Every Child Deserves a Mom and Dad: Josh Wood of Them Before Us – 06/11/2026

Julie Nelson and Chris Magruder welcome Josh Wood, Executive Director of Them Before Us, a nonprofit giving children a voice in cultural and legislative conversations that too often prioritize adult desires over kids' needs. What is Them Before Us? Founded in response to the 2012–2015 cultural shift around same-sex marriage, Them Before Us uses social science research to make the case that children consistently flourish best with their married, biological mother and father — and that every departure from that, whether through divorce, surrogacy, or same-sex households, carries real costs for kids that culture has been too quick to dismiss. Surrogacy vs. Adoption & the viral "Mama" video: Josh draws a sharp distinction between adoption, which tries to heal a child's loss, and surrogacy, which deliberately inflicts it. The conversation also unpacks a viral video of a baby raised by a same-sex couple instinctively crying out "Mama" — and what it reveals about children's biological and emotional needs. How you can help: Follow and share @ThemBeforeUs on social media, read the blog at thembeforus.substack.com, support their work financially, engage your legislators, and start close to home — model a strong, sacrificial marriage for the children already in your life. Learn more at thembeforeus.com Episode Contributors Julie Nelson, Chris Magruder, Josh Wood #CatholicWomenNow #ThemBeforeUs #ChildrensRights #ProChild #CatholicRadio #IowaCatholicRadio #FamilyFirst #DefendTheFamily #CatholicMoms #SurrogacyVsAdoption #MarriageAndFamily #CatholicFaith #HolyBoldness #ProtectChildren #NaturalFamily Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our StationsLINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.