Podcasts about ccv

On this week's special episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Executive Director David Mahan, and Communications Executive Director Mike Andrews give a run-down on this week's hottest news topics: The latest report on the Minnesota school shooter reveals he previously worked at a marijuana dispensary, leading to the use and abuse of the drug, which he claimed led to his planning of the massacre. The Trump administration is floating around the idea of reclassifying transgenderism as a mental health issue, which could lead the administration to restrict gun purchases for individuals who claim they identify as transgender. Malcolm Gladwell, Canadian journalist and author, shared this week that he now regrets advocating for men to compete in women's sports, saying he felt pressured to do so at the time. Left-wing journalist Taylor Lorenz wrote an article sharing that a "dark money" group is secretly funding Democratic influencers. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has been in Senate committee hearings this week, answering questions about his public health agenda. The hearings grew heated, as questions flared regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, vaccine data, and more. RFK Jr. fired back, calling out senators for their involvement. If public policy topics like this interest you, and you're curious to learn more or how you can get involved, join us for our upcoming events: ✨ Cleveland Celebration Gala, featuring Charlie Kirk, on Friday, September 26

The critic claims courage. The observer takes comfort. It's those who choose purpose and take their next step into God's victory who change everything.

For many believers, patriotism has either been idolized or abandoned. But is there a better way forward—one that honors God and seeks the good of our nation? On this week's episode of The Narrative, Communications Executive Director Mike Andrews and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot are joined by author and pastor Daniel Darling to discuss his new book, In Defense of Christian Patriotism. At a time when faith and politics often collide, Daniel makes the case for patriotism that is rooted in gratitude, humility, and love for neighbor. One that honors God above all while still cherishing the blessings of living in America. Before Daniel joins the show, CCV President Aaron Baer joins Mike to run through this week's latest news: The Ohio Christian Education Network opened its fifth school, with two more opening next week after Labor Day. Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, passed away last week, Thursday, August 21. Breaking news from Minnesota: two children are dead and seventeen are injured after a gunman opens fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. MORE ABOUT DANIEL DARLING Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and thought leader. He currently serves as the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College. Daniel is an author, co-author, or editor of 20 books, including The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas, The Characters of Easter, A Way With Words, Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loves, and the forthcoming: In Defense of Christian Patriotism. Dan holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College, has studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and holds a Master's degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dan has served churches in Illinois and Tennessee. He and his wife, Angela, have four children and are members of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. TALK TO US We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

The critic claims courage. The observer takes comfort. It's those who choose purpose and take their next step into God's victory who change everything.

What kind of future do we want for our children? Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith, with the federal Office of Early Childhood Development, has spent her career answering that question. In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV Communications Executive Director Mike Andrews and Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) Executive Director Troy McIntosh speak with Laurie as she shares real-time trends and statistics in American classrooms, what downsizing the Department of Education entails, and why school choice is essential to protecting parental rights and student success. Before the guys sit down with Laurie, Troy shares exciting OCEN updates, including: Seven new Christian schools opened this year through the partnership of OCEN, CCV, and churches that felt called to serve the children in their communities. The launch of the nationwide Christian Education Network brought in leaders to Ohio from three states to learn how they can build a network of their own. The recent Sidney Daily News article Troy wrote in response to school choice critics. MORE ABOUT LAURIE TODD-SMITH Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith is the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Office of Early Childhood Development at the Administration for Children and Families at the US Department of Health and Human Services. She most recently served as the America First Policy Institute as Director of the Center for Education Opportunity and the Center for the American Child where she focused on assisting states to advance evidence-based education policy reforms including the expansion of school choice, early literacy, foster care reform, online safety of children, as well as model policy for fentanyl curriculum in public schools. Dr. Todd-Smith served as Senior Education and Workforce Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Bryant as well as Executive Director of the State Early Childhood Council. Her work led to remarkable growth in reading and math achievement outcomes for Mississippi's students, earning the state the title of the "Mississippi Miracle." President Trump appointed Dr. Todd-Smith as the Director of the Women’s Bureau at the United States Department of Labor in 2018. During her tenure at the Women’s Bureau, she focused the agency on childcare quality and access, paid family leave, and grants to support women in apprenticeships. Dr. Todd-Smith holds a doctorate in education from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from Western New Mexico University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. TALK TO US We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

The critic claims courage. The observer takes comfort. It's those who choose purpose and take their next step into God's victory who change everything.

This week on The Narrative, CCV Policy Director Mike Andrews and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Pavel Unguryan and Diyana Gabyak to hear firsthand what's happening inside Ukraine and why Christians there are facing some of the fiercest persecution in recent history. From churches being shut down to believers being targeted for their faith, Ukraine's war is not only a battle for territory, it's a battle for the soul of a nation. Before the conversation, the guys share about the recent launch of the Christian Education Network and the leaders who came to Ohio this week to learn more about launching their own state networks. They also talk about the recent Supreme Court rumblings of overturning the Obergefell decision that legalized same-sex "marriage." MORE ABOUT PAVEL UNGURYAN Pavel Unguryan is a distinguished politician, public servant, and long-time leader within the Ukrainian Baptist Union. Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Secretary of the Ukrainian Conservative Movement, a nationwide organization headquartered in Kyiv with branches across all 24 regions of Ukraine. The movement unites hundreds of thousands of citizens and fosters partnerships among more than 20 national religious associations, including Protestant organizations, Greek Catholics, Roman Catholics, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. MORE ABOUT DIYANA GABYAK Diyana Gabyak is an entrepreneur, faith-driven leader, and unwavering advocate for strong families, conservative values, and transformative leadership. With 25 years of experience as a worship leader, she has dedicated her life to faith, service, and uplifting others. She serves as a board member in multiple worldwide ministries, working tirelessly to support orphaned and foster children, rebuild lives, and create a future filled with hope and opportunity. Diyana and her husband, Vladimir, live in northern Ohio with their five children. TALK TO US We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

The critic claims courage. The observer takes comfort. It's those who choose purpose and take their next step into God's victory who change everything.

We have reached a "civilizational moment" in the battle for truth. And it's past time for Christians to stand up and speak out. In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center, to talk about the upcoming documentary, Truth Rising. This powerful project confronts the crisis of truth in today's culture and calls believers to live courageously, rooted in the unchanging Word of God. Before diving into the conversation with John, the guys break down some of the biggest stories making headlines this week:

The future of the family depends on fathers who lead with conviction and faith. Kent Evans joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to talk about the joys and challenges of fatherhood—and how men can lead their homes with purpose, faith, and strength. Before they sit down with Kent, David and Mike touch on some news of the week, sharing about the surprising pro-life themes in Marvel's new Fantastic Four movie, and how a recent Cleveland Guardians sports betting incident poses the question: is betting more important than the game itself? Whether you're a dad, mentor, pastor, or just care about the next generation, you won’t want to miss this episode! MORE ABOUT KENT EVANS Kent Evans is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Manhood Journey. He helps dads become disciple-makers by equipping them with biblical tools, practical wisdom, and a clear mission for leading their families with purpose. Kent is the author of several impactful books, including Don’t Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit; Wise Guys: Unlocking Hidden Wisdom from the Men Around You; Bring Your Hammer: 28 Tools Dads Can Grab From the Book of Nehemiah; and The Manhood Journey: Setting a Course for Godly Fatherhood. Kent and his wife, April, have five sons and live in Louisville, Kentucky—where family and faith are at the center of it all. TALK TO US We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

Movies stir our hearts - the greatest story ever told transforms them. Explore how powerful scenes from Hollywood Blockbusters point us to God's greatest purpose for our lives. Bring a friend and we'll see you At the Movies!

What happens when one person refuses to stay silent in a culture obsessed with canceling the truth? Ryan Bomberger joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative for a powerful conversation on race, abortion, adoption, and identity in today’s upside-down world. His personal story is nothing short of miraculous. Conceived in rape and adopted into a multi-racial family of 15, he’s become one of the most compelling pro-life voices in America. Before the guys sit down with Ryan, CCV President Aaron Baer joins David and Mike to run through this week's news, including: ⚖️ Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost appeals the Franklin County EdChoice ruling.

Movies stir our hearts - the greatest story ever told transforms them. Explore how powerful scenes from Hollywood Blockbusters point us to God's greatest purpose for our lives. Bring a friend and we'll see you At the Movies!

With conviction rooted in faith and common sense, Senator Bernie Moreno joins The Narrative for a conversation on protecting life, strengthening families, and stewarding taxpayer dollars wisely. On this week's episode, Senator Moreno sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews for a bold conversation that cuts through the noise and gets specific about the issues that matter most. From fighting for life to fixing broken systems, Senator Moreno outlines a clear vision for American renewal: ✅ Plans to defund Planned Parenthood—once and for all.✅ A smarter approach to the Child Tax Credit.✅ Medicaid reform that actually serves families, not bureaucracy. More About Senator Bernie Moreno Bernie Moreno is the senior United States Senator of Ohio. He was born in Bogota, Colombia, and moved to the US with his family at age five and became an American citizen at age 18. Senator Moreno purchased his first car dealership in 2005 and grew that one dealership into one of the largest dealership groups in America, eventually employing over 1,000 Ohioans. More recently, in 2016, Bernie recognized the value and transformational potential of blockchain technology, before it received mainstream attention, and moved much of his volunteer time and investment dollars into the space. Senator Moreno and his wife, Bridget, are parents to four children and reside in Westlake, Ohio. Talk to Us We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know!

Movies stir our hearts - the greatest story ever told transforms them. Explore how powerful scenes from Hollywood Blockbusters point us to God's greatest purpose for our lives. Bring a friend and we'll see you At the Movies!

In the rubble of war, Israel is rebuilding—and Christians need to pay attention. This week on The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, his wife Maria, and CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Daniel Gordis—a leading voice on Israeli affairs—to unpack what life looks in the country today. From the aftermath of October 7 to the spiritual and societal resilience of the Jewish people, this is a timely and powerful conversation every Christian should hear. Before they speak with Daniel, CCV Policy Director David Mahan joins Aaron and Mike to run through this week's most pressing news, including:

Movies stir our hearts - the greatest story ever told transforms them. Explore how powerful scenes from Hollywood Blockbusters point us to God's greatest purpose for our lives. Bring a friend and we'll see you At the Movies!

Governor DeWine signed Ohio’s $60 billion state budget, and the impact on families, schools, and values is massive. In this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews break down what was included in the budget, what was vetoed, and how it all affects the fight for faith, freedom, and parental rights in Ohio. We celebrate major victories, including: ✅ No iGaming expansion—protecting families from the dangers of online gambling addiction and the insertion of VLTs in public spaces. ✅ The Innocence Act—protecting children from online porn and "deepfakes." ✅ Cell phone-free schools—supporting focus and healthy learning environments for Ohio's children. ✅ Medicaid accountability—ensuring taxpayer dollars won’t fund radical DEI agendas or harmful gender surgeries on minors. And we push back against the governor's vetoes on:

There's nothing like honesty when it comes to hearing people's stories. CCV Lead Pastor Ashley Wooldridge returns to the podcast with his wife, Jaime. In a raw conversation, they open up about their first decade of marriage in corporate life, how that almost did them in as a couple, and how a journey into radical generosity transformed their marriage and their ministry at CCV. 

God is moving in unexpected ways. He's establishing an unshakable foundation that's transforming families and communities. It's students who are standing firm. Their faith is unwavering. The impact is transformative. Come and be inspired – you won't believe what God is doing through the next generation.

Sexual liberation promised freedom, but it delivered heartbreak. In this week's episode of The Narrative, we're joined by Nathanael Blake, author of Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us All, to candidly talk about the consequences of a culture that has abandoned God's intended design for sex, marriage, and family. CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan sit down with Nathanael to walk through the damage left in the wake of the sexual revolution—how women, children, and even men have suffered under the lie that we can separate sex from commitment, family, and faithfulness. Before their conversation with Nathanael, Aaron and David break down the latest Franklin County court ruling, which claims EDChoice in Ohio is unconstitutional. They also share an update on the state budget and what's ahead for Ohio, pending Governor DeWine's signature. More about Nathanael Blake Nathanael Blake, Ph.D., is a Life and Family Initiative Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. His research interests include American political theory, Christian political thought, and the intersection of natural law and philosophical hermeneutics. His published scholarship has included work on Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Hans-Georg Gadamer, Alasdair MacIntyre, Russell Kirk, and J.R.R. Tolkien. He received an undergraduate degree in microbiology with a chemistry minor from Oregon State University. After working as a writer and editor in the pro-life movement, he enrolled in graduate studies at the Catholic University of America, earning a doctorate in political theory. As a cultural commentator, Dr. Blake has published hundreds of articles at outlets including Public Discourse, World Opinions, The Federalist, The Catholic World Report, and National Review. His first book, Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us All was published in the Spring of 2025. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.

This Episode Andy has a conversation with Larry Cramer (see bio below) about ‘The Power of 4' which is 4 people we must have in our lives as leaders. Larry Cramer serves as the Lead Kids Pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) in Arizona, where he oversees children's ministry across multiple campuses. A former police officer, Larry brings a unique blend of discipline, leadership, and compassion to his ministry role. He is known for creating engaging, Christ-centered environments that inspire kids to take meaningful steps in their faith. Under his guidance, CCV has developed custom curriculum and ministry models that prioritize fun, developmental relevance, and deep spiritual formation. Larry is married and the proud dad of two daughters, and his passion is to see children connect with Jesus, build lasting relationships, and grow within a vibrant church community.

When life feels uncertain, so do we — craving to be seen, to feel secure, and to know we have a purpose. What we yearn for most - is exactly who God is. His unfailing presence, strength, and love fulfill every need.

Why aren’t Americans having babies, and can anything really change that? Economist and author Catherine Pakaluk joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews to talk about her book Hannah’s Children, the roots of the birth dearth, and why baby bonuses and pro-natalist policies often fall short. Listen in for Catherine's take on how the state can become more pro-family through fixing housing, rethinking education, and restructuring welfare. Before the conversation, CCV President Aaron Baer joins David to break down a huge win at the US Supreme Court—the first major legal loss for the LGBT movement—and share highlights from the Fatherhood Commission press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, featuring leaders like former Florida Speaker Chris Sprowls, former NFL Viking Jack Brewer, and former Ohio State Buckeye Team Captain Kamryn Babb. Learn more about the Hope and a Future report at CCV.org/Hope. More about Catherine Pakaluk Catherine Ruth Pakaluk is an American economist and social philosopher at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Catherine is author of the acclaimed ethnography Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. Her work has been featured in The New Yorker, Slate, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and more. She holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University. The mother of eight children, she is married to American philosopher Michael Pakaluk. They split their time between suburban Maryland and New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

This Father's Day at CCV, we celebrate the strength and influence of men who build foundations of faith for their families. Featuring Homer Drew and his family, hear how a father's trust in God can leave a lasting legacy of hope and purpose.

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.

When life feels uncertain, so do we — craving to be seen, to feel secure, and to know we have a purpose. What we yearn for most - is exactly who God is. His unfailing presence, strength, and love fulfill every need.

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.

How do you quickly scale your church production to multiple campuses? Join us to hear Brad McCraw tell us how he approached CCV's multi site expansion and stay to hear his unbelievable water production story at the end. In this episode you'll hear: 1:00 – Behind the Scenes of “The Mix” Church Tech Events6:15 – Guest Intro: Brad McCraw from CCV Church10:00 – How CCV Church Built a Multi-Site Tech Strategy28:45 – Baffle Blake: Tech Trivia Challenge35:30 – Lessons Learned: What I'd Do Differently in Church Tech39:30 – How to Build a Healthy Church Tech Team Culture44:00 – Live Event Fail: No Scuba Gear During Production Disaster49:00 – Tech Takeaway: Pro Tips for Church Production TeamsWhether you're looking for your next job opportunity or looking for an integrator partner for your next project, you have to check out our friends at HouseRight. Apply for ChurchGear Tech Jobs HereResources for your Church Tech Ministry Sell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here. Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here! Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review!

When life feels uncertain, so do we — craving to be seen, to feel secure, and to know we have a purpose. What we yearn for most - is exactly who God is. His unfailing presence, strength, and love fulfill every need.

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.

Digging for truth? Searching for answers? You're not alone. All throughout history, people have had questions about spirituality and faith. Join in as together we look to God's Word for real answers and insights in the here and now.

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.

Digging for truth? Searching for answers? You're not alone. All throughout history, people have had questions about spirituality and faith. Join in as together we look to God's Word for real answers and insights in the here and now.

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.

This Mother's Day at CCV, we're celebrating the impact of women who live out courageous faith. With special guest Jaime Wooldridge, we'll be reminded that even in uncertainty, God's faithfulness is worth trusting 11 out of 10 times.

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.

Digging for truth? Searching for answers? You're not alone. All throughout history, people have had questions about spirituality and faith. Join in as together we look to God's Word for real answers and insights in the here and now.

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:

Digging for truth? Searching for answers? You're not alone. All throughout history, people have had questions about spirituality and faith. Join in as together we look to God's Word for real answers and insights in the here and now.

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

Good News can't wait! One weekend with multiple experiences calling us to step into the power of the resurrection. Step into the hope, the joy, and life-changing power of Easter. Say YES to the moment. Yes to Jesus.

Good News can't wait! One weekend with multiple experiences calling us to step into the power of the resurrection. Step into the hope, the joy, and life-changing power of Easter. Say YES to the moment. Yes to Jesus.

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:

What is God calling you to? In a world full of noise and distractions, one step, a singular commitment, intentional focus can bring transformation. Take action. Step up. Live it out. What's your one thing?

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.

Stress at work. Uncertainty about the future. Pressures of daily life. We weren't designed to live in constant fear and worry, but to thrive in the purpose God has for our lives. Discover how to trade uncertainty and worry for the unshakable peace that only He can provide.

CCV sits down with Sanjay in SoCal to talk about the respite of national team camps, building racecars with Legos, jumping on the field at the 2022 World Cup, and much more. As usual, good rapport in the conversation. Here's where you can send us a voice message for future episodes: https://www.speakpipe.com/ScuffedPodcastVince and Belz and George Quraishi are definitely taking a group to Rome from May 10-18, here's some detail, including a rough itinerary: https://earthlydelights.notion.site/Italia-25-with-Scuffed-1a3f3f1e0145804793e8e83e982168fdYou can still sign up! Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfp2O1bIr5KNSymt3ayP3ctERCooDo3ADM5Kf_kSHpmr6ITMg/viewform Subscribe to Scuffed on Patreon! Patrons get a private ad-free feed for all episodes that go out on the public feed, plus the Monday Review every week with Watke and Vince. Patrons also get access to some video of clips we discuss on the show, our private Discord server, live call-in shows, and the full catalog of historic recaps we've made: https://www.patreon.com/scuffedAlso, check out Boots on the Ground, our USWNT-focused spinoff podcast headed up by Tara and Vince. They are cooking over there, you can listen here: https://boots-on-the-ground.simplecast.com

Stress at work. Uncertainty about the future. Pressures of daily life. We weren't designed to live in constant fear and worry, but to thrive in the purpose God has for our lives. Discover how to trade uncertainty and worry for the unshakable peace that only He can provide.

Stress at work. Uncertainty about the future. Pressures of daily life. We weren't designed to live in constant fear and worry, but to thrive in the purpose God has for our lives. Discover how to trade uncertainty and worry for the unshakable peace that only He can provide.