Illinois Family Spotlight

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The Illinois Family Spotlight highlights specific cultural or political issues which our listeners need to be aware of. Our discussions are informed by a biblical worldview that helps expose the lies and distortions promulgated within secular culture. We interview policy experts and scholars whose k…

David Smith


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 841 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Illinois Family Spotlight

    The Problem With Becoming Pro Death (IFS #432)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 27:01


    The End of Life Options act has been introduced to the Illinois General Assembly. It will allow doctors to perscribe death-inducing drugs to adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. If it becomes law, it can very easily be expanded. Today’s episode highlights remarks made by Alex Schadenberg during the 2023 Speakout IL conference. Schadenberg is an author and the executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. In his role he hopes to shed light on not only euthanasia, but also on the status of other pro suicide actions.… Continue Reading

    Supporting Police As The Body Of Christ (IFS #431)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 44:00


    Monte & David welcome Dan Marquardt of We Love Police, a 501c3 that highlights the untold good of our police officers. You will find out how to best support your police department right where you are in your community.… Continue Reading

    What is Going on In The Illinois School Districts? (IFS #430)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 44:23


    This week, Monte is joined by Illinois Family Institute’s David Smith to talk with Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois. They are an uncancelable force putting the spotlight on Illinois school districts to erase DEI initiatives and protect children from mental health screenings, graphic sex education and title IX violations.… Continue Reading

    Darwinism and ‘Death with Dignity’ | Dr. Mark Zumhagen (IFS #429)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 34:41


    Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Mark Zumhagen and his presentation at Illinois Family Institute’s forum on Assisted Suicide, which was hosted by Lake County Right to Life. Dr. Zumhagen is an IFI board member and a family medicine physician with 4 decades of practice under his belt. In 2009, he co-founded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made in Orland Park, where he currently practices. In this episode, Dr. Zumhagen discusses how pro suicide legislation has its roots in Darwinism, reminding us that life is a precious gift.… Continue Reading

    May Madness in Illinois Legislature (IFS #428)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 28:30


    It’s May madness time in the Illinois General Assembly, and on Spotlight today, we’re asking IFI lobbyist David Curtin what to expect our legislature to churn out this month. May madness is a term coined by Curtin to describe the chaos that ensues in Springfield before the lawmakers adjurn for the summer. Anything could happen.… Continue Reading

    HB 2827 From the Perspective of a Lawyer | Guest: James Odom (IFS #427)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 26:51


    In this episode of Spotlight, IFI’s attorney breaks down the legal ramifications homeschoolers face if HB 2827 is passed, and how we can conquer it in court if it becomes law.… Continue Reading

    Pray for Life | Guest: Catharine Walker (IFS #426)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 21:45


    Organizers are gearing up for the Fall 40 days for life prayer campaign after a successful spring effort that included a rally across from the planned parenthood facility in Aurora. Catharine Walker spoke with Steve Carlin at that prayer rally, and has some encouraging words for pro life prayer warriors.… Continue Reading

    Hospice and The End of Life Options Act (IFS #425)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 19:39


    Illinois could legalize assisted suicide. The End of Life Options Act gives doctors the greenlight to perscribe death-causing drugs to adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. Life leaders warn that legal suicide in Illinois will eventually be expanded to cover people with non terminal conditions and even children. Following a testimony during a state Senate hearing in Chicago, Dr. Kevin Garner spoke with IFI’s Monte Larrick about the End of Life Options Act. Dr. Garner is an internal medicine specialist, and is board certified in hospice and pallative care.… Continue Reading

    Assisted Suicide Targets People With Disabilities | Guest: Riley Spreadbury (IFS #424)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 23:07


    A leader in the disability community has said that the End of Life Options Act puts disabled people at greater risk of being coerced into seeking assisted suicide. Riley Spreadbury, with the Disability Resource Center in Joliet, testified against assisted suicide before the State Senate committee, and shares her perspective with Spotlight in this episode.… Continue Reading

    The Dangers of ‘The Homeschool Act’ from the Viewpoint of an Attorney | Guest: Will Estrada (IFS #423)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 25:33


    If HB 2827 passes, there are going to be additional bills introduced in subsequent years. ~ Will Estrada During the Illinois Christian Home Educator’s (ICHE) Cherry Pie Day in Springfield, IL, Monte Larrick asked Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s (HSLDA)  Senior Counsel Will Estrada about the dangers of HB 2827. This episode includes Key points you can bring up with your lawmakers How this bill will set Illinois home educators up for further regulations The danger of homeschool parents’ having custody of their children revoked The way brick & mortar private schools will be at risk And much more.… Continue Reading

    The Homeschool Act (IFS #422)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 26:48


    Illinois home educators are rallying against the “Homeschool Act.” HB 2827 will stifle IL homeschoolers with regulations that, if not fully complied with, will lead to hefty fines, and even jail time. Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE) are helping to lead the charge against this legislation. Kirk Smith, executive director of ICHE joins Monte to talk about the consequences of the bill and how YOU can stand against it.… Continue Reading

    Legal Suicide in Illinois: Are There Repercussions? | Guest: Bob Gilligan (IFS #421)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 21:37


    Monte is joined by Bob Gilligan with Catholic Conference of Illinois outside the Chicago hearing of pro-suicide legislation.… Continue Reading

    Homeschoolers Summit! | Guest: Latasha Fields (IFS #420)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 38:27


    Attend the Chicago Home Educator’s Summit! In this episode, Caesor LeFlore (aka Bishop of Truth) talks to Latasha Fields of the Christian Home Educators Support System about their exciting event happening on March 29th.… Continue Reading

    Legislative Update | Guest: IFI Lobbyist David Curtin (IFS #419)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 36:13


    In this edition of Spotoight, we feature IFI’s lobbyist David Curtin giving an update about what happened in Springfield last week.… Continue Reading

    COVID Was a Con | Dr. Mark Zumhagen (IFS #418)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 32:51


    We’re highlighting Dr. Zumhagen’s remarks at IFI’s 2024 COVID Forum, held at Families of Faith in Channahon, IL. Dr. Zumhagen is a family medicine physician, with nearly 4 decades in practice in the medical field. In 2009, he cofounded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made,a wholisitic and nutritionally based center in Orland Park. In this episode, you wil hear this doctor discuss vaccine mandates, the risks of treating healthy people, and the power that the pharmecuetical industries wield in America.… Continue Reading

    Pro-Life Powerhouse Episodes | Nancy Valko & Scott Klusendorf (IFS #417)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 25:57


    In this edition of Spotlight, we hear highlights from interviews with pro life heros regarding Illinois and pro suicide legislation. Nancy Valko served for more than fifty years as a registered nurse, and is the spokeswoman for the National Association of Pro Life Nurses. Scott Klusendorf travels throughout the United States and Canada training pro-life advocates to persuasively defend their views in the public square. He contends that the pro-life message can compete in the marketplace of ideas if properly understood and properly articulated.… Continue Reading

    Cultural Cataclysm & Advancing the Truth | Doug Wilson (IFS #416)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 25:59


    During the Illinois Family Institute 2015 Faith Family & Freedom Banquet, Pastor Doug Wilson challenged Christians to join the fight for sanity, common sense and morality–specifically here in Illinois. His remarks are timeless and encouraging for believers today. Pastor Wilson preaches at Christ Church in Moscow, ID, and is senior fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College. He is a prolific author and his blog, dougwils.com, is home to his witty and rapier thoughts on culture, the church at large, and politics.… Continue Reading

    Education is Possible | Guest: LaTasha Fields (IFS #415)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 32:58


    Pator Caesar LeFlore hosts Spotlight today to highlight the work and ministry of LaTasha Fields, an 18-year home educator and passionate advocate for parental rights, education, and community empowerment.… Continue Reading

    Snippets and Soundbites (IFS #412)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 27:32


    We’re highlighting remarks from multiple different podcasts and events over the years in this episode, including Dr. Karl Benzio, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, and more!… Continue Reading

    Missing Migrant Children, Pro-Sex Offender Legislation, & a Parents Rights Toolkit | Tom Hampson (IFS #411)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 21:33


    Tom Hampson is an Air Force veteran, where he served as an Intelligence analyst in Western Europe. He also served as an Chief Investigator for the Illinois Legislative Investigating Commission and served on the Chicago Crime Commission as a board member. His work as an investigator prompted him to establish the Truth Alliance Foundation (TAF) and to dedicate the rest of his life to the protection of children. He hopes that the TAF will expand to facilitate the protection of children all over the United States and around the world.… Continue Reading

    Gender Affirming Care & Pritzker’s ‘Trump Proofing’ of Illinois | Guest: Thomas Hampson (IFS #410)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 23:42


    In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick discuss how IL Gov JB Pritzker is “Trump Proofing” Illinois by doubling down on gender affirming care in the state.… Continue Reading

    Assisted Suicide Coming to Illinois (IFS #409)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 23:00


    Today’s Spotlight is featuring remarks given by Dr. Stephen Smart (yes that’s really his last name) at an IFI forum in 2024. The subject? Legalized doctor-assisted suicide. Dr. Stephen Smart is a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of Illinois college of medicine, and is in private practice at the Springfield clinic in Peoria. Pastor Mark Moore and his church, Belmont Bible, were our gracious hosts to listen to Dr. Smart and his colleague, Dr.… Continue Reading

    Hopeful and Pro Life: Catherine Walker (IFS #408)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 20:00


    40 Days for Life activist Catherine Walker spoke outside of Illinois’ Flossmoor Planned Parenthood. Ms. Walker is a post abortive pro life warrior, dedicated to helping women by being a sidewalk counselor and in this edition of spotlight, shares how she sees a positive impact in her community as a result.… Continue Reading

    Pro Life With a Purpose | Guest: Frank Pavone (IFS #407)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 28:43


    We are featuring keynote remarks given by Frank Pavone during Southside Pregnancy Center’s 2024 banquet. Rev. Pavone serves as the national director of Priests For Life and president of the National Pro-Life Religious Counsel and pastoral director of Rachel’s Vineyard.    … Continue Reading

    Should Illinois Legalize Assisted Suicide? (IFI #405)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 26:37


    Today we're placing the spotlight on Dr. Benjamin German and his professional take on Illinois' efforts to legalize doctor-assisted suicide. Dr. German is a primary caregiver in the Lawndale Christian Health Center on Chicago's West side, and also an Illinois Representative in the Academy of Medical Ethics, the biomedical arm of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations. During a special forum hosted by the Illinois Family Institute at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, Dr.… Continue Reading

    Good Soil, Good Seed (IFS #404)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 30:43


    In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick talks with Caesor LeFlore, pastor of Spirit of Liberty Church, founder of Good Soil, Good Seed and Executive Director of Public School Exit.… Continue Reading

    Feed & Love My Sheep | Guest: Rev. Elmer Harris (IFS #403)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 28:42


    In this edition of Spotlight, Monte is joined be Reverend Elmer Harris, pastor emeritus of Second Baptist Church in Joliet, serves as a chaplain for the Bolingbrook police department, and ministers to hundreds of people in his community through the Blessing Table, a food pantry to aid people in need.… Continue Reading

    The Price Tag of Sex | Pam Stenzel Keynote (IFS #402)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 32:03


    In this edition, keynote remarks from Pam Stenzel during Illiana Right To Life‘s 2024 Fall Banquet. Stenzel has been a pro life advocate since the early 1980’s and currently runs 4  pregnancy resource centers in Florida. She is also the author of the book “Sex Has a Price Tag” and co author of the book “Nobody Told Me: What You Need to Know About the Physical and Emotional Consequences of Sex Outside of Marriage”  … Continue Reading

    The Results Are In: Election Breakdown (IFS #401)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 34:16


    Monte and Dave Smith discuss what happened last Tuesday, Trump’s positive policy changes on protecting children and families, how Priztker promised to make Illinois “Trump-proof” and how Christians residing in this blue state can stay encouraged.… Continue Reading

    Banned Books Week & Parents’ Concerns | Guest: Thomas Hampson (IFS #400)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 24:28


    The week of September 22nd was announced as banned book week as proclaimed by the American Library Association. Thomas Hampson wrote an article for IFI about it. The concerns that parents have about inappropriate books being placed in the children’s section of the library is not void. To read more from Thomas Hampson, click here.… Continue Reading

    Vote Jim Marter for 14th Congressional District (IFS Bonus Episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 33:51


    Jim Marter is a Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois' 14th Congressional District,and he believes our future is bright if we rein in big government, return to American freedoms and principles and send wise and knowledgeable, servant-leaders to Washington. In this special edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick talks with James Marter about what his goals are when he gets in office   Marter For Congress  … Continue Reading

    Illinois, Go Vote! (IFS #399)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 29:50


    Monte Larrick and David Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, discuss why there are no rusty swords on the battle field of the public square, and how it is our duties as Christians to vote.… Continue Reading

    Toxic Empathy, Christian Empathy & Voting: Allie Beth Stuckey (IFS #398)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 33:14


    Today we’re featuring Allie Beth Sutckey’s keynote address at IFI’s 2024 faith, family and freedom banquet. Stuckey is a Christian, wife, mother, and hit podcast host of the show “Relatable.” In this keynote, she breaks down her catchphrase for us: politics matter because policies matter because people matter. Watch IFI’s interview with Allie Beth Stuckey here.… Continue Reading

    The Eclipse of God in America: Guest | Dr. Erwin Lutzer (IFS #397)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 21:38


    Dr. Lutzer is the pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago, you can hear his lectures and teachings on Moody Radio. He is the author of nigh on countless highly acclaimed books, including The Church in Babylon, When a Nation Forgets God, and most recently, The Eclipse of God. In this episode, Monte Larrick asks Lutzer about his new book and what’s happening to Illinois.… Continue Reading

    323,000 Children Missing? | Guest: Thomas Hampson (IFS #396)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 24:59


    In this episode, Monte Larrick discusses with Thomas Hampson where the children who come to America’s borders are now, the illegal alien predicament in our country, and more. Hamosn is the founder of the Freedom Alliance Foundation, and is a journalist for the Illinois Family Institute. To read his documentation about the missing children,  click here.… Continue Reading

    40 Days to Pray (IFS #395)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 24:19


    In this episode, Monte Larrick interviews Catherine Walker, who works with 40 Days For Life. To sign up for a prayer shift, click here.… Continue Reading

    Live Up to America’s God Given Freedoms | Guest: Anni Cyrus (IFS #394)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 20:29


    “As Christians our freedoms are given to us by God, not man. So why are we so afraid of man taking them away? Where is our faith? It is our duty as Christians to speak the truth and deliver the truth. . .we need to look into the level of faith we have lost in order to gain the popularity of our society.” ~Anni Cyrus Anni Cyrus fled from Iran as a teenager, and now as a legal American citizen, she advocates for God given freedoms, is a human rights activist, and speaks against the horrors of the Islamic religion she experienced as a child bride.… Continue Reading

    Praying Outside of an Abortion Clinic is Terrorism? | Guest: David Shestokas (IFS #393)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 29:17


    In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with David Shestokas about how pro-life activists in Illinois have been targeted by a candidate of the Cook County State’s Attorney position, about the general election coming up, and much more. To purchase David Shestokas’ books, click here and here.… Continue Reading

    Building The Right Worldview: Ken Ham (IFS #392)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 32:01


    Ken Ham is the founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis and it's two popular attractions: The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. He's an author and the #1 expert on the topic of Biblical creation. Today we feature a lecture he presented at the 2024 ICHE convention where he discussed how to build the right worldview to understand the world correctly, and a phenomenon he calls the “Genesis 3 effect.”  … Continue Reading

    No Neutral Position | Ken Ham Keynote (IFS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 32:01


    “The Bible says you’re either for Christ or against. You either walk in darkness or in light. You gather or scatter. You build your house on the rock or you build your house on the sand. There is no such thing as a neutral position.” ~Ken Ham For this edition, we feature Ken Ham’s keynote remarks at the 2024 ICHE convention. Ham hosts the daily radio program “Answers,” is the author of multiple books and founded the Creation museum and Ark Encounter based in Kentucky.… Continue Reading

    Go Public Pro Life (IFS #392)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2024 24:43


    We’re featuring remarks from the Go Public for Pro Life rally, organized by Vision 2020. It was held across the street from the Planned Parenthood mill in Aurora, Illinois.  Julie Garofalo is the executive director of the women’s crisis pregnancy center called Waterleaf across the street from that very same Planned Parenthood, Matt Yonke of the Pro Life Action League. Veronica Janiszewski with Students for Life, and the event organizers all spoke on the importance of showing up and praying.… Continue Reading

    Impacting Voters: Election Intergrity in Illinois (IFS #391)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 30:51


    Carol Davis is with Illinois Conservative Union and is the head of the Illinois Election Intergrity Program. She joins Monte to discuss the impact of mail-in ballots, the mess of our Illinois election system, how illegal immigrants are flooding our voter rolls, and voting strategies.… Continue Reading

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