Afleveringen
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We just graded all 50 states on how well — or how badly — their laws protect children when it comes to parentage, surrogacy, donor conception, and marriage. Two-thirds of states got a C or below. One state got an A. In this episode, you'll meet the man whose state earned it — and the team that built the tool every family advocate in America needs right now.
Go explore the Children's Rights Scorecard and find your state's grade at thembeforeus.comIN THIS EPISODENate Grasz — Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance, the largest Christian public policy organization in Nebraska. Nate led the passage of the First Freedom Act, one of the strongest religious freedom laws in the country, and has spent years successfully fighting to keep the words mother, father, husband, and wife in Nebraska's statutes — helping earn Nebraska the only A on the Children's Rights Scorecard.Learn more about Nebraska Family Alliance at nebraskafamilyalliance.org
We also hear from Them Before Us founder Katy Faust and Engagement Director Patience Sunne on how the scorecard was built, what they found, and how you can use it to protect children in your state.
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It's a special Them Before Us staff takeover as the gang gets together, in Brady Bunch style boxes, to share favorite mom and dad moments. Then Jenn and Sam go through some of the amazing moms in the movies as we round out the end of our Greater Than week of celebrating moms.
What's a favorite memory you have of your mom and dad?
And if you think every child deserves the mom and dad they came from, join us at greaterthancampaign.com.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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If you've caught Micah Kunkle debating "Progressive" ideas on Jubilee or other platforms, you already know he's the real deal.
Micah joins the TBU podcast to talk debate strategy, why so many young men are drawn to "strong male" influencers pushing harmful ideas, and how we can engage Gen Z in the fight for children's rights.
He's one of those rare voices who's both a rigorous thinker and genuinely kind in disagreement, there's a lot to learn just from watching him.
📺 Find Micah:
Youtube @micahkunkle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahkunkle/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@micahkunkle
And more about Maven: https://maventruth.com/
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What actually holds a nation together when everything feels like it’s coming apart?This week, Jenn sits down with Tim Goeglein to unpack the convictions behind his new book, What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and FamilyDrawing from history, culture, and personal experience, Goeglein makes a clear case: the future of freedom rises or falls on the strength of faith, family, and character.He challenges the quiet erosion of the American family, pointing out that when marriage weakens, everything downstream feels it. Strong families don’t just benefit children. They stabilize communities, shape responsible men, and preserve the conditions where liberty can survive.You’ll hear why restoring fatherhood is central to rebuilding culture, how faith once anchored public life in ways we’ve largely forgotten, and what it takes to recover a legacy worth handing down.If you’re looking for clarity in a noisy moment and a vision that looks beyond headlines to long-term cultural health, this conversation delivers.Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/4moiGsa---------------------------------------------------------Bio: Tim Goeglein is Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family. Formerly, he served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and as a deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. He was the President’s principal outreach contact for conservative and faith-based groups. Tim’s extensive resumé includes serving as a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation and as a communications director for U.S. Senator Dan Coats of Indiana and Gary Bauer at the Campaign for Working Families. Tim has authored a memoir, The Man in the Middle: Faith and Politics in the George W. Bush Era, and his latest book is titled American Restoration. He and his wife, Jenny, have two sons.
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Big news out of South Dakota, fertility fraud is now a felony! Learn more about how Them Before Us played a part in inspiring this legislation, sponsored by SD Representative Terri Jorgenson, and what it means for children's rights.
See more from Rep. Jorgenson at her substack here:
https://sdcapitoldiary.substack.com/
Terri is a proud South Dakotan with a deep-rooted connection to her community. With a strong background in military operations and public affairs, she is committed to fighting for conservative values and protecting liberties in District 29. Terri's experience as a State Committeewoman and active role in the Republican party demonstrate her dedication to serving the people of South Dakota.
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In the next part of this episode, Jenn interviews Caitlyn Scott of the instagram/youtube account @WhiteSquirrelMagic on why Christians and Conservatives need to retake the arts with truth, beauty, and HUMOR to share the truth.
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Friend of Them Before Us, Katy Talento is a Harvard-trained epidemiologist, naturopathic doctor, and former Trump White House health policy advisor who spent two decades inside the DC healthcare machine — then left to help everyday people and employers outsmart it. She writes about health policy, natural medicine, and how to live like a human — from real food and hormonal health to how to cut your medical bills in half using rules she personally helped write. All of it's at KatyTalento.com.
For some of her recent articles, check out:
Infertile, her guest post for our TBU substack - https://thembeforeus.substack.com/p/infertileOutsmart the Medical Billing Trap — a free step-by-step playbook for patients to fight back against medical bills, using rules she personally helped write in the White House https://www.katytalento.com/p/outsmart-the-medical-billing-trap?r=158d0wHospitals are Soviet-style Hellscapes Unfit for Humans - A Patient, Caregiver and Policy Manifestohttps://www.katytalento.com/p/hospitals-are-soviet-style-hellscapesSee more from Katy at @katytalento for IG, X, LinkedIn and https://www.facebook.com/katytalento.nd/
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What are we teaching our children about America, and what are we neglecting?
Jenn is joined by Katie Broussard, founder of The Littlest Statesmen and author of The Great George Washington, the first book in a seven-part series that introduces young children to the lives and characters of America’s Founders. A simple question from her three-year-old daughter about the Fourth of July led Katie to recognize how few resources exist to teach young children about the nation’s history, ideals, and sacrifices. That realization became a calling.
In this conversation, Katie explains why the early years matter in shaping a child’s understanding of country, responsibility, and gratitude. She shares why stories of figures like George Washington and Betsy Ross belong alongside the fairy tales children already know. The discussion also examines why expressing appreciation for America’s founding principles has become divisive and what that shift means for families.
Find more from her at https://www.thelittleststatesmen.com
Make sure you're following Them Before Us across all of our social media platforms, subscribe on thembeforeus.substack.com and consider joining our TBU Ambassador program!
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Katy and Jenn talk about the #GreaterThan launch, a coalition of most major Christian and conservative groups and thought leaders, to retake marriage and restore it to the institution that best protects children in society. Learn more at greaterthancampaign.comThen Jenn has a conversation with Emilee Carpenter, an NY photographer who took the state to court over her objections to using her creative voice in violation of her conscience regarding marriage. Learn more about her and see her work at https://www.emileecarpenter.com/
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Katy's recent post promoting the #LiveAction Young Leader summit, where she is speaking this year, garnered some comments from someone claiming Katy is anti-adoption. Katy goes on the record with her controversial take on adoption and answers the question once and for all, where she stands on the topic.
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How can governments incentivize couples to have more babies? What do you do when your fun mom group turns exclusive and "toxic"? And, in case you missed it, a "Here for the Comments" conversation about all the hate Katy got on her post about overturning Obergefell.
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In this episode, Jenn talks with Aimee Huber of First Choice Women’s Resource Centers and ADF attorney Gabriella McIntyre about how the New Jersey Attorney General has used his power to target a pro-life ministry that has never had a single complaint.
First Choice has spent decades walking with women in their most vulnerable moments by offering real support, real resources, and real hope at no cost. Now the state is demanding years of private records, including donor names and addresses, while partnering with Planned Parenthood to undermine the work of those who actually help moms choose life.
We look at what this kind of government intimidation means for women, for children, and for every nonprofit that depends on donor privacy and freedom from retaliation. And we talk about why ADF is taking this case to the Supreme Court to protect the rights of groups who refuse to bend to political pressure.
Learn more at adflegal.org and join us in praying for Aimee and her team as they stand firm for the most vulnerable.
https://adflegal.org/campaign/first-choice-womens-resource-centers-v-platkin/?sourcecode=11037542_r200
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The industry that promotes illicit sexual behavior targets children because it wants life-long customers. The reality is that it’s not a matter of if your kids will see pornography but when. This should not scare parents. It’s a chance to get prepared and to help your children be ready when the moment comes.
Kristen A. Jenson is the founder of Defend Young Minds® and the #1 bestselling author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures.
Good Pictures, Bad Pictures and Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr. are read-aloud books that teach young children how to reject pornography. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and are supported by the Guidebook for Counseling Kids, which helps child therapists and educators. Kristen and her team have also created many resources for families, including the Brain Defense Digital Safety curriculum, downloadable guides, and timely articles that help parents raise confident, resilient, and screen-smart kids.
Website: https://www.defendyoungminds.com/
Facebook: DefendYM
Instagram: @DefendYoungMinds
X: @DefendYM
LinkedIn: @DefendYoungMinds -
In this episode, Jenn is joined by Birjan Crispin, the Deputy Director of the Good Citizen Project with the Indiana Family Institute, where they talk about his story of adoption and the best ways for Christians to be good citizens, promoting what is best for human flourishing.Learn more at https://www.goodcitizen.us/ and follow Birjan at https://www.instagram.com/birjancrispin98/-------------------------Bio: Born in Ruse, Bulgaria and adopted at the age of two, Birjan brings a powerful and personal narrative to the world of public policy, leadership, and faith. Raised in Wheaton, Illinois, and a graduate of Hope College with degrees in Business (Finance) and Political Science, Birjan’s story-rooted in resilience and redemption-connects deeply with audiences across the country. With formative experience in the Indiana House of Representatives as a legislative aide and Indiana Family Institute as a policy analyst, along with his experience as a graduate of The Heritage Foundation’s Leadership Academy, The Leadership Institute’s Young Leaders Program, Indiana Family Institute’s Hoosier Leadership Series Class of 2024 and his current service as Deputy Director of The Good Citizen Project, Birjan brings a passionate perspective on issues of culture, theology & policy today. Birjan and his wife, Brooke, live in Anderson, Indiana, where they are active members of Grace Baptist Church. Beyond policy and politics, Birjan is a classical violinist and avid golfer, bringing a creative and thoughtful presence to every stage.
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In this episode, we sit down with Phil and Melody to talk about Family Preservation Ministries and their upcoming UNSHAKABLE 2026 Conference. Their mission is clear: to protect, preserve, and strengthen families through the local church—helping people before they reach crisis or end up in the foster care and adoption system.
Grounded in the Gospel, this ministry is church-driven, professionally supported, financially healthy, and deeply collaborative. Through coaching, advocacy, and networking, they empower ministries to proclaim the Gospel, equip churches, steward resources wisely, and model generosity—all while making collaboration simple and effective.
Learn more about this organization and their upcoming event at https://upstreamcollab.org/
Bios:
Melody Marshall is the Co-Executive Director of My Village Ministries, a local initiative focused on family preservation, and the Co-Executive Director of Upstream Collaborative, a nationwide network of family preservation ministries. After receiving a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science, Melody has pursued work that aligns with God’s calling to serve vulnerable families.
Melody’s professional journey has spanned various roles, from house parent for at-risk teens to paraprofessional for children with special needs. Her experiences have shaped her unwavering dedication to the marginalized, the orphan, and the widow. Guided by a deep faith, Melody has seen God’s hand at work in her life, leading her to a clear calling to mobilize the Church to preserve socially isolated families in crisis, helping them build sustainable support systems and pathways to healing.
Phil Krause is happily married to his wife, Erin, of 16 years and a father of 4 lively kids, living in Columbus, Ohio. He has almost 20 years of experience serving vulnerable families/children, including being a foster, adoptive, and host parent. He is currently the Co-Executive Director of My Village Ministries out of central Ohio, where they seek to accomplish family preservation through biblical hospitality. He also serves as the Co-Executive Director of Upstream Collaborative, which is a national collaborative that seeks to further equip family preservation ministries to protect, preserve, and strengthen families through the local church. Additionally, Phil has served as an elder for 4 years at Awaken Church in Columbus, Ohio.
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You'll enjoy this conversation with Maddie! Check out her bio below and go follow her on Tiktok!
"My name is Maddie, and I am a 22-year-old recent college graduate. I consider myself to be a Pro-Life activist. I was raised in a Christian-Conservative home, so my worldview has been wholly shaped bythe authority of Scripture. God has placed the desire in my heart to advocate against abortion and for all humans, preborn and born alike, tohave equal protection under the law. I refuse to be silent on the injustice being committed against the Imago Dei.
In His sovereign plan, God has given me a unique perspective on the sanctity of life as it relates to IVF. My brother and I were both conceived through the process of IVF. When I became informed on the ethical horrors of IVF, I wrestled with what that meant about my own existence and how I could reconcile that with my Pro-Life convictions."
Check out more:
-- https://grtl.org/i-am-an-ivf-survivor-why-being-pro-ivf-is-not-pro-life/
-- https://www.tiktok.com/@that.conservative.girl
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Colson Center’s John Stonestreet joins the Them Before Us podcast to discuss the new documentary Truth Rising. The film explores the rise of Western Civilization, the profound impact it has had on human history, why it’s now at risk, and what we can do to preserve it. TBU’s Katy Faust is also featured in the film. Truth Rising premieres September 5—don’t miss it!------------------
John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after speaker and author on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He has co-authored five books including A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things. Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations (Anglican Church of North America). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
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Stephanie Gray Connors is a leading voice in the pro-life movement, known for her remarkable ability to explain the ethics of life from womb to tomb in a way that is clear, practical, and easy to apply. She shares how her professional work has shaped her personal conversations, why both IVF and abortion violate the pro-life ethic, and her own story of marrying and starting a family later in life. Explore her links to learn more about her work."Connors is a seasoned and international speaker, originally from Canada, who began presenting at the age of 18. She has given over 1,000 pro-life presentations over two decades across North America as well as in Scotland, England, Ireland, Austria, Latvia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica. She has spoken at many post-secondary institutions such as Yale University, George Washington University, and the University of California, Berkeley...
Stephanie is author of the books On IVF (previously published as Conceived by Science: Thinking Carefully and Compassionately about Infertility and IVF), My Body for You: A Pro-Life Message for a Post-Roe World, On Assisted Suicide (previously published as Start with What: 10 Principles for Thinking about Assisted Suicide), and Love Unleashes Life: Abortion & the Art of Communicating Truth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC in Vancouver, and a Certification, with Distinction, in Health Care Ethics, from the NCBC in Philadelphia."Her website: https://loveunleasheslife.com
Her google talk: https://youtu.be/DzzfSq2DEc4?feature=shared
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Today, Jenn is joined by Chelsey Painter Davis, "whose viral videos have broken the ice on disability and shattered stereotypes through her shockingly relatable humor, breath-catching stories, and vivacious charm.Growing up a survivor of in-vitro fertilization, Chelsey has never been afraid to question modern preconceptions surrounding reproductive healthcare. She lost her vision due to birth control pills she was pressured to take when she was only 19 years old and started sharing her story publicly in 2019. Then when her son was targeted for abortion after a prenatal diagnosis in 2021, she took on the mantle of ProLife speaker to share his survival story. Now, Chelsey travels across the country enrapturing audiences through her versatile storytelling, raw vulnerability, and exceptional courage as she shares her gripping journey from pain to purpose."We hope you're encouraged by this story. Check out her website to learn more! https://www.chelseypainterdavis.com/
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In this episode, Jenn has a conversation with Mirjam from the Netherlands. Share this story if you know someone who has struggled with loss and infertility. Check out her full bio and website below:My name is Mirjam and I'm married to Ido. We live in the southwest of the Netherlands. I was 38 when we got married. I always wanted to become a mother. In my thirties I decided to trust God for a man and children. After a miscarriage, I became pregnant again with our daughter, Rachel. She was born with a chromosome abnormality trisomy 13. After her death I wrote a book about her life; Her name is Rachel. Because of everything we went through with Rachel, I knew: I want to do something for the unborn life. I founded a pro-life organization; Powerful Woman. I occasionally give presentations at HBO Midwifery programs and organize pro-life meetings for Christians to inspire them about the biblical view of the unborn.
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In his second time on the Them Before Us podcast, Professor Robert P. George shared about his new book: "Seeking Truth & Speaking Truth: Law and Morality in our Cultural Moment." In his decades as a professor, George has taught between 8,000-10,000 students in the Ivy Leagues and hopes this resource will shift our culture back to reason and truth seeking instead of emotionalism.
Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Things-Through-Morality-Culture/dp/1641774215
Check out Episode #019, where Professor George lays out "natural law" and why it matters for children: https://open.spotify.com/episode/06Gx9TRXzF2De8sLlXLOUM?si=6kON-jD-SJ2EcW2d4sRcdQ&nd=1&dlsi=7ce62b7944e746f1
Bio: Robert P. George is McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. He has served as chairman of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), and before that on the President’s Council on Bioethics and as a presidential appointee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. He has also served as the U.S. member of UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST). He is a former Judicial Fellow at the Supreme Court of the United States, where he received the Justice Tom C. Clark Award. A graduate of Swarthmore College, he holds J.D. and M.T.S. degrees from Harvard University and the degrees of D.Phil., B.C.L., D.C.L., and D.Litt. from Oxford University. He has been a visiting professor at Harvard Law School and is a member of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters and the Council on Foreign Relations.
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