When Brian Kilmeade emailed me recently and asked if we could chat about his upcoming appearance at Pensacola’s Saenger Theatre on July 11, my first thought was simple:
“This has got to be a scam.” After all, why would Brian Kilmeade be emailing me?
So, I forwarded the email to the team at the Saenger and asked them to verify it.
A short time later, they confirmed it.
Yep. It was really Brian Kilmeade.
And as it turns out, I owed him a thank you.
Before opening a social media agency and later launching Local Pulse, I spent many years in television advertising sales and management with Cox Media here in Pensacola.
During that time, our company represented more than 70 cable networks that we sold and then inserted commercials on. In this market, three consistently rose to the top when advertisers were deciding where to invest their dollars: ESPN, Fox News and HGVT.
And when it came to Fox News, one program stood out.
Fox & Friends.
Advertisers loved it. Businesses requested it. Campaigns performed. In fact, outside of college football games on ESPN, Fox & Friends was one of the most sought-after advertising placements we sold.
Brian Kilmeade of FOX News brings the History, Liberty & Laughs Tour to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on July 11th.I’ve never done the actual math, but if I had to guess, Brian Kilmeade probably made quite a few house payments for me over the years.
So when we finally connected by email and later by phone, one of the first things I told him was thank you.
It was a fun, full-circle moment. Here was someone whose work had played a significant role in my career, and now I had the opportunity to interview him ahead of his Pensacola appearance.
What I discovered is that the Brian Kilmeade viewers see on television is very much the Brian Kilmeade you get in conversation through email and chatting: quick-witted, energetic, and genuinely engaging.
For nearly three decades, Kilmeade has been a fixture in American homes as co-host of Fox & Friends, helping millions of viewers start their mornings with news, interviews, commentary, and conversation.
Along the way, he has interviewed presidents, world leaders, athletes, entertainers, and everyday Americans with extraordinary stories.
But television is only part of his story.
Kilmeade is also a New York Times bestselling author whose six books have brought pivotal moments in American history to life for readers across the country.
His writing focuses on the courage, leadership, and determination of the men and women who helped shape America.
An observation? I’m not sure you will find someone as passionate as he is about history. He doesn’t recount events; he tells stories. Whether discussing a Revolutionary War hero, a president, or a defining moment in our nation’s past, his enthusiasm makes history feel relevant.
That same storytelling ability has helped him connect with audiences far beyond television.
During our conversation, I asked Kilmeade a question that, in my opinion, is almost impossible for him to answer.
“After interviewing presidents, professional athletes, military heroes, celebrities, and world leaders throughout his career, who has impacted you the most?”
His answer revealed a great deal about what he values.
He quickly praised President George W. Bush, calling him one of the greatest people he has ever met and someone he believes is often underrated as a president.
He admitted that meeting Sylvester Stallone was a personal thrill, bringing out the fan in him.
But it wasn’t politicians or celebrities who ultimately left the deepest impression.
Instead, Kilmeade pointed to the countless visits he has made to military bases both at home and abroad.
“The warfighters at every level impress me,” he said.
Over the years, he has spent time with service members deployed around the world, witnessing firsthand their commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our nation.
In a community like Pensacola, where military service is woven into the fabric of daily life, and the US Navy Blue Angels fly directly over my house each Sunday evening, that perspective hits home.
Kilmeade told me he believes today’s armed forces are every bit as capable, committed, and impressive as any generation that has served before them.
It was clear from his response that his admiration for America’s military isn’t something he talks about because it’s expected; it’s something he genuinely believes.
While many people know him for covering serious topics, they may be surprised by how funny he is you have not watched him on air or follow him on Instagram.
Kilmeade shares stories from behind the scenes at Fox News, reflects on memorable moments from his career, and sprinkles in plenty of humor.
Spend a minute on his personal social, and you will find a reel of him on air where he was SUPPOSED to say, “Gen Z women own a home,” and instead, he said, “Jay Z women own a home.” And continued his conversation as if nothing had gone wrong! Haha! Find it here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYkKjdrqJCz/
He has a natural ability to move fluidly between thoughtful discussion and laugh-out-loud conversations. Which makes it easy to see why audiences continue to connect with him after all these years.
When he arrives in Pensacola on July 11, ticket holders can expect much more than a lecture.
Kilmeade’s live show combines the themes of his popular FOX Nation programs with the stories and lessons from his bestselling history books, creating a patriotic and entertaining evening unlike anything else currently on the road.
The goal, he told me, is not simply to inform, but to entertain, inspire, and motivate.
Audiences can expect an engaging journey through America’s remarkable past, filled with stories of courage, leadership, perseverance, and sacrifice. Along the way, Kilmeade draws connections between the challenges faced by historical figures and many of the issues Americans are navigating today.
Of course, because it’s Brian Kilmeade, there will also be plenty of humor.
Brian Kilmeade of FOX News brings the History, Liberty & Laughs Tour to Pensacola on July 11, 2026.The evening blends history, current events, personal experiences, and behind-the-scenes stories from nearly 30 years in national media into a fast-paced and highly engaging stage experience.
And they can expect authenticity. After speaking with him, it’s clear that Brian Kilmeade remains genuinely curious about people, deeply appreciative of those who serve our country, and passionate about sharing stories worth telling.
For me, it was especially rewarding to finally thank the man who unknowingly helped pay a few mortgages along the way.
Brian Kilmeade will appear at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on July 11. Tickets are available through the Saenger Theatre box office and online.
If our conversation was any indication, Pensacola audiences are in for an evening that is equal parts educational, entertaining, patriotic, and inspiring.
