Podcast appearances and mentions of David Bass

In a time of market volatility, inflation concerns, and growing financial pressure across higher education, how can colleges and universities ensure their endowments remain both resilient and mission-aligned? In this episode, AGB's David Bass speaks with Kyle Adams of Cerity Partners about the evolving role of the outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) model and what boards and investment committees should expect from their investment partners today. Together, they discuss how institutions of all sizes can strengthen decision-making, navigate uncertainty, and position their endowments to support long-term priorities. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB. Disclosures Please read important disclosures here. Cerity Partners OCIO LLC ("Cerity Partners OCIO" or "CP OCIO") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cerity Partners LLC (together with its affiliates, "Cerity Partners"). Views expressed are as of the date recorded unless otherwise indicated. Client data is as of February 28, 2026. The NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, which is available for purchase, provides an annual analysis of endowment investment returns, asset allocations, and governance policies and practices at hundreds of U.S. higher education institutions and affiliated foundations. Cerity Partners OCIO is a corporate partner member of NACUBO and sponsors certain NACUBO events. Certain CP OCIO clients may have participated in the study. NACUBO data is as of June 30, 2025. Cerulli Associates provides market intelligence and strategic business for the financial industry.  The Cerulli US Outsourced Chief Investment Officer Function 2025 Report, which is available for purchase, explores the evolving OCIO landscape, including market sizing, forces of growth, demand and needs across client segments, use of OCIO search consultants, and the various challenges facing providers. "CapEx" refers to Capital Expenditures. "Fed" refers to the Federal Reserve. "RFP" refers to Request for Proposal.

  The Beatitudes | Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness What are you truly hungry for? In this message, we explore Jesus' powerful words from the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6). Jesus doesn't bless those who believe they have it all together, but those who deeply long for more of God — more of His presence, His Kingdom, His ways, and His righteousness. As Augustine famously wrote, “The whole life of a good Christian is a holy longing.” Through Scripture and reflection, we discover that spiritual hunger is not a weakness but an invitation. God fills those who come to Him desperate, open, and aware of their need. As D. L. Moody said, “God never fills those who are already full of themselves.” This message reminds us that righteousness is not something we achieve through striving, but something we pursue with longing and receive through relationship with Jesus. And the promise remains: those who hunger and thirst for Him will be filled.

Today, John is joined by David Bass, a Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney, former law firm partner and current Mayor of Rocklin. Bass discusses his background in law and public service, and why he's decided to run for Placer County Superior Court Judge in 2026.

In an unbelieving world, trust in Jesus who alone saves.

The Beatitudes | The Right Way Up Kingdom What does it really mean to live a blessed life? In this message, we explore Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes and discover how His Kingdom turns our expectations upside down. In a world that celebrates power, success, and self-promotion, Jesus calls us to a radically different way of living — one marked by humility, mercy, purity, and a hunger for righteousness. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer puts it, the Beatitudes are a “deliberate reversal of human values.” Through Matthew 5:1–12, we see that true blessing isn't found in status or achievement, but in a life shaped by the heart of God. This is the way Jesus lived — and the way He invites us to live today. This message challenges us to rethink what it means to follow Jesus and to embrace the values of His Kingdom, even when they go against the grain of the culture around us.

The Rev. David Bass gives today's sermonette based on Mark 14:12-31. Hear a guest pastor give a short sermonette based on the day's Daily Lectionary New Testament text during Morning and Evening Prayer. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Vision '26 | Looking Back – Celebrating God's Faithfulness & Our Mission In this message, we take time to look back and reflect on all that God has been doing in and through Life Vineyard Church. As we step into a new season, we're reminded of who we are, why we exist, and the mission God has called us to. Our heart remains the same: to introduce people to Jesus and equip them to know, love, and imitate Him, as part of a vibrant, Spirit-filled community bringing hope and life to the North East. We revisit the pathway that shapes our journey together: Explore → Connect → Belong → Bring Life → Grow From welcoming newcomers and building authentic community, to raising disciples and releasing people to make an impact, this message celebrates the story God is writing among us — and invites each of us to take our next step. Rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28) and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we are called to be a people who live out our faith with purpose, love, and boldness. Whether you're new to church or have been part of the journey for years, this message is an invitation to be part of what God is doing — right here, right now.

What does it mean to be an unshakable witness in a world that doesn't share your faith? In this message, we explore the biblical meaning of “witness” — from the Old Testament word ‘Ed' to the New Testament ‘martus' — a word that also gives us “martyr.” A witness is someone whose life and testimony point clearly to God, even under pressure. Looking at Daniel 3, we see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stand before the blazing furnace with bold faith: “The God we serve is able to deliver us… But even if He does not…” Their confidence was not in outcomes, but in God Himself. We also reflect on Daniel 6, where Daniel's integrity was so consistent that his enemies could find no fault in him. His life was above reproach — both in the eyes of the world and before God. This message challenges us to: • Live with visible integrity • Stand firm in faith when pressured • Be ready to give a reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15) • Trust God whether He delivers us from difficulty — or sustains us through it An unshakable witness is not loud for the sake of it, but faithful, courageous, and rooted in hope.

Rooted | Gather – Growing Stronger Together In this second message of our Rooted series, we explore why gathering together is essential to living a rooted, resilient, and fruitful Christian life. Drawing from Psalm 1, Acts 2, Hebrews 10, and Ephesians 4, we're reminded that we were never meant to grow alone — we grow best when we are planted together. Scripture paints a picture of believers who meet regularly, encourage one another, and are built up into maturity as each part of the body does its work. When we commit to gathering — in worship, in community, and in shared discipleship — God strengthens us, stabilises us, and helps us bear fruit that lasts. This message challenges us to prioritise meeting together, to spur one another on in love and good deeds, and to allow God to shape us into a mature, united body rooted in Christ.

What does it mean to live a life that is truly rooted, resilient, and fruitful? In this message, we explore how everything begins — and is sustained — by building our lives on Jesus. Using Psalm 1 and Matthew 7, we see a powerful picture of stability: a tree planted by streams of water and a house built on the rock. We're reminded that a rooted life is one that delights in God's Word, meditates on it daily, and puts it into practice. When storms come — and they will — a life founded on Jesus does not collapse, but stands firm and continues to bear fruit. This message also challenges us to make intentional choices that help us grow: prioritising Scripture and prayer, committing to community, serving others, and training our lives around the way of Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:24–25). Whether you are new to faith or have followed Jesus for many years, this message is an invitation to go deeper — to build your life on the rock and become truly rooted.

Fear NOT! Peace That Transcends Understanding | Philippians 4 So many people today feel overwhelmed or unable to cope — a 2018 UK study found that 74% of adults experienced stress to that level in the previous year. Yet in Philippians 4, Paul shows us a way to live with a peace that “transcends all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In this message, we look at four biblical practices that help us experience God's peace in everyday life: • Rejoice — choosing gratitude that lifts our perspective and strengthens wellbeing. • Pray — bringing every circumstance to God with honesty and thankfulness. • Think Good Thoughts — fixing our minds on what is true, noble, lovely, and praiseworthy. • Learn Contentment — discovering Paul's secret: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13) Alongside Scripture, we also consider research showing how gratitude, prayer, and renewing the mind contribute to lower anxiety and improved mental health — echoing the wisdom of Philippians 4. If you're longing for deeper peace, clarity, and steadiness in your daily life, this teaching will help you take practical, faith-filled steps toward it. #FearNot #PeaceThatTranscendsUnderstanding #Philippians4 #ChristianLiving #Faith #LifeVineyardChurch

In this message, David reminds us of one of the most life-changing truths in Scripture: God is with us. Whatever we face — sorrow, confusion, loss, or the unknown — God's presence meets us right where we are with comfort, stillness, hope, and peace.   We explore how God draws near in our darkest moments and covers us with His compassion, bringing reassurance even when circumstances don't make sense. And amazingly, He leads us into a place where rejoicing can coexist with grief, not because the pain disappears, but because His presence holds us through it.   If you are walking through a difficult season, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of the future, this message is a reminder that you are never alone — God is with you, and He is faithful.   #GodIsWithUs #ComfortInSorrow #HopeInHopelessness #PeaceInTheStorm #Faith #LifeVineyardChurch #ChristianEncouragement

Look for help in the Lord who watches over and preserves His people.

Even when life feels hard, faithfulness to Jesus anchors us in joy, peace, and purpose. The Importance of Being Faithful | Faithful Followers of Jesus In this message, we explore what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 and Hebrews 11, we reflect on what it looks like to trust Jesus deeply, to hold on to joy and peace even in buffetings, and to remain steadfast in our discipleship. Faithfulness isn't about perfection — it's about trust, endurance, and a life anchored in Christ. #FaithfulFollowers #TrustInJesus #ChristianDiscipleship #Faith #JoyAndPeace #BiblicalTeaching #LifeVineyardChurch

Patrick Rogers welcomes David Bass, COO of Daniel Builders, to talk about how a company rooted in quality and service built a stellar reputation across the Upstate. From navigating storm recovery projects to refining a proven customer-centric process, David discusses how he leads his team and keeps clients at the center of everything. If you're a homeowner, entrepreneur, or leader building a service-driven business, this episode is packed with insights.

Your life matters more than you could ever believe — every prayer, every act of service, and every invitation can make an eternal difference. Your Life Matters | More Than You Could Ever Believe In this message, David reminds us that our lives matter more than we often realise — to God, to others, and for eternity. Drawing on stories like Albert McMakin's quiet invitation that led Billy Graham to faith, we see how even the smallest prayers, acts of service, and invitations can ripple out in life-changing ways. Through Scripture and testimony, we're encouraged to live with confidence that our prayers matter, our service matters, and our invitations matter. Everyone gets to play in God's Kingdom — and your life really does make an eternal difference.

Discover what makes life truly priceless — not success or wealth, but the immeasurable value God has placed on us through Jesus. A Real Five Star Life | Talk 1: A Priceless Life In this opening message of our new series A Real Five Star Life, we explore what it means to live a truly priceless life — not measured by wealth or success, but by the incredible value God has placed on us. Through passages like John 3:16, Romans 8:32, and 1 Peter 1:18–19, we're reminded that Jesus gave His life so we could know forgiveness, freedom, and eternal hope. God's love makes us priceless — and it changes everything about how we live today.

Rejoice, Share, and Find Hope in Christ's Sovereign Kingship

In this practical and faith-building session, we explore what the Bible says about healing and how we can confidently pray for others. Together we tackle big questions: ✨ Does God still heal today — and how? ✨ By whose authority do we pray? ✨ Could God really use me? ✨ Why aren't all people healed? We also walk through some simple, Spirit-led steps for praying for healing and trusting God with the results. Whether you're just curious, want to grow in faith, or are ready to step out and pray for others, this workshop will inspire and equip you to move forward.

In this powerful message from Acts 26, David explores Paul's bold defence of the Gospel before King Agrippa. Despite being in chains, Paul speaks with passion, clarity, and a deep desire for all to come to faith in Jesus. We reflect on the courage it takes to remain faithful in the face of pressure and opposition, and how we, like Paul, are called to live unashamed of the Gospel. This talk invites us to live with urgency, compassion, and conviction in sharing our faith with those around us.

This week, Carl is excited to welcome Dr. David Bass, a renowned chiropractic therapist, acupuncturist, and inventor. As the founder of the Neck & Back Pain Institute of Coral Springs, a treatment and training facility centered around the Antalgic-Trak®, Dr. Bass is transforming the path to pain relief. In this chat, Carl and David discuss Dr. Bass's unique journey from being one of the most successful chiropractic practitioners in the Northeast to relocating to Florida, where he developed the innovative Antalgic-Trak®. This groundbreaking piece of medical equipment has revolutionized spine pain management, providing relief to countless patients worldwide. Dr. Bass shares the inspiration behind the device, the challenges he faced during its development, and the eventual global success of his incredible invention. Carl also shares his personal testimony of overcoming chronic back pain through Dr. Bass's treatments, underscoring the device's effectiveness and Dr. Bass's compassionate approach to health care, pain management, and recovery.   Connect with Dr. David and The Neck & Back Pain Institute: Website LinkedIn Facebook    Connect with Carl: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Website   Produced by: Social Chameleon

In this first part of our Vision 2025 series, David shares passionately about the future direction of Life Vineyard Church as we step into a new season. At the heart of the message is a reminder that the essence of all we do as a church is to worship God and magnify His greatness. David unpacks what it truly looks like to connect and belong — not just attend, but become part of the church family. He encourages everyone to join a Life Group, highlights the importance of spiritual community, and addresses some of the common barriers people face in taking that step. Whether you're new or have been part of LVC for years, this message will help you see where you fit and how we move forward together.

In this first talk from our new series "To the Ends of the Earth", David explores Acts 8, where persecution scatters the early church—but the gospel continues to spread, reaching Samaria through Philip's ministry. This powerful message encourages us to step into God's calling on our lives, even in the face of challenges.

Abram doesn't charge forward, he turns back. After his detour in Egypt, he retraces his steps to the altar at Bethel, leading with repentance and renewed trust in God. There, he calls on the name of the YHWH. As conflict arises with Lot, Abram responds with humility, trusting not in land or wealth, but in God's promises. In response, God invites Abram to walk the land—to explore the inheritance already his by God's promise. Today, we walk in that same spirit, stepping forward by faith, trusting that what God has promised in Christ is already ours.  The Rev. David Bass, pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Meyer's FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 13.  Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In this powerful message, David speaks candidly about the importance of living with integrity as followers of Christ. Drawing from the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5), he challenges us to take our Christian walk seriously — living in reverence and awe of the holy God we serve. Whether you're a new believer, growing in your faith, or exploring what it means to live a Christ-centered life, this message will encourage and challenge you.

In this talk David shares on the boldness of the apostles in the face of threats, and their perseverance to keep preaching the gospel even when persecuted, leading to demonstration of power. He encourages us to be courageous and to share the gospel with the world around us, as the salvation of others depend on it.

In this fourth talk of our mini-series, The Heart of the Church, David explores the early church's deep devotion to prayer and how they grew and thrived even amid persecution. He encourages us to live a life of consistent conversation with God, fully relying on Him no matter the circumstances. Be blessed as you listen.

In this last talk in our Empowered for Mission series, David shared about making our lives count by setting our eyes on the things that truly matter. He encouraged us to lean on the Holy Spirit to usher in God's Kingdom as we point people to Jesus, because a lot is at stake! Be blessed as you listen

Forsake the evil desires of this world, loving the eternal Father and His kingdom.

David delivered this amazing talk - "The Holy Spirit Comes", which is the third teaching in our ongoing "Empowered for Mission" series. Listen, be empowered, and be blessed.

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop to discuss the latest racing news. In this edition, Nick and Lydia take a deep dive into the latest shambolic abandonment to hit British racing, this time at Ludlow. Trainer Dan Skelton vents extreme frustration, while jockey David Bass gives his view, plus the response from Ludlow manager and clerk Simon Sherwood and RCA boss David Armstrong. Also today, Nick and Lydia look forward to Constitution Hill plus preview this weekend's action with David Ord from Sportinglife.com and Fitzdares broker Orlando Meyrick. Hughie Morrison drops in to talk about the popular Secret Squirrel and several generations of wife Mary's homebreds.

David kicked off our new series, Empowered for Mission, with an incredible talk on The Promise of Power as we dive into the book of Acts this term. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and equipped for the mission God has for you. Be blessed as you listen!

As colleges and universities attempt to navigate today's challenging economic environment, they are increasingly relying on their endowments to fund operating costs. That sometimes means spending beyond their endowment's spending policy guidelines, which presents a difficult dilemma: How do they serve present needs yet also safeguard the institution's long-term financial sustainability? In this podcast, AGB's David Bass speaks with Cambridge Associates' Tracy Filosa about the balance that institutional leaders must strike between, on the one hand, meeting current demands and, on the other, ensuring that adequate resources will be available for future generations of stakeholders.

Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.

Our faith is a journey, and it starts by accepting Jesus' invitation. Listen and be blessed as David takes us on our journey of faith, looking at the life of Gideon, as He wraps up this series on the life of Gideon.

Jesus unveils His divine authority and tender care with breathtaking clarity, meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of His people. With just five loaves and two fish, He feeds a massive crowd, leaving them amazed and satisfied, and then, as chaos brews on the stormy sea, He strides across the waves to bring peace to His terrified disciples. These miraculous acts radiate the power of the One who commands creation itself and offers Himself as the Bread of Life.  The Rev. David Bass, pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Meyers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study John 6:1-12.  The Gospel of John takes us on a journey through the Good News of Jesus in a unique way. It reveals Jesus as the incarnate son of God from eternity.  From His miraculous signs to His profound "I Am" statements, we witness Jesus offering living water to the thirsty, light to those in darkness, and life to the dead. But this is also a story of conflict: Jesus is relentlessly pursued by those who reject Him, yet He willingly goes to the cross, showing the depths of God's love. As we travel from His first miracle to His ultimate victory over death, John invites us to see and believe—that in Jesus, we find eternal life and the very presence of God among us. Connect to God's revealing Word in this series that uncovers the rich, layered truths of John's Gospel and the unshakable hope it offers.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

David talks about how to keep our souls healthy by embracing an attitude of gratitude while we do not deny our laments. We can all cultivate a real and honest relationship with God, where we do not have to hide, hype, or pretend.

Artificial intelligence plays a key role in digital transformation, allowing institutions to scale their efforts and streamline their work. In this podcast, David Bass, AGB's executive director of philanthropic governance, and Fundmetric CEO Mark Hobbs discuss the use of AI in fundraising in higher education. Effective use of AI and an improved data infrastructure can help you prioritize and personalize outreach, adapt to changing donor demographics, and identify untapped donor potential.

Solomon imparts wisdom on the virtues of peace, understanding, and the dangers of folly. He highlights the value of a quiet home over a house filled with strife, the importance of discerning lips and wise actions, and the destructive nature of quarrels and foolishness. The Rev. David Bass, pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Meyers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Proverbs 17:1-14. Step into the spiritually rich landscape of the Book of Proverbs, a text divinely inspired and attributed to Solomon, the sage king endowed by God with unsurpassed wisdom. This ancient scripture begins with heartfelt lessons from a father to a son, laying a foundation of moral and ethical guidance before unfolding into a collection of timeless proverbs. It uniquely personifies wisdom and folly as two paths that stand before humanity, offering a choice between a life filled with virtue, fear of the Lord, and understanding, and one marred by shortsighted pleasures and foolishness. Proverbs serves as a compass for those seeking to walk in righteousness, offering insights that resonate deeply with the human experience, guiding us toward a life of purpose and discernment according to God's will.

In these proverbs, Solomon offers wisdom on the themes of discipline, communication, and contentment. It teaches that a wise son listens to his father's instruction, whereas a mocker does not respond to rebukes. The passage emphasizes the importance of careful speech and integrity, suggesting that those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Additionally, it discusses the contrast between the desires of the diligent, which are fully satisfied, and the cravings of the wicked, which go unfulfilled.  Rev. David Bass, pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Meyers, FL,  joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Proverbs 13:1-12  Step into the spiritually rich landscape of the Book of Proverbs, a text divinely inspired and attributed to Solomon, the sage king endowed by God with unsurpassed wisdom. This ancient scripture begins with heartfelt lessons from a father to a son, laying a foundation of moral and ethical guidance before unfolding into a collection of timeless proverbs. It uniquely personifies wisdom and folly as two paths that stand before humanity, offering a choice between a life filled with virtue, fear of the Lord, and understanding, and one marred by shortsighted pleasures and foolishness. Proverbs serves as a compass for those seeking to walk in righteousness, offering insights that resonate deeply with the human experience, guiding us toward a life of purpose and discernment according to God's will.

We tidy up another fine festival of top class racing in the company of Dan Skelton, Fiona Needham & David Bass, celebrate the achievements of Willie Mullins, and also assess the state of play in the Trainers Championship.

Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.

In a recent “X” post that went viral, a young woman lamented:   [I'm] Realizing at 32 that I don't care about building a career or climbing any corporate ladder. All I want to do is make the most amount of money working the least amount of hours possible so I can spend the MAJORITY of my time with my family, living life on my own terms instead of spending 40+ years working for a boss who's paying me what he thinks is “fair.”  This woman speaks for many 30-and-40-somethings who wish they'd prioritized marriage and children earlier. As births in the U.S. sink farther below the replacement rate, and the average age of first marriage hovers near an all-time high, a growing number of people are seeing the appeal of a life centered more around family than career, success, or status.    In fact, Gallup's Social Series survey recently found that desire for larger families is at a 50-year high: 45% of respondents said that three or more children is their ideal, a big change from 20 years ago, when only 33% of Americans wanted that many kids. This, however, only makes our nation's empty maternity wards and rock-bottom birth rates more puzzling. What is growing in America are not families, but the chasm between the families Americans say they want and the families they are forming.   In a Wall Street Journal article in May, Janet Adamy described how the “gap between women's intended number of children and their actual family size has widened considerably. ... [B]y the time women born in the late 1980s were in their early 30s, they had given birth, on average, to about one child less than they planned.”  Multiplied by tens of thousands, that's a lot of missing kids. This “birth dearth” has become so serious and undeniable that even mainstream media outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal have finally acknowledged it and even debated ways to reverse it. Adamy thinks that economic and social factors are to blame. Women cannot afford to have as many kids as they want and can't find mature, financially stable men with whom to have them.  These factors cannot sufficiently explain the numerous ways Americans actively opt for child-free lives. For instance, more and more households are choosing pets over children, and our spending on those pets increased by a whopping 30% between 2018 and 2021. More importantly, marriage is rarer than ever, especially among lower-income Americans even though marriage is the most reliable means of building and keeping the financial stability required for children.  Also, the rate of vasectomies has risen by more than a quarter in the last decade and are easier than ever to obtain. Planned Parenthood of Oklahoma City recently advertised free vasectomies on Facebook with the slogan “snip away the stress.” They were fully booked in two days.  And finally, if, as several writers have asked recently, our lack of fertility can be chalked up to “it's the economy, stupid,” how did previous generations manage far higher birth rates in much more difficult times?  Louise Perry offered a better explanation than any of these in an article published earlier this year in The Spectator. In it, she blamed our “progressive” lifestyle:   The key features of modernity—urbanism, affluence, secularism, the blurring of gender distinctions, and more time spent with strangers than with kin—all of these factors in combination shred fertility.  In other words, we are witnessing the domination of a life-script in which children feel superfluous. The way we live, the things we value, the roles we assume, and the priorities we set have made family an afterthought.   We've been culturally conditioned, at nearly every turn, to put other things ahead of marriage and children. We believe that marriage and family “will just happen when it's time.” But these things rarely do just happen in our culture, which is why so many find themselves like the woman in the viral video, wishing things had gone differently but painfully aware that lost time can never be reclaimed.   Mega trends like this cannot be changed overnight. Certainly, there are policy moves, like those recently suggested by Brad Wilcox and David Bass of the Institute for Family Studies, that can make change easier.  Ultimately, it comes down to individual choices to plan life in a way that centers, rather than marginalizes, marriage and family. That means these things can't be an afterthought, seen as a kind of “capstone” that young people expect to simply fall into place when the time is right. Rather, they must be thought of as foundational realities and, as such, things to pursue and around which other aspects of life should revolve.  This Breakpoint was co-authored by Shane Morris. For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org. 

If all there was to go on were sitcoms, movies, and mainstream editorials, we'd have to conclude that marriage is a direct path to misery, the “old ball and chain” that only ties us down, limits our freedom, and cramps our sexual fun. Many people now think of marriage less as “settling down” and more as “settling.” Young people are told, “You've got plenty of time, live a little, first,” as if life ends after the wedding.   The truth about marriage, however, is that it is, statistically, the single best predictor of long-term happiness. Making this even more important to understand is that for at least the last 20 years now, Americans have been steadily getting less happy.    Writing at UnHerd, sociologist Brad Wilcox and the Institute for Family Studies' David Bass point to new research from the University of Chicago that suggests that “Americans who are married with children are now leading happier and more prosperous lives, on average, than men and women who are single and childless.” And not just a little bit happier, either. According to Wilcox and Bass there is a “startling 30-percentage-point happiness divide between married and unmarried Americans.”  In other words, the happiness divide and the marriage divide are largely the same. Sam Peltzman, lead researcher behind the University of Chicago paper, isolated all other factors among thousands of respondents, including income, education, race, location, age, and gender. He concluded that “the most important differentiator” when it comes to who is happy and who is not is marriage. “Low happiness characterizes all types of non-married,” Peltzman writes, whether divorced, widowed, or never married. “No subsequent population categorization will yield so large a difference in happiness across so many people.”  In other words, the decline of marriage over the last several decades is causing the decline in happiness, or at least most of it. As Peltzman told The Atlantic in statistical hyperbole: “The only happy people for 50 years have been married people.”   Olga Khazan, who wrote the Atlantic piece and has been cohabiting with her partner for 15 years, says these stats also struck her as counterintuitive. However, she then admits that “this is a fairly consistent finding dating back decades in social-science research: Married people are happier. Period.”  Of course, happiness isn't the sole or even the best reason to get married. Many things in life carry deep meaning and significance that don't necessarily make us happy. A life lived only for happiness is a futile “chasing after the wind.” Enduring suffering, overcoming trials and tragedy, or sacrificing time, energy, or even our lives for others are all richly worthwhile pursuits that yield rewards in eternity. Certainly, loving someone and raising godly children is worth it, even if it's not always fun.   And we should note, “happiness” is a malleable word. When survey participants say being married or having children made them “happy,” they may often mean that these permanent connections give them lasting joy, something more profound than fleeting happiness, which surveys seldom quantify.      Still, these consistently stark results are unmistakable. They should challenge the entire way of thinking in sitcoms, movies, and editorials. Marriage is one of the chief sources of wellbeing and satisfaction in life. The fact that marriage rates have declined so dramatically over the last 50 years has had real, population-wide consequences.  Because the reasons people are not marrying at the same rates are so complex, different solutions will be required to raise the marriage rate. According to Wilcox and Bass, one of the most important reasons is the fact that, for many Americans who are living together and may already have children, getting married incurs a tax “penalty.” The federal government needs to, in their words, stop “making marriage a bad financial bet for lower-income families.”   That would be a good start. Ultimately, however, our bad laws are reinforced by a low view of marriage that has infected hearts and minds via entertainment, media, culture, and individual choices. We have a worldview problem, which has led to a conflict between the values and priorities of millions of people and the way they were actually created to live.   Marriage is part of God's plan for humanity and for His creation. No other human institution forges such lasting and consequential bonds. So, it should surprise no one—least of all Christians—that our nation's 50-year experiment with alternatives to marriage has left huge numbers of people deeply unhappy. Thanks to social science, we know the solution. The question now, for each of us and for all of society, is whether we're willing to commit.   This Breakpoint was co-authored by Shane Morris. For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org. 

This show aired on Thursday, July 13th, 2023 on 107.9 and 980 The WAAV in Wilmington, NC. Guests include David Bass. Children's Law Omnibus bill, Chris Wray Hearing, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev. David Bass, pastor of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Kerrville, TX, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study James 5. The Apostle James' hearers were being persecuted by the rich and powerful, as the rich and powerful have done throughout history. James urges them to be patient: God the judge is coming soon! He's at the door! He then commands them to remain faithful and to support one another in times of suffering with some clear examples of what that looks like. This chapter ends James' letter with an encouragement to do that which will save someone's soul from death and cover a multitude of sins, but just what is he talking about? Thy Strong Word dips back into the New Testament for a week only with a careful examination of the Epistle of Saint James. Once called an “epistle of straw” by Martin Luther, many think this meant he thought this letter was not fit for Scripture. Not so! In this brief series, each chapter will be explored to reveal not only how important the Apostle James' inspired message was for the Christians of his day, but how much we need to learn its lessons today. 

GUEST OVERVIEW: David Bass is the former publisher of the Weekly Standard. In this show we discuss the the raid at the Trump home, American journalists, in lockstep, responded by saying anyone questioning the politics of the raid are "dangerous". Why is the American media so frequently found to be doing the work of the Democrat Party?

Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.

Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.

This week Jesse and Austin interview Lisa Bueno of Veterans Educating Texans (VET) Coalition and David Bass of Texas Veterans For Medical Marijuana. The discussion goes over the upcoming Texas Veterans Medical Cannabis Conference taking place in Killeen, Texas on April 16th 2022 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center at 10am. Discussion also includes how Lisa and David got in to cannabis activism as veterans, how they started lobbying at the capital, and more. More information can be found at txvetco.org and on Facebook under @texasvetsformmj. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app