The Rob Carson Show – "The Battle Over Free Speech Heats Up"

Newsmax Podcasts | September 19, 2025

Episode Overview

In this lively and emotionally charged episode, Rob Carson discusses the escalating national conversation about free speech, political violence, and the cultural war in America. Centered around the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the subsequent fallout—including Jimmy Kimmel’s firing—the show blends heartfelt reflection, political commentary, and signature humor. Joined by recurring guest Mary Walter, Carson explores how national tragedies spark both division and renewed solidarity, faith, and activism on the right.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Reflection and "Blessed Beyond Belief"

• [01:21–07:26] Rob opens with a candid look at his personal journey—dealing with divorce, estrangement from his children, and the struggle to maintain joy.
  • Attributes newfound strength to embracing gratitude:

    “It took me a very long time to get here… I’ve said this before, but my network is the BBB network. Blessed Beyond Belief. It means blessed beyond belief.”

• Draws inspiration from the Indigo Girls' song "Prince of Darkness," connecting its lyrics to his resilience:
  • “By grace, my sight is growing stronger. I will not be a pawn for the Prince of Darkness any longer.” ([05:58])

2. Tribute to Charlie Kirk and Youth Impact

• [07:26–13:29] Discusses the impact and legacy of Charlie Kirk, including a moving video tribute by Caitlin Bennett.
  • Plays heartfelt testimonials from young conservatives influenced by Kirk, highlighting themes of faith, identity, and empowerment.
  • Carson contextualizes:

    “Charlie Kirk had everything taken away. You still got yours. What are you going to do with it?” ([08:06])

  • Notable quotes from supporters:
    • “Thank you, Charlie, for changing my mind about so many different things.” ([09:48])
    • “Thank you for inspiring a whole generation… Thank you for your sacrifice.” ([09:54])
  • Carson reflects on the testimonies:

    "Those are all young women who've been told that they should become boys… That's what your Democrat Party did to your daughters." ([10:28])

3. Media Fallout: The Firing of Jimmy Kimmel

• [13:45–19:17] Analysis of Jimmy Kimmel’s firing after controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk, and the political narrative around it.
  • Carson clarifies Kimmel’s firing was a business decision due to low ratings and advertiser loss, not political oppression.

  “Donald Trump did not fire Jimmy Kimmel. Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he said really stupid crap on television. And he also destroyed the ratings.” ([13:45])

  • Plays reactions from Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy, accusing Trump of fascism for "shutting down" Kimmel.
  • Carson rebuts the “free speech crackdown” narrative:

    “Nothing to do with Donald Trump being a fascist and trying to silent speech. Honestly, you’re a bunch of drama queens. Shut up.” ([17:00])

4. Guest Segment: Mary Walter Joins the Show

[20:56–36:48]

• Political Clown Show and Hypocrisy
  • Both hosts agree Democrats perform outrage and double standards on free speech, using the Kimmel episode to escalate attacks on Trump.
    • Walter:

      “They had never had any intention of turning down the rhetoric. They only want us to turn it down…” ([22:59])

  • Carson:

    “You do not have absolute freedom of speech…when you are a representative in the United States House or Senate. That’s just the way it is.” ([23:40])

• Democratic Performances in Congress
  • Walter critiques figures like Rashida Tlaib and Jasmine Crockett for "playing roles" and performative outrage.
• Republican Response and Fighting Back
  • Walter says Republicans are too rule-abiding and could learn from Charlie Kirk’s combative, principled style.
    • “Charlie is a fighter. The Republicans could take a lesson from him on fighting and standing up for your convictions… Republicans just refuse to do it.” ([27:10])
  • Carson draws distinction between "MAGA Republicans" and the "country club blue bloods" of the party.

5. Discussion on Political Violence & Free Speech

• Review of Democrats using inflammatory language even after the assassination, specifically mentioning Jasmine Crockett echoing divisive rhetoric.
  • Clip:
    • “Most black people are not Republicans simply because we just is like, y’all racist …we just can’t side with the neo Nazis in there.” (Crockett, [26:25–26:48])
  • Walter’s blunt response:

    “Well, I’m dumber for having listened to that.” ([26:54])

6. Resurgence of Faith and Patriotism

[30:58–34:44]

• Carson shares a personal story about returning to church, linking the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s death to a broader movement of spiritual renewal.
  • “I just think there’s something very big happening… I think it is…the yan to the yin of evil that had kind of taken over the world.” ([33:19])
• Walter is cautiously hopeful, noting Americans’ fickle attention spans:

  “I hope it takes hold and stays. That it becomes rooted and isn’t just for some people just a passing fad.” ([34:11])

7. Trump’s Confidence and Free Speech Abroad

• Segment on Trump's meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with Peter Doocy asking tough questions on Palestine statehood and free speech arrests in the UK.
  • Carson notes Trump’s different posture, calling out European leaders and standing for free speech globally.
  • Walter:

    “He’s such a different president than he was the first time around…he doesn’t care. He’s going to do what he thinks is right, and that’s that.” ([36:11])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rob Carson

  • “By grace, my sight is growing stronger. I will not be a pawn for the Prince of Darkness any longer.” ([06:58])
  • "Donald Trump did not fire Jimmy Kimmel. Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he said really stupid crap on television." ([13:45])
  • “Those are all young women who've been told that they should become boys…that’s what your Democrat Party did to your daughters.” ([10:28])
  • "The forces of darkness are going to be driven right back to hell. Right back to hell." ([13:00])

• Mary Walter

  • “Charlie is a fighter. The Republicans could take a lesson from him on fighting and standing up for your convictions and handing it back to them…Republicans just refuse to do it.” ([27:10])

• Young Charlie Kirk Supporter

  • “Thank you, Charlie, for changing my mind about so many different things. Thank you for inspiring a whole generation. And I hope that we learn and that something good comes out of this.” ([09:48])

• On Political Hypocrisy

  • “They had never had any intention of turning down the rhetoric. They only want us to turn it down when they said we have to turn it down. They mean you, not us, you.” (Mary Walter, [22:59])
  • "You do not have absolute freedom of speech…when you are a representative in the United States House or Senate." (Rob Carson, [23:40])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:21 — Rob’s personal update and “Blessed Beyond Belief”
• 07:26 — Tribute to Charlie Kirk and impact on youth
• 13:45 — The firing of Jimmy Kimmel, free speech debate
• 17:27–18:32 — Chuck Schumer and other Democrats on “free speech crackdown”
• 20:56 — Mary Walter joins; the Kimmel controversy expanded
• 22:32 — The role of "performative" Democrats; John Fetterman’s surprising common sense
• 23:40 — Congressional conduct and free speech limits
• 25:54 — Political rhetoric’s connection to violence
• 27:10 — Republicans’ response versus Charlie Kirk’s activism
• 30:58 — Spiritual resurgence and Rob’s return to church
• 34:44 — U.S.–UK: Trump and Starmer on free speech, Palestine, and immigration
• 36:10 — Trump’s changed posture, Mary Walter’s final take

Closing Tone

The episode is marked by a blend of earnest, personal reflection and irreverent, punchy critique of the political establishment. Carson’s tone is passionate and sometimes combative but also emotive—especially when discussing faith, loss, and the hope sparked by Charlie Kirk’s legacy. Mary Walter adds sharp insight and dry humor, reinforcing the show’s commitment to both entertainment and thoughtful cultural analysis.

For More:

• Mary Walter: Podcast “Mary Walter Radio” on YouTube, Getter, Rumble & major audio platforms
• Rob Carson: Rumble channel “Rob Car,” Newsmax syndicated radio & podcast