The Glenn Beck Program

Episode: Why People HATE the New Cracker Barrel Logo | Guests: Marcus Lemonis & Jack Hibbs | 8/21/25
Date: August 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program explores the volatile intersection of American business, cultural change, and politics. Glenn dives into trending corporate controversies—like Cracker Barrel's rebrand and Target’s ongoing political balancing act—before addressing larger anxieties faced by young American families. Bed, Bath & Beyond Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis joins to discuss the company’s strategic exit from California and the regulatory climate affecting businesses nationwide. In the latter half, a Gen Z caller, Angela, shares powerful testimony about generational challenges: student debt, cost-of-living, and eroding faith in political parties. The episode closes with Pastor Jack Hibbs warning about proposed California legislation he says threatens parental rights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Business, Branding, and the Culture Wars

Target’s Troubles: DEI Backlash and Business Fallout (05:46–11:50)

• Target CEO steps down after years of stock decline following DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) controversies.
• Glenn and Stu debate whether Target's politicization caused the downturn, or whether market forces and broader trends are at play.
• Quote (Glenn Beck, 06:48):
  “This is why you just don't get involved in politics. Politics change all the time.”
• Both hosts urge companies to keep business “simple,” serve customers, and avoid swinging with political winds.

The Cracker Barrel Logo Controversy (12:54–16:32)

• Minimalist rebranding by Cracker Barrel sparks outrage online, with accusations of the company "selling out" its heritage.
• Glenn and Stu are skeptical: the logo changes are minor, but consumer outrage reflects deeper anxieties over rapid cultural change and the loss of nostalgia.
• Quote (Glenn Beck, 16:16): “Cracker Barrel is one of these things. It's nostalgic. ... Can we just leave things alone for just a while? Because everything else in life is changing.”
• Discussion links this to a generational shift in taste: Gen Z and Millennials prefer subtle branding and resent overt corporate logos, marking a change from previous decades.

2. Business Climate in California

Marcus Lemonis on Bed, Bath & Beyond’s California Exit (25:37–41:20)

• Guest: Marcus Lemonis, Executive Chairman, Bed, Bath & Beyond
• Bed, Bath & Beyond pulls out of California, citing oppressive regulations, costs, and legal unpredictability.
• Lemonis frames this not as political, but as a pragmatic business decision—despite criticism from both sides.
• Cites the burden of state-level taxes, lawsuits, inconsistent labor laws, and competitive disadvantage as primary drivers.
• Quote (Marcus Lemonis, 27:23): “As time has gone on and the facts have been revealed ... I would say that I feel very differently today than I used to. ... It's an intelligent reaction of just looking at what the administration is doing to try to deregulate business.”
• California Governor Gavin Newsom mocks Bed, Bath & Beyond as “irrelevant.” Lemonis rebuts, calling for real regulatory reform and an end to anti-capitalist rhetoric.
• Lemonis reports private support from other CEOs, particularly tech, who seek dialogue with Newsom to improve the state’s climate.
• Overarching message: Modern business must adapt to shifting regulatory, labor, and consumer landscapes, seeking balance between profit and principle.

Trade, Tariffs, and Economic Prognosis (34:44–39:47)

• Glenn and Marcus discuss U.S. tariffs, global supply chains, and the challenge of “rebalancing” manufacturing while supporting American jobs.
• Lemonis on inflation: distinguishes between “runaway” vs. “reset” inflation; cautions about the unique financial pain facing Americans.
• Quote (Marcus Lemonis, 39:01): “Inflation driven by demand outpacing supply is runaway train inflation ... but when supply and demand are relatively tight, it's ... an adjustment period. It's transitory.”

3. The New American Struggle: Voices from Gen Z

Caller Angela on Generational Economic Pain (48:21–62:02; 69:00–81:45)

• Angela, 30, Tennessee—first-generation college graduate, military wife, mother, conservative—shares her frustration with the cost of living, debt burden, and political isolation.
• She describes supporting Trump, being ostracized in grad school, and being attacked for conservative values in both academia and work.
• Raising concerns over the “AI takeover” in the military, sending money abroad while Americans struggle domestically, and stagnant/wage inequality (“living wage”).
• Quote (Angela, 56:57): “Why is it Republicans don’t ever want to take an interest in the conditions of people that are working? ... We don’t have any money to spend. Everything’s expensive. Rent is expensive.”
• Expresses that neither party truly listens or relates to her generation’s struggles—tempted by left-leaning policy solutions, but wary of government overreach.

Glenn’s Response: Perspective & Hope (62:13–81:45)

• Glenn offers historical context: previous generations faced dire hardship, and while today’s pain is acute, perspective is needed.
• Emphasizes the limits of politics and material benchmarks (“Don’t measure your worth by what you have compared to others…”).
• Advocates for resilience, small wins, faith, and waiting patiently for generational opportunity—instead of seeking quick political fixes or relying on parties.
• Quote (Glenn Beck, 79:53): “There is no magic bullet. It. There’s none. But the only one is Jesus… The closer I get to Jesus, the more I feel at peace with the way things are going.”
• Warns Angela and listeners not to be “tempted” by government interventions like rent control or “living wage” policies—argues these cause further damage, as a look at places like California, Chicago, or New York shows.

4. Politics & Advocacy

Chip Roy: Leaving Congress for Texas Attorney General Race (88:28–103:51)

• Rep. Chip Roy announces departure from Congress to run for Texas AG.
• Discusses his commitment to constitutional conservative values, tough record on border security, fighting Islamist influence, defending against big corporations, and prioritizing election integrity.
• Shares that his soul is “intact”—attributes perseverance and perspective to faith and Texas community.
• Quote (Chip Roy, 102:15): “I don’t fear politics. I fear the Lord. ... I turn it all over to him. I know my faults. I want to be home with my family. My soul was enriched by the people of Texas…”

Pastor Jack Hibbs on California's AB495 (111:03–124:04)

• Guest: Jack Hibbs, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills
• Raises alarms about a new bill (AB495) in California that would allow “any individual” to withdraw a child from school with minimal verification, citing “compassion” for children of detained illegal immigrants.
• Hibbs and legal advisors warn that the bill is so vaguely and loosely written, it could be abused and threaten parental rights.
• Quote (Jack Hibbs, 113:47): “If Newsom does not veto this bill, you’ve got to get your kid out of California for their own safety. It’s that bad.”
• Highlights grassroots response: 6,500+ people rally at CA state capitol—largest in 30 years.
• Fears Newsom could use a veto as a show of moderation, but says he must be held accountable.
• Urges people to get involved and monitor RealImpact.us

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “This isn’t a podcast. This is a movement. And you’re part of it.” — Glenn Beck (03:00)
• “Just know who you are. ... Nobody likes, nobody likes somebody who is just going with the wind. You’re a weasel.” — Glenn Beck (11:50)
• “Leave it alone... everything else in life is changing...” — Glenn Beck (16:16, on nostalgia, branding, and Cracker Barrel)
• “America’s built on the modern day comeback. ... We’re targeting opening 300 small to mid sized neighborhood stores.” — Marcus Lemonis (31:00)
• “You have to change your frame of mind, because this is not a political thing. This is, this is really a spiritual battle.” — Glenn Beck (74:04)
• “If Newsom does not veto this bill, you’ve got to get your kid out of California for their own safety. It’s that bad.” — Jack Hibbs (113:47)
• “I don’t fear politics. I fear the Lord. ... My soul was enriched by the people of Texas...” — Chip Roy (102:15)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 05:46 – Target CEO/DEI controversy
• 12:54 – Cracker Barrel logo backlash
• 25:37 – Marcus Lemonis (Bed, Bath & Beyond) Interview
• 48:21 – Gen Z caller Angela’s testimony
• 62:13 – Glenn’s generational response
• 88:28 – Chip Roy AG run announcement and interview
• 111:03 – Jack Hibbs, Parental Rights & California AB495 Bill

Memorable Moments

• Angela’s candid story about being ostracized for her beliefs in academia and as a young working parent draws empathy and thoughtful warnings from Glenn (49:57–56:57; 62:13).
• The discussion of Cracker Barrel’s logo morphs into a meditation on generational change, nostalgia, and shifting American values (16:16).
• Jack Hibbs’ dire warning to California parents regarding new legislation (113:47).

Summary & Takeaways

The episode vividly captures the complexity of living—and doing business—in a fast-changing America. It blends humor, concern, and principle, foregrounding the real-world struggles of individuals and families caught in economic and cultural crosswinds. Corporate branding, Californian dystopias, Gen Z anxieties, and warnings about overreaching government all find space under the tent of The Glenn Beck Program. The central message is to hold on to personal conviction and faith, expect no quick fixes from politics, and brace for more uncertainty—while not relinquishing hope.