PODCAST · news
Sharpening Arrows
by Victor Joecks
Training teens to think Biblically about life and politics. Hosted by Victor Joecks.
Episodes
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Ep. 91 – The major problems with the minimum wage
Sometimes the obvious solution doesn’t work. Just look at the minimum wage. Parental pause point questions: 1. What is useful about competition? (1:16) 2. What is the minimum wage? (5:05) 3. What's appealing about this argument? (7:27) 4. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use to respond to...
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Ep. 90 – No, AI isn’t going to wipe out humanity
Terrifying the public isn’t usually a good business strategy. Here’s why it is for some AI companies. Parental pause point questions: 1. What have you heard about possible dangers from AI? (2:07) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use to respond to this argument? (6:29) 3. How could a...
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Ep. 89 – Why the legacy of Charlie Kirk lives on
One year ago, Charlie Kirk was assassinated for discussing his political and religious beliefs. Did the war of ideas die with him? 1. How did the news of Kirk's death affect you? (2:50) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use to respond to this argument? 3. Where did the Founding Fathers...
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Ep. 88 – Deportations didn’t cause the economic doom Democrats predicted
Democrats warned that President Donald Trump’s push for mass deportations would devastate the U.S. economy. They were wrong. 1. What percentage of homes in Europe have AC? (1:00) 2. Why would a complete stranger come to my house and fix my AC? (1:59) 3. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you…
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Ep. 87 – Why the WNBA won’t define the word ‘woman’
It’s called the WNBA, but the “W” has left league officials completely confused. Parental pause point questions: 1. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use in response to this assertion? (6:05) 2. Is it always wrong to agitate? (7:34) 3. Can you think of any examples of people in the Bible…
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Ep. 86 – Was Charlie Kirk right about college?
Society pushes college as a financial "golden ticket," but it isn't. Here's what Christian high schoolers should consider when they think about higher education. 1. What's the implication behind the phrase "I wasn't able to get to it"? (1:17) 2. Kids, put your parents on the spot. What options…
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Ep. 85 – A food fight on the right over burrito prices
Conservatives spent the last week online fighting over how the cost of a burrito. It may have left a bad taste in your mouth, but there’s something to learn from it. Parental pause point questions: 1. How many people were involved in selling me this ratchet? (3:44) 2. Why would these people do…
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Ep. 84 - Why government-run grocery stores fail
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to lower grocery costs, but good intentions aren't enough to ensure good results. Parental pause point questions:: What's appealing about this idea? (2:40) 2. What is profit? (4:16) 3. What happens when a company is extremely profitable? (6:04) 4. Which of...
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Ep. 83 – Debunking the DSA's platform
The Democratic Socialists of America recently published their platform. Pop quiz: Can you point out the problems with it? Parental pause point questions: 1. What is attractive about socialism? (5:07) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use in response to this argument? (8:16) 3. Are there...
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Ep. 82 – Should homeschoolers support school choice?
Many states want to make it easier for families to homeschool, yet some homeschooling families are vocally opposed to it. Let’s find out why. Parental pause point questions: 1. Is it okay to disagree with a friend? (1:08) 2. How many students are homeschooled? (3:12) 3. Why don't more parents...
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Ep. 81 – Why Christians should be involved in politics: An interview with Tim Goeglein
Some people claim that Christianity and politics shouldn’t mix. On today's show, we talk with Time Goeglein he's been combining those two for decades. Goeglein is the Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family, an author and has spent decades in Washington D.C. He...
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Ep. 80 – What Mamdani gets wrong about America
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated Independence Day by trashing America. Let’s see why he’s wrong. Parental pause point questions: 1. What's appealing about what Mamdani's saying? (8:52) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use in response to this? (9:43) 3. What has been fixed…
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Ep. 79 – America at 250: The roots of America’s greatness
If you want to find out why our country has been so successful, you should study the people who built it. Parental pause point questions: When did Americans first use fireworks to celebrate America? (0:54) 2. Why do some places ban fireworks? (2:22) 3. Is America worth celebrating? (5:21) 4.…
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Ep. 78 – Why dads remain irreplaceable
Young men, don’t listen to modern feminists. America needs more dads. Parental pause point questions: 1. What percentage of children today don't live with their dad? (3:30) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use in response to this argument? (6:45) 3. What's the flaw in this argument?...
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Ep. 77 – Did Trump win or lose in Iran?
President Donald Trump says the war with Iran is over, but he won’t tell us what’s in the peace agreement. Parental pause point questions: What have you heard about the apparent end of the war with Iran? (1:46) Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use in response to this argument? (3:31) 3....
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Ep. 76 – Why is California still counting ballots?
The longer California counts ballots, the worse Republican candidates fare. Is this no big deal or evidence of fraud? Parental pause point questions: 1. How soon after the polls close should election results be known? (2:09) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use in response to this...
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Ep. 75 – How the media skews the transgender debate
A boy pretending to be a girl just won two gold medals at the California state track. We are going to go through the news coverage and test your critical thinking skills. Parental pause point questions: 1. Consider the phrase, "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly?" Do you agree with that?...
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Ep. 74 – The meaning of Memorial Day
Memorial Day isn’t just the unofficial start of summer. It’s a day to remember those who made possible all the things we take for granted. Parental pause point questions: 1. What's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? (1:44) 2. What difference does it make what country you are...
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Ep. 73 - Why Trump supporters remain so loyal
Republican politicians who oppose Donald Trump keep losing primaries. Let’s look at why. Parental pause point questions: 1. Who is responsible for the broken cabinet door? (1:33) 2. What are some of the differences when discussing policy and politics? (6:19) 3. Why is it a good thing that...
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Ep. 72 - The lies society tells young women about motherhood
America celebrates mothers but does little to inspire young women to become mothers. That’s a mistake. Parental pause point questions: 1. Why do you think fewer women are having children today than 18 years ago? (2:32) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you use in response to this argument?...
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Ep. 71 - Spirit Airlines' failure shows why the free market succeeds
Spirit Airlines just went bankrupt, leaving travelers stranded and thousands of employees out of work. Here's why this doesn't mean the free market failed. Parental pause point questions: 1. How many people do you think lost their jobs in 2025? (3:54) 2. Which of The Great 8 Questions would you…
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Ep. 70 – Why people keep trying to assassinate Trump
President Donald Trump survived another assassination attempt. What would lead someone to do this? Parental pause point questions: 1. What have you heard about this and how does it make you feel? (3:57) 2. Why is it appealing to think that it would be assassin or a mass murderer is mentally ill?...
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Ep. 69 – In defense of the Electoral College
Some people want to fundamentally change how American presidential elections work. Here’s why the Electoral College is better than the National Popular Vote. Parental pause point questions: 1. Parents, what’s something you appreciate about your parents now that you didn’t growing up? (2:48) 2.…
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Ep. 68 – The Pope attacks Trump
In a swipe at President Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV claimed "God does not bless any conflict." The Bible says otherwise. Plus, Trump posted and then deleted a picture of himself as Jesus. Parental pause point questions: 1. What are the differences between Protestants and Catholics? Why is your...
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Ep. 67 – Addressing objections to Trump’s Iran war
Over Easter weekend, the U.S. military rescued a downed airman in Iran. Is it a sign that we’re losing the war or one of the most incredible displays of military might in human history? Parental pause point questions: 1. What have you heard about the war in Iran? Do you have any questions or...
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Ep. 66 – Examining the evidence for Easter
The extraordinary claims that Christians make about Easter are backed up by extraordinary evidence. Parental pause point questions: 1. Why do you think Christmas gets more attention than Easter? (4:10) 2. How do you think the story of Easter sounds to a non-believer? (5:17) 3. Which of The Great...
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Ep. 65 - Is it selfish for billionaires to avoid high taxes?
Society should honor billionaires, not let the left turn them into bogeymen. You don't lose your property rights by acquiring more property. Many leftists disagree. Parental pause point questions: 1. Parents: Is there something you've chased and prioritized over Christ? How did that turn out?...
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Ep. 64 – James Talarico is a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Just because a politician says he’s a Christian and quotes the Bible doesn’t mean that his policies are in line with God’s Word. Parental pause point questions: 1. Why do people vote for certain political candidates? (4:02) 2. Why do stereotypes exist? Are they ever useful? (6:43) 3. Is this what...
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Ep. 63 – Why you shouldn’t put your faith in ‘The Science’
Anyone trusting “the science” is going to end up contradicting themselves. Parental pause point questions: 1. Do you believe there is a contradiction between science and Christianity? (2:08) 2. Have you ever been personally attacked for your beliefs? How did you respond? (5:36) 3. What would you...
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Ep. 62 - Why it was America First to bomb Iran
President Donald Trump bombed Iran. Was that the right thing to do? Parental pause point questions: 1. What do you think about the war with Iran? (1:31) 2. When was the last time the U.S. officially was at war? (10:20) 3. Should you stop listening to someone that you generally agree with because...
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Ep. 61 - Should you feel proud that America crushed Canada in hockey?
You don’t have to know the difference between a body check and a break away to celebrate the U.S. winning gold in men’s and women’s hockey. Parental pause point questions: 1. Why do we cheer for our country? (3:09) 2. If you were an Olympic champion, would you accept a presidential invitation…
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Ep. 60 - Why teenagers should want to have kids someday
Many teenagers don’t want to have kids. Here’s why they should. Parental pause point questions: 1. How many kids do you want to have someday and why? (5:48) 2. Why does a good job and a large bank account matter? (8:12) 3. How much time do you think a parent spends each day caring for their child...
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What every teenager needs to know about love | Pointed Ep. 9
Cinderella is a great movie, but it can leave you with the wrong impression about long-term love. Life can be crazy. Some weeks it’s hard for parents and teens to find 20 (or 30 minutes) to dig into a weighty political topic. But we need to have meaningful discussions become part of our regular...
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Ep. 59 - Does this video clip prove Trump is racist?
President Donald Trump shared a video that portrayed the Obamas as apes. How should a Christian or a conservative respond? Parental pause point questions: 1. It’s wrong to demean people based on their skin color. But what can an atheist base that belief on? (6:34) 2. Have you ever made a public...
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Ep. 58 – Why taxing the rich won’t solve poverty
You can't make the poor wealthy by beating up on billionaires. California is about to learn this the hard way. Parental pause point questions: 1. What percentage of the income tax do the top 1 percent of wage earners pay in taxes? (2:29) 2. Imagine you have saved up significantly more money than...
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Ep. 57 – Is ICE being naughty or nice in Minnesota?
There’s violence on the streets of Minneapolis connected to the Trump Administration’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants. Let’s figure out why. Parental pause point questions: 1. What have you heard about what's happening in Minnesota? (1:48) 2. Can you think of a scenario where you would not...
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Ep. 56 – Why girls’ sports should be for girls
Letting a boy play on a girls’ sports team isn’t compassion. Its cruelty to the young women he’s competing against. Parental pause point questions: 1. How do you think the lawyer responded? (4:21) 2. Do men have an advantage in sports? And if so, are you a better basketball player than a woman in...
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Ep. 55 – Men are not women. And it isn’t bigotry to say so.
Many of the same people who don’t believe in absolute truth will get very upset when people refuse to ignore biological realities, like men are not women. Parental pause point questions: 1. What do you know about transgenderism? (6:41) 2. Is everything a person feels valid? (9:08) 3. What would…
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Ep. 54 – What did Trump just do in Venezuela?
President Donald Trump sent the U.S. military into Venezuela on a daring raid to arrest the country’s president. Was that a victory, an example of American imperialism or the start of another forever war? Parental pause point questions: 1. What have you heard about the U.S. arresting Nicolas...
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Ep. 53 – How to make New Year’s resolutions you’ll actually keep
It’s almost New Years. Is it worth making resolutions? Parental pause point questions: 1. What do you think about New Year's resolutions? (4:08) 2. Have you ever made a resolution? What was it about? (5:35) 3. Did you keep your resolution? (6:57) 4. Which of The Great 8 Questions apply here?...
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Ep. 52 - Why science can't disprove the Virgin Birth
Christmas is a celebration of something that’s scientifically impossible. Should this concern Christians? Also, Victor is podcasting from a special location. Listen to find out where. The newly released book, Memory Burn, is available here:...
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Ep. 51 – Why you shouldn’t delegate your education to ChatGPT
It’s time to answer a question that’s vexed high school students for decades. Why do we write papers and do algebra? Parental pause point questions: 1. In 2023, 13% of teenagers used ChatGPT to help with their homework. What percent do you think did so in 2024? (4:55) 2. Is it cheating to use AI…
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Ep. 50 - Why AI and education don't mix
Why do students need intelligence when there's artificial intelligence? Victor looks at the role of AI in education. Parental pause point questions: 1. Does you or your school use AI in education? (2:32) 2. What is a benefit and a downside of AI in education? (5:17) 3. Do you know someone who's...
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Ep. 49 – Why Christians should be involved in politics
One way Christians can improve their communities is by getting involved in politics. Now, that's not something you hear everyday, but Victor shows why it's true. Parental pause point questions: 1. Do Biblical teachings have any practical applications for modern politics? (4:56) 2. Do Christians...
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Ep. 48 – Give thanks. You’re better off than a billionaire.
If you’re looking for something to be thankful for, try this. You have better stuff than a billionaire. And a late-show appearance by some of my children make listening impossible. You've been warned. Parental pause point questions: 1. What makes someone rich? (03:07) 2. What would prevent a...
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Ep. 47 – The truth about the ‘separation of church and state’
It’s time to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the separation of church and state. Parental pause point questions: 1. What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “separation of church and state”? (3:23) 2. Do you think any governments in the U.S. have ever favored Christianity over…
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Ep. 46 - Will 50-year mortgages fix the housing market?
President Donald Trump has floated a new solution to high housing prices: 50 year mortgages. Is that a good idea? Also, Allie Beth Stuckey (unknowingly) provides a ringing endorsement Sharpening Arrows. Very flattering. Parental pause point questions: 1. Do you think you'll ever want to buy a…
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Ep. 45 - Can government solve all your problems? Mamdani thinks so
Ronald Reagan once said that the 9 most terrifying words in the English language are: “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani doesn’t agree. Who’s right? Parental pause point questions: 1. What do you think about Mamdani's statement? (3:06) 2. What...
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Ep. 44 - Is climate change a myth?
A massive hurricane devastated Jamaica last week. Is this another sign that global warming is going to kill you? Victor talks about the surprising change of heart from Bill Gates (!) on this issue. Parental pause point questions: 1. What do you know about global warming or climate change? (2:08)…
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Ep. 43 – Why America is rich
Socialism won't make a country rich, but what does? Victor looks at the success of capitalism. The free market has produced so much value that poor Americans today have access to better stuff than billionaires did a century ago. Parental pause point questions: 1. Since poverty is normal, why are…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Sharpening Arrows have?
Sharpening Arrows currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Sharpening Arrows about?
Training teens to think Biblically about life and politics. Hosted by Victor Joecks.
How often does Sharpening Arrows release new episodes?
Sharpening Arrows has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Sharpening Arrows?
You can listen to Sharpening Arrows on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sharpening Arrows?
Sharpening Arrows is created and hosted by Victor Joecks.
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