The show host also has his fans in Congress, including Paul, who said in a statement to POLITICO that “Beck connects, in a very visceral way, with those who believe in Constitutional government. Glenn’s influence goes beyond the political as he understands that the very root of our crisis is spiritual. Likely, no other broadcaster in America attracts as fervent a following.”

Beck’s innovative, entrepreneurial spirit is what drives his production company, Mercury Radio Arts, and TheBlaze to take risks that others in the media business would shy away from, those close to him say. “He lets all of us experiment and try things,” TheBlaze’s Buck Sexton said, likening the organization’s vibe to a “start-up” company.

Just take a look at just a few of his moves. Create a jeans line? Sure. Beck designed 1791 Denim jeans that debuted in October. Team up with a Hollywood star to produce a reality show? Why not? Beck and Vince Vaughn’s program, “Pursuit of the Truth,” pits documentary filmmakers against each other as they compete for financing and distribution for their film will debut this fall. Host a three-day extravaganza in Salt Lake City ending with the performance of an original show? Of course. Beck performed his “Man in the Moon” extravaganza complete with dancers, music, fireworks and a robot to a sold-out audience in July.

In his combined daily four hours on TV and the radio, Beck, who declined to be interviewed for this story, often focuses intensely on a single topic, delivering long monologues – sometimes sparking controversy.