The Narrative

On this week's episode of The Narrative—recorded live at Center for Christian Virtue's (CCV) 2025 Columbus Gala—US Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted join CCV President Aaron Baer on stage for a candid conversation about the future of Ohio, the importance of faith and family, and what it means to lead with conviction in challenging times. Before the Senators take the stage, Aaron is joined by CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews to dive into this week's latest news: ⚖️ The Ohio Senate passed the state budget with the notable exclusion of iGaming. The budget includes legislation that strengthens families, protects children, and restores common sense to public policy in Ohio.

What if being "pro-life" simply isn't enough and the Church is called to something greater? In this week's episode of The Narrative, Roland Warren joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews to discuss his powerful new book, The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life. As Christians, this conversation challenges us to rethink our response and rise to a higher standard—one that reflects the heart of Christ. Before Roland shares insights, David and Mike break down the latest from the Ohio Statehouse, including key updates on the Senate's proposed budget and where things stand with the iGaming bill. They unpack what these developments could mean for Ohio families, our economy, and the future of online gambling in the state.

Losing her job, her security, and even her teeth weren't enough to silence Sage Steele, host of The Sage Steele Show and former ESPN sportscaster. On this special episode of The Narrative, Sage candidly shares why she left ESPN as well as her testimony of courage, conviction, and the sustaining power of prayer at our Cincinnati Celebration Gala. Before Sage takes the stage, CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down to discuss the school choice wins in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. They also discuss a movement by statewide pastors and ministry leaders to oppose Senate Bill 197, Ohio's gambling expansion bill, and how this bill would impact the most vulnerable. More about Sage Steele Sage Steele is one of the country's most popular and respected broadcasters of her generation. She currently hosts The Sage Steele Show, a weekly podcast, where she sits down with entertainers, athletes, business people, and politicians to have deep dive personal one-on-one discussions that enlighten, entertain, and engage. Prior to launching her show, she was a leading fixture at ESPN from 2007-2023, hosting the network’s flagship show, SportsCenter. Through the years, Sage has been a featured guest host on ABC's The View, was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and has been profiled by numerous publications, including Rolling Stone, Variety, The Wall Street Journal, Vibe, and Huffington Post. Sage is proud to be a new member of the board of directors for The Boys & Girls Club of America. She is also in her third year as a board member for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, an advisory board member for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and volunteers with The Alzheimer’s Association. Most importantly, Sage is the proud mother of three children, and she resides in Florida.

Congress passed a major piece of legislation on the evening of Wednesday, May 21—the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (HR1) was voted out of the US House of Representatives and on to the US Senate. Eric Teetsel, President of Center for Renewing America, joins CCV President Aaron Baer on this week's episode of The Narrative to unpack what the passage of this bill means for families, faith, and freedom. Aaron and Eric give a front-row seat to one of the most important legislative wins we’ve seen in years and celebrate a step forward for America. More about Eric Teetsel Eric Teetsel is the President at Center for Renewing America (CRA) and is the host of CRA's podcast, The Bully Pulpit—a weekly show that provides clear and candid commentary on politics and culture from a biblical standpoint. He has a track record of experience in government at the federal, state, and local levels. He was Chief of Staff to US Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, where he also held the roles of Legislative Director and Special Assistant. Eric 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, among other positions. Eric 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.

Do you want your tax dollars supporting an industry that relies on addiction, drains families’ wealth, and targets the most vulnerable? In this special episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined by gambling experts Les Bernal and Dr. Jonathan Krutz, along with school administrator Mark Mousa, to unpack the dangerous rise of predatory gambling in Ohio—and why Christians must take a stand. This isn't just about gambling. It’s about who pays the price. From alarming suicide rates to billions in personal wealth lost, this conversation reveals the hidden costs of state-sponsored gambling and what it means for the Church, for families, and for our future.

Before the chaos of culture took over, we used to teach the Success Sequence—and it worked. Now, the Sequence, a proven formula to help young adults avoid poverty and achieve the American Dream, is being withheld from students and pulled from classrooms. Ian Rowe joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to talk about the positive impact teaching the Success Sequence to children has on their wellbeing, and ultimately on the trajectory of their lives. Before the guys sit down with Ian, Mike and David talk about David's testimonies in support of Senate Bill 156 to teach the Success Sequence in schools, as well as Senate Bill 163 which would prohibit obscene AI-generated content and set parameters around other AI usage. Learn more about the Success Sequence in our marriage and family report, Hope and a Future. More about Ian Rowe Ian Rowe is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he focuses on education and upward mobility, family formation, and adoption. Ian is also the cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a network of virtues-based International Baccalaureate high schools inaugurated in the Bronx in 2022; the chairman of the board of Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit adoption services organization; and the cofounder of the National Summer School Initiative. He concurrently serves as a senior visiting fellow at the Woodson Center and a writer for the 1776 Unites Campaign. He was CEO of Public Prep for a decade. Before joining Public Prep, he was deputy director of postsecondary success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and public affairs at MTV, director of strategy and performance measurement at the USA Freedom Corps office in the White House, and cofounder and president of Third Millennium Media. He has been widely published in the popular press, including in the New York Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Examiner, and is often interviewed on talk radio programs. Following the publication of his book Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for All Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power, Ian leads AEI’s FREE Initiative, cultivating a deeper understanding of how family, religion, education, and entrepreneurship weave together a moral fabric that shapes children. Ian has an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was the first black editor-in-chief of the Harbus; a BS in computer science engineering from Cornell University; and a diploma in electrical engineering from Brooklyn Technical High School, one of New York City’s elite public schools, which specializes in science, technology, and mathematics. A New York native, Ian and his wife have two children.

The abortion pill has become the most common form of abortion in America—but most people have no idea about the serious harm it causes women. This week on The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Jamie Hall, Director of Data Analysis at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), to discuss their shocking new report on the abortion pill. In this powerful conversation, Jamie breaks down:

Did you know more than 70 percent of churches in America have no active marriage ministry? Communio is on a mission to change that—while also helping churches evangelize in their communities. In this week's episode of The Narrative, JP De Gance, Communio founder and president, sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot to explore how churches can take the lead in strengthening marriages and families through the hope of the Gospel. The guys dive into: ⛪ Why marriages are struggling—and how the Church can respond

Ohio Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to break down the recently passed House budget and what it actually means for Ohioans like you. From property tax reform to increased education funding, school choice, and abortion reporting, this budget proposal is packed with pro-family policy! Here's a quick look at what we cover:

Strong families are the foundation of a strong society. So how do we rebuild? In this episode of The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Delano Squires from The Heritage Foundation to walk through the parallels between CCV's marriage and family report, Hope and a Future, and Heritage's report, Crossroads. Delano also candidly shares about the decline of marriage and dives deep into the cultural and biblical dynamics behind the breakdown of the black family. Before the timely and thought-provoking conversation on the future of the family in America, CCV President Aaron Baer joins Mike to discuss the launch of the United States Christian Education Network (USCEN), CCV's upcoming Celebration Galas, the uptick in the denial of student visas to The Ohio State University, and how the Ohio House budget could benefit Ohioans. More about Delano Squires Delano Squires is a Research Fellow in the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation. He is also a contributor to Blaze Media who writes about faith, family, and culture as well as BlazeTV’s Fearless with Jason Whitlock podcast. Delano's articles and essays have been published by Newsweek, The American Conservative, The Federalist, The Institute for Family Studies, Black and Married with Kids, The Root, and The Grio. Before joining The Heritage Foundation, Delano worked for the District of Columbia government for over a decade. He provided free technology training classes for job-seekers, ex-offenders, and senior citizens during that time. He also created digital exploration programs for K-12 students, subsidized internet service and provided free computer repair for low-income families, and ran several citywide public awareness campaigns. He spent his final year in the D.C. government with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, working with residents and local stakeholders to address violent crime in the nation’s capital. Delano grew up in New York City and earned his bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a graduate degree in Public Policy from The George Washington University. He resides in Maryland with his wife and their three young children.

What would it look like for the Ten Commandments to make a comeback in public schools? In this episode of The Narrative, Andrea Piccotti-Bayer joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews to discuss the constitutionality of displaying the Ten Commandments and why public schools should return to the religious roots that our country was founded on. Andrea explains how these tenants have a rightful place in our classrooms and breaks down the historical and legal arguments for their proposed return to public education, such as would be allowed by Ohio Senate Bill 34. Before talking with Andrea, Aaron and Mike celebrate the recent Senate Bill 1 victory banning DEI at Ohio's state colleges and universities. They also discuss the proposed House budget and Senate Bill 156, which would require schools to teach the Success Sequence. More about Andrea Picciotti-Bayer Andrea Picciotti-Bayer is Director of the Conscience Project. A Stanford-educated lawyer, she has dedicated her legal career to civil rights and appellate advocacy. Andrea started as a trial and appellate attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice. Before leading the Conscience Project, she served as the legal advisor for the Catholic Association, filing amicus briefs with federal courts of appeal and the US Supreme Court in key religious freedom and free speech cases. She frequently appears in the media to discuss religious freedom controversies and legal victories. In 2021, she received First Place for Best Coverage—Religious Liberty Issues from the Catholic Media Association. She is also a legal analyst for EWTN News and a regular columnist for the National Catholic Register. Her writing has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Fox News, Newsweek, CNN en Español, and other well-regarded publications. She has also joined Fox News, Newsmax, and various other shows to share expert commentary. Andrea has ten children and lives in the Washington, DC area. For more, check out the video put together by the Conscience Project: Louisiana Ten Commandments: When Does The Government Go Too Far In Promoting Religion?

What if the key to improving education in America is as simple as dismantling the Department of Education (DOE)? In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh sit down with Heritage Foundation's Jonathan Butcher—a leading expert in education policy—to talk about President Trump's recent executive order to abolish the DOE and how ending the bloated bureaucracy could unlock a new era of innovation, local empowerment, and real reform. Jonathan takes us through the potential benefits of dismantling the DOE, offering a fresh perspective on how we can reshape education to better serve students, parents, and communities. More about Jonathan Butcher Jonathan Butcher is the Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation. He has researched and testified on education policy around the US, including testimony before the US Commission on Civil Rights. He is the author of Splintered: Critical Race Theory and the Progressive War on Truth. Jonathan co-edited and wrote chapters in The Critical Classroom, discussing the racial prejudice that comes from applying critical race theory in K-12 schools. He also co-edited and wrote chapters in the book The Not-So-Great Society, which provides conservative solutions to the problems created by the ever-expanding federal footprint in preschool, K-12, and higher education. Jonathan previously served as the Education Director at the Goldwater Institute, where he remains a Senior Fellow. He was a member of the Arizona Department of Education's first Steering Committee for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, the nation's first education savings account program. He is also a Senior Fellow with The Beacon Center of Tennessee and a contributing scholar for the Georgia Center for Opportunity. Prior to joining Goldwater, Jonathan was the Director of Accountability for the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Jonathan previously studied education policy at the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas. He worked with the School Choice Demonstration Project, the research team that evaluated voucher programs in Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jonathan holds a bachelor's degree in English from Furman University and a master's degree in economics from the University of Arkansas.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is all the rage right now—with varying opinions, thoughts, and questions about what DEI encompasses, its impact, and what the future would look like without it. Ohio State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to offer a unique perspective on the fight against DEI! Rep. Williams unpacks what DEI in Ohio's higher education system really looks like and how the passage of Senate Bill 1 through the Ohio House will have lasting effects on the state's education system. Before Rep. Williams joins the conversation, the guys talk about current legislation happening in the Statehouse—how the Innocence Act (HB84) and Cannabis Bill (HB160) are evolving and what these pieces of legislation would mean for Ohio residents. Listen to this week's episode to hear Rep. Williams' testimony and how the Lord is working through him to advance Christ-centered legislation into our state laws. More about Rep. Josh Williams State Representative Josh Williams went from a homeless high school dropout to an attorney, but there were many challenges and obstacles along the way. After dropping out of high school, he went to work to support his young son. He was hurt on the job after falling 30 feet and was disabled for six years because of a serious back injury. Josh credited a change in his mindset as motivation to overcome his injury. After getting his GED, Josh started college at the age of 30. By the time he was 35, he had graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law with his Juris Doctorate (J.D.). He currently teaches constitutional law, criminal law, and criminal procedure in the undergraduate criminal justice programs. As a State Representative, Josh is pursuing reform in the areas that most affect Lucas County residents: workforce development, education, and criminal justice.

Think you know the truth about marijuana? Think again. With the passage of Issue 2 in 2023 and new legislation being proposed to regulate the legalization of marijuana in Ohio, Dr. Ken Finn joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on The Narrative to challenge common misconceptions and illuminate the risks of marijuana that many people overlook. Whether you’re already familiar with the topic or just starting to explore it, this episode is packed with essential insights to help you navigate the conversation around the need to safeguard against the harms of the marijuana industry. More about Dr. Ken Finn Dr. Ken Finn has been practicing Pain Medicine in Colorado Springs since 1994. He is Board Certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain medicine, and pain management. He is President-Elect of the American Board of Pain Medicine. He served on the Colorado Governor’s Task Force on Amendment 64, which legalized marijuana for recreational use, Consumer Safety and Social Issues Work Group and served four years on Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Scientific Advisory Council. Dr. Finn has testified to the Canadian Senate on their marijuana bill and speaks internationally on the health impacts of marijuana. He is editor of the book Cannabis in Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach, and currently serves as the vice president of the International Academy on the Science and Impacts of Cannabis.

Are you ready to be encouraged and challenged? Listen in to this week's episode of The Narrative as Sam Allberry explores biblical anthropology! Sam dives into the theology of the body and how God has uniquely and intentionally designed us in His image, offering powerful reflections on how our identity, both as individuals and as a community, is rooted in God's perfect plan for creation. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of Scripture or seeking a fresh perspective on God's design for humanity, this discussion with Sam Allberry is not to be missed. Before the conversation, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews run through some of the latest news of the week, including Kieran Culkin's pro-life Oscar acceptance speech, DEI rollbacks at The Ohio State University and Target, and President Trump's address to Congress. More about Sam Allberry Sam Allberry is Associate Pastor at Immanuel Nashville Church and a Fellow at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. He is a canon theologian for the Anglican Church in North America and is the co-host of The Gospel Coalition’s podcast You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Young Pastors. He is the author of several books, including Is God Anti-Gay?; 7 Myths About Singleness; Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With?; and What God Has to Say About Our Bodies. Sam studied theology at Wycliffe Hall University of Oxford.

Too few young people are taking advantage of the key to stability, happiness, and well-being: marriage.We're thrilled to welcome back Brad Wilcox, a leading sociologist, to The Narrative to dive into our report on marriage and family, Hope and a Future. CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews join Brad to discuss how marriage determines the nation's trajectory and its long-term benefits for both couples and society at large.Whether you're married or single, this conversation offers valuable insights that will make you rethink the importance of commitment and its impact on our future. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion!

Virgil Walker joins this week's episode of The Narrative to discuss his newest book, A Biblical Theology of Climate Change. Virgil joins Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan to provide a biblical framework for caring for the environment and how the media has created a fear-driven approach to climate change. Before their conversation with Virgil, President Aaron Baer joins David and Mike to catch up on this week's news, covering the release of CCV's Hope and a Future report, President Trump's Executive Order expanding in vitro fertilization, and Ohio Governor DeWine's child tax credit.

Rachel O'Brien joins this week's episode of The Narrative! As concerns about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are on the rise across Ohio, Rachel sits down with the guys to take a hard look at the ever-expanding DEI budgets at colleges and universities and how these institutions are diverting funds away from students' core educational needs. Before their discussion with Rachel, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan catch up on the excitement growing around Senate Bill 1 (SB1)–which would ban DEI programs at Ohio's state colleges–and its passage through the Senate and on to the House of Representatives. Add to the momentum of SB1 and catch up on the latest news by following our social channels or visiting our website, CCV.org!

After only 18 days in office, President Trump has gotten to work signing Executive Orders—over 75 and counting! On this special episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews run through their lists of notable Executive Orders the President has introduced and signed. Listen to today's episode to get a primer on Executive Orders and the impact they have on the country and the American people.

The choice is clear: Secular schools in a secular society aren't cutting it for the Church. So in honor of National School Choice Week, we're bringing you a special edition of The Narrative with Pastor Jimmy Scroggins, Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot, Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh, and podcast co-host Mike Andrews. Listen in to learn why it's crucial for your church to start a school! Before the guys chat with Pastor Scroggins, CCV President Aaron Baer caught up with Mike on the latest news on Senate Bill 1 to ban DEI on college campuses, Aaron's trip to D.C. for the national March for Life and his interview with EWTN, and his National Review op-ed in response to the New Yorker hit piece on CCV and school choice in Ohio. For a deeper dive into the benefits of Christian Schools, check out Pastor Scroggins' book, The Education Reformation: Why Your Church Should Start a Christian School. More about Pastor Jimmy Scroggins Pastor Jimmy Scroggins serves as the Professor of Christian Ministry at Southern Seminary. Pastor Scroggins is the lead pastor of Family Church in South Florida where he has served since July 2008. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Before joining staff at Family Church, Pastor Scroggins served as the teaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Kentucky, and the Dean of Boyce College from 2004–2008. He is married to Kristin, and they have eight children and two grandchildren.

We last heard from him in October of 2023 just after the war in Israel started, and now Michael Mistretta is back on The Narrative to give an update live from Jerusalem! Michael, founder and CEO of FIRM Israel, caught up with CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on the latest happenings in Israel since news of ceasefire deals with Hamas made headlines. Listen in to hear the plans for releasing the remaining hostages, the effect Trump's election has on the situation, and how Israelis are being pointed toward Christ. Before their conversation with Michael, David and Mike react to President Trump's inauguration and swift action upon returning to office, how the Lord has been moving in and through OSU's football team, and how Ohio's new General Assembly has hit the ground running with committee assignments and bill introductions. More about Michael Mistretta Michael is the co-founder and CEO of FIRM Israel: 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 to start FIRM. From starting his own company as a teenager to his 10 years of ministry experience, Michael is an entrepreneur and innovator who is passionate about seeing ministries in Israel thrive and people coming to know Jesus as Messiah. Michael and his wife, Vanessa, have a passion for Israel that takes them around the world as they strive to build unique connections between the Church and the body of believers in Israel and share about how God is moving in Israel today. Michael and Vanessa live in the heart of Jerusalem with their two young sons.

Jim Geraghty, Senior Correspondent for the National Review, joins CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to discuss Justin Trudeau's resignation as Canada's Prime Minister. Jim shares how Trudeau's resignation is actually related to the leftist initiatives that have consistently failed US citizens, including the current disastrous mismanagement of LA's wildfires. Before the discussion with Jim, Aaron and Mike respond to yet another CCV hit piece by The New Yorker. Co-published with ProPublica, their latest effort was to "uncover" our strategy to expand Ohio's school voucher program so that more students can attend Christian schools. Click here to read an article by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, combatting the myths in The New Yorker article. You won't want to miss this week's episode! More about Jim Geraghty Jim is the senior political correspondent of National Review. He is a conservative blogger and is the author of National Review’s The Campaign Spot blog and The Morning Jolt newsletter. Jim spent two years in Ankara, Turkey, working as a foreign correspondent and studying anti-Americanism, democratization, Islam, Middle East politics, and U.S. diplomacy efforts. His work appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the New York Sun, the Washington Times, and the Washington Examiner. In 2008, Best Life Magazine called Jim one of “the 10 most important voices to listen to this election cycle,” and the London Times praised his “killer insight” in that election cycle. Jim lives with his wife and children in Fairfax County, Virginia.

The Narrative is back! Welcome to a new year, filled with promise, hope, and the Lord's blessing upon our nation. This week CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down to chat about the stories and topics they're keeping an eye on this year, including: The political climate in Ohio and across the nation; How Trump's election, administration, and cabinet will have a positive affect on Americans; and Their hope in the expansion of school choice, the growth of strong marriages, and the dismantling of harmful gender ideology. Be sure to listen to this week's episode to get a primer on what is already shaping up to be a big year!

With 2024 coming to an end, the guys sit down for one final episode of The Narrative! Join CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews as they recap and reminisce on the 135th General Assembly, including the dramatic speaker race; a whiplash-inducing week at the Statehouse; and the victories we experienced with the SAFE Act, Save Women's Sports Act, and Parents' Bill of Rights. We thank you for all the support and listens throughout 2024 and are excited for what the Lord will bring in 2025.

Tyler O'Neil sits down with CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Fellow for Strategic Initiatives Peter Range on The Narrative to discuss his research into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and how the organization is targeting the right through false narratives. Tyler's book, Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center, shares how corruption within the SPLC has undermined their original mission and has now contributed to a climate of fear in America Before the conversation with Tyler, CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan join Mike to discuss the latest happenings at the Ohio Statehouse, including the House Bill 8 and LifeWise Academy situation, as well as potential prospects for Ohio's Senate seat. You don't want to miss this week's episode! More about Tyler O'Neil Tyler is a husband, father, and Eagle Scout. He graduated from Hillsdale College in 2012 and has written and edited articles for numerous conservative outlets, including the Christian Post, PJ Media, Fox News, and the Daily Signal. His first book, Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center, exposed how a civil rights organization became a threat to America’s free speech culture. He enjoys board games, Indian food, and talking ceaselessly about politics, religion, and culture. He has appeared on Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight. Follow him on Twitter at @Tyler2ONeil and be sure to pre-order his latest work, The Woketopus: The Dark Money Cabal Manipulating the Federal Government, which will release on January 21, 2025.

Matt Sharp, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, joins The Narrative to discuss the US vs. Skrmetti case, which will decide whether Tennessee's SAFE Act can be upheld to protect children from dangerous, experimental gender surgeries and wrong-sex hormones. Listen in to get the scoop on this week's oral arguments at the US Supreme Court and the effects the case will have across the nation, regardless of the court's final decision.  CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan tee up the conversation with updates on how the Lame Duck session at the Statehouse is unfolding and how Ohio's newest cash program for single mothers does more to promote political fundraising than parenthood. 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 Matt Sharp Matt Sharp is senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and directs ADF's Center for Legislative Advocacy. He works to advance religious freedom for students who desire to share their faith, and those who fight for privacy against schools requiring students to share bathrooms and locker rooms with students of the opposite sex. He has testified before state legislatures on religious liberty and physical privacy issues. Sharp authored the amicus brief in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. on behalf of students, parents and community members. He has won cases allowing students to invite a classmate to church, preform religious songs at a school talent show and form religious clubs. Sharp earned his J.D. in 2006 from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. A member of the bar in Georgia and Tennessee, he is also admitted to practice in several federal courts. To follow more of his work, check him out on X, @MattSharpADF.

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.

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.

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!

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 Cameron is 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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 polices 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 from whom their church members aren't hearing 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 upcoming Voter Guide. 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.

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

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. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.