The Family Matters Podcast

Maya Engler, a student leader with TPUSA at Montana State University, joins Patrick on the Family Matters Podcast to talk about her journey to Christ, the warnings she received about getting involved with TPUSA, and what it looks like to stand for faith on a college campus.Maya also shares why older generations should be encouraged by what she sees among young people today and how TPUSA and Montana Family Foundation are working together to promote faith, family, and freedom across Montana.And while they’re talking MSU, Patrick shares his 100% scoring record as a Bobcat!

Pastor Artur Pawlowski knows what it costs to stand for the Lord.After refusing to shut down his church during Canada’s COVID-19 restrictions, Pawlowski faced arrest, jail, and an intense legal battle with the government.On this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, he shares a direct challenge to Montana’s churches: Will Christians stand for truth when doing so comes at a cost?We discuss the role of the Church in the public square, the line between political involvement and faithfulness to the Gospel, and why Pawlowski believes pastors cannot afford to remain silent when religious freedom and biblical truth are under pressure.

“The other side loves death more than many of us love life.”It’s a sobering assessment from Fr. Frank Pavone, one of the nation’s most prominent pro-life leaders. On this episode of Family Matters, Patrick sits down with Fr. Pavone for a conversation about the state of the pro-life movement, the determination of those fighting to preserve abortion, and whether the pro-life movement has the conviction necessary to win the battles ahead.They discuss the lessons Fr. Pavone has learned through decades of pro-life advocacy, the cultural and political forces shaping the abortion debate, and why changing laws is only one part of building a culture that truly values human life.🎙️ Watch the full conversation and subscribe to Family Matters for more discussions on the issues shaping Montana’s families, faith, and future.

More than 2,200 Montana children enter the foster care system each year. What would happen if churches across the state stepped up to support them and the families caring for them?On this episode of Family Matters, Derek sits down Aaron and Patrick of Rooted Families to talk about the realities facing children and families in Montana, the challenges within foster care, and the important role churches and communities can play.Rooted Families works to mobilize churches to support foster, adoptive, and biological families in crisis, with the goal of helping children find safe, stable, and loving homes.Learn more about Rooted Families: rootedfam.orgSubscribe to Family Matters for more conversations about faith, family, culture, and the issues shaping Montana.

Can government regulations prevent churches from using their own property to serve their communities?In this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, David Rand of the Land Liberty Movement and Build the American Dream joins Patrick Webb to discuss the intersection of property rights, housing policy, and religious liberty. The conversation explores how zoning laws and land-use regulations have contributed to the housing crisis, why starter homes have largely disappeared, and how government restrictions can limit a church's ability to build housing and care for those in need. They also examine Montana's recent housing reforms, the role churches have historically played in strengthening communities, and why protecting private property is essential to preserving both opportunity and freedom. Guest: David RandLearn more: buildtheamericandream.orgIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode.

Loneliness has become one of the defining challenges of our time. Rates of isolation, depression, and singleness continue to rise, leaving many people searching for genuine relationships and lasting community.In this episode of Family Matters, we're joined by Steve Scansen with Communio, an organization that equips churches to build stronger relationships, healthier families, and deeper communities. Together, we discuss why so many people feel disconnected, the role the Church can play in addressing the loneliness epidemic, and practical ways churches can help people build meaningful, lasting relationships.Can the Church become the answer to one of society's greatest needs? Join us as we explore what it looks like to foster authentic community in an increasingly isolated world.

What does it take to become the kind of man others can depend on?In this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, we're joined by Landen Conner: a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, founder of Operation 22, future medical student at Wake Forest School of Medicine, competitive bodybuilder, and passionate advocate for helping young men live with purpose.Landen shares the experiences that shaped his commitment to military service, medicine, and serving others. We discuss why so many young men are searching for meaning, how discipline creates freedom, and the habits that build strong leaders. He also shares what the Army has taught him about servant leadership, why physical fitness matters far beyond the gym, and how his upcoming coaching platform aims to equip the next generation of young men.We also take an in-depth look at Operation 22, the organization Landen founded to raise awareness of veteran suicide and support those who have sacrificed for our country. He explains why this mission has become deeply personal and what every American can do to stand with our veterans.If you're looking for practical encouragement on leadership, purpose, health, faith, service, or simply what it means to become a stronger man, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from Landen's story.

On this episode of Family Matters, we sit down with Robin Sertell, Chair of Montanans for Life and a survivor of not one, but three saline abortion attempts, alongside Representative Randyn Gregg, sponsor of Montana’s Baby Box Bill passed during the 2025 legislative session.Together, they share the deeply personal and unexpected story behind the legislation, how the idea came to Montana, and what it took to turn it into law.Robin reflects explains why the bill is saving lives while Representative Gregg gives an inside look at the legislative effort that brought safe surrender baby boxes to Montana.You won’t want to miss this powerful discussion.

In this episode of Family Matters, we sit down with Alex Newman to discuss the ideas shaping modern education and the institutions influencing the next generation.From the purpose of education to the growing role of international organizations, culture, and public policy, this conversation explores how educational philosophies are formed, how they impact families and communities, and why these questions matter far beyond the classroom.Join us for a thoughtful discussion on education, worldview, culture, and the long term implications of the ideas shaping society today.

Lindsey Vroegindewey and her team built what became the largest homeschool conference in Montana.Many are asking how it grew to this scale.On this episode of the Montana Family Matters Podcast, Lindsey breaks down the vision, strategy, and practical steps that turned an idea into something Montana had never seen before.

Part 2: Becoming a Lawyer in Today’s Woke Culture — “You’re Not Allowed to Say That” | Trevor FunsethAfter technical difficulties cut short our first conversation with Trevor Funseth, he joined us again to share much of what was lost from that original discussion. In this episode, Trevor opens up about becoming a lawyer at the height of woke culture, navigating law school and public discourse in an increasingly hostile ideological climate, and why young people are searching for truth and stability in a chaotic world. We also discuss housing affordability, the pro-life movement, free speech, and the importance of speaking clearly and courageously to the next generation.

When Samuel Green was just seven years old, he first learned what abortion was. From that moment on, God placed a burden on his heart to help end it. That calling shaped the course of his entire life.Today, Samuel serves as the founder and president of Reason for Life, a ministry dedicated to educating Christians on the sanctity of human life and equipping them to defend the unborn with truth, compassion, and conviction. Before founding Reason for Life, Samuel worked at Alliance Defending Freedom, where he defended religious liberty, free speech, and the sanctity of life in major legal battles, including work connected to the overturn of Roe V. Wade. Samuel joined our show to discuss what the Bible says about abortion, why the pro-life worldview matters, and how Christians can speak about life with both courage and clarity.

In this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, Derek sits down with Michael Farris, former CEO of ADF, founder of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, and Chancellor of Patrick Henry College, to discuss the growing fight for homeschool freedom in America.Whether you homeschool, attend public school, private school, or are simply concerned about the future of the next generation, this conversation is an important reminder that parents must stay actively involved in shepherding and guiding their children in a world constantly competing for their attention, values, and beliefs.

We had the honor of sitting down with bestselling author Chuck Black, known for his powerful allegorical series including Kingdom’s Edge. His stories have shaped how many families and young readers understand faith, courage, and truth through the lens of knights, kingdoms, and spiritual battle.In this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, Chuck shares the deeper meaning behind his writing, the inspiration for his stories, and why storytelling still matters in shaping the next generation. We also talk about raising kids in today’s culture, the role of imagination in faith, and what it looks like to live with conviction in a world that often pushes back.If you’ve read his books, or want to understand why they’ve impacted so many, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.