In this episode of The Narrative podcast, Mike and David analyze what's next for the Ohio General Assembly. With a looming extended summer break and a chaotic "lame duck" session after the election, the next two weeks are critical to pass key legislation, including the Baby Olivia Act and the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act. Listen in to learn how grassroots efforts and constituent pressure powerfully influence lawmakers at the Statehouse.

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.

More About The Essential Summit

At the 2026 Essential Summit, you'll find five targeted breakout session tracks.

Whether you lead in ministry, education, business, or the home, these Essential Summit breakout sessions are designed to speak directly to your calling. 

Choose the track that aligns with your influence:

✝️ Faith in Action – For believers eager to boldly engage cultural issues with biblical clarity. This track addresses today’s greatest moral and political challenges and equips attendees to respond with truth and love.

📚 Christian Education – Designed for school leaders protecting and discipling the next generation. Gain practical tools to build institutions grounded in a biblical worldview.

🍼 Pro-Life Ministry – For those working in pregnancy centers, sidewalk advocacy, or post-abortion healing. Learn how to defend life and restore hope in a post-Roe culture.

👔 Marketplace Impact – Created for Christian entrepreneurs and executives ready to integrate faith and business. Discover how to lead ethically and with eternal purpose.

⛪ Church Leadership – Equipping pastors, elders, and church leaders to shepherd boldly, strengthen families, and build gospel-centered congregations.

To celebrate America's 250th, you can get 2 or more tickets and receive $50 off, now through July 4!

Get your tickets today at EssentialSummit.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.