The Narrative

Maria Baer joins CCV President Aaron Baer, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and Policy Director David Mahan on The Narrative to discuss her first-hand experience of the drug epidemic in Portland, Oregon, which she chronicled for Christianity Today in her article, "Recovery Ministries Try to Help Portland Get Clean." Maria shares how drug decriminalization has fueled Oregon's addiction crisis, leaving local Christians pleading with the sick–and the state–to let them help.

Before the conversation with Maria, the guys catch up on this week's news, including the Associated Press article highlighting CCV's work to expand Christian education, how CCV's priority bills are progressing in Ohio's Lame Duck session, and what the Statehouse leadership picks mean for next year.

You don't want to miss this week's episode!

Want your questions answered?

If you have any questions about past episodes, news in the media, or general inquiries, submit them to [email protected] by Wednesday, December 11, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode!

More about Maria Baer

Maria is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition.

Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009. She belongs to Cross City Church with her family and is a volunteer counselor at her local crisis pregnancy center. You can find more of Maria’s published works on her website.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than 20 members named in the last week, President-elect Trump has wasted no time picking his cabinet. This week on The Narrative, Eric Teetsel–Executive Vice President of the Center for Renewing America–sits down with CCV President Aaron Baer and Communications Director Mike Andrews to uncover why these quick picks have not only been entertaining but are also inspiring for the conservative party and the American people.

But before the guys dive into Trump's appointments, they catch up on the latest news recounting the victory of Ohio's Single-Sex Bathroom Privacy Bill (SB104) and why schools like Olentangy Orange High School are facing backlash for the political statements made by administrators. 

You don't want to miss this episode of The Narrative!

More about Eric Teetsel

Eric Teetsel most recently was Vice President of Government Relations at The Heritage Foundation and now serves as the Executive Vice President of the Center for Renewing America.

Teetsel has a long track record of experience in government at the federal, state, and local levels. He was Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri where he also held the roles of Legislative Director and Special Assistant. Teetsel previously served as President of the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, Director of Faith Outreach for the Marco Rubio presidential campaign, and Executive Director of the Manhattan Declaration for life, marriage, and religious freedom, and more.

Teetsel graduated from Wheaton College and holds a master’s in education from Azusa Pacific University. Originally from Kansas, he and his wife live in Virginia with their four children. You can follow him on X at @EricTeetsel.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results of the 2024 election are in, and we couldn't wait to get you our takes on this special episode of The Narrative!

CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews share their perspectives and break down the implications of a wide range of election outcomes. 

Listen in to hear the guys talk about how Ohioans toppled Issue 1, Bernie Moreno's relentless work on the campaign trail, and the factors that led to Donald Trump's decisive victory. Plus, you'll get a preview of what the results mean for our state and the work of CCV in 2025 and beyond!

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gear up for Election Day with the latest episode of The Narrative with Daniel Cameron, former Attorney General of Kentucky and current CEO of the 1792 Exchange, as he shares insights on the presidential race and an optimistic outlook on Christians stepping up for early voting. You'll also get to hear Daniel's thoughts on our 'Nationwide Not on Your Side' campaign and how businesses can stand up against the woke corporate agenda. 

Before the conversation, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews run down the latest news of the week: the impact of the decision striking down Ohio's Heartbeat Law, how early voting is impacting the GOP, and what to expect in the upcoming election.

More about Daniel Cameron

Daniel Cameron is the CEO of the 1792 Exchange, working to protect free exercise, free speech, and free enterprise and help American corporations return to the winning formula of producing great products and services, not pushing agendas. 

Daniel previously served as the 51st Attorney General of Kentucky from 2019 to 2023. He was the first black American elected to a standalone statewide office in Kentucky’s history. Daniel then went on to win the Republican nomination for governor of Kentucky. 

He grew up in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and attended the University of Louisville, where he played football for the Cardinals. After graduating from Brandeis School of Law, he clerked for a federal judge. Daniel later served as legal counsel to United States Senator Mitch McConnell. 

Daniel and his wife are blessed with two sons: Theodore and Bennett. They reside in Louisville, Kentucky, a place they proudly call home.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we wrap up our special Essential Summit mini-series on The Narrative, you don't want to miss Dr. Larry Arnn's insightful keynote address. Dr. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, explains why humans are made for knowledge, virtue, and politics. Want to know how that's possible? Listen to today's episode!

Following his keynote, Dr. Arnn is joined by CCV President Aaron Baer and Senate President Matt Huffman to discuss why school choice must be a priority, why argument is necessary to reach a common good, and why more money is not the answer to our education crisis.

More about Dr. Larry Arnn

Larry P. Arnn is the 12th president of Hillsdale College, where he is also a professor of politics and history. He received his B.A. from Arkansas State University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Government from the Claremont Graduate School. He also studied at Worcester College, Oxford University, where he served as director of research for Sir Martin Gilbert, the official biographer of Winston Churchill.

Dr. Arnn is on the board of directors of The Heritage Foundation, the Henry Salvatori Center of Claremont McKenna College, the Philadelphia Society, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and the Claremont Institute. He served on the U.S. Army War College Board of Visitors for two years, for which he earned the Department of the Army’s “Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.” 

Dr. Arnn is the author of three books: Liberty and Learning: The Evolution of American Education; The Founders’ Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It; and Churchill’s Trial: Winston Churchill and the Salvation of Free Government.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have another heavy hitter coming to The Narrative this week. Listen in to hear Dr. Ben Carson's keynote address from our inaugural Essential Summit! He'll regale you with stories from his childhood, inspire you with miracles from his days as a neurosurgeon, and challenge you to be a Christian who stands up with courage to defend our rights, our children, and our country.

Following Dr. Carson's keynote, he is joined by Ian Rowe–Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute and the second-ever guest on The Narrative, and CCV President Aaron Baer and Policy Director David Mahan for an in-depth conversation on school choice, critical race theory, overcoming suffering, and more.

More about Dr. Ben Carson

Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., is Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, a new think tank / do tank whose mission is to promote the four founding principles which are cornerstones of our country: faith, liberty, community and life as well as pursue common sense solutions that challenge conventional groupthink. He most recently served as the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

For nearly 30 years, Secretary Carson served as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a position he assumed when he was just 33 years old, becoming the youngest major division director in the hospital's history. Dr. Carson has also authored eleven books, five of which he co-wrote with his wife Candy.

Dr. Carson graduated from Yale University and earned his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School. He and his wife are the proud parents of three adult sons and eight grandchildren. 

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do know what is the root issue of every political problem, and the best way to address them all? Do you know why Christians must be engaged in the public square? Do you want to hear the insider's take on Project 2025? Then listen to this week's episode of The Narrative to hear Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts' keynote address from our inaugural Essential Summit! 

Before Kevin's keynote, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews discuss the newly published national database of hospitals and medical facilities administering sex-change interventions on children in the United States, StopTheHarmDatabase.com, as well as Ohio's history of destructive gender ideology that we uncovered in our mini documentary, "Culture Change: The Story of HB68." The guys also give an update on our NationwideNotOnYourside.com campaign, including the confidential messages we've received from Nationwide Insurance employees.

More about Dr. Kevin Roberts

Kevin D. Roberts, PhD, was named President of The Heritage Foundation in October 2021. He succeeded former Heritage President Kay C. James as the seventh President in the organization’s 50-year history. In September 2023, Roberts was named President of Heritage Action for America and serves both organizations in a joint role.

As President of The Heritage Foundation, Roberts leads policy research efforts on issues including education, health care, border security, election integrity, and more. His leadership is critical in pushing back on the radical, socialist agenda being advanced by the Left at all levels of government. At a time when so many bad ideas are coming out of Washington, his experience advancing sound policy at the state and national levels is vital.  

Roberts and his wife have four children.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of today's third annual Ohio March for Life in Downtown Columbus, The Narrative brings to you another special edition of our Going Deeper episodes. Center for Christian Virtue Policy Director David Mahan and Communications Director Mike Andrews welcome Rep. Melanie Miller–Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, Peggy Hartshorn–Chairman of the Board for Heartbeat International, and Maria Baer–a writer, reporter, and podcast host, as they share their personal testimonies of being frontline pro-life advocates.

This roundtable episode reveals the realities of pro-life ministry, as well as the incredible impact our pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) have had on women, unborn children, and our communities at large. These pro-life leaders also break down some of the lies pro-abortion activists tell to smear the reputation of PRCs and to coerce women into having abortions.

More about the Experts

Rep. Melanie Miller is the Executive Director of the Ashland Pregnancy Care Center, an organization that provides compassionate care and life-affirming options to women in the greater-Ashland County area who are facing unexpected pregnancies. Melanie has made it her mission to create a culture of care and protection for both mom and baby.

Margaret H. (Peggy) Hartshorn, Ph.D., currently Chairman of the Board of Heartbeat International, has served on the Board for 30 years, as Chairman previously from 1990-2004.  She also served as Heartbeat’s President for 22 years (1993-2015). Peggy co-founded Heartbeat International’s Option Line in 2002.  It is the only 24/7, bilingual, internet-based, pro-life call center in the world. 

Maria Baer is a reporter, writer, and podcaster. She is the co-host of the weekly Breakpoint This Week podcast with John Stonestreet and a writer for Breakpoint. She is also published regularly at Christianity Today magazine, WORLD magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. Maria is based in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism in 2009. 

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Narrative this week, Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews welcome Peter Range, CCV's Strategic Fellow for Strategic Initiatives, and Chris Lightfoot, Executive Director of CCV's Church Ambassador Network, as they discuss the need for Christians to become a thoughtful steward of their vote and a witness during what has already unfolded as a contentious election. 

This special roundtable episode breaks down why political exhaustion is a strategy of the Enemy, the importance of prioritizing policies over personalities, and encouragement for pastors to engage and discuss the election with their congregations (hint: if they don't, they're likely the one voice their church members aren't hearing from about the election). 

After you listen, be sure to share it with friends who may be wary of voting this November and help CCV make sure the Church's voice isn't silenced in the election!

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have another special edition of The Narrative podcast this week coming to you from our 2024 Cleveland Gala with Kayleigh McEnany, a former White House press secretary under President Trump and a current cohost of Outnumbered on Fox News.

Listen in to hear her incredible story of how God literally called her to faith, her experience working in the Trump White House, and the one thing she did to prepare for every press briefing. You'll also get to hear Kayleigh eloquently share why pro-life issues are still key and at play, even in Ohio.

Before Kayleigh's address, CCV President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, and Communications Director Mike Andrews break down why it's a Christian response to criticize the immigration policies that have led to the influx of Haitians in Springfield. They also reveal how CCV is exposing Nationwide Insurance's woke ideology that is undermining the values of their rural and conservative customers.

Learn more about the campaign at NationwideNotOnYourSide.com.

More about Kayleigh McEnany

Kayleigh McEnany is the former White House press secretary and current cohost of Outnumbered on the Fox News Channel. Prior to serving in the White House, Kayleigh worked as the national press secretary for the Trump campaign and was formerly the national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee. Before joining the RNC, Kayleigh worked as a political commentator at CNN.

Kayleigh graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor and Georgetown University School of Foreign Services with a degree in international politics. She also studied politics and international relations at Oxford University, St. Edmund Hall. Kayleigh is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s Public Service Award. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller For Such a Time as This and The New American Revolution.

🔊 Talk to Us

We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

👉  Leave us a voicemail or text at 614-769-7077.

👉  Email us at [email protected].

To learn more about Center for Christian Virtue and to get involved, visit CCV.org.

⭐️ How are we doing?

If you've found any episode of The Narrative insightful, let us know by leaving a review or rating! It helps us to know what you're enjoying and brings the podcast to other listeners, meaning you're helping equip your neighbors to understand today's hottest cultural and political topics. So, thank you!

🔎 About The Narrative

The Narrative breaks away from the script to cut through the typical media narratives and helps you understand the root causes of today’s culture and political controversies.

Join Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) President Aaron Baer, Policy Director David Mahan, Communications Director Mike Andrews, and world-renowned experts as they dissect current issues and events from multiple angles and viewpoints, equipping you to be a critical thinker on some of the hottest topics today.

Support the show: https://www.ccv.org/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.