The Narrative

Center for Christian Virtue
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Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 19min

Inside Israel and Iran with Daniel Gordis

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: 💍 A potential constitutional amendment in 2026 that would create and enshrine rights permitting boys to play in girls' sports, pediatric sterilization and mutilation through sex-change procedures and wrong-sex hormones, and men in women's private spaces ⛪ Breaking news from the IRS allowing churches to endorse political candidates ⚖️ Upcoming state budget veto overrides on property tax provisions   More About Daniel Gordis Daniel Gordis is one of the founders of Shalem College in Jerusalem, Israel's first and only liberal arts college. The author of twelve books, two of which have won the National Jewish Book Award, he writes about Zionism and contemporary Israel, exploring the souls of the people who are the Jewish state. He is widely cited on matters pertaining to Israel. During the 2014 Gaza War, Bloomberg View asked him to become a columnist, explaining Israelis' views of the conflict to the world at large. The Forward has called Gordis "one of the most respected Israel analysts around."  Since moving to Israel in 1998, Daniel has written and lectured throughout the world on Israeli society and the challenges facing the Jewish state. His writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers, including the New York Times, the New Republic, the New York Times Magazine, Moment, and more. His book on the history of Israel, Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn, has been translated into six languages. His latest book is We Stand Divided: The Rift Between American Jews and Israel. Daniel also runs a successful Substack page: Israel from the Inside. He and his wife, Elisheva, live in Jerusalem. They are the parents of three married children and are proud grandparents.   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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jul 4, 2025 • 40min

Breaking Down the $60 Billion State Budget

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: 🚫 Removing obscene literature from the children's section in public libraries. 🚫 Stripping access to Educational Savings Accounts.   Listen as we unpack what these wins and vetoes mean for Ohio’s future.   Resources Read more about the budget victories: https://www.ccv.org/news/governor-dewine-signed-the-60-billion-state-budget Learn more about the Innocence Act (HB84): https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb84  Learn more about the Success Sequence (SB156): https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/SB156  Read the Ohio Christian Education Network's phone-free school covenant: https://ohiocen.org/phonefree/  Fnd a full list of vetoes: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHIOGOVERNOR/2025/07/01/file_attachments/3310799/Veto%20Messages.pdf      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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jun 27, 2025 • 52min

How the Sexual Revolution Ravaged Our Culture with Nathanael Blake

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. 🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jun 20, 2025 • 53min

The Economics of Paying People to Have Kids with Catherine Pakaluk

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.  🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 17min

Inside DC with US Senators Moreno and Husted

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. 🚺 Riley Gaines and Simone Biles had a cultural clash on X last week over fairness in women's sports, in response to a male playing on a high school softball team. 🚨 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots in Los Angeles and what they reveal about our culture's state of law, order, and truth.      More about US Senator Bernie Moreno Senator Bernie Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia. He moved to the United States with his family at age five and became an American citizen at age 18. Bernie 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. In 2016, Senator Moreno recognized the value and transformational potential of blockchain technology before it received mainstream attention and invested much of his volunteer time and investment dollars in the space. Senator Moreno lives in Westlake, Ohio, with his wife, Bridget, and their four adult children.   More about US Senator Jon Husted Senator Jon 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. He graduated from Montpelier High School and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton. In 2000, Husted won election to the Ohio House of Representatives. He was later elected to lead the chamber as Speaker of the House from 2005 to 2009. Senator Husted served in the Ohio State Senate until becoming the secretary of state in 2011. Senator Husted's two successful terms in that role led Ohioans to elect him lieutenant governor in 2019, before being appointed to US Senator, next to Senator Moreno, in 2025. Of all his responsibilities, Senator 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.   🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jun 6, 2025 • 50min

Being Pro-Life Isn't Enough with Roland Warren

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. 🃏 You can learn more about the gambling expansion bill here: https://www.ccv.org/news/the-harms-of-expanded-gambling ♣️ Contact your lawmaker to tell them to vote NO on the bill: https://www.ccv.org/take-action?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f126595%2fRespond   More about Roland Warren A graduate of Princeton University and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Roland is an inspirational servant leader with a heart for Christ and a mind for business. After 20 years in the corporate world, Roland spent 11 years as president of National Fatherhood Initiative before joining Care Net in 2012 as president and CEO. His national media appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, CNN, C-SPAN, Dateline NBC, Fox News Channel, Family News in Focus, and Black Entertainment Television.   Roland has been interviewed by major radio and newspaper outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Christianity Today, and many more.   He writes a column for Patheos.com called Just Sayin’: Musings on Faith, Family, and Freedom, and is the co-host of Care Net’s podcast, CareCast: Care Net on Family, Faith, and Life. A native of Toledo, Ohio, Roland and his wife, Yvette, have two married sons and four grandchildren. 🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 30, 2025 • 1h 8min

Living with Conviction in a Culture of Compromise with Sage Steele

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. 🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 23, 2025 • 47min

The Big, Beautiful Bill with Eric Teetsel

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.  🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 16, 2025 • 1h 2min

Addicted & Exploited: The Truth About Gambling in Ohio

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. 🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 9, 2025 • 41min

Three Steps to a Successful Life with Ian Rowe

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. 🔊 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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