Politics For Happy People

What happens when debates over marriage, surrogacy, and fertility treatments focus on adults instead of children? Joseph Backholm welcomes Katy Faust, founder and president of Them Before Us, to discuss her child-centered approach to family policy. Faust explains why she believes children have a right to their mother and father and how that conviction shapes her opposition to surrogacy and her criticism of IVF practices. They revisit the debate over the Supreme Court's 2015 same-sex marriage decision and discuss her Greater Than campaign to overturn it. The conversation challenges listeners to consider how decisions about marriage and reproduction affect the children involved.

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Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

Does your vote really matter? In this episode, Joseph Backholm looks at some of the closest elections in American history and the lasting consequences of just a handful of ballots. From a tied Virginia House of Delegates race decided by drawing a name from a bowl to a one-vote Alaska recount and Florida's 537-vote presidential margin in 2000, these stories challenge the idea that one voter cannot make a difference. Joseph also examines why midterm turnout and down-ballot races matter, how election outcomes can shape legislation and Supreme Court appointments, and why informed participation is an act of stewardship. He shares a resource for researching candidates at ncvalues.org/vote and encourages Christians to engage faithfully without placing their ultimate hope in politics.

Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

Is choosing not to vote a sin? Steve Noble, former radio host and founder of Noble U, joins Joseph Backholm to explain why he believes Christians have a biblical responsibility to participate in elections. They discuss imperfect candidates, political apathy, North Carolina's political landscape, and Donald Trump's influence. Steve also shares why he left radio to teach young people and how that decision changed his relationship with politics. Discover how Christians can stay engaged and remain joyful regardless of election results.

🗳️ Voter resources: https://ncvalues.org/vote.

Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

In this election special, Joseph Backholm explores what it means to vote like a Christian: why faith should come before party loyalty, how to weigh imperfect candidates and competing priorities, and what biblical stewardship means at the ballot box. Joseph discusses imperfect candidates, moral proportionality, party labels, and his biblical framework for making political choices. He also points listeners to ncvalues.org/vote for voter resources.

Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

Who's making sure North Carolina's tax dollars are spent responsibly? State Auditor Dave Boliek joins Joseph Backholm to explain how his office examines government spending and performance. They discuss the DMV audit and Boliek's account of shorter wait times, along with questions about the Education Lottery's growing revenue and its contributions to public education. Boliek also explains his approach to reviewing election procedures and improving public confidence in government. Hear why asking tough questions can lead to better public services and greater accountability.

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Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

As the midterm elections approach, international conflicts are raising questions about American foreign policy and the economy. Joseph Backholm welcomes Luke Moon, founder of Generation Zion, to discuss the conflict involving Iran and Russia's war in Ukraine. They examine negotiations, the incentives facing world leaders, and the potential impact of these conflicts on voters. Moon also shares his perspective on President Trump's approach to diplomacy and the role of energy prices in the global economy. Together, they consider what developments could come next and how Americans should understand these competing pressures.

Stay connected with Politics For Happy People and join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram @politicsforhappypeople, Facebook at Politics For Happy People, and X @HappyPolPod for more conversations, clips, and updates.

Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

Sports betting has become a constant presence in American sports, but what happens when betting apps profit from customers who lose the most? Joseph Backholm welcomes Jon Schweppe, a senior advisor at the American Principles Project and former Federal Trade Commission policy advisor, to examine the business practices of online sportsbooks. They discuss allegations of targeted promotions for losing bettors, the risk of gambling addiction, and the financial strain on families. The conversation also explores how sports betting advertisements reach children and whether state tax revenue justifies the social costs. Schwab considers consumer protection concerns and the policy changes that could address these problems.

Stay connected with Politics For Happy People and join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram @politicsforhappypeople, Facebook at Politics For Happy People, and X @HappyPolPod for more conversations, clips, and updates.

Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

Artificial intelligence is changing the world, but how should Christians respond to its growing influence? In this special episode of Politics For Happy People, host Joseph Backholm explores the opportunities, risks, and ethical challenges surrounding AI through a biblical worldview. From increased productivity and innovation to concerns about misinformation, privacy, and the potential misuse of technology, Joseph examines how believers can approach these developments with wisdom and discernment. Drawing from Scripture, he reminds listeners that while technology continues to evolve, God's design for humanity and His sovereignty over creation remain unchanged. Rather than responding with fear or blind optimism, Christians are called to think critically, trust God's plan, and remain faithful to the responsibilities He has given them.

Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

What if Christians stopped viewing government as a battlefield and started seeing it as a mission field? In this episode, Joseph Backholm sits down with Greg Baker, Executive Vice President of The Family Leader and founder of the Church Ambassador Network, to discuss a different vision for Christian engagement in government. Greg shares how coming to Christ transformed his own approach to politics from winning arguments to serving others as an ambassador for Christ. They discuss the biblical purpose of government, why the Church should neither abandon politics nor look to government for salvation, and how Christians can build meaningful relationships with public officials. Greg also shares how this approach has transformed engagement between churches and government leaders in Iowa and is now spreading to states across the country.

Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.

What happens when a detransitioner takes the doctors and counselors who treated her to court? In this episode, Joseph Backholm sits down with Prisha Mosley and her attorney, Josh Payne, following oral arguments before the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Prisha shares her experience of transitioning as a teenager, the lasting impact she says those medical decisions have had on her life, and why she is seeking the opportunity to present her claims before a jury. Josh breaks down the legal battle surrounding her case, including questions about the statute of limitations, allegations of medical fraud, and the potential implications for similar cases across the country. Together, they discuss accountability, informed consent, and what Prisha hopes her case will mean for others who say they have been harmed by similar medical interventions.

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Politics For Happy People is a project of the NC Values Institute.