The GenJ Podcast

This week, the Homeschool Legal Defense Association announced the appointment of a brand new president, Jim Mason! Jim will succeed the organization's longtime president Mike Smith, one of the co-founders of HSLDA (and a past guest on The GenJ Podcast!).

When we first recorded this interview, Jim Mason was still Vice President of Litigation at HSLDA. But during post-production, the announcement of the leadership change went into effect as Mike Smith retired after years of faithful service to the organization.

In that light, this interview takes on new significance as a glimpse into the heart and mind of HSLDA's new president.

We hope you enjoy this episode with Jim! 

If you enjoy this episode, go ahead and give us a great review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people find and enjoy the show.) And be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any suggestions for guests or topics!

Links:
The Great California Homeschool Case of 2008: https://www.cheaofca.org/2020/06/01/a-look-back-at-the-great-california-homeschool-case-of-2008-and-what-it-means-for-today/
HSLDA: https://hslda.org/
HSLDA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hslda/?hl=en
HSLDA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hslda
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2022 Generation Joshua 

Happy Star Wars Day!

To those who celebrate, we hope you enjoy this special episode of The GenJ Podcast. As is so often the case with GenJ, this episode is quite nerdy, lots of fun, and gets surprisingly deep. Find us on Instagram @GenerationJoshua and let us know what you think and if you have any questions or commentary!

If you enjoy this episode, go ahead and give us a great review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people find and enjoy the show.) And be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any suggestions for guests or topics!

Links:
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2022 Generation Joshua 

Happy New Year!

Before Christmas, Daniel got the chance to sit down with Wendy Wright (President of Christian Freedom International) and discuss Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (the Supreme Court case currently challenging Roe v. Wade).

There has been a lot of buzz and plenty of fear-mongering about this case, so we wanted to dive into the details and talk about what's actually happening. Wendy also shared insightful analysis regarding the significance of this moment for the pro-life movement and the importance of multifaceted strategies to achieving the goal of protecting babies from the violence of abortion.

Listen to this episode and share it with anyone who could use some clarity about this case and the Supreme Court process.
 
Other topics include: Wendy's pro-life history (and how she ended up in jail!), how Christian Freedom International helps persecuted Christians around the world, and the work facing pro-life Christians in a post-Roe v. Wade world. 

Wendy Wright is the president of Christian Freedom International and an influential pro-life activist whose faithful advocacy on behalf of the unborn has put her in media headlines, in front of world leaders, and, more than once... in jail.

We are grateful for Wendy's willingness to sit down for this interview in the middle of her busy December, and we hope you find it helpful and encouraging!

If you do, go ahead and leave us a review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people find and enjoy the show.) And be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
Christian Freedom International: https://christianfreedom.org/
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/

In this episode, Daniel chats with the president of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, Mike Smith!

Mike co-founded HSLDA in the 1980s when homeschooling was a bit like the Wild West (except, less on the "wide, open spaces" side and more on the "full of hold-ups and horse thieves disguised as overreaching government officials" side).

In the middle of this burgeoning movement, Mike Smith teamed up with Mike Farris to offer homeschool families affordable legal protection and representation all the way up to the Supreme Court if necessary! In the interview, Mike gives a fascinating perspective on how the homeschool movement has changed and grown from the 80s to today.

Other topics include: Mike's sports career in college basketball and golf, lawyer jokes, how Mike was disappointed by his mother's lightning speed as a child, and the one area that Mike believes to be the most important factor in ministry, work, and family dynamics.

Mike is a man of deep faith and it shines through in this interview. His years of executive experience have given him deep insights on leadership and human nature. And his sense of humor and positivity are sure to make you smile.

If you enjoy this episode, go ahead and give us a great review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people find and enjoy the show.) And be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
HSLDA: https://hslda.org/
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2021 Generation Joshua 

In honor of Star Wars Day, Daniel sat down with Joel Grewe and Brandt Edmonston to wax philosophical about the political structures, systems, and intrigue woven into the Star Wars universe. Grab your lightsaber (or your blaster), and get ready for the jump to lightspeed! 

Note: If you're not a Star Wars fan (like GenJ's own Glenn Bertsch), don't worry. We'll be back to our regular programming soon! 

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
Register for iGovern 2021: www.genj.us/iGovern
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Joel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelgrewe/
Brandt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.p.edmonston/
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2021 Generation Joshua 

In this episode, Daniel sits down with the president and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, Michael P. Farris. They talk about Mike's backstory and his current work on the front lines of landmark cases at the highest court in the nation.

They also talk about Mike's notable pre-ADF career as the founder of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, Patrick Henry College, and a little organization called Generation Joshua.

In addition to pioneering movements and founding organizations, Mike is a talented attorney and highly educated constitutional scholar. He has argued before the appellate courts of 13 states, eight federal circuit courts of appeal, and the United States Supreme Court.

Mike is a favorite speaker at iGovern Leadership Camps and is a modern champion of constitutional freedom and the American promise.

Other topics include: Mike's career as a baseball shoe-shine boy, how he rededicated his life to Christ sitting on a lifeguard stand, why young people should be involved in politics, and what he thinks about Critical Race Theory and "woke" culture.

Mike has never been afraid to embrace the intersection of faith and politics-- something that is also at the heart of GenJ. We think you will be inspired and encouraged as you hear about Mike's adventures, endeavors, and passion for freedom. Mike is a man of deep faith and a true patriot.

ALSO!

Don't miss his story about Elvis, Jesus, and the refrigerator!

If you enjoy this episode, go ahead and give us a nice review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people find and enjoy the show.) And be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
Alliance Defending Freedom: https://adflegal.org/
Mike Farris's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.farris.374
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/
Register for iGovern 2021: https://generationjoshua.org/GenJ/programs/igovern-leadership-camps

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2021 Generation Joshua 

Welcome to Season 2 of The GenJ Podcast! We made it!

Seriously, thanks to all of you who joined us last year--and a warm welcome to those of you who are just discovering it now.

As we begin this new season, a storm is a-brewin' in Washington, D.C. It's focused in the United States Senate, and at the center of it is an old legislative mechanism called The Filibuster. For having such a funny sounding name, the filibuster is currently at the center of some serious debates between Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, and as of this week, even President Biden has weighed in.

GenJ's Daniel Heffington is joined by Joel Grewe (Director of Generation Joshua) and Glenn Bertsch (GenJ Programs Administrator and general Senate guru) for this discussion. This episode covers a lot of ground, but it starts off with the basics: what is the filibuster, how does it work, and why should we care about it?

By the end of today's show, you'll know how the filibuster began (it wasn't always around), the role it's served in the American experiment, and how both Democrats and Republicans have used the dubious and terrifyingly-named "nuclear option" on it in recent years.

You'll also get some context for why the far left is calling it "racist" and why some conservatives fear that removing it could break the legislative branch as we know it. 

If you find this episode helpful, go ahead and leave us a review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people discover the show.) And be sure you're subscribed on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Joel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelgrewe/
Glenn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwbertsch/
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2020 Generation Joshua 

Did Democrats steal the election? Is Donald Trump attempting a coup? The questions and opinions have been flying fast and thick since Election Day. GenJ's Joel Grewe and Jeremiah Lorrig join Daniel Heffington to talk through the aftermath and provide perspective on the state of the election, the ensuing investigations, and the future of conservatism.

They also bring an in-depth after-action report from GenJ's Student Action Team deployments in October and November. You'll be inspired by the recap of the adventures, stories, and impact of the 2020 SATs.

And finally, the guys talk about why Student Action Teams aren't exactly... over yet.

If you enjoy this episode, go ahead and leave us a review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people discover the show.) And be sure you're subscribed on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
Georgia Run-off Student Action Team: Volunteer here.
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/
Jeremiah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlorrig/
Joel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelgrewe/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2020 Generation Joshua 

At the end of the last week, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away. As the nation grieves her death and commemorates one of the iconic legal minds of our time, there are obviously a boatload of questions related to balance of power on the Supreme Court, the plans of the Trump administration and the GOP-controlled Senate, and the implications for the 2020 Elections.

This week, Daniel sat down with Glenn and Jeremiah to talk through all of these sudden changes on the political landscape. They take a look at the history of recent SCOTUS nominations and confirmation processes, and what could happen this time around.

This episode will help you stay informed and answer some of your questions about what this Supreme Court vacancy might mean.

If all of this political talk inspires you to get involved in the 2020 Student Action Teams, just go here: www.genj.us/SATs!

Note: This episode was recorded on Tuesday, September 23, 2020. Because this situation is still developing, there could be some major updates by the time you listen. However, the discussion will still be very relevant and informative.

If you enjoy this episode, go ahead and give us a great review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people find and enjoy the show.) And be sure you're subscribed on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/
Jeremiah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlorrig/
Glenn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwbertsch/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2020 Generation Joshua 

GenJ Student Action Teams (or SATs) have been a core part of the GenJ experience for years now. Many of our listeners know what it's like to volunteer with their GenJ friends to encourage people to get out and vote. Since 2004, GenJ volunteers have contacted more than 5 million voters during Student Action Team Deployments.

In this episode, Daniel sits down with Joel and Jeremiah to dive deep into everything that happens before a Student Action Team actually hits the ground. They talk candidate vetting, campaign strategy, crazy deployment stories, and the one time Joel rented every mini van at the Denver airport.

Other stories include how Joel and Jeremiah's first SAT experiences, how the word about SATs spreads through the halls and offices of Washington, D.C., and why a shelf of old running shoes holds a very special place in Joel's heart.

This episode is sure to put you in the Election Day spirit as the guys reflect on some of the most inspiring and insane stories from over a decade of SAT deployments.

If you would like to learn more about GenJ Student Action Teams or volunteer for this November's deployments, you can go to www.genj.us/SATs.

If you enjoy this episode, go ahead and give us a great review and a 5 star rating! (This helps other people find and enjoy the show.) And be sure you're subscribed on your favorite podcast platform to get the next episode in your feed.

Email [email protected] to let us know how you're liking the show and if you have any requests for guests or topics!

Links:
Volunteer for the 2020 Student Action Teams: www.genj.us/SATs
GenJ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/generationjoshua/
GenJ Facebook: http://facebook.com/GenerationJoshua
Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielhofficial/
Joel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelgrewe/
Jeremiah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlorrig/

Note: GenJ believes that it's important to have authentic conversations about ideas that matter. Thus, the viewpoints and policy proposals of our hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Generation Joshua.

Producer: Daniel Heffington
Copyright 2020 Generation Joshua