The Narrative

Early voting begins next week, which means Ohioans will start voting on Issue 2, an effort to legalize recreational marijuana. Why is this such a disastrous idea? Why is it a lie to say that we can "regulate marijuana like alcohol" and benefit our state with the extra tax income? On this week’s episode of The Narrative, you'll get the insider's scoop from CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Jaime Zerbe, Chief of Staff at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), on the dangerous realities of this addiction-for-profit industry. Overlooked concerns of commercialization that are addressed include: Tax benefit versus the amount spent to offset negative impacts Increased workplace accidents and fatal car crashes Children overdosing on gummies Black market opportunities for drug cartels and more! Want to take action to protect our communities from more drugs? Check out the free election materials CCV has produced on CCV.org/Vote!   More about Jaime Zerbe Jaime Zerbe currently serves as SAM’s Chief of Staff where she focuses on internal and external communications, manages daily operations, and provides guidance for SAM’s legislative and communications strategy. Jaime’s time in DC began like so many others: answering the phone in her congressman’s office. After some time on the Hill, Jaime served as the Legislative Director at a national nonprofit and advised on drug policy as well as communications strategy.   We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are thrilled to share Tucker Carlson's keynote address from our 2023 Cleveland Celebration Gala on this episode of The Narrative! Tucker delivered a powerful pro-life, pro-family, pro-Christianity speech last week that provided much-needed encouragement with two issues on the ballot this fall that could radically reshape Ohio. He highlighted the dangers of Issues 1 and 2, while also challenging believers to live out our faith fearlessly and with care and concern for one another. Trust us—you don't want to miss his riveting remarks! Before Tucker's address, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews discuss a critical pro-life grassroots movement among Black pastors, why redistricting must be a political process, and their highlights from hearing Tucker live. Looking ahead to next week, let us know what are the myths and questions you're facing about Issue 2 by emailing us at thenarrative@ccv.org, and your question could be answered on our next episode! We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In less than a month, early voting for Issue 1 will begin. Do you know what the text of this proposed amendment actually means? Why did they use 200 words to outline an issue they claim is only about abortion access? What does the specific language mean for current Ohio laws? On this week’s episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and special guest Maria Baer go line-by-line through the text of Issue 1 revealing why this is “the most dangerous constitutional amendment” that has ever been proposed. Find out what it will take for Ohio to reject this extreme amendment, why there is still hope, and what needs to be done between now and Tuesday, November 7, to protect 30,000 lives each year. More about Maria Baer Maria is an experienced reporter, writer, and podcaster. She co-hosts the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet at The Colson Center for Christian Worldview. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today Magazine, The Colson Center for Christian Worldview, WORLD Magazine, The Gospel Coalition and more. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this new volume of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews bring to you a special kick-off episode featuring Bishop Patrick Wooden's powerful remarks and a roundtable discussion David had with Bishop Wooden and Lt. Collen Allen West (ret.) from "Returning to Our Pro-Life Roots." Find out why Aaron says Bishop Wooden's talk will stay with him forever by listening today! Before the interview, Aaron, David, and Mike discuss the most dangerous bill in Ohio that just got re-introduced by an unsuspected legislator and the deceitful pro-abortion Issue 1 ad that came out this week. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, August 8, Ohioans voted roughly 57 percent to 43 percent against elevating the threshold to amend our state Constitution from a simple majority to 60 percent of the vote. We lost this opportunity to protect our state’s governing document from the deadly agenda of Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and other radical pro-abortion groups as they attempt to create a right to abortion up to birth. But this isn't the end of the story. On this emergency episode of The Narrative, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews unpack the Issue 1 vote. Next steps: Volunteer to help! Sign up to help us reach churches across Ohio. Pray! You can order our free pro-life prayer devotional, More Than Conquerors: Six Weeks of Prayer for Ohio, Women, and Unborn Children, at CCV.org/LifeDevotional. Donate! The truth is that we cannot do this work without the financial support of partners like you. Give a tax-deductible gift today at CCV.org/Donate! BONUS step: While CCV is actively preparing for the election, let us know what resources you would like to see us produce by emailing us at contact@ccv.org. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special season finale of The Narrative, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews, President Aaron Baer, and Policy Director David Mahan sit down to answer some of the burning questions our listeners have submitted over the past few weeks. The topics include: How should I vote on Issue 1? Why should I support the Backpack Bill if I live in a rural area with no private schools? How does the Biblical command to tithe come into play when in-between church communities? What is the status of getting the Heartbeat Bill out of the courts and back to being enforced in Ohio? Before answering questions, they discuss THE FAMiLY LEADER's recent 2023 Family Leadership Summit in Iowa. Aaron recaps the experience convening with other Family Policy Council's around the nation and hearing from 2024 Republican Presidential candidates. They also discussed a newly introduced bill (HB 245) that would prohibit adult cabaret performances in locations other than adult cabarets. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In addition to the high-profile abortion ballot initiative, Ohioans will also vote this fall on whether to legalize recreational marijuana in our state. This week on The Narrative, CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews are joined by Luke Niforatos, Executive Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), to unpack why this initiative would be extremely harmful to Ohio.  Before the interview, David and Mike provide a real-time update as the rally to vote yes on August 8 ramps up in Ohio with the start of early voting this week. You'll get to hear their pastoral hearts and scriptural backing behind Issue 1. Pledge to Vote today!  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*This episode was corrected on July 21, 2023 due to an erroneous statement made about Issue 1! On Tuesday, August 8, Ohioans have the opportunity to protect our state’s governing document from the deadly agenda of Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and other radical pro-abortion groups as they attempt to create a right to abortion up to birth. Issue 1 on the Special Election ballot will allow voters to elevate the threshold to amend our state Constitution from a simple majority to 60 percent of the vote. This week on The Narrative CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews unpack what Issue 1 really is and the arguments for supporting it.  In the news: The United States Supreme Court released a landmark 6-3 decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, reaffirming that the government cannot force artists, or anyone, to say something that they don’t believe. Two other major decisions released by the Court preserved the American promise for another generation. Ohio’s 2024-25 state budget was passed! The guys unpack this major victory for school choice, making all Ohio students eligible for EdChoice, as well as the other pro-family wins included in the new budget. We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend marked the anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the issue of abortion back to the states. As a key voice on abortion policy, Alexandra DeSanctis joined CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan on The Narrative this week. She recaps the landscape of the first year in a post-Roe world and looks ahead to the future of the pro-life fight in America including how pro-lifers can combat this issue with effective communication. In the news... The Social Media Parental Notification Act was presented to the Ohio General Assembly as a part of Governor Mike DeWine’s 2023-24 executive budget. This proposal would require certain online companies to obtain verifiable parental consent to contractual terms of service before permitting kids under the age of 16 to use their platforms. Mike and David discuss this idea and the role of social media in their own homes. College students go viral for boldly proclaiming the Gospel.  David shares his experience being part of true grassroots movements like this year’s “Be a Vote for the Voiceless” fight against the potential November 7 abortion ballot initiative. Get involved and pledge to vote today!   We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley believes wholeheartedly that God has a much higher calling for men, with purpose found in the pages of scripture. In a new episode of The Narrative, he joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews to dive into his new book, Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs. The Ohio House of Representatives passed two critical bills on three major CCV-backed priorities: the SAFE Act with the Save Women's Sports Act amended into it and the Parents’ Bill of Rights. In addition, The Narrative podcast reached it's two-year anniversary. Tune in to this week's episode as the guys praise God for the work He has done and look to the future with hope.  We want to hear your questions, guest recommendations, and topic suggestions: Leave us a voicemail or text: 614-769-7077 Email us: thenarrative@ccv.org To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.  Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.