are going to actually be as smart as human beings, especially on the creative side.” (53:52) -
Everyday Americana:
“He wanted us to remember that what’s important in life is the everyday stuff…” (55:31)
Cites how Jerry Seinfeld credits Shepherd for inspiring his comedic sensibility. -
On Fathers and Heroes in “A Christmas Story”:
“Down deep, he’s a lovable guy…But…he’s always got challenges going on and I think most men can identify with that.” (60:20)
Ultimately, “the heroes in Gene Shepherd’s stories and the hero in this movie too is Mom…She’s more playful, she’s more persuasive.” (62:17)
Pop Culture & Politics: Nicki Minaj, TPUSA, and Hunter Biden
Timestamps: 23:44, 65:00
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Nicki Minaj’s Public Support for Trump:
Barclay expresses surprise at Minaj’s turn toward the right and her sympathy for persecuted Christians. “I never thought…Nicki Minaj is going to come out and she’s going to go full fledged in support of President Trump…” (23:44) -
Hunter Biden Interview:
Barclay reacts to Hunter Biden’s media appearance, noting the irony of his stances and criticizing media “gaslighting” and revisionism.
“It’s rewriting history…It is happening.” (65:00)
Interview: Sean Farish (“Captain Deplorable”) – Trump Impersonator
Timestamps: 86:06–100:43
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Christmas Parodies Go Viral:
Farish entertains with “Tis the Season to Deport ’Em” and shares his origin story as a Trump impersonator, starting with lighthearted drive-thru pranks and eventually captivating the Trump base and even the current administration. -
On Meeting Trump:
“I just looked at him. I said, ‘Mr. President, we’re going to help you win in a landslide, worse than Chris Christie after Taco Bell.’ And he thought that was the funniest…” (93:42) -
Immigration, Media, and 2026 Elections:
Farish argues that securing the border is central to solving issues like affordability and shares polling showing Americans are tired of Democrats' obstruction.
“I think folks are starting to get it now a little bit…mass deportations, and there are people who don’t understand that both go hand in hand.” (97:22)
News You May Have Missed: Economy, Media, and Hoaxes
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Positive Economic News (71:04, 78:02):
Barclay highlights dropping grocery and gas prices, GDP growth, and how even CNN is beginning to acknowledge improvement.
“CNN even admitting record holiday travel, meaning lower prices at the pump…” (71:04) -
Media’s Role in Shaping Narratives:
Clips compiled by MRC showcase how media uses vague attribution (“some are calling…”) to push partisan frames.
“You could say this about anything and anyone and not have to have any actual credible source about anything.” (104:00)
Heartwarming Holiday Stories
Timestamps: 117:52–119:49
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Firewood for Nana:
A widow in North Carolina requests firewood she can’t afford; a local business owner brings her wood, fixes her car, roof, HVAC, and the community raises $20,000 for her. “That’s a nice Christmas present…That’s the true meaning right there.” (119:04) -
HEB Grocery Store’s Christmas Gift:
When all registers crash, the manager lets customers leave with their full carts, free of charge. “This is an amazing story and one you rarely hear things like this from a big company who says we’re just going to do the right thing.” (120:07)
The True Story of Christmas: Nativity Reading
Timestamps: 106:03–115:33
Barclay closes the show with the biblical nativity story, covering prophecies, Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, the shepherds, wise men, and God’s continued providence—emphasizing faith and the true meaning of Christmas.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. And this is the story, the story of Christmas, the True story. Merry Christmas.” (115:33)
Memorable Quotes
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On Hoaxes:
“Another day, another hoax…This may have set a brand new world record.” (03:25, Barclay) -
Discernment in the Age of AI:
“When we move further into the future, we’re going to need discernment, we’re going to need wisdom, we’re going to need sort of a higher power.” (15:44, Barclay) -
Gene Shepherd on Media & Technology:
“AI is a scam…there is no way computers are going to actually be as smart as human beings, especially on the creative side.” (53:52, Dr. Quentin Schultz relaying Shepherd’s view) -
Congressman Huizenga on Nigerian Persecution:
“We have to see the Nigerian government step up in a very different way to help protect their citizens, especially the Christians in that Middle Belt…” (32:46) -
On the True Spirit of Christmas:
“Even in hostile cultures, simple faithfulness and secret generosity…leave a mark.” (41:03, Barclay)
Final Reflections & Tone
Barclay weaves a cheery, earnest, and occasionally irreverent tone throughout the show—perfect for Christmas Eve. He emphasizes vigilance against media manipulation, the enduring value of faith, the comedic strength of American storytelling, and the power of small acts of generosity.
He reminds listeners to seek real news and deeper meaning amid distractions and manufactured scandals, closing with the wish:
“It’s an honor to be with this audience…Wishing you and yours today and every day. Merry Christmas and God bless.” (123:11)