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

#SoConCon25 #EngageArizona #ExodusCry #EndDemand #StopTrafficking #BuyingHer

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:

• Proposition 139 – A crucial proposition concerning abortion laws in Arizona, with far-reaching implications for women's health and the legal framework around reproductive rights.
• Proposition 140 – A major initiative that could alter the state's election process, including changes to the way elections are conducted and ranked-choice voting.
• Additional Propositions – The discussion also touches on Propositions 134, 312, and others that affect state policy on issues like taxes, government transparency, and public safety.

Speakers:

• Jenna Bentley – Attorney and Government Relations Director at the Goldwater Institute, discussing Prop 134 and its importance in ensuring fair ballot measures across Arizona.
• Cindy Dahlgren – Communications Director at CAP Action, offering insights on Prop 139 and its potential to impact abortion laws.
• Scot Mussi – Analyst discussing the electoral changes proposed under Prop 140 and how they could reshape the state's voting system.

Resources:

• Learn more about Proposition 139: https://www.itgoestoofar.com
• Full Guide to Arizona’s Ballot Propositions: https://www.azpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-Ballot-Proposition-Breakdown-final.pdf

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:

• The impact of overturning Roe v. Wade on pro-life efforts
• Ryan Anderson's insights on law, politics, public opinion, and the long-term strategy for pro-life success
• The role of the church in addressing abortion and how pastors can engage congregations
• Prop 139 in Arizona and why it matters in the broader pro-life movement
• Practical ways Christians can support pro-life efforts locally and nationally

Guest Information:

• Ryan T Anderson – President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Author, and Pro-Life Advocate
• Pastor Seth Troutt – Teaching Pastor at Ironwood Church in Mesa, AZ

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:

• Matt Beienburg, Goldwater Institute
• Bethany Miller, Center for Arizona Policy
• Greg Scott, Center for Arizona Policy

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:

• Economic benefits and myths about school choice.
• Legal rights and recent challenges for parents.
• The political landscape and its impact on educational freedom.

Resources:

• Goldwater Institute: goldwaterinstitute.org
• Center for Arizona Policy: azpolicy.org

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:

1. Introduction to Arizona's Political Landscape:
   • The significance of Arizona’s state motto, "Ditat Deus" (God Enriches).
   • Introduction to the Center for Arizona Policy’s "Which Way Arizona" campaign.
2. Current Cultural Challenges:
   • The moral dilemmas facing Arizona, including issues of life, human sexuality, and family rights.
   • The importance of upholding free speech and religious freedom against coercive societal norms.
3. Defining Post-Christian Culture:
   • Explanation of post-Christianity and its impact on cultural norms.
   • Reference to Francis Schaeffer and Aaron Wren’s "The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism."
4. Christian Morality in a Negative World:
   • The societal view of Christianity as a negative influence.
   • Examples of persecution faced by Christians in Western society.
5. The Shrinking Church and Doctrinal Crisis:
   • Statistics showing the decline in Americans living by a biblical worldview.
   • The diminishing number of Americans attending church and the doctrinal crisis within the church.
6. The Necessity of Christian Engagement:
   • The importance of Christians influencing law and policy.
   • Rejecting the misinterpretation of the separation of church and state.
7. Rules of Engagement for Christians:
   • Wisdom: Acting according to knowledge, understanding the cultural landscape, and discerning good from evil.
   • Integrity: Maintaining a consistent commitment to truth and honor.
   • Christ-likeness: Emulating Christ in conduct and treatment of others.
   • Courage: Boldly proclaiming the gospel and standing firm in a hostile culture.
8. Practical Examples and Historical Context:
   • Referencing the courage of the apostles in Acts and applying their example to modern-day Christian engagement.
   • Highlighting the consequences of failing to engage in public discourse and policy-making.

Call to Action:

• Christians are encouraged to actively participate in shaping law and policy.
• Emphasis on the unique freedom Christians in America have to influence their future.
• Listeners are invited to share the episode and visit the Center for Arizona Policy’s

Resources:

• Center for Arizona Policy

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