Center for Arizona Policy discusses politics and social issues with special guests weekly. From Pro-Life to Pro-Marriage, Parents Choice, and Parental Rights, no Public Policy topic is off-limits. If it affects Arizonans, Engage Arizona covers it. Center for Arizona Policy is a nonprofit advocacy group whose mission is to promote and defend the foundational values of life, marriage and family, and religious freedom.
Peter Gentala sits down with Haley McNamara, Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, to discuss how families, lawmakers, and institutions can better protect children from online exploitation.
They cover the role of Big Tech, the limits of current law, the fight over Section 230, recent legal victories against social media companies, Arizona’s work to strengthen accountability for sex buyers, and new parent resources from NCOSE.
In this episode
Guest
Haley McNamara
Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer
National Center on Sexual Exploitation
Resources
Key takeaway
Protecting children online cannot fall on parents alone. It requires stronger laws, better corporate accountability, and practical tools that help families respond before exploitation happens.
Founding CAP board member Jay Snyder shares how Dr. James Dobson’s faith and leadership shaped a generation, and helped inspire the creation of the Center for Arizona Policy. From cassette tapes and radio broadcasts to a new AI-powered global ministry, Jay recounts powerful stories of obedience, family, and cultural impact.
Hosted by Peter Gentala
Listen now and be encouraged by how one man’s “yes” to God continues to change lives.
Join us for a special episode of Engage Arizona as CAP President Peter Gentala and VP of Marketing & Communications Bob Trent sit down with John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and daily voice behind Breakpoint.
We dive into timely questions:
John also shares about the Colson Center’s new project, Truth Rising: a documentary and initiative produced with Focus on the Family. From cultural confusion to courageous voices like Jack Phillips and Chloe Cole, the film calls Christians to know what is true and to live it out with courage.
At SoConCon 25, Bob Trent sits down with Greg Baker, founding director of the Church Ambassador Network, to discuss how pastors and government leaders can work together for the good of our communities.
Greg shares the vision behind the Church Ambassador Network; connecting the church and government while respecting their distinct roles. Through stories from Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, he explains how these partnerships are already reducing foster care placements, addressing addiction, and reminding leaders that God is with them in their service.
Learn how this growing movement is building bridges between pastors and legislators across the country, and where Greg hopes it will go next.
At SoConCon 25 in Indianapolis, Bob Trent sits down with Jason McGuire, President of New York Families Foundation. Jason shares his journey from pastoring in the Finger Lakes to leading a statewide advocacy organization, confronting cultural battles on life, marriage, and justice.
In this candid conversation, Jason reveals how the New York Attorney General targeted him and his ministry through subpoenas, investigations, and lawfare—ultimately leading to a jail sentence over minor reporting errors. He also explains the deeper spiritual mission behind his work, the importance of standing firm in faith, and how Christians can find common ground—even in deeply blue states.
Topics discussed:
In this episode of Engage Arizona, host Bob Trent sits down with Laura Hanford of The Heritage Foundation’s Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family.
Laura shares her powerful story—from working on international religious freedom to becoming a leading voice in protecting children from the harms of gender ideology. She and Bob discuss:
This conversation shines a light on what is really at stake and why protecting children must remain a top priority.
In this episode of Engage Arizona, Bob Trent sits down with Matt Frendaway, Executive Director of Yes Every Kid Foundation, to talk about the future of education in America.
Matt shares why the current education system is too often designed for politics instead of children, how Arizona has become a national trailblazer in educational freedom, and why families are demanding more flexible options; from charter schools and ESAs to homeschooling co-ops and micro-schools.
They also cover:
Hear how parents, educators, and policymakers are rethinking what education can, and should, look like.
Learn more about Yes Every Kid Foundation: yeseverykidfoundation.org
Bob Trent sits down with Matt Sharp from Alliance Defending Freedom to discuss how ADF has shifted from reactive legal advice to proactive public policy work. They cover:
Learn more about ADF’s work and how to support these cases at ADFlegal.org.
At SoConCon 25, Engage Arizona host Bob Trent sits down with Ryan McCann, President of the Indiana Family Institute, for a powerful conversation on defending parental rights, protecting children, and advancing pro-life laws.
They discuss Indiana’s landmark parental rights protections, the fight against radical gender ideology, life-saving pro-life victories after Dobbs, and the urgent need to rebuild strong, God-honoring families. From safeguarding Christian teachers in public schools to addressing harmful cultural trends, McCann shares victories, challenges, and his vision for the future of faith, family, and freedom in Indiana.
Topics Covered:
Subscribe for more conversations from SoConCon 25 on faith, family, and freedom.
In this episode of Engage Arizona, host Bob Trent sits down with Casey Stefanski, founder of the Digital Childhood Alliance (DCA), to talk about protecting children in today’s hyper-connected world.
The DCA is a new nonprofit with a powerful mission: protect kids online and empower parents. From unsafe apps to inadequate parental controls, Casey explains how tech companies are failing to protect children—and what parents can do about it.
Key topics in this conversation:
Casey shares practical tips, valuable resources, and the legislative solutions that are gaining bipartisan support across the country.
Resources & Links:
Digital Childhood Alliance – https://digitalchildhoodalliance.org
Protect Young Eyes – https://protectyoungeyes.com
National Center on Sexual Exploitation – https://endsexualexploitation.org
In this episode of Engage Arizona recorded at SoConCon 2025, host Bob Trent sits down with Brad Kehr from Americans United for Life (AUL) to discuss the critical work being done to protect life in our nation. Brad shares his personal journey into the pro-life movement and explains how AUL serves as a pro-life law firm developing model legislation to protect the unborn.
The interview highlights the dangerous reality of chemical abortions, which now make up over 60% of all abortions in America. Brad discusses AUL's Chemical Abortion Accountability Act, which aims to give women harmed by abortion pills legal recourse despite "shield laws" in progressive states that protect abortion providers.
Learn about the post-Dobbs landscape, the dangers of mail-order abortion pills, and how you can get involved through initiatives like StopHarmingWomen.org. Brad also emphasizes the importance of supporting local pregnancy resource centers and engaging with legislators on these critical life issues.
For more information on Center for Arizona Policy's work to defend life, visit azpolicy.org.
This episode of Engage Arizona is part of a special series of interviews from the 2025 Social Conservative Policy Conference (SoConCon). SoConCon brings together the most influential policy leaders in America to debate ideas, develop strategies and action steps, and cast a fresh vision to increase the conservative movement’s impact in government and culture.
Sarah Parshall Perry is the Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education. She is a former Senior Counsel to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, and former Senior Legal Fellow in the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at the Heritage Foundation. Her writing and advocacy in the areas of parental rights and constitutional, civil rights, and administrative law have been cited by or yielded appearances in both national and international media outlets. She testifies regularly on Capitol Hill, serves on the executive committee for civil rights of the Federalist Society, and is the author of two books on the trials and triumphs of raising children on the autism spectrum.
Defending Education is a national grassroots organization working to restore schools at all levels from activists imposing harmful agendas. Through network and coalition building, investigative reporting, litigation, and engagement, we fight indoctrination in classrooms and on campus to promote the reestablishment of a quality, non-political education for all students.
https://defendinged.org/
X - @DefendingEd, @SarahPPerry
FB - https://www.facebook.com/defendinged
Insta - @DefendingEd
Helen Taylor from Exodus Cry joins Bob Trent at SoConCon 25 for a powerful conversation about the fight against sex trafficking, pornography, and the cultural and legal reforms needed to protect the vulnerable. Helen shares her personal calling into this work, the deep connections between pornography and trafficking, and why parental vigilance and government action are both necissary.
From helping survivors heal, to launching films and campaigns like Protect Children Not Porn, End Demand and their new film: Buying Her, Exodus Cry is leading the charge globally. Hear how age verification laws are gaining ground, how parents can talk to their kids about consent and pornography, and why this is one of the defining moral issues of our time.
🔗 Learn more: https://exoduscry.com
📽️ New film launching: Buying Her
📅 World Day Against Trafficking: July 30
This episode of Engage Arizona is part of a special series of interviews from the 2025 Social Conservative Policy Conference (SoConCon). SoConCon brings together the most influential policy leaders in America to debate ideas, develop strategies and action steps, and cast a fresh vision to increase the conservative movement’s impact in government and culture.
Sue Liebel
Sue Liebel serves as the Director of State Affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America in Washington, D.C. As states grapple with policy decisions after Roe v. Wade, Sue works with pro-life lawmakers and advocates in the states to advance pro-life laws and programs to help women, children, and families.
We talked with Sue about defunding Planned Parenthood, resources to help mothers choose life, and how we can continue the momentum after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade.
Susan B. Anthony website https://sbaprolife.org/
Susan B. Anthony Resources for Mothers https://sbaprolife.org/pregnancy-help
In this episode of Engage Arizona, Bob Trent speaks with Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson about the FTC’s investigation into potentially deceptive medical practices targeting children. Chairman Ferguson explains how federal law empowers the agency to protect consumers—especially parents and families—from misleading or incomplete health claims.
The discussion covers:
🔍 The FTC’s recent panel exposing the human cost of so-called “gender-affirming care”
📄 Testimony from detransitioners and parents who were not given full information
⚖️ Ongoing efforts by the DOJ and HHS to investigate clinics and enforce the law
🗣️ How the public can submit confidential information at ftc.gov
Ferguson emphasizes that claims like “Would you rather have a dead son or a live daughter?” are not backed by credible science—and may represent one of the most dangerous deceptions facing parents today.
What happens when over half of America’s children are raised outside of intact families—and why should Christians care? In this episode of Engage Arizona, Bob Trent sits down with Aaron Baer, President of Center for Christian Virtue (Ohio), for a wide-ranging conversation on marriage, education, and the collapse of cultural foundations. They discuss why the church—not the government—must take the lead in restoring marriage, how a new Family Structure Index ranks each state, and why Christian schools may be our best hope for turning the tide. From public policy to personal conviction, this conversation is a wake-up call for believers who want to see their communities thrive.
Join Peter Gentala, President of the Center for Arizona Policy, as he engages in a powerful conversation with Dr. Marcel van der Watt, President of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. With over 20 years of experience in fighting against sexual exploitation, Dr. van der Watt shares his unique journey from police investigator to academic leader. They explore the realities of human trafficking, the connection to pornography, and what men can do to combat these issues in society. Tune in for insights on advocacy, redemption, and the hope for a future free from exploitation.
For more information, visit NCOSE.org.
Presented by: Center for Arizona Policy Action
Episode Overview: In this episode of Engage Arizona, we take a close look at the key propositions on your ballot this November. Our expert guests, Jenna Bentley, Cindy Dahlgren, and Scot Mussi, break down the most critical issues facing Arizona voters, including Proposition 139, which addresses abortion, and Proposition 140, which could drastically reshape our elections. Learn what these measures mean for you and how they could impact the future of Arizona.
Key Topics:
Speakers:
Resources:
Call to Action: Make your voice heard! Be informed before you cast your vote this November. Visit azaction.org for more details on the propositions and voter resources.
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of the pro-life movement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. We first hear from Ryan T Anderson, President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, who offers a comprehensive analysis of the current legal and cultural challenges in a post-Roe world. Later, Pastor Seth Trout from Ironwood Church discusses how the church can engage in issues like Prop 139 and what role pastors should play in discipling their congregations on matters of life and public policy.
Key Topics Covered:
Guest Information:
Call to Action: Get involved in your local pro-life efforts and stay informed about critical issues like Prop 139. Visit the websites mentioned in this episode for resources and ways to make a difference.
Subscribe and Stay Connected: Follow Engage Arizona on all major podcast platforms for more in-depth discussions on the issues that matter to Arizona
Host: Cathi Herrod, and Chris St John, Center for Arizona Policy
Guests:
Overview: Chris St John leads a discussion on Arizona's school choice options, featuring insights from Matt Beienburg, Bethany Miller, and Greg Scott. They cover the economic, legal, and political aspects of school choice and its impact on parents and students.
Key Topics:
Resources:
Host: Center for Arizona Policy’s Vice President of Policy, Greg Scott
Episode Summary: In this episode, Greg Scott discusses Arizona's evolving political landscape and its implications for families, emphasizing the importance of Christian engagement in governance and public policy. He outlines the challenges posed by a post-Christian culture and the responsibility of Christians to influence law and policy in accordance with their faith.
Key Topics Covered:
Call to Action:
Resources:
Connect with Us:
Engage Arizona Podcast Episode with Dr. Andrew T. Walker
Episode Title: Understanding Pride Month Through a Biblical Worldview
Guest: Dr. Andrew T. Walker
Summary: In this episode, Dr. Andrew T. Walker delves into how to understand the LGBT movement and Pride Month from a biblical perspective. Reflecting on a recent webinar, Andrew discusses the current cultural landscape and the role of socially conservative Christians. He offers insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by believers today, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in biblical truth amidst societal shifts.
Key Points:
Quotes:
Call to Action:
Thank you for listening to Engage Arizona. Stay tuned for more episodes that challenge, inform, and inspire!
Episode Title: Understanding Pride Month Through a Biblical Worldview
Guest: Dr. Andrew T. Walker
Summary: In this episode, Andrew T. Walker delves into how to understand the LGBT movement and Pride Month from a biblical perspective. Reflecting on a recent webinar, Andrew discusses the current cultural landscape and the role of socially conservative Christians. He offers insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by believers today, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in biblical truth amidst societal shifts.
Key Points:
Quotes:
Call to Action:
Thank you for listening to Engage Arizona. Stay tuned for more episodes that challenge, inform, and inspire!
Center for Arizona Policy VP of Policy Greg Scott and Community Relations Director Macario de la Cruz, Jr. have a conversation about a biblical response to pride month. Hosted by CAP’s VP of Advancement Chris St. John
Register for the June 17 webinar entitled, “A Christian Response to Pride Month” with Dr. Andrew T. Walker and Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) President by clicking here.
Read Dr. Walker’s recent article on Christian ethics at World Opinions here.
Greg mentions the following authors:
Rosaria Butterfield
Ryan T. Anderson
Christopher Yuan
Jared Moore
CAP Resources:
Policy Pages: azpolicy.org/policy-pages
Receive CAP Emails: azpolicy.org/join-the-cap-network
Proyecto Por la Familia de Arizona: azporlafamila.org
Follow us on social media! We are /azpolicy on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Follow Proyecto Por la Familia de Arizona on social media at /azporlafamilia on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
Please subscribe to Engage Arizona wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode on social media.
Greg Scott, Center for Arizona Policy’s new Vice President of Policy joins us on Engage Arizona. Greg's background includes roles as the Director of Media and Public Relations at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., as a Public Affairs Chief in the Department of Homeland Security, and a decade in the U.S. Marine Corps. His experience offers a unique perspective on both media and policy.
This episode delves into how media shapes narratives through language, with a focus on current issues like abortion, the trans movement, and more. Greg's expertise sheds light on the subtle ways words can influence public opinion and the importance of discerning truth in media messaging.
In this week's episode of Engage Arizona, join us for the compelling conclusion of Tucker Carlson's address from the 2023 CAP Family Dinner. In part two, Tucker explores his Christian faith and the fight against abortion, urging the importance of standing firm in our beliefs.
He talks about the challenges Christians face today, both in the U.S. and around the world. Don’t miss Tucker’s straightforward take on speaking up and staying true to your faith.
This week on Engage Arizona, we present part one of a special recording from our recent 2023 CAP Family Dinner. Lauren Johnston, with undeniable courage, took the stage to share her profound experiences, providing an intimate insight into the aftermath of abortion.
We also welcomed Tucker Carlson from “Tucker on X.” He offered his unique perspective on the wider implications of this pressing issue. This is an episode you can’t miss.
This week on Engage Arizona, we delve deep into a contentious issue shaking the foundations of female sports. Joined by guests Kim Miller, Founder and President of Arizona Women of Action, and Lisa Fink, President of Protect Arizona Children Coalition, the conversation confronts the growing concerns surrounding males competing in female sports.
These dedicated women play a pivotal role in championing the Save Women's Sports Act by challenging those who seek to redefine competitive fairness for women and girls in sports.
Dawn Hawkins, joins us this week on Engage Arizona. As the CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Dawn is at the forefront of the mission to unmask the interconnections between all forms of sexual exploitation, be it sex trafficking, prostitution, or child sexual abuse. Her ceaseless dedication and strategy have initiated transformative changes, not only in legislative accomplishments but also within global corporations.
Join us this week to learn more about Dawn's hands-on work as she has helped create monumental changes in giants like Google and Hilton.
Beyond her professional role, Dawn, a Tufts University alumna, balances her advocacy with her responsibilities as a mother to five children. Dive into our discussion to understand the challenges and solutions in today's digital age of sexual exploitation.
We are re-broadcasting an important episode that tackles the current state of civic education and American history in our schools. Often either neglected or misrepresented, these subjects are crucial to understanding the foundations of our nation.
Author Tim Goeglein, “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story” joined CAP President Cathi Herrod on Engage Arizona to discuss.
Tim Goeglein was special assistant to U.S. President George W. Bush and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison from 2001 to 2008. In January 2009, Goeglein became the Vice President of External and Government Relations for the Christian organization Focus on the Family.
Peoria Unified School Board member Heather Rooks and CAP Legislative Counsel Bethany Miller join our Summer Issues Series to discuss how to navigate the complexities of parental rights, specifically surrounding schools and educational freedom.
Heather calls herself the “notorious Peoria mom” and a “Mama warrior” for her four children. She began her school involvement concerned about what was happening in her children’s classrooms. As she learned more about what was happening, and not happening, she advocated for parents, then ran for school board and won!
Bethany is an attorney and mother of four who educates her children at home while also drafting laws and advocating for parents’ rights as part of CAP’s team.
Katie Anderson, a remarkable individual with a unique journey, joined us on Engage Arizona podcast to share her personal experience. Having undergone medical intervention for gender dysphoria as a teenager and living as a man for seven years, Katie eventually sought guidance from the church, leading her to embrace her true God given identity.
This week, we delve deeper into Katie's transformative story. She sheds light on the role social media played in her initial transition and the pivotal role the church played in her return to her true self.
Katie uses her life experience to shed light on transgender culture and what it holds for today’s youth and families.
Part two of our conversation with Joe Dallas; author, speaker, and pastoral counselor, discussing how we are to biblically respond to issues of human sexuality, whether that is homosexuality or transgenderism.
Joe Dallas; author, speaker, and pastoral counselor, joined our Summer Issues Series to discuss how we are to biblically respond to issues of human sexuality, whether that is homosexuality or transgenderism.
Katy Faust, Founder of Them Before Us, discusses how we need to reject the current ideology of social acceptance in order to defend our children’s rights.
Josiah Friedman, founder, and CEO at Voices for the Voiceless, joins Engage Arizona again this week to continue the conversation on how abortion is truly a failure of community and how motherhood is actually a pathway to prosperity in America.
Voices for the Voiceless join Engage Arizona this week and outline how Abortion is truly a failure of community.
This week’s conversation is part one of a two-part conversation you are not going to want to miss.
Joseph Backholm joins Engage Arizona to discuss where we are in America from a Biblical Worldview.
You’ve heard all the hysteria around ESAs but what validity is there in the hysteria? Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at Goldwater Institute joins the #EngageArizona pod to discuss the myths, and why they are just that…myths!
Civic education and American history have either not been taught or have been deliberately mistaught throughout our nation’s public – and in numerous cases, even our private – education systems.
Author Tim Goeglein, “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story” joined CAP President Cathi Herrod on EngageArizona to discuss.
Tim Goeglein was special assistant to U.S. President George W. Bush and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison from 2001 to 2008. In January 2009, Goeglein became the Vice President of External and Government Relations for the Christian Organization Focus on the Family.
Join us as we dive into topics on life, religious freedoms, parental rights, education freedom, and cultural issues that confront us daily. We'll be talking with lawmakers, experts in specific fields, and Arizonans. Be sure to subscribe and select auto download so you don't miss a moment of the coming conversations.
Arizona politics, Arizona culture, Arizona from a Christian worldview. All here on Engage Arizona.
The battle over abortion, the moral revolution changing sexual ethics, and challenging long-held parental rights. With so much coming at us as Americans, parents, church goers, the politically engaged – how do we fight back morally and effectively? Political commentator and writer, Ben Shapiro has some compelling thoughts on how we got here and how to get out of it. He is also Center for Arizona Policy’s keynote speaker at the upcoming CAP Family Dinner. Shapiro discusses these critical issues, as well as the war in Ukraine, the upcoming Supreme Court decision on abortion, and what to expect in the 2022 and 2024 elections in this episode of Engage Arizona.
December 1, 2021 is a historic day. Nearly 49 years after the U.S. Supreme Court declared a right to abortion, justices will decide if Roe v Wade was wrongly decided and send the issue of abortion back to the states where it belongs. Oral arguments went on for two hours as pro-life warriors rallied and prayed outside the Court. CAP was there to witness history. In this episode of Engage Arizona, Cathi Herrod and Arizona State Senator Nancy Barto share their experience and initial analysis of the oral arguments.
You don’t have to look far to see the impact of social media on our youth. In part one of Protecting Young Eyes, Chris McKenna detailed the negative emotional and psychological effects of a consistent diet of digital input, the messages being sent, and the consequences of children and teens replacing real relationships with digital ones. On this episode of Engage Arizona, we continue with the recording of the second part of a CAP event designed to educate and equip parents, churches, and schools to create a safer digital environment for our children.
A whistleblower at Facebook recently leaked inside information revealing the negative impact social media can have on teens. Although not completely a surprise, the confirmation from inside the parent company of Instagram caught parents’ attention. But social media and online games and other content have become an integral part of young people’s everyday lives. Is there a way to truly protect children and teens from the harms of social media and the internet? In this episode of Engage Arizona, we revisit an event CAP hosted with Chris McKenna, founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes to learn about the impact on kids, and the latest apps, digital trends, parental controls and more in this, the first of a two part series.
Research shows millennials struggle with depression, fear, and anxiety. Many lack a sense of real meaning in life. Researchers say millennials are part of a generation in crisis, and the next generation is looking for answers. Len Munsil, former President of CAP and current President of Arizona Christian University talks about where to find the answers in this episode of Engage Arizona. Munsil and his wife, Dr. Tracy Munsil, an Associate Professor at ACU and Executive Director of the school’s Cultural Resource Center, discuss how to equip young people for this cultural moment.
Election 2022 is just a year away. Arizona will choose a new Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and new state lawmakers. As surprise results in New Jersey and Virginia show us, these off year elections are critical opportunities for voters to redirect policy with which they disagree. We discuss the results of the NJ and VA elections, what it means for Arizona, and what to expect next – plus the make up of Arizona’s coming election - in this episode of Engage Arizona.
Lawmaking, both state and national, greatly lack civility in today’s culture. How bad is it, and what is driving policy makers to jettison such a critical quality needed to get things done? We ask Arizona House Majority Leader Ben Toma for a glimpse inside the state Capitol and how he sees the dilemma in this episode of Engage Arizona. Rep. Toma has a unique perspective based on his own personal story of making his way to America as a boy.
If it seems like changes are coming out of Washington DC faster than you can keep up, you’re not alone. Multi-trillion dollar spending bills with hidden pet projects, directives that undermine the foundation of American values, government overreach, and much more threaten our way of life and our children’s future. We get an update from Arizona’s U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko on federal policies being considered that directly affect each one of us, and what we can do about them.
There are organizations in almost every state committed to advocating for families at the state legislature. Like CAP, those organizations work strategically to protect life, marriage and family, and religious freedom. We learn from each other, share what works, and support each other’s efforts. The Center for Christian Virtue is Ohio’s CAP, per se. At a time of much unrest and hostility toward our values, you’ll be encouraged to hear about the fruitful efforts unfolding in Ohio, as an example of what is also happening in other states across the country.
The U.S. Supreme Court has an opportunity to finally overturn Roe v Wade and send the issue of abortion back to the states. But the case they will hear in December may not go that far. What is likely to come from the Dobbs case? Cathi Herrod asks Alliance Defending Freedom attorney, Kevin Theriot for the answer to that question and others burning in the minds of pro-lifers everywhere. Whether Dobbs is it or a steppingstone to pro-life goals, there are other cases on the horizon, including one in Arizona, that could play a pivotal role in righting a decades-old wrong.
State lawmakers introduced about two thousand bills this past session. Only a fraction made it through committees and onto the House and Senator floor for a vote, and then to Governor Ducey's desk. Among those that did, were 14 CAP-supported laws that protect life and preserve families, parental rights and religious freedom. As those and other new laws take effect, we discuss the important changes impacting Arizonans on this week's Engage Arizona.
It was yeoman’s work getting a major pro-life law passed in Arizona with a slim pro-life majority in the House and Senate, especially when the abortion industry feels its power slipping. As expected, abortion activists sued and asked the court to stop the law from going into effect. The hearing was revealing and unique in some ways. In this episode of Engage Arizona, CAP’s policy team recaps the hearing, the arguments, and what we can expect next in the fight for life.
Just days after a devastating retreat from Afghanistan, America marks a solemn anniversary of the historic terrorist attacks that originally led the U.S. Military to Afghanistan years ago. Most have their vivid memories from the morning of 9/11/2001. Those who lost loved ones, security, or peace that day vow to never let America forget what is at stake. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. Boykin comes with a unique perspective on the events of 9/11 and where we are now 20 years later. With 36-years in the Army, one of the original members of the U.S. Army's Delta Force, Gen. Boykin knows combat, danger, and what makes it all worthwhile. He does not hold back his lament of how we gave up 20-years of accomplishments - and left Americans and allies behind in danger.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s surprise decision to let the Texas heartbeat law remain in effect is the biggest pro-life victory since 1973 - it’s a game changer. Every day the law remains in effect, up to 150 lives are potentially saved. Each of the women not seduced into abortion are spared the pain and regret of abortion. But this is only the beginning. The novel approach to this particular heartbeat law can serve as a roadmap for other states looking to save the lives of the preborn and protect their mothers.
Christians are often thought of as defending only their own religious interests in the public square. They are viewed as worrying exclusively about the erosion of their freedom to assemble and to follow their convictions, while not seeming as concerned about publicly defending the rights of Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and atheists to do the same.Joining CAP's VP of Advancement is Dr. Andrew T. Walker, an emerging Southern Baptist public theologian, who argues for a robust Christian ethic of religious liberty that helps the church defend religious freedom for everyone in a pluralistic society. Whether explicitly religious or not, says Walker, every person is striving to make sense of his or her life. The Christian foundations of religious freedom provide a framework for how Christians can navigate deep religious difference in a secular age.
With the U.S. Supreme Court set to decide a major pro-life case challenging Roe v Wade this next term, the issue of abortion is front and center. Lawyers will make legal arguments, but it’s the real-life stories of how abortion ends life and harms women that will change hearts. As a survivor of abortion, Claire Culwell has a very unique perspective. Her existence forces people on both sides of the issue to look beyond the abstract to the humanity of both preborn baby and wounded mother. Hear how God turned her experience into a powerful story that heals and saves lives.
Sometimes those who fall from high places land on solid ground, right where they are meant to be. Craig DeRoche rose quickly to the lofty position of the Speaker of the Michigan House, calling the shots for the state’s Capitol - the youngest member to hold that office. Behind the scenes, his life was falling apart. When it did, the Lord had him right where he needed him. Now, DeRoche heads the Family Policy Alliance, effecting public policy on a state level from a national position. Hear his compelling journey and how he is uniquely qualified to lead a nation policy network of which CAP is a part.
After a legislative session cut short by Covid 19 last year, state lawmakers took on hundreds of bills this session, passing a flurry of pro-life, pro-family bills, along with election reforms, and curriculum regulations. Legislators were not shy in taking on controversial issues, many that are the topic of conversation around the dinner table. CAP's policy team sorts out the wins and losses, and makes sense of it all so Arizonans understand how it will affect their quality of life.
His name has been whispered as a possible 2024 presidential candidate. He held a top cabinet position in the Trump Administration, graduated top of his class at West Point, and carries decades of government experience. Former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo was the keynote speaker at this year’s CAP Family Dinner and joins Cathi Herrod again to discuss the challenges ahead and how they can and must be met head-on. He takes on the anti-American sentiment prevalent in culture today, names threats from inside and outside the country, and explains how he believes the soul of America can be preserved.
Growing hostility toward Religious freedom directly attacks the First Amendment right to exercise one’s religion without undue interference from government. We see it in efforts to force businessmen and women to choose between their livelihoods and their deeply held beliefs. We see charities forced to violate their beliefs if they want to continue serving those in need, and churches forced to comply with more intense restrictions than other organizations and businesses during the pandemic. But we also are witnessing a pattern of U.S. Supreme Court rulings that uphold religious freedom. The latest example came in SCOTUS’ unanimous ruling in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. There is much more to the decision than a win for Fulton. Listen to this analysis.
Autonomy reigns in today’s culture. It supersedes the long-held understanding of humanity and sexuality, and the respect for religion and God himself. We see people running away from God and from truth, rejecting the creator and trying to do it their own way. The result divides and destroys. How does one thrive and influence culture in such a hostile environment? Doctor Del Tackett has some answers.
Many bills languishing in the State Legislature have a direct or indirect impact on each of us and our quality of life. They affect our rights as parents, educators, students, churchgoers, and community members. With the budget deadline looming, what compromises are legislators making to reach an agreement, and will that mean the sacrifice of pending pro-life, pro-family policy? We discuss that, the risks involved, and how the 2022 election line up is already taking shape.
Will we look back years from now and see Dobbs as the beginning of the end of Roe? The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a key issue in the abortion debate: Are all bans on pre-viability abortion unconstitutional? The answer could upend rulings in Roe and Casey, setting off a potential undoing of the so-called right to abortion throughout the country. Those answers are a year out, but there are aspects of the case to consider now as we watch pro-abortion activists set the stage to counter any such outcome.
Nearly every state in the country has introduced at least one pro-life bill this year, including Arizona. Hundreds of them are making their way through various state legislatures. What is going on, and why now, when the Biden Administration moves fiercely toward a pro-abortion agenda? You won't believe what pro-life investigative journalist, David Daleiden uncovered this time. Also, the battle for women's sports goes to court as more states pass laws protecting a fair playing field for girls.
When a major CAP supported pro-life bill died on the Senate floor, the media and other pro-abortion activists celebrated. But a bill is never dead until sine die, and now pro-life advocates are the ones celebrating. We discuss how it all happened with a special guest. Plus, what are the chances for a similar recovery after a disappointing veto of parental rights bill, SB 1456?
How did a major pro-life bill, one step from the Governor's desk, end up failing on the final Senate vote? What was going on behind the scenes and what happens now? We talk about that, plus a local vote on taxpayer funding of so-called "transition" surgery for minors, and how other states are handling the issue. We also have an update on the Mesa ordinancy referendum on this episode of Engage Arizona.
The last week of committee hearings on proposed bills at the Arizona Capitol did not disappoint. Fireworks and drama gave a glimpse of what's to come on the House and Senate floors. One key hearing displayed growing disdain for parental rights in both education and the health and wellbeing of children. We talk about where this is going and how to head it off on this episode of Engage Arizona. Plus, what the South Dekota Governor's surprise veto of a women's sports bill means for similar efforts, including here in Arizona.
CAP is following dozens of bills, and supporting nearly 20 this session. These are bills that will have an impact on most Arizonans, one way or another. In addition, the federal government is moving at breakneck speed to pass legislation that will turn religious freedom as we know it on its head, as well as jeopardize the privacy and wellbeing of women and girls. In this episode of Engage Arizona, we discuss the latest developments both locally and nationally, and how they will impact you.
The average person is unaware of most proposed legislation moving through the state Capitol. Only policy wonks follow the daily progress of any of the nearly two thousand bills in various stages of the legislative process. But no one wants to be surprised when a new law suddenly affects their life, or that violates their deeply held beliefs. Listen here for the key bills being considered in the Arizona Legislature: what they would do, where they are in the process, and how they would affect your life if they became law.
There has been a lot of discussion about marijuana lately, but what does the Bible say about using it? Does it matter if it’s medical or recreational? How should we approach the issue of marijuana use? And how do we talk with our kids, our congregations, or our friends about it? “Jesus and Mary Jane” looks at marijuana through the lens of science and Scripture. We hear from the author in this episode of Engage Arizona.
Arizona faces a potential character change after the November election. Just how different would the state look under new leadership? The 2020 legislative session in the state of Virginia gives us some clear indicators. The Family Foundation's Victoria Cobb explains the sweeping changes to state law, and the reversal of more than 20-years of value-sustaining policy in just two months time.
Pro-abortion advocates will tell you that the pro-life movement doesn’t care about the woman or the child after the birth. Laura Magruder, CEO of Maggie’s Place, is proof that statement is false. Maggie’s place is and has been a safe haven for hundreds of women facing unplanned pregnancy and homelessness. From helping them deal with addiction, to reuniting families, Maggie’s Place is an answered prayer for women in the midst of extreme turmoil in their lives. Laura shares what it’s like to be on the front lines in the pro-life movement working alongside women and offering community in some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
1 in 4 women will have an abortion in the United States. Abortion giant Planned Parenthood and other abortion providors would have you believe that not one woman would regret their decision or second guess if they did the “right” thing for themselves. But reality is, women do change their minds. In this episode, listen as Dr. William Lile, also known as the “pro-life doc” discusses the science and reality of abortion pill rescue and the incredible second chance it can offer women and their pre-born children.
Not too many people can say they’ve flown a fighter jet - even fewer women can make that claim. There are a lot of things Senator Martha McSally has done that impress and inspire the Arizonans she represents in the U.S. Senate. We’re not talking politics now. We’re getting to know the woman who carved a way for herself in a man’s world, and the character built by trials and triumphs along the way.
Jor-El Godsey leads the world’s largest leadership supply line for the pregnancy help movement by providing accurate information, training, and daily support to women and couples at risk for abortion. Being on the front lines of the pro-life movement, Jor-El shares his professional expertise on how to communicate some of the most controversial issues of our time. In this episode, we discuss the truth about Abortion Pill Rescue, the role of Pregnancy Resource Centers, and how to cut through the noise of media and the abortion industry to get women accurate, reliable information.
A Pandemic can apparently shut down life as we know it, and throw our economy into a tail spin, but one thing it won't stop: The 2020 election. In fact, elections feed off of chaos. As a key battleground state, Arizona's elections were shaping up to be quite volatile before the coronavirus. So, how has it changed the face of the election? The policies front and center? Engage Arizona discusses those questions, and what else Arizona voters can expect leading up to November.
Center for Arizona Policy's Cindy Dahlgren interviews Yavapai County (AZ) Attorney Sheila Polk about the dangers of legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Arizona. This important conversation comes at a time when recreational pot is making an appearance as a 2020 ballot initiative.
The following podcast is a recording of a Center for Arizona Policy event held on November 12, 2019 in which Chris McKenna, founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, discusses the latest apps, digital trends, parental controls, and how to determine the best options for families.The following links are video clips that Chris references and/or shares during his presentation: 1. The Senate Hearing on CSPAN: https://www.c-span.org/video/?462403-1/senate-panel-holds-hearing-online-data-privacy-protections-children (starting at 16:50)2. Sean Parker's interview with Axios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7jar4KgKxs3. Chris McKenna Fox 17 news segment: https://fox17online.com/2018/08/15/warning-for-parents-against-oversharing-on-social-media/
John Stonestreet covers some of the biggest issues facing Arizona today, including: recreational marijuana, ethics of human sexuality, physician assisted suicide, and civil discourse...all from a Biblical worldview.
The Arizona Supreme Court has set a bold precedent, upholding religious freedom for a couple of local artists doing business in Phoenix. The court held artists don’t give up their First Amendment rights when they enter the workforce. The case is crucial to the ongoing discussion about how nondiscrimination laws can be used to silence people of faith.Today, Cathi Herrod talks with the artists of Brush & Nib about their courageous stand against coercive government action, and what the court victory means to them now. She also discusses what the ruling might mean for other artists doing business in Arizona with Alliance Defending Freedom attorney, Jonathan Scruggs. And now, here’s Cathi.
If you’ve seen the movie, Unplanned, or know the story behind it, you are familiar with Abby Johnson. As a former Planned Parenthood clinic director, Abby has insight into the dangerous practices and greedy policies of the abortion industry. She is also acutely aware of the pain, fear, and confusion of many women who seek abortions.Abby speaks with Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod today about the misnomer of the term pro-choice, and how most women who seek abortions don’t think they have another choice. Abby challenges our reliance on politicians to abolish abortion, when the real solution requires a heart change.
Chris St. John and Sam Allberry discuss Sam's latest book, "Seven Myths About Singleness".
Protecting the preborn is a comprehensive effort. Advocating for public policy that affirms life and cares for the mother is just one important aspect. Women faced with unplanned pregnancies need a place to turn – somewhere to slow down and consider their options – somewhere they can learn about the resources available to them – somewhere safe, where someone will listen.Pregnancy Resource Centers provide all of that and more. They also provide pro-life Arizonans opportunities to get involved and help both mother and her preborn baby.A panel of women who head local pregnancy resource centers joins us today to give insight into this important aspect of the pro-life movement. CAP’s Cindy Dahlgren discussed with them their role in the community, why women consider abortion, the fathers’ role, the greatest need, and how you can help.
The big marijuana industry is trying again to pass recreational marijuana in Arizona with a new ballot initiative for the 2020 election. This comes at a time when more and more experts are acknowledging the link between today’s high potency marijuana and psychosis. Alex Berenson has followed the extensive research done on the subject and recently wrote a book titled, “Tell Your Children the Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence.”Berenson found that the link between marijuana and psychosis goes back hundreds of years, but has only recently begun to penetrate the long-held notion that cannabis is harmless. He says the science is undeniable and points to the growing potency of today’s marijuana – which is ten to 50 percent more potent than it was decades ago when marijuana first hit the U.S. market.
Have you ever wonder how, or even if, Christian should engage in public policy? Pastor Eric Jones of Evident Life Church answers this question and many other relevant questions in this Engage Arizona podcast episode.
Academic dean and assistant professor at Phoenix Seminary, Dr. Brian Arnold, joins us today to discuss church history and how it reveals practical lessons for us today. Shortly after the recording of this podcast, Dr. Arnold was named President of Phoenix Seminary.
Nik Nikas, the cofounder, president, and general counsel of Bioethics Defense Fund, discusses a variety of issues regarding life-from physician assisted suicide to embryonic stem cell research. Hear Nikas' take on the morality of bioethics and his educated opinion on where Arizona stands in terms of abortion laws.
Former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl sits down once more with CAP President Cathi Herrod for an insightful conversation on politics, family values, the new book Justice on Trial featuring the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and even a little about hiking Camelback mountain!
Listen to a special recording of our event with Alan Sears: A Special Evening and Book Signing, as he talks about his new book and the life of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
CAP's Cindy Dahlgren interviews Emily Kao of the Heritage Foundation about the extreme consequences of the Equality Act.
In this episode of Engage Arizona we speak with Sheryl Crosier, the mother of Simon Crosier and the namesake of a new law that Governor Ducey recently signed. DISCLAIMER: We apologize for the poor audio quality of this interview.
Center for Arizona Policy's Cindy Dahlgren speaks with Jason Bedrick, Director of Policy at Ed Choice, a national non-profit organization focused on empowering parents to choose the best learning environment for their children.
In this episode, CAP's Cindy Dahlgren speaks with Walt Heyer who lived as a transgender male to female for eight years. Walt came to Christ and transitioned back to his biological gender. His is a wonderful story of faithful obedience and a love for Christ.
CAP President Cathi Herrod speaks one-on-one with the incomparable Ben Shapiro just before CAP's annual spring gala dinner where Shapiro was the keynote speaker. They talk civility, Western Civilization, Donald Trump, intersectionality, and more!
Cathi Herrod speaks with Senior Vice President of U.S. Legal Division and Communications at Alliance Defending Freedom, Kristen Waggoner. Kristen shares about being a woman in her role, the Masterpiece Cakeshop and Arlene's Flowers cases, and more.
Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod Interviews Arizona Acting-Senator Jon Kyl about the current state of politics in Washington, D.C., civility, family, traditions, and marriage. One note of correction from the Senator is that he and Mrs. Kyl have been married for 54 years! He mistakenly added ten additional years to that total during the interview. We hope you enjoy this conversation between Cathi and Sen. Kyl.
Center for Arizona Policy's Cathi Herrod has a conversation with Jonathan Keller about the difference between California and Arizona.
Center for Arizona Policy's Cathi Herrod discusses the beauty of school choice in Arizona.
Center for Arizona Policy's president, Cathi Herrod, discusses the beauty of school choice in Arizona.
Center for Arizona Policy's president, Cathi Herrod, has a conversation with graduates of private, public, and homeschool.
Center for Arizona Policy's president, Cathi Herrod, will discuss a variety of school choice options.
Center for Arizona Policy's president, Cathi Herrod, discusses charter school in Arizona.
Center for Arizona Policy's president, Cathi Herrod, discusses private school in Arizona.