Engage Arizona

The battle over abortion, the moral revolution changing sexual ethics, and challenging long-held parental rights. With so much coming at us as Americans, parents, church goers, the politically engaged – how do we fight back morally and effectively? Political commentator and writer, Ben Shapiro has some compelling thoughts on how we got here and how to get out of it. He is also Center for Arizona Policy's keynote speaker at the upcoming CAP Family Dinner. Shapiro discusses these critical issues, as well as the war in Ukraine, the upcoming Supreme Court decision on abortion, and what to expect in the 2022 and 2024 elections in this episode of Engage Arizona. 

December 1, 2021 is a historic day. Nearly 49 years after the U.S. Supreme Court declared a right to abortion, justices will decide if Roe v Wade was wrongly decided and send the issue of abortion back to the states where it belongs. Oral arguments went on for two hours as pro-life warriors rallied and prayed outside the Court. CAP was there to witness history. In this episode of Engage Arizona, Cathi Herrod and Arizona State Senator Nancy Barto share their experience and initial analysis of the oral arguments.  

You don't have to look far to see the impact of social media on our youth. In part one of Protecting Young Eyes, Chris McKenna detailed the negative emotional and psychological effects of a consistent diet of digital input, the messages being sent, and the consequences of children and teens replacing real relationships with digital ones. On this episode of Engage Arizona, we continue with the recording of the second part of a CAP event designed to educate and equip parents, churches, and schools to create a safer digital environment for our children.  

A whistleblower at Facebook recently leaked inside information revealing the negative impact social media can have on teens. Although not completely a surprise, the confirmation from inside the parent company of Instagram caught parents' attention. But social media and online games and other content have become an integral part of young people's everyday lives. Is there a way to truly protect children and teens from the harms of social media and the internet? In this episode of Engage Arizona, we revisit an event CAP hosted with Chris McKenna, founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes to learn about the impact on kids, and the latest apps, digital trends, parental controls and more in this, the first of a two part series.  

Research shows millennials struggle with depression, fear, and anxiety. Many lack a sense of real meaning in life. Researchers say millennials are part of a generation in crisis, and the next generation is looking for answers. Len Munsil, former President of CAP and current President of Arizona Christian University talks about where to find the answers in this episode of Engage Arizona. Munsil and his wife, Dr. Tracy Munsil, an Associate Professor at ACU and Executive Director of the school's Cultural Resource Center, discuss how to equip young people for this cultural moment.

Election 2022 is just a year away. Arizona will choose a new Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and new state lawmakers. As surprise results in New Jersey and Virginia show us, these off year elections are critical opportunities for voters to redirect policy with which they disagree. We discuss the results of the NJ and VA elections, what it means for Arizona, and what to expect next – plus the make up of Arizona's coming election - in this episode of Engage Arizona.

Lawmaking, both state and national, greatly lack civility in today's culture. How bad is it, and what is driving policy makers to jettison such a critical quality needed to get things done? We ask Arizona House Majority Leader Ben Toma for a glimpse inside the state Capitol and how he sees the dilemma in this episode of Engage Arizona. Rep. Toma has a unique perspective based on his own personal story of making his way to America as a boy.

If it seems like changes are coming out of Washington DC faster than you can keep up, you're not alone. Multi-trillion dollar spending bills with hidden pet projects, directives that undermine the foundation of American values, government overreach, and much more threaten our way of life and our children's future. We get an update from Arizona's U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko on federal policies being considered that directly affect each one of us, and what we can do about them.

There are organizations in almost every state committed to advocating for families at the state legislature. Like CAP, those organizations work strategically to protect life, marriage and family, and religious freedom. We learn from each other, share what works, and support each other's efforts. The Center for Christian Virtue is Ohio's CAP, per se. At a time of much unrest and hostility toward our values, you'll be encouraged to hear about the fruitful efforts unfolding in Ohio, as an example of what is also happening in other states across the country.

The U.S. Supreme Court has an opportunity to finally overturn Roe v Wade and send the issue of abortion back to the states. But the case they will hear in December may not go that far. What is likely to come from the Dobbs case? Cathi Herrod asks Alliance Defending Freedom attorney, Kevin Theriot for the answer to that question and others burning in the minds of pro-lifers everywhere. Whether Dobbs is it or a steppingstone to pro-life goals, there are other cases on the horizon, including one in Arizona, that could play a pivotal role in righting a decades-old wrong.

State lawmakers introduced about two thousand bills this past session. Only a fraction made it through committees and onto the House and Senator floor for a vote, and then to Governor Ducey's desk. Among those that did, were 14 CAP-supported laws that protect life and preserve families, parental rights and religious freedom. As those and other new laws take effect, we discuss the important changes impacting Arizonans on this week's Engage Arizona.

It was yeoman's work getting a major pro-life law passed in Arizona with a slim pro-life majority in the House and Senate, especially when the abortion industry feels its power slipping. As expected, abortion activists sued and asked the court to stop the law from going into effect. The hearing was revealing and unique in some ways. In this episode of Engage Arizona, CAP's policy team recaps the hearing, the arguments, and what we can expect next in the fight for life.

Just days after a devastating retreat from Afghanistan, America marks a solemn anniversary of the historic terrorist attacks that originally led the U.S. Military to Afghanistan years ago. Most have their vivid memories from the morning of 9/11/2001. Those who lost loved ones, security, or peace that day vow to never let America forget what is at stake. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. Boykin comes with a unique perspective on the events of 9/11 and where we are now 20 years later. With 36-years in the Army, one of the original members of the U.S. Army's Delta Force, Gen. Boykin knows combat, danger, and what makes it all worthwhile. He does not hold back his lament of how we gave up 20-years of accomplishments - and left Americans and allies behind in danger.

The U.S. Supreme Court's surprise decision to let the Texas heartbeat law remain in effect is the biggest pro-life victory since 1973 - it's a game changer. Every day the law remains in effect, up to 150 lives are potentially saved. Each of the women not seduced into abortion are spared the pain and regret of abortion. But this is only the beginning. The novel approach to this particular heartbeat law can serve as a roadmap for other states looking to save the lives of the preborn and protect their mothers.

Christians are often thought of as defending only their own religious interests in the public square. They are viewed as worrying exclusively about the erosion of their freedom to assemble and to follow their convictions, while not seeming as concerned about publicly defending the rights of Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and atheists to do the same. Joining CAP's VP of Advancement is Dr. Andrew T. Walker, an emerging Southern Baptist public theologian, who argues for a robust Christian ethic of religious liberty that helps the church defend religious freedom for everyone in a pluralistic society. Whether explicitly religious or not, says Walker, every person is striving to make sense of his or her life. The Christian foundations of religious freedom provide a framework for how Christians can navigate deep religious difference in a secular age.

With the U.S. Supreme Court set to decide a major pro-life case challenging Roe v Wade this next term, the issue of abortion is front and center. Lawyers will make legal arguments, but it's the real-life stories of how abortion ends life and harms women that will change hearts. As a survivor of abortion, Claire Culwell has a very unique perspective. Her existence forces people on both sides of the issue to look beyond the abstract to the humanity of both preborn baby and wounded mother. Hear how God turned her experience into a powerful story that heals and saves lives.

> Sometimes those who fall from high places land on solid ground, right where they are meant to be. Craig DeRoche rose quickly to the lofty position of the Speaker of the Michigan House, calling the shots for the state's Capitol - the youngest member to hold that office. Behind the scenes, his life was falling apart. When it did, the Lord had him right where he needed him. Now, DeRoche heads the Family Policy Alliance, effecting public policy on a state level from a national position. Hear his compelling journey and how he is uniquely qualified to lead a nation policy network of which CAP is a part.

After a legislative session cut short by Covid 19 last year, state lawmakers took on hundreds of bills this session, passing a flurry of pro-life, pro-family bills, along with election reforms, and curriculum regulations. Legislators were not shy in taking on controversial issues, many that are the topic of conversation around the dinner table. CAP's policy team sorts out the wins and losses, and makes sense of it all so Arizonans understand how it will affect their quality of life.

His name has been whispered as a possible 2024 presidential candidate. He held a top cabinet position in the Trump Administration, graduated top of his class at West Point, and carries decades of government experience. Former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo was the keynote speaker at this year's CAP Family Dinner and joins Cathi Herrod again to discuss the challenges ahead and how they can and must be met head-on. He takes on the anti-American sentiment prevalent in culture today, names threats from inside and outside the country, and explains how he believes the soul of America can be preserved.

Growing hostility toward Religious freedom directly attacks the First Amendment right to exercise one's religion without undue interference from government. We see it in efforts to force businessmen and women to choose between their livelihoods and their deeply held beliefs. We see charities forced to violate their beliefs if they want to continue serving those in need, and churches forced to comply with more intense restrictions than other organizations and businesses during the pandemic. But we also are witnessing a pattern of U.S. Supreme Court rulings that uphold religious freedom. The latest example came in SCOTUS' unanimous ruling in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. There is much more to the decision than a win for Fulton. Listen to this analysis.

Autonomy reigns in today's culture. It supersedes the long-held understanding of humanity and sexuality, and the respect for religion and God himself. We see people running away from God and from truth, rejecting the creator and trying to do it their own way. The result divides and destroys. How does one thrive and influence culture in such a hostile environment? Doctor Del Tackett has some answers.

Many bills languishing in the State Legislature have a direct or indirect impact on each of us and our quality of life. They affect our rights as parents, educators, students, churchgoers, and community members. With the budget deadline looming, what compromises are legislators making to reach an agreement, and will that mean the sacrifice of pending pro-life, pro-family policy? We discuss that, the risks involved, and how the 2022 election line up is already taking shape.

Will we look back years from now and see Dobbs as the beginning of the end of Roe? The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a key issue in the abortion debate: Are all bans on pre-viability abortion unconstitutional? The answer could upend rulings in Roe and Casey, setting off a potential undoing of the so-called right to abortion throughout the country. Those answers are a year out, but there are aspects of the case to consider now as we watch pro-abortion activists set the stage to counter any such outcome.

Nearly every state in the country has introduced at least one pro-life bill this year, including Arizona. Hundreds of them are making their way through various state legislatures. What is going on, and why now, when the Biden Administration moves fiercely toward a pro-abortion agenda? You won't believe what pro-life investigative journalist, David Daleiden uncovered this time. Also, the battle for women's sports goes to court as more states pass laws protecting a fair playing field for girls.

When a major CAP supported pro-life bill died on the Senate floor, the media and other pro-abortion activists celebrated. But a bill is never dead until sine die, and now pro-life advocates are the ones celebrating. We discuss how it all happened with a special guest. Plus, what are the chances for a similar recovery after a disappointing veto of parental rights bill, SB 1456?

How did a major pro-life bill, one step from the Governor's desk, end up failing on the final Senate vote? What was going on behind the scenes and what happens now? We talk about that, plus a local vote on taxpayer funding of so-called "transition" surgery for minors, and how other states are handling the issue. We also have an update on the Mesa ordinancy referendum on this episode of Engage Arizona.

The last week of committee hearings on proposed bills at the Arizona Capitol did not disappoint. Fireworks and drama gave a glimpse of what's to come on the House and Senate floors. One key hearing displayed growing disdain for parental rights in both education and the health and wellbeing of children. We talk about where this is going and how to head it off on this episode of Engage Arizona. Plus, what the South Dekota Governor's surprise veto of a women's sports bill means for similar efforts, including here in Arizona.

CAP is following dozens of bills, and supporting nearly 20 this session. These are bills that will have an impact on most Arizonans, one way or another. In addition, the federal government is moving at breakneck speed to pass legislation that will turn religious freedom as we know it on its head, as well as jeopardize the privacy and wellbeing of women and girls. In this episode of Engage Arizona, we discuss the latest developments both locally and nationally, and how they will impact you.

Part 2 of Chris St. John's interview with Greg Baker

Chris St. John interviews special guest Greg Baker from the Church Ambassador Network.

The average person is unaware of most proposed legislation moving through the state Capitol. Only policy wonks follow the daily progress of any of the nearly two thousand bills in various stages of the legislative process. But no one wants to be surprised when a new law suddenly affects their life, or that violates their deeply held beliefs. Listen here for the key bills being considered in the Arizona Legislature: what they would do, where they are in the process, and how they would affect your life if they became law.

There has been a lot of discussion about marijuana lately, but what does the Bible say about using it? Does it matter if it’s medical or recreational? How should we approach the issue of marijuana use? And how do we talk with our kids, our congregations, or our friends about it? “Jesus and Mary Jane” looks at marijuana through the lens of science and Scripture. We hear from the author in this episode of Engage Arizona.

Arizona faces a potential character change after the November election. Just how different would the state look under new leadership? The 2020 legislative session in the state of Virginia gives us some clear indicators. The Family Foundation's Victoria Cobb explains the sweeping changes to state law, and the reversal of more than 20-years of value-sustaining policy in just two months time.

Pro-abortion advocates will tell you that the pro-life movement doesn’t care about the woman or the child after the birth. Laura Magruder, CEO of Maggie’s Place, is proof that statement is false. Maggie’s place is and has been a safe haven for hundreds of women facing unplanned pregnancy and homelessness. From helping them deal with addiction, to reuniting families, Maggie’s Place is an answered prayer for women in the midst of extreme turmoil in their lives. Laura shares what it’s like to be on the front lines in the pro-life movement working alongside women and offering community in some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

1 in 4 women will have an abortion in the United States. Abortion giant Planned Parenthood and other abortion providors would have you believe that not one woman would regret their decision or second guess if they did the “right” thing for themselves. But reality is, women do change their minds. In this episode, listen as Dr. William Lile, also known as the “pro-life doc” discusses the science and reality of abortion pill rescue and the incredible second chance it can offer women and their pre-born children.

Not too many people can say they’ve flown a fighter jet - even fewer women can make that claim. There are a lot of things Senator Martha McSally has done that impress and inspire the Arizonans she represents in the U.S. Senate. We’re not talking politics now. We’re getting to know the woman who carved a way for herself in a man’s world, and the character built by trials and triumphs along the way.

The Ballot Box: Where Faith and Culture Collide by Center for Arizona Policy

Jor-El Godsey leads the world’s largest leadership supply line for the pregnancy help movement by providing accurate information, training, and daily support to women and couples at risk for abortion. Being on the front lines of the pro-life movement, Jor-El shares his professional expertise on how to communicate some of the most controversial issues of our time. In this episode, we discuss the truth about Abortion Pill Rescue, the role of Pregnancy Resource Centers, and how to cut through the noise of media and the abortion industry to get women accurate, reliable information.

A Pandemic can apparently shut down life as we know it, and throw our economy into a tail spin, but one thing it won't stop: The 2020 election. In fact, elections feed off of chaos. As a key battleground state, Arizona's elections were shaping up to be quite volatile before the coronavirus. So, how has it changed the face of the election? The policies front and center? Engage Arizona discusses those questions, and what else Arizona voters can expect leading up to November.

Facts, Feelings, and Fighting the Virus with Ben Shapiro by Center for Arizona Policy

Center for Arizona Policy's Cindy Dahlgren interviews Yavapai County (AZ) Attorney Sheila Polk about the dangers of legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Arizona. This important conversation comes at a time when recreational pot is making an appearance as a 2020 ballot initiative.

The following podcast is a recording of a Center for Arizona Policy event held on November 12, 2019 in which Chris McKenna, founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, discusses the latest apps, digital trends, parental controls, and how to determine the best options for families. The following links are video clips that Chris references and/or shares during his presentation: 1. The Senate Hearing on CSPAN: https://www.c-span.org/video/?462403-1/senate-panel-holds-hearing-online-data-privacy-protections-children (starting at 16:50) 2. Sean Parker's interview with Axios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7jar4KgKxs 3. Chris McKenna Fox 17 news segment: https://fox17online.com/2018/08/15/warning-for-parents-against-oversharing-on-social-media/

John Stonestreet covers some of the biggest issues facing Arizona today, including: recreational marijuana, ethics of human sexuality, physician assisted suicide, and civil discourse...all from a Biblical worldview.

The Arizona Supreme Court has set a bold precedent, upholding religious freedom for a couple of local artists doing business in Phoenix. The court held artists don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they enter the workforce. The case is crucial to the ongoing discussion about how nondiscrimination laws can be used to silence people of faith. Today, Cathi Herrod talks with the artists of Brush & Nib about their courageous stand against coercive government action, and what the court victory means to them now. She also discusses what the ruling might mean for other artists doing business in Arizona with Alliance Defending Freedom attorney, Jonathan Scruggs. And now, here’s Cathi.

If you’ve seen the movie, Unplanned, or know the story behind it, you are familiar with Abby Johnson. As a former Planned Parenthood clinic director, Abby has insight into the dangerous practices and greedy policies of the abortion industry. She is also acutely aware of the pain, fear, and confusion of many women who seek abortions. Abby speaks with Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod today about the misnomer of the term pro-choice, and how most women who seek abortions don’t think they have another choice. Abby challenges our reliance on politicians to abolish abortion, when the real solution requires a heart change.

Chris St. John and Sam Allberry discuss Sam's latest book, "Seven Myths About Singleness".

Protecting the preborn is a comprehensive effort. Advocating for public policy that affirms life and cares for the mother is just one important aspect. Women faced with unplanned pregnancies need a place to turn – somewhere to slow down and consider their options – somewhere they can learn about the resources available to them – somewhere safe, where someone will listen. Pregnancy Resource Centers provide all of that and more. They also provide pro-life Arizonans opportunities to get involved and help both mother and her preborn baby. A panel of women who head local pregnancy resource centers joins us today to give insight into this important aspect of the pro-life movement. CAP’s Cindy Dahlgren discussed with them their role in the community, why women consider abortion, the fathers’ role, the greatest need, and how you can help.

The big marijuana industry is trying again to pass recreational marijuana in Arizona with a new ballot initiative for the 2020 election. This comes at a time when more and more experts are acknowledging the link between today’s high potency marijuana and psychosis. Alex Berenson has followed the extensive research done on the subject and recently wrote a book titled, “Tell Your Children the Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence.” Berenson found that the link between marijuana and psychosis goes back hundreds of years, but has only recently begun to penetrate the long-held notion that cannabis is harmless. He says the science is undeniable and points to the growing potency of today’s marijuana – which is ten to 50 percent more potent than it was decades ago when marijuana first hit the U.S. market.

Have you ever wonder how, or even if, Christian should engage in public policy? Pastor Eric Jones of Evident Life Church answers this question and many other relevant questions in this Engage Arizona podcast episode.

Academic dean and assistant professor at Phoenix Seminary*, Dr. Brian Arnold, joins us today to discuss church history and how it reveals practical lessons for us today. *Shortly after the recording of this podcast, Dr. Arnold was named President of Phoenix Seminary.

Nik Nikas, the cofounder, president, and general counsel of Bioethics Defense Fund, discusses a variety of issues regarding life-from physician assisted suicide to embryonic stem cell research. Hear Nikas' take on the morality of bioethics and his educated opinion on where Arizona stands in terms of abortion laws.