Maria Baer joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Policy Director David Mahan on The Narrative to discuss her first-hand experience of the drug epidemic in Portland, Oregon, which she chronicled for Christianity Today in her article, "Recovery Ministries Try to Help Portland Get Clean." Maria shares how drug decriminalization has fueled Oregon's addiction crisis, leaving local Christians pleading with the sick–and the state–to let them help. Before the conversation with Maria, the guys catch up on this week's news, including the Associated Press article highlighting CCV's work to expand Christian education, how CCV's priority bills are progressing in Ohio's Lame Duck session, and what the Statehouse leadership picks mean for next year. You don't want to miss this week's episode! Want your questions answered? If you have any questions about past episodes, news in the media, or general inquiries, submit them to TheNarrative@ccv.org by Wednesday, December 11, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode! More about Maria Baer Maria is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009. She belongs to Cross City Church with her family and is a volunteer counselor at her local crisis pregnancy center. You can find more of Maria’s published works on her website. 🔊 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'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.

With more than 20 members named in the last week, President-elect Trump has wasted no time picking his cabinet. This week on The Narrative, Eric Teetsel–Executive Vice President of the Center for Renewing America–sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to uncover why these quick picks have not only been entertaining but are also inspiring for the conservative party and the American people. But before the guys dive into Trump's appointments, they catch up on the latest news recounting the victory of Ohio's Single-Sex Bathroom Privacy Bill (SB104) and why schools like Olentangy Orange High School are facing backlash for the political statements made by administrators.  You don't want to miss this episode of The Narrative! More about Eric Teetsel Eric Teetsel most recently was Vice President of Government Relations at The Heritage Foundation and now serves as the Executive Vice President of the Center for Renewing America. Teetsel has a long track record of experience in government at the federal, state, and local levels. He was Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri where he also held the roles of Legislative Director and Special Assistant. Teetsel previously served as President of the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, Director of Faith Outreach for the Marco Rubio presidential campaign, and Executive Director of the Manhattan Declaration for life, marriage, and religious freedom, and more. Teetsel graduated from Wheaton College and holds a master’s in education from Azusa Pacific University. Originally from Kansas, he and his wife live in Virginia with their four children. You can follow him on X at @EricTeetsel. 🔊 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'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 results of the 2024 election are in, and we couldn't wait to get you our takes on this special episode of The Narrative! CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews share their perspectives and break down the implications of a wide range of election outcomes.  Listen in to hear the guys talk about how Ohioans toppled Issue 1, Bernie Moreno's relentless work on the campaign trail, and the factors that led to Donald Trump's decisive victory. Plus, you'll get a preview of what the results mean for our state and the work of CCV in 2025 and beyond! 🔊 Talk to Us We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now. 👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077. 👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org. ⭐️ How are we doing? If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'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.

Gear up for Election Day with the latest episode of The Narrative with Daniel Cameron, former Attorney General of Kentucky and current CEO of the 1792 Exchange, as he shares insights on the presidential race and an optimistic outlook on Christians stepping up for early voting. You'll also get to hear Daniel's thoughts on our 'Nationwide Not on Your Side' campaign and how businesses can stand up against the woke corporate agenda.  Before the conversation, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews run down the latest news of the week: the impact of the decision striking down Ohio's Heartbeat Law, how early voting is impacting the GOP, and what to expect in the upcoming election. More about Daniel Cameron Daniel Cameronis the CEO of the 1792 Exchange, working to protect free exercise, free speech, and free enterprise and help American corporations return to the winning formula of producing great products and services, not pushing agendas.  Daniel previously served as the 51st Attorney General of Kentucky from 2019 to 2023. He was the first black American elected to a standalone statewide office in Kentucky’s history. Daniel then went on to win the Republican nomination for governor of Kentucky.  He grew up in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and attended the University of Louisville, where he played football for the Cardinals. After graduating from Brandeis School of Law, he clerked for a federal judge. Daniel later served as legal counsel to United States Senator Mitch McConnell.  Daniel and his wife are blessed with two sons: Theodore and Bennett. They reside in Louisville, Kentucky, a place they proudly call home. 🔊 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'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.

As we wrap up our special Essential Summit mini-series on The Narrative, you don't want to miss Dr. Larry Arnn's insightful keynote address. Dr. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, explains why humans are made for knowledge, virtue, and politics. Want to know how that's possible? Listen to today's episode! Following his keynote, Dr. Arnn is joined by CCV President Aaron Baer and Senate President Matt Huffman to discuss why school choice must be a priority, why argument is necessary to reach a common good, and why more money is not the answer to our education crisis. More about Dr. Larry Arnn Larry P. Arnn is the 12th president of Hillsdale College, where he is also a professor of politics and history. He received his B.A. from Arkansas State University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Government from the Claremont Graduate School. He also studied at Worcester College, Oxford University, where he served as director of research for Sir Martin Gilbert, the official biographer of Winston Churchill. Dr. Arnn is on the board of directors of The Heritage Foundation, the Henry Salvatori Center of Claremont McKenna College, the Philadelphia Society, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and the Claremont Institute. He served on the U.S. Army War College Board of Visitors for two years, for which he earned the Department of the Army’s “Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.”  Dr. Arnn is the author of three books: Liberty and Learning: The Evolution of American Education; The Founders’ Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It; and Churchill’s Trial: Winston Churchill and the Salvation of Free Government. 🔊 Talk to Us We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now. 👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077. 👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org. ⭐️ How are we doing? If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'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 have another heavy hitter coming to The Narrative this week. Listen in to hear Dr. Ben Carson's keynote address from our inaugural Essential Summit! He'll regale you with stories from his childhood, inspire you with miracles from his days as a neurosurgeon, and challenge you to be a Christian who stands up with courage to defend our rights, our children, and our country. Following Dr. Carson's keynote, he is joined by Ian Rowe–Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute and the second-ever guest on The Narrative, and CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan for an in-depth conversation on school choice, critical race theory, overcoming suffering, and more. More about Dr. Ben Carson Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., is Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, a new think tank / do tank whose mission is to promote the four founding principles which are cornerstones of our country: faith, liberty, community and life as well as pursue common sense solutions that challenge conventional groupthink. He most recently served as the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For nearly 30 years, Secretary Carson served as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a position he assumed when he was just 33 years old, becoming the youngest major division director in the hospital's history. Dr. Carson has also authored eleven books, five of which he co-wrote with his wife Candy. Dr. Carson graduated from Yale University and earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School. He and his wife are the proud parents of three adult sons and eight grandchildren.  🔊 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'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.

Do know what is the root issue of every political problem, and the best way to address them all? Do you know why Christians must be engaged in the public square? Do you want to hear the insider's take on Project 2025? Then listen to this week's episode of The Narrative to hear Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts' keynote address from our inaugural Essential Summit!  Before Kevin's keynote, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews discuss the newly published national database of hospitals and medical facilities administering sex-change interventions on children in the United States, StopTheHarmDatabase.com, as well as Ohio's history of destructive gender ideology that we uncovered in our mini documentary, "Culture Change: The Story of HB68." The guys also give an update on our NationwideNotOnYourside.com campaign, including the confidential messages we've received from Nationwide Insurance employees. More about Dr. Kevin Roberts Kevin D. Roberts, PhD, was named President of The Heritage Foundation in October 2021. He succeeded former Heritage President Kay C. James as the seventh President in the organization’s 50-year history. In September 2023, Roberts was named President of Heritage Action for America and serves both organizations in a joint role. As President of The Heritage Foundation, Roberts leads policy research efforts on issues including education, health care, border security, election integrity, and more. His leadership is critical in pushing back on the radical, socialist agenda being advanced by the Left at all levels of government. At a time when so many bad ideas are coming out of Washington, his experience advancing sound policy at the state and national levels is vital.   Roberts and his wife have four children. 🔊 Talk to Us We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now. 👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077. 👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org. ⭐️ How are we doing? If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'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 honor of today's third annual Ohio March for Life in Downtown Columbus, The Narrative brings to you another special edition of our Going Deeper episodes. Center for Christian Virtue Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews welcome Rep. Melanie Miller–Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, Peggy Hartshorn–Chairman of the Board for Heartbeat International, and Maria Baer–a writer, reporter, and podcast host, as they share their personal testimonies of being frontline pro-life advocates. This roundtable episode reveals the realities of pro-life ministry, as well as the incredible impact our pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) have had on women, unborn children, and our communities at large. These pro-life leaders also break down some of the lies pro-abortion activists tell to smear the reputation of PRCs and to coerce women into having abortions. More about the Experts Rep. Melanie Miller is the Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, an organization that provides compassionate care and life-affirming options to women in the greater-Ashland County area who are facing unexpected pregnancies. Melanie has made it her mission to create a culture of care and protection for both mom and baby. Margaret H. (Peggy) Hartshorn, Ph.D., currently Chairman of the Board of Heartbeat International, has served on the Board for 30 years, as Chairman previously from 1990-2004.  She also served as Heartbeat’s President for 22 years (1993-2015). Peggy co-founded Heartbeat International’s Option Line in 2002.  It is the only 24/7, bilingual, internet-based, pro-life call center in the world.  Maria Baer is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009.  🔊 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'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 Narrative this week, Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews welcome Peter Range, CCV's Strategic Fellow for Strategic Initiatives, and Chris Lightfoot, Executive Director of CCV's Church Ambassador Network, as they discuss the need for Christians to become a thoughtful steward of their vote and a witness during what has already unfolded as a contentious election.  This special roundtable episode breaks down why political exhaustion is a strategy of the Enemy, the importance of prioritizing policies over personalities, and encouragement for pastors to engage and discuss the election with their congregations (hint: if they don't, they're likely the one voice their church members aren't hearing from about the election).  After you listen, be sure to share it with friends who may be wary of voting this November and help CCV make sure the Church's voice isn't silenced in the election! 🔊 Talk to Us We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now. 👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077. 👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org. ⭐️ How are we doing? If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'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 have another special edition of The Narrative podcast this week coming to you from our 2024 Cleveland Gala with Kayleigh McEnany, a former White House press secretary under President Trump and a current cohost of Outnumbered on Fox News. Listen in to hear her incredible story of how God literally called her to faith, her experience working in the Trump White House, and the one thing she did to prepare for every press briefing. You'll also get to hear Kayleigh eloquently share why pro-life issues are still key and at play, even in Ohio. Before Kayleigh's address, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews break down why it's a Christian response to criticize the immigration policies that have led to the influx of Haitians in Springfield. They also reveal how CCV is exposing Nationwide Insurance's woke ideology that is undermining the values of their rural and conservative customers. Learn more about the campaign at NationwideNotOnYourSide.com. More about Kayleigh McEnany Kayleigh McEnany is the former White House press secretary and current cohost of Outnumbered on the Fox News Channel. Prior to serving in the White House, Kayleigh worked as the national press secretary for the Trump campaign and was formerly the national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. Before joining the RNC, Kayleigh worked as a political commentator at CNN. Kayleigh graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor and Georgetown University School of Foreign Services with a degree in international politics. She also studied politics and international relations at Oxford University, St. Edmund Hall. Kayleigh is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Public Service Award. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller For Such a Time as This and The New American Revolution. 🔊 Talk to Us We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now. 👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077. 👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org. ⭐️ How are we doing? If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'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.

Ready to go deeper? Today's episode is the inaugural roundtable discussion where The Narrative podcast hosts are joined by experts to take a deep dive into a particularly complex topic–equipping you with the understanding necessary to make informed decisions as a Christian. Odds are you've likely seen the heavy media bias against Ohio's school choice expansion this past year, extolling the cost, claiming it's a misuse of taxpayer funds, and decrying private schools as the lesser education option. Aaron Churchill and Rabbi Yitz Frank join CCV's Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh and podcast hosts CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to unpack why these common anti-school choice arguments are based on cherry-picked data or fail to consider the most important factor in school choice--parental satisfaction. Ready for an in-depth breakdown of school choice fact vs. fiction? Don't miss today's special edition episode! More about the Experts Rabbi Eric “Yitz” Frank serves as President of School Choice Ohio and the executive director of Agudath Israel of Ohio since 2013. In that capacity, he is engaged in multiple projects to educate community organizations about various governmental programming, funding opportunities, and serves as a liaison to the Ohio Department of Education on behalf of Jewish day schools. Rabbi Frank was previously appointed by the Ohio Senate to serve on the NonPublic School Graduation Requirements Advisory Committee and is a member of Governor DeWine’s School Safety Working Group. An expert in education policy and nonpublic schools, Rabbi Frank also serves as the President of the Ohio Council for American Private Education. He is a volunteer lay leader serving on the community relations committee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and President of Congregation Zichron Chaim, located in Beachwood. Rabbi Frank also does government relations and policy work at the federal level related to the National School Lunch Program, ESEA, IDEA, and other related issues. Aaron Churchill is the Ohio research director for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, where he has worked since 2012. In this role, Aaron oversees research and commentary aimed at strengthening education policy in Ohio. He writes regularly on Fordham’s blog, the Ohio Gadfly Daily on topics such as state assessment and school accountability, school funding, and educational choice including public charter schools, private school choice, interdistrict open enrollment, and homeschooling. His work has appeared in media outlets, such as the Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch, Cleveland Plain-Dealer, Dayton Daily News, and Toledo Blade. He has also been a guest on NPR’s All Sides with Ann Fisher and The Sound of Ideas and participated in various panels discussing education issues in Ohio. Aaron earned degrees from the University of Maryland, Wheaton College (IL), and Carnegie Mellon University. 🔊 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'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.

If you're ready for a breath of zesty fresh air, don't miss today's fast-paced episode of The Narrative with Seth Gruber–founder of The White Rose Resistance, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot. Listen in to discover why pastors must still preach against the biblical issues of Gnosticism, child sacrifice, and sex cults because of the theological ties to modern cultural issues like abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism. Seth also breaks down how LGBT activists are fundamentally religious, not unbiased advocates of bodily autonomy. You'll also get to hear CCV President Aaron Baer and Mike do a fast-five take on the latest updates on election inference in Ohio ballot issues, the rollback of common-sense regulation on abortion pills, Attorney General Dave Yost fighting for school transportation for Columbus students, the Libs of TikTok Kaleidoscope expose, and former President Trump coming out against the Florida abortion amendment. For more, check out Seth's talk on "All Human Conflict is Ultimately Theological," The1916Project.com, and TheLastStand.com. More about Seth Gruber The son of a pregnancy resource center director, Seth Gruber was helping save unborn children from abortion while still in his mother’s womb. He has been a voice and defender for preborn babies ever since. He is the host of The Seth Gruber Show (FKA, UnAborted with Seth Gruber) and travels as a speaker to educate the public, discredit the opposition, and inspire the Church to end the great evil of our time. Seth founded The White Rose Resistance in 2022, which has quickly become the fastest-growing pro-life ministry in America. Seth is launching a new book and a vital documentary, “The 1916 Project,” to further awaken The American Church to her pivotal role in today’s culture war. At thirty-two, Seth’s passionate work for the preborn, The Church, and America is just getting started. 🔊 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'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.

Highlighting findings in her new book "False Flag: Why Queer Politics Mean the End of America," Joy Pullmann shares how undermining the traditional family undermines the foundations of our country on today's episode of The Narrative. How did we go from a culture celebrating masculinity and femininity, children, and truth to one that sets sex and sexuality as the core of humanity? Listen in to understand how transgender activists co-opted feminist ideology and why Joy has hope this aggressive movement could collapse. You'll also get to hear Aaron, David, and Mike discuss the ruling on the 24-hour waiting period for abortions and the call Center for Christian Virtue put out for stories about schools pushing social transition in the classroom. More about Joy Pullmann Joy Pullmann is executive editor of The Federalist. A happy wife and the mother of six children, her ebooks include "Classic Books For Young Children," and "101 Strategies For Living Well Amid Inflation." An 18-year education and politics reporter, Joy has testified before nearly two dozen legislatures on education policy and appeared on major media including Tucker Carlson, CNN, Fox News, OANN, NewsMax, Ben Shapiro, and Dennis Prager. Joy is a grateful graduate of the Hillsdale College honors and journalism programs who identifies as native American and gender natural. Joy is also the cofounder of a high-performing Christian classical school and the author and coauthor of classical curricula. Her traditionally published books also include "The Education Invasion: How Common Core Fights Parents for Control of American Kids," from Encounter Books. 🔊 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'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.

What is the new Issue 1? Should you vote for it? Don't miss today's episode of The Narrative podcast with Sen. Rob McColley breaking down 2024's Issue 1 redistricting amendment, including its background and campaign funders, why "citizens not politicians" is anti-democracy, and the disastrous consequences to come if it's passed. You'll also get to hear Aaron, David, and Mike discuss the prevalence of abortion at the Democratic National Convention and preview CCV's 2024 Voter Guide, available on BuckeyeBallot.com More about Sen. Rob McColley State Senator Rob McColley is serving in the Ohio Senate after being appointed in December 2017. He was elected by his Senate colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Floor Leader for the 135th General Assembly. Prior to being appointed to the Senate, he was a State Representative and served in House leadership as Assistant Majority Whip. Before being elected, he served in the Community Improvement Corporation of Henry County. He is also a former trustee of the Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial and the Henry County Community Foundation, as well as a board member for the Henry County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Child and Family Advocacy.  Senator McColley lives in Napoleon with his wife, Denise, their daughter Anna, and their twin boys Matthew and Michael. 🔊 Talk to Us We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now. 👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077. 👉  Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org. ⭐️ How are we doing? If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you'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.

Should we criticize the Church? What about its leaders? If so, how and when would we do it? Megan Basham, an author and reporter for the Daily Wire, joins The Narrative podcast to answer these questions in the context of her new book, Shepherds for Sale. Along with co-hosts CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews, Megan discusses the key decision between admitting misunderstanding and compounding foolishness, how the secular left has strategically coopted universal truths of the Gospel, and how Church leaders should respond to breaking news and crises like COVID. Before the conversation, Aaron, David, and Mike uncover how the children's hospitals' gender clinics have changed following the enactment of the SAFE Act, and how the media is ignoring the savings school choice is providing Ohio. More about Megan Basham Megan Basham is a culture reporter for the Daily Wire and the author of the new book Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda and Beside Every Successful Man: A Woman’s Guide to Having It All. She is a frequent contributor to Morning Wire, one of the top ten news podcasts in the United States. She has also written for the Wall Street Journal, the Telegraph, First Things, National Review, and the leading Evangelical publication World Magazine, where she worked as a film and television editor. Connect with Megan on www.dailywire.com/author/megan-basham; on X (Twitter), @megbasham; and on Instagram, @journalistmeganbasham 🔊 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'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.

Katy Faust–Founder and President of Them Before Us, has an upcoming new book, Pro-Child Politics (releasing September 24), which highlights the need and benefits of placing children's needs above adults' desires on a broad range of policy issues–from porn to debt, and foreign policy to religious liberty–with top experts contributing to each chapter and topic in the book. Maria Baer, a contributor to the book, joins Katy on The Narrative podcast to dive into the heart of the book, with a special emphasis on Maria's chapter on digital technology and what parents can do to protect their children. Before the conversation, co-hosts CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews share the latest updates on the SAFE Act/Save Women's Sports Act (HB68) court case that had put the law on hold, and the realities of the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz presidential candidate ticket. This and more on today's episode of The Narrative podcast! More about Katy Faust Katy Faust is Founder and President of Them Before Us, a global children’s rights nonprofit, and the co-author of a book of the same title. She publishes and speaks widely on why marriage and family are matters of justice for children. Her articles have appeared in Newsweek, USA Today, The Federalist, Public Discourse, WORLD magazine, Washington Examiner, The American Mind, and The American Conservative. She is on the advisory board for the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Katy helped design the teen edition of CanaVox which studies sex, marriage, and relationships from a natural law perspective. She and her co-author detailed their philosophy of worldview transmission in Raising Conservative Kids in a Woke City. Pro-Child Politics is her third book. Katy and her husband are raising their four children in Seattle. More about Maria Baer Maria Baer is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009.  🔊 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'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 podcast, Dr. Jay Richards–Director of the DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation–breaks down Project 2025 and why the left has been so upset over it, how gender ideology attacks what it means to be human, and why he's optimistic that the cultural transgender tide will turn. To open the episode, CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan share their perspectives on what it means to be living in history right now and their thoughts on Kamala Harris as the Democrat's potential presidential nominee. Aaron also explains why the proposed redistricting amendment on the ballot this fall would be detrimental to Ohio's democratic process. To keep up with Dr. Richards, follow him on X (formerly Twitter), @DrJayRichards, or check out Heritage.org. More about Jay Richards, PhD Jay W. Richards, PhD, is Director of the DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family and the Senior Research Fellow in American Principles and Public Policy at The Heritage Foundation. He is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and Executive Editor of The Stream.   Jay is the author or editor of more than a dozen books, including Fight the Good Fight: How an Alliance of Faith and Reason Can Win the Culture War, released earlier this year. He has also created and produced several documentaries, written numerous articles and essays which have been published in major outlets, appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, and spoken extensively at universities, conferences, public policy meetings, and organizations around the world. 🔊 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'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.

Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon is kicking off the latest volume of The Narrative! Seth joins CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to uncover why Christian humor and mockery is essential in the fight against bad ideas. They also discuss whether Elon Musk has moved to the political right and why it's okay to work with atheists even if they don't have the objective moral foundation of Christians. Before the conversation, Aaron and Mike discuss the new Republican platform, the attempted assassination of former President Trump, and why we're excited about Ohio Senator JD Vance getting picked as the Republican nominee for Vice President. Check out BabylonBee.com for more of Seth's work, or see him live on Thursday, October 3, at The Essential Summit. Get your discounted tickets now with coupon code "EarlyBird20" through July 31 on EssentialSummit.org. More about Seth Dillon Seth Dillon is the CEO of The Babylon Bee, the world's most trusted, factually accurate news source. Taking on the tone of a traditional news media publication, the Bee satirizes real-world events and public figures. Dillon's experience with censorship and deplatforming has placed him on the front lines of the battle for free speech in the public square. He now speaks on college campuses and at conferences across the country about the effectiveness of humor, the moral imperative of mockery, and the dangers of censorship. He occasionally signs off X (formerly Twitter) to enjoy time with his wife and two sons in Juno Beach, Florida. 🔊 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'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 today's episode of The Narrative, Jason Thacker, Senior Fellow and Director of the Research Institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan to discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of Christianity. Listen in to find out what makes AI distinct from human intelligence, the danger and benefits it poses, and why it cannot be morally neutral. Before the conversation, David and CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews share the incredible story of how HB183–a bill that preserves single-sex bathrooms–went from being dead on Tuesday to passed out of the Ohio House with a supermajority on Wednesday because of the power of relationships and the engagement of the Body of Christ. More about Jason Thacker Jason Thacker serves as Senior Fellow and Director of the Research Institute at ERLC, focusing on pro-life and other bioethical issues including abortion, reproductive technologies, medical care, euthanasia, and end-of-life decision making. In addition to his work at the ERLC, he serves as assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Boyce College and Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of several books including the Essentials in Christian Ethics series, Baptist Social Ethics (forthcoming), The Age of AI, Following Jesus in a Digital Age, and The Digital Public Square. He is a graduate of The University of Tennessee and Southern Seminary, where he is currently a PhD candidate in Christian ethics and public theology. 🔊 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'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 today's episode of The Narrative, Former US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, CCV President Aaron Baer, and Policy Director David Mahan break down the Biden administration's attempt to force women out of sports, what would happen if we shut down the US Department of Education, and the three areas of opportunity and growth for education with this fall's election. Before the conversation, Aaron and David discuss the Our Bodies, Our Sports bus tour, several key bills that have stalled at the Statehouse, the Southern Baptist Convention's new resolution against in vitro fertilization (IVF), and CCV's inaugural annual conference, The Essential Summit, featuring Dr. Ben Carson, The Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon, and Hillsdale President Larry Arnn. Learn more about the Summit at EssentialSummit.org. Watch CCV's mini-documentary on the passage of Ohio's Save Women's Sports Act and SAFE Act, "Culture Change: The Story HB68," on YouTube. More about Sec. Betsy DeVos Betsy DeVos is the nation’s leading advocate for the educational freedom of all students, having served as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education from 2017 to 2021. For more than three decades, she has tirelessly pursued public policy reforms that get government out of the way and allow all students the freedom, flexibility, resources and support they need to choose where, when and how they learn. Her advocacy has helped create new educational choices for K-12 students in more than 25 states and the District of Columbia and expanded post-high school education options for students of all ages. Betsy is a graduate of Calvin College and is married to entrepreneur, philanthropist and community activist Dick DeVos. Together, they have four children and thirteen grandchildren. 🔊 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'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 his first Inaugural Address, President Ronald Reagan reminded the country that "Freedom is a fragile thing and it's never more than one generation away from extinction." In today's episode of The Narrative podcast, Congressman Jim Jordan stepped out of a Congressional Committee hearing for a quick discussion with Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan about how federal agencies have been turned against the people they were created to serve and what Congress is doing to hold the executive branch accountable by investigating political lawfare used by agencies like the Department of Justice (DOJ). Before the conversation, Aaron and David look at how sports betting has negatively impacted culture and poisoned the way that many of Ohio's youth interact with sports. They also review the need for Christians to stand firmly on the truth of Scripture during Pride Month and not to get caught up in the cultural moment. More about Congressman Jim Jordan Jim Jordan was raised in Champaign County, Ohio, graduated from Graham High School in 1982, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. He later earned a Master’s degree in Education from the Ohio State University and a Law Degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Jordan is a fiscal conservative who believes that families and taxpayers, rather than government, know best how to make decisions with their money. Throughout his career, Jim Jordan has led the fight against tax hikes, including those proposed by his own political party. He believes that cutting taxes and letting families keep more of what they earn helps build strong communities and a vibrant economy. Jordan has been an advocate of the taxpayer, looking for waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. He serves as the Chairman on the House Judiciary Committee and serves on the House Oversight Committee. 🔊 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.

Earlier this week, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 1 to prohibit organizations from spending foreign funds on Ohio's ballot initiatives. Listen in to today's episode of The Narrative podcast to hear Jason Snead–an Ohio native and Executive Director of the Honest Elections Project, CCV President Aaron Baer, and CCV Policy Director David Mahan uncover why this legislation was so necessary, why the left is so opposed to it, and the disastrous reality of ranked-choice voting. Before the conversation, Aaron and David discuss HB245, a bill that would protect children from obscene adult performances, but which the media is spinning as a ban against the LGBT community. They also break down how the SPLC strategically tries to delegitimize anyone, including CCV, who believes in biological reality and that children should not be sterilized. For more information, check out HonestElections.org or follow their work on X (formerly Twitter) @honestelections and Facebook. To learn more about HB245, go to CCV.org/HB245. More about Jason Snead Jason Snead is the Executive Director of the Honest Elections Project. Prior to heading the project, Jason spent 10 years at The Heritage Foundation, where he had the honor to work for former Attorney General Ed Meese. During his tenure at Heritage, Jason rose to become a senior policy analyst and a recognized expert on a wide range of subjects. Jason also managed the development of the Heritage Election Fraud Database, a unique tool aggregating proven instances of voter fraud from around the nation. Jason holds a master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government, and a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University. 🔊 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 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.