The Narrative with Aaron Baer

This week on The Narrative, we bring you an unforgettable message from Duck Dynasty star, author, and entrepreneur Willie Robertson, recorded live at CCV’s 2025 Essential Summit.

With his signature humor and down-to-earth storytelling, Willie shares a powerful testimony of God’s redemption in his own family, how his parents’ marriage was miraculously restored, and how one bold preacher’s decision to walk into a bar changed generations.

Willie also opens up about the surprising origins of Duck Dynasty, why the show’s unapologetic faith and family values resonated with millions, and what its success reveals about the hunger in America for something real.

But this episode isn’t just laughs and stories. Willie issues a clear call to believers: stop letting the world tell you to keep quiet about your faith. From government and entertainment to the conversations we have with our neighbors, he challenges Christians to step into their mission with courage, compassion, and the hope of the gospel.

If you need encouragement and a reminder of what God can do through ordinary people who refuse to stay silent, you won't want to miss this one.

More About Willie Robertson

Willie Robertson is the CEO of Duck Commander and Buck Commander and star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty.

Robertson has expanded his family companies, from a living room operation to a multi-million-dollar enterprise and destination for all things outdoors. Duck Commander is the best-selling duck call brand in the US. It, along with Buck Commander, are popular trademarks on apparel, hunting gear, food items and more.

Robertson is executive producer of A&E’s Duck Dynasty and Buck Commander on the Outdoor Channel. He is a New York Times best-selling author of The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family and Ducks Built a Dynasty, American Hunter, American Fisherman, and American Entrepreneur.

Robertson’s story is a remarkable example of entrepreneurship and dedication built on hard work, faith, and family.

📢 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.

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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!

Take a deep dive into the cultural and spiritual moment facing Ohio, America, and the Church in today's episode of The Narrative.

David and Church Ambassador Network (CAN) Executive Director Chris Lightfoot begin with an inside look at the explosive growth of CAN—from 2,200 to over 5,000 churches—and why pastors across Ohio are urgently seeking Christ-centered worldview formation, marriage and family renewal, and a biblically oriented understanding of Christian citizenship.

CCV responded by creating the Minnery Fellowship for Cultural Engagement, a continuing education program for pastors and church leaders, and Hope and a Future to offer churches statewide a scalable model to strengthen families in their communities. 

David also discussed two pro-life bills that passed out of the Ohio House this week.

Following the news, world-renowned author and social critic, Os Guinness, joins the guys to explain the civilizational crossroads America faces as the ideological descendants of the 1776 American Revolution clash with the ideals of the 1789 French Revolution.

With the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching in 2026, Guinness argues that it may be “the last, best chance of the last, best hope,” calling Christians to lead a renewal rooted in biblical truth. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

More About Os Guinness

Os Guinness is an author and social critic. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford. 

Os has written or edited more than thirty books, including The Call, Time for Truth, Unspeakable, A Free People’s Suicide, The Global Public Square, Last Call for Liberty, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity. His latest book is The Great Quest: Invitation to the Examined Life and a Sure Path to Meaning, published in 2022.

Os has spoken at many of the world’s major universities and at political and business conferences across the world. He lives with his wife, Jenny, in the Washington, DC area.

When a man can secretly order abortion pills in his wife’s name and force them on his pregnant girlfriend, something is deeply broken in our culture. This week's episode of The Narrative breaks down a shocking Ohio case that exposes the growing dangers of unregulated abortion pill access and the cultural ideology enabling it.

Aaron, David, and Mike unpack how current FDA rules allowed a man to order abortion drugs in his wife’s name and forcibly give them to his pregnant girlfriend. They also highlight the media’s stunning lack of coverage, the worldview driving that silence, and what must happen now to protect women from coercion and abuse. 

After their discussion, Evans and Ben Nwankwo of Ambassadors for Self Determination—native Nigerian brothers who now live in Ohio—join the conversation to expose the brutal reality of Christian persecution in Nigeria and an ongoing genocide claiming roughly 30 lives every day.

The guys unpack the violence, the government’s complicity, and how US pressure and foreign-aid leverage could finally force change.

Don't miss this episode, which pulls back the curtain on two stories the mainstream won’t touch and learn what must happen to protect women and save persecuted Christians.

Take Action

As Christians, we must act now!

Our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are facing a daily threat most of the world refuses to acknowledge, and Congress needs to hear from believers who won’t look away.

Take one minute today to contact your US Representative and Senators through our Action Center and urge them to back Senator Cruz’s legislation. Your voice can help push America to stand up, apply the pressure, and protect innocent Christians before more lives are lost.

Also, the Trump Administration can restore protections for women and their children by reinstating the safeguards around the abortion pill. Use CCV’s Action Center to contact your members of Congress and federal leaders today, it takes just 60 seconds to demand real accountability and save lives.

In the wake of this week's General Election, Aaron and Mike unpack the implications of Zoran Mamdani, an openly socialist and anti-Israel candidate, winning the mayoral race in New York City. The result points to something deeper than mere partisan politics:

• With 75 percent of voters under 30 backing Mamdani, Christians and conservatives need to understand the cultural and worldview battles shaping the next generation.
• Mamdani's election has to serve as a wake-up call that now is the time for Christians to reengage in the fight for truth in schools, churches, and society.

After the discussion, Lahav Harkov, senior political correspondent for Jewish Insider, joins Aaron and David to share her first-hand account from Israel of the impact of President Trump’s peace deal. She also offers insider perspectives on: 

• The future of Gaza,
• The status of Iran’s nuclear program,
• Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political future, and
• Charlie Kirk’s advice for keeping US support of Israel strong.

Lahav’s insights are timely reminders of Israel’s unique challenges—and how worldview defines both American and global politics.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

More about Lahav Harkov

Lahav Harkov is the Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, covering Israel’s domestic and international politics.

She was previously Senior Contributing Editor, Diplomatic Reporter, and Knesset Reporter for The Jerusalem Post.

Lahav was recognized for her social media reporting by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, which named her the 5th-most influential person on “Jewish Twitter,” and is one of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s “Millennial Olim (Immigrants) Who Are Making Their Mark On Israel.” 

She has a degree in Political Science and Communications from Bar-Ilan University, and lives in central Israel with her husband and three children.

Justin Whitmel Earley is a lawyer, author, and speaker from Richmond, Virginia, where he lives with his wife, Lauren, and their four sons: Whit, Asher, Coulter, and Shep.

With a background in English literature, cross-cultural ministry in China, and a law degree from Georgetown, Justin brings a unique blend of thoughtfulness, creativity, and practicality to his work. Through his books, speaking, and legal practice, he helps individuals and families craft intentional habits that shape the soul.

Justin is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, Made for People, The Body Teaches the Soul, and a new children’s book, The Big Mess. He regularly speaks on the topics of spiritual formation, technology, mental health, and family rhythms.

This week on The Narrative, Mike, David, and CAN Executive Director Chris Lightfoot break down major updates from the Ohio Statehouse, including:

• Progress on the Success Sequence Bill,
• Indecent exposure reforms, and
• Protecting kids from high-potency THC products.

They also discuss why marriage is often missing from today’s fatherhood programs and why the Church must lead on family formation.

Plus, Chris shares how the Church Ambassador Network’s Minnery Fellowship and new Hope and a Future tour are equipping pastors to strengthen marriage and family ministries across Ohio. 

After the news, Mike, David, and Aaron interview Clare Morell, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, about why she's calling for Americans to consider a smartscreen-free childhood for their children. Drawing from groundbreaking research and her new book, The Tech Exit, she outlines practical steps for families and policy solutions that are gaining national momentum. She also explains why schools, churches, and communities must lead a countercultural movement toward real human connection and spiritual renewal.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

More about Clare Morell

Clare Morell is a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in the Bioethics, Technology and Human Flourishing Program. Prior to joining EPPC, Ms. Morell worked in both the White House Counsel’s Office and the Department of Justice, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors. She is also the author of The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones, published by Penguin Random House.

Ms. Morell has had opinion pieces published in the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Bloomberg News, The New York Post, Newsweek, the Washington Examiner, National Review, First Things, National Affairs, American Affairs Journal, Deseret News, The Federalist, The Hill, Public Discourse, WORLD Magazine, The American Conservative, the Washington Times, and the Daily Signal.

Ms. Morell has testified before Congress. Her policy work has also been featured in The New York Times, and she has done television interviews with Fox News, Blaze TV, EWTN, and Epoch TV, as well as print interviews with The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Review, and WORLD Magazine, among others.

Ms. Morell received a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she majored in Science, Technology, and International Affairs. She graduated summa cum laude and received the Edmund A. Walsh Award for academic achievement in international law. 

Ready to dive into this week's most pressing issues? Tune in to The Narrative with CCV's Aaron Baer, David Mahan, and Mike Andrews as they review:

• Israel-Hamas Peace Deal: The long-awaited peace deal is moving toward completion after more than two years of conflict. Walk through the release of remaining Israeli hostages vs. Hamas prisoners, the strategic actions taken by Israel, and why this could be a turning point in Middle East relations.
• Ohio Legislative Updates: From Pornhub age verification enforcement to Governor DeWine's ban on intoxicating hemp products, learn about the policies impacting children, families, and communities across Ohio—and why these battles are far from over.

After the news, Joel Penton joins for an in-depth conversation on LifeWise Academy, the fastest-growing Bible education movement in US public schools. Joel shares how his team is bringing faith-based instruction to over 100,000 students in 1,100 schools across 34 states, the challenges and controversies surrounding this unprecedented effort, and what inspired his new documentary, Off School Property.

Hear the story behind the movement, its impact on students' academic and spiritual lives, and why parents nationwide are embracing this model. 

More about Joel Penton

Joel is the Founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy. He is a nonprofit entrepreneur with a 15-year career focused on impacting students. A former Ohio State University football player, he received the Danny Wuerffel trophy for outstanding community service.

Joel founded Stand For Truth and Relevant Speakers Network, reaching over 3,000 schools and 2 million students. He is a renowned public speaker and author of three books.

He lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, Bethany, and their five children, where they all enjoy telling stories at the dinner table, watching sci-fi movies, and playing full-contact monkey in the middle.

Listen in for a candid, faith-filled discussion on what it truly takes to stand for truth in a world that often seeks to silence it.

In today's rapidly shifting cultural landscape, holding fast to biblical values can feel like an uphill battle. We live in an era where objective truth is frequently treated as a mere suggestion, and where those who dare to speak with moral clarity are often met with hostility, cancellation, or intense marginalization. It takes immense courage to remain steadfast. How do we navigate a society that demands conformity to secular ideologies? How do we raise our families, lead our communities, and engage with the political sphere without compromising the Gospel? This highly anticipated conversation brings together two powerhouse voices who have dedicated their platforms to answering these exact questions with unwavering boldness, insight, and grace.

We are thrilled to welcome Allie Beth Stuckey to the discussion. As the host of the hit podcast, Relatable, Allie has become an indispensable voice for thousands of listeners who seek to make sense of the world through a biblical lens. She expertly breaks down the latest in culture, news, theology, and politics from an unapologetically Christian and conservative perspective. She is a frequent guest on Fox News, a prolific writer, and the bestselling author of two deeply impactful books: "You're Not Enough (& That's Okay)" and her latest release, "Toxic Empathy." Allie’s journey to the forefront of conservative Christian media is as inspiring as her commentary. In 2015, she simply began speaking to college sororities about the vital importance of voting and civic duty. What started as a passionate hobby soon blossomed into a full-time career. Her early blog and social media presence, aptly named The Conservative Millennial, rapidly gained viral traction, officially launching her into the political media sphere. Today, Allie is celebrated for her unique ability to dismantle popular cultural narratives—replacing them with the enduring, life-giving truths of Scripture.

Joining her in this profound dialogue is Pastor Luke Barnett, a man whose visionary leadership and pastoral heart have left an indelible mark on the modern church. Luke serves as the senior pastor of Dream City Church, one of the most dynamic, expansive, and influential congregations not only in Phoenix, Arizona, but within the entire Assemblies of God denomination nationwide. Taking over the mantle of leadership from his father, Tommy Barnett, in 2011, Pastor Luke stepped into a profoundly significant role laden with considerable expectations. Rather than simply maintaining the status quo, Pastor Luke has propelled Dream City Church into new eras of growth, community outreach, and spiritual vitality. He is a shepherd who deeply understands the struggles of the modern believer and consistently preaches a message of hope, resilience, and divine purpose. In 2015, he authored the inspiring book, "The Dream Centered Life." It is based on his foundational life message and teaches readers how to discover and pursue a true, God-sized dream. Pastor Luke challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones, overcome their fears, and embrace the extraordinary calling God has placed on their lives.

When the incisive cultural analysis of Allie Beth Stuckey meets the visionary, faith-building pastoral wisdom of Luke Barnett, the result is a conversation that is as deeply convicting as it is immensely encouraging. Together, they explore the urgent necessity of Christians stepping up to the plate in our current cultural moment. They unpack the dangers of retreating into silence, the necessity of discerning truth from emotional manipulation, and the practical ways we can all live boldly for Christ in our daily lives.

This week’s episode of The Narrative is something special—we're coming to you LIVE from the Ohio Statehouse lawn before the Ohio March for Life!

Thousands gathered in Columbus to boldly stand for life, and we were there, capturing the energy, voices, and stories that matter most. From inspiring testimonies to behind-the-scenes conversations, you’ll get an inside peek into the state’s largest protest.

Ohio March for Life keynote Melissa Ohden joins CCV's Aaron Baer, David Mahan, and Mike Andrews to talk about her abortion survival story, and state representatives Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) take the Narrative stage to talk about what the future of Ohio looks like for pro-lifers.

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 fight to protect children is gaining ground—Nationwide Children's Hospital just ended "gender-affirming" care for minors.

Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers' Research, joins CCV Executive Policy Director David Mahan and Executive Communications Director Mike Andrews on this week's episode of The Narrative to break down how this victory came about, what it reveals about the broader battle over children's health, and why parents must keep speaking up and fighting for the protection of Ohio's children.

Before they share in the victory with Will, Aaron joins Mike to run through this week's most pressing news:

👉 Over one hundred thousand attendees flocked to Arizona this past Sunday to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. Among them were some of our nation's most prominent leaders proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. You can watch the memorial service, in its entirety, here.

👉 This Wednesday, September 24, US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, along with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, US Senator Bernie Moreno, and Erika Donalds, gathered at our office in Downtown Columbus for a press conference about expanding school choice in Ohio. Photos from the event can be viewed on our social channels: @CCVPolicy.

👉 There are only two days left to secure your tickets for the upcoming Essential Summit on Thursday, October 2! Ticket sales close Sunday, September 28, at 11:59 pm.

MORE ABOUT WILL HILD

Will Hild is the Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, the nation’s oldest consumer protection organization. After taking the helm in 2020, Hild shifted focus to fight against Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and woke capitalism. Hild led Consumers’ Research as it launched the innovative Consumers First campaign, a multi-million-dollar ongoing campaign calling out woke corporations for betraying their customers and educating consumers on the dangers of ESG.

Under Hild’s leadership, The Washington Post described Consumers’ Research as “a key player in the conservative crusade to prevent Wall Street from factoring climate change into its investment decisions.” Companies targeted by the Consumers First campaign include BlackRock, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Nike, State Farm, Ticketmaster, and more. Hild works to educate leaders across the United States on the dangers of ESG and woke capitalism and the threat they pose to consumers.

His efforts were highlighted in a profile in Bloomberg, noting that he was at the “forefront of the movement” to roll back woke corporate excess. He is a frequent radio, podcast, and television guest and has been interviewed by publications across the nation, including Fox News, CNBC, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Daily Mail, Washington Examiner, and The Daily Wire.

Will received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and resides in Maryland with his wife, Cheryl, and their family.