Politics For Happy People
A podcast about politics for happy people!
Episodes
44 episodes
Top 9 Election Issues For November Elections | Isaac Burke
What could the 2026 midterm elections mean for North Carolina—and for the balance of power in Washington? In this episode of Politics For Happy People, we break down why the midterms matter and how control of Congress could shape the next two y...
Why the Fight for Truth Is Never Over | Tami Fitzgerald
Tami Fitzgerald, founder of the NC Values Coalition, joins Joseph Backholm to share the story behind the organization and the experiences that shaped her work in North Carolina politics. Tami reflects on her journey from practicing law and rais...
Obey God or Obey Government? | David Closson
When should Christians obey the government—and when is civil disobedience justified? In this episode, Joseph Backholm is joined by Dr. David Closson, Director of the Center for Biblical Worldview at the Family Research Council, to examine what ...
What Women Aren’t Being Told About Abortion Pills | Dr. Susan Bane
A recent case in Durham, North Carolina, involving an 18-year-old woman who allegedly obtained abortion pills from Virginia has raised new questions about the safety and accessibility of chemical abortion drugs.In this episode of Politi...
How Big Tech Keeps Kids Hooked | Michael Toscano
What happens when the technology designed to connect us begins shaping our children’s behavior instead?In this episode of Politics For Happy People, Joseph Backholm sits down with Michael Toscano, director of the Family First Technology ...
What Would You Do If This Happened at Your Child’s School? | Aaron Driver
What would you do if your five-year-old came home from school and told you their male teacher wanted to be called “Miss”? That’s the situation Aaron Driver and other parents at Middle Creek Elementary School in Apex, North Carolina, say they fo...
Left America vs. What's Left of America | Steve Deace
In this episode of Politics for Happy People, Joseph Backholm sits down with author and nationally syndicated radio host Steve Deace for a conversation about the cultural and spiritual challenges facing America. Steve explains why he b...
Why is P*rn Even Legal? | Caleb Pirc
Pornography is often defended as private entertainment, but its effects reach far beyond the individual. In this episode, Joseph Backholm speaks with Caleb Pirc, general counsel and director of the Idaho Family Policy Center’s Legal Center, abo...
Do Christians Belong in Politics? | Rep. Neil Jackson
Can a pastor faithfully preach the gospel on Sunday and serve in the state legislature during the week? North Carolina Representative and pastor Neil Jackson joins Joseph Backholm to discuss why he believes Christians shouldn’t retreat from pol...
Neil Shenvi: The Truth About Wokeness
What exactly is “wokeness”—and is it really disappearing? Joseph Backholm sits down with author Neil Shenvi to unpack the critical theory behind modern identity politics and how its ideas have shaped conversations about race, gender, sexuality,...
Wolves in White Coats
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released a new report examining the medical, political, and financial forces behind so-called “gender medicine.” Joseph Backholm sits down with Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christi...
Confessions of a Freshman Legislator
North Carolina State Representative Brian Echevarria joins Joseph Backholm to share what he’s learned during his first two years inside the state legislature. Echevarria reflects on entering politics as a small business owner, father, and Chris...
Men in the WNBA? Former trans shares thoughts
Joseph Backholm sits down with Walt Heyer, who shares his personal story of undergoing gender reassignment surgery, living as a woman for eight years, and eventually returning to living as a man. Heyer explains why he believes trauma and advers...
When Convictions Collide With Culture
The culture keeps asking people to ignore uncomfortable truths—but what happens when someone refuses? Joseph and Ashley discuss the growing number of female athletes speaking out against men competing in women’s sports and the backlash that can...
Parents Push Back. Socialists Push Forward.
This week on Politics for Happy People, Joseph and Ashley unpack the controversy surrounding a Wake County elementary school's hiring decision that has sparked outrage among parents and drawn national attention. They also examine what a Democra...
Democratic Socialists Are Taking Over
This week on Politics for Happy People, Joseph Backholm and Ashley Vaughan unpack two stories they believe reveal where America's political future may be headed. First, they discuss why Planned Parenthood is once again receiving Medica...
Trans teachers in grade school?!?!
A Wake County elementary school's hiring of a biological male living as a woman has reignited debate over parental rights, the role of teachers, and whether young children should be exposed to gender identity issues in the classroom. Joseph and...
NC Ranked 8th worst at Protecting Religious Freedom. Why?
North Carolina ranked 42nd in the nation for protecting religious freedom—but why? Joseph and Ashley unpack a surprising new report, explain the legal protections the state is missing, and discuss what lawmakers could do to better safegu...
Trust But Verify: Can accountability fix voting and budget problems?
Ashley and Joseph break down the latest debate surrounding the SAVE Act, asking whether requiring proof of citizenship and voter ID is simply common sense or an unnecessary burden. They also dive into North Carolina's razor-thin election margin...
Energy Fraud and Attempted Murder
Joseph Backholm and Ashley Vaughan unpack two stories raising serious questions about power, accountability, and political ethics. First, they examine the allegations surrounding an energy company accused of a billion-dollar fraud scheme and it...
Is Roy Cooper Really A Moderate?
Is Roy Cooper really the moderate his campaign portrays him to be? This week, Joseph Backholm and Ashley Vaughan examine the former governor's new U.S. Senate campaign, comparing his "football, church, and common sense" messaging with his recor...
The True Meaning of Freedom in Society
In this episode, we delve into the true meaning of freedom, its biblical and American foundations, and how misunderstandings are fueling societal issues like violence, political unrest, and cultural conflicts. Join us for a thoughtful conversat...
What's Really in North Carolina's New State Budget?
Ashley Vaughan and Joseph Backholm unpack North Carolina's newly signed state budget and explore what it reveals about the state's priorities. From funding pregnancy resource centers and teacher pay raises to tax cuts, AI in education, re...
Girls' Sports Just Scored a Major Victory
The Supreme Court delivered a landmark victory for women and girls by allowing states to keep boys out of girls' sports—but the justices also missed an opportunity to address the growing problems created by birthright citizenship. Joseph ...
Ten Reasons to be Thankful for America
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, it's worth asking: Are we still grateful for the nation we've inherited?In this special Independence Day episode, Joseph Backholm and Ashley Vaughan count down ten reasons America remains ...
