Protect Our Daughters: Girls Speak Out About School Privacy

The Culture of Convenience Comes for Parenthood

When YouTube personality Jesse Ridgeway (McJuggerNuggets) publicly announced that he and his wife aborted their unborn child after a Down syndrome diagnosis, the backlash was immediate. Ashley Vaughan and Joseph Backholm examine the heartbreaking decision, the cultural beliefs that made it seem acceptable, and the dangerous idea that some lives are less valuable than others. They challenge the secular worldview behind selective abortion, discuss what Down syndrome families actually experience, and explain that every human life has inherent worth—regardless of ability, age, or circumstance.

What should Christians do when neither option upholds their values?

In this episode of Politics for Happy People, Joseph and Ashley examine the theology and worldview of Texas Democrat James Talarico. They argue that Talarico redefines core biblical teachings to support progressive positions on gender, sexuality, and abortion. The conversation also explores how Christians should evaluate political candidates when faced with difficult choices between personal character, policy outcomes, and faithfulness to biblical truth.

Progressives forfeiting education money in exchange for control

Federal investigators have launched a Title IX inquiry into Cabarrus County Schools after female students raised concerns about males accessing girls' bathrooms and locker rooms. Ashley and Joseph break down what the investigation could mean for North Carolina schools, why federal funding may be at stake, and how student voices brought national attention to the issue. They also break down North Carolina lawmakers' override of Governor Stein's veto of HB 87, allowing the state to opt into a new federal education tax credit scholarship program that expands school-choice.

Is Woke Dead?

Joseph Backholm and Ashley Vaughan tackle one of the most controversial cultural and political issues in America today: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As North Carolina lawmakers debate legislation targeting DEI programs in schools, universities, and state agencies, Joseph and Ashley unpack what DEI actually means, why it exploded into the national spotlight after 2020, and whether it promotes justice—or creates deeper division. The conversation explores meritocracy, race-conscious policies, education, worldview differences, and how Christians should think about race, history, justice, and identity. They also discuss public education, school choice, “wokeness,” and whether America should focus more on correcting the past or building a healthier future. This episode dives into one of the defining cultural debates of our time with honesty, nuance, and conviction.

NC School Boards Are Out of Compliance — And Families Are Paying the Price

School districts across North Carolina are facing growing scrutiny for refusing to comply with state laws protecting parental rights, girls’ sports, and private spaces. In this episode, Ashley Vaughan and Joseph Backholm break down the ongoing conflict between school boards and lawmakers over issues like overnight field trips, bathroom policies, gender identity policies, and parental notification requirements. Joined by NC Values Coalition General Counsel Mary Potter Summa, they examine why some districts continue resisting state law, the role ideology plays in these decisions, and what consequences schools could face if they refuse to comply. The conversation also explores the broader cultural debate over truth, feelings, parental authority, and protecting children in schools. From federal investigations to local school board policies, this episode tackles one of the most contentious education battles happening in North Carolina today.