The Narrative

We last heard from him in October of 2023 just after the war in Israel started, and now Michael Mistretta is back on The Narrative to give an update live from Jerusalem! Michael, founder and CEO of FIRM Israel, caught up with CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on the latest happenings in Israel since news of ceasefire deals with Hamas made headlines. Listen in to hear the plans for releasing the remaining hostages, the effect Trump's election has on the situation, and how Israelis are being pointed toward Christ. Before their conversation with Michael, David and Mike react to President Trump's inauguration and swift action upon returning to office, how the Lord has been moving in and through OSU's football team, and how Ohio's new General Assembly has hit the ground running with committee assignments and bill introductions.   More about Michael Mistretta Michael is the co-founder and CEO of FIRM Israel: Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries. Born in Toronto, Canada, Michael was raised in the church and later received a call to Israel where he met Pastor Wayne Hilsden and helped to start FIRM. From starting his own company as a teenager to his 10 years of ministry experience, Michael is an entrepreneur and innovator who is passionate about seeing ministries in Israel thrive and people coming to know Jesus as Messiah. Michael and his wife, Vanessa, have a passion for Israel that takes them around the world as they strive to build unique connections between the Church and the body of believers in Israel and share about how God is moving in Israel today. Michael and Vanessa live in the heart of Jerusalem with their two young sons. 🔊 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.

Jim Geraghty, Senior Correspondent for the National Review, joins CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to discuss Justin Trudeau's resignation as Canada's Prime Minister.  Jim shares how Trudeau's resignation is actually related to the leftist initiatives that have consistently failed US citizens, including the current disastrous mismanagement of LA's wildfires. Before the discussion with Jim, Aaron and Mike respond to yet another CCV hit piece by The New Yorker. Co-published with ProPublica, their latest effort was to "uncover" our strategy to expand Ohio's school voucher program so that more students can attend Christian schools. Click here to read an article by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, combatting the myths in The New Yorker article. You won't want to miss this week's episode! More about Jim Geraghty Jim is the senior political correspondent of National Review. He is a conservative blogger and is the author of National Review’s The Campaign Spot blog and The Morning Jolt newsletter. Jim spent two years in Ankara, Turkey, working as a foreign correspondent and studying anti-Americanism, democratization, Islam, Middle East politics, and U.S. diplomacy efforts. His work appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the New York Sun, the Washington Times, and the Washington Examiner.  In 2008, Best Life Magazine called Jim one of “the 10 most important voices to listen to this election cycle,” and the London Times praised his “killer insight” in that election cycle. Jim lives with his wife and children in Fairfax County, Virginia. 🔊 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.

The Narrative is back! Welcome to a new year, filled with promise, hope, and the Lord's blessing upon our nation. This week CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down to chat about the stories and topics they're keeping an eye on this year, including: The political climate in Ohio and across the nation; How Trump's election, administration, and cabinet will have a positive affect on Americans; and Their hope in the expansion of school choice, the growth of strong marriages, and the dismantling of harmful gender ideology. Be sure to listen to this week's episode to get a primer on what is already shaping up to be a big year! 🔊 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.

With 2024 coming to an end, the guys sit down for one final episode of The Narrative! Join CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews as they recap and reminisce on the 135th General Assembly, including the dramatic speaker race; a whiplash-inducing week at the Statehouse; and the victories we experienced with the SAFE Act, Save Women's Sports Act, and Parents' Bill of Rights. We thank you for all the support and listens throughout 2024 and are excited for what the Lord will bring in 2025.  🔊 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.

Tyler O'Neil sits down with CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Fellow for Strategic Initiatives Peter Range on The Narrative to discuss his research into the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and how the organization is targeting the right through false narratives. Tyler's book, Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center, shares how corruption within the SPLC has undermined their original mission and has now contributed to a climate of fear in America Before the conversation with Tyler, CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan join Mike to discuss the latest happenings at the Ohio Statehouse, including the House Bill 8 and LifeWise Academy situation, as well as potential prospects for Ohio's Senate seat. You don't want to miss this week's episode! More about Tyler O'Neil Tyler is a husband, father, and Eagle Scout. He graduated from Hillsdale College in 2012 and has written and edited articles for numerous conservative outlets, including the Christian Post, PJ Media, Fox News, and the Daily Signal. His first book, Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center, exposed how a civil rights organization became a threat to America’s free speech culture. He enjoys board games, Indian food, and talking ceaselessly about politics, religion, and culture. He has appeared on Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight. Follow him on Twitter at @Tyler2ONeil and be sure to pre-order his latest work, The Woketopus: The Dark Money Cabal Manipulating the Federal Government, which will release on January 21, 2025. 🔊 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.

Matt Sharp, senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, joins The Narrative to discuss the US vs. Skrmetti case, which will decide whether Tennessee's SAFE Act can be upheld to protect children from dangerous, experimental gender surgeries and wrong-sex hormones. Listen in to get the scoop on this week's oral arguments at the US Supreme Court and the effects the case will have across the nation, regardless of the court's final decision.  CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan tee up the conversation with updates on how the Lame Duck session at the Statehouse is unfolding and how Ohio's newest cash program for single mothers does more to promote political fundraising than parenthood. Want your questions answered? If you have any questions about past episodes, news in the media, or general inquiries, submit them to TheNarrative@ccv.org by Wednesday, December 11, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode! More about Matt Sharp Matt Sharp is senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and directs ADF's Center for Legislative Advocacy. He works to advance religious freedom for students who desire to share their faith, and those who fight for privacy against schools requiring students to share bathrooms and locker rooms with students of the opposite sex. He has testified before state legislatures on religious liberty and physical privacy issues. Sharp authored the amicus brief in Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. on behalf of students, parents and community members. He has won cases allowing students to invite a classmate to church, preform religious songs at a school talent show and form religious clubs. Sharp earned his J.D. in 2006 from the Vanderbilt University School of Law. A member of the bar in Georgia and Tennessee, he is also admitted to practice in several federal courts. To follow more of his work, check him out on X, @MattSharpADF. 🔊 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.

Maria Baer joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Policy Director David Mahan on The Narrative to discuss her first-hand experience of the drug epidemic in Portland, Oregon, which she chronicled for Christianity Today in her article, "Recovery Ministries Try to Help Portland Get Clean." Maria shares how drug decriminalization has fueled Oregon's addiction crisis, leaving local Christians pleading with the sick–and the state–to let them help. Before the conversation with Maria, the guys catch up on this week's news, including the Associated Press article highlighting CCV's work to expand Christian education, how CCV's priority bills are progressing in Ohio's Lame Duck session, and what the Statehouse leadership picks mean for next year. You don't want to miss this week's episode! Want your questions answered? If you have any questions about past episodes, news in the media, or general inquiries, submit them to TheNarrative@ccv.org by Wednesday, December 11, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode! More about Maria Baer Maria is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009. She belongs to Cross City Church with her family and is a volunteer counselor at her local crisis pregnancy center. You can find more of Maria’s published works on her website. 🔊 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.

With more than 20 members named in the last week, President-elect Trump has wasted no time picking his cabinet. This week on The Narrative, Eric Teetsel–Executive Vice President of the Center for Renewing America–sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to uncover why these quick picks have not only been entertaining but are also inspiring for the conservative party and the American people. But before the guys dive into Trump's appointments, they catch up on the latest news recounting the victory of Ohio's Single-Sex Bathroom Privacy Bill (SB104) and why schools like Olentangy Orange High School are facing backlash for the political statements made by administrators.  You don't want to miss this episode of The Narrative! More about Eric Teetsel Eric Teetsel most recently was Vice President of Government Relations at The Heritage Foundation and now serves as the Executive Vice President of the Center for Renewing America. Teetsel has a long track record of experience in government at the federal, state, and local levels. He was Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri where he also held the roles of Legislative Director and Special Assistant. Teetsel 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, and more. Teetsel 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. You can follow him on X at @EricTeetsel. 🔊 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.

The results of the 2024 election are in, and we couldn't wait to get you our takes on this special episode of The Narrative! CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews share their perspectives and break down the implications of a wide range of election outcomes.  Listen in to hear the guys talk about how Ohioans toppled Issue 1, Bernie Moreno's relentless work on the campaign trail, and the factors that led to Donald Trump's decisive victory. Plus, you'll get a preview of what the results mean for our state and the work of CCV in 2025 and beyond! 🔊 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.

As we wrap up our special Essential Summit mini-series on The Narrative, you don't want to miss Dr. Larry Arnn's insightful keynote address. Dr. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, explains why humans are made for knowledge, virtue, and politics. Want to know how that's possible? Listen to today's episode! Following his keynote, Dr. Arnn is joined by CCV President Aaron Baer and Senate President Matt Huffman to discuss why school choice must be a priority, why argument is necessary to reach a common good, and why more money is not the answer to our education crisis. More about Dr. Larry Arnn Larry P. Arnn is the 12th president of Hillsdale College, where he is also a professor of politics and history. He received his B.A. from Arkansas State University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Government from the Claremont Graduate School. He also studied at Worcester College, Oxford University, where he served as director of research for Sir Martin Gilbert, the official biographer of Winston Churchill. Dr. Arnn is on the board of directors of The Heritage Foundation, the Henry Salvatori Center of Claremont McKenna College, the Philadelphia Society, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and the Claremont Institute. He served on the U.S. Army War College Board of Visitors for two years, for which he earned the Department of the Army’s “Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.”  Dr. Arnn is the author of three books: Liberty and Learning: The Evolution of American Education; The Founders’ Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It; and Churchill’s Trial: Winston Churchill and the Salvation of Free Government. 🔊 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.