The Glenn Beck Program

Episode: It’s Time to Carry Charlie Kirk’s Torch
Guests: Megyn Kelly, Allie Beth Stuckey, Liz Wheeler, Steve Deace
Airdate: September 11, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

On the 24th anniversary of 9/11, Glenn Beck hosts an impassioned, mournful, and reflective broadcast following the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The episode focuses on honoring Charlie’s legacy, processing national grief, calling for unity against political violence, and passing the torch to a new generation of truth-tellers. Through conversations with close friends and colleagues of Kirk—including Megyn Kelly, Liz Wheeler, Steve Deace, and Allie Beth Stuckey—the episode becomes a communal space for remembrance, hope, and resolve in the face of darkness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Glenn Beck’s Opening Monologue

(03:44 – 20:59)

• Connecting Tragedies: Glenn draws parallels between the aftermath of 9/11 and Charlie Kirk’s assassination, situating both as pivotal, sorrowful moments that mark permanent change for America:

  “The only path is forward. But how we choose to walk that path, that determines our destination.” (18:44)

• Mandate to Resist Darkness: Cites Dylan Thomas's poem Do not go gentle into that good night as a rallying cry, highlighting the importance of courage over apathy:

  “Do not go quietly when truth is on the line. Do not surrender to the shadows…” (07:34)

• Carrying the Torch: Challenges listeners to honor Kirk's courage by pushing back against hatred with truth, kindness, and personal action.

• Healing Over Hatred: Emphasizes the need for Americans to be peacemakers, not passive or silent, but to build bridges rather than walls.

Glenn’s Personal Recollection of the Tragedy

(21:00 – 29:22)

• Receiving the News: Glenn describes the moment he learned of the shooting from his family, paralleling the confusion and shock felt on 9/11.

• Urgency for Healing: Asserts that out of tragedy often comes widespread awakening and calls for collective courage.

Conversations with Guests

Megyn Kelly

(29:22 – 40:41; 84:25 – 91:50)

• Shock and Grief: Expresses disbelief and struggles to fully process Kirk's murder:

  “I don't feel like I have my arms around it… He truly seemed larger than most of us. And he was in his gifts and his tirelessness...” (29:38)

• Details of Investigation: Shares updates about the investigation, confirming reports of law enforcement finding the murder weapon and hints at ideological motives.

• Call for Unity: Stresses the need for media and society to stand up and unite in response to political violence:

  “This is like, I don't want to say a call to arms because I'm not encouraging violence, but I mean a unifying call for us to stand shoulder to shoulder and stand up.” (37:32)

Liz Wheeler

(49:28 – 60:48)

• Overwhelming Grief: Liz describes being in a “fog of grief,” highlighting how Kirk's assassination exposed the realness of America’s political foes for ordinary citizens:

  “Charlie is so normal ... He's not radical ... and he's kind. And they killed him because of those beliefs and opinions...that we share with him.” (49:39)

• Faith in Tragedy: Explains the concept of God’s “permissive will” and how even evil acts can serve a divine purpose:

  “God allowed Charlie's death to happen, but he did not want it to happen. God values human freedom and can bring about a greater good through these allowed events.” (52:58)

• Charlie’s Enduring Encouragement and Legacy: Shares personal anecdotes of Kirk’s generosity and encouragement, vowing it’s time for others to “step up and not be silenced.”

Steve Deace

(68:08 – 77:25)

• Devastation and Mourning: Steve mourns openly, acknowledging the importance of first honoring Kirk’s legacy before anger leads to action.

• Challenge to Leaders: Calls out passive religious and political leaders, highlighting Kirk’s willingness to go where others would not:

  “He went to the places that those nicer than God pastors didn’t go to, and he took bullet that frankly, that's part of their calling.” (68:59)

• Gen X’s Turn to Lead: Urges his own generation to move beyond cynicism and seize responsibility for the next phase of the fight:

  “We are the ones with the free time. We are the ones with the discretionary income. It is our time now to lead.” (76:56)

Allie Beth Stuckey

(111:00 – 121:14)

• Redemptive Perspective: Highlights belief in God’s ability to bring beauty from ashes and redemption from tragedy.

  “If Charlie had had the choice … and someone said, this is what your death will accomplish … More people hearing the gospel. More people waking up. I know…he would have said yes.” (111:00)

• Inspiration to Persist: Recalls Kirk’s unwavering encouragement, affirming that his message was always to keep pressing forward in truth and faith.

• Call to Boldness: Points out Kirk’s consistent courage in sharing the Gospel alongside politics, urging Christians to mirror his boldness.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Glenn Beck: "Do not go quietly when truth is on the line. Do not surrender. Do not surrender to the shadows, even when and especially if you think the battle can no longer be won." (07:34)

• Megyn Kelly: “He would just say it like it was—the things you'd be thinking in your head, but you might not want to say explicitly. He said, and he took a lot of slings and arrows for it…” (29:38)

• Liz Wheeler: “Evil happens in our world. And we all ask that question, why? Why does God allow bad things to happen to good and innocent people? … God allowed Charlie’s death to happen, but he did not want it…” (52:58)

• Steve Deace: “I need apostles, not assassins. …Apostles rebuke, but they don’t seek revenge. Apostles confront, but they don’t condemn.” (73:02)

• Allie Beth Stuckey: "He wasn't just talking about capitalism or Donald Trump ... He shared the gospel. He knew that every single person that walked in front of him was made in the image of God with a soul that was going to live forever in one of two places."* (115:26)*

Important Segment Timestamps

• Glenn’s opening reflections & tribute: 03:44 – 20:59
• Megyn Kelly on Kirk’s legacy and investigation: 29:22 – 40:41
• Liz Wheeler on Kirk’s impact and faith: 49:28 – 60:48
• Steve Deace challenges listeners to carry the torch: 68:08 – 77:25
• Audience account from event: 63:41 – 66:23
• Breaking news—updates on suspect, investigation, and ideological evidence: 89:52 – 94:35
• Allie Beth Stuckey on faith, redemption, and next generation: 111:00 – 119:12

Memorable Moments

• Invocation of 9/11 Memories: Glenn repeatedly connects the national trauma of 9/11 to the current tragedy, pointing out the cyclical nature of grief and renewal in American history.

• Raw Audience Account: Ben, an attendee at the event, emotionally details the moment of the shooting—underscoring the shock and helplessness in the crowd (63:41).

• Prayer for Forgiveness: Beck and guests discuss the difficulty—but necessity—of responding to hate not with vengeance but with forgiveness, in Kirk’s spirit.

• Public Reactions to the Tragedy: Discussion of disturbing celebration videos on social media, leading Glenn to call Americans to choose what kind of civilization they want.

• Passing the Torch: Multiple times throughout the show, guests reference the idea of picking up the torch Kirk had to lay down, inspiring listeners to increased civic and spiritual action.

Overarching Tone & Takeaways

• Sorrowful yet Resolute: The tone remains deeply mournful but is suffused with hope and a call to courage.
• Spiritually Grounded: Emphasis on faith, forgiveness, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
• Unity Against Violence: Unambiguous condemnation of political violence and a call for unity across ideological lines.
• Renewal of Purpose: Encourages listeners to self-reflect, act boldly, and become the “new Charlie Kirks” needed for the road ahead.

Final Message (Glenn’s response to a mourning friend)

"The torch that Charlie carried did not go out. It was merely passed to you, to me, to every mother, father, son and daughter who still believes in the promises of God and the promise of America. We will honor him not by our silence, not by retreat, certainly not by violence or revenge, but by standing taller, loving harder, and speaking the truth even more boldly." (124:11)

Conclusion

This episode stands as a profound tribute to Charlie Kirk’s legacy, weaving personal memories, urgent calls for justice, and the necessity of faith in confronting national tragedy. Beck and his guests challenge listeners to steer America through its newest moment of crisis by picking up the torch of truth, love, and unwavering resolve—"not with anger, not with vengeance, but with courage, kindness, and faithfulness."