The Narrative

On this special episode of The Narrative, Riley Gaines and Chloe Cole joined CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews for a LIVE recording at our 2024 Cincinnati Celebration Gala! While Riley and Chloe have become passionate advocates for women, children, and our inherent dignity as men and women made in God's image, their testimony has come at a cost. Listen in to hear their first-hand experiences as victims of the LGBT movement, how they were led to become such effective advocates, and what we all can do to help ensure what happened to them doesn't happen to any more women and children. More about Riley Gaines Riley Gaines, a 12 time All-American swimmer with 5 SEC titles, was a successful female swimmer at University of Kentucky with ambitions to pursue a dental degree. That post-graduate ambition and her entire life was changed when she was forced to share a locker room and then compete against biological male Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship. That moment became her call to action – to defend and protect America’s daughters against the woke left and their gender-denying ideology.  More about Chloe Cole Chloe Cole, a poised and articulate 19-year-old young woman, passionately advocates against the practice of transitioning minors. Driven by a noble mission to safeguard children from potentially harmful ideologies and medical interventions, Chloe draws from her personal experiences to shed light on the distressing consequences of gender-affirming care for adolescents. Having embarked on her own transition journey at the tender age of 12, only to subsequently detransition at 16, Chloe speaks with firsthand authority on the deeply traumatic effects experienced by minors undergoing such treatments. 🔊 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 this volume, 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.

This week on The Narrative, Rabbi Yaakov Menken, the founder and managing director of Coalition for Jewish Values, joins CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to discuss the roots and rise of anti-semitism, especially in light of the recent and ongoing college campus protests across the nation. Before the conversation, the men also break down where we're at with HB68, the lawsuit currently blocking its enactment, and how the Ohio Supreme Court could intervene. To get connected with Rabbi Menken, check out CoalitionForJewishValues.org or follow him on X (formerly known as Twitter) @YMenken. For more information on CCV's Vital Signs report, go to CCV.org/VitalSigns or listen to the Vital Signs podcast episode at CCV.org/news/the-narrative-podcast-a-sobering-report-on-abortion-and-the-church-in-ohio. More about Rabbi Yaakov Menken Rabbi Yaakov Menken, through his work at Coalition for Jewish Values, represents over 2,500 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy. His writing has appeared in Fox News, Newsweek, The Federalist, the Jerusalem Post, and other mainstream and Jewish outlets. He is the founding Director of Project Genesis, operator of Torah.org, TorahMedia.com and other leading Internet resources for Jewish outreach and education. He is co-founder and editor of Cross-Currents, an online journal of Orthodox Jewish thought and opinion, and the author of The Everything Torah Book, an introduction to basic Judaism and Torah thought. Rabbi Menken earned a BSE in Computer Science from Princeton University before pursuing rabbinic studies at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach of Monsey, NY, BMG Israel (“Lakewood East”), and the Mirrer Yeshiva in Jerusalem. 🔊 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 this volume, 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.

We are thrilled to share Vivek Ramaswamy's keynote address from our 2024 Columbus Celebration Gala on this episode of The Narrative! Vivek delivered a captivating speech that outlined the challenges our nation faces as the foundations of faith and family crumble.  Then, he clearly mapped out a path to restoration: "We can be a country whose best days are still ahead of us... but it isn't going to happen automatically. If we are going to be saved, it will be because every one of us steps up civically and does our part. That's how we're going to get our country back." Listen to Vivek's inspirational call for conservatives to stand courageously and focus our efforts and energy on the restoration of our nation. 🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this volume, 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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.

Just in time to break down two egregious Ohio lawsuits that are exposing Planned Parenthood and the ACLU's hand against women and children, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are back together for Volume 10 of The Narrative podcast! Tune in to learn about the anti-woman lawsuit that would encourage coercion, reduce informed consent, and increase health risks; and the anti-child lawsuit that is making far-fetched claims in the effort to sterilize children. The men also publicly reveal for the first time ever some of the data from Center for Christian Virtue's exit polling following the November 2023 election that saw Ohioans enshrine abortion up to birth in the State Constitution. Find out what CCV's new report "Vital Signs" reveals about the health of the Body of Christ! Want more? Listen to Bill Maher's comments on abortion: https://youtu.be/Hp4WqEadu3M Check out The Narrative podcast episode on the WPATH Files: https://www.ccv.org/news/the-narrative-podcast-wpaths-gender-medicine-scandal-with-dr-carrie-mendoza Read the Free Press article by Uri Berliner: https://www.thefp.com/p/npr-editor-how-npr-lost-americas-trust Learn about the Idaho Supreme Court case: https://adfmedia.org/case/labrador-v-poe Read Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's recent brief in the HB68 lawsuit: https://fcdcfcjs.co.franklin.oh.us/CaseInformationOnline/imageLinkProcessor.pdf?coords=ERz62lkX5B9MVeOtDwuNK7GnRyxXLFQTI0FNY2nWYvffkAd%2BnvI1lXL3fKbgYEtcs3zMQcZA%2Bh4QJL5m6Gg18%2F%2F5c9qN6xlU%2FjiJ0it7Jn%2BWbZcLB6rF36U74vxGSDwNHSxhkdC%2Ffe6lZOIpMsRpvI8TJ6bjcdlH2elXOzj%2BWCA%3D Join Riley Gaines and Chloe Cole at CCV's Cincinnati Gala on Tuesday, May 7: CCV.org/CincinnatiGala 🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this volume, 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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.

On the final episode of The Narrative podcast Volume 9, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews answer your questions: Are Ohio elections safe? Is it even worth voting if our elections are rigged? Will EdChoice expansion dilute Christian schools' ability to preach the Gospel and provide a wholesome environment? How can we disagree with love when fellow Christians take different positions on how to respond to LGBT-identifying friends or family? What are practical steps we can take to positively impact our culture? Before answering your questions, the men also give their initial reactions and thoughts on the Presidential Primary Election results from Tuesday. Check out these episodes mentioned on the podcast today: What's Going On at the Texas Border? With Lora Ries - In this episode, the men also discuss the advice Alistair Begg gave to one grandmother to attend her grandson's homosexual/trans wedding ceremony to show her love and why CCV disagrees with his advice, but also why it's unfair to categorize him as "woke." Defy the Elites and Get Married with Brad Wilcox - Brad Wilcox, a sociologist and Director of the National Marriage Project, reveals the power of marriage to break the poverty cycle and create thriving, stable communities. We'll be back on The Narrative with Volume 10 next month! 🔊 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 another “Ask Us Anything” episode in the next volume. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.

This week on The Narrative, Dr. Carrie Mendoza, an emergency medicine and toxicology physician, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews to unpack how we went from the opioid epidemic to the gender "medicine" scandal revealed by the leaked WPATH Files. Before the conversation, the men also discuss Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted's proposal to restrict students' cell phone use at school. Don't forget to vote in the Ohio Presidential Primary Election this weekend or on Tuesday, March 19! More about Dr. Carrie Mendoza Carrie D. Mendoza, MD, is the former Director of FAIR in Medicine with the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism, the current Director of Genspect USA, and a practicing emergency medicine physician with over 20 years of experience working in rural, suburban, and urban hospitals treating everything from snakebites to gunshot wounds to Covid-19 patients. Her practical experience provides unique insights into the American medical system and how the modern healthcare bureaucracy can scale harmful policies while ignoring the negative side effects.  Note: An unforeseen technical issue occurred during the conversation with Dr. Mendoza. You may notice the men's audio quality is below our usual standards, but we have identified the problem and how to prevent it in future episodes. In spite of the issue, we know you will find Dr. Mendoza's comments insightful and helpful. 🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode next week, 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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.

Cultural elites claim marriage is obsolete, but recent data shows:  Children who grow up with a married mom and dad overcome poverty at high rates Boys from intact families are more likely to graduate high school than go to jail Married Christian women report the highest levels of relational satisfaction Brad Wilcox, a sociologist and Director of the National Marriage Project, joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews on The Narrative to reveal the power of marriage to break the poverty cycle and create thriving, stable communities. Aaron and David also discuss the leaked files from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which prove that the so-called global authority on "gender medicine" doesn't meet the standards of evidence-based care. Want more? Check out these resources that are mentioned during the episode: See Brad's work and check out his book, Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization. You can also keep up with Brad on X (formerly Twitter), @BradWilcoxIFS. Review the Harvard study on upward mobility, Where is the Land of Opportunity: The Geography of Intergenerational Mobility in the United States. The study's conclusions on family structure affecting upward mobility are on pages 5 and 41. Read Tyler O'Neil's Liver Cancer in Teens, Reduced Sexual Function, Lack of Consent: Internal Docs Reveal Experimental Nature of ‘Gender-Affirming Care.’ Listen to Abigail Shrier talk with Bari Weiss in her podcast episode, Why the Kids Aren't Alright, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  🔊 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 be answering your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.

In light of the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling to allow parents to sue for wrongful death if their frozen embryos are destroyed, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined this week on The Narrative by Emma Waters from The Heritage Foundation to discuss the unregulated, Big Money practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Emma and the men break down information about IVF that Christians and all pro-life proponents should know, from physical risks and complications to the many ethical, moral, and theological issues involved. For more information, check out these resources that are mentioned during the episode: Read Emma's IVF explainer articles in American Reformer and World Magazine. Review the Alabama Supreme Court ruling. Watch Jennifer Lahl's 2010 documentary, Eggsploitation. Read the 1992 Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act (FCSRCA, or Public Law 102-493). Review the CDC's 2021 Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Fertility Clinic and National Summary Report. Learn more about the pro-IVF bills the Alabama General Assembly are trying to pass to remove the protections the Supreme Court instituted. More about Emma Waters Emma Waters is a Research Associate for the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion and Family at The Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on marriage and family, sex and gender, and assisted reproductive technology policy. Emma is also a Visiting Fellow with Independent Women’s Forum and a monthly contributor with World magazine. Emma lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and their daughter. You can find her on Twitter @emlwaters. 🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.

Today on The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) discuss the biggest public corruption scandal in Ohio history: the scandal around former House Bill 6. With headlines announcing new indictments everyday, The Narrative unpacks the story. Before the conversation, the men discuss a new gambling survey showing that 1 in 5 Ohioans are at-risk or problem gamblers. With the legalization of sports betting last year, these numbers are likely to only get worse. For more information, listen to "The Truth About Gambling with Les Bernal." More about Rep. Brian Stewart State Representative Brian Stewart is currently serving his second term representing the 12th Ohio House District. Additionally, Rep. Stewart maintains a successful law practice representing businesses and individuals as the owner of The Law Office of Brian Stewart, LLC in Circleville. Rep. Stewart is also an infantry veteran of the Iraq War and earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in addition to twice receiving the Army Commendation Medal.  🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.

On this week's episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined by Megan Basham, a reporter for The Daily Wire, to discuss the intersection of the Church and politics, and the deception some financial backers are supporting to thwart true Christian discernment in living out our faith in the public square. Before the conversation, the men discuss the tragic shooting at Joel Osteen's church in Texas and the media's stark silence, the dichotomy of candidates who support LGBT legislation like Ohio's (un)Fairness Act at the Statehouse but don't mention it in district, and how they are each drawing closer to the Lord during this Lenten season. Want more from Megan? Read her article "Follow the Money to The After Party," and follow her on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). More about Megan Basham Megan Basham is a culture reporter for The Daily Wire and a frequent contributor to the Morning Wire podcast. She has also worked as an entertainment editor and podcast co-host for World Magazine. Megan is the author of Beside Every Successful Man, and has written for The Wall Street Journal, National Review, Townhall, and First Things. 🔊 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 also be hosting an “Ask Us Anything” episode later this season where your questions will be answered on the podcast. 👉  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 to be insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It really helps us to know what you're enjoying and it 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.