What happens when the technology designed to connect us begins shaping our children’s behavior instead?

In this episode of Politics For Happy People, Joseph Backholm sits down with Michael Toscano, director of the Family First Technology Initiative at the Institute for Family Studies, to discuss the fight for child safety in the digital age and what a major Meta settlement could mean for families. Michael explains how features like likes, algorithmic feeds, push notifications, and other design choices can drive comparison and keep young people attached to social media platforms. They also discuss age verification, parental consent, privacy concerns, AI chatbots, and why state policymakers may have an important role in pushing stronger protections for children. Michael argues that this moment represents meaningful progress, but not the end of the fight, and calls for technology to be shaped toward the good of children and families rather than against them.

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

What would you do if your five-year-old came home from school and told you their male teacher wanted to be called “Miss”? That’s the situation Aaron Driver and other parents at Middle Creek Elementary School in Apex, North Carolina, say they found themselves facing at the beginning of the school year. Aaron joins Joseph Backholm to share how the controversy led him to organize a group of concerned parents, challenge the school district, and ultimately make difficult decisions about his own children’s education. They discuss parental rights, the role of truth in raising children, and what parents can do when their values conflict with what is happening inside their child’s school. Aaron also has a challenge for fathers who see problems in their communities but have been hesitant to get involved: it’s time to step up.

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

Follow Politics For Happy People for weekly conversations about faith, family, culture, and the issues shaping our communities.

In this episode of Politics for Happy People, Joseph Backholm sits down with author and nationally syndicated radio host Steve Deace for a conversation about the cultural and spiritual challenges facing America. Steve explains why he believes the country is in “revival or bust” territory and why the growing interest in theology and biblical worldview may signal an important shift. They discuss the fractured American social compact, the role of Christianity in the nation’s future, religious freedom, Islam, and the limits of government authority. Steve also challenges Christians to think beyond political labels, stand firm in their convictions, and recognize the spiritual battle underneath today’s cultural conflicts. Joseph and Steve close with a reminder that Christians can confront serious challenges with courage and joy, knowing that God ultimately wins.

Pornography is often defended as private entertainment, but its effects reach far beyond the individual. In this episode, Joseph Backholm speaks with Caleb Pirc, general counsel and director of the Idaho Family Policy Center’s Legal Center, about how pornography damages families, discourages human flourishing, and erodes society. Caleb traces America’s obscenity laws from the founding era to the present and explains why existing laws are rarely enforced—even though many remain on the books. They also discuss legitimate First Amendment concerns, protecting children from obscene material, and the personal burden placed on those tasked with prosecuting these cases. Could enforcing the laws we already have help turn the tide? 

Can a pastor faithfully preach the gospel on Sunday and serve in the state legislature during the week? North Carolina Representative and pastor Neil Jackson joins Joseph Backholm to discuss why he believes Christians shouldn’t retreat from politics, but instead bring grace, truth, and biblical conviction into the public square. They discuss legislating morality, the criticism of “Christian nationalism,” navigating political division, and what it means to vote when every candidate is imperfect. Jackson also shares how his faith shapes his relationships across the aisle and why he believes Christians should be willing to step into the difficult places of culture and government.

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

What exactly is “wokeness”—and is it really disappearing? Joseph Backholm sits down with author Neil Shenvi to unpack the critical theory behind modern identity politics and how its ideas have shaped conversations about race, gender, sexuality, oppression, and justice. They also explore a growing response on the political right: an identity politics that may reject the conclusions of the woke left while adopting a surprisingly similar framework. Neil explains why Christians should reject both approaches and instead look to Scripture for a better understanding of identity, justice, and our need for righteousness in Christ.

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

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released a new report examining the medical, political, and financial forces behind so-called “gender medicine.” Joseph Backholm sits down with Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue and a contributor to the report, to discuss its allegations of financial incentives, medical billing fraud, and institutional failures surrounding gender-related procedures on minors. They also examine what accountability could look like for doctors and hospitals and why Aaron believes the issue demands continued action. Plus, they discuss the growing availability of abortion pills by mail and efforts to restore in-person medical safeguards.

North Carolina State Representative Brian Echevarria joins Joseph Backholm to share what he’s learned during his first two years inside the state legislature. Echevarria reflects on entering politics as a small business owner, father, and Christian—and how his faith shapes his approach to public service. The conversation explores frustration with political institutions, the pursuit of equal justice, what really happens behind the scenes in Raleigh, and why public debate still matters. They also turn to the state of education, discussing students struggling with basic reading and writing skills, the role of parents and teachers, and whether the current system is delivering the outcomes families deserve. It’s a candid look at politics from a freshman legislator who still sees himself, first and foremost, as a constituent. 

Joseph Backholm sits down with Walt Heyer, who shares his personal story of undergoing gender reassignment surgery, living as a woman for eight years, and eventually returning to living as a man. Heyer explains why he believes trauma and adverse childhood experiences are often overlooked in conversations about gender identity and challenges the language surrounding transition and detransition. The conversation also examines social transitioning in schools, parental involvement, and the broader cultural debate over gender. Finally, they turn to the WNBA and the recent declarations by former NBA players for the WNBA draft, discussing what the controversy could mean for the debate over biological sex and women’s sports. 

The culture keeps asking people to ignore uncomfortable truths—but what happens when someone refuses? Joseph and Ashley discuss the growing number of female athletes speaking out against men competing in women’s sports and the backlash that can follow. They also unpack a troubling surrogacy case in Florida that raises serious questions about the commercialization of children and whether adult desires are being prioritized over children’s well-being. Finally, the conversation turns to a North Carolina wedding venue facing criticism for declining to host a same-sex wedding, including a firsthand account from a Christian venue owner who faced a similar controversy. Through it all, Joseph and Ashley examine what it means to stand by your convictions when doing so comes with a cost.