We all have them, and many of us consider them essential. But have you ever considered how your smartphone is changing you or revealing the idols in your heart? Tony Reinke, senior teacher for Desiring God, has been writing about technology and the Church for more than a decade and shares his Gospel-centered insight on this episode of The Narrative podcast! Before the conversation, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews cover the City of Cleveland's decision to forgo drug testing prior to hiring for some positions, the shocking IVF bill from US Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and the 2024 Innovation Prize CCV was honored to receive from The Heritage Foundation. For more, you can listen to The Narrative episode "Alabama's Supreme Court Ruling Exposes the Dark Side of IVF with Emma Waters," or go to OCEN.org to learn about CCV's school planting initiative. More about Tony Reinke Tony Reinke is a nonprofit journalist, a Senior Teacher for Desiring God, host of the Ask Pastor John podcast, and author of several books including Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life’s Most Important Questions and God, Technology, and the Christian Life. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife and their three 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 this volume, 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'rehelping 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.

John Daniel Davidson, senior editor at The Federalist, joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on The Narrative this week to break down why a moral society must continue to stigmatize predatory behaviors and how we can prepare to live in and witness to a culture whose Christian foundations are rapidly eroding. Before the conversation, Mike and David discuss Governor DeWine's call for a special session next week to vote on legislation that would allow President Biden to appear on Ohio's ballot and protect our elections from foreign financial interests. David also shares some of the recent legislation he has been working on to protect kids from the porn industry. To take action on the bills, go to CCV.org/Advocacy. For further reflection, David mentioned Isaiah 60 and Habakkuk 1. You can read John's mentioned article in The Federalist, "Germany’s Decriminalization Of Child Porn Reminds Us Why We Need Societal Taboos." More about John Daniel Davidson John Daniel Davidson is a senior editor at The Federalist. His writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Claremont Review of Books, The New York Post, and elsewhere. He is the author of Pagan America: the Decline of Christianity and the Dark Age to Come. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter), @johnddavidson. 🔊 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 this volume, 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'rehelping 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.

This week on The Narrative, Jonathan Butcher of The Heritage Foundation and Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) join CCV President Aaron Baer to discuss the insidious rise of Critical Race Theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in higher education institutions. Listen in to learn how DEI disguises an underlying greed for power as a worthy social justice cause. Before the conversation, Aaron, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews cover HB250–a recently passed Ohio bill that does more virtue signaling than resolution of the issue of student cell phone usage at school, and the backlash Harrison Butker is facing for his commencement speech the upheld the high calling we have as believers, the goodness of motherhood, and the necessity of involved fathers. More about Jonathan Butcher Jonathan Butcher is the Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation. He is the author of Splintered: Critical Race Theory and the Progressive War on Truth. He co-edited and wrote chapters in The Critical Classroom, discussing the racial prejudice that comes from the application of critical race theory in K-12 schools. Jonathan has researched and testified on education policy around the US, appeared on local and national TV outlets, and been a guest on many radio programs. His commentary has also appeared nationally in places such as the Wall Street Journal, Education Week, National Review Online, Newsweek.com, and Forbes.com. More about Rep. Brian Stewart State Representative Brian Stewart is currently serving his second term representing the 12th Ohio House District. Additionally, Rep. Stewart maintains a successful law practice representing businesses and individuals as the owner of The Law Office of Brian Stewart, LLC in Circleville. Rep. Stewart is also an infantry veteran of the Iraq War and earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in addition to twice receiving the Army Commendation Medal. 🔊 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 this volume, 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'rehelping 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.

On this special episode of The Narrative, Riley Gaines and Chloe Cole joined CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews for a LIVE recording at our 2024 Cincinnati Celebration Gala! While Riley and Chloe have become passionate advocates for women, children, and our inherent dignity as men and women made in God's image, their testimony has come at a cost. Listen in to hear their first-hand experiences as victims of the LGBT movement, how they were led to become such effective advocates, and what we all can do to help ensure what happened to them doesn't happen to any more women and children. More about Riley Gaines Riley Gaines, a 12 time All-American swimmer with 5 SEC titles, was a successful female swimmer at University of Kentucky with ambitions to pursue a dental degree. That post-graduate ambition and her entire life was changed when she was forced to share a locker room and then compete against biological male Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship. That moment became her call to action – to defend and protect America’s daughters against the woke left and their gender-denying ideology.  More about Chloe Cole Chloe Cole, a poised and articulate 19-year-old young woman, passionately advocates against the practice of transitioning minors. Driven by a noble mission to safeguard children from potentially harmful ideologies and medical interventions, Chloe draws from her personal experiences to shed light on the distressing consequences of gender-affirming care for adolescents. Having embarked on her own transition journey at the tender age of 12, only to subsequently detransition at 16, Chloe speaks with firsthand authority on the deeply traumatic effects experienced by minors undergoing such treatments. 🔊 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 this volume, 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'rehelping 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.

This week on The Narrative, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, the founder and managing director of Coalition for Jewish Values, joins CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to discuss the roots and rise of anti-semitism, especially in light of the recent and ongoing college campus protests across the nation. Before the conversation, the men also break down where we're at with HB68, the lawsuit currently blocking its enactment, and how the Ohio Supreme Court could intervene. To get connected with Rabbi Menken, check out CoalitionForJewishValues.org or follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) @YMenken. For more information on CCV's Vital Signs report, go to CCV.org/VitalSigns or listen to the Vital Signs podcast episode at CCV.org/news/the-narrative-podcast-a-sobering-report-on-abortion-and-the-church-in-ohio. More about Rabbi Yaakov Menken Rabbi Yaakov Menken, through his work at Coalition for Jewish Values, represents over 2,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy. His writing has appeared in Fox News, Newsweek, The Federalist, the Jerusalem Post, and other mainstream and Jewish outlets. He is the founding Director of Project Genesis, operator of Torah.org, TorahMedia.com and other leading Internet resources for Jewish outreach and education. He is co-founder and editor of Cross-Currents, an online journal of Orthodox Jewish thought and opinion, and the author of The Everything Torah Book, an introduction to basic Judaism and Torah thought. Rabbi Menken earned a BSE in Computer Science from Princeton University before pursuing rabbinic studies at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach of Monsey, NY, BMG Israel (“Lakewood East”), and the Mirrer Yeshiva in Jerusalem. 🔊 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 this volume, 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'rehelping 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.

We are thrilled to share Vivek Ramaswamy's keynote address from our 2024 Columbus Celebration Gala on this episode of The Narrative! Vivek delivered a captivating speech that outlined the challenges our nation faces as the foundations of faith and family crumble.  Then, he clearly mapped out a path to restoration: "We can be a country whose best days are still ahead of us... but it isn't going to happen automatically. If we are going to be saved, it will be because every one of us steps up civically and does our part. That's how we're going to get our country back." Listen to Vivek's inspirational call for conservatives to stand courageously and focus our efforts and energy on the restoration of our nation. 🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this volume, 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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

Just in time to break down two egregious Ohio lawsuits that are exposing Planned Parenthood and the ACLU's hand against women and children, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are back together for Volume 10 of The Narrative podcast! Tune in to learn about the anti-woman lawsuit that would encourage coercion, reduce informed consent, and increase health risks; and the anti-child lawsuit that is making far-fetched claims in the effort to sterilize children. The men also publicly reveal for the first time ever some of the data from Center for Christian Virtue's exit polling following the November 2023 election that saw Ohioans enshrine abortion up to birth in the State Constitution. Find out what CCV's new report "Vital Signs" reveals about the health of the Body of Christ! Want more? Listen to Bill Maher's comments on abortion: https://youtu.be/Hp4WqEadu3M Check out The Narrative podcast episode on the WPATH Files: https://www.ccv.org/news/the-narrative-podcast-wpaths-gender-medicine-scandal-with-dr-carrie-mendoza Read the Free Press article by Uri Berliner: https://www.thefp.com/p/npr-editor-how-npr-lost-americas-trust Learn about the Idaho Supreme Court case: https://adfmedia.org/case/labrador-v-poe Read Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's recent brief in the HB68 lawsuit: https://fcdcfcjs.co.franklin.oh.us/CaseInformationOnline/imageLinkProcessor.pdf?coords=ERz62lkX5B9MVeOtDwuNK7GnRyxXLFQTI0FNY2nWYvffkAd%2BnvI1lXL3fKbgYEtcs3zMQcZA%2Bh4QJL5m6Gg18%2F%2F5c9qN6xlU%2FjiJ0it7Jn%2BWbZcLB6rF36U74vxGSDwNHSxhkdC%2Ffe6lZOIpMsRpvI8TJ6bjcdlH2elXOzj%2BWCA%3D Join Riley Gaines and Chloe Cole at CCV's Cincinnati Gala on Tuesday, May 7: CCV.org/CincinnatiGala 🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this volume, 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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

On the final episode of The Narrative podcast Volume 9, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews answer your questions: Are Ohio elections safe? Is it even worth voting if our elections are rigged? Will EdChoice expansion dilute Christian schools' ability to preach the Gospel and provide a wholesome environment? How can we disagree with love when fellow Christians take different positions on how to respond to LGBT-identifying friends or family? What are practical steps we can take to positively impact our culture? Before answering your questions, the men also give their initial reactions and thoughts on the Presidential Primary Election results from Tuesday. Check out these episodes mentioned on the podcast today: What's Going On at the Texas Border? With Lora Ries - In this episode, the men also discuss the advice Alistair Begg gave to one grandmother to attend her grandson's homosexual/trans wedding ceremony to show her love and why CCV disagrees with his advice, but also why it's unfair to categorize him as "woke." Defy the Elites and Get Married with Brad Wilcox- Brad Wilcox, a sociologist and Director of the National Marriage Project, reveals the power of marriage to break the poverty cycle and create thriving, stable communities. We'll be back on The Narrative with Volume 10 next month! 🔊 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 another “Ask Us Anything” episode in the next volume. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

This week on The Narrative, Dr. Carrie Mendoza, an emergency medicine and toxicology physician, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews to unpack how we went from the opioid epidemic to the gender "medicine" scandal revealed by the leaked WPATH Files. Before the conversation, the men also discuss Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted's proposal to restrict students' cell phone use at school. Don't forget to vote in the Ohio Presidential Primary Election this weekend or on Tuesday, March 19! More about Dr. Carrie Mendoza Carrie D. Mendoza, MD, is the former Director of FAIR in Medicine with the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism, the current Director of Genspect USA, and a practicing emergency medicine physician with over 20 years of experience working in rural, suburban, and urban hospitals treating everything from snakebites to gunshot wounds to Covid-19 patients. Her practical experience provides unique insights into the American medical system and how the modern healthcare bureaucracy can scale harmful policies while ignoring the negative side effects.  Note: An unforeseen technical issue occurred during the conversation with Dr. Mendoza. You may notice the men's audio quality is below our usual standards, but we have identified the problem and how to prevent it in future episodes. In spite of the issue, we know you will find Dr. Mendoza's comments insightful and helpful. 🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode next week, 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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

Cultural elites claim marriage is obsolete, but recent data shows:  Children who grow up with a married mom and dad overcome poverty at high rates Boys from intact families are more likely to graduate high school than go to jail Married Christian women report the highest levels of relational satisfaction Brad Wilcox, a sociologist and Director of the National Marriage Project, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews on The Narrative to reveal the power of marriage to break the poverty cycle and create thriving, stable communities. Aaron and David also discuss the leaked files from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which prove that the so-called global authority on "gender medicine" doesn't meet the standards of evidence-based care. Want more? Check out these resources that are mentioned during the episode: See Brad's work and check out his book, Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization. You can also keep up with Brad on X (formerly Twitter), @BradWilcoxIFS. Review the Harvard study on upward mobility,Where is the Land of Opportunity: The Geography of Intergenerational Mobility in the United States. The study's conclusions on family structure affecting upward mobility are on pages 5 and 41. Read Tyler O'Neil's Liver Cancer in Teens, Reduced Sexual Function, Lack of Consent: Internal Docs Reveal Experimental Nature of ‘Gender-Affirming Care.’ Listen to Abigail Shrier talk with Bari Weiss in her podcast episode, Why the Kids Aren't Alright, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

In light of the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling to allow parents to sue for wrongful death if their frozen embryos are destroyed, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined this week on The Narrative by Emma Waters from The Heritage Foundation to discuss the unregulated, Big Money practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Emma and the men break down information about IVF that Christians and all pro-life proponents should know, from physical risks and complications to the many ethical, moral, and theological issues involved. For more information, check out these resources that are mentioned during the episode: Read Emma's IVF explainer articles in American Reformerand World Magazine. Review the Alabama Supreme Court ruling. Watch Jennifer Lahl's 2010 documentary, Eggsploitation. Read the 1992Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act (FCSRCA, or Public Law 102-493). Review the CDC's 2021 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Fertility Clinic and National Summary Report. Learn more about the pro-IVF bills the Alabama General Assembly are trying to pass to remove the protections the Supreme Court instituted. More about Emma Waters Emma Waters is a Research Associate for the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion and Family at The Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on marriage and family, sex and gender, and assisted reproductive technology policy. Emma is also a Visiting Fellow with Independent Women’s Forum and a monthly contributor with World magazine. Emma lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and their daughter. You can find her on Twitter @emlwaters. 🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

Today on The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) discuss the biggest public corruption scandal in Ohio history: the scandal around former House Bill 6. With headlines announcing new indictments everyday, The Narrative unpacks the story. Before the conversation, the men discuss a new gambling survey showing that 1 in 5 Ohioans are at-risk or problem gamblers. With the legalization of sports betting last year, these numbers are likely to only get worse. For more information, listen to "The Truth About Gambling with Les Bernal." More about Rep. Brian Stewart State Representative Brian Stewart is currently serving his second term representing the 12th Ohio House District. Additionally, Rep. Stewart maintains a successful law practice representing businesses and individuals as the owner of The Law Office of Brian Stewart, LLC in Circleville. Rep. Stewart is also an infantry veteran of the Iraq War and earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in addition to twice receiving the Army Commendation Medal.  🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

On this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined by Megan Basham, a reporter for The Daily Wire, to discuss the intersection of the Church and politics, and the deception some financial backers are supporting to thwart true Christian discernment in living out our faith in the public square. Before the conversation, the men discuss the tragic shooting at Joel Osteen's church in Texas and the media's stark silence, the dichotomy of candidates who support LGBT legislation like Ohio's (un)Fairness Act at the Statehouse but don't mention it in district, and how they are each drawing closer to the Lord during this Lenten season. Want more from Megan? Read her article "Follow the Money to The After Party," and follow her on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). More about Megan Basham Megan Basham is a culture reporter for The Daily Wire and a frequent contributor to theMorning Wirepodcast. She has also worked as an entertainment editor and podcast co-host for World Magazine. Megan is the author of Beside Every Successful Man, and has written for The Wall Street Journal, National Review, Townhall, and First Things. 🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

This week on The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined by Alex Schadenberg, from Canada's Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, to discuss the reality of the aggressive growth of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada and the US. Listen to find out how euthanasia proponents use personal freedom and peace of mind as a bait and switch to accomplish their financially-motivated goals without concern for life. To learn more, go to EPCC.ca or follow Alex's blog at alexschadenberg.blogspot.com. Aaron and Mike also take time to discuss why there's still hope for the pro-life movement in Ohio and how students are benefitting from the "fanny pack" school-choice expansion of 2023! More about Alex Schadenberg Alex Schadenberg is one of the world’s premier opponents of euthanasia and assisted suicide. He is the co-founder and executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, founded in 1998 and based in London, Ontario, Canada. Alex has traveled the world speaking about the issue, authored countless opinion columns, and moderates the world’s most widely-read blog devoted to the issue. He is also the author of Exposing Vulnerable People to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. 🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

On this episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with our first-ever repeat guest, Lora Ries, Director of The Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation, to discuss what's happening at the Texas border. Listen in to find out why there's a stand-off between the federal agents and the Texas border patrol, how the terrorist watch-list hits from migrants apprehended crossing the Southern border went from 3 in all of 2020 to 50 already in 2024, and why the border crisis has become a priority issue for every state this year. Looking for more? Read HR2, the federal legislation Lora mentioned, read Lora's issue briefings on the border, and listen to our 2022 episode with Lora on how the border crisis even then was affecting Ohio. Before the news, the men discuss the advice Alistair Begg gave to one grandmother to attend her grandson's homosexual/trans wedding ceremony to show her love and why CCV disagrees with his advice, but also why it's unfair to categorize him as "woke." David referenced Ephesians 4 and 5, and Galatians 6. as the scriptural basis for Christians to seek God's approval above all else. For additional context, listen to Begg's response to the controversy from last weekend.  More about Lora Ries Lora is Director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at The Heritage Foundation. She has over 26 years’ experience in the immigration and homeland security arena. Lora twice worked at the Department of Homeland Security on management and immigration policy and operations issues, most recently as the Acting Deputy Chief of Staff. She also worked in the private sector as a homeland security industry strategist and in government relations. Lora previously worked in the legislative branch as Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. She started her career at the Department of Justice’s Board of Immigration Appeals and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Lora’s commentary and analysis have been published and quoted in multiple print media, including The National Interest, FoxNews.com, Roll Call, and The Hill. She has done numerous radio and TV interviews and has testified before Congress. 🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

The Narrative is back for volume 9! Join Riley Gaines and CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews in celebrating the huge victory in the General Assembly overriding Governor DeWine's veto to pass the Save Women's Sports Act and SAFE Act (HB68) into law. Listen in to find out: what was encouraging after the Governor vetoed this critical bill, what inspired Riley to switch from future dentist to women's rights activist, and what themes Riley has seen nationally in the culture over the last 18 months in her fight to protect women's sports. Want to learn more? Check out Riley's Women's Bill of Rights and her brand-new book, Happy No Snakes Day, and keep up with her on X (formerly Twitter), @Riley_Gaines_. Click here to watch Senator Kristina Roegner's floor speech before the override vote. More about Riley Gaines Riley Gaines is a leader defending women’s single-sex spaces, advocating for equality and fairness, and standing up for women’s safety, privacy, and equal opportunities. Gaines graduated from the University of Kentucky, where she was a 12-time All-American swimmer. Riley has made waves for speaking out after tying UPenn’s Lia Thomas, a biological male swimmer on the women’s team, at the 2022 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships. After Riley directly experienced competing against a man in women’s sports, being forced without warning or consent to undress before the fully intact male, and subjected to discrimination by the NCAA, she became one of the most powerful voices to speak out against the injustice, challenging the rules of the NCAA, USA Swimming, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and other governing bodies.  Riley now works for the leading women’s organization making real and lasting change, legally defining ‘woman,’ protecting Title IX, and defending women’s rights to single-sex spaces and equal opportunities.  🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

Following the Governor's veto of the Save Women's Sports Act and SAFE Act (HB68), CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews sat down for an emergency episode of The Narrative podcast to discuss what happened and what's next for this critical bill. Listen in to get the answers to questions including: In 2018, the original version of the SAFE Act–the Vulnerable Child Protection Act–was politically unpalatable. What has changed since then to make it common-sense legislation? What happened behind the scenes as the Save Women's Sports Act and SAFE Act went through the Ohio General Assembly? Why did Governor DeWine veto HB68? How can we still get HB68 passed into law? As Mike mentioned during the conversation, you can listen to our episodes with Scott Newgent and Chloe Cole and Prisha Mosley for additional context to the heart-wrenching consequences that HB68 would prevent. Take Action: Overriding the Veto Take 60 seconds to send a message to your State Senator and Representative to encourage them to act quickly and override the Governor to protect kids from dangerous puberty-blocking drugs, wrong-sex hormones, and transgender surgeries, and to preserve the integrity of women’s sports by protecting female athletes from having to compete against biological males. Click here to contact your legislators. 👉 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

On this final episode of The Narrative podcast for 2023, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews answer your questions! We had more high-quality questions than ever before–not that we'd expect anything less from our podcast family–so listen in to get the guys' thoughts on: With the passage of Issue 2, how can we keep cannabis out of our communities? How can Christians, in good conscience, remove the influence of our kids from public schools? Doesn't that mean we're shirking our responsibility to spread the Good News of the Gospel? Who or what is CCV's goal audience for impacting culture? How can we maintain growth, momentum, and hope in the pro-life community? Thank you for making this our best volume yet! What should we do in 2024? 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 next year, let us know! 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'rehelping 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.

On this special edition of The Narrative podcast, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews share their raw thoughts on the passage of Issue 1, that, among a host of other detrimental consequences, created a right to abortion up to birth and without any restrictions in our Ohio Constitution. Listen now to hear what the amendment means for Ohio, what's next, and what lessons we can take into 2024. For further reflection, they referenced 2 Corinthians 4,Isaiah 62, and Psalm 27. Talk to Us Thanks for listening to The Narrative! We value our listeners and want to provide an opportunity to keep these crucial conversations going. Get connected with The Narrative hosts by submitting your questions, feedback, and guest recommendations. We’ll be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode next week where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 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.

We have a very special guest joining CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews on The Narrative podcast this week! In this insightful and intriguing episode, Monica Snyder, Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life and an atheist, shares with listeners the secular perspective on why abortion is neither logical nor kind.  If you've ever tried to approach the subject of life with your pro-choice friends and family, and been unsure of how to refute claims that you're just trying to force your religion on everyone, you'll definitely want to listen to this conversation! For more information on the fight for life happening in Ohio right now with Issue 1, go to CCV.org/Vote. There are only four more days left to be a vote for the voiceless! More about Monica Snyder Monica is a political conservative with a scientific background with a BS in chemical biology from UC Berkeley and an MS in forensic science from UC Davis. She started volunteering with Secular Pro-Life in late 2009 and became Executive Director in 2021. Monica takes a particular interest in the biological facts surrounding the abortion debate. Talk to Us Thanks for listening to The Narrative! We value our listeners and want to provide an opportunity to keep these crucial conversations going. Get connected with The Narrative hosts by submitting your questions, feedback, and guest recommendations. We’ll be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 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.

It's a ministerial family reunion this week on The Narrative podcast with Joshua Livingston, Executive Director of pureHOPE, joining CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews. CCV and pureHOPE share the same founder, Dr. Jerry Kirk, who had a burning heart 40 years ago to see human dignity be upheld in Cincinnati. In a world where pornography is just a click away on any electronic device, slipped into popular TV shows, or suggested content in social media feeds, Josh shares practical tips and real life experience for not only protecting children from pornography, but equipping them for when they are exposed to it.  For free resources and help in combatting pornography, go to purehope.net. Before the conversation, Aaron, Mike, and CCV Policy Director David Mahan walk through  legislation that has had recent movement at the Statehouse that would protect children from adult obscenity, co-ed bathrooms, and online pornography. Check out CCV.org/Advocacy to learn more and contact your legislators! More about Joshua Livingston As Executive Director of pureHOPE, Josh focuses on relationship building, strategic planning, vision casting, and expanding the message of pureHOPE. Josh joined the team in January 2020 after serving for years as a board member and champion of pureHOPE. Josh felt called to ministry at the age of 13 and has been in and around professional ministry his entire life as his family started Central Church in Charlotte, NC over 40 years ago. Growing up in church gave him many opportunities for outreach, mission trips, and leadership. He attended Lee University to pursue this ministry calling, and there he captained the baseball team, majored in Broadcasting, and minored in Bible. He has served in some form of ministry ever since—from church planting to pastoring to leading worship. In addition to starting a nonprofit ministry in Africa, Josh has also worked as a business advisor for two financial institutions, and as a Donor Advisor for KLOVE/Air1 Radio Networks. What brings Josh the most joy is his family. He has been married to his beautiful wife Kate for 20 years and they have an 18-year-old son (Parker) who attends Samford University, and a 15-year-old daughter (Merritt) who is in 10th grade. Josh is an avid golfer who also plays a lot of tennis and Pickleball with his family. Thanks for listening to The Narrative! We value our listeners and want to provide an opportunity to keep these crucial conversations going. Get connected with The Narrative hosts by submitting your questions, feedback, and guest recommendations. We’ll be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. Talk to Us: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

Joining from Jerusalem, Michael Mistretta, CEO of Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM), shares the current reality in Israel with CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this episode of The Narrative. From explaining his mission work to spread the Gospel in Israel to the heart-wrenching reality of the current war to why Christians should care, Michael’s conversation is both sobering and joy-filled. To learn more about Michael's work, go to FIRMIsrael.org. Throughout the conversation with Michael, we could see the name “Roni” written on his hand. At the end of the episode, Michael shared the significance of the name. To join FIRM’s initiative that was inspired by Isaiah 49 to pray for the Israeli hostages by name, go to PrayForIsraelByName.com. Before the conversation, Aaron mentioned the importance of November’s Issue 1, the constitutional amendment that would permanently legalize abortion up to birth in Ohio. You can go to CCV.org/Vote for free nonpartisan election resources. More About Michael Mistretta Michael Mistretta is the CEO of FIRM, which stands for 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 start FIRM. From starting his own company as a teenager to his 12 years of ministry experience, he is an entrepreneur and innovator who is passionate about seeing ministries in Israel thrive and people coming to know Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah. Michael’s passion for Israel takes him around the world as he strives to build unique connections between the church and the body of believers in Israel, and shares about how God is moving in Israel today. Michael immigrated to Israel in 2014 and lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Vanessa, and their two young sons. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

On this episode of The Narrative, Alistair Begg, senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland and a daily contributor on the Truth for Life Ministries radio program, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Executive Director of CCV's Church Ambassador Network Chris Lightfoot to chat about faith, freedom, the Gospel, and the November election. If you've never heard Alistair speak before, you'll want to listen not only for his Scottish accent, but also for his profound wisdom and encouragement on how Christians should be approaching the life issue this fall. Don't forget to check out CCV.org/Vote for free nonpartisan election resources. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

Early voting begins next week, which means Ohioans will start voting on Issue 2, an effort to legalize recreational marijuana. Why is this such a disastrous idea? Why is it a lie to say that we can "regulate marijuana like alcohol" and benefit our state with the extra tax income? On this week’s episode of The Narrative, you'll get the insider's scoop from CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Jaime Zerbe, Chief of Staff at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), on the dangerous realities of this addiction-for-profit industry. Overlooked concerns of commercialization that are addressed include: Tax benefit versus the amount spent to offset negative impacts Increased workplace accidents and fatal car crashes Children overdosing on gummies Black market opportunities for drug cartels and more! Want to take action to protect our communities from more drugs? Check out the free election materials CCV has produced on CCV.org/Vote! More about Jaime Zerbe Jaime Zerbe currently serves as SAM’s Chief of Staff where she focuses on internal and external communications, manages daily operations, and provides guidance for SAM’s legislative and communications strategy. Jaime’s time in DC began like so many others: answering the phone in her congressman’s office. After some time on the Hill, Jaime served as the Legislative Director at a national nonprofit and advised on drug policy as well as communications strategy. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

We are thrilled to share Tucker Carlson's keynote address from our 2023 Cleveland Celebration Gala on this episode of The Narrative! Tucker delivered a powerful pro-life, pro-family, pro-Christianity speech last week that provided much-needed encouragement with two issues on the ballot this fall that could radically reshape Ohio. He highlighted the dangers of Issues 1 and 2, while also challenging believers to live out our faith fearlessly and with care and concern for one another. Trust us—you don't want to miss his riveting remarks! Before Tucker's address, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews discuss a critical pro-life grassroots movement among Black pastors, why redistricting must be a political process, and their highlights from hearing Tucker live. Looking ahead to next week, let us know what are the myths and questions you're facing about Issue 2 by emailing us at thenarrative@ccv.org, and your question could be answered on our next episode! We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

In less than a month, early voting for Issue 1 will begin. Do you know what the text of this proposed amendment actually means? Why did they use 200 words to outline an issue they claim is only about abortion access? What does the specific language mean for current Ohio laws? On this week’s episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and special guest Maria Baer go line-by-line through the text of Issue 1 revealing why this is “the most dangerous constitutional amendment” that has ever been proposed. Find out what it will take for Ohio to reject this extreme amendment, why there is still hope, and what needs to be done between now and Tuesday, November 7, to protect 30,000 lives each year. More about Maria Baer Maria is an experienced reporter, writer, and podcaster. She co-hosts the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet at The Colson Center for Christian Worldview. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today Magazine, The Colson Center for Christian Worldview, WORLD Magazine, The Gospel Coalition and more. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

On this new volume of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews bring to you a special kick-off episode featuring Bishop Patrick Wooden's powerful remarks and a roundtable discussion David had with Bishop Wooden and Lt. Collen Allen West (ret.) from "Returning to Our Pro-Life Roots." Find out why Aaron says Bishop Wooden's talk will stay with him forever by listening today! Before the interview, Aaron, David, and Mike discuss the most dangerous bill in Ohio that just got re-introduced by an unsuspected legislator and the deceitful pro-abortion Issue 1 ad that came out this week. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

On Tuesday, August 8, Ohioans voted roughly 57 percent to 43 percent against elevating the threshold to amend our state Constitution from a simple majority to 60 percent of the vote. We lost this opportunity to protect our state’s governing document from the deadly agenda of Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and other radical pro-abortion groups as they attempt to create a right to abortion up to birth. But this isn't the end of the story. On this emergency episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews unpack the Issue 1 vote. Next steps: Volunteer to help! Sign up to help us reach churches across Ohio. Pray! You can order our free pro-life prayer devotional,More Than Conquerors: Six Weeks of Prayer for Ohio, Women, and Unborn Children, at CCV.org/LifeDevotional. Donate! The truth is that we cannot do this work without the financial support of partners like you. Give a tax-deductible gift today at CCV.org/Donate! BONUS step: While CCV is actively preparing for the election, let us know what resources you would like to see us produce by emailing us at contact@ccv.org. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

In a special season finale of The Narrative, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews, President Aaron Baer, and Policy Director David Mahan sit down to answer some of the burning questions our listeners have submitted over the past few weeks. The topics include: How should I vote on Issue 1? Why should I support the Backpack Bill if I live in a rural area with no private schools? How does the Biblical command to tithe come into play when in-between church communities? What is the status of getting the Heartbeat Bill out of the courts and back to being enforced in Ohio? Before answering questions, they discuss THE FAMiLY LEADER's recent 2023 Family Leadership Summit in Iowa. Aaron recaps the experience convening with other Family Policy Council's around the nation and hearing from 2024 Republican Presidential candidates. They also discussed a newly introduced bill (HB 245) that would prohibit adult cabaret performances in locations other than adult cabarets. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

In addition to the high-profile abortion ballot initiative, Ohioans will also vote this fall on whether to legalize recreational marijuana in our state. This week on The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined by Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), to unpack why this initiative would be extremely harmful to Ohio.  Before the interview, David and Mike provide a real-time update as the rally to vote yes on August 8 ramps up in Ohio with the start of early voting this week. You'll get to hear their pastoral hearts and scriptural backing behind Issue 1. Pledge to Vote today!  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

*This episode was corrected on July 21, 2023 due to an erroneous statement made about Issue 1! On Tuesday, August 8, Ohioans have the opportunity to protect our state’s governing document from the deadly agenda of Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and other radical pro-abortion groups as they attempt to create a right to abortion up to birth. Issue 1 on the Special Election ballot will allow voters to elevate the threshold to amend our state Constitution from a simple majority to 60 percent of the vote. This week on The Narrative CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews unpack what Issue 1 really is and the arguments for supporting it.  In the news: The United States Supreme Court released a landmark 6-3 decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, reaffirming that the government cannot force artists, or anyone, to say something that they don’t believe. Two other major decisions released by the Court preserved the American promise for another generation. Ohio’s 2024-25 state budget was passed! The guys unpack this major victory for school choice, making all Ohio students eligible for EdChoice, as well as the other pro-family wins included in the new budget. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

Last weekend marked the anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the issue of abortion back to the states. As a key voice on abortion policy, Alexandra DeSanctis joined CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan on The Narrative this week. She recaps the landscape of the first year in a post-Roe world and looks ahead to the future of the pro-life fight in America including how pro-lifers can combat this issue with effective communication. In the news... The Social Media Parental Notification Act was presented to the Ohio General Assembly as a part of Governor Mike DeWine’s 2023-24 executive budget. This proposal would require certain online companies to obtain verifiable parental consent to contractual terms of service before permitting kids under the age of 16 to use their platforms. Mike and David discuss this idea and the role of social media in their own homes. College students go viral for boldly proclaiming the Gospel.  David shares his experience being part of true grassroots movements like this year’s “Be a Vote for the Voiceless” fight against the potential November 7 abortion ballot initiative. Get involved and pledge to vote today! We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley believes wholeheartedly that God has a much higher calling for men, with purpose found in the pages of scripture. In a new episode of The Narrative, he joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews to dive into his new book, Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs. The Ohio House of Representatives passed two critical bills on three major CCV-backed priorities: the SAFE Act with the Save Women's Sports Act amended into it and the Parents’ Bill of Rights. In addition, The Narrative podcast reached it's two-year anniversary. Tune in to this week's episode as the guys praise God for the work He has done and look to the future with hope.  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

A number of notable names recently entered the 2024 Presidential Race, ramping up conversations about the rapidly growing candidate field. In a new episode of The Narrative, President and CEO of the FAMiLY LEADERBob Vander Plaats joins The Narrative to bring some clarity to the upcoming election season. Bob provides helpful insights into what's happening in the Republican primaries as well as how Christians should begin to think through the decision set before them without compromising on their beliefs. With Father's Day this weekend, The Narrative guys draw from their experience as dads to spend some time before the interview reflecting on the importance of fatherhood and its centrality to CCV’s legislative work. They also unpack this week’s newsworthy updates for CCV-backed legislation. Tune in for updates on the SAFE Act, Save Women’s Sports Act, Parental Bill of Rights, and the Senate Budget Proposal.  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

Confused about the battle in Washington over the national debt limit? Russ Vought, former director of the Office of Management and Budget under the Trump administration, joins The Narrative podcast to talk about a topic that tends to annually dominate the news cycle—the federal budget. Tune in for his insights on how the budgeting process works and how the national debt limit can be used as a leverage point to radically defund woke and weaponized agencies. In other news, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews engage the conversation surrounding recent boycotts and unpack Ohio's biennial budgeting process.  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

Chloe Cole and Prisha Mosley were both captivated by transgender ideologies as teenagers, leading them to undergo life-altering medical and surgical procedures to "gender transition" between the ages of 12 and 16. The ensuing physical complications and overwhelming regret they experienced caused them to resume living as biological females and begin raising awareness about the harms of the transgender movement.  In a new episode of The Narrative, Chloe and Prisha sit down with CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan to courageously share about their experiences, healing, and powerful advocacy on behalf of children who need protection from the dangerous narrative that they were born in the wrong body. This conversation deals with sensitive topics, please listen with discernment. Mike, David, and CCV President Aaron Baer also share how CCV is equipping pastors and other pro-life advocates to get involved and get Christians to the polls to protect life in 2023 through the County Captain Campaign. They also unpack Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's recent opinion stating that the Ohio Revised Code allows operators of public bathrooms to segregate use by biological sex. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

The Honorable Betsy DeVos, former U.S. Secretary of Education, sat down with Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer at the 2023 Celebration Gala in Columbus just a few weeks ago. Thanks to her leadership, we've seen dramatic school choice expansions over the last 20 years in Ohio, and now we could see the Backpack Bill–a universal education freedom initiative–enacted. There have been few school choice leaders in the public square like The Honorable Betsy DeVos, so we wanted her keynote remarks and this conversation to be available on a special episode of The Narrative. Before the interview, Aaron, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Policy Director David Mahan unpack the SAFE Act, a bill to ban the experimental and dangerous practice of giving children puberty-blocking drugs and wrong-sex hormones for the purpose of “gender transitioning,” and why the opponent hearing this week was actually good for the bill's progress. They also honor Tim Keller and discuss the need for Christians to be engaged in culture and politics. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

The Narrative podcast is back! 48th Vice President of the United States Mike Pence, a pro-life champion, joined Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer at the 2023 Celebration Gala in Cincinnati.  He spoke boldly against the radical pro-abortion, anti-parent ballot initiative that will likely appear on the Ohio ballot this November and encouraged Christians in Ohio to defend life at the polls in 2023. Vice President Pence's remarks were so timely and impactful that we decided to release them as a special episode of The Narrative so that you could be encouraged as well. Before the interview, Aaron, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Policy Director David Mahan reconvene to unpack what's been going on at the Ohio Statehouse. They explain the recently passed Constitution Protection Resolution that will allow Ohioans to vote on Tuesday, August 8, on whether to raise the approval threshold to amend the Ohio Constitution to 60 percent of the vote.  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

In a special season finale of The Narrative, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews, President Aaron Baer, and Policy Director David Mahan sit down to answer some of the burning questions our listeners have submitted over the past few weeks. The topics include Aaron's and David's testimonies, how to contact your lawmakers, and what to do when graphic materials appear down the street in the kids section of your local public library.  Before answering questions, they discuss the exciting formation of Protect Women Ohio. This new pro-woman, pro-parent coalition launched a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at defeating the November 2023 abortion ballot initiative that is bringing pro-life allies together like never before.  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

In honor of International Women's Day, we're featuring some of the incredible women at Center for Christian Virtue on The Narrative. Ohio Christian Education Network Legal Counsel Corrinne Vidales, Legislative Liaison Nilani Jawahar, and Christian Engagement Ambassador Ruth Edmonds join Communications Director Mike Andrews to offer their perspective on some of the current cultural conversations.  How did abortion become a "right" in our society? What are the ethical implications of in vitro fertilization (IVF) that Christians need to consider? Can a male actually be a female? For a robust discussion on these topics and more, you don't want to miss our special women's takeover episode of The Narrative! Before diving in, be aware that this conversation deals with heavy topics and details that may not be suitable for a family audience. Please listen with discernment! We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

In a vulnerable stage of life at 42 years old, Kellie King had extensive medical and surgical procedures to now identify as Scott Newgent. The extreme medical complications that followed ignited Scott's passion to boldly speak out against exploiting children through these experimental "treatments." Leading up to the interview, CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Policy Director David Mahan discuss the Ohio abortion ballot initiative language that was announced last week as well as the momentum building for legislation such as Backpack Bill and the SAFE Act. Before diving in, be aware that the conversation with Scott Newgent deals with heavy topics and details that may not be suitable for a family audience. Please listen with discernment! We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

You've probably heard rumblings about the abortion ballot initiative, SAFE Act, Backpack Bill, and the Save Women's Sports Act. Do you want to get caught up on what's actually happening right now without any spin from the media? CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews, President Aaron Baer, and Policy Director David Mahan took some time to update listeners on the status of CCV-backed bills that have been announced as priorities within the Ohio House of Representatives.  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

Working to combat woke capitalism, the 1792 Exchange recently released a "Spotlight Report on Corporate Bias Ratings." This database highlights companies that are undermining free speech and free enterprise, as well as companies that are less likely to cancel a contract or deny services based on ideological differences. President of the 1792 Exchange Paul Fitzpatrick unpacks how America got to this point in the first place and why the fight for political neutrality among corporations matters to all people, not just business owners.  In the news, CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews discuss the recent headlines that have amplified a growing distrust in American institutions including rumors of UFOs circulating and increasing confusion over a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

Pastor Van Holloway and his wife, Jannelle, from Xenia, Ohio, have been at the forefront of a case out of their local YMCA in which a man identifying as a woman was charged with three counts of public indecency. When they confronted the YMCA about Jannelle's encounter with the man, they were told, "If a woman is uncomfortable, she can change in a family locker room." They have asked the YMCA to review this absurd, dangerous, and disrespectful policy. CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan sat down with them to hear how they have been responding with courage and grace in the midst of this painful situation.  In the news portion, Mike and David share their takes on President Joe Biden's theatrical State of the Union address, why the famous spy balloon should have floated over West Virginia, and an uproar caused by a recent, disturbing performance at the Grammy Awards. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

Christians need to develop a comprehensive biblical worldview in order to fruitfully engage with our culture, knowing who we are and what we are called to do. Today on a new episode of The Narrative, Dr. Del Tackett imparts his great wisdom and expertise in this area. Del's ministry has been invaluable to many churches and believers, we are honored to have him with us for an encouraging and truthful conversation. Before the interview, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews: Process the tragic death of image-bearer Tyre Nichols Unpack a recent failure to protect children at a local Ohio YMCA where a man identifying as a woman was charged with three counts of public indecency Recap Governor DeWine's State of the State address, which included good news for school choice and reminded them of the great need for the Backpack Bill To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

What is driving the nationwide surge in violence? Why are massacres occurring more frequently than ever? How can a person who commits such a heinous act turn off their God-given restraint to kill a fellow human? Lt. Col. Dave Grossman joins CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan to share his expertise on the psychology of violence. Before the interview, CCV President Aaron Baer sits down with David and Mike to recount the annual March for Life held in Washington, D.C., last week, as well as the story of an NHL hockey player, Ivan Provorov, who chose not to wear a pride-themed jersey during warmups. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

The fight against abortion is ramping up, parental authority is being blatantly ignored, and the presence of gambling is growing in Ohio with the legalization of sports betting.  CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews unpack the left's well-funded plan to put abortion on the ballot in Ohio in 2023. The guys also react to a viral undercover video that exposes Ohio public school teachers openly admitting to deceiving parents about what students are taught in the classroom. Les Bernal, National Director of Stop Predatory Gambling, gives the inside scoop as to why gambling is "America's most neglected major problem" and why you should care more about it.  To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

NBC Sportscaster Michele Tafoya discusses her decision to walk away from sideline reporting in order to speak freely on the issues that matter to her and create a "coalition of courage" in the midst of our cultural insanity.  Before the interview, the guys unpack the recent race for Ohio's Speaker of the House of Representatives and what exactly the outcome means for crucial legislation in 2023. Aaron also thoughtfully reflects on the life of CCV Board of Directors Vice Chairman Tom Minnery and the immense impact he made for the Kingdom of God.  To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.ORG.

We have some good news and bad news to share today. The bad news is that this is final episode of TheNarrative for 2022. The good news is that CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan have already started thinking about 2023! The guys sat down to give you "Aaron and David's Slightly Too Early 2023 Forecast." This special, final episode contains their breakdown on what narratives they're predicting to be the most important to watch and discuss in 2023 including conversations on the Church, culture, and policy. Don't miss it! To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

The Narrative podcast is back this week for Election Palooza with CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan.The Midterm Election has come and gone, and the guys have hot takes to share. Tune in to get their perspective on election results in Ohio and across the nation, as well as what they could mean for abortion and other pressing issues over the next few years.  Afterwards, they're joined by Jake Warner, Senior Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), to discuss the context of the upcoming 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis Supreme Court case that will answer the question, Can the government force an artist to say something that they don't believe? Colorado law would force Lorie Smith, owner of 303 Creative, to use her artistic web design skills to speak messages celebrating same-sex weddings. With the help of ADF attorneys, Lorie decided to challenge the law in court. Learn more about Lorie's case here.