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, ...
Jun 27, 2025•52 min
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 conversatio...
Jun 20, 2025•53 min
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 la...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 17 min
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, Davi...
Jun 06, 2025•50 min
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, B...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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 ye...
May 23, 2025•47 min
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 ab...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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...
May 09, 2025•41 min
The abortion pill has become the most common form of abortion in America—but most people have no idea about the serious harm it causes women. This week on The Narrative , CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Jamie Hall, Director of Data Analysis at the Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC), to discuss their shocking new report on the abortion pill. In this powerful conversation, Jamie breaks down: 💊 The truth behind the growing use of abortion drugs �...
May 02, 2025•58 min
Did you know more than 70 percent of churches in America have no active marriage ministry? Communio is on a mission to change that—while also helping churches evangelize in their communities. In this week's episode of The Narrative , JP De Gance, Communio founder and president, sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot to explore how churches can take the lead in strengthening marriages and fami...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Ohio Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to break down the recently passed House budget and what it actually means for Ohioans like you . From property tax reform to increased education funding, school choice, and abortion reporting, this budget proposal is packed with pro-family policy! Here's a quick look at what we cover: 📉 Property tax changes for Ohioans 🏫 School funding, school choice, and putting powe...
Apr 18, 2025•49 min
Strong families are the foundation of a strong society. So how do we rebuild? In this episode of The Narrative , CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews sit down with Delano Squires from The Heritage Foundation to walk through the parallels between CCV's marriage and family report, Hope and a Future , and Heritage's report, Crossroads . Delano also candidly shares about the decline of marriage and dives deep into the cultural and biblical dynamics behind the brea...
Apr 11, 2025•55 min
What would it look like for the Ten Commandments to make a comeback in public schools? In this episode of The Narrative , Andrea Piccotti-Bayer joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews to discuss the constitutionality of displaying the Ten Commandments and why public schools should return to the religious roots that our country was founded on. Andrea explains how these tenants have a rightful place in our classrooms and breaks down the...
Apr 04, 2025•53 min
What if the key to improving education in America is as simple as dismantling the Department of Education (DOE)? In this week's episode of The Narrative , CCV Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh sit down with Heritage Foundation's Jonathan Butcher—a leading expert in education policy—to talk about President Trump's recent executive order to abolish the DOE and how ending the bloated bureaucracy c...
Mar 29, 2025•49 min
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is all the rage right now—with varying opinions, thoughts, and questions about what DEI encompasses, its impact, and what the future would look like without it. Ohio State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Township) joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to offer a unique perspective on the fight against DEI! Rep. Williams unpacks what DEI in Ohio's higher education syste...
Mar 22, 2025•54 min
Think you know the truth about marijuana? Think again. With the passage of Issue 2 in 2023 and new legislation being proposed to regulate the legalization of marijuana in Ohio, Dr. Ken Finn joins CCV Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews on The Narrative to challenge common misconceptions and illuminate the risks of marijuana that many people overlook. Whether you’re already familiar with the topic or just starting to explore it, this episode is packed with essenti...
Mar 14, 2025•41 min
Are you ready to be encouraged and challenged? Listen in to this week's episode of The Narrative as Sam Allberry explores biblical anthropology! Sam dives into the theology of the body and how God has uniquely and intentionally designed us in His image, offering powerful reflections on how our identity, both as individuals and as a community, is rooted in God's perfect plan for creation. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of Scripture or seeking a fresh perspective on God's desi...
Mar 07, 2025•51 min
Too few young people are taking advantage of the key to stability, happiness, and well-being: marriage. We're thrilled to welcome back Brad Wilcox, a leading sociologist, to The Narrative to dive into our report on marriage and family, Hope and a Future . CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews join Brad to discuss how marriage determines the nation's trajectory and its long-term benefits for both couples and society at large. Whether you'r...
Feb 28, 2025•50 min
Virgil Walker joins this week's episode of The Narrative to discuss his newest book, A Biblical Theology of Climate Change . Virgil joins Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan to provide a biblical framework for caring for the environment and how the media has created a fear-driven approach to climate change. Before their conversation with Virgil, President Aaron Baer joins David and Mike to catch up on this week's news, covering the release of CCV's Hope and a Fut...
Feb 21, 2025•55 min
Rachel O'Brien joins this week's episode of The Narrative ! As concerns about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are on the rise across Ohio, Rachel sits down with the guys to take a hard look at the ever-expanding DEI budgets at colleges and universities and how these institutions are diverting funds away from students' core educational needs. Before their discussion with Rachel, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan catch up on the excitement growing arou...
Feb 14, 2025•47 min
After only 18 days in office, President Trump has gotten to work signing Executive Orders—over 75 and counting! On this special episode of The Narrative , CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews run through their lists of notable Executive Orders the President has introduced and signed. Listen to today's episode to get a primer on Executive Orders and the impact they have on the country and the American people. 🔊 Talk to Us We want to hear...
Feb 07, 2025•54 min
The choice is clear: Secular schools in a secular society aren't cutting it for the Church. So in honor of National School Choice Week , we're bringing you a special edition of The Narrative with Pastor Jimmy Scroggins, Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot, Ohio Christian Education Network Executive Director Troy McIntosh, and podcast co-host Mike Andrews. Listen in to learn why it's crucial for your church to start a school! Before the guys chat with Pastor Scroggins, CC...
Jan 31, 2025•47 min
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 sit...
Jan 24, 2025•46 min
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 anot...
Jan 17, 2025•54 min
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...
Jan 11, 2025•43 min
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 a...
Dec 20, 2024•54 min
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 t...
Dec 14, 2024•48 min
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 Dir...
Dec 06, 2024•43 min
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 conversa...
Nov 22, 2024•53 min
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 u...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 6 min
