Engage Arizona

Peter Gentala sits down with Haley McNamara, Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, to discuss how families, lawmakers, and institutions can better protect children from online exploitation.They cover the role of Big Tech, the limits of current law, the fight over Section 230, recent legal victories against social media companies, Arizona’s work to strengthen accountability for sex buyers, and new parent resources from NCOSE. In this episodeWhy NCOSE focuses on institutions that enable exploitationHow social media platforms expose children to grooming, sextortion, and traffickingWhat families should know about Section 230The ongoing legal fight involving X, formerly TwitterRecent jury verdicts against major technology companiesWhy Arizona is focusing on accountability for sex buyersHow parents can better protect children onlineGuestHaley McNamaraExecutive Director and Chief Strategy OfficerNational Center on Sexual ExploitationResourcesNational Center on Sexual Exploitation - https://endsexualexploitation.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com2026 Dirty Dozen List - https://endsexualexploitation.org/dirty-dozen-list-2026/NCOSE Parent Center - https://endsexualexploitation.org/parent-center-sign-up/National Center for Missing & Exploited Children - https://www.missingkids.org/homeSection 230 of the Communications Decency Act - https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/230Key takeawayProtecting children online cannot fall on parents alone. It requires stronger laws, better corporate accountability, and practical tools that help families respond before exploitation happens.

Founding CAP board member Jay Snyder shares how Dr. James Dobson’s faith and leadership shaped a generation, and helped inspire the creation of the Center for Arizona Policy. From cassette tapes and radio broadcasts to a new AI-powered global ministry, Jay recounts powerful stories of obedience, family, and cultural impact.Hosted by Peter GentalaListen now and be encouraged by how one man’s “yes” to God continues to change lives.

Join us for a special episode of Engage Arizona as CAP President Peter Gentala and VP of Marketing & Communications Bob Trent sit down with John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview and daily voice behind Breakpoint.We dive into timely questions:How can Christians engage in public debates with both conviction and grace?What does it mean to be “ruthless with ideas but gentle with people”?How do we avoid tribalism while standing boldly for truth?John also shares about the Colson Center’s new project, Truth Rising: a documentary and initiative produced with Focus on the Family. From cultural confusion to courageous voices like Jack Phillips and Chloe Cole, the film calls Christians to know what is true and to live it out with courage.

At SoConCon 25, Bob Trent sits down with Greg Baker, founding director of the Church Ambassador Network, to discuss how pastors and government leaders can work together for the good of our communities.Greg shares the vision behind the Church Ambassador Network; connecting the church and government while respecting their distinct roles. Through stories from Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, he explains how these partnerships are already reducing foster care placements, addressing addiction, and reminding leaders that God is with them in their service.Learn how this growing movement is building bridges between pastors and legislators across the country, and where Greg hopes it will go next.

At SoConCon 25 in Indianapolis, Bob Trent sits down with Jason McGuire, President of New York Families Foundation. Jason shares his journey from pastoring in the Finger Lakes to leading a statewide advocacy organization, confronting cultural battles on life, marriage, and justice.In this candid conversation, Jason reveals how the New York Attorney General targeted him and his ministry through subpoenas, investigations, and lawfare—ultimately leading to a jail sentence over minor reporting errors. He also explains the deeper spiritual mission behind his work, the importance of standing firm in faith, and how Christians can find common ground—even in deeply blue states.Topics discussed:From pastor to advocate: why Jason stepped into public policyThe fight for life, marriage, and truth in New YorkBuilding common ground on protecting kids from pornographyHow lawfare is weaponized against Christian conservativesWhy prayer and spiritual leadership must remain central

In this episode of Engage Arizona, host Bob Trent sits down with Laura Hanford of The Heritage Foundation’s Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family.Laura shares her powerful story—from working on international religious freedom to becoming a leading voice in protecting children from the harms of gender ideology. She and Bob discuss:How gender ideology spread through schools and medicineThe dangers of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minorsWhy parents are pressured with misleading suicide statisticsWhat the latest research from Europe reveals about the long-term outcomesHow the U.S. medical establishment and government have pushed ideology over evidenceThis conversation shines a light on what is really at stake and why protecting children must remain a top priority.

In this episode of Engage Arizona, Bob Trent sits down with Matt Frendaway, Executive Director of Yes Every Kid Foundation, to talk about the future of education in America.Matt shares why the current education system is too often designed for politics instead of children, how Arizona has become a national trailblazer in educational freedom, and why families are demanding more flexible options; from charter schools and ESAs to homeschooling co-ops and micro-schools.They also cover:How policy can truly serve students and parentsThe rise of homeschooling in unexpected demographicsThe national tax credit scholarship proposal and what it could mean for familiesWhy so many teachers are leaving traditional classrooms to start new learning modelsHear how parents, educators, and policymakers are rethinking what education can, and should, look like.Learn more about Yes Every Kid Foundation: yeseverykidfoundation.org

Bob Trent sits down with Matt Sharp from Alliance Defending Freedom to discuss how ADF has shifted from reactive legal advice to proactive public policy work. They cover:Crafting legally sound legislation on life, religious freedom, parental rights, and marriage & familyAddressing gender ideology in schools, protecting privacy, and ensuring fairness in women's sportsKey cases from Idaho, West Virginia, and Connecticut making their way to the Supreme CourtHow ADF supports families and students through pro bono legal representationLearn more about ADF’s work and how to support these cases at ADFlegal.org.

At SoConCon 25, Engage Arizona host Bob Trent sits down with Ryan McCann, President of the Indiana Family Institute, for a powerful conversation on defending parental rights, protecting children, and advancing pro-life laws.They discuss Indiana’s landmark parental rights protections, the fight against radical gender ideology, life-saving pro-life victories after Dobbs, and the urgent need to rebuild strong, God-honoring families. From safeguarding Christian teachers in public schools to addressing harmful cultural trends, McCann shares victories, challenges, and his vision for the future of faith, family, and freedom in Indiana.Topics Covered:Protecting parents from false abuse claims over gender ideologyOutlawing abortion clinics in Indiana post-DobbsDefending free speech for Christian teachersCombating sexualized drag events targeting childrenReclaiming marriage and strengthening the nuclear familySubscribe for more conversations from SoConCon 25 on faith, family, and freedom.

In this episode of Engage Arizona, host Bob Trent sits down with Casey Stefanski, founder of the Digital Childhood Alliance (DCA), to talk about protecting children in today’s hyper-connected world.The DCA is a new nonprofit with a powerful mission: protect kids online and empower parents. From unsafe apps to inadequate parental controls, Casey explains how tech companies are failing to protect children—and what parents can do about it.Key topics in this conversation:Why parental controls often fall shortThe hidden dangers inside “kid-friendly” appsHow predators can reach children through games and social mediaThe App Store Accountability Act and how it puts parents back in controlThe rise of AI and the urgent need for child safety safeguardsFree resources for parents from DCA and partner organizationsCasey shares practical tips, valuable resources, and the legislative solutions that are gaining bipartisan support across the country.Resources & Links:Digital Childhood Alliance – https://digitalchildhoodalliance.orgProtect Young Eyes – https://protectyoungeyes.comNational Center on Sexual Exploitation – https://endsexualexploitation.org#OnlineSafety #Parenting #ProtectKidsOnline #BigTech #ChildSafety #AI #Legislation #EngageArizona

In this episode of Engage Arizona recorded at SoConCon 2025, host Bob Trent sits down with Brad Kehr from Americans United for Life (AUL) to discuss the critical work being done to protect life in our nation. Brad shares his personal journey into the pro-life movement and explains how AUL serves as a pro-life law firm developing model legislation to protect the unborn.The interview highlights the dangerous reality of chemical abortions, which now make up over 60% of all abortions in America. Brad discusses AUL's Chemical Abortion Accountability Act, which aims to give women harmed by abortion pills legal recourse despite "shield laws" in progressive states that protect abortion providers.Learn about the post-Dobbs landscape, the dangers of mail-order abortion pills, and how you can get involved through initiatives like StopHarmingWomen.org. Brad also emphasizes the importance of supporting local pregnancy resource centers and engaging with legislators on these critical life issues.For more information on Center for Arizona Policy's work to defend life, visit azpolicy.org.#ProLife #ChemicalAbortion #AbortionPills #AUL #SoConCon25 #EngageArizona #AmericansUnitedForLife

This episode of Engage Arizona is part of a special series of interviews from the 2025 Social Conservative Policy Conference (SoConCon).  SoConCon brings together the most influential policy leaders in America to debate ideas, develop strategies and action steps, and cast a fresh vision to increase the conservative movement’s impact in government and culture. Sarah Parshall Perry is the Vice President and Legal Fellow at Defending Education. She is a former Senior Counsel to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, and former Senior Legal Fellow in the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at the Heritage Foundation. Her writing and advocacy in the areas of parental rights and constitutional, civil rights, and administrative law have been cited by or yielded appearances in both national and international media outlets. She testifies regularly on Capitol Hill, serves on the executive committee for civil rights of the Federalist Society, and is the author of two books on the trials and triumphs of raising children on the autism spectrum. Defending Education is a national grassroots organization working to restore schools at all levels from activists imposing harmful agendas. Through network and coalition building, investigative reporting, litigation, and engagement, we fight indoctrination in classrooms and on campus to promote the reestablishment of a quality, non-political education for all students. https://defendinged.org/X - @DefendingEd, @SarahPPerryFB - https://www.facebook.com/defendingedInsta - @DefendingEd

Helen Taylor from Exodus Cry joins Bob Trent at SoConCon 25 for a powerful conversation about the fight against sex trafficking, pornography, and the cultural and legal reforms needed to protect the vulnerable. Helen shares her personal calling into this work, the deep connections between pornography and trafficking, and why parental vigilance and government action are both necissary.From helping survivors heal, to launching films and campaigns like Protect Children Not Porn, End Demand and their new film: Buying Her, Exodus Cry is leading the charge globally. Hear how age verification laws are gaining ground, how parents can talk to their kids about consent and pornography, and why this is one of the defining moral issues of our time.🔗 Learn more: https://exoduscry.com📽️ New film launching: Buying Her📅 World Day Against Trafficking: July 30#SoConCon25 #EngageArizona #ExodusCry #EndDemand #StopTrafficking #BuyingHer

This episode of Engage Arizona is part of a special series of interviews from the 2025 Social Conservative Policy Conference (SoConCon).  SoConCon brings together the most influential policy leaders in America to debate ideas, develop strategies and action steps, and cast a fresh vision to increase the conservative movement’s impact in government and culture.  Sue LiebelSue Liebel serves as the Director of State Affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America in Washington, D.C. As states grapple with policy decisions after Roe v. Wade, Sue works with pro-life lawmakers and advocates in the states to advance pro-life laws and programs to help women, children, and families.We talked with Sue about defunding Planned Parenthood, resources to help mothers choose life, and how we can continue the momentum after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. Susan B. Anthony website https://sbaprolife.org/Susan B. Anthony Resources for Mothers https://sbaprolife.org/pregnancy-help 

In this episode of Engage Arizona, Bob Trent speaks with Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson about the FTC’s investigation into potentially deceptive medical practices targeting children. Chairman Ferguson explains how federal law empowers the agency to protect consumers—especially parents and families—from misleading or incomplete health claims.The discussion covers:🔍 The FTC’s recent panel exposing the human cost of so-called “gender-affirming care”📄 Testimony from detransitioners and parents who were not given full information⚖️ Ongoing efforts by the DOJ and HHS to investigate clinics and enforce the law🗣️ How the public can submit confidential information at ftc.govFerguson emphasizes that claims like “Would you rather have a dead son or a live daughter?” are not backed by credible science—and may represent one of the most dangerous deceptions facing parents today.

What happens when over half of America’s children are raised outside of intact families—and why should Christians care? In this episode of Engage Arizona, Bob Trent sits down with Aaron Baer, President of Center for Christian Virtue (Ohio), for a wide-ranging conversation on marriage, education, and the collapse of cultural foundations. They discuss why the church—not the government—must take the lead in restoring marriage, how a new Family Structure Index ranks each state, and why Christian schools may be our best hope for turning the tide. From public policy to personal conviction, this conversation is a wake-up call for believers who want to see their communities thrive.

Join Peter Gentala, President of the Center for Arizona Policy, as he engages in a powerful conversation with Dr. Marcel van der Watt, President of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. With over 20 years of experience in fighting against sexual exploitation, Dr. van der Watt shares his unique journey from police investigator to academic leader. They explore the realities of human trafficking, the connection to pornography, and what men can do to combat these issues in society. Tune in for insights on advocacy, redemption, and the hope for a future free from exploitation.For more information, visit NCOSE.org.

Presented by: Center for Arizona Policy ActionEpisode Overview: In this episode of Engage Arizona, we take a close look at the key propositions on your ballot this November. Our expert guests, Jenna Bentley, Cindy Dahlgren, and Scot Mussi, break down the most critical issues facing Arizona voters, including Proposition 139, which addresses abortion, and Proposition 140, which could drastically reshape our elections. Learn what these measures mean for you and how they could impact the future of Arizona.Key Topics:Proposition 139 – A crucial proposition concerning abortion laws in Arizona, with far-reaching implications for women's health and the legal framework around reproductive rights.Proposition 140 – A major initiative that could alter the state's election process, including changes to the way elections are conducted and ranked-choice voting.Additional Propositions – The discussion also touches on Propositions 134, 312, and others that affect state policy on issues like taxes, government transparency, and public safety.Speakers:Jenna Bentley – Attorney and Government Relations Director at the Goldwater Institute, discussing Prop 134 and its importance in ensuring fair ballot measures across Arizona.Cindy Dahlgren – Communications Director at CAP Action, offering insights on Prop 139 and its potential to impact abortion laws.Scot Mussi – Analyst discussing the electoral changes proposed under Prop 140 and how they could reshape the state's voting system.Resources:Learn more about Proposition 139: https://www.itgoestoofar.comFull Guide to Arizona’s Ballot Propositions: https://www.azpolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-Ballot-Proposition-Breakdown-final.pdfCall to Action: Make your voice heard! Be informed before you cast your vote this November. Visit azaction.org for more details on the propositions and voter resources.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of the pro-life movement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. We first hear from Ryan T Anderson, President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, who offers a comprehensive analysis of the current legal and cultural challenges in a post-Roe world. Later, Pastor Seth Trout from Ironwood Church discusses how the church can engage in issues like Prop 139 and what role pastors should play in discipling their congregations on matters of life and public policy.Key Topics Covered:The impact of overturning Roe v. Wade on pro-life effortsRyan Anderson's insights on law, politics, public opinion, and the long-term strategy for pro-life successThe role of the church in addressing abortion and how pastors can engage congregationsProp 139 in Arizona and why it matters in the broader pro-life movementPractical ways Christians can support pro-life efforts locally and nationallyGuest Information:Ryan T Anderson – President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Author, and Pro-Life AdvocatePastor Seth Troutt – Teaching Pastor at Ironwood Church in Mesa, AZCall to Action: Get involved in your local pro-life efforts and stay informed about critical issues like Prop 139. Visit the websites mentioned in this episode for resources and ways to make a difference.Subscribe and Stay Connected: Follow Engage Arizona on all major podcast platforms for more in-depth discussions on the issues that matter to Arizona

Host: Cathi Herrod, and Chris St John, Center for Arizona PolicyGuests:Matt Beienburg, Goldwater InstituteBethany Miller, Center for Arizona PolicyGreg Scott, Center for Arizona PolicyOverview: Chris St John leads a discussion on Arizona's school choice options, featuring insights from Matt Beienburg, Bethany Miller, and Greg Scott. They cover the economic, legal, and political aspects of school choice and its impact on parents and students.Key Topics:Economic benefits and myths about school choice.Legal rights and recent challenges for parents.The political landscape and its impact on educational freedom.Resources:Goldwater Institute: goldwaterinstitute.orgCenter for Arizona Policy: azpolicy.org

Host: Center for Arizona Policy’s Vice President of Policy, Greg ScottEpisode Summary: In this episode, Greg Scott discusses Arizona's evolving political landscape and its implications for families, emphasizing the importance of Christian engagement in governance and public policy. He outlines the challenges posed by a post-Christian culture and the responsibility of Christians to influence law and policy in accordance with their faith.Key Topics Covered:Introduction to Arizona's Political Landscape:The significance of Arizona’s state motto, "Ditat Deus" (God Enriches).Introduction to the Center for Arizona Policy’s "Which Way Arizona" campaign.Current Cultural Challenges:The moral dilemmas facing Arizona, including issues of life, human sexuality, and family rights.The importance of upholding free speech and religious freedom against coercive societal norms.Defining Post-Christian Culture:Explanation of post-Christianity and its impact on cultural norms.Reference to Francis Schaeffer and Aaron Wren’s "The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism."Christian Morality in a Negative World:The societal view of Christianity as a negative influence.Examples of persecution faced by Christians in Western society.The Shrinking Church and Doctrinal Crisis:Statistics showing the decline in Americans living by a biblical worldview.The diminishing number of Americans attending church and the doctrinal crisis within the church.The Necessity of Christian Engagement:The importance of Christians influencing law and policy.Rejecting the misinterpretation of the separation of church and state.Rules of Engagement for Christians:Wisdom: Acting according to knowledge, understanding the cultural landscape, and discerning good from evil.Integrity: Maintaining a consistent commitment to truth and honor.Christ-likeness: Emulating Christ in conduct and treatment of others.Courage: Boldly proclaiming the gospel and standing firm in a hostile culture.Practical Examples and Historical Context:Referencing the courage of the apostles in Acts and applying their example to modern-day Christian engagement.Highlighting the consequences of failing to engage in public discourse and policy-making.Call to Action:Christians are encouraged to actively participate in shaping law and policy.Emphasis on the unique freedom Christians in America have to influence their future.Listeners are invited to share the episode and visit the Center for Arizona Policy’s Resources:Center for Arizona PolicyConnect with Us:Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Engage Arizona Podcast Episode with Dr. Andrew T. WalkerEpisode Title: Understanding Pride Month Through a Biblical WorldviewGuest:  Dr. Andrew T. WalkerSummary: In this episode, Dr. Andrew T. Walker delves into how to understand the LGBT movement and Pride Month from a biblical perspective. Reflecting on a recent webinar, Andrew discusses the current cultural landscape and the role of socially conservative Christians. He offers insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by believers today, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in biblical truth amidst societal shifts.Key Points:Biblical Response to Pride: Andrew begins by addressing the importance of understanding Pride from a biblical perspective and challenges the prevailing narratives.Cultural Shifts: He argues that there has never been a better time to be a socially conservative Christian, citing the increasing societal fatigue with the excesses of the LGBT movement.Revenge of the Normies: Andrew introduces the concept of the "revenge of the normies," referring to regular Americans pushing back against cultural overreach.Corporate America and Pride: He discusses the backlash against corporate America's Pride campaigns, citing examples like Target and Bud Light.The Role of Truth: Andrew emphasizes the unchanging nature of God's Word amidst a constantly shifting culture.Historical Context: He reflects on past cultural battles, noting the vindication of social conservatives' warnings about the consequences of the sexual revolution.Teachable Moments: He uses the current cultural climate as a teachable moment to highlight the enduring truth of biblical principles.The Transgender Movement: Andrew critiques the internal inconsistencies of the LGBT movement, particularly the conflicts between LGB and T ideologies.Encouragement for Believers: He concludes with an encouraging message for socially conservative Christians, urging them to see the defense of biblical truth as a thrilling and rewarding endeavor.Quotes:"There has never been a better time to be a socially conservative Christian than right now.""Truth finds a way to reassert itself when we learn the consequences of what is false.""Faithful witness to the truth means active willingness to state the truth."Call to Action:Subscribe to Engage Arizona for more insightful discussions.Share this episode with friends and family to spread awareness.Follow Dr. Andrew T. Walker's work for more in-depth analysis on these topics.Thank you for listening to Engage Arizona. Stay tuned for more episodes that challenge, inform, and inspire!

Center for Arizona Policy VP of Policy Greg Scott and Community Relations Director Macario de la Cruz, Jr. have a conversation about a biblical response to pride month. Hosted by CAP’s VP of Advancement Chris St. John Register for the June 17 webinar entitled, “A Christian Response to Pride Month” with Dr. Andrew T. Walker and Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) President by clicking here. Read Dr. Walker’s recent article on Christian ethics at World Opinions here.  Greg mentions the following authors: Rosaria ButterfieldRyan T. AndersonChristopher YuanJared Moore CAP Resources: Policy Pages: azpolicy.org/policy-pagesReceive CAP Emails: azpolicy.org/join-the-cap-networkProyecto Por la Familia de Arizona: azporlafamila.org Follow us on social media! We are /azpolicy on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Follow Proyecto Por la Familia de Arizona on social media at /azporlafamilia on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.Please subscribe to Engage Arizona wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode on social media.  

Greg Scott, Center for Arizona Policy’s new Vice President of Policy joins us on Engage Arizona. Greg's background includes roles as the Director of Media and Public Relations at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., as a Public Affairs Chief in the Department of Homeland Security, and a decade in the U.S. Marine Corps. His experience offers a unique perspective on both media and policy.This episode delves into how media shapes narratives through language, with a focus on current issues like abortion, the trans movement, and more. Greg's expertise sheds light on the subtle ways words can influence public opinion and the importance of discerning truth in media messaging.

In this week's episode of Engage Arizona, join us for the compelling conclusion of Tucker Carlson's address from the 2023 CAP Family Dinner. In part two, Tucker explores his Christian faith and the fight against abortion, urging the importance of standing firm in our beliefs.He talks about the challenges Christians face today, both in the U.S. and around the world. Don’t miss Tucker’s straightforward take on speaking up and staying true to your faith.

This week on Engage Arizona, we present part one of a special recording from our recent 2023 CAP Family Dinner. Lauren Johnston, with undeniable courage, took the stage to share her profound experiences, providing an intimate insight into the aftermath of abortion.We also welcomed Tucker Carlson from “Tucker on X.” He offered his unique perspective on the wider implications of this pressing issue. This is an episode you can’t miss.

This week on Engage Arizona, we delve deep into a contentious issue shaking the foundations of female sports. Joined by guests Kim Miller, Founder and President of Arizona Women of Action, and Lisa Fink, President of Protect Arizona Children Coalition, the conversation confronts the growing concerns surrounding males competing in female sports. These dedicated women play a pivotal role in championing the Save Women's Sports Act by challenging those who seek to redefine competitive fairness for women and girls in sports.

Dawn Hawkins, joins us this week on Engage Arizona. As the CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Dawn is at the forefront of the mission to unmask the interconnections between all forms of sexual exploitation, be it sex trafficking, prostitution, or child sexual abuse. Her ceaseless dedication and strategy have initiated transformative changes, not only in legislative accomplishments but also within global corporations.Join us this week to learn more about Dawn's hands-on work as she has helped create monumental changes in giants like Google and Hilton. Beyond her professional role, Dawn, a Tufts University alumna, balances her advocacy with her responsibilities as a mother to five children. Dive into our discussion to understand the challenges and solutions in today's digital age of sexual exploitation.

We are re-broadcasting an important episode that tackles the current state of civic education and American history in our schools. Often either neglected or misrepresented, these subjects are crucial to understanding the foundations of our nation.Author Tim Goeglein, “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story” joined CAP President Cathi Herrod on Engage Arizona to discuss.Tim Goeglein was special assistant to U.S. President George W. Bush and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison from 2001 to 2008. In January 2009, Goeglein became the Vice President of External and Government Relations for the Christian organization Focus on the Family.

Peoria Unified School Board member Heather Rooks and CAP Legislative Counsel Bethany Miller join our Summer Issues Series to discuss how to navigate the complexities of parental rights, specifically surrounding schools and educational freedom. Heather calls herself the “notorious Peoria mom” and a “Mama warrior” for her four children. She began her school involvement concerned about what was happening in her children’s classrooms. As she learned more about what was happening, and not happening, she advocated for parents, then ran for school board and won!Bethany is an attorney and mother of four who educates her children at home while also drafting laws and advocating for parents’ rights as part of CAP’s team.

Katie Anderson, a remarkable individual with a unique journey, joined us on Engage Arizona podcast to share her personal experience. Having undergone medical intervention for gender dysphoria as a teenager and living as a man for seven years, Katie eventually sought guidance from the church, leading her to embrace her true God given identity.This week, we delve deeper into Katie's transformative story. She sheds light on the role social media played in her initial transition and the pivotal role the church played in her return to her true self. Katie uses her life experience to shed light on transgender culture and what it holds for today’s youth and families.

Part two of our conversation with Joe Dallas; author, speaker, and pastoral counselor, discussing how we are to biblically respond to issues of human sexuality, whether that is homosexuality or transgenderism. 

Joe Dallas; author, speaker, and pastoral counselor, joined our Summer Issues Series to discuss how we are to biblically respond to issues of human sexuality, whether that is homosexuality or transgenderism. 

Katy Faust, Founder of Them Before Us, discusses how we need to reject the current ideology of social acceptance in order to defend our children’s rights.

Josiah Friedman, founder, and CEO at Voices for the Voiceless, joins Engage Arizona again this week to continue the conversation on how abortion is truly a failure of community and how motherhood is actually a pathway to prosperity in America. 

Voices for the Voiceless joins Engage Arizona this week and outline how Abortion is truly a failure of community. This week’s conversation is part one of a two-part conversation you are not going to want to miss. 

Joseph Backholm joins Engage Arizona to discuss where we are in America from a Biblical Worldview. 

You’ve heard all the hysteria around ESAs but what validity is there in the hysteria? Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at Goldwater Institute joins the #EngageArizona pod to discuss the myths, and why they are just that…myths! 

Civic education and American history have either not been taught or have been deliberately mistaught throughout our nation’s public – and in numerous cases, even our private – education systems. Author Tim Goeglein, “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story” joined CAP President Cathi Herrod on EngageArizona to discuss. Tim Goeglein was special assistant to U.S. President George W. Bush and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison from 2001 to 2008. In January 2009, Goeglein became the Vice President of External and Government Relations for the Christian Organization Focus on the Family.

Join us as we dive into topics on life, religious freedoms, parental rights, education freedom, and cultural issues that confront us daily. We'll be talking with lawmakers, experts in specific fields, and Arizonans. Be sure to subscribe and select auto download so you don't miss a moment of the coming conversations. Arizona politics, Arizona culture, Arizona from a Christian worldview. All here on Engage Arizona. 

The battle over abortion, the moral revolution changing sexual ethics, and challenging long-held parental rights. With so much coming at us as Americans, parents, church goers, the politically engaged – how do we fight back morally and effectively? Political commentator and writer, Ben Shapiro has some compelling thoughts on how we got here and how to get out of it. He is also Center for Arizona Policy’s keynote speaker at the upcoming CAP Family Dinner. Shapiro discusses these critical issues, as well as the war in Ukraine, the upcoming Supreme Court decision on abortion, and what to expect in the 2022 and 2024 elections in this episode of Engage Arizona. 

December 1, 2021 is a historic day. Nearly 49 years after the U.S. Supreme Court declared a right to abortion, justices will decide if Roe v Wade was wrongly decided and send the issue of abortion back to the states where it belongs. Oral arguments went on for two hours as pro-life warriors rallied and prayed outside the Court. CAP was there to witness history. In this episode of Engage Arizona, Cathi Herrod and Arizona State Senator Nancy Barto share their experience and initial analysis of the oral arguments.  

You don’t have to look far to see the impact of social media on our youth. In part one of Protecting Young Eyes, Chris McKenna detailed the negative emotional and psychological effects of a consistent diet of digital input, the messages being sent, and the consequences of children and teens replacing real relationships with digital ones. On this episode of Engage Arizona, we continue with the recording of the second part of a CAP event designed to educate and equip parents, churches, and schools to create a safer digital environment for our children.  

A whistleblower at Facebook recently leaked inside information revealing the negative impact social media can have on teens. Although not completely a surprise, the confirmation from inside the parent company of Instagram caught parents’ attention. But social media and online games and other content have become an integral part of young people’s everyday lives. Is there a way to truly protect children and teens from the harms of social media and the internet? In this episode of Engage Arizona, we revisit an event CAP hosted with Chris McKenna, founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes to learn about the impact on kids, and the latest apps, digital trends, parental controls and more in this, the first of a two part series.  

Research shows millennials struggle with depression, fear, and anxiety. Many lack a sense of real meaning in life. Researchers say millennials are part of a generation in crisis, and the next generation is looking for answers. Len Munsil, former President of CAP and current President of Arizona Christian University talks about where to find the answers in this episode of Engage Arizona. Munsil and his wife, Dr. Tracy Munsil, an Associate Professor at ACU and Executive Director of the school’s Cultural Resource Center, discuss how to equip young people for this cultural moment.

Election 2022 is just a year away. Arizona will choose a new Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and new state lawmakers. As surprise results in New Jersey and Virginia show us, these off year elections are critical opportunities for voters to redirect policy with which they disagree. We discuss the results of the NJ and VA elections, what it means for Arizona, and what to expect next – plus the make up of Arizona’s coming election - in this episode of Engage Arizona.

Lawmaking, both state and national, greatly lack civility in today’s culture. How bad is it, and what is driving policy makers to jettison such a critical quality needed to get things done? We ask Arizona House Majority Leader Ben Toma for a glimpse inside the state Capitol and how he sees the dilemma in this episode of Engage Arizona. Rep. Toma has a unique perspective based on his own personal story of making his way to America as a boy.