"If we're ever going to address the physical issues facing our communities, we have to address the spiritual realm." - Greg Baker, director of The FAMiLY Leader's Church Ambassador NetworkGreg Baker joins Drew and Chuck this week for a special, in-depth look at the gospel-centric ministry of The FAMiLY Leader in government.Discover how TFL is breaking down walls and building strategic partnerships to bless people in our communities struggling with poverty, addiction, broken families, and more!

The FAMiLY Leader's Chuck Hurley has been fighting for this day for 13 years - and today, he's "raising the roof" to celebrate!Join Chuck and Drew and discover why James Madison is celebrating in his grave today over the restoration of our "first liberty," a fundamental right that was undermined over 30 years ago, but now is being restored to the citizens of Iowa.

A top pro-life priority has hit a roadblock this session, and The FAMiLY Leader is inviting YOU to join us in prayer to see this bill passed!While only about 15% of all Americans support the extreme position of legal, elective abortion through all 9 months of pregnancy ... in a recent state referendum, over 80% of young Ohioans voted in favor of killing preborn children right up to their birthday!How can the young generation be so extreme on killing children? It's simple: They aren't being told the truth.In Iowa, TFL is looking to change that ... but the "Baby Olivia" bill is being met with resistance.Learn more about "Baby Olivia," religious liberty, protecting children online, and catch some good news from around the country in this week's episode!

Today's jam-packed episode includes three big topics:1. An eye-witness account of the loud, profane, and potentially illegal protests that descended upon the Iowa Capitol over gender issues.2. A breakdown of which bills have survived the 'first funnel' winnowing process and which have fallen by the wayside.3. The work TFL's Church Ambassador Network is doing to give legislators on-the-ground understanding of issues impacting rural Iowans and the pastors who are providing tangible solutions.Buckle up for a fast and fascinating episode!

It's "First Funnel" week at the Iowa Capitol, where thousands of proposed bills go to die every year.TFL's Drew Zahn and Gandalf the Grey - or, Chuck Hurley, as he's known to friends and family - explain why this looming deadline is so large and what key bills and priorities will survive to be considered this legislative session.Tune in for more on religious liberty, right of conscience for doctors and nurses, gender and identity issues, and more. Which bills shall live, which shall die, and what does this all have to do with Lord of the Rings?

TFL's Ryan Benn joins the podcast this week to discuss an ugly scene at the Iowa Capitol, as he tried to enter a subcommittee meeting to testify at the request of a legislator ... only to be blocked at the door by an angry mob!PLUS: TFL Church Ambassador Network Deputy Director Denise Bubeck shares how pastors are making a difference in the policy arena, as they serve as legislator's eyes and ears in the real world, bringing real-life experience to the table to counter some of the fables brought by "the parade of horrors" in policy debates.

The attention of the news world left Iowa after the Caucuses ended, but in truth, perhaps the most significant week in the state is what comes next, as the Iowa Legislature discusses, debates, and listens to lobbyists on the local bills that are going to impact Iowans the most!And in this critical week, The FAMiLY Leader was there.TFL's Drew Zahn and Chuck Hurley explain the flurry of bills where TFL was called on to testify for biblical values in an environment that is anything but godly.PLUS: For pastors who are considering partnering with TFL's Church Ambassador Network, just what does it look like to come to the Capitol for the first time? TFL's Noah Meyers gives you just the facts, so you know what you're getting into!

You've likely heard this nonsense before: "Pro-lifers only care about the baby until it's born!"Well, first of all, she's not an "it" - she's a baby. And second, TFL demonstrates in the FIRST week of this year's legislative session that pro-lifers are among the hardest workers at caring for babies AND mothers!PLUS: TFL brings you a NEW tool for keeping track of the legislation you care about most - AND the Church Ambassador Network's Léo Lazarini explains how pastors are making the Capitol into "an open door for ministry."

ALL-NEW FORMAT! - The FAMiLY Leader's Capitol Connection adds new segment, new guest, and new focus.In this episode, TFL's Capitol veteran, Chuck Hurley, gives insider analysis on Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State Address and the legislative priorities it spells out for the coming session of the Iowa Legislature.And introducing ... TFL's Greg Baker of the Church Ambassador Network joins us, as the Capitol Connection podcast adds a new focus on not just the policy work, but also the spiritual work that is having a major impact on the Capitol and on our communities.Listen now, and discover there's more to the ministry at the Capitol than meets the eye!

Iowa stands unique in its first-in-the-nation place in picking the president, as candidates travel the state for months, giving everyday people the chance the meet and greet some of the nation's most powerful.And TFL's Chuck Hurley stand unique among even Iowans, having been behind the scenes with these candidates for more than two decades.In this episode, TFL's Ryan Benn puts Chuck Hurley on the hot seat, asking for the anecdotes - both poignant and hilarious - that Chuck has gathered over the years, working to help pick the president in one of the country's most influential states.