The Narrative with Aaron Baer

In this episode, Alex Clark from TPUSA discusses the legacy of Charlie Kirk, the state of the conservative movement, and the importance of health and faith in politics. They explore how to unify different political factions and the ongoing battle against misinformation and hate. Resources: Ayaan Hirsi Ali Article on Tablet Magazine : https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/mohamed-atta-25-years-911 Aarons Post on X : https://x.com/aarbaer/status/2098428107149504800?s=20 Chapters: 00:00- Introduction to the episode and guest Alex Clark 02:25- Charlie Kirk’s legacy and his grounding influence 04:17- The state of the conservative movement today 05:25- Why faith and activism matter for the future 08:20- The power of voter engagement and activism 09:38- Charlie Kirk’s spiritual growth and internal life 12:48- Dealing with opposition and hate towards Charlie Kirk 15:30- The political landscape after recent GOP conventions 16:46- The alliance between Christian conservatives and Maha 20:58- The importance of protecting Maha voters and issues 21:36- Closing remarks and upcoming events 22:40- Introduction to Samuel Say and his background 23:36- The biblical perspective on politics and culture 25:10- The importance of biblical worldview in all issues 27:36 - The danger of false teachings and deception 29:36 - The falsehood of workspace salvation and works-based theology 32:38 - The biblical view of salvation and grace 33:34 - The biblical understanding of love and hate 39:51 - The dog whistle language in political discourse 41:00 - The deception in political rhetoric about oppression 44:54 - Reflections on 9/11 and its impact 45:21 - Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s analysis of Islam and Western culture 47:16 - The threat of Islam and its worldview 49:34 - The challenge of religious freedom and Islam 54:09 - The concept of worldview and religious liberty 55:20 - The American creed and biblical principles 59:56 - The importance of American values and immigration 01:02:28 - The true nature of Islam and its incompatibility with America 01:03:13 - Closing thoughts and future outlooks Ways To Follow Alex Clark: TPUSA: https://tpusa.com/contributor/alexclark/page/3/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realalexclark/?hl=en Podcast: https://tpusa.com/shows/culture-apothecary/

The Narrative Podcast is relaunching with new hosts and a focus on national stories impacting culture, politics, and the church. In this episode, Aaron Bear announces the return, introduces guest Alex Clark, and discusses Charlie Kirk's legacy and the future of conservative media.

This episode explores the shocking findings of the 'Wolves in White Coats' report, revealing how financial motives and systemic failures have fueled the exploitation of children in gender medicine. Experts discuss the fraud, ethical breaches, and the urgent need for accountability in healthcare. Keywords gender medicine, healthcare fraud, medical ethics, pediatric gender clinics, Medicaid fraud, medical billing, systemic corruption, child health, medical accountability, healthcare reform Topics The origins and spread of gender medicine fraud Profit motives and financial incentives in healthcare Systemic failures and professional association roles Fraudulent billing practices and diagnostic code manipulation Impact on children and families affected by gender treatments Legal and political responses to healthcare fraud The role of professional organizations and standards of care The importance of accountability and systemic reform Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the 'Wolves in White Coats' report 00:30 The origins of gender medicine fraud 01:30 How systemic corruption allowed the spread 02:28 Profit motives fueling the crisis 04:22 The financial scale of gender treatment fraud 06:19 Medical ethics and the purpose of medicine 07:44 Lifetime costs and financial incentives for hospitals 09:10 Billing fraud and diagnostic code manipulation 14:25 The spike in endocrine disorder diagnoses 17:17 Misuse of diagnostic codes for fraud 20:43 The influence of professional organizations 22:37 The betrayal of trust by standards of care 24:05 Stories of harm and systemic failure 27:55 Legal and political accountability 30:48 The importance of voter awareness and accountability 33:04 The role of government agencies and whistleblowers

Delano Squires discusses his book 'The Vanishing Black Family' and explores the historical, cultural, and political factors contributing to the decline of the traditional black family structure. He emphasizes the importance of family revival and offers practical community and policy solutions. Keywords #Black Family, #Family Revival, #Welfare, #Feminism, #Marriage, #Policy, #Community Solutions, #Cultural Change Key Topics Historical impact of slavery on black families Role of welfare and feminism in family decline Cultural inertia and institutional resistance Policy solutions for family revival Community-based strategies for strengthening families Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Book Overview 01:50 Delano Squires' Background and Mission 04:10 Reception of the Book and Its Goals 05:51 The State of the Black Family Today 07:52 Historical Legacy of Slavery on Family Structure 09:46 Impact of Welfare and Feminism in the 1960s 12:13 The Rise of Non-Marital Birth Rates 13:59 Policy Barriers and Institutional Resistance 16:08 The Role of Black Leadership and Cultural Inertia 18:10 Practical Community and Family Strategies 20:04 Policy Recommendations and Future Steps 22:10 The Importance of Family in Cultural Identity 24:02 Addressing Systemic and Cultural Barriers 26:03 The Role of Churches and Community Organizations 27:57 The Power of Family Reunions and Legacy 29:59 Call to Action for Policy and Community Leaders 31:57 Practical Steps for Families and Communities 33:59 The Role of Education and Research in Family Revival 35:57 Closing Remarks and How to Support the Book Resources The Vanishing Black Family by Delano Squires - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Vanishing+Black+Family+Delano+Squires Delano Squires on X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/DelanoSquires Heritage Foundation - https://www.heritage.org Guest links Twitter - https://twitter.com/DelanoSquires Website - https://www.heritage.org

Americans have stopped looking to the Bible for answers. We assume we already know the story. Dr. Adam Rasmussen joins The Narrative to reveal the data on biblical worldview and remind us that real understanding only starts when we trust and engage with the source. More About Dr. Adam Rasmussen As a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center and the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities at Arizona Christian University, Dr. Adam Rasmussen draws upon his 25 years of experience in Christian education to inspire students to thrive under the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of their lives. With a passion for helping students connect their faith with reason and culture, he guides them to make meaningful and relevant connections that go beyond mere academic study. Dr. Rasmussen is a magna cum laude graduate of Northwestern College, where he earned a BA in history. He also holds an MA in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College, as well as a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on leadership and administration from the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. His research interests include biblical literacy, educational ministries, and Christian apologetics. Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of The Narrative , David and Mike sit down with the Henry family to discuss a terrifying loophole in Ohio state law governing public locker rooms that exposed their daughter to predatory behavior. Their shocking testimony makes it clear why we're fighting for change in Ohio before it happens again. Watch or listen today wherever you get your podcasts! TAKE ACTION You can do your part by taking 60 seconds to contact your legislator and urge them to pass HB249, the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act . Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of The Narrative , David and Mike discuss: The Save Ohio Sports Act, the bill that will target predatory mobile wagering by restricting sports betting exclusively to Ohio's four physical casinos. The landmark 6-3 Supreme Court decision that upholds Ohio's Save Women Sports Act that was passed to protect biological reality and sex-specific athletic categories. After the news, the guys sit down with tech expert Devan Patel and dig into the Vatican’s landmark AI encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas , which transcends denominational lines because it is meant for anyone who cares about protecting human dignity, the value of hard work, and safeguarding the future of humanity from anti-human technology. While AI holds unprecedented power and potential as a revolutionary tool, its profound dangers require deep wisdom to navigate. To safely harness this technology, governments must enforce robust national security protocols and a strict legal "duty of care," while parents shield their children by practicing healthy digital habits in the home. Listen or queue up your commute podcast now! More About Devan Patel Devan Patel is a lawyer and political strategist in Washington, DC. He serves as the visiting fellow for tech ethics and democracy at the Joseph Rainey Center. Previously, he served as counsel and managing director of public policy at Allegiance Strategies as well as the senior advisor of public policy and ethics at American Security Fund, where he emerged as a leading voice at the intersection of AI, national security, and Catholic ethics. He is an adjunct professor of law at Notre Dame Law School, a fellow at Notre Dame's de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, and an inaugural member of the Federalist Society's AI & Law Working Group. Devan has authored and negotiated state and federal legislation, built and deployed unlikely advocacy coalitions, and has spoken at or convened international AI ethics summits on four continents, including a summit he convened at the Vatican in dialogue with the Holy See's advisors on AI.

This week on The Narrative , Aaron and Mike discuss the MLB's backpedaling after threats over Pride gear compliance, a journalist's tantrum over the Success Sequence (a proven framework for poverty avoidance) because "Oprah didn't take that path," and the left's desperate fight over common-sense voter ID requirements. After the news, Brad Littlejohn explains why conservatives must stop letting blind free-market absolutism dictate American life. True prosperity doesn't come from letting corporate elites maximize capital at the expense of our neighborhoods, but from intentional, pro-family policies that proactively help communities thrive. From championing child tax credits to pushing Ohio's App Store Accountability Act, Brad argues that the common good requires the government to put its thumb on the scale. True freedom means placing healthy constraints on the market so parents can successfully protect their kids and rebuild strong, stable homes. Listen or queue up your commute podcast now! More About Brad Littlejohn Brad Littlejohn (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is director of programs and education at American Compass. He founded and served for 10 years as president of The Davenant Institute. He has published and lectured extensively in the fields of Reformation history, Christian ethics, and political theology. You can find more of his writing at Substack . He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and four children.

This week on The Narrative , Aaron, David, and Mike get into the details of both the Cleveland Clinic’s settlement over fraudulent billing for gender procedures, which established a $2 million detransitioner fund, and the Major League Baseball players who resisted forced corporate speech during Pride Month by rejecting pride caps or writing scripture on their gear. After the news, Representative Mike Dovilla joins the hosts to discuss Ohio's widespread Medicaid and insurance fraud, calling it a symptom of an unaccountable administrative state. He argues that medical systems exploit loopholes to bypass state laws. Listen to The Narrative today! More About Representative Mike Dovilla Mike Dovilla represents the 17th District in the Ohio House of Representatives. From 2011 to 2016, he served most of the same southwestern Cuyahoga County communities in one of Ohio’s most competitive legislative districts. A principled yet pragmatic legislator, Mike returned to the Legislature in 2025 with the well-earned reputation of a thoughtful policymaker trusted by constituents and colleagues alike. In the 136th General Assembly, Representative Dovilla serves as Vice Chairman of the House Finance Committee and a member of the Energy, Veterans and Military Development, and Workforce and Higher Education Committees. During his previous service in the House, his peers elected him Majority Whip and he chaired two standing committees. As a freshman in 2011, he was appointed Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. Representative Dovilla is the author of 15 state laws designed to spur economic development, strengthen education, protect senior citizens, support veterans, and improve government accountability. Mike is deeply committed to our community, state, and nation, volunteering in numerous civic, veterans, and educational organizations. He is a scripture reader at his church and devoted mentor to college students, serving in advisory roles for more than 25 years. A lifelong baseball fan and voracious reader, Mike also enjoys cooking for family and friends, traveling to historical sites around the country, and spending time outdoors with his yellow Labrador retriever, Perry, named in honor of the “Hero of Lake Erie.”

In this episode, David takes us behind the scenes at the Statehouse to the moment when the "Success Sequence" bill was resurrected at the eleventh hour during his desperate time of prayer. Then, Aaron breaks down a massive win for election security: a constitutional amendment heading to the November ballot to officially close the mail-in loophole and permanently lock down voter ID laws. After the news, the hosts take time to celebrate that The Narrative is officially five years old! Take a look back at the half-decade of truth, learn the hosts’ all-time favorite guests (from Bob Woodson and Dr. Ben Carson to Chloe Cole), and get some hilarious secrets from when the mics were off, including the infamous day that newly hired Mike accidentally drank the very last of Congressman Jim Jordan's personal apple cider. Listen to The Narrative today! Learn More about the Minnery Fellowship The Minnery Fellowship provides ongoing educational opportunities for pastors and church leaders to dive into the practical issues facing Christians in culture and develop, with a cohort of their peers, biblical strategies and messages to respond. Get the details and sign up at MinneryFellowship.org .

Is the recent corporate retreat from "Pride Month" just a shallow cultural wave that will crash back once the tides change? Without biblical grounding, it seems unlikely this slight move away from worshipping lust and debauchery will be sustained. And while Ohio's school choice expansion has public schools crying foul, The Narrative hosts think the worst-performing, hyper-funded schools should face real accountability. In today's episode, Aaron and Mike share the hard truth about what lies ahead for Christians in the coming years if we don't stay anchored in Christ alone. After the news, Family First founder Mark Merrill joins the chat to reveal how All Pro Dad is combating the culture’s fatherhood crisis. Mark breaks down the vital, daily toolkit men need to become the heroes their kids deserve, and shares the exclusive details on their completely sold-out, interactive experience at the Ohio Stadium later this month.

In this episode of The Narrative podcast, Mike and David analyze what's next for the Ohio General Assembly. With a looming extended summer break and a chaotic "lame duck" session after the election, the next two weeks are critical to pass key legislation, including the Baby Olivia Act and the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act. Listen in to learn how grassroots efforts and constituent pressure powerfully influence lawmakers at the Statehouse. After the news, National Review senior writer Noah Rothman shreds the mainstream media narrative by exposing a century of radical left-wing extremism and domestic terrorism that’s been systematically swept under the rug. From the dangerous roots of the "Marxist narrative" to the way groups like the SPLC gaslight the public into thinking left-wing violence is just a myth, this is a reality check the establishment doesn't want you to hear. For more, check out his provocative new book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence in America. Listen to The Narrative today! More About Noah Rothman Noah Rothman is a senior writer with National Review , the foremost journal of conservative scholarly opinion and analysis in America since its founding in 1955. He is the author of Unjust: Social Justice and the Unmaking of America (Regnery, 2019) and The Rise of the New Puritans: Fighting Back Against Progressives’ War on Fun (HarperCollins, 2022). Mr. Rothman graduated from Drew University with a degree in Russian Studies and political science (2004), and he earned a graduate degree from Seton Hall University in diplomacy and international relations with a focus on security policy in the former Soviet space (2010). He lives with his wife and two sons in New Jersey.

This week on The Narrative , Aaron and David address the Supreme Court’s 7–2 ruling that blocked a 5th Circuit decision that had temporarily restricted mail-order abortion pills nationwide. Justice Thomas’s fierce dissent invoked the Comstock Act against mailing drugs, and the FDA Director Marty Makary’s abrupt resignation brought renewed hope to many pro-life advocates. On a related note, in Ohio, David recently testified in favor of House Bill 324, the Patient Protection Act , which mandates in-person doctor visits and bans mail delivery for high-risk drugs. The legislation effectively defeats pro-abortion objections at the Statehouse by neutrally targeting all high-risk medications rather than uniquely targeting abortion. After the news, Parker Thayer, a researcher with Capital Research Center and contributor to the Daily Wire , shares his insights on the massive Medicaid home-care fraud scheme in Ohio that proved the state’s optional GPS and signature verification systems failed to track actual patient care. Following the report's publication, Ohio implemented a total freeze on new home-care companies and restored mandatory GPS tracking. Listen now or queue up the podcast for your commute! 📢 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. 👉 Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077. 👉 Email us at thenarrative@ccv.org. To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org. ⭐️ How are we doing? If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you! 🔎 About The Narrative The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies. Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today. Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lid has been blown off a massive Medicaid fraud scheme that is bleeding Ohio taxpayers dry. In this week's Narrative podcast, Attorney General Dave Yost shares how his investigation had already uncovered criminals who billed for intensive care while they were actually competing in figure-skating competitions abroad or traveling on your dime, before the Daily Wire's exposé was published. Yet, even as the indictments roll in, a major shift is coming to the Attorney General’s office! After years of sparring with big-money industries and defending Ohio’s laws in court, Dave Yost has announced he is joining the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) as Vice President for Strategic Policy and Innovation. Tune in to hear about the "Wild West" of unregulated gambling, the fight for school choice, and why Ohio's AG is taking his legal expertise to the largest Christian law firm in the world. You don't want to miss this eye-opening episode! More About Attorney General Dave Yost Dave Yost was re-elected as Ohio’s 51st attorney general on November 8, 2022, receiving more votes than any other attorney general in the state’s history. During his first term as the state’s chief legal officer, he quickly gained a national reputation as a fearless advocate for the rule of law — or, as he puts it, “the same rules for everybody.” Yost’s goal is to “do big good” for the people of Ohio by protecting consumers, rooting out corruption, defending the environment, ensuring an open and competitive marketplace, and fulfilling the many other duties of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Yost began his public-service career as Delaware County auditor, later winning election as that county’s prosecutor. From 2011 through 2018, he served as Ohio’s auditor of state and, in January 2019, began his first term as attorney general. Yost earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and law degree from Capital University. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Franklin County; they have three grown children and five grandchildren.

This week, CNN political commentator Scott Jennings delivers a direct indictment of a radical anti-American movement that has hijacked traditional liberal politics. This movement replaces paychecks with pronouns and border security with radicalism. Because the far Left continues to embrace this extreme, increasingly violent version of liberalism, we are now in a fight for the survival of Western civilization. CCV President Aaron Baer and US Senator Jon Husted join the conversation to expose the ongoing destruction that liberal politics have pushed on America, including: A poverty trap carefully constructed to punish work and destroy the nuclear family. Radical activists attempting to force boys into girls' locker rooms and bathrooms. American citizens fleeing blue-state chaos for the sanity of red-state leadership. Threats from the Iranian regime are downplayed, even though they have been the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. The false belief that rights come from a government script or a judge rather than from God. Listen today to hear why the survival of the American experiment depends on a relentless defense of the truth. More About Scott Jennings Scott Jennings is a prominent conservative political commentator on CNN, known for his sharp insights and thought-provoking analysis. Dubbed “The Black Sheep of CNN” by the Daily Mail and “Lonely Scott” by Bill Maher for his engaging nightly debates, Jennings has become a fixture of CNN’s election and major event coverage. As the network's senior conservative commentator, Scott brings a unique perspective, blending humor and candor grounded in his rural American roots, to deliver compelling arguments and lively discussions on the news of the day. Scott’s career spans decades at the intersection of politics, media, and academia. A trusted advisor on four presidential campaigns, he served as Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and played pivotal roles in high-profile Senate and congressional races. His expertise in political strategy has made him a respected analyst on CNN and a prolific writer featured in publications like The LA Times and Gannett . Beyond the campaign trail, Scott has taught at Harvard’s Kennedy School, shaping the next generation of public servants. He is also a founding partner of RunSwitch Public Relations, Kentucky’s largest PR and public affairs firm. More About Senator Jon Husted Jon Husted began serving Ohioans in the US Senate in January 2025. For more than two decades, the people of Ohio have trusted him to fight for their jobs, values, and families. Husted started his life in a foster home before his loving parents, Jim and Judy, adopted him. He is the oldest of three children and was raised in northwest Ohio’s Williams County. The small community instilled in him the importance of faith, family, and hard work, which remain the foundation of his public service. In 2000, Husted won the election to the Ohio House of Representatives. He later was elected unanimously to lead the chamber as Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2009. As Speaker, Husted expanded educational freedom for Ohio children through the creation of the EdChoice Scholarship. Husted followed that with service in the Ohio State Senate until becoming the secretary of state in 2011. Husted’s two successful terms in that role led Ohioans to elect him lieutenant governor, where he championed common-sense solutions to make state government work better for its citizens while lowering costs. Of all his responsibilities, Sen. Husted considers being a loving husband, father, and grandfather the most important. He and his wife, Tina, raised their three children, Alex, Kylie, and Katie, in Ohio, and make their home in Columbus.

From the Statehouse to the Supreme Court, there is no shortage of news in this episode of The Narrative ! Together, Aaron and Mike break down: The historic week for CCV as the organization officially expands beyond Ohio’s borders to launch the national Christian Education Network . The academic "deep state" at Bowling Green State University, where undercover footage caught bureaucrats playing word games to keep their illegal DEI machine running on your dime. The disturbing reality of three assassination attempts against President Trump. The Supreme Court finally dismantling racist gerrymandering. After the news, Benjamin Baird of the Middle East Forum exposes a hidden threat operating inside the Ohio Statehouse. He explains State Representative Munira Abdullahi’s deep-seated leadership within the Muslim American Society (MAS)—a group federal prosecutors identify as the overt arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in America. From hosting terror-linked figures at the Capitol to her lone vote against condemning the October 7 massacre in Israel, Munira's trajectory follows a dangerous blueprint of using democratic institutions to advance a radical, theocratic agenda. Has the Muslim Brotherhood infiltrated the Ohio government? Find out today! More About Benjamin Baird Benjamin Baird is a public affairs specialist who organizes grassroots advocacy campaigns in support of Middle East Forum (MEF) projects. He mobilizes constituencies to support MEF policy objectives, coordinates effective public pressure campaigns, and uses bold and creative techniques to disrupt the policy-making arena. Mr. Baird is a US Army infantry veteran with a BA from American Military University. His writing can be found at National Review, New York Post, Jerusalem Post , and other prominent media outlets.

In this explosive episode of The Narrative , Aaron, David, and Mike dive deep into the shocking federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) involving allegations of wire fraud, money laundering, and bank fraud. The self-appointed "arbiters of hate" allegedly funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars through shell organizations like "Rare Books Warehouse" and "CIA" (Center Investigative Agency) to pay extremist activists. For an organization that raised over $120 million following the Charlottesville riots, the irony is staggering. The indictment states that they essentially manufactured the very radicalism they claim to fight. Once again, for the radical Left, victimhood is a multi-million dollar business model. Beyond the legal drama, there are real-world consequences of being targeted by the SPLC’s "hate map," from de-banking and "financial death penalties" to actual physical security threats against Christian organizations like CCV and the FRC. Mainstream media outlets have lazily repeated these labels as "fact" despite the SPLC’s increasingly transparent political bias. If you want to understand how the Left weaponizes ideology to demonize traditional values while lining its own pockets, you can’t afford to miss this breakdown of the SPLC’s "outrage machine" and the federal case that could finally dismantle it.

American families are fleeing Blue States as the "Big Family Sort" continues across the country. The Family Structure Index , created by the Institute for Family Studies and Center for Christian Virtue, reveals that families are migrating from high-tax, anti-family states like California to Red States that prioritize religious freedom and affordable living. Brad Wilcox joins Aaron, David, and Mike to discuss how Red State policies offer the stability required for marriage to flourish. They make it clear that to protect Ohio’s future, we must reject failing secular models and champion a culture that anchors economic success in biblical family values. Tune in now or queue up your commute podcast! More about Brad Wilcox Brad Wilcox is Melville Foundation Jefferson Scholars Foundation University Professor of Sociology and Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, Future of Freedom Fellow and Director of the Get Married Initiative at the Institute for Family Studies , and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute . The author of Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization (Harper Collins, 2024), Wilcox studies marital quality, marital stability, and the impact of strong and stable marriages upon men, women, and children. The author and editor of six books, Wilcox has written for scientific journals such as The American Sociological Review and The Journal of Marriage and Family , and The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and National Review. More about the Family Structure Index The Family Structure Index tracks the changing fortunes of marriage and family across America's states. By measuring marriage rates, family stability, and fertility, the Index reveals how the strength of the family is deeply connected to the health and attainability of the American Dream. The results have recently been featured on Fox News ( here and here ), Fox Business , The Daily Wire , and the Wall Street Journal .

This week, Aaron, David, and Mike dig into the 2026 Family Structure Index , which reveals our state has dropped from #29 to #30 in the US for family stability. This is an economic and safety crisis for our families that no government program can fix, but the Church is uniquely equipped to address. The guys also shed light on the new parasite that Ohio is inviting into our communities through predatory sports gambling apps. They discuss the recent press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, where CCV stood alongside a coalition of lawmakers, public health experts, and former athletes to announce a major overhaul of Ohio’s sports betting laws: The Save Ohio Sports Act . After the news, David and Mike are joined by Dr. Mark David Hall, Professor in Regent University’s Robertson School of Government. Hall demolishes the secular myths surrounding America’s founding and unmasks the truth: our nation was built on the objective reality of human sin and the necessity of biblical justice. This conversation empowers every believer to reject the godless Utopianism of the Left and stand firmly on our Christian heritage. Tune in now or queue up your commute podcast! More about Mark David Hall Mark David Hall is a Professor in Regent University’s Robertson School of Government and Director of Religious Liberty in the States . He earned a BA in political science from Wheaton College and a PhD in government from the University of Virginia. He has written, edited, or co-edited fifteen books, including Did America Have a Christian Founding? Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth.

Today, Aaron, Mike, and special guest Maria Baer celebrate a massive Supreme Court victory for the First Amendment and biblical truth. With their 8-1 ruling in favor of therapist Kaley Chiles, the Court struck a blow against the Left’s 15-year crusade to ban so-called "conversion therapy" and muzzle Christian counselors. Listen to this episode of The Narrative to hear how the radical lobby uses state power to embrace evil and alienate children from reality and truth. After the news, Heritage Foundation Policy Analyst Emma Waters joins the hosts to shatter the modern "girl boss" and "tradwife" delusions with her new book, Lead Like Jael . Emma breaks down how the biblical story of Jael provides a new blueprint for women to cultivate uniquely feminine virtues like shrewdness and discernment in a culture that treats womanhood and motherhood as liabilities. From exposing the "toxic empathy" of the radical Left to calling out the Church’s own failure to articulate the goodness of marriage, Emma shares how a productive, Christ-centered home is the ultimate weapon against an enemy that always attacks the family first. More about Emma Waters Emma Waters is a Policy Analyst in the Center for Technology and the Human Person at The Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on family, biotechnology, and reproductive medicine. She is a co-author of “A Future for the Family: A New Technology Agenda for the Right” statement at First Things. Her first book, Lead Like Jael , was released with Skyhorse Publishing in early 2026. Emma graduated Valedictorian at Lee University with a B.S. in Political Science and a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at The Catholic University of America. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Want to Go Deeper? On Saturday, April 11, Center for Christian Virtue will host our 2026 Columbus Celebration Gala. We're excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Scott Jennings, who is CNN's senior conservative voice and one of the sharpest commentators in the national spotlight. He's known for his clarity, conviction, and humor, and Scott brings decades of experience at the crossroads of politics and media, including serving in the George W. Bush White House and key roles in multiple presidential and Senate campaigns. It's going to be an elegant evening where you'll enjoy an incredible dinner followed by visionary keynotes exploring the path forward for the future of Ohio and America. Get your tickets or secure your table today at CCV.org/ColumbusGala .