Them Before Us Podcast

Jenn sits down with EksAyn Anderson, author, speaker, and founder of the Dadfluence movement, to discuss why fathers are one of the most critical forces shaping the future of children and society. From the heartbreaking story of losing his mother at age eight to practical, research-based parenting wisdom, EksAyn challenges men to reclaim fatherhood as their primary calling and reminds us that building strong families isn't just personal; it's civilizational. They discuss how fathers can overcome common struggles like distraction, workaholism, and addiction, and reflect on what a five-year-old's hike up an 11,700-foot mountain reveals about building confidence and courage in children.See more from EksAyn here:https://www.dadfluence.org/p/dadhttps://eksinfluence.com/

In this Legal Watch episode of the Them Before Us podcast, Jenn and Patience unpack a new Louisiana bill framed as “protecting IVF”, but which, in reality, dismantles key legal protections for human embryos. Patience explains how the bill, introduced by Senator Thomas Pressly, misrepresents the now-infamous “Alabama situation” to justify stripping parental rights at fertilization, limiting legal accountability for negligent IVF clinics, and replacing adoption language with property-style “donation” terms. Rather than improving care or safety, the bill prioritizes shielding the IVF industry from consequences, jeopardizing Louisiana's national leadership in pro-life embryo protections. The episode calls on listeners to see through the rhetoric, demand real reforms, and protect both life and family.Check out our ⁠IVF | FYI series⁠ for a deep dive on all things IVF industry and more about this ⁠Louisiana bill here⁠.

(Note from Jenn: You may notice a slight echo in the first 1-2 minutes of audio but we were able to figure it out! Thanks for your patience as we ironed out the early wrinkles!)In this #ANDnotOR feature episode of the Them Before Us podcast, Jenn sits down with long-time friends and fellow children's rights advocates Cameron and Tracee Linder to talk marriage, parenting, and building a family culture that honors both truth and grace. From clashing hospitality styles to cowboy independence vs. military discipline, the Linders share how their opposite personalities and gender differences can truly complement one another, especially when united by a shared worldview and commitment to raising children with purpose. With honesty, humor, and deep faith, they reflect on what makes marriage worth the work and why every child needs both a mom and a dad.Read more from Cameron and Tracee at https://libertyandgrace.org/Join us between Mother's Day and Father's Day in our #ANDnotOR campaign to grow our monthly donor base by 50 donors! Any new monthly gift of any amount gets a special TBU gift from us AND you help us unlock a $50,000 matching gift. Every new donor is an extra $1,000 for this important work! Join the movement: https://thembeforeus.com/andnotor/

In this episode of the Them Before Us podcast, Dr. Jennifer Mercier shares her inspiring journey through women's health and fertility. As the creator of Mercier Therapy, a natural method that helps women conceive, she offers a meaningful look into alternatives to IVF. Drawing from her own experience with endometriosis and infertility, Dr. Mercier opens up about the emotional and ethical concerns surrounding the fertility industry, including what happens to frozen embryos. She also highlights the importance of protecting both women's well-being and children's rights. You will also get a preview of her upcoming documentary Conceiving Miracles and hear her honest reflections on parenting through life's challenges with faith and strength.Bio: Jennifer Mercier, ND, PhD, Midwife, has been in private practice for over two decades, specializing in women's health, fertility, and hormone balance. A pioneer in integrative reproductive care, she is the creator of Mercier Therapy, a deep pelvic visceral technique that has helped countless women conceive naturally and prepare for successful IVF. Dr. Mercier is also a passionate educator, training healthcare professionals in Mercier Therapy for nearly 20 years. She is the author of Conceive and the filmmaker behind the documentaries Fertility: The Shared Journey With Mercier Therapy and the upcoming Conceiving Miracles. With a commitment to advancing personalized medicine, she continues to serve women as a hormone and fertility specialist.Check out more from Dr. Mercier at:https://www.expectamiracle.life/https://www.merciertherapy.com/https://www.mercierwhf.com/And her book on Amazon "Conceive: The Mercier Approach"

Boardroom or babies? Why not both? In this conversation, Jenn is joined by Carrie Abbott, speaker, author, national radio host, and the Founder and Director of The Legacy Institute, to talk about the strength and beauty of womanhood. With decades of experience as a teacher, corporate professional, and now a leading voice on faith and family, Carrie brings her unique perspective on how women can thrive in every season of life. She reminds us that women can have it all, just not all at once.Carrie shares her personal journey and how her passion for helping others live in alignment with their divine design led her to create True Beauty, a powerful new 10-week study for young women. This study reintroduces biblical femininity as a source of hope and strength.Together, Jenn and Carrie explore timely issues like feminism, fertility education, and what happens when we honor God's blueprint for both male and female and how they complement each other. With wisdom and warmth, Carrie shows how reclaiming our purpose as women not only blesses our families and careers but helps build a thriving, healthy society.See more from Carrie Abbott, The Legacy Institute, and the new study "True Beauty."https://carrieabbott.com/https://thelegacyinstitute.com/https://thelegacyinstitute.com/resources/true-beauty/

This episode of the Them Before Us podcast features a conversation with professor and author Nancy Pearcey, exploring what it means to truly love the body and uphold the dignity of the human person. Drawing from her book "Love Thy Body", Pearcey outlines the intellectual and personal journey that shaped her convictions and dives into the cultural narratives that separate humanity from both biological reality and God-given identity.Check out Love Thy Body on AmazonThe discussion unpacks how the separation of body and personhood is influencing today's most critical ethical issues, including abortion, transgender ideology, IVF, and surrogacy. Pearcey explains how this divide is used to justify everything from embryo destruction to the treatment of people as products.Nancy Pearcey brings reason, clarity, and hope to a conversation that matters deeply in today's world. Let us know what you think!Bio: Nancy Pearcey is the author of Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, as well as The Toxic War on Masculinity, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 20 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."

In this powerful episode, author and cultural commentator Adam B. Coleman shares his deeply personal journey from childhood pain to redemptive purpose. Adam opens up about breaking generational cycles and transforming from a young man struggling with fatherlessness to being the father his son deserves.In his new book, "The Children We Left Behind: How Western Culture Rationalizes Family Separation & Ignores the Pain of Child Neglect", Adam unflinchingly shares his own experiences of abandonment and fatherlessness to shed light on a broader cultural crisis. He boldly challenges the notion that family breakdown is a race-specific issue, arguing instead that it's a moral failure impacting every corner of Western society—a consequence of adults who choose self-interest over sacrifice for their children. Adam is the founder of Wrong Speak Publishing, a prolific writer, and the author of Black Victim to Black Victor. His work regularly appears in outlets such as the New York Post, UnHerd, Newsweek, Daily Mail, and Human Events. He's also a contributor to Dad Saves America, where he writes candidly about parenting from a father's perspective. With a background in tech, Adam began speaking out in 2020 on issues ranging from family breakdown and DEI to wokeness and free speech.Find more from Adam at: https://substack.com/@adambcoleman and his book at https://www.amazon.com/Children-Left-Behind-Rationalizes-Separation/dp/B0DSJZWMDL

In this episode of the Them Before Us podcast, Jenn sits down with Aaron Baer, President of the Center for Christian Virtue, to discuss the compelling findings from The Hope and a Future Report. Together, they explore how the decline of marriage and family structure contributes to rising poverty, violence, and mental health struggles—and why strengthening the family unit may be the key to reversing these trends. With insights from research by Brad Wilcox and practical policy solutions, this conversation offers a powerful call to action for lawmakers, churches, and communities alike. See more at https://www.ccv.org/ #thembeforeus #ivffyi #centerforchristianvirtue #marriage #divorce

In this episode Bobby Lopez shares his deeply personal journey of growing up in a home shaped by divorce and same-sex parenting. Reflecting on the struggles of identity, family connection, and the societal shifts that redefined marriage and parenting, Bobby provides a raw and honest account of how these experiences shaped his worldview. He discusses his transition from childhood confusion to adult advocacy, his professional sacrifices for speaking the truth, and how faith and fatherhood ultimately brought healing. A must-listen for anyone interested in children's rights, family structure, and the long-term effects of redefining marriage. #ThemBeforeUs

In this episode of the Them Before Us podcast, host Jenn sits down with Mark DeGrasse, creator of Dads in Autism Land, to explore the unique challenges and triumphs of fatherhood on the autism spectrum. Mark shares raw insights into balancing the needs of his two sons—one severely autistic and nonverbal, the other neurotypical—while navigating the emotional and relational complexities that come with parenting. From wrestling with societal expectations to the realities of marriage under pressure, this episode highlights the resilience and love that define special needs families.https://dadsinautismland.com/https://markdegrasse.comMark de Grasse is a devoted father navigating the unique realities of autism parenting while balancing the vastly different needs of his two sons. His eldest, Damien (12), has severe autism, is nonverbal, and functions at the level of a 2-3 year old, requiring constant care, patience, and creative communication. His younger son, Declan (11), is neurotypical, highly intelligent, and deeply dedicated to baseball—but more importantly, he's developed a profound sense of empathy and understanding through his relationship with his brother.As a dad in Autismland, Mark has learned to juggle the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected lessons that come with raising both a neurodiverse and a neurotypical child. His journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and redefining what success and connection look like in a household shaped by autism.On the Dads in Autismland Podcast, Mark shares his real-world experiences—both the struggles and the victories—while offering raw, honest, and relatable insights into fatherhood. He understands the emotional weight, the uncertainty, and the sheer love that come with parenting a child on the spectrum, all while making sure his other child's needs and ambitions are nurtured as well.Mark's mission? To bring fellow dads together, to share stories, strategies, and support, and to remind every father walking this road that they are not alone.

In a world where culture is discipling our kids faster than ever, how can parents reclaim their role as the primary influence in their children's faith? Join us as we sit down with Hillary Morgan Ferrer, founder of Mama Bear Apologetics, to discuss the biggest cultural lies targeting kids today—and how parents can equip them with biblical truth. From shaping worldviews to tackling tough conversations on gender, sexuality, and media influence, this episode is a must-listen for every parent who wants to raise bold believers in an increasingly hostile world.For more resources and insights, visit MamaBearApologetics.com.

In this episode, we considered something many folks haven't thought of, offering human embryos that have died in the IVF process Christian burial. Jenn chats with Laura Elm, the Founder and Director of Sacred Heart Guardians, the Catholic charity that provides dignity to these little human lives so they aren't discarded with medical waste. Tell us what you think and learn more at:https://sacredheartguardians.org/

What happens when culture tries to redefine marriage, gender, and family? In this episode of theThem Before Us podcast, Jenn sits down with Glenn T. Stanton, Director of Global Family Formation Studies at Focus on the Family, to discuss why marriage still matters—especially to young people—and the vital role biological parents play in a child's well-being.They dive into the cultural shifts that have led to the decline of marriage, the false narratives surrounding family structure, and why the belief that "love makes a family" is a dangerous myth. Glenn also tackles the rise of gender ideology, the collapse of the LGBTQ coalition, and why reclaiming the truth about male and female is essential for a thriving society."Marriage is a clarifying relationship. You cannot have a civilization without marriage—that's how powerful it is.""Biology really does matter. The people who create the babies are the ones nature has equipped to be most effective, most committed, most safe for that child."

What happens when a community steps up to support families in crisis? In this episode, we sit down with Christine Denova, Executive Director of Idahope Families, to discuss how this ministry is mobilizing the church to provide real, hands-on help to struggling parents and children.From crisis pregnancy support to hosting children in safe homes while parents regain stability, Idahope is proving that pro-life means more than just being against abortion—it means surrounding families with the love and resources they need to thrive."We're not here to replace families; we're here to support them. Every parent needs someone to walk through a crisis with them." – Christine DenovaTune in to hear how churches can re-engage in the work of caring for vulnerable families, why social capital matters, and how you can get involved. Visit idahopefamilies.org to learn more.

In this episode of the Them Before Us podcast, we sit down with Phil Kerpen, one of our authors in Pro-Child Politics, to unpack the hidden cost of national debt—a burden that overwhelmingly falls on the next generation. Phil breaks down how government overspending and skyrocketing debt undermine children's future, creating an economy where they inherit financial instability, fewer opportunities, and a weakened nation. This conversation was recorded before the election, and while we're hopeful for positive policy changes with the Trump Administration, the reality is that national debt remains a critical issue no matter when you're tuning in. Understanding the long-term impact of debt will help you make informed, pro-child political choices moving forward. https://www.americancommitment.org Author Bio: Phil Kerpen is the president of American Commitment and the Committee to Unleash Prosperity.American Commitment is a 501(c)(4) advocacy group dedicated to restoring and protecting America's core commitment to free markets, economic growth, Constitutionally-limited government, property rights, and individual freedom.The Committee to Unleash Prosperity is a 501(c)(3) educational charity founded by supply-side icons Stephen Moore, Steve Forbes, and Art Laffer to promote faster economic growth through the key building blocks of low taxes, limited spending, less regulation, sound money, and free trade.Mr. Kerpen has previously served as vice president for policy at Americans for Prosperity and as an analyst and researcher for the Free Enterprise Fund, the Club for Growth, and the Cato Institute. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Kerpen lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife Joanna and their four children.

Warning: Adult Themes/Conversation Them Before Us has taken a bold stand to protect children online by submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in defense of Texas' age-verification law for accessing adult content. This critical law, challenged by the "Free Speech Coalition"—an industry group defending p0rnographic interests—represents a vital step toward shielding kids from harm. TBU's brief presents a compelling children's rights argument, emphasizing why such protections are the bare minimum states should enforce. Joining Jenn in this impactful discussion, Founder and President Katy Faust and Engagement Director Patience Sunne dive into why this fight matters and how TBU is driving a much-needed conversation at the highest court in the land. Don't miss their insights on changing the narrative to prioritize the wellbeing of children over harmful industries.

Join Founder and President Katy Faust and Training Director Jenn Friesen as they sit down for a candid conversation reflecting on an eventful and impactful 2024. From celebrating the triumph of meeting our ambitious 4th-quarter fundraising goals to unpacking the unexpected drama from woke contractors at our Seattle event, Katy and Jenn dive deep into the highs and challenges of the year. They also share their vision and enthusiasm for what's to come in 2025 as they continue their mission to defend the rights of children across the globe

In this episode, Leila sits down with Jenn to discuss her book Primal Loss: The Now-Adult Children of Divorce Speak. In it, Leila shares insights from her interviews with 70 adults who experienced divorce during their childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. The book reveals the profound impact divorce has on individuals, no matter their age. Their conversation is both moving and insightful, offering valuable perspectives whether or not you've personally been affected by divorce. Leila's book is a powerful resource for anyone looking to understand the experience of divorce, especially in a culture that primarily claims children care more about extra Christmas presents and bedrooms than the two people they love staying married. Check out this book and others at her website: https://www.leilamiller.net/

Jenn is joined by Jonathan Pageau to talk about his eight-book fairy tale series and why it's so important to reclaim these ancient stories to proclaim truth and beauty to a world in need. Fairytales aren't just for children but are an important part of shaping children's minds. What do you think? "Jonathan Pageau is a renowned liturgical artist, writer, and public speaker. Jonathan started a publishing company called Symbolic World Press (SWP). SWP's maiden publication is The Tale of Snow White and the Widow Queen, the first of an eight-book series of fairy tales in which Pageau explores a new way of telling fairy tales: one which is both aware of our cultural moment and simultaneously committed to honoring the deeply celebratory of the roots these stories have planted in our common imagination. " https://www.thesymbolicworld.com/

Jenn is joined by Andrew Wood, the Senior Director of Church Engagement at Care Net, as he shares powerful insights on how churches can step up and make a meaningful impact in the pro-life movement. Learn how Christians can support unborn babies, offer hope to moms and dads, and create a culture of compassion. Don't miss this episode filled with actionable strategies and faith-driven perspectives! Check out Care Net's website for more resources and let us know your thoughts on this vital conversation. https://makinglifedisciples.com/

Created Equal Vice President Seth Drayer joins Jenn on the Them Before Us podcast to share about the children's rights to life organization and their yearly "Justice Ride." They also consider whether or not pro-life organizations should show graphic images of the victims of abortion and other ways to shift the culture in this fight for the rights of unborn children. https://www.createdequal.org/ https://www.createdequal.org/justiceride/

Jenn is joined by TBU's Josh Wood and Patience Sunne to share some thoughts on the 2024 election and what's next in the battle for children's rights. What do you think?

Delano Squires returns to the Them Before Us podcast to talk about his chapter for Pro-Child Politics: Race. Delano takes on some of the culture's biggest lies and helps us understand the truths to teach our children. You can also hear from Delano on TBU episode #038 and see his work on X, @DelanoSquires, at The Blaze https://www.theblaze.com/u/delano_squires, and at Heritage Foundation!

In this TBU episode, Jenn has a conversation with Scott David Allen, President of Disciple Nations Alliance and author of a new book, ⁠"10 Words to Heal our Broken World⁠." They focus on two of the words being redefined by culture to the detriment of children: sex and marriage. Check out this episode and Scott's book! https://disciplenations.org/introducing-ten-words-to-heal-our-broken-world-with-scott-allen/

In this TBU episode, Jenn has a conversation with Scott David Allen, President of Disciple Nations Alliance and author of a new book, 10 Words to Heal our Broken World. They focus on two of the words being redefined by culture to the detriment of children: sex and marriage. Check out this episode and Scott's book!

Katy hosts Moms for Liberty's Tiffany Justice, one of our Pro-Child Politics authors who wrote our chapter on Education. They talk about the cultural lies that teachers are the experts, that children "belong to all of us," that unions care about kids, and more. You'll feel empowered hearing about how parents are stepping up and taking on ANY institution that doesn't have their children's best interests in mind. See more from Tiffany at: https://x.com/4TiffanyJustice https://www.momsforliberty.org/m4lu/

As we approach the Abundant Life Conference on October 19th, Katy Faust will join a number of pro-life speakers and organizations to promote children-first policies before and after babies are born. One of the speakers from the conference, Daniel Parks, joins us to talk about his organization Love Life and the work they're doing to support babies and mothers around the country. Check out more at https://lovelife.org/ And register for the Abundant Life Conference at https://www.abundantlifewa.org/conference/

Long-time fellow advocate Katherine Breckenridge joins the podcast to share about her book, "Silent Sorrows: Let's Talk About Abortion, Reproductive Technologies, and Adoption." This is a great resource about the ethical problems with IVF and other technologies, primarily from a Christian perspective. Between this and the TBU book, you'll have comprehensive secular AND Christian arguments for the rights of children. Check out more from Katie: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Sorrows-Abortion-Reproductive-Technologies/dp/1958892491 Substack: https://katherinebreckenridge.substack.com/

At Them Before Us, we want to highlight things that might be a great resource for individuals and families engaging in politics and culture. Our sphere is particularly marriage & family but The Center for Biblical Unity has many great resources for Christians considering cultural topics like LGBT ideology, racism/race/CRT/DEI and more. Krista and Monique are great friends of TBU and have also brought our resources to their audiences. Check them out! https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/ - Center for Biblical Unity https://walkinginunity.com/ < For more on the book Youtube

Katy, Josh & Jenn breakdown the Vice Presidential debate and the remarkable difference in tone and substance compared to the folks at the top of the ticket.

Another one of our Pro-Child Politics authors, Maria Baer, joins us to talk all things digital technology and how our technological advancements are impacting kids. Check out more from Maria at: https://mariabaer.substack.com/ https://breakpoint.org/breakpoint-podcasts/

Meet Christian Watson, Creative Director of 1942us and the artist for our Pro-Child Politics book cover. In this episode, Jenn and Christian cover everything from the positives and negatives of being online, what makes art good or bad, the resurgence of good "Christian" art, why Christian's company chose the year 1942, and how he brought Katy's vision for the Pro-Child Politics book cover to fruition. See more from Christian: https://1924.us/ https://www.instagram.com/1924us

Chris Barnard, the president of the American Conservation Coalition, wrote our Pro-Child Politics chapter on "The Environment." Listen to his insights on why "conserving" the environment actually protects human flourishing, while the more new fangled idea of "preserving" the environment leads to more death and destruction. See more from Chris and the ACC at: https://acc.eco/ and https://x.com/ChrisBarnardDL

Founder & Director Katy Faust and Executive Director Josh Wood join Jenn to chat about what we heard in the POTUS debate between former President Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris and any places they missed the mark both on political substance and the protection of children's rights.

From a director at Planned Parenthood to one of the most effective and well-known voices for LIFE, Dr. Abby Johnson wrote our chapter on the topic in Pro-Child Politics: Why Every Cultural, Economic, and National Issue Is a Matter of Justice for Children. See more from Abby at https://abbyj.com/ https://x.com/AbbyJohnson https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwhoNHBWsizek-3cc0KlQRQ And don't forget to pre-order your copy of #ProChildPolitics today! https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Child-Politics-Cultural-Economic-National/dp/B0D6LT3ZB3

What is really happening at the southern U.S. border and is it possible to consider even something like immigration from a children's rights perspective? Our Pro-Child Politics author featured today is Lora Ries, the Director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at the Heritage Foundation. You'll finish this episode feeling much more informed at the children's rights violations happening at the border and some ideas for what can be done to make it right. Follow Lora on X https://x.com/lora_ries and read more of her work at https://www.heritage.org/staff/lora-ries

*Disclamer: We discuss mature themes in this podcast* In this episode, Jon Schweppe from the American Principles Project joins us to shed light on his powerful chapter in Pro-Child Politics, fighting back against the porn industry. Jon exposes some big lies about pornography, the impact on minors and how we can fight back. Discover why the government has both the power and the duty to regulate this dangerous material and how we can safeguard our kids in the digital age. Pre-Order Pro-Child Politics today! Substack: https://jonschweppe.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jonschweppe/ X @JonSchweppe https://americanprinciplesproject.org/profile/jon-schweppe/

One of the experts who submitted a chapter for "Pro-Child Politics" joins Jenn on the Them Before Us podcast today. Dan Caldwell is a former Marine and veteran of the Iraq War and now serves as the Public Policy Advisor for the foreign policy thinktank Defense Priorities. Check out more from Dan at defensepriorities.org or on X @dandcaldwell.

In this episode, Jenn introduces the Them Before Us audience to TBU's Executive Director Josh Wood and they chat about TBU's new book, Pro-Child Politics, a compilation of authors presenting major political topics from the perspective of children's rights. Josh chats about the resource this book will be before the election and his contribution to the book, the conclusion. Pre-order your copy today! https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Child-Politics-Cultural-Economic-National/dp/B0D6LT3ZB3

While the Nordic model for healthcare and education often gets high praise in the USA, Madeleine Wallin pulls back the curtain on some surprising downsides. Discover how Swedish mothers who prefer to care for their kids at home face societal pressures in a system that prioritizes institutional care. Jenn and Madeleine chat about her experience as a mother of five in Sweden, exploring how what the government prioritizes and promotes is impacting Swedish women and vulnerable children. As a bonus, they foray accidentally into European geopolitics and learn Madeleine is going to spend time living in a house off the grid right by Russia. --------------------------------------------- Madeleine Wallin is the Secretary General of FEFAF, European Federation of Parents and Carers at Home and on the Board and in International Relationships for the Swedish organization Haro. ---------------------------------------------- Other notes from things mentioned in the show: Erika Komisar is a great resource in these conversations about daycare, raising children at home. Website Madeleine is going to live in a house off the grid that used to belong to this extremely famous Finnish children's book author. Website

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Them Before Us podcast as we sit down with Kristin Hall, a fellow advocate for children's rights who proves that passion and determination can make a difference. Kristin, who like many of us does not have formal credentials in law or advocacy, is passionate about living out her calling to champion the rights of children in her community and context. Her story exemplifies the core message of Them Before Us—that advocacy isn't defined by titles or influence, but by the unwavering dedication of everyday adults who refuse to see children victimized.

This month, join Them Before Us as we celebrate the irreplaceable roles of both mom and dad with our #ANDnotOR campaign. In this episode, Katy and Jenn introduce #ANDnotOR and celebrate the significance of a child's father You will also hear Mille's story, concieved using a sperm donor and raised by two women. You can also read her story here https://thembeforeus.com/millie-fontana/ We recognize that children thrive when they have the complementary benefits of both a mother and a father present in their daily lives. ⁠Click here⁠ to help us raise $50,000 for the 50% of children who are growing up without the daily presence of both their mom and dad. Let's champion a pro-child culture where every child has access to 100% of mom and 100% of dad, because every child deserves nothing less.

This month, join Them Before Us as we celebrate the irreplaceable roles of both mom and dad with our #ANDnotOR campaign. In this episode, Katy and Jenn introduce #ANDnotOR and celebrate the significance of a child's mother. You will also hear Samantha's story, raised by her dad and his boyfriend, and her experience with mother hunger. You can read more of her story at https://thembeforeus.com/samantha/ We recognize that children thrive when they have the complementary benefits of both a mother and a father present in their daily lives. We invite you to help us raise $50,000 for the 50% of children who are growing up without the daily presence of both their mom and dad. Let's champion a pro-child culture where every child has access to 100% of mom and 100% of dad, because every child deserves nothing less.

Katy and her nineteen co-authors submitted their manuscript for book #3, Pro-Child Politics, this week, hear the update to this resource you will want before the election this fall. Jenn and Katy also chatted about the response to her Christianity Today op-ed and answered some other questions that came in through social media.

Lori joins Jenn to tell our TBU advocates about The Identity Project, an amazing new resource from a collaboration of organizations and experts to equip parents, pastors, youth leaders and everyone in between on some of the trickiest topics facing us today. TBU listeners get a discount! "The Identity Project is for parents, grandparents, teachers, leaders, ministers, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to know, speak, and advocate for the truth about human identity amid cultural chaos. Access 150+ (and growing) videos on sexuality, “gender,” and identity topics from vetted subject matter experts." ⁠https://identityproject.tv/

Them Before Us staff Jenn & Patience explore Nancy Verrier's groundbreaking 1993 book, "The Primal Wound," which has stirred debate among scholars, parents, adoptees and psychologists. They dip into the existing research about maternal separation and what we know about surrogacy, the million dollar industry separating babies from their mothers for money. Emma Water's latest article on what we know and don't about surrogacy's impact on children. And for our interview with Emma about her research, check out episode #27.

In this episode you will hear from Brad Wilcox, a professor of sociology and director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. He's written a new book on the importance of marriage and why it's good for all of us. Buy Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization Find more from Professor Wilcox: https://twitter.com/BradWilcoxIFS https://ifstudies.org/

In this episode, we get a sneak peak into Katy's third book, a collaboration of experts on how every major political issue (energy, education, business) could be seen from the perspective of children's rights. Katy also gives us the rundown on her upcoming Rome trip for the Casablanca Declaration meeting. Next we take on some questions from social media: What are some of the differences in care and investment from non-related adults in a child's life compared to a biological parent? What is "selective reduction" in IVF and what are the statistics? Is the Pro-Life movement going to hope the IVF controversy fades away since it's not a winning political issue? Michigan is set to overturn it's ban on surrogacy for pay (commercial surrogacy). Why is commercial surrogacy so important to some? What's the best way to handle being invited to a surrogacy baby shower?

In today's episode, we get to hear from Delano Squires, a Research Fellow in the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation. His research, writing, and commentary focuses on marriage, family, and fatherhood. You can find more from Delano at: https://twitter.com/DelanoSquires https://www.heritage.org/staff/delano-squires

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Warrenn Farrell, who wrote a book called "The Boy Crisis" and has written and spoken for many years about the challenges facing men and boys in Western Culture. Let us know what you think. https://warrenfarrell.com/ https://boycrisis.org/

Katy and Jenn go over some interesting news around IVF and donor conception, including a woman who learned at 39 that she dated her half brother in high school and has 22 half siblings. Ireland's redefinition of womanhood and family is also considered. https://nypost.com/2024/03/05/opinion/irelands-about-to-take-women-out-of-its-constitution/ https://wng.org/opinions/ireland-erases-women-1709787556