After sitting through all 3 hours and 17 minutes of the Candace Owens vs. Andrew Wilson debate, I walked away thinking one thing: Did we actually learn anything new?

In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, I break down my reaction to the debate—the good points Andrew made, where I think he crossed the line, why Candace's arguments left me with more questions than answers, and one particular exchange about text messages and Apple IDs that really got me thinking.

If a text appearing to come from someone's account doesn't necessarily prove that person actually sent it, should we be applying that same skepticism to the screenshots and old messages we've been shown as evidence?

I'm not claiming to have solved anything. I'm asking questions—and there's a big difference.

But there's also a bigger issue here. While the internet turns this tragedy into theories, investigations, sides, clicks, and content, how many of us have stopped to pray for the actual people whose lives have been devastated?

Let's talk about the debate, the unanswered questions, the evidence, the speculation—and why Christians should never become so obsessed with solving the mystery that we forget about the human beings in the middle of it.

What are we talking about? Let's get into it.

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Record Date: 08.17.2026

#CandaceOwens #AndrewWilson #CandaceOwensDebate #DebateReaction #CharlieKirk #TurningPointUSA #TPUSA #ConservativePodcast #ChristianPodcast #ChristianConservative #PoliticalPodcast #PodcastReaction #ConservativeCommentary #CurrentEvents #QuestionEverything #SeekTheTruth #BiblicalWorldview #FaithAndPolitics #PrayForTruth #WhatAreWeTalkingAbout #428Podcasts

Are Christian men truly leading the lives God has called them to lead—or are too many simply going through the motions?

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE COPY!

In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, Ben Lewis sits down with entrepreneur, husband, father, and The Kingdom Codex author Michael Munster for a challenging conversation about biblical masculinity, Christian leadership, brotherhood, spiritual warfare, and what it means for men to live with purpose.

After facing life-altering open-heart surgery, Michael found himself confronting a difficult question: Had he spent his life building his own kingdom instead of using his gifts to build the Kingdom of God?

That experience helped reshape his mission. Michael shares the story behind Kings and Priests and The Kingdom Codex, a 90-day field manual designed to help Christian men move beyond a surface-level faith and develop daily disciplines rooted in Scripture, prayer, accountability, intentionality, and action.

Ben and Michael discuss why Christian men need genuine biblical brotherhood, the difference between simply attending church and actively living out your faith Monday through Saturday, and the responsibility men have to lead, serve, and protect those God has placed in their lives. They also explore Michael's understanding of the biblical roles of "kings and priests" and why men must recognize the spiritual battle taking place around them.

If you're a husband, father, leader, entrepreneur, or Christian man who loves God but knows you've become too comfortable or passive in your walk, this conversation is a challenge to examine your priorities and ask: Am I becoming the man God has called me to be?

Subscribe to 428 Ministries for more conversations about faith, culture, leadership, politics, and living with biblical conviction. If this episode challenges or encourages you, share it with another man who needs to hear it, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Connect with Michael:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingdomcodex

Website: www.kingdomcodex.com

Kingdom Codex : Free Copy!

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Record Date: 08.13.2026

🏀 Did the WNBA just get called on its own rules?

Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft—and whether you see it as satire, protest, or a legitimate challenge, it raises a question the league may eventually have to answer:

Who, exactly, is eligible to play in the WNBA?

After Sophie Cunningham sparked controversy by arguing that women’s sports should remain women’s sports, the debate over transgender participation, inclusion, biological sex, and competitive fairness has only gotten louder.

Now Kanter and White are taking that conversation directly to the basketball court.

In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, Ben Lewis breaks down:

🏀 Why Kanter and White say they’re entering the WNBA Draft
🔥 How this puts the league’s inclusion rhetoric to the test
👀 The controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s comments
⚖️ Inclusion vs. competitive fairness in women’s sports
🧬 Why biological differences between men and women matter in athletics
🤔 What happens if the WNBA says they CAN’T play?
🍿 And why the 2027 WNBA Draft suddenly became must-watch television

The question isn’t simply whether Kanter or White will ever play in the WNBA.

The bigger question is whether the league is willing to follow its principles when those principles are pushed to their logical conclusion.

Grab the popcorn. This could get interesting.

🎙️ What Are We Talking About? examines the biggest stories in politics, culture, sports, and faith through a Christian conservative worldview—challenging the narrative and asking the questions others won’t.

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Record Date: 08.08.2026

▶️ SUBSCRIBE for more episodes.
⭐ Follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
💬 COMMENT: Should biological males ever be eligible to compete in the WNBA?
📲 SHARE this episode with someone who has an opinion on the future of women’s sports.

#WNBA #EnesKanterFreedom #RoyceWhite #SophieCunningham #WomensSports #Basketball #TransgenderAthletes #ChristianConservative #WhatAreWeTalkingAbout

🚨 A nurse spoke up about transgender medical treatment involving children. Then the FBI showed up at her door.

Vanessa Sivadge was a pediatric nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital who says she witnessed practices involving pediatric gender medicine that she believed needed to be exposed—including concerns about puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, Medicaid billing, and the treatment of children struggling with gender dysphoria.

Then the story got bigger.

Another whistleblower faced federal prosecution. Sivadge says FBI agents came to her home and warned they could make her life difficult. She was eventually fired, testified before Congress, and the controversy surrounding Texas Children’s ultimately became tied to a major settlement.

But this episode isn’t just about one nurse or one hospital.

It raises much bigger questions:

What happens when medical professionals are afraid to question the system?

Should children be making potentially irreversible medical decisions?

Can compassion exist without affirmation?

And how should Christians respond to people struggling with gender identity while refusing to compromise biblical truth?

In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, Ben Lewis breaks down the Vanessa Sivadge story, separates allegations from established facts, examines what happened at Texas Children’s Hospital, and looks at the issue through a Christian conservative worldview.

Because children struggling with their identity are not the enemy.

They deserve compassion.They deserve patience.They deserve adults willing to ask difficult questions.

And most importantly, they deserve the truth.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠

Record Date: 08.07.2026

🎙️ What Are We Talking About?Politics. Culture. Sports. Faith.Challenging the narrative through truth, common sense, and biblical principles.

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube🎧 Follow on Spotify & Apple Podcasts⭐ Leave a rating or review💬 And tell me in the comments: Should minors be allowed to receive medical gender-transition treatments?

#VanessaSivadge #TexasChildrensHospital #GenderAffirmingCare #Transgender #Whistleblower #ChristianPodcast #ConservativePodcast #ChristianConservative #GenderDysphoria #PubertyBlockers #Texas #WhatAreWeTalkingAbout

What Are We Talking About? | Marc Cox Breaks Down Missouri Amendments 4 & 5

With Missouri voters heading to the polls, the debate over Amendments 4 and 5 has become one of the biggest political battles in the state. But who's funding the campaigns? Why are major organizations spending millions of dollars to influence the outcome? And what do these amendments actually mean for everyday Missourians?

In this episode, Ben Lewis sits down with Marc Cox, host of The Marc Cox Morning Show on 97.1 FM Talk in St. Louis, for a candid conversation about the issues dominating Missouri politics.

Together they discuss:

• Why organizations like the Missouri Association of Realtors and the National Education Association are investing millions to oppose Amendment 5.
• Whether claims about higher taxes are fact or political fear campaigns.
• How eliminating Missouri's state income tax could affect working families, retirees, and the state's economic future.
• The debate surrounding Amendment 4 and whether initiative petition reform gives every region of Missouri a fair voice.
• The role of out-of-state money in Missouri ballot measures.
• Why conservatives believe these amendments could reshape the state's future.
• The importance of Christians staying informed and engaged in the political process.

Whether you already know how you're voting or you're still trying to sort through the campaign ads, this conversation digs beyond the headlines to explore the arguments, the funding, and the broader implications behind two of Missouri's most consequential ballot measures.

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

Record Date: 08.03.2026

Subscribe for more conversations on politics, culture, sports, and faith through a Christian conservative worldview.

#Missouri #MissouriPolitics #MarcCox #Amendment4 #Amendment5 #InitiativePetitions #IncomeTax #Conservative #Christian #Politics #WhatAreWeTalkingAbout

Ben Keathley and Jamie Gragg host a town hall in Ozark, Missouri to address the concerns and questions over Amendment 5 that we will be voting on the 4th of August. If you have questions, scroll the notes, find where you want to listen, and fast forward. There is a ton of good information here.

• 00:00 – Welcome & Purpose

  • Rep. Jamie Gragg welcomes attendees and emphasizes the importance of being informed before voting.

  • Introduces Rep. Ben Keathley as the evening's presenter, noting his extensive work studying Amendment 5.

  • Encourages attendees to hold questions until the presentation concludes for a more complete explanation.

• 03:00 – Why Amendment 5 Was Proposed

  • Rep. Keathley explains Missouri's desire to become more economically competitive.

  • Notes that surrounding states are actively reducing or eliminating income taxes.

  • Presents Amendment 5 as an opportunity to position Missouri for stronger long-term economic growth.

• 08:00 – Missouri's Income Tax Progress

  • Reviews Missouri's gradual reduction in the state income tax from 6% to 4.7%.

  • Explains that current law limits further reductions without constitutional changes.

  • Argues Amendment 5 creates a pathway to continue reducing income taxes.

• 13:00 – Economic Competitiveness

  • Discusses how lower-tax states have experienced significant population and business growth.

  • Suggests Missouri has an opportunity to compete for new employers and investment.

  • Emphasizes growing the tax base rather than increasing tax rates.

• 18:00 – Income Tax as a Freedom Issue

  • Frames income tax as more than an economic issue.

  • Discusses taxpayer privacy and reducing government involvement in personal finances.

  • Explains his belief that individuals should keep more control over the money they earn.

• 25:00 – Consumer Choice

  • Contrasts income taxes with consumption taxes.

  • Explains the philosophy that consumers have more control over spending decisions than earning decisions.

  • Suggests this gives taxpayers greater flexibility in managing their own tax burden.

• 31:00 – What Amendment 5 Actually Requires

  • Clarifies that Amendment 5 constitutionally requires the General Assembly to eliminate Missouri's income tax.

  • Explains that many future implementation decisions would still require legislative debate and public accountability.

• 36:00 – Revenue Neutrality

  • Emphasizes that Amendment 5 is designed to be revenue neutral.

  • States that any new revenue sources would be paired with corresponding income tax reductions.

  • Explains that the goal is tax reform rather than increasing total tax collections.

• 43:00 – Expanding the Tax Base

  • Discusses the possibility of broadening sales tax to include additional services currently exempt.

  • Explains that broadening the base could allow lower overall tax rates than heavily taxing a smaller portion of the economy.

  • Presents this as treating industries more equally under the tax code.

• 50:00 – Local Government Protections

  • Explains that local governments are also required to remain revenue neutral.

  • States that increased revenue from expanded sales taxes would require offsetting reductions in other local taxes such as property taxes.

  • Emphasizes maintaining balance rather than creating windfalls.

• 54:00 – Encouragement to Read the Amendment

  • Urges attendees to read the full three-page amendment themselves.

  • Encourages voters to evaluate the actual language rather than relying solely on campaign messaging.

• 58:00 – Concern About Retirees

  • A retired attendee asks how Amendment 5 would affect those living primarily on retirement income.

  • Rep. Keathley explains recent legislative efforts that reduced taxes on Social Security and certain retirement income.

  • Says Amendment 5 would constitutionally protect future income tax reductions.

    
    

    Subscribe for more episodes every week.

    
    

    428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

    Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

    Record Date: 07.30.2026

    
    

    
    

Can a Republican incumbent be successfully challenged—and what issues are driving voters in Missouri's 138th District?

In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, I sit down with Tom Franiak, Republican candidate for Missouri State House District 138, to discuss why he's challenging incumbent Rep. Burt Whaley and what he believes is at stake in this election.

We discuss:

• Why Tom decided to run against an incumbent from his own party

• His concerns surrounding Amendment 3 and HJR 73

• The importance of protecting life and parental rights

• Open enrollment, rural schools, and education policy

• Missouri Amendment 4 and the future of citizen-led constitutional amendments

• Missouri Amendment 5 and the effort to gradually eliminate the state income tax

• How his experience as a business owner shapes his approach to governing

• What he believes the biggest challenges are facing Christian and Stone Counties

Whether you agree or disagree, the goal of this conversation is simple: give voters the opportunity to hear directly from a candidate so they can make an informed decision before heading to the polls.

What Are We Talking About? is a Christian conservative podcast where we examine politics, culture, sports, and faith through the lens of biblical principles, truth, and common sense.

👍 If you enjoy conversations like this:

• Subscribe for more candidate interviews and political discussions.

• Like this video to help others find it.

• Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions.

• Share this episode with someone who wants to stay informed before Election Day.

Subscribe for more episodes every week.

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠

Record Date: 07.30.2026

#MissouriPolitics #MissouriHouse #TomFraniak #District138 #ChristianCountyMO #StoneCountyMO #MissouriElections #MissouriAmendments #Amendment4 #Amendment5 #ProLife #ConservativePodcast #ChristianConservative #WhatAreWeTalkingAbout #BenLewis

Every election season brings headlines, social media debates, and competing narratives—but what do the proposed amendments actually mean for Missouri voters?

In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, Ben Lewis sits down with Missouri State Representative Jamie Ray Gragg for an in-depth conversation about his reelection campaign, his Christian worldview, and two of the most discussed issues on Missouri's August ballot: Amendment 4 and Amendment 5.

Representative Gragg shares how his journey from ministry and small business ownership led him into public service, why he believes strengthening the family is the foundation of good government, and why he sees these ballot measures as critical to Missouri's future.

Topics discussed include:

• Why Jamie Ray Gragg is seeking another term in the Missouri House
• How his Christian faith influences his approach to legislation
• The importance of protecting and strengthening the family unit
• What Amendment 4 would change regarding Missouri's initiative petition process
• Why supporters believe every region of Missouri should have an equal voice in constitutional amendments
• Concerns about out-of-state influence on citizen-led ballot initiatives
• What Amendment 5 proposes regarding Missouri's state income tax
• How a potential transition away from state income tax would work
• Common misconceptions surrounding Amendment 5
• Questions about government spending, Medicaid, education, and taxpayer protections
• Why becoming an informed voter matters before heading to the polls

Whether you agree with Representative Gragg's positions or not, this conversation is designed to help you hear directly from someone serving in Jefferson City so you can better understand the issues before casting your vote.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about politics, culture, faith, and current events from a Christian conservative perspective, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to stay informed.

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠

Record Date: 07.27.2026

#MissouriPolitics

#Missouri

#Amendment4

#Amendment5

#MissouriElection

#Election2026

#ChristianConservative

#FaithAndPolitics

#Conservative

#ChristianWorldview

#PublicPolicy

#Constitution

#InitiativePetition

#StateGovernment

#JeffCity

#JamieRayGragg

#BenLewis

#428Ministries

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#BiblicalTruth

#FamilyValues

#VoteInformed

#CurrentEvents

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The WNBA has more attention than ever before—but is it making the most of the moment?

In this episode, Ben discusses the growing popularity of the WNBA, the impact of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, and why star power matters when it comes to building a successful sports league. The conversation explores marketing, media coverage, player personalities, business strategy, and why some athletes seem to generate far more public interest than others.The discussion also shifts to the ongoing debate surrounding biological males competing in women's sports. Ben shares his perspective as a father, explains why he believes protecting girls' athletics matters, and discusses why this issue has become one of the defining cultural conversations of our time.Whether you agree or disagree, this episode examines how culture, sports, business, and personal convictions continue to intersect in today's headlines.

**Topics Covered:**

* The business growth of the WNBA

* Caitlin Clark's impact on professional basketball

* Sophie Cunningham's rising popularity

* Marketing star athletes in professional sports

* Women's sports and public interest

* Biological males competing in women's athletics

* Parenting and protecting girls' sports

* Sports culture and media narratives

* Current events and cultural commentary

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about faith, culture, and current events from a biblical worldview, be sure to subscribe, like this video, and share it with someone who would enjoy the discussion.

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts

Record Date: 07.23.2026

#WNBA #CaitlinClark #SophieCunningham #WomensSports #IndianaFever #SportsNews #SportsCommentary #Basketball #WNBANews #WNBATalk #WomenInSports #CultureWars #CurrentEvents #ChristianPerspective #BiblicalWorldview #FaithAndCulture #428Ministries #BenLewis #Podcast #YouTubePodcast #SportsDebate #ProtectWomensSports #TitleIX #FamilyValues #CulturalCommentary

First, we discuss the viral story surrounding YouTuber Jesse Ridgeway and his wife Ashley, who publicly shared their decision to terminate a pregnancy after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. What does this reveal about how our culture defines human value? From a Christian worldview, does disability diminish dignity, or does every life carry worth because it bears the image of God?

Next, we break down Missouri Senator Josh Hawley's newly passed anti-child trafficking legislation. With over 104 million suspected child exploitation images and videos reported in a single year and only a handful of federal forensic analysts dedicated to identifying victims, this issue is bigger than politics. Why should every American care, and what does Scripture teach about protecting the vulnerable?

Finally, we take a look at reality TV personality Spencer Pratt's surprising mayoral campaign and the broader conversation surrounding election integrity, voter participation, and civic responsibility.

Topics Covered:
• The Down syndrome abortion controversy
• Human dignity and the image of God
• Josh Hawley's anti-child trafficking legislation
• The growing child exploitation crisis in America
• Biblical responsibility to protect children
• Spencer Pratt's political campaign
• Election participation and civic engagement

Scripture References:
• Psalm 139:13-16
• John 9:1-3
• Matthew 18:5-6
• Romans 13:1-4

Whether you agree or disagree, this episode challenges listeners to think deeply about life, truth, justice, and what it means to apply a biblical worldview to today's headlines.

My family and I have also started an online ministry with monthly messages, please check it out, our passion is to reach the lost:)

www.428ministries.com

www.youtube.com/@428ministries

Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.

Host: Ben Lewis

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠428 Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: [email protected]

Record Date: 06/08/2026