Steve and Norm opened the episode by expressing condolences and prayers for Charlie Kirk's family, acknowledging the horror and shock felt across the country. In their words, it’s hard to recall a public event as devastating in recent memory. Whether you followed Kirk closely or not, his tragic death is a moment for national reflection.

The conversation pushed past media narratives and social media short clips to consider Kirk’s legacy—his pioneering work in independent media, his faith, and, most notably, his commitment to respectful dialogue. Steve emphasized Kirk’s ability to listen, concede good points in debate, and ultimately reach across divides—a reminder for all of us about the value of seeking truth and understanding, even in disagreement.

Brett encouraged listeners to watch Kirk’s long-form discussions, especially with those who disagreed with him, as a counter to selectively-edited viral moments. Before rushing to judgment on anyone, there’s wisdom in “shutting up and listening.”

Steve and Brett spent time dissecting how media and online culture can create avatars out of public figures—dehumanizing them and making “pulling the trigger” less personal. They critiqued language like “unalived” that softens the reality of murder, calling on everyone to “watch your language” and resist the drift toward dehumanization.

The podcast tackled the immediate online reactions to Kirk’s assassination: from national mourning to a reprehensible flood of celebration on social media from those who disagreed with Kirk’s views. The hosts distinguished between cancel culture—the firing and shunning of people for their beliefs—and the morally different act of celebrating cold-blooded murder.

Steve reflected on recent calls from figures like J.D. Vance to “call out” those who cheer for such violence, drawing important lines between expressing a political opinion and amplifying inhumane, hateful rhetoric.

As a criminal defense lawyer, Steve provided a clear breakdown of what happens next for Kirk’s accused killer: the arrest, initial court appearance, the roles of prosecution and defense, and the significance of due process even in the most emotional cases. The episode emphasized that while the desire for swift justice is understandable, a careful, deliberate legal process is vital to our country’s integrity.

Both hosts closed with calls for more listening, more respect, and less tribalism. In Charlie Kirk’s memory, and for the good of our country, let’s step back from celebrating division and focus on what unites us as Americans—and as people.

Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great...