AACS Today
Episodes
131 episodes
Something Old, Something New, Something Red, White and Blue with Dr. Matthew Mehan
Jamison welcomes Dr. Matthew Mehan back to the podcast to discusses his landmark work, The American Book of Fables, an illustrated heirloom collection released to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary,. Dr. Mehan...
Navigating the Education Freedom Tax Credit: A Preview of Treasury Regulations
In this episode, AACS Government Relations Director Jamison Coppola is joined by Randy Melchert, Executive Director of Accord Kids, to discuss the historic Education Freedom Tax Credit. Passed as part of the Working Families Tax C...
Meet the 2026 Summer Interns: Seth and Johnathan
In this episode of AACS Today, Matt introduces the association's newest summer interns, Seth Walker and Johnathan Dys. Selected through a highly competitive process, these students from California Baptist University and Hil...
Waiting in Hope: the Latest on the Education Freedom Tax Credit
In this episode, Matt and Jamison explore the concept of "active waiting" as it relates to both the spiritual life and the current legislative landscape. The primary focus of the discussion is the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC)
A New Day in DC: Inside the DOJ’s Anti-Christian Bias Task Force
In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison explore the shifting landscape of religious liberty and the emergence of a "new day" in Washington, D.C. The discussion focuses on the recent work of the Religious Liberty Commission...
A New Resurgence: Restoring the Legacy of Scripture Memory in the Christian School with Micah Folkers
In this episode, Matt Jamison explore the vital role of Scripture memory through the competitive sport of Bible quizzing. The conversation begins by revisiting the historical "Old Deluder Satan Act" of 1647, which established public educ...
The Special Education Summit: A Comprehensive Resource for Parents, Educators, and Pastors
In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Dr. Coppola sit down with Sara Bookout, Director of the Hope Allen Center for Exceptional Children, to discuss the critical role of special education within the Christian school and church. ...
Offensive Christianity?
In this episode of AACS Today, Jamison is joined by Pastor Chase Davis to discuss his book, Offensive Christianity: Restoring the Strength of Men in a Feminized Age. The conversation explores the reality that God-d...
Developing God-Given Talents: Reflections on the National Fine Arts Competition
In this episode, Matt and Jamison provide an inspiring recap of the recent AACS National Fine Arts Competition held at Bob Jones University. The discussion highlights some of the the updates of the event—dubbed "Nationals 2.0
Embodying the Truth with Billy Hutchinson
This episode of AACS Today features Billy Hutchinson, Director of Colson Educators at the Colson Center. Hutchinson addresses the vital distinction between simply teaching Bible stories and cultivating a comprehensiv...
What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and Family with Tim Goeglein
Join Matt and Jamison as they welcome back Tim Goeglein, Vice President for External Relations at Focus on the Family, for an insightful discussion on his forthcoming book, What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom...
Wanted: Men of Purpose – Navigating the Manosphere and Reclaiming True Masculinity
In this episode, Jamison interviews Dr. Matthew Mehan, Associate Dean at Hillsdale College, and together, they explore the modern identity crisis facing young men. The discussion delves into the rise of the "manosphere"—a digital ...
Finding Identity in Christ on Capitol Hill: A Conversation with Luke Ball
Join Jamison as he welcomes Luke Ball, an alumnus of the AACS Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC) and a prominent political communications strategist. Luke shares his journey from a student exploring worldviews to a professio...
The Making of the American Mind with Dr. Matthew Spalding
In this episode of, Jamison is joined by Dr. Matthew Spalding, a distinguished constitutional scholar and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College. They discuss Dr. Spalding’s award-winning book, Th...
50 Years of ODACS: Protecting Christian Schools in Virginia
In this episode of AACS Today, Jamison is joined by Dan Zacharias, Executive Director of the Old Dominion Association of Church Schools (ODACS), to discuss the landscape of Christian education in Virginia. As ODACS celebrat...
Do No Harm? Accountability and the Future of Christian Higher Ed
In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison welcome Hannah DeBruler back to the podcast. Hannah serves as the Higher Ed Policy Analyst for AACS, and she brings her expertise to unpack the implications of the "Do No Harm" test—a key a...
Sparks Fly at the Fifth Religious Liberty Commission Meeting
This episode offers an exclusive, first-hand account of the fifth Religious Liberty Commission hearing held at the Museum of the Bible. Matt and Jamison dive into critical issues discussed, including the rise of anti-semitism on colle...
In Accord: LEAD Conference Recap and the AACS SGO
Jamison and Matt recap the annual LEAD conference, a cornerstone event where state leaders gather to coordinate a unified agenda for the conservative Christian school movement.The episode provides deep dives into LEAD’s col...
The Education Freedom Tax Credit: A Historic New Provision for School Choice
Join Matt and Jamison for an in-depth look at the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), a historic federal tax provision set to launch on January 1, 2027. After over a decade of advocacy, this landmark initiative offers a dollar-fo...
Club America: Continuing a Legacy of Faith and Freedom
In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison sit down with Austin Erickson, Senior Strategic Manager at Turning Point USA. The discussion centers on the legacy of the late Charlie Kirk and the remarkable growth of
Breaking News: Introducing the Youth Legislative Development Conference
Olivia joins Matt and Jamison for some breaking news: the Youth Legislative Training Conference is officially now the Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC). Inspired by a conversation with a member of Congress regarding the dig...
Bodies Play Sports, Identities Don't: Biological Reality at the Supreme Court
In this episode, Matt and Jamison delve into recent Supreme Court arguments regarding laws in Idaho and West Virginia. These cases center on whether states can require student athletes to compete according to their biological s...
New Year, Same Government
This episode explores the shifting dynamics of the 119th Congress, focusing on what we can expect as we enter 2026. Jamison and Matt discuss the ongoing effort to wind down the Department of Education and the legislative push for ...
Update on the Federal School Choice Program
On this episode, Matt and Jamison discuss the emerging federal school choice program, which is structured as a tax bill under the Treasury Department—not the Department of Education—and is projected to be a $25 billion annual initiative funded ...
Chloe's Story: From Gender Deception to Redemption
On this episode, Jamison and Matt welcome Chloe Cole, an articulate 21-year-old woman passionately advocating against the practice of transitioning minors. Chloe shares her powerful, true story of undergoing medical gender transition between th...