Real America’s Voice

Episode: THE ROAD FORWARD – NOVEMBER 30th, 2025

Main Theme

This episode of “Real America’s Voice: THE ROAD FORWARD” is a wide-ranging and spirited reflection on post-Thanksgiving America, with a strong focus on hope, faith, and restoration in turbulent times. Host Dr. Tim Clinton leads conversations with guests from faith, humanitarian, and counseling backgrounds—Pastor Travis Johnson, City Serve executive Todd Lamphere, Hispanic evangelical leader Sam Rodriguez, and counselor Dr. Mercy Connors. They analyze breaking news, geopolitics, border issues, Israel, religious liberty, cultural controversies, and offer practical guidance for maintaining gratitude and emotional well-being through the holiday season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. National and Global Headlines (03:08–07:58)

• Recent Executive Actions:

  • Dr. Tim Clinton opens by covering latest headlines, notably President Trump designating multiple chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, referencing recent actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott against related organizations (04:14).
  • Rise in lawlessness and violence in U.S. cities (Chicago, Charlotte), and controversial outcomes in sports and gender debates.

• Reflections on the State of the World:

  • Emphasis on “infiltration” concerns and the threat posed by groups labeled as terrorist organizations.
  • Critique of some congressional Democrats for statements perceived as undermining military obedience.

• Biblical Encouragement:

  • Dr. Clinton draws on Philippians 2:6–11 to stress humility, gratitude, and the meaning of Christmas, noting “Jesus was born in the shadow of a cross” (06:16).

2. Interview: Pastor Travis Johnson

(08:12–18:38)

World Affairs and Religious Liberty

• Ukraine Peace Breakthrough:

  • Dr. Tim Clinton and Travis Johnson herald Ukraine’s agreement to peace with Russia as evidence of President Trump’s “peace president” credentials (08:32).
  • Johnson credits Trump for facilitating peace globally (Thailand, Cambodia, DRC, Rwanda, Nigeria) and calls attention to the persecution of Christians, especially in Nigeria and Congo:
    • “In Nigeria, you have 60 people a day, 60 Christians a day, being killed…” (10:01, Johnson)

• Silent Genocide in Congo:

  • Johnson highlights the “30 years of silent genocide” in Congo and personal experience ministering there.
  • Cites President Trump’s diplomatic efforts as life-saving.

• Faith in Action: Gratitude and Introspection

  • Urges a “heart of gratitude” during the holiday season:
    • “Sometimes we’re victims of our prosperity and our blessing—we get our eyes off of how abundantly gracious the Lord has been to us.” (12:43, Johnson)

Navigating Hardship and Hope

• Message for Those Struggling:
  • “The great thing about Jesus is… while we were yet in sin, he died for us...” (14:13, Johnson)
  • Encourages viewers that no one is beyond God’s reach and restoration is possible.

Mission in Action: Buy a Tree, Change a Life

• Origin and Growth:
  • Johnson shares the impact story of their missions project, now in 23 states and having raised $15 million to help children globally and locally (15:46).

Upcoming Book: Unembarrassed for Jesus

• Johnson discusses his new book, its themes of bold faith, and offers a free chapter (17:24).

Notable Quote
“A passive, weak, timid faith isn’t going to change your family… But if you go all in with Jesus… you’ll see transformation.”
— Travis Johnson (17:56)

3. Interview: Todd Lamphere, City Serve

(24:25–35:52)

Border Crisis and Child Welfare

• On “Compassion” and the Border:
  • Argues that a strong border is the most compassionate policy to protect children from traffickers:
    • “One of the greatest acts of compassion is to have a strong border…” (26:45, Lamphere)

Israel: Resilience, Hope, and Peace Efforts

• The Human Flourishing of Israel:
  • Notes Israel’s high ranking in “human flourishing” despite continual existential threats:
    • “They want peace. They seek peace. They just want to live their life… they’re anti-Hamas, anti-Hezbollah, anti-Houthis—they’re anti-terrorist, not anti-Arab.” (28:22, Lamphere)
  • Discusses the optimism following the release of hostages and U.S. policy standing firmly behind Israel.

Disaster Relief Work

• Firsthand Accounts:
  • Shares experiences of disaster response in Hawaii, California (fires), Israel, Ukraine, Jamaica (Hurricane Melissa).
    • “42% of their country was devastated by this hurricane…” (33:51)
  • Emphasizes role of Christian organizations coalescing to offer aid.

Antisemitism and Theology

• Concerns about Replacement Theology:
  • Warns evangelicals to avoid “heretical doctrines” that deny the ongoing covenant with Israel (30:48).
    • “Land on the side of God’s people.” (31:45, Lamphere)

4. Interview: Sam Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

(41:00–52:03)

Cultural Controversies and Pushback

• Transgender Athlete in Women’s Sports:
  • Sam Rodriguez calls a man winning the World’s Strongest Woman contest:
    • “Utter nonsense… anti-biology, anti-human physiology, anti-science, anti-common sense.” (41:20)
  • Connects backlash to these policies as a factor in the 2024 election outcome.

Education System Critique

• Criticizes ideological agendas in education and inability to define basic biology.

Islamist Influence and National Security

• On Designation of Muslim Brotherhood:
  • Applauds the designation and Texas’ actions, declaring it’s not conspiracy but a real threat from extremist ideologies (43:30).

Lawlessness, Border Policy, and ICE Operations

• Open Borders:
  • Rodriguez contends that lax border policy enabled extensive child trafficking under the previous administration:
    • "Many of these kids have been sex trafficked... we are living the consequences of that now." (48:09)
• Crime and Blue City Violence:
  • Links spikes in violence to progressive leadership that de-emphasizes law enforcement:
    • “If you believe in defunding the police… you will reap the violence…” (46:26)

Israel and People of Faith

• Theological Clarity:
  • Calls on Christians to stand with Israel, citing Romans 9–11 and Galatians.
    • “If you are anti-Semitic, you are anti-Jesus. If you are anti-Semitic, you are anti the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” (51:30, Rodriguez)

5. Interview: Dr. Mercy Connors, Counseling and Holidays

(58:07–67:08)

Holiday Stress and Emotional Management

• Stress & Grief During Holidays:
  • Highlights compounded holiday stress, especially for mothers, and the often-unspoken experience of holiday grief (e.g., losing pets or loved ones) (58:44).

Family Dynamics & Tradition

• Managing Schedules and Expectations:

  • Encourages careful planning, time management, and giving oneself permission to let go of non-essentials (59:37).
  • Stresses the power of being present with family, even amid chaos.

• Navigating Travel and Family Conflict:

  • Offers practical tips for managing children during long travel (music, books, engagement) and de-escalating family arguments by “listening for the heart behind the words” (62:18).

Preserving and Creating Traditions

• Suggests focusing on a few core family traditions that anchor family identity and provide continuity through change (63:17).

Mental Health Strategies for Kids

• Devices and Connection:
  • Recommends parents limit activities, focus on quality family time, and reduce device distractions to protect children’s emotional health (64:44).

Keeping Christ in Christmas

• Spiritual Centering:
  • Advocates sharing the Christmas story, seeking out nativity displays, and talking openly about the meaning of Jesus’ birth (66:18).

Notable Quote:
“Even though this time of year is often around gifts and events… you want to make sure that you’re connecting with your family.”
— Dr. Mercy Connors (65:17)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Travis Johnson:
  “Sometimes we’re victims of our prosperity and our blessing—we get our eyes off of how abundantly gracious the Lord has been to us.” (12:43)
• Todd Lamphere:
  “One of the greatest acts of compassion is to have a strong border.” (26:45)
• Sam Rodriguez:
  "Utter nonsense... anti-biology, anti-human physiology, anti-science, anti-common sense." (41:20) “If you are anti-Semitic, you are anti Jesus. If you are anti-Semitic, you are anti the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” (51:30)
• Dr. Mercy Connors:
  “Listen to the heart behind those words... the fight kind of dissipates because you understand that they are wanting your good.” (62:18)

Important Timestamps

• 03:08 – Dr. Tim Clinton welcomes and introduces guests
• 04:14 – Terrorist organizations designation & security concerns
• 08:12 – Interview begins with Travis Johnson
• 08:32 – Ukraine-Russia peace, Trump’s foreign policy
• 10:01 – Persecution in Nigeria & Congo, faith-based interventions
• 12:43 – Practice of gratitude and perspective
• 15:46 – Buy a Tree, Change a Life mission
• 17:24 – Book announcement
• 24:25 – Interview begins with Todd Lamphere
• 26:45 – Border crisis & child trafficking
• 28:22 – Human flourishing in Israel, peace prospects
• 33:51 – Hurricane Melissa’s impact, relief efforts
• 41:00 – Interview begins with Sam Rodriguez
• 41:20 – Gender ideology in sports, cultural critique
• 43:30 – Muslim Brotherhood, ideological threats
• 46:26 – Lawlessness, ICE, public safety
• 48:09 – Child trafficking crisis from border policy
• 51:30 – Theological imperative to support Israel
• 58:07 – Interview with Dr. Mercy Connors: holiday stress
• 62:18 – Managing family conflict
• 63:17 – Maintaining family traditions
• 64:44 – Mental health strategies for children
• 66:18 – Keeping Christ in Christmas

Final Reflections

Host Dr. Tim Clinton closes the episode highlighting the importance of gratitude—encouraging listeners to make a list of five things to thank God for daily and to remember:

“Wise men still seek him.” (67:27)

This episode blends urgent news analysis with heartfelt practical and spiritual guidance, aiming to inspire resilience, gratitude, and faithfulness amid contemporary challenges.