Politics For Happy People
A podcast about politics for happy people!
Episodes
30 episodes
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 ...
Why the Left is Redefining Parenthood
Delaware has quietly passed a law that dramatically changes the definition of parenthood—and the implications reach far beyond one state. Joseph and Ashley unpack the growing movement to redefine parental rights, why activists are pushing...
DEI is dead in NC
North Carolina lawmakers take a major step toward eliminating DEI programs in public schools, universities, and state agencies as key veto overrides move forward in the General Assembly. Joseph and Ashley break down what these bills actually do...
Democrats Don't like Elon's Trillions or America
In this episode of Politics for Happy People, Joseph Backholm and Ashley Vaughan tackle several of the week's biggest headlines, including the debate over Elon Musk's growing wealth and a North Carolina student who won a lawsuit after ...
What Does The Rainbow Mean?
Federal pressure is mounting in North Carolina as the U.S. Department of Education opens another Title IX investigation into school policies allowing boys in girls' private spaces, raising questions about federal funding and the future of stude...
Faith, Elections, and Public Trust
Questions about election integrity are back in the spotlight after a controversial Los Angeles mayoral race saw post-Election Day ballots dramatically reshape the outcome. Joseph and Ashley unpack the difference between direct and circumstantia...
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 heartbreaki...
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, sexualit...
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 fo...
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, un...
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 ...
Who Draws the Maps—and Why It Matters
Why are states suddenly redrawing congressional maps? What even is gerrymandering? And why does redistricting matter so much heading into the next election cycle?In this episode of Politics for Happy People, Joseph Back...
Americans’ Love-Hate Relationship with AI
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, learn, and live — but is it making us smarter, or more dependent? In this episode of Politics for Happy People, Ashley Vaughan and Joseph Backholm unpack the growing cultural debate around AI...
Protect Our Daughters: Girls Speak Out About School Privacy
This week on Politics for Happy People, Joseph Backholm and Ashley Vaughan discuss the growing debate surrounding privacy and safety in North Carolina schools. The episode highlights firsthand stories from female students who say they ...
What No One Told Her: Prisha Mosley’s Detransition Story
In this special episode of Politics for Happy People, Joseph Backholm sits down with detransitioner and advocate Prisha Mosley to hear her deeply personal story of gender transition, regret, and healing. Prisha shares how online commun...
