Keywords

#Black Family, #Family Revival, #Welfare, #Feminism, #Marriage, #Policy, #Community Solutions, #Cultural Change

Key Topics

Historical impact of slavery on black families

Role of welfare and feminism in family decline

Cultural inertia and institutional resistance

Policy solutions for family revival

Community-based strategies for strengthening families

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Book Overview

01:50 Delano Squires' Background and Mission

04:10 Reception of the Book and Its Goals

05:51 The State of the Black Family Today

07:52 Historical Legacy of Slavery on Family Structure

09:46 Impact of Welfare and Feminism in the 1960s

12:13 The Rise of Non-Marital Birth Rates

13:59 Policy Barriers and Institutional Resistance

16:08 The Role of Black Leadership and Cultural Inertia

18:10 Practical Community and Family Strategies

20:04 Policy Recommendations and Future Steps

22:10 The Importance of Family in Cultural Identity

24:02 Addressing Systemic and Cultural Barriers

26:03 The Role of Churches and Community Organizations

27:57 The Power of Family Reunions and Legacy

29:59 Call to Action for Policy and Community Leaders

31:57 Practical Steps for Families and Communities

33:59 The Role of Education and Research in Family Revival

35:57 Closing Remarks and How to Support the Book

Resources

The Vanishing Black Family by Delano Squires - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Vanishing+Black+Family+Delano+Squires

Delano Squires on X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/DelanoSquires

Heritage Foundation - https://www.heritage.org

Guest links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/DelanoSquires

Website - https://www.heritage.org

In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh sit down with Heritage Foundation's Jonathan Butcher—a leading expert in education policy—to talk about President Trump's recent executive order to abolish the DOE and how ending the bloated bureaucracy could unlock a new era of innovation, local empowerment, and real reform.

Jonathan takes us through the potential benefits of dismantling the DOE, offering a fresh perspective on how we can reshape education to better serve students, parents, and communities. 

More about Jonathan Butcher

Jonathan Butcher is the Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation. He has researched and testified on education policy around the US, including testimony before the US Commission on Civil Rights.

He is the author of Splintered: Critical Race Theory and the Progressive War on Truth. Jonathan co-edited and wrote chapters in The Critical Classroom, discussing the racial prejudice that comes from applying critical race theory in K-12 schools. He also co-edited and wrote chapters in the book The Not-So-Great Society, which provides conservative solutions to the problems created by the ever-expanding federal footprint in preschool, K-12, and higher education.

Jonathan previously served as the Education Director at the Goldwater Institute, where he remains a Senior Fellow. He was a member of the Arizona Department of Education's first Steering Committee for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, the nation's first education savings account program. He is also a Senior Fellow with The Beacon Center of Tennessee and a contributing scholar for the Georgia Center for Opportunity.

Prior to joining Goldwater, Jonathan was the Director of Accountability for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Jonathan previously studied education policy at the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas. He worked with the School Choice Demonstration Project, the research team that evaluated voucher programs in Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Jonathan holds a bachelor's degree in English from Furman University and a master's degree in economics from the University of Arkansas.

Megan Basham, an author and reporter for the Daily Wire, joins The Narrative podcast to answer these questions in the context of her new book, Shepherds for Sale. Along with co-hosts CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews, Megan discusses the key decision between admitting misunderstanding and compounding foolishness, how the secular left has strategically coopted universal truths of the Gospel, and how Church leaders should respond to breaking news and crises like COVID.

Before the conversation, Aaron, David, and Mike uncover how the children's hospitals' gender clinics have changed following the enactment of the SAFE Act, and how the media is ignoring the savings school choice is providing Ohio.

More about Megan Basham

Megan Basham is a culture reporter for the Daily Wire and the author of the new book Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda and Beside Every Successful Man: A Woman’s Guide to Having It All. She is a frequent contributor to Morning Wire, one of the top ten news podcasts in the United States. She has also written for the Wall Street Journal, the Telegraph, First Things, National Review, and the leading Evangelical publication World Magazine, where she worked as a film and television editor.

Connect with Megan on www.dailywire.com/author/megan-basham; on X (Twitter), @megbasham; and on Instagram, @journalistmeganbasham

They explore the influence of billionaire-funded gender ideology initiatives, shifts in family courts, and victories in red-state policy reforms. They also touch on the political implications of Ohio’s lieutenant governor candidate picks, the ban on AI in higher education, and US actions against Venezuela’s narco-state regime.

Neuroscientist, educator, and bestselling author Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath joins the podcast to reveal why classroom technology may be undermining your child’s ability to learn. From 1-to-1 laptops to constant smartphone access, he explains the research linking screens to lower cognitive performance, disrupted memory, and weaker problem-solving skills—and why banning phones can boost learning by up to 11 hours per week and slash behavioral problems by 80 percent.

Jared also uncovers the hidden motives behind the tech push in schools, the “mode effect” that makes handwriting far more effective than typing, and why teaching kids how to think beats teaching them how to use tools, even in our high-tech world.

More About Jared Cooney Horvath

Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator, and best-selling author who specializes in human learning and brain development. He is the creator of The Learning Blueprint, an international award-winning program helping educators and students understand how learning actually works.

Jared has conducted research and taught at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Melbourne, and has worked with more than 1,000 schools around the world. He is the author of six books, has published over fifty research articles, and his work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, Harvard Business Review, and ABC’s Catalyst.

Jared currently serves as Director of LME Global, an organization dedicated to bringing cutting-edge brain and behavioral science to educators, students, and communities. To inquire about working with him, or to learn more about his international award-winning Science of Learning programs (The Learning Blueprint for Teachers & The Learning Blueprint for Students), visit lmeglobal.com.

In this week's episode of The Narrative, we're joined by Nathanael Blake, author of Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us All, to candidly talk about the consequences of a culture that has abandoned God's intended design for sex, marriage, and family.

CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan sit down with Nathanael to walk through the damage left in the wake of the sexual revolution—how women, children, and even men have suffered under the lie that we can separate sex from commitment, family, and faithfulness.

Before their conversation with Nathanael, Aaron and David break down the latest Franklin County court ruling, which claims EDChoice in Ohio is unconstitutional. They also share an update on the state budget and what's ahead for Ohio, pending Governor DeWine's signature.

More about Nathanael Blake

Nathanael Blake, Ph.D., is a Life and Family Initiative Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. His research interests include American political theory, Christian political thought, and the intersection of natural law and philosophical hermeneutics. His published scholarship has included work on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Alasdair MacIntyre, Russell Kirk, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

He received an undergraduate degree in microbiology with a chemistry minor from Oregon State University. After working as a writer and editor in the pro-life movement, he enrolled in graduate studies at the Catholic University of America, earning a doctorate in political theory.

As a cultural commentator, Dr. Blake has published hundreds of articles at outlets including Public Discourse, World Opinions, The Federalist, The Catholic World Report, and National Review. His first book, Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us All was published in the Spring of 2025.

He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

 They also get into the details on the latest attempt by union lobbyists to silence Christian influence in education, and why it’s actually the State (not the Church) that’s overstepping its bounds.

 After the news, the hosts are joined by Delano Squires from the Heritage Foundation, who steps in to discuss his work on the landmark report, Saving America by Saving the Family.

 The data is grim: 40 percent of kids are being born out of wedlock, and the Success Sequence is being ignored in favor of State-sponsored dependency. Delano reveals the real-world impact of writing fathers out of the social script and offers a radical, life-affirming blueprint to get back on track. From "Marriage Boot Camps" to incentivizing young couples to build a home, this is the conversation every parent and policymaker needs to hear before the next generation opts out of the family entirely.

More about Delano Squires

Delano Squires is Director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Human Flourishing, where he focuses on policies and social norms that promote marriage, fatherhood, and healthy families.

 Squires is the author of the forthcoming book The Vanishing Black Family: How Welfare and Feminism Made Marriage Optional and Children Vulnerable.

 His writings have been published by Newsweek, National Review, The American Conservative, The Federalist, The New York Post, World, The Institute for Family Studies, Black Enterprise, Blaze Media, Black and Married with Kids, The Root, and The Grio.

 Before joining Heritage, Squires worked for the District of Columbia government for more than a decade. During that time, he ran a citywide technology program for low-income residents and served in the city’s gun violence prevention office.

 Squires earned his Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in public policy from The George Washington University. He resides in Maryland with his wife and four children.

From churches being shut down to believers being targeted for their faith, Ukraine's war is not only a battle for territory, it's a battle for the soul of a nation.

Before the conversation, the guys share about the recent launch of the Christian Education Network and the leaders who came to Ohio this week to learn more about launching their own state networks. They also talk about the recent Supreme Court rumblings of overturning the Obergefell decision that legalized same-sex "marriage." 

MORE ABOUT PAVEL UNGURYAN

Pavel Unguryan is a distinguished politician, public servant, and long-time leader within the Ukrainian Baptist Union.

Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Secretary of the Ukrainian Conservative Movement, a nationwide organization headquartered in Kyiv with branches across all 24 regions of Ukraine.

The movement unites hundreds of thousands of citizens and fosters partnerships among more than 20 national religious associations, including Protestant organizations, Greek Catholics, Roman Catholics, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

MORE ABOUT DIYANA GABYAK

Diyana Gabyak is an entrepreneur, faith-driven leader, and unwavering advocate for strong families, conservative values, and transformative leadership.

With 25 years of experience as a worship leader, she has dedicated her life to faith, service, and uplifting others. She serves as a board member in multiple worldwide ministries, working tirelessly to support orphaned and foster children, rebuild lives, and create a future filled with hope and opportunity.

Diyana and her husband, Vladimir, live in northern Ohio with their five children.

In this special episode of The Narrative, Aaron Baer, Maria Baer, David Mahan, and Mike Andrews pull back the curtain on Aaron’s recent appearance at the historic City Club of Cleveland and the firestorm that erupted around it.

The team unpacks what it was like to share the Gospel in a room defined by spiritual oppression and LGBTQ activism, while protesters outside resorted to vandalism and intimidation. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes stories legacy media refused to cover—including the "gotcha" questions that backfired and how accusations of "hate" collided with basic statements of reality like men can’t get pregnant and children deserve protection.

Beyond the headlines, this conversation reveals the deep cultural divide on display and why Christians cannot retreat from the public square, even when the cost is real.

Tune in to hear the story the mainstream headlines refused to tell.

Key Resources

City Club Recording: Watch or listen to the full, unedited event on CCV.org. 

The Hope and a Future Report: Explore the data on Ohio’s #29 ranking in the Family Structure Index and the "Success Sequence" at Hope.CCV.org.

The Minnery Fellowship: Equipping pastors to lead their congregations through cultural challenges with biblical courage. Learn more at MinneryFellowship.org.

Ohio SAFE Act (HB68) Facts: Get the truth about Ohio's law protecting minors from experimental medical procedures at CCV.org.

The Success Sequence: Graduating, working, and marrying (in that order) is the most effective path out of poverty. Learn more about Ohio's SB156.

• Israel-Hamas Peace Deal: The long-awaited peace deal is moving toward completion after more than two years of conflict. Walk through the release of remaining Israeli hostages vs. Hamas prisoners, the strategic actions taken by Israel, and why this could be a turning point in Middle East relations.
• Ohio Legislative Updates: From Pornhub age verification enforcement to Governor DeWine's ban on intoxicating hemp products, learn about the policies impacting children, families, and communities across Ohio—and why these battles are far from over.

After the news, Joel Penton joins for an in-depth conversation on LifeWise Academy, the fastest-growing Bible education movement in US public schools. Joel shares how his team is bringing faith-based instruction to over 100,000 students in 1,100 schools across 34 states, the challenges and controversies surrounding this unprecedented effort, and what inspired his new documentary, Off School Property.

Hear the story behind the movement, its impact on students' academic and spiritual lives, and why parents nationwide are embracing this model. 

More about Joel Penton

Joel is the Founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy. He is a nonprofit entrepreneur with a 15-year career focused on impacting students. A former Ohio State University football player, he received the Danny Wuerffel trophy for outstanding community service.

Joel founded Stand For Truth and Relevant Speakers Network, reaching over 3,000 schools and 2 million students. He is a renowned public speaker and author of three books.

He lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, Bethany, and their five children, where they all enjoy telling stories at the dinner table, watching sci-fi movies, and playing full-contact monkey in the middle.

You'll also get to hear Aaron, David, and Mike discuss the prevalence of abortion at the Democratic National Convention and preview CCV's 2024 Voter Guide, available on BuckeyeBallot.com

More about Sen. Rob McColley

State Senator Rob McColley is serving in the Ohio Senate after being appointed in December 2017. He was elected by his Senate colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Floor Leader for the 135th General Assembly. Prior to being appointed to the Senate, he was a State Representative and served in House leadership as Assistant Majority Whip. Before being elected, he served in the Community Improvement Corporation of Henry County. He is also a former trustee of the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial and the Henry County Community Foundation, as well as a board member for the Henry County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Child and Family Advocacy. 

Senator McColley lives in Napoleon with his wife, Denise, their daughter Anna, and their twin boys Matthew and Michael.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More About Dr. Adam Rasmussen

As a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center and the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Arizona Christian University, Dr. Adam Rasmussen draws upon his 25 years of experience in Christian education to inspire students to thrive under the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of their lives. With a passion for helping students connect their faith with reason and culture, he guides them to make meaningful and relevant connections that go beyond mere academic study. Dr. Rasmussen is a magna cum laude graduate of Northwestern College, where he earned a BA in history. He also holds an MA in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College, as well as a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on leadership and administration from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. His research interests include biblical literacy, educational ministries, and Christian apologetics.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of The Narrative, Communications Executive Director Mike Andrews and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot are joined by author and pastor Daniel Darling to discuss his new book, In Defense of Christian Patriotism.

At a time when faith and politics often collide, Daniel makes the case for patriotism that is rooted in gratitude, humility, and love for neighbor. One that honors God above all while still cherishing the blessings of living in America. 

Before Daniel joins the show, CCV President Aaron Baer joins Mike to run through this week's latest news:

• The Ohio Christian Education Network opened its fifth school, with two more opening next week after Labor Day.
• Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, passed away last week, Thursday, August 21.
• Breaking news from Minnesota: two children are dead and seventeen are injured after a gunman opens fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. 

MORE ABOUT DANIEL DARLING

Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and thought leader. He currently serves as the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College. 

Daniel is an author, co-author, or editor of 20 books, including The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas, The Characters of Easter,  A Way With Words, Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loves, and the forthcoming: In Defense of Christian Patriotism.  

Dan holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College, has studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and holds a Master's degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Dan has served churches in Illinois and Tennessee. He and his wife, Angela, have four children and are members of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

Watch or listen today wherever you get your podcasts!

TAKE ACTION

You can do your part by taking 60 seconds to contact your legislator and urge them to pass HB249, the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More about Dr. Kevin Roberts

Kevin D. Roberts, PhD, was named President of The Heritage Foundation in October 2021. He succeeded former Heritage President Kay C. James as the seventh President in the organization’s 50-year history. In September 2023, Roberts was named President of Heritage Action for America and serves both organizations in a joint role.

As President of The Heritage Foundation, Roberts leads policy research efforts on issues including education, health care, border security, election integrity, and more. His leadership is critical in pushing back on the radical, socialist agenda being advanced by the Left at all levels of government. At a time when so many bad ideas are coming out of Washington, his experience advancing sound policy at the state and national levels is vital.  

Roberts and his wife have four children.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews as they recap and reminisce on the 135th General Assembly, including the dramatic speaker race; a whiplash-inducing week at the Statehouse; and the victories we experienced with the SAFE Act, Save Women's Sports Act, and Parents' Bill of Rights.

We thank you for all the support and listens throughout 2024 and are excited for what the Lord will bring in 2025. 

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews join Brad to discuss how marriage determines the nation's trajectory and its long-term benefits for both couples and society at large.

Whether you're married or single, this conversation offers valuable insights that will make you rethink the importance of commitment and its impact on our future. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion!

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the news, the hosts take time to celebrate that The Narrative is officially five years old! Take a look back at the half-decade of truth, learn the hosts’ all-time favorite guests (from Bob Woodson and Dr. Ben Carson to Chloe Cole), and get some hilarious secrets from when the mics were off, including the infamous day that newly hired Mike accidentally drank the very last of Congressman Jim Jordan's personal apple cider.

Listen to The Narrative today!

Learn More about the Minnery Fellowship

The Minnery Fellowship provides ongoing educational opportunities for pastors and church leaders to dive into the practical issues facing Christians in culture and develop, with a cohort of their peers, biblical strategies and messages to respond. Get the details and sign up at MinneryFellowship.org.

Yet, even as the indictments roll in, a major shift is coming to the Attorney General’s office! After years of sparring with big-money industries and defending Ohio’s laws in court, Dave Yost has announced he is joining the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) as Vice President for Strategic Policy and Innovation.

Tune in to hear about the "Wild West" of unregulated gambling, the fight for school choice, and why Ohio's AG is taking his legal expertise to the largest Christian law firm in the world.

You don't want to miss this eye-opening episode!

More About Attorney General Dave Yost

Dave Yost was re-elected as Ohio’s 51st attorney general on November 8, 2022, receiving more votes than any other attorney general in the state’s history. 
 
During his first term as the state’s chief legal officer, he quickly gained a national reputation as a fearless advocate for the rule of law — or, as he puts it, “the same rules for everybody.” 
 
Yost’s goal is to “do big good” for the people of Ohio by protecting consumers, rooting out corruption, defending the environment, ensuring an open and competitive marketplace, and fulfilling the many other duties of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. 
 
Yost began his public-service career as Delaware County auditor, later winning election as that county’s prosecutor. From 2011 through 2018, he served as Ohio’s auditor of state and, in January 2019, began his first term as attorney general. 
 
Yost earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and law degree from Capital University. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Franklin County; they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan tee up the conversation with updates on how the Lame Duck session at the Statehouse is unfolding and how Ohio's newest cash program for single mothers does more to promote political fundraising than parenthood.

Want your questions answered?

If you have any questions about past episodes, news in the media, or general inquiries, submit them to TheNarrative@ccv.org by Wednesday, December 11, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode!

More about Matt Sharp

Matt Sharp is senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and directs ADF's Center for Legislative Advocacy. He works to advance religious freedom for students who desire to share their faith, and those who fight for privacy against schools requiring students to share bathrooms and locker rooms with students of the opposite sex. He has testified before state legislatures on religious liberty and physical privacy issues.

Sharp authored the amicus brief in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. on behalf of students, parents and community members. He has won cases allowing students to invite a classmate to church, preform religious songs at a school talent show and form religious clubs.

Sharp earned his J.D. in 2006 from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. A member of the bar in Georgia and Tennessee, he is also admitted to practice in several federal courts. To follow more of his work, check him out on X, @MattSharpADF.

In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews break down what was included in the budget, what was vetoed, and how it all affects the fight for faith, freedom, and parental rights in Ohio.

We celebrate major victories, including:

✅ No iGaming expansion—protecting families from the dangers of online gambling addiction and the insertion of VLTs in public spaces.

✅ The Innocence Act—protecting children from online porn and "deepfakes."

✅ Cell phone-free schools—supporting focus and healthy learning environments for Ohio's children.

✅ Medicaid accountability—ensuring taxpayer dollars won’t fund radical DEI agendas or harmful gender surgeries on minors.

And we push back against the governor's vetoes on:

🚫 Removing obscene literature from the children's section in public libraries.

🚫 Stripping access to Educational Savings Accounts.

Listen as we unpack what these wins and vetoes mean for Ohio’s future.

Resources

Read more about the budget victories: https://www.ccv.org/news/governor-dewine-signed-the-60-billion-state-budget

Learn more about the Innocence Act (HB84): https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb84 

Learn more about the Success Sequence (SB156): https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/SB156 

Read the Ohio Christian Education Network's phone-free school covenant: https://ohiocen.org/phonefree/ 

Fnd a full list of vetoes: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHIOGOVERNOR/2025/07/01/file_attachments/3310799/Veto%20Messages.pdf 

CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews share their perspectives and break down the implications of a wide range of election outcomes. 

Listen in to hear the guys talk about how Ohioans toppled Issue 1, Bernie Moreno's relentless work on the campaign trail, and the factors that led to Donald Trump's decisive victory. Plus, you'll get a preview of what the results mean for our state and the work of CCV in 2025 and beyond!

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the conversation with Tyler, CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan join Mike to discuss the latest happenings at the Ohio Statehouse, including the House Bill 8 and LifeWise Academy situation, as well as potential prospects for Ohio's Senate seat.

You don't want to miss this week's episode!

More about Tyler O'Neil

Tyler is a husband, father, and Eagle Scout. He graduated from Hillsdale College in 2012 and has written and edited articles for numerous conservative outlets, including the Christian Post, PJ Media, Fox News, and the Daily Signal. His first book, Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center, exposed how a civil rights organization became a threat to America’s free speech culture.

He enjoys board games, Indian food, and talking ceaselessly about politics, religion, and culture. He has appeared on Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight. Follow him on Twitter at @Tyler2ONeil

and be sure to pre-order his latest work, The Woketopus: The Dark Money Cabal Manipulating the Federal Government, which will release on January 21, 2025.

Jim shares how Trudeau's resignation is actually related to the leftist initiatives that have consistently failed US citizens, including the current disastrous mismanagement of LA's wildfires.

Before the discussion with Jim, Aaron and Mike respond to yet another CCV hit piece by The New Yorker. Co-published with ProPublica, their latest effort was to "uncover" our strategy to expand Ohio's school voucher program so that more students can attend Christian schools.

Click here to read an article by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, combatting the myths in The New Yorker article.

You won't want to miss this week's episode!

More about Jim Geraghty

Jim is the senior political correspondent of National Review. He is a conservative blogger and is the author of National Review’s The Campaign Spot blog and The Morning Jolt newsletter.

Jim spent two years in Ankara, Turkey, working as a foreign correspondent and studying anti-Americanism, democratization, Islam, Middle East politics, and U.S. diplomacy efforts. His work appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the New York Sun, the Washington Times, and the Washington Examiner. 

In 2008, Best Life Magazine called Jim one of “the 10 most important voices to listen to this election cycle,” and the London Times praised his “killer insight” in that election cycle.

Jim lives with his wife and children in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Ohio State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to offer a unique perspective on the fight against DEI! Rep. Williams unpacks what DEI in Ohio's higher education system really looks like and how the passage of Senate Bill 1 through the Ohio House will have lasting effects on the state's education system.

Before Rep. Williams joins the conversation, the guys talk about current legislation happening in the Statehouse—how the Innocence Act (HB84)  and Cannabis Bill (HB160) are evolving and what these pieces of legislation would mean for Ohio residents.

Listen to this week's episode to hear Rep. Williams' testimony and how the Lord is working through him to advance Christ-centered legislation into our state laws.

More about Rep. Josh Williams

State Representative Josh Williams went from a homeless high school dropout to an attorney, but there were many challenges and obstacles along the way. After dropping out of high school, he went to work to support his young son. He was hurt on the job after falling 30 feet and was disabled for six years because of a serious back injury. Josh credited a change in his mindset as motivation to overcome his injury.

After getting his GED, Josh started college at the age of 30. By the time he was 35, he had graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law with his Juris Doctorate (J.D.).

He currently teaches constitutional law, criminal law, and criminal procedure in the undergraduate criminal justice programs.

As a State Representative, Josh is pursuing reform in the areas that most affect Lucas County residents: workforce development, education, and criminal justice. 

After the news, Associate Professor Wilfred Riley joins the guys to discuss how mid-level bureaucrats are rebranding the poison of DEI as "belonging" or "togetherness" to stay entrenched. Learn how the Deep State functions at the GS-level and why the Left's mechanical drift only stops when we actively dig the ideologues out of the mole holes.

They also tackle the rising threat of the "Woke Right" and why identity politics is a trap that abandons objective truth. From the absurdity of "pregnant men" to the weaponization of language, the hosts unpack why we cannot give an inch to word games that defy biological reality. 

More about Wilfred Reilly

Wilfred Reilly is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University, and the author of the books "Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me," "Taboo: 10 Facts You Can't Talk About," and "Hate Crime Hoax."

Reilly, alone or in combination with others, has published more than 100 articles across both national media and academic outlets - including Administration and Society, Academic Questions, National Review, Commentary, Newsweek, Spiked UK, and Quillette. His research interests include international relations, contemporary American race relations, and the use of modern quantitative methods to test "sacred cow" theories like the existence of widespread white privilege.

Off work, he enjoys dogs, archery, basketball, and Asian cooking. 

Aaron, David, and Mike highlight this call to courage as they review a recent protest that disrupted a church service in Minnesota. The guys also discuss the importance of the March for Life and remind listeners to reach out to Senators Moreno and Husted to encourage them to defend the Hyde Amendment.

After the news, the hosts sit down with Daniel Harmon, the creative force behind the viral Tuttle Twins cartoon series. Daniel walked away from a high-powered advertising career to build a record-breaking, crowdfunded media empire. Why? Because the modern university system has abandoned sound economics and natural rights. So Daniel decided to teach them to our kids instead.

Through the adventures of the twins and their time-traveling grandmother, Daniel explains how he simplifies complex topics like inflation, entrepreneurship, and individual liberty so even an eight-year-old can master them. Daniel underscores why it matters that parents, not institutions, remain the primary voice shaping the next generation.

More About Daniel Harmon

Daniel Harmon is the creator and showrunner of the Tuttle Twins TV Show, an award-winning cartoon that teaches kids about the principles of freedom and economics.

Tuttle Twins is based on the book series that has sold over 5 million copies. In 2020, Tuttle Twins set a record as the #1 crowdfunded kids' show in the world!

Daniel is a creative entrepreneur and co-founded Harmon Brothers, a renowned video advertising agency that has driven billions of views and over $700 million in sales. Prior to Tuttle Twins, Daniel served as Chief Creative Officer of Harmon Brothers, where he created, directed, and oversaw ad campaigns, including viral hits for Squatty Potty, Purple mattress, Poo-pourri, Chatbooks, Lume, FiberFix, Camp Chef, and more.

Daniel is also a co-founder of VidAngel and Angel Studios.

The guys also tackle the New York Times’ admission that the "harmless" marijuana myth has failed, as daily use surpasses alcohol and teen suicides rise. Finally, they dive into the Affirming Families’ First Act (HB693), a landmark Ohio bill designed to stop the State from seizing custody of children whose parents refuse to bow to radical gender ideology.

After the news, Mike and David are joined by Mordechai Wiseman, the Founder and Director of Israel First Fruits. A Special Forces veteran and follower of Yeshua, Wiseman discusses the "holy pressure cooker" of faith and business in Israel. He shares the heartbreaking loss of his son in Gaza and a powerful moment of reconciliation with his best friend, an Arab Christian, proving God’s love bridges the deepest divides. Wiseman offers a sobering look at how true restoration requires character over treaties.

More about Mordechai Wiseman

Mordechai Wiseman is Managing Director of Firstfruits Funds and Co-Founder, Chairman & International Director of Israel Firstfruits. He has over 25 years of international management, marketing, technology, and business development experience in various industries. Mordechai has served companies and non-profit organizations ranging in size from small start-ups to Fortune 500 multinational corporations.

He is a social entrepreneur and is passionate about equipping people to pursue their calling. Mordechai has a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Cornell University. Mordechai is a third-generation Jewish believer serving in Israel. He and his wife, Meira, have three children and live in northern Israel.

Learn More about the Minnery Fellowship

The Minnery Fellowship provides ongoing educational opportunities for pastors and church leaders to dive into the practical issues facing Christians in culture and develop, with a cohort of their peers, biblical strategies and messages to respond. Get the details and sign up at MinneryFellowship.org.

In today's rapidly shifting cultural landscape, holding fast to biblical values can feel like an uphill battle. We live in an era where objective truth is frequently treated as a mere suggestion, and where those who dare to speak with moral clarity are often met with hostility, cancellation, or intense marginalization. It takes immense courage to remain steadfast. How do we navigate a society that demands conformity to secular ideologies? How do we raise our families, lead our communities, and engage with the political sphere without compromising the Gospel? This highly anticipated conversation brings together two powerhouse voices who have dedicated their platforms to answering these exact questions with unwavering boldness, insight, and grace.

We are thrilled to welcome Allie Beth Stuckey to the discussion. As the host of the hit podcast, Relatable, Allie has become an indispensable voice for thousands of listeners who seek to make sense of the world through a biblical lens. She expertly breaks down the latest in culture, news, theology, and politics from an unapologetically Christian and conservative perspective. She is a frequent guest on Fox News, a prolific writer, and the bestselling author of two deeply impactful books: "You're Not Enough (& That's Okay)" and her latest release, "Toxic Empathy." Allie’s journey to the forefront of conservative Christian media is as inspiring as her commentary. In 2015, she simply began speaking to college sororities about the vital importance of voting and civic duty. What started as a passionate hobby soon blossomed into a full-time career. Her early blog and social media presence, aptly named The Conservative Millennial, rapidly gained viral traction, officially launching her into the political media sphere. Today, Allie is celebrated for her unique ability to dismantle popular cultural narratives—replacing them with the enduring, life-giving truths of Scripture.

Joining her in this profound dialogue is Pastor Luke Barnett, a man whose visionary leadership and pastoral heart have left an indelible mark on the modern church. Luke serves as the senior pastor of Dream City Church, one of the most dynamic, expansive, and influential congregations not only in Phoenix, Arizona, but within the entire Assemblies of God denomination nationwide. Taking over the mantle of leadership from his father, Tommy Barnett, in 2011, Pastor Luke stepped into a profoundly significant role laden with considerable expectations. Rather than simply maintaining the status quo, Pastor Luke has propelled Dream City Church into new eras of growth, community outreach, and spiritual vitality. He is a shepherd who deeply understands the struggles of the modern believer and consistently preaches a message of hope, resilience, and divine purpose. In 2015, he authored the inspiring book, "The Dream Centered Life." It is based on his foundational life message and teaches readers how to discover and pursue a true, God-sized dream. Pastor Luke challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones, overcome their fears, and embrace the extraordinary calling God has placed on their lives.

When the incisive cultural analysis of Allie Beth Stuckey meets the visionary, faith-building pastoral wisdom of Luke Barnett, the result is a conversation that is as deeply convicting as it is immensely encouraging. Together, they explore the urgent necessity of Christians stepping up to the plate in our current cultural moment. They unpack the dangers of retreating into silence, the necessity of discerning truth from emotional manipulation, and the practical ways we can all live boldly for Christ in our daily lives.

After the news, Aaron and Mike are joined by Dr. Fenggang Yang, a professor of sociology and director of the Center on Religion and the Global East at Purdue University. Yang provides a fascinating look at the "Triple Market" of religion in China. In a world dominated by a Communist regime that enforces "scientific atheism" and bans baptism for minors, Yang reveals how the underground "Grey Market" of Christianity is exploding. Discover how the Holy Spirit is outmaneuvering the Deep State of Beijing and why China is on a trajectory to become the largest Christian nation on the planet in our lifetime.

More about Dr. Fenggang Yang

Dr. Fenggang Yang is a Professor of Sociology and the Director of the Center on Religion and the Global East at Purdue University. He also holds the appointments of Courtesy Professor of Political Science and faculty affiliate with the Purdue Policy Research Institute, Asian Studies, and Religious Studies. Dr. Yang has served as President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.

As a renowned expert in the sociology of religion, immigration, Asian Americans, and East Asian societies, Dr. Yang has delivered numerous invited lectures at prestigious universities and keynote speeches at professional associations across the US, Asia, and Europe. His insights have been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, The Economist, NPR, CNN, BBC, and ABC.

Dr. Yang earned his B.A. in politics and education in 1982 and his M.A. in philosophy in 1987 in China before moving to the United States in 1989. He completed his Ph.D. in sociology at The Catholic University of America in 1997. He is the author of several influential books, including Chinese Christians in America: Conversion, Assimilation, and Adhesive Identities(Penn State 1999), Religion in China: Survival and Revival under Communist Rule (Oxford 2012), and Atlas of Religion in China: Social and Geographical Contexts (Brill 2018).

Additionally, he has co-edited over a dozen scholarly books. Two of his numerous articles have received distinguished article awards from professional associations.

Before their conversation with Virgil, President Aaron Baer joins David and Mike to catch up on this week's news, covering the release of CCV's Hope and a Future report, President Trump's Executive Order expanding in vitro fertilization, and Ohio Governor DeWine's child tax credit.

After the news, Heritage Foundation Policy Analyst Emma Waters joins the hosts to shatter the modern "girl boss" and "tradwife" delusions with her new book, Lead Like Jael. Emma breaks down how the biblical story of Jael provides a new blueprint for women to cultivate uniquely feminine virtues like shrewdness and discernment in a culture that treats womanhood and motherhood as liabilities. From exposing the "toxic empathy" of the radical Left to calling out the Church’s own failure to articulate the goodness of marriage, Emma shares how a productive, Christ-centered home is the ultimate weapon against an enemy that always attacks the family first.

More about Emma Waters

Emma Waters is a Policy Analyst in the Center for Technology and the Human Person at The Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on family, biotechnology, and reproductive medicine. She is a co-author of “A Future for the Family: A New Technology Agenda for the Right” statement at First Things. Her first book, Lead Like Jael, was released with Skyhorse Publishing in early 2026. Emma graduated Valedictorian at Lee University with a B.S. in Political Science and a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at The Catholic University of America. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.

Want to Go Deeper?

On Saturday, April 11, Center for Christian Virtue will host our 2026 Columbus Celebration Gala.

We're excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Scott Jennings, who is CNN's senior conservative voice and one of the sharpest commentators in the national spotlight. He's known for his clarity, conviction, and humor, and Scott brings decades of experience at the crossroads of politics and media, including serving in the George W. Bush White House and key roles in multiple presidential and Senate campaigns. 

It's going to be an elegant evening where you'll enjoy an incredible dinner followed by visionary keynotes exploring the path forward for the future of Ohio and America. 

Get your tickets or secure your table today at CCV.org/ColumbusGala.

This week on The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Jamie Hall, Director of Data Analysis at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), to discuss their shocking new report on the abortion pill.

In this powerful conversation, Jamie breaks down:

💊 The truth behind the growing use of abortion drugs

📉 How the Food and Drug Administration is failing women

⚖️ What policymakers and advocates need to know right now

Before their talk with Jamie, Aaron and Mike unpack significant policy developments that unfolded this week, diving into Aaron's speech on the steps of the United States Supreme Court during oral arguments in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond, the reinstatement of Ohio's SAFE Act (HB68), and CCV's filing of an amicus brief, on behalf of former US Attorney General Ed Meese.

With chemical abortion on the rise and major legal battles underway, this is a must-listen for anyone who cares about saving lives, protecting women, and holding institutions accountable.

❗TAKE ACTION❗

Making your voice heard is easy! Use CCV's action center to email your US Representative and US Senator, as well as Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, MD, and tell them to immediately revoke FDA approval for the abortion pill.

More about Jamie Hall

Jamie Bryan Hall is the Director of Data Analysis and a fellow in the Life and Family Initiative at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. In addition to his research on marriage and various social issues, he provides quantitative support for the work of other EPPC scholars.

He influenced the Trump Administration to adopt more stringent work requirements for food stamp recipients. He submitted several unique, data-driven comments that slowed undesirable Biden Administration regulations. His opinion pieces have appeared in The National Review, The Washington Times, The Washington Examiner, The Daily Signal, and numerous other publications.

Jamie has also worked in business as a forecaster and a consultant. He began his career in the George W. Bush Administration, serving with the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Council, and the Council of Economic Advisers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in applied mathematics (with a specialization in economics) and a Master of Arts in statistics, both from Harvard University.

Jamie was born and raised in Kentucky. He resides in Virginia with his wife, Olivia, and their four children.

In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, to talk about the upcoming documentary, Truth Rising.

This powerful project confronts the crisis of truth in today's culture and calls believers to live courageously, rooted in the unchanging Word of God.

Before diving into the conversation with John, the guys break down some of the biggest stories making headlines this week:

📉 Trump announces plans to cut federal funding to PBS, NPR, and other woke media outlets — finally putting an end to taxpayer-funded propaganda.

📺 NBC4’s “Out in Ohio” segment — a blatant push to normalize radical gender ideology in Ohio’s heartland. The guys unpack why local news outlets are no longer neutral and what Christians need to know.

Gather friends and family and watch the release of Truth Rising on Friday, September 5!

MORE ABOUT JOHN STONESTREET

John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after speaker and author on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education, and apologetics.

John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He has co-authored five books including, A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things.

Before joining the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College in Tennessee.

John is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations (Anglican Church of North America). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.

Before the conversation with Maria, the guys catch up on this week's news, including the Associated Press article highlighting CCV's work to expand Christian education, how CCV's priority bills are progressing in Ohio's Lame Duck session, and what the Statehouse leadership picks mean for next year.

You don't want to miss this week's episode!

Want your questions answered?

If you have any questions about past episodes, news in the media, or general inquiries, submit them to TheNarrative@ccv.org by Wednesday, December 11, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode!

More about Maria Baer

Maria is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition.

Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009. She belongs to Cross City Church with her family and is a volunteer counselor at her local crisis pregnancy center. You can find more of Maria’s published works on her website.

In this episode of The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Delano Squires from The Heritage Foundation to walk through the parallels between CCV's marriage and family report, Hope and a Future, and Heritage's report, Crossroads.

Delano also candidly shares about the decline of marriage and dives deep into the cultural and biblical dynamics behind the breakdown of the black family.

Before the timely and thought-provoking conversation on the future of the family in America, CCV President Aaron Baer joins Mike to discuss the launch of the United States Christian Education Network (USCEN), CCV's upcoming Celebration Galas, the uptick in the denial of student visas to The Ohio State University, and how the Ohio House budget could benefit Ohioans.

More about Delano Squires

Delano Squires is a Research Fellow in the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation. He is also a contributor to Blaze Media who writes about faith, family, and culture as well as BlazeTV’s Fearless with Jason Whitlock podcast.

Delano's articles and essays have been published by Newsweek, The American Conservative, The Federalist, The Institute for Family Studies, Black and Married with Kids, The Root, and The Grio.

Before joining The Heritage Foundation, Delano worked for the District of Columbia government for over a decade. He provided free technology training classes for job-seekers, ex-offenders, and senior citizens during that time. He also created digital exploration programs for K-12 students, subsidized internet service and provided free computer repair for low-income families, and ran several citywide public awareness campaigns.

He spent his final year in the D.C. government with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, working with residents and local stakeholders to address violent crime in the nation’s capital.

Delano grew up in New York City and earned his bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in Public Policy from The George Washington University. He resides in Maryland with his wife and their three young children.

• The Save Ohio Sports Act, the bill that will target predatory mobile wagering by restricting sports betting exclusively to Ohio's four physical casinos.
• The landmark 6-3 Supreme Court decision that upholds Ohio's Save Women Sports Act that was passed to protect biological reality and sex-specific athletic categories.

After the news, the guys sit down with tech expert Devan Patel and dig into the Vatican’s landmark AI encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, which transcends denominational lines because it is meant for anyone who cares about protecting human dignity, the value of hard work, and safeguarding the future of humanity from anti-human technology. While AI holds unprecedented power and potential as a revolutionary tool, its profound dangers require deep wisdom to navigate. To safely harness this technology, governments must enforce robust national security protocols and a strict legal "duty of care," while parents shield their children by practicing healthy digital habits in the home.

 Listen or queue up your commute podcast now!

More About Devan Patel

Devan Patel is a lawyer and political strategist in Washington, DC. He serves as the visiting fellow for tech ethics and democracy at the Joseph Rainey Center. Previously, he served as counsel and managing director of public policy at Allegiance Strategies as well as the senior advisor of public policy and ethics at American Security Fund, where he emerged as a leading voice at the intersection of AI, national security, and Catholic ethics. He is an adjunct professor of law at Notre Dame Law School, a fellow at Notre Dame's de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, and an inaugural member of the Federalist Society's AI & Law Working Group. Devan has authored and negotiated state and federal legislation, built and deployed unlikely advocacy coalitions, and has spoken at or convened international AI ethics summits on four continents, including a summit he convened at the Vatican in dialogue with the Holy See's advisors on AI.

From property tax reform to increased education funding, school choice, and abortion reporting, this budget proposal is packed with pro-family policy!

Here's a quick look at what we cover:

📉 Property tax changes for Ohioans

🏫 School funding, school choice, and putting power back into parents' hands

🧬 Recognizing male and female as the only two biological sexes in the state of Ohio

⚖️ Abortion reporting requirement changes, for earlier and more accurate reporting

🌿 Marijuana reform and THC regulation

Whether you're a policy junkie or just trying to understand how all this might affect your daily life, this episode's for you!

More about Rep. Brian Stewart

State Representative Brian Stewart is serving his third term as State Representative for the 12th Ohio House District, which includes Madison and Pickaway Counties and a western part of Franklin County.

In addition to his career in public service, Rep. Stewart maintains a successful law practice representing businesses and individuals as the owner of The Law Office of Brian Stewart, LLC in Circleville. In Ohio, Rep. Stewart has litigated cases in more than a dozen counties and multiple appellate districts throughout the state.

Rep. Stewart enlisted for active duty in the Army after experiencing 9/11 as a high school senior. He is an infantry veteran of the Iraq War and earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB) in addition to twice receiving the Army Commendation Medal. Following his service, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor’s and law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

In his free time, Rep. Stewart is a dedicated movie buff and a passionate sports fan. He enjoys target shooting, books on American history, and Johnny Cash's music. Rep. Stewart lives in Ashville and attends Village Chapel Church with his wife, Letanya, and their three children.

In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV Communications Executive Director Mike Andrews and Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) Executive Director Troy McIntosh speak with Laurie as she shares real-time trends and statistics in American classrooms, what downsizing the Department of Education entails, and why school choice is essential to protecting parental rights and student success.

Before the guys sit down with Laurie, Troy shares exciting OCEN updates, including:

• Seven new Christian schools opened this year through the partnership of OCEN, CCV, and churches that felt called to serve the children in their communities. 
• The launch of the nationwide Christian Education Network brought in leaders to Ohio from three states to learn how they can build a network of their own.
• The recent Sidney Daily News article Troy wrote in response to school choice critics.

MORE ABOUT LAURIE TODD-SMITH

Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith is the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Office of Early Childhood Development at the Administration for Children and Families at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

She most recently served as the America First Policy Institute as Director of the Center for Education Opportunity and the Center for the American Child where she focused on assisting states to advance evidence-based education policy reforms including the expansion of school choice, early literacy, foster care reform, online safety of children, as well as model policy for fentanyl curriculum in public schools. 

Dr. Todd-Smith served as Senior Education and Workforce Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Bryant as well as Executive Director of the State Early Childhood Council. Her work led to remarkable growth in reading and math achievement outcomes for Mississippi's students, earning the state the title of the "Mississippi Miracle."

President Trump appointed Dr. Todd-Smith as the Director of the Women’s Bureau at the United States Department of Labor in 2018. During her tenure at the Women’s Bureau, she focused the agency on childcare quality and access, paid family leave, and grants to support women in apprenticeships.  

Dr. Todd-Smith holds a doctorate in education from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from Western New Mexico University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona.

Brad Wilcox joins Aaron, David, and Mike to discuss how Red State policies offer the stability required for marriage to flourish. They make it clear that to protect Ohio’s future, we must reject failing secular models and champion a culture that anchors economic success in biblical family values.

Tune in now or queue up your commute podcast!

More about Brad Wilcox

Brad Wilcox is Melville Foundation Jefferson Scholars Foundation University Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, Future of Freedom Fellow and Director of the Get Married Initiative at the Institute for Family Studies, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. 

The author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization (Harper Collins, 2024), Wilcox studies marital quality, marital stability, and the impact of strong and stable marriages upon men, women, and children. The author and editor of six books, Wilcox has written for scientific journals such as The American Sociological Review and The Journal of Marriage and Family, and The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and National Review.

More about the Family Structure Index

The Family Structure Index tracks the changing fortunes of marriage and family across America's states. By measuring marriage rates, family stability, and fertility, the Index reveals how the strength of the family is deeply connected to the health and attainability of the American Dream. The results have recently been featured on Fox News (here and here), Fox Business, The Daily Wire, and the Wall Street Journal.

In this episode of The Narrative, Andrea Piccotti-Bayer joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews to discuss the constitutionality of displaying the Ten Commandments and why public schools should return to the religious roots that our country was founded on.

Andrea explains how these tenants have a rightful place in our classrooms and breaks down the historical and legal arguments for their proposed return to public education, such as would be allowed by Ohio Senate Bill 34.

Before talking with Andrea, Aaron and Mike celebrate the recent Senate Bill 1 victory banning DEI at Ohio's state colleges and universities. They also discuss the proposed House budget and Senate Bill 156, which would require schools to teach the Success Sequence.

More about Andrea Picciotti-Bayer

Andrea Picciotti-Bayer is Director of the Conscience Project. A Stanford-educated lawyer, she has dedicated her legal career to civil rights and appellate advocacy.

Andrea started as a trial and appellate attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice. Before leading the Conscience Project, she served as the legal advisor for the Catholic Association, filing amicus briefs with federal courts of appeal and the US Supreme Court in key religious freedom and free speech cases.

She frequently appears in the media to discuss religious freedom controversies and legal victories. In 2021, she received First Place for Best Coverage—Religious Liberty Issues from the Catholic Media Association. She is also a legal analyst for EWTN News and a regular columnist for the National Catholic Register.

Her writing has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Fox News, Newsweek, CNN en Español, and other well-regarded publications. She has also joined Fox News, Newsmax, and various other shows to share expert commentary.

Andrea has ten children and lives in the Washington, DC area.

For more, check out the video put together by the Conscience Project: Louisiana Ten Commandments: When Does The Government Go Too Far In Promoting Religion?

On this special episode of The Narrative, Sage candidly shares why she left ESPN as well as her testimony of courage, conviction, and the sustaining power of prayer at our Cincinnati Celebration Gala.

Before Sage takes the stage, CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down to discuss the school choice wins in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. They also discuss a movement by statewide pastors and ministry leaders to oppose Senate Bill 197, Ohio's gambling expansion bill, and how this bill would impact the most vulnerable.

More about Sage Steele

Sage Steele is one of the country's most popular and respected broadcasters of her generation. She currently hosts The Sage Steele Show, a weekly podcast, where she sits down with entertainers, athletes, business people, and politicians to have deep dive personal one-on-one discussions that enlighten, entertain, and engage.

Prior to launching her show, she was a leading fixture at ESPN from 2007-2023, hosting the network’s flagship show, SportsCenter.

Through the years, Sage has been a featured guest host on ABC's The View, was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and has been profiled by numerous publications, including Rolling Stone, Variety, The Wall Street Journal, Vibe, and Huffington Post.

Sage is proud to be a new member of the board of directors for The Boys & Girls Club of America. She is also in her third year as a board member for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, an advisory board member for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and volunteers with The Alzheimer’s Association.

Most importantly, Sage is the proud mother of three children, and she resides in Florida.

Before the conversation, Aaron and Mike discuss the new Republican platform, the attempted assassination of former President Trump, and why we're excited about Ohio Senator JD Vance getting picked as the Republican nominee for Vice President.

Check out BabylonBee.com for more of Seth's work, or see him live on Thursday, October 3, at The Essential Summit. Get your discounted tickets now with coupon code "EarlyBird20" through July 31 on EssentialSummit.org.

More about Seth Dillon

Seth Dillon is the CEO of The Babylon Bee, the world's most trusted, factually accurate news source. Taking on the tone of a traditional news media publication, the Bee satirizes real-world events and public figures.

Dillon's experience with censorship and deplatforming has placed him on the front lines of the battle for free speech in the public square. He now speaks on college campuses and at conferences across the country about the effectiveness of humor, the moral imperative of mockery, and the dangers of censorship.

He occasionally signs off X (formerly Twitter) to enjoy time with his wife and two sons in Juno Beach, Florida.

David and Church Ambassador Network (CAN) Executive Director Chris Lightfoot begin with an inside look at the explosive growth of CAN—from 2,200 to over 5,000 churches—and why pastors across Ohio are urgently seeking Christ-centered worldview formation, marriage and family renewal, and a biblically oriented understanding of Christian citizenship.

CCV responded by creating the Minnery Fellowship for Cultural Engagement, a continuing education program for pastors and church leaders, and Hope and a Future to offer churches statewide a scalable model to strengthen families in their communities. 

David also discussed two pro-life bills that passed out of the Ohio House this week.

Following the news, world-renowned author and social critic, Os Guinness, joins the guys to explain the civilizational crossroads America faces as the ideological descendants of the 1776 American Revolution clash with the ideals of the 1789 French Revolution.

With the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching in 2026, Guinness argues that it may be “the last, best chance of the last, best hope,” calling Christians to lead a renewal rooted in biblical truth. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

More About Os Guinness

Os Guinness is an author and social critic. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford. 

Os has written or edited more than thirty books, including The Call, Time for Truth, Unspeakable, A Free People’s Suicide, The Global Public Square, Last Call for Liberty, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity. His latest book is The Great Quest: Invitation to the Examined Life and a Sure Path to Meaning, published in 2022.

Os has spoken at many of the world’s major universities and at political and business conferences across the world. He lives with his wife, Jenny, in the Washington, DC area.

Beyond the legal drama, there are real-world consequences of being targeted by the SPLC’s "hate map," from de-banking and "financial death penalties" to actual physical security threats against Christian organizations like CCV and the FRC. Mainstream media outlets have lazily repeated these labels as "fact" despite the SPLC’s increasingly transparent political bias. If you want to understand how the Left weaponizes ideology to demonize traditional values while lining its own pockets, you can’t afford to miss this breakdown of the SPLC’s "outrage machine" and the federal case that could finally dismantle it.

Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers' Research, joins CCV Executive Policy Director David Mahan and Executive Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to break down how this victory came about, what it reveals about the broader battle over children's health, and why parents must keep speaking up and fighting for the protection of Ohio's children.

Before they share in the victory with Will, Aaron joins Mike to run through this week's most pressing news:

👉 Over one hundred thousand attendees flocked to Arizona this past Sunday to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. Among them were some of our nation's most prominent leaders proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. You can watch the memorial service, in its entirety, here.

👉 This Wednesday, September 24, US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, along with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, US Senator Bernie Moreno, and Erika Donalds, gathered at our office in Downtown Columbus for a press conference about expanding school choice in Ohio. Photos from the event can be viewed on our social channels: @CCVPolicy.

👉 There are only two days left to secure your tickets for the upcoming Essential Summit on Thursday, October 2! Ticket sales close Sunday, September 28, at 11:59 pm.

MORE ABOUT WILL HILD

Will Hild is the Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, the nation’s oldest consumer protection organization. After taking the helm in 2020, Hild shifted focus to fight against Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and woke capitalism. Hild led Consumers’ Research as it launched the innovative Consumers First campaign, a multi-million-dollar ongoing campaign calling out woke corporations for betraying their customers and educating consumers on the dangers of ESG.

Under Hild’s leadership, The Washington Post described Consumers’ Research as “a key player in the conservative crusade to prevent Wall Street from factoring climate change into its investment decisions.” Companies targeted by the Consumers First campaign include BlackRock, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Nike, State Farm, Ticketmaster, and more. Hild works to educate leaders across the United States on the dangers of ESG and woke capitalism and the threat they pose to consumers.

His efforts were highlighted in a profile in Bloomberg, noting that he was at the “forefront of the movement” to roll back woke corporate excess. He is a frequent radio, podcast, and television guest and has been interviewed by publications across the nation, including Fox News, CNBC, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Daily Mail, Washington Examiner, and The Daily Wire.

Will received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and resides in Maryland with his wife, Cheryl, and their family.

After the news, Family First founder Mark Merrill joins the chat to reveal how All Pro Dad is combating the culture’s fatherhood crisis. Mark breaks down the vital, daily toolkit men need to become the heroes their kids deserve, and shares the exclusive details on their completely sold-out, interactive experience at the Ohio Stadium later this month.

Aaron, David, and Mike unpack how current FDA rules allowed a man to order abortion drugs in his wife’s name and forcibly give them to his pregnant girlfriend. They also highlight the media’s stunning lack of coverage, the worldview driving that silence, and what must happen now to protect women from coercion and abuse. 

After their discussion, Evans and Ben Nwankwo of Ambassadors for Self Determination—native Nigerian brothers who now live in Ohio—join the conversation to expose the brutal reality of Christian persecution in Nigeria and an ongoing genocide claiming roughly 30 lives every day.

The guys unpack the violence, the government’s complicity, and how US pressure and foreign-aid leverage could finally force change.

Don't miss this episode, which pulls back the curtain on two stories the mainstream won’t touch and learn what must happen to protect women and save persecuted Christians.

Take Action

As Christians, we must act now!

Our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are facing a daily threat most of the world refuses to acknowledge, and Congress needs to hear from believers who won’t look away.

Take one minute today to contact your US Representative and Senators through our Action Center and urge them to back Senator Cruz’s legislation. Your voice can help push America to stand up, apply the pressure, and protect innocent Christians before more lives are lost.

Also, the Trump Administration can restore protections for women and their children by reinstating the safeguards around the abortion pill. Use CCV’s Action Center to contact your members of Congress and federal leaders today, it takes just 60 seconds to demand real accountability and save lives.

Maria Baer, a contributor to the book, joins Katy on The Narrative podcast to dive into the heart of the book, with a special emphasis on Maria's chapter on digital technology and what parents can do to protect their children.

Before the conversation, co-hosts CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews share the latest updates on the SAFE Act/Save Women's Sports Act (HB68) court case that had put the law on hold, and the realities of the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz presidential candidate ticket.

This and more on today's episode of The Narrative podcast!

More about Katy Faust

Katy Faust is Founder and President of Them Before Us, a global children’s rights nonprofit, and the co-author of a book of the same title. She publishes and speaks widely on why marriage and family are matters of justice for children. Her articles have appeared in Newsweek, USA Today, The Federalist, Public Discourse, WORLD magazine, Washington Examiner, The American Mind, and The American Conservative. She is on the advisory board for the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Katy helped design the teen edition of CanaVox which studies sex, marriage, and relationships from a natural law perspective. She and her co-author detailed their philosophy of worldview transmission in Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City. Pro-Child Politics is her third book. Katy and her husband are raising their four children in Seattle.

More about Maria Baer

Maria Baer is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009. 

Ian Rowe joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to talk about the positive impact teaching the Success Sequence to children has on their wellbeing, and ultimately on the trajectory of their lives.

Before the guys sit down with Ian, Mike and David talk about David's testimonies in support of Senate Bill 156 to teach the Success Sequence in schools, as well as Senate Bill 163 which would prohibit obscene AI-generated content and set parameters around other AI usage.

Learn more about the Success Sequence in our marriage and family report, Hope and a Future.

More about Ian Rowe

Ian Rowe is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he focuses on education and upward mobility, family formation, and adoption. Ian is also the cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a network of virtues-based International Baccalaureate high schools inaugurated in the Bronx in 2022; the chairman of the board of Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit adoption services organization; and the cofounder of the National Summer School Initiative. He concurrently serves as a senior visiting fellow at the Woodson Center and a writer for the 1776 Unites Campaign.

He was CEO of Public Prep for a decade. Before joining Public Prep, he was deputy director of postsecondary success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and public affairs at MTV, director of strategy and performance measurement at the USA Freedom Corps office in the White House, and cofounder and president of Third Millennium Media.

He has been widely published in the popular press, including in the New York Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Examiner, and is often interviewed on talk radio programs.

Following the publication of his book Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for All Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power, Ian leads AEI’s FREE Initiative, cultivating a deeper understanding of how family, religion, education, and entrepreneurship weave together a moral fabric that shapes children.

Ian has an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was the first black editor-in-chief of the Harbus; a BS in computer science engineering from Cornell University; and a diploma in electrical engineering from Brooklyn Technical High School, one of New York City’s elite public schools, which specializes in science, technology, and mathematics.

A New York native, Ian and his wife have two children.

But first, Mike and David celebrate the landmark $2 million settlement for a detransitioned teen in New York—the first of its kind, finally setting a new precedent in the ongoing conversation around pediatric sex-rejecting surgeries.

Meanwhile, Ohio’s Adolescent Health Centers finally receive critical funding for programs that teach character, sexual risk avoidance, and fatherhood skills, giving students life-affirming tools and keeping more of Planned Parenthood's comprehensive sex-ed out of our schools.

After the news, the hosts sit down with journalist Danny Funt, author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling, to explore the explosive growth of legalized betting. DraftKings and FanDuel dominate the sports betting market, but their influence comes with serious consequences. Danny reveals the social, financial, and moral costs that extend well beyond the simple idea of “everybody wins.” From micro-bets that can hook young gamblers to the duopoly controlling the industry, this is the crucial information every parent, policymaker, and concerned citizen needs to understand.

If you’re watching the Super Bowl this weekend, this episode is your must-listen primer on the game we really can’t afford.

More About Danny Funt

Danny Funt covers sports betting as a contributor at The Washington Post. His reporting has also appeared in The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and the Columbia Journalism Review. He previously worked as an editor at The Week magazine. A graduate of Georgetown University and the Columbia Journalism School, he lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and son.

Headshot credit: Jordan K. Ellis

This week CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down to chat about the stories and topics they're keeping an eye on this year, including:

• The political climate in Ohio and across the nation;
• How Trump's election, administration, and cabinet will have a positive affect on Americans; and
• Their hope in the expansion of school choice, the growth of strong marriages, and the dismantling of harmful gender ideology.

Be sure to listen to this week's episode to get a primer on what is already shaping up to be a big year!

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• Progress on the Success Sequence Bill,
• Indecent exposure reforms, and
• Protecting kids from high-potency THC products.

They also discuss why marriage is often missing from today’s fatherhood programs and why the Church must lead on family formation.

Plus, Chris shares how the Church Ambassador Network’s Minnery Fellowship and new Hope and a Future tour are equipping pastors to strengthen marriage and family ministries across Ohio. 

After the news, Mike, David, and Aaron interview Clare Morell, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, about why she's calling for Americans to consider a smartscreen-free childhood for their children. Drawing from groundbreaking research and her new book, The Tech Exit, she outlines practical steps for families and policy solutions that are gaining national momentum. She also explains why schools, churches, and communities must lead a countercultural movement toward real human connection and spiritual renewal.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

More about Clare Morell

Clare Morell is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in the Bioethics, Technology and Human Flourishing Program. Prior to joining EPPC, Ms. Morell worked in both the White House Counsel’s Office and the Department of Justice, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors. She is also the author of The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones, published by Penguin Random House.

Ms. Morell has had opinion pieces published in the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Bloomberg News, The New York Post, Newsweek, the Washington Examiner, National Review, First Things, National Affairs, American Affairs Journal, Deseret News, The Federalist, The Hill, Public Discourse, WORLD Magazine, The American Conservative, the Washington Times, and the Daily Signal.

Ms. Morell has testified before Congress. Her policy work has also been featured in The New York Times, and she has done television interviews with Fox News, Blaze TV, EWTN, and Epoch TV, as well as print interviews with The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Review, and WORLD Magazine, among others.

Ms. Morell received a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she majored in Science, Technology, and International Affairs. She graduated summa cum laude and received the Edmund A. Walsh Award for academic achievement in international law. 

Before their conversation with Michael, David and Mike react to President Trump's inauguration and swift action upon returning to office, how the Lord has been moving in and through OSU's football team, and how Ohio's new General Assembly has hit the ground running with committee assignments and bill introductions.

More about Michael Mistretta

Michael is the co-founder and CEO of FIRM Israel: Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries. Born in Toronto, Canada, Michael was raised in the church and later received a call to Israel where he met Pastor Wayne Hilsden and helped to start FIRM.

From starting his own company as a teenager to his 10 years of ministry experience, Michael is an entrepreneur and innovator who is passionate about seeing ministries in Israel thrive and people coming to know Jesus as Messiah.

Michael and his wife, Vanessa, have a passion for Israel that takes them around the world as they strive to build unique connections between the Church and the body of believers in Israel and share about how God is moving in Israel today. Michael and Vanessa live in the heart of Jerusalem with their two young sons.

After the news, National Review senior writer Noah Rothman shreds the mainstream media narrative by exposing a century of radical left-wing extremism and domestic terrorism that’s been systematically swept under the rug. From the dangerous roots of the "Marxist narrative" to the way groups like the SPLC gaslight the public into thinking left-wing violence is just a myth, this is a reality check the establishment doesn't want you to hear. For more, check out his provocative new book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence in America.

Listen to The Narrative today!

More About Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer with National Review, the foremost journal of conservative scholarly opinion and analysis in America since its founding in 1955. He is the author of Unjust: Social Justice and the Unmaking of America(Regnery, 2019) and The Rise of the New Puritans: Fighting Back Against Progressives’ War on Fun (HarperCollins, 2022). Mr. Rothman graduated from Drew University with a degree in Russian Studies and political science (2004), and he earned a graduate degree from Seton Hall University in diplomacy and international relations with a focus on security policy in the former Soviet space (2010). He lives with his wife and two sons in New Jersey.

On this special episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews run through their lists of notable Executive Orders the President has introduced and signed.

Listen to today's episode to get a primer on Executive Orders and the impact they have on the country and the American people.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before the Senators take the stage, Aaron is joined by CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews to dive into this week's latest news:

⚖️ The Ohio Senate passed the state budget with the notable exclusion of iGaming. The budget includes legislation that strengthens families, protects children, and restores common sense to public policy in Ohio.

🚺 Riley Gaines and Simone Biles had a cultural clash on X last week over fairness in women's sports, in response to a male playing on a high school softball team.

🚨 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots in Los Angeles and what they reveal about our culture's state of law, order, and truth. 

More about US Senator Bernie Moreno

Senator Bernie Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia. He moved to the United States with his family at age five and became an American citizen at age 18. Bernie purchased his first car dealership in 2005 and grew that one dealership into one of the largest dealership groups in America, eventually employing over 1,000 Ohioans.

In 2016, Senator Moreno recognized the value and transformational potential of blockchain technology before it received mainstream attention and invested much of his volunteer time and investment dollars in the space.

Senator Moreno lives in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife, Bridget, and their four adult children.

More about US Senator Jon Husted

Senator Jon Husted started his life in a foster home before his loving parents, Jim and Judy, adopted him. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in northwest Ohio’s Williams County. He graduated from Montpelier High School and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton.

In 2000, Husted won election to the Ohio House of Representatives. He was later elected to lead the chamber as Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2009. Senator Husted served in the Ohio State Senate until becoming the secretary of state in 2011. Senator Husted's two successful terms in that role led Ohioans to elect him lieutenant governor in 2019, before being appointed to US Senator, next to Senator Moreno, in 2025.

Of all his responsibilities, Senator Husted considers being a loving husband, father, and grandfather the most important. He and his wife, Tina, raised their three children, Alex, Kylie, and Katie, in Ohio and make their home in Columbus.

You'll also get to hear Aaron, David, and Mike discuss the ruling on the 24-hour waiting period for abortions and the call Center for Christian Virtue put out for stories about schools pushing social transition in the classroom.

More about Joy Pullmann

Joy Pullmann is executive editor of The Federalist. A happy wife and the mother of six children, her ebooks include "Classic Books For Young Children," and "101 Strategies For Living Well Amid Inflation." An 18-year education and politics reporter, Joy has testified before nearly two dozen legislatures on education policy and appeared on major media including Tucker Carlson, CNN, Fox News, OANN, NewsMax, Ben Shapiro, and Dennis Prager. Joy is a grateful graduate of the Hillsdale College honors and journalism programs who identifies as native American and gender natural. Joy is also the cofounder of a high-performing Christian classical school and the author and coauthor of classical curricula. Her traditionally published books also include "The Education Invasion: How Common Core Fights Parents for Control of American Kids," from Encounter Books.

In this week's episode of The Narrative, JP De Gance, Communio founder and president, sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot to explore how churches can take the lead in strengthening marriages and families through the hope of the Gospel.

The guys dive into:

⛪ Why marriages are struggling—and how the Church can respond

💍 What makes Communio different from traditional marriage ministries

💭 How churches can capture the social imagination of the next generation

🤝 How CCV and Communio's partnership will impact churches across Ohio

Before hearing from JP, CCV Policy Director David Mahan catches up with Aaron and Mike on this week's news: Ohio's Universal Basic Income proposal and the recent New York Times article responding to President Trump's pro-natalist policies.

More about JP De Gance

JP De Gance is the founder and president of Communio, the co-author of Endgame: The Church’s Strategic Move to Save Faith and Family in America, and the author of the Nationwide Study on Faith and Relationships.

Communio is a ministry originally incubated as the Culture of Freedom Initiative at The Philanthropy Roundtable, where JP served as the organization's executive vice president. The Initiative raised and spent $20 million over three years in three different states seeking to identify the most effective strategies to boost marital health, family stability, and church engagement. Today, Communio serves churches across the United States, helping them evangelize by applying what they learned from their successful intervention in Jacksonville.

A husband and father, JP lives in Virginia with his wife and eight children.

Economist and author Catherine Pakaluk joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews to talk about her book Hannah’s Children, the roots of the birth dearth, and why baby bonuses and pro-natalist policies often fall short.

Listen in for Catherine's take on how the state can become more pro-family through fixing housing, rethinking education, and restructuring welfare.

Before the conversation, CCV President Aaron Baer joins David to break down a huge win at the US Supreme Court—the first major legal loss for the LGBT movement—and share highlights from the Fatherhood Commission press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, featuring leaders like former Florida Speaker Chris Sprowls, former NFL Viking Jack Brewer, and former Ohio State Buckeye Team Captain Kamryn Babb. Learn more about the Hope and a Future report at CCV.org/Hope.

More about Catherine Pakaluk

Catherine Ruth Pakaluk is an American economist and social philosopher at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Catherine is author of the acclaimed ethnography Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, Slate, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and more.

She holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University. The mother of eight children, she is married to American philosopher Michael Pakaluk. They split their time between suburban Maryland and New Hampshire’s White Mountains. 

In this final episode of The Narrative before Christmas, Aaron, David, and Mike react to the Cincinnati Enquirer investigative profile that called CCV "relentless" for turning Christian beliefs into public policy. Marketed as an objective report, the article instead exposes a familiar assumption: Christian beliefs are inherently biased and therefore unwelcome in the public square, while non-Christian belief systems are presumed neutral and free to shape law, culture, and power.

After the news, Luke Niforatos of Smart Approaches to Marijuana exposes what’s really happening behind the scenes with legalized marijuana. An early Christmas gift to Big Weed, President Trump's executive order hands the marijuana industry a massive $2 billion tax break, turbocharges advertising to kids, and further normalizes a drug that is more potent, more addictive, and more destructive than most Americans realize.

The conversation is a glaring reminder that policies shape behavior. Christians cannot afford to sit this one out while the profit-driven drug industry destroys America.

More About Luke Niforatos

Luke Niforatos serves as the Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading drug policy experts. Leveraging more than a decade working on drug, addiction and health care issues, Luke drives the strategy behind SAM’s federal, state, and educational initiatives. Luke has testified in state capitols across America.

He is a sought-after guest on major media outlets, including ABC, Fox News, NBC, CNBC, CSPAN, Newsmax, and network affiliates, as well as syndicated and local radio shows in markets coast to coast. Luke has been featured in Time Magazine and as a speaker at drug policy events held by The Economist, the United Nations’ Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and hundreds of town halls.

Prior to joining SAM, he was the co-founder of a successful healthcare company. Luke attended the University of Denver and has a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently a J.D. Candidate at the University of Denver – Sturm College of Law.

Want to Go Deeper?

Early-bird ticket sales are still available for the 2026 Essential Summit!  Believers, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather on Friday, October 23, to be equipped for faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture. 

From now until December 31, you can lock in $50 off by using the code FIRSTINLINE at checkout.

This early-bird rate is the lowest ticket price we will offer. Once December ends, the price increases and will not return. Register today, and we'll see you on October 23 for the third annual Essential Summit!

LGBTQ activists penned an open letter to pressure the City Club to cancel or modify the event, drawing a response from Attorney General Dave Yost. The Board met on Wednesday, and the  City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop announced on Thursday that the event would proceed as planned.

After the news, stay tuned for the powerhouse keynote from Carl Trueman at the 2025 Essential Summit. Trueman brilliantly uncovers the root of every cultural battle we’re facing by exposing the deeper crisis behind debates on gender, tech, and identity: the fight over what it means to be human.

He shows how modern technology—from smartphones to AI—isn’t just changing how we live, but how we see ourselves. Our society has technology that is actively blurring the very boundaries of human nature. And in that confusion, movements like transgenderism and transhumanism gain ground by treating the human body as nothing more than raw material for reinvention.

Trueman delivers a gripping roadmap for Christians on how to respond with clarity, conviction, and courage in a culture being reshaped by forces most people don't even notice.

More About Carl Trueman

Born and raised in England, Carl R. Trueman is a graduate of the Universities of Cambridge (M.A., Classics) and Aberdeen (Ph.D, Church History), and has taught on the faculties of the Universities of Nottingham and Aberdeen. In 2017-18 he was the William E. Simon Visiting Fellow in Religion and Public Life in the James Madison Program at Princeton University. 

Since 2018, he has served as a professor at Grove City College in the Calderwood School of Arts and Humanities. Originally a specialist in Reformation and Post-Reformation Protestant thought, more recently his work has focused on identity, critical theory, and the impact of the sexual revolution.

He is a Contributing Editor at First Things and a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington DC. His most recent books are The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Expressive Individualism, Cultural Amnesia, and the Road to Sexual Revolution, (with Bruce Gordon) The Oxford Handbook to Calvin, and To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse (B and H). His writing has appeared in Deseret Journal, Wall Street Journal, National Review Online, American Mind, Claremont Review of Books, and Public Discourse. He and his wife, Catriona, a proud Gaelic Scot, have two adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter.

The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves through the nation and forced every Christian to confront a sobering, inescapable question: How do we live faithfully when the culture around us grows increasingly hostile to objective truth? When tragedy strikes at the heart of the conservative movement, and when speaking foundational truths invites severe backlash or even physical danger, it is tempting for believers to retreat into the safety of silence. But silence is not an option. In a time marked by deep ideological divides, unprecedented political violence, and intense cultural hostility, the church cannot afford to step back. We must stand firm, but we need the right theological and practical tools to do so effectively.

On this highly anticipated week’s episode of The Narrative, Dr. Andrew Walker joins Center for Christian Virtue's Aaron Baer, David Mahan, and Mike Andrews for a profoundly candid and necessary conversation about Christian ethics in a world that seems determined to abandon them. This is not an episode filled with platitudes. Dr. Walker doesn’t offer easy, superficial answers to complex cultural problems. Instead, he lays out a robust framework for courage, clarity, and conviction rooted deeply in Scripture. He addresses how we can maintain our witness without compromising our values, how to speak truth in love when the world responds with anger, and how to raise the next generation to be resilient in their faith. This is the exact kind of framework believers desperately need in culturally turbulent moments like this. Whether you are a parent, a pastor, or a professional, this discussion will equip you to navigate the moral complexities of our day with unwavering faith and unyielding grace.

But before the guys dive into Trump's appointments, they catch up on the latest news recounting the victory of Ohio's Single-Sex Bathroom Privacy Bill (SB104) and why schools like Olentangy Orange High School are facing backlash for the political statements made by administrators. 

You don't want to miss this episode of The Narrative!

More about Eric Teetsel

Eric Teetsel most recently was Vice President of Government Relations at The Heritage Foundation and now serves as the Executive Vice President of the Center for Renewing America.

Teetsel has a long track record of experience in government at the federal, state, and local levels. He was Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri where he also held the roles of Legislative Director and Special Assistant. Teetsel previously served as President of the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, Director of Faith Outreach for the Marco Rubio presidential campaign, and Executive Director of the Manhattan Declaration for life, marriage, and religious freedom, and more.

Teetsel graduated from Wheaton College and holds a master’s in education from Azusa Pacific University. Originally from Kansas, he and his wife live in Virginia with their four children. You can follow him on X at @EricTeetsel.

So in honor of National School Choice Week, we're bringing you a special edition of The Narrative with Pastor Jimmy Scroggins, Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot, Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh, and podcast co-host Mike Andrews. Listen in to learn why it's crucial for your church to start a school!

Before the guys chat with Pastor Scroggins, CCV President Aaron Baer caught up with Mike on the latest news on Senate Bill 1 to ban DEI on college campuses, Aaron's trip to D.C. for the national March for Life and his interview with EWTN, and his National Review op-ed in response to the New Yorker hit piece on CCV and school choice in Ohio.

For a deeper dive into the benefits of Christian Schools, check out Pastor Scroggins' book, The Education Reformation: Why Your Church Should Start a Christian School.

More about Pastor Jimmy Scroggins

Pastor Jimmy Scroggins serves as the Professor of Christian Ministry at Southern Seminary. Pastor Scroggins is the lead pastor of Family Church in South Florida where he has served since July 2008. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Before joining staff at Family Church, Pastor Scroggins served as the teaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Kentucky, and the Dean of Boyce College from 2004–2008.

He is married to Kristin, and they have eight children and two grandchildren.

• With 75 percent of voters under 30 backing Mamdani, Christians and conservatives need to understand the cultural and worldview battles shaping the next generation.
• Mamdani's election has to serve as a wake-up call that now is the time for Christians to reengage in the fight for truth in schools, churches, and society.

After the discussion, Lahav Harkov, senior political correspondent for Jewish Insider, joins Aaron and David to share her first-hand account from Israel of the impact of President Trump’s peace deal. She also offers insider perspectives on: 

• The future of Gaza,
• The status of Iran’s nuclear program,
• Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political future, and
• Charlie Kirk’s advice for keeping US support of Israel strong.

Lahav’s insights are timely reminders of Israel’s unique challenges—and how worldview defines both American and global politics.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

More about Lahav Harkov

Lahav Harkov is the Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, covering Israel’s domestic and international politics.

She was previously Senior Contributing Editor, Diplomatic Reporter, and Knesset Reporter for The Jerusalem Post.

Lahav was recognized for her social media reporting by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, which named her the 5th-most influential person on “Jewish Twitter,” and is one of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s “Millennial Olim (Immigrants) Who Are Making Their Mark On Israel.” 

She has a degree in Political Science and Communications from Bar-Ilan University, and lives in central Israel with her husband and three children.

We look forward to our Cleveland Gala on Friday, September 26, where we will stand alongside you, pray together, and unite under Christ as we remember Charlie’s life and the impactful Kingdom work he dedicated his life to.

Join us as we continue to pray for the Kirk family.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kent Evans joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to talk about the joys and challenges of fatherhood—and how men can lead their homes with purpose, faith, and strength. 

Before they sit down with Kent, David and Mike touch on some news of the week, sharing about the surprising pro-life themes in Marvel's new Fantastic Four movie, and how a recent Cleveland Guardians sports betting incident poses the question: is betting more important than the game itself?

Whether you're a dad, mentor, pastor, or just care about the next generation, you won’t want to miss this episode!

MORE ABOUT KENT EVANS

Kent Evans is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Manhood Journey. He helps dads become disciple-makers by equipping them with biblical tools, practical wisdom, and a clear mission for leading their families with purpose. 

Kent is the author of several impactful books, including Don’t Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit; Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You; Bring Your Hammer: 28 Tools Dads Can Grab From the Book of Nehemiah; and The Manhood Journey: Setting a Course for Godly Fatherhood.

Kent and his wife, April, have five sons and live in Louisville, Kentucky—where family and faith are at the center of it all.

On this week's episode, Senator Moreno sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews for a bold conversation that cuts through the noise and gets specific about the issues that matter most.

From fighting for life to fixing broken systems, Senator Moreno outlines a clear vision for American renewal:

✅ Plans to defund Planned Parenthood—once and for all.
✅ A smarter approach to the Child Tax Credit.
✅ Medicaid reform that actually serves families, not bureaucracy.

More About Senator Bernie Moreno

Bernie Moreno is the senior United States Senator of Ohio. He was born in Bogota, Colombia, and moved to the US with his family at age five and became an American citizen at age 18.

Senator Moreno purchased his first car dealership in 2005 and grew that one dealership into one of the largest dealership groups in America, eventually employing over 1,000 Ohioans.

More recently, in 2016, Bernie recognized the value and transformational potential of blockchain technology, before it received mainstream attention, and moved much of his volunteer time and investment dollars into the space.

Senator Moreno and his wife, Bridget, are parents to four children and reside in Westlake, Ohio.

With the passage of Issue 2 in 2023 and new legislation being proposed to regulate the legalization of marijuana in Ohio, Dr. Ken Finn joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on The Narrative to challenge common misconceptions and illuminate the risks of marijuana that many people overlook.

Whether you’re already familiar with the topic or just starting to explore it, this episode is packed with essential insights to help you navigate the conversation around the need to safeguard against the harms of the marijuana industry.

More about Dr. Ken Finn

Dr. Ken Finn has been practicing Pain Medicine in Colorado Springs since 1994. He is Board Certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine, and pain management.  

He is President-Elect of the American Board of Pain Medicine. He served on the Colorado Governor’s Task Force on Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana for recreational use, Consumer Safety and Social Issues Work Group and served four years on Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Scientific Advisory Council.  

Dr. Finn has testified to the Canadian Senate on their marijuana bill and speaks internationally on the health impacts of marijuana. He is editor of the book Cannabis in Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach, and currently serves as the vice president of the International Academy on the Science and Impacts of Cannabis.

Listen in to discover why pastors must still preach against the biblical issues of Gnosticism, child sacrifice, and sex cults because of the theological ties to modern cultural issues like abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism. Seth also breaks down how LGBT activists are fundamentally religious, not unbiased advocates of bodily autonomy.

You'll also get to hear CCV President Aaron Baer and Mike do a fast-five take on the latest updates on election inference in Ohio ballot issues, the rollback of common-sense regulation on abortion pills, Attorney General Dave Yost fighting for school transportation for Columbus students, the Libs of TikTok Kaleidoscope expose, and former President Trump coming out against the Florida abortion amendment.

For more, check out Seth's talk on "All Human Conflict is Ultimately Theological," The1916Project.com, and TheLastStand.com.

More about Seth Gruber

The son of a pregnancy resource center director, Seth Gruber was helping save unborn children from abortion while still in his mother’s womb. He has been a voice and defender for preborn babies ever since. He is the host of The Seth Gruber Show (FKA, UnAborted with Seth Gruber) and travels as a speaker to educate the public, discredit the opposition, and inspire the Church to end the great evil of our time.

Seth founded The White Rose Resistance in 2022, which has quickly become the fastest-growing pro-life ministry in America. Seth is launching a new book and a vital documentary, “The 1916 Project,” to further awaken The American Church to her pivotal role in today’s culture war. At thirty-two, Seth’s passionate work for the preborn, The Church, and America is just getting started.

This special roundtable episode breaks down why political exhaustion is a strategy of the Enemy, the importance of prioritizing policies over personalities, and encouragement for pastors to engage and discuss the election with their congregations (hint: if they don't, they're likely the one voice their church members aren't hearing from about the election). 

After you listen, be sure to share it with friends who may be wary of voting this November and help CCV make sure the Church's voice isn't silenced in the election!

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the news, David Bereit Executive Director of the Life Leadership Conference and CCV's Senior Fellow for Strategic Initiatives Peter Range join The Narrative to issue a bold challenge to the pro-life movement: stop being pawns for political parties and start holding elected officials accountable. In this hard-hitting interview, the guys discuss why the sanctity of life is a non-negotiable standard that politicians don't get to define.

As pressure mounts to be "flexible" on the Hyde Amendment, David reminds us that our ultimate accountability isn't to a platform, but to our Maker.

TAKE ACTION

Now is the moment to speak up using CCV.org. Through our Action Center, you can quickly contact Senators Moreno and Husted to encourage them to defend the Hyde Amendment. The process takes less than a minute! 

Call on Ohio's US Senator Moreno and US Senator Husted to oppose taxpayer-funded abortion in any “deal” on Obamacare subsidies.

More About David Bereit

David Bereit is an internationally respected pro-life leader, strategic advisor, and dynamic communicator. 

David’s pro-life journey began in Bryan/College Station, Texas, where he rallied 60 churches and thousands of volunteers to drive Planned Parenthood out of local schools, revoke their taxpayer funding, reduce abortions, and ultimately shut down the local abortion center—prompting Planned Parenthood to label his town “the most anti-choice place in the nation.”

David went on to found and lead 40 Days for Life, growing it into the world’s largest grassroots pro-life mobilization. Under his leadership, the movement activated 2,000 leaders and 750,000 volunteers in 600 cities across all 50 states and dozens of nations, leading to 14,643 lives saved, 177 abortion workers leaving the industry, and 96 abortion facility closures.

Recently, top pro-life leaders and philanthropists asked David to launch and direct the Life Leadership Conference—a groundbreaking initiative to unify and strengthen the pro-life movement through strategic coordination, shared messaging, targeted mobilization, leadership development, and a $30 Million venture fund to maximize collective life-saving impact.

A sought-after speaker and media expert, David has addressed over 1,000 live audiences, hosted hundreds of online events, and his insights have been featured in nearly every major media outlet. His work has inspired millions worldwide and helped raise over $100 million for pro-life and faith-based causes.

David and his wife, Margaret, have been joyfully married for 32 years, live in the Washington, D.C., area, and are the proud parents of two adult children.

After the news, tune in for the powerful and uncompromising message from author and speaker Rosaria Butterfield, recorded live at CCV’s 2025 Essential Summit.

Known for her sharp clarity and bold testimony, Rosaria shares her journey from a tenured queer-theory professor and LGBTQ activist to a follower of Christ, and how the Gospel reshaped everything she believed about womanhood, identity, and truth.

With striking honesty, Rosaria opens up about the personal cost of her conversion, the pastors who discipled her with patience and Scripture, and why she believes today’s cultural pressures are discipling young women far more aggressively than the Church. She unpacks the roots of modern feminism and gender ideology, their impact on Gen Z, and why she says the Church must recover courage, conviction, and biblical clarity in this moment.

If you want a message that challenges, sharpens, and calls believers to contend for the faith with strength and love, you won’t want to miss this episode.

More About Rosaria Butterfield

Dr. Rosaria Butterfield is a former tenured professor of English and women’s studies at Syracuse University, who came to Christ in what she describes as a “train wreck” conversion.

Her journey is chronicled in her memoir, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert. Once an outspoken advocate for feminist philosophy and LGBTQ+ politics, Rosaria was drawn to faith through the hospitality of a local pastor and his wife.

After years of conversation and Scripture study, she gave her life to Christ in 1999. Today, Rosaria is married to a Reformed Presbyterian pastor. She is also a mother and grandmother, as well as a speaker and author.

For the first Narrative episode of 2026, Mike and David sit down with author Cynthia Scott to answer this question with insights from her book, Celebrating God, Our Founder, at America’s 250th Birthday.

Together, they explore:

• How early settlers prayed their way to America and governed themselves using biblical principles.
• Why pastors were once the primary thought leaders in American communities.
• How the First Great Awakening unified the colonies and laid the groundwork for independence.
• What national repentance could, and should, look like as we approach America’s semiquincentennial.

Americans are once again talking about repentance, prayer, and God’s role in our history. This renewed conversation suggests that our Divine Founder hasn't given up on our nation yet because, as John Adams wrote, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

More About Cynthia Scott

Cynthia Scott has led prayer initiatives across Pittsburgh and beyond, including citywide gatherings, prayer for national events, and a daily prayer call for the nation. Passionate about honoring God and praying for revival in America, she has written numerous prayer guides. Celebrating God, Our Founder, at America’s 250th Birthday reflects her conviction that God’s providence shaped the United States and calls believers to honor Him as our true Founder and help to shape our future through prayer. Cynthia resides near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

On a related note, in Ohio, David recently testified in favor of House Bill 324, the Patient Protection Act, which mandates in-person doctor visits and bans mail delivery for high-risk drugs. The legislation effectively defeats pro-abortion objections at the Statehouse by neutrally targeting all high-risk medications rather than uniquely targeting abortion.

After the news, Parker Thayer, a researcher with Capital Research Center and contributor to the Daily Wire, shares his insights on the massive Medicaid home-care fraud scheme in Ohio that proved the state’s optional GPS and signature verification systems failed to track actual patient care. Following the report's publication, Ohio implemented a total freeze on new home-care companies and restored mandatory GPS tracking.

Listen now or queue up the podcast for your commute!

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Bomberger joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative for a powerful conversation on race, abortion, adoption, and identity in today’s upside-down world.

His personal story is nothing short of miraculous. Conceived in rape and adopted into a multi-racial family of 15, he’s become one of the most compelling pro-life voices in America.

Before the guys sit down with Ryan, CCV President Aaron Baer joins David and Mike to run through this week's news, including:

⚖️ Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost appeals the Franklin County EdChoice ruling.

 📺 Stephen Colbert's talk show is canceled, setting the tone for a cultural "vibe shift."

⛳ Golf professional Scottie Scheffler is highlighted in a new pro-fatherhood Nike ad.

✨ CCV's upcoming fall Gala in Cleveland, featuring Charlie Kirk

🔥 The Essential Summit is back, followed by the annual March for Life rally.

MORE ABOUT RYAN BOMBERGER

Ryan Bomberger is an Emmy® Award-winning creative professional, international public speaker, and columnist. He is the author of the powerful books, Not Equal: Civil Rights Gone Wrong, and ground-breaking illustrated children’s books, She Is She and He is He. Ryan is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of RadianceFoundation.org, a life-affirming organization that illuminates that every human life has purpose. 

As an adoptive father, Ryan has a rather unique perspective of the innate nature of purpose. He is one of ten children who were adopted in a diverse family of fifteen.

Ryan loves creating content that is fearless, factual and freeing. His work addresses abortion, adoption, fatherlessness, racism, sexuality, free speech, religious liberty and the war on common sense. His work has been extensively featured in the The New York Times, Fox News, MSNBC, The Washington Times, and many more news outlets. From keynotes at renown locations like Harvard, Princeton, Columbia Law School, Ireland’s Trinity College, March for Life DC, March for Life UK, Capitol Hill briefings, and hundreds more events local and abroad.

Ryan is dedicated, along with his amazing wife and four children, to building a culture that values Life in all of its stages.

This roundtable episode reveals the realities of pro-life ministry, as well as the incredible impact our pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) have had on women, unborn children, and our communities at large. These pro-life leaders also break down some of the lies pro-abortion activists tell to smear the reputation of PRCs and to coerce women into having abortions.

More about the Experts

Rep. Melanie Miller is the Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, an organization that provides compassionate care and life-affirming options to women in the greater-Ashland County area who are facing unexpected pregnancies. Melanie has made it her mission to create a culture of care and protection for both mom and baby.

Margaret H. (Peggy) Hartshorn, Ph.D., currently Chairman of the Board of Heartbeat International, has served on the Board for 30 years, as Chairman previously from 1990-2004.  She also served as Heartbeat’s President for 22 years (1993-2015). Peggy co-founded Heartbeat International’s Option Line in 2002.  It is the only 24/7, bilingual, internet-based, pro-life call center in the world. 

Maria Baer is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009. 

Before their discussion with Rachel, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan catch up on the excitement growing around Senate Bill 1 (SB1)–which would ban DEI programs at Ohio's state colleges–and its passage through the Senate and on to the House of Representatives.

Add to the momentum of SB1 and catch up on the latest news by following our social channels or visiting our website, CCV.org!

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They also celebrate that the Supreme Court recently stepped in to stop California schools from the heinous practice of transitioning children in secret. The Court made it clear that parents have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing and mental health of their own children, and that right is non-negotiable. 

Finally, Aaron, David, and Mike are joined by Mark Meckler, co-founder of Convention of States. With the national debt now soaring past $38 trillion, Mark explains why electing "better people" isn't enough to stop the administrative state. Discover the Article V strategy to impose term limits on the Deep State and fiscal restraints on DC. Ohio is a "watershed" state in this fight, and Mark shares the roadmap for how we can finally restrain a federal government that has grown far beyond its constitutional boundaries.

More about Mark Meckler

Mark Meckler is the co-founder of Convention of States (COS) and a leading authority on grassroots mobilization. A former attorney and tech entrepreneur, Mark applied his business expertise to help found the Tea Party Patriots before realizing that electing "better people" wasn't enough to fix a broken Washington. 

A committed Christian and advocate for traditional family values, Mark’s worldview is grounded in the belief that the administrative state is a structural threat to American sovereignty. His experience ranges from serving as the interim CEO of Parler to starting and selling multiple businesses in retail, restaurants, manufacturing, network marketing, technology, and consulting along with his wife of 31 years, Patty.

Eric Teetsel, President of Center for Renewing America, joins CCV President Aaron Baer on this week's episode of The Narrative to unpack what the passage of this bill means for families, faith, and freedom.

Aaron and Eric give a front-row seat to one of the most important legislative wins we’ve seen in years and celebrate a step forward for America.

More about Eric Teetsel

Eric Teetsel is the President at Center for Renewing America (CRA) and is the host of CRA's podcast, The Bully Pulpit—a weekly show that provides clear and candid commentary on politics and culture from a biblical standpoint.

He has a track record of experience in government at the federal, state, and local levels. He was Chief of Staff to US Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, where he also held the roles of Legislative Director and Special Assistant. Eric previously served as President of the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, Director of Faith Outreach for the Marco Rubio presidential campaign, and Executive Director of the Manhattan Declaration for life, marriage, and religious freedom, among other positions.

Eric graduated from Wheaton College and holds a master's in education from Azusa Pacific University. Originally from Kansas, he and his wife live in Virginia with their four children. 

With his signature humor and down-to-earth storytelling, Willie shares a powerful testimony of God’s redemption in his own family, how his parents’ marriage was miraculously restored, and how one bold preacher’s decision to walk into a bar changed generations.

Willie also opens up about the surprising origins of Duck Dynasty, why the show’s unapologetic faith and family values resonated with millions, and what its success reveals about the hunger in America for something real.

But this episode isn’t just laughs and stories. Willie issues a clear call to believers: stop letting the world tell you to keep quiet about your faith. From government and entertainment to the conversations we have with our neighbors, he challenges Christians to step into their mission with courage, compassion, and the hope of the gospel.

If you need encouragement and a reminder of what God can do through ordinary people who refuse to stay silent, you won't want to miss this one.

More About Willie Robertson

Willie Robertson is the CEO of Duck Commander and Buck Commander and star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty.

Robertson has expanded his family companies, from a living room operation to a multi-million-dollar enterprise and destination for all things outdoors. Duck Commander is the best-selling duck call brand in the US. It, along with Buck Commander, are popular trademarks on apparel, hunting gear, food items and more.

Robertson is executive producer of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and Buck Commander on the Outdoor Channel. He is a New York Times best-selling author of The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family and Ducks Built a Dynasty, American Hunter, American Fisherman, and American Entrepreneur.

Robertson’s story is a remarkable example of entrepreneurship and dedication built on hard work, faith, and family.

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

Following his keynote, Dr. Arnn is joined by CCV President Aaron Baer and Senate President Matt Huffman to discuss why school choice must be a priority, why argument is necessary to reach a common good, and why more money is not the answer to our education crisis.

More about Dr. Larry Arnn

Larry P. Arnn is the 12th president of Hillsdale College, where he is also a professor of politics and history. He received his B.A. from Arkansas State University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Government from the Claremont Graduate School. He also studied at Worcester College, Oxford University, where he served as director of research for Sir Martin Gilbert, the official biographer of Winston Churchill.

Dr. Arnn is on the board of directors of The Heritage Foundation, the Henry Salvatori Center of Claremont McKenna College, the Philadelphia Society, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and the Claremont Institute. He served on the U.S. Army War College Board of Visitors for two years, for which he earned the Department of the Army’s “Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.” 

Dr. Arnn is the author of three books: Liberty and Learning: The Evolution of American Education; The Founders’ Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It; and Churchill’s Trial: Winston Churchill and the Salvation of Free Government.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

• The latest report on the Minnesota school shooter reveals he previously worked at a marijuana dispensary, leading to the use and abuse of the drug, which he claimed led to his planning of the massacre.
• The Trump administration is floating around the idea of reclassifying transgenderism as a mental health issue, which could lead the administration to restrict gun purchases for individuals who claim they identify as transgender.
• Malcolm Gladwell, Canadian journalist and author, shared this week that he now regrets advocating for men to compete in women's sports, saying he felt pressured to do so at the time.
• Left-wing journalist Taylor Lorenz wrote an article sharing that a "dark money" group is secretly funding Democratic influencers.
• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has been in Senate committee hearings this week, answering questions about his public health agenda. The hearings grew heated, as questions flared regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, vaccine data, and more. RFK Jr. fired back, calling out senators for their involvement.

If public policy topics like this interest you, and you're curious to learn more or how you can get involved, join us for our upcoming events:

✨ Cleveland Celebration Gala, featuring Charlie Kirk, on Friday, September 26

🔥 The Essential Summit on Thursday, October 2

👣 Ohio March for Life on Friday, October 3

Thousands gathered in Columbus to boldly stand for life, and we were there, capturing the energy, voices, and stories that matter most. From inspiring testimonies to behind-the-scenes conversations, you’ll get an inside peek into the state’s largest protest.

Ohio March for Life keynote Melissa Ohden joins CCV's Aaron Baer, David Mahan, and Mike Andrews to talk about her abortion survival story, and state representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) take the Narrative stage to talk about what the future of Ohio looks like for pro-lifers.

TALK TO US

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the news, Brad Littlejohn explains why conservatives must stop letting blind free-market absolutism dictate American life. True prosperity doesn't come from letting corporate elites maximize capital at the expense of our neighborhoods, but from intentional, pro-family policies that proactively help communities thrive. From championing child tax credits to pushing Ohio's App Store Accountability Act, Brad argues that the common good requires the government to put its thumb on the scale. True freedom means placing healthy constraints on the market so parents can successfully protect their kids and rebuild strong, stable homes.

Listen or queue up your commute podcast now!

More About Brad Littlejohn

Brad Littlejohn (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is director of programs and education at American Compass. He founded and served for 10 years as president of The Davenant Institute. He has published and lectured extensively in the fields of Reformation history, Christian ethics, and political theology. You can find more of his writing at Substack. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and four children.

CCV President Aaron Baer and US Senator Jon Husted join the conversation to expose the ongoing destruction that liberal politics have pushed on America, including:

• A poverty trap carefully constructed to punish work and destroy the nuclear family.
• Radical activists attempting to force boys into girls' locker rooms and bathrooms.
• American citizens fleeing blue-state chaos for the sanity of red-state leadership.
• Threats from the Iranian regime are downplayed, even though they have been the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism.
• The false belief that rights come from a government script or a judge rather than from God.

Listen today to hear why the survival of the American experiment depends on a relentless defense of the truth.

More About Scott Jennings

Scott Jennings is a prominent conservative political commentator on CNN, known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking analysis. Dubbed “The Black Sheep of CNN” by the Daily Mail and “Lonely Scott” by Bill Maher for his engaging nightly debates, Jennings has become a fixture of CNN’s election and major event coverage. As the network's senior conservative commentator, Scott brings a unique perspective, blending humor and candor grounded in his rural American roots, to deliver compelling arguments and lively discussions on the news of the day. 

Scott’s career spans decades at the intersection of politics, media, and academia. A trusted advisor on four presidential campaigns, he served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and played pivotal roles in high-profile Senate and congressional races. His expertise in political strategy has made him a respected analyst on CNN and a prolific writer featured in publications like The LA Times and Gannett. Beyond the campaign trail, Scott has taught at Harvard’s Kennedy School, shaping the next generation of public servants. He is also a founding partner of RunSwitch Public Relations, Kentucky’s largest PR and public affairs firm.

More About Senator Jon Husted

Jon Husted began serving Ohioans in the US Senate in January 2025. For more than two decades, the people of Ohio have trusted him to fight for their jobs, values, and families. Husted started his life in a foster home before his loving parents, Jim and Judy, adopted him. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in northwest Ohio’s Williams County. The small community instilled in him the importance of faith, family, and hard work, which remain the foundation of his public service.

In 2000, Husted won the election to the Ohio House of Representatives. He later was elected unanimously to lead the chamber as Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2009. As Speaker, Husted expanded educational freedom for Ohio children through the creation of the EdChoice Scholarship. Husted followed that with service in the Ohio State Senate until becoming the secretary of state in 2011. Husted’s two successful terms in that role led Ohioans to elect him lieutenant governor, where he championed common-sense solutions to make state government work better for its citizens while lowering costs. 

Of all his responsibilities, Sen. Husted considers being a loving husband, father, and grandfather the most important. He and his wife, Tina, raised their three children, Alex, Kylie, and Katie, in Ohio, and make their home in Columbus.

After the news, Mike and David are joined by Douglas Napier, the powerhouse CEO of the 1792 Exchange, for an encouraging look at the crumbling "woke" corporate empire. Napier exposes the "insatiable monster" of the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, revealing how a massive 65 percent of Fortune 500 companies have recently fled the survey. Listen to discover how the "silent majority" is finally using its economic muscle to force the boardroom back to common sense.

More about Douglas Napier

Douglas Napier is the Executive Chairman and CEO of 1792 Exchange, a non-profit organization focused on influencing corporate behavior to protect freedom of speech,  freedomof religion, and free enterprise. He has over 30 years of professional life engaged in law, business, real estate development, executive leadership, training, international relations, public policy, issue advocacy, healthcare, hospitality, media engagement, and coalition building.

Douglas has been a partner in a private law firm, a senior executive and senior legal counsel for an international non-profit organization and served as president of an Arizona residential real estate company.

He has been an invited speaker at many national and international conferences and events and has appeared on major network television stations, radio outlets, and online print media including FOX News, NBC, CNN, NPR, Al Jazeera, EWTN, Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, National Review, Townhall, The Atlantic, Mike Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt Show, and others.

Want to Go Deeper?

On Saturday, April 11, Center for Christian Virtue will host our 2026 Columbus Celebration Gala.

We're excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Scott Jennings, who is CNN's senior conservative voice and one of the sharpest commentators in the national spotlight. He's known for his clarity, conviction, and humor, and Scott brings decades of experience at the crossroads of politics and media, including serving in the George W. Bush White House and key roles in multiple presidential and Senate campaigns. 

It's going to be an elegant evening where you'll enjoy an incredible dinner followed by visionary keynotes exploring the path forward for the future of Ohio and America. 

Get your tickets or secure your table today at CCV.org/ColumbusGala.

In this week's episode of The Narrative, Roland Warren joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews to discuss his powerful new book, The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life.

As Christians, this conversation challenges us to rethink our response and rise to a higher standard—one that reflects the heart of Christ.

Before Roland shares insights, David and Mike break down the latest from the Ohio Statehouse, including key updates on the Senate's proposed budget and where things stand with the iGaming bill. They unpack what these developments could mean for Ohio families, our economy, and the future of online gambling in the state.

🃏 You can learn more about the gambling expansion bill here: https://www.ccv.org/news/the-harms-of-expanded-gambling

♣️ Contact your lawmaker to tell them to vote NO on the bill: https://www.ccv.org/take-action?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f126595%2fRespond

More about Roland Warren

A graduate of Princeton University and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Roland is an inspirational servant leader with a heart for Christ and a mind for business. After 20 years in the corporate world, Roland spent 11 years as president of National Fatherhood Initiative before joining Care Net in 2012 as president and CEO.

His national media appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, CNN, C-SPAN, Dateline NBC, Fox News Channel, Family News in Focus, and Black Entertainment Television.  

Roland has been interviewed by major radio and newspaper outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Christianity Today, and many more.  

He writes a column for Patheos.com called Just Sayin’: Musings on Faith, Family, and Freedom, and is the co-host of Care Net’s podcast, CareCast: Care Net on Family, Faith, and Life.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Roland and his wife, Yvette, have two married sons and four grandchildren.

To open the episode, CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan share their perspectives on what it means to be living in history right now and their thoughts on Kamala Harris as the Democrat's potential presidential nominee. Aaron also explains why the proposed redistricting amendment on the ballot this fall would be detrimental to Ohio's democratic process.

To keep up with Dr. Richards, follow him on X (formerly Twitter), @DrJayRichards, or check out Heritage.org.

More about Jay Richards, PhD

Jay W. Richards, PhD, is Director of the DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family and the Senior Research Fellow in American Principles and Public Policy at The Heritage Foundation. He is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and Executive Editor of The Stream.  

Jay is the author or editor of more than a dozen books, including Fight the Good Fight: How an Alliance of Faith and Reason Can Win the Culture War, released earlier this year. He has also created and produced several documentaries, written numerous articles and essays which have been published in major outlets, appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, and spoken extensively at universities, conferences, public policy meetings, and organizations around the world.

Listen in to hear her incredible story of how God literally called her to faith, her experience working in the Trump White House, and the one thing she did to prepare for every press briefing. You'll also get to hear Kayleigh eloquently share why pro-life issues are still key and at play, even in Ohio.

More about Kayleigh McEnany

Kayleigh McEnany is the former White House press secretary and current cohost of Outnumbered on the Fox News Channel. Prior to serving in the White House, Kayleigh worked as the national press secretary for the Trump campaign and was formerly the national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. Before joining the RNC, Kayleigh worked as a political commentator at CNN.

Kayleigh graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor and Georgetown University School of Foreign Services with a degree in international politics. She also studied politics and international relations at Oxford University, St. Edmund Hall. Kayleigh is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Public Service Award. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller For Such a Time as This and The New American Revolution.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the news, Dr. David Closson joins the podcast to unpack new survey data from George Barna and the Family Research Council, revealing a troubling gap inside America’s churches.

While many regular churchgoers say they want clear biblical teaching on issues like abortion, sexuality, and religious freedom, foundational Christian beliefs about God, sin, and salvation are rapidly eroding.

When churches go silent, culture fills the gap.

Barna’s research shows that all seven “cornerstones” of a biblical worldview are in decline, even among committed believers. David explains what’s driving this collapse, why it matters for the Church’s witness, and what pastors and Christians must do to reclaim biblical clarity in an increasingly confused culture.

TAKE ACTION

Now is the moment to speak up using CCV.org. Through our Action Center, you can quickly contact Senators Moreno and Husted to encourage them to defend the Hyde Amendment. The process takes less than a minute! 

Call on Ohio's US Senator Moreno and US Senator Husted to oppose taxpayer-funded abortion in any “deal” on Obamacare subsidies.

More About Dr. David Closson

David Closson, Ph.D., serves as the Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at Family Research Council, where he researches, writes, and speaks about life, human sexuality, religious liberty, and related issues from a biblical worldview. He is the author of FRC's Biblical Worldview Series, which seeks to help Christians and Christian leaders apply the teachings of the Bible to difficult moral questions.

Dr. Closson's work has appeared on Fox News, RealClearPolitics, National Review, The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, Decision Magazine, WORLD Opinions, The Gospel Coalition, Townhall, and The Christian Post. He is the author of Life After Roe: Equipping Christians in the Fight for Life Today (B&H Academic, 2025), co-author of Male and Female He Created Them: A Study on Identity, Sexuality, and Marriage (Christian Focus, 2023), and co-author of the forthcoming book Worldview Basics: A Worldview Curriculum for Students (Fidelis Publishing, 2026).

Dr. Closson is a regular guest on Christian and conservative media outlets, including Washington Watch, FRC's national television and radio program heard on more than 800 stations across 48 states. He also speaks at conferences, seminars, and churches across the United States and abroad, addressing moral and cultural issues from a biblical worldview.

Dr. Closson is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D.), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.) and the University of Central Florida (B.A.).

From the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and the unexpected national hunger for the Gospel that followed, to a major media outlet naming CCV one of Ohio's most influential political forces, this episode explores what these stories really mean.

The guys also unpack the growing backlash to gambling expansion, the integrity crisis in professional sports, historic wins for school choice, and why some cultural losses may be setting the stage for long-term renewal.

It’s part year-in-review, part unfiltered conversation, and part reminder that when faith refuses to stay private, the world takes notice. If you want to understand where the culture is heading in 2026, don't miss this conversation.

Listen to Aaron, David, and Mike on The Narrative.

Want to Go Deeper?

Early-bird ticket sales are available for the 2026 Essential Summit! On Friday, October 23, business owners, ministry leaders, educators, and families will gather to be equipped to have a faithful influence in a rapidly shifting culture. 

Use code FIRSTINLINE at checkout on EssentialSummit.org by December 31 to lock in $50 off—our lowest ticket price of the year.

After December, prices go up and won’t return. Register today and secure your spot for the third annual Essential Summit featuring The Narrative hosts, Dr. Rosaria Butterfield, Frank Turek, and dozens more. We’ll see you on October 23!

📢 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More about Senator Bernie Moreno

Bernie Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia. He moved to the United States with his family at age five and became an American citizen at age 18. Bernie purchased his first car dealership in 2005 and grew that one dealership into one of the largest dealership groups in America, eventually employing over 1,000 Ohioans. More recently, in 2016, Bernie recognized the value and transformational potential of blockchain technology, before it received mainstream attention, and moved much of his volunteer time and investment dollars into the space. Bernie believes that Ohioans deserve better than what they've gotten from Washington, and he will fight to better their lives in the United States Senate.

More about Attorney General Dave Yost

Dave Yost was re-elected as Ohio’s 51st attorney general on Nov. 8, 2022, receiving more votes than any other attorney general in the state’s history. During his first term as the state’s chief legal officer, he quickly gained a national reputation as a fearless advocate for the rule of law, or as he puts it, “the same rules for everybody.”   

Yost’s goal is to “do big good” for the people of Ohio by protecting consumers, rooting out corruption, defending the environment, ensuring an open and competitive marketplace, and fulfilling the many other duties of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Yost began his public-service career as Delaware County auditor, later winning election as that county’s prosecutor. From 2011 through 2018, he served as Ohio’s auditor of state and, in January 2019, began his first term as attorney general.   

Yost earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and his law degree from Capital University. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Franklin County; they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Want to Go Deeper?

On Saturday, April 11, Center for Christian Virtue will host our 2026 Columbus Celebration Gala.

We're excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Scott Jennings, who is CNN's senior conservative voice and one of the sharpest commentators in the national spotlight. He's known for his clarity, conviction, and humor, and Scott brings decades of experience at the crossroads of politics and media, including serving in the George W. Bush White House and key roles in multiple presidential and Senate campaigns. 

It's going to be an elegant evening where you'll enjoy an incredible dinner followed by visionary keynotes exploring the path forward for the future of Ohio and America. 

Get your tickets or secure your table today at CCV.org/ColumbusGala.

After the news, David and Mike are joined by Dr. Mark David Hall, Professor in Regent University’s Robertson School of Government. Hall demolishes the secular myths surrounding America’s founding and unmasks the truth: our nation was built on the objective reality of human sin and the necessity of biblical justice. This conversation empowers every believer to reject the godless Utopianism of the Left and stand firmly on our Christian heritage.

Tune in now or queue up your commute podcast!

More about Mark David Hall

Mark David Hall is a Professor in Regent University’s Robertson School of Government and Director of Religious Liberty in the States.  He earned a BA in political science from Wheaton College and a PhD in government from the University of Virginia.  He has written, edited, or co-edited fifteen books, including Did America Have a Christian Founding? Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth.

After the news, Representative Mike Dovilla joins the hosts to discuss Ohio's widespread Medicaid and insurance fraud, calling it a symptom of an unaccountable administrative state. He argues that medical systems exploit loopholes to bypass state laws.

Listen to The Narrative today!

More About Representative Mike Dovilla

Mike Dovilla represents the 17th District in the Ohio House of Representatives. From 2011 to 2016, he served most of the same southwestern Cuyahoga County communities in one of Ohio’s most competitive legislative districts. A principled yet pragmatic legislator, Mike returned to the Legislature in 2025 with the well-earned reputation of a thoughtful policymaker trusted by constituents and colleagues alike.

In the 136th General Assembly, Representative Dovilla serves as Vice Chairman of the House Finance Committee and a member of the Energy, Veterans and Military Development, and Workforce and Higher Education Committees. During his previous service in the House, his peers elected him Majority Whip and he chaired two standing committees. As a freshman in 2011, he was appointed Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. Representative Dovilla is the author of 15 state laws designed to spur economic development, strengthen education, protect senior citizens, support veterans, and improve government accountability.

Mike is deeply committed to our community, state, and nation, volunteering in numerous civic, veterans, and educational organizations. He is a scripture reader at his church and devoted mentor to college students, serving in advisory roles for more than 25 years. A lifelong baseball fan and voracious reader, Mike also enjoys cooking for family and friends, traveling to historical sites around the country, and spending time outdoors with his yellow Labrador retriever, Perry, named in honor of the “Hero of Lake Erie.”

Following Dr. Carson's keynote, he is joined by Ian Rowe–Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute and the second-ever guest on The Narrative, and CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan for an in-depth conversation on school choice, critical race theory, overcoming suffering, and more.

More about Dr. Ben Carson

Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., is Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, a new think tank / do tank whose mission is to promote the four founding principles which are cornerstones of our country: faith, liberty, community and life as well as pursue common sense solutions that challenge conventional groupthink. He most recently served as the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For nearly 30 years, Secretary Carson served as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a position he assumed when he was just 33 years old, becoming the youngest major division director in the hospital's history. Dr. Carson has also authored eleven books, five of which he co-wrote with his wife Candy.

Dr. Carson graduated from Yale University and earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School. He and his wife are the proud parents of three adult sons and eight grandchildren. 

Odds are you've likely seen the heavy media bias against Ohio's school choice expansion this past year, extolling the cost, claiming it's a misuse of taxpayer funds, and decrying private schools as the lesser education option.

Aaron Churchill and Rabbi Yitz Frank join CCV's Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh and podcast hosts CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to unpack why these common anti-school choice arguments are based on cherry-picked data or fail to consider the most important factor in school choice--parental satisfaction.

Ready for an in-depth breakdown of school choice fact vs. fiction? Don't miss today's special edition episode!

More about the Experts

Rabbi Eric “Yitz” Frank serves as President of School Choice Ohio and the executive director of Agudath Israel of Ohio since 2013. In that capacity, he is engaged in multiple projects to educate community organizations about various governmental programming, funding opportunities, and serves as a liaison to the Ohio Department of Education on behalf of Jewish day schools. Rabbi Frank was previously appointed by the Ohio Senate to serve on the NonPublic School Graduation Requirements Advisory Committee and is a member of Governor DeWine’s School Safety Working Group.

An expert in education policy and nonpublic schools, Rabbi Frank also serves as the President of the Ohio Council for American Private Education. He is a volunteer lay leader serving on the community relations committee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and President of Congregation Zichron Chaim, located in Beachwood. Rabbi Frank also does government relations and policy work at the federal level related to the National School Lunch Program, ESEA, IDEA, and other related issues.

Aaron Churchill is the Ohio research director for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, where he has worked since 2012. In this role, Aaron oversees research and commentary aimed at strengthening education policy in Ohio. He writes regularly on Fordham’s blog, the Ohio Gadfly Daily on topics such as state assessment and school accountability, school funding, and educational choice including public charter schools, private school choice, interdistrict open enrollment, and homeschooling. His work has appeared in media outlets, such as the Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch, Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Dayton Daily News, and Toledo Blade. He has also been a guest on NPR’s All Sides with Ann Fisher and The Sound of Ideas and participated in various panels discussing education issues in Ohio. Aaron earned degrees from the University of Maryland, Wheaton College (IL), and Carnegie Mellon University.

With a background in English literature, cross-cultural ministry in China, and a law degree from Georgetown, Justin brings a unique blend of thoughtfulness, creativity, and practicality to his work. Through his books, speaking, and legal practice, he helps individuals and families craft intentional habits that shape the soul.

Justin is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, Made for People, The Body Teaches the Soul, and a new children’s book, The Big Mess. He regularly speaks on the topics of spiritual formation, technology, mental health, and family rhythms.

This week on The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, his wife Maria, and CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Daniel Gordis—a leading voice on Israeli affairs—to unpack what life looks in the country today.

From the aftermath of October 7 to the spiritual and societal resilience of the Jewish people, this is a timely and powerful conversation every Christian should hear.

Before they speak with Daniel, CCV Policy Director David Mahan joins Aaron and Mike to run through this week's most pressing news, including:

💍 A potential constitutional amendment in 2026 that would create and enshrine rights permitting boys to play in girls' sports, pediatric sterilization and mutilation through sex-change procedures and wrong-sex hormones, and men in women's private spaces

⛪ Breaking news from the IRS allowing churches to endorse political candidates

⚖️ Upcoming state budget veto overrides on property tax provisions

More About Daniel Gordis

Daniel Gordis is one of the founders of Shalem College in Jerusalem, Israel's first and only liberal arts college. The author of twelve books, two of which have won the National Jewish Book Award, he writes about Zionism and contemporary Israel, exploring the souls of the people who are the Jewish state.

He is widely cited on matters pertaining to Israel. During the 2014 Gaza War, Bloomberg View asked him to become a columnist, explaining Israelis' views of the conflict to the world at large. The Forward has called Gordis "one of the most respected Israel analysts around." 

Since moving to Israel in 1998, Daniel has written and lectured throughout the world on Israeli society and the challenges facing the Jewish state. His writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, the New Republic, the New York Times Magazine, Moment, and more.

His book on the history of Israel, Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn, has been translated into six languages. His latest book is We Stand Divided: The Rift Between American Jews and Israel. Daniel also runs a successful Substack page: Israel from the Inside.

He and his wife, Elisheva, live in Jerusalem. They are the parents of three married children and are proud grandparents.

In this special episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined by gambling experts Les Bernal and Dr. Jonathan Krutz, along with school administrator Mark Mousa, to unpack the dangerous rise of predatory gambling in Ohio—and why Christians must take a stand. 

This isn't just about gambling. It’s about who pays the price. From alarming suicide rates to billions in personal wealth lost, this conversation reveals the hidden costs of state-sponsored gambling and what it means for the Church, for families, and for our future.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org.

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

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🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

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• The historic week for CCV as the organization officially expands beyond Ohio’s borders to launch the national Christian Education Network.
• The academic "deep state" at Bowling Green State University, where undercover footage caught bureaucrats playing word games to keep their illegal DEI machine running on your dime.
• The disturbing reality of three assassination attempts against President Trump.
• The Supreme Court finally dismantling racist gerrymandering. 

After the news, Benjamin Baird of the Middle East Forum exposes a hidden threat operating inside the Ohio Statehouse. He explains State Representative Munira Abdullahi’s deep-seated leadership within the Muslim American Society (MAS)—a group federal prosecutors identify as the overt arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in America. From hosting terror-linked figures at the Capitol to her lone vote against condemning the October 7 massacre in Israel, Munira's trajectory follows a dangerous blueprint of using democratic institutions to advance a radical, theocratic agenda.

Has the Muslim Brotherhood infiltrated the Ohio government? Find out today!

More About Benjamin Baird

Benjamin Baird is a public affairs specialist who organizes grassroots advocacy campaigns in support of Middle East Forum (MEF) projects. He mobilizes constituencies to support MEF policy objectives, coordinates effective public pressure campaigns, and uses bold and creative techniques to disrupt the policy-making arena. Mr. Baird is a US Army infantry veteran with a BA from American Military University. His writing can be found at National Review, New York Post, Jerusalem Post, and other prominent media outlets.