wavePod

Get Wave AI

THE ROAD FORWARD - OCTOBER 12TH, 2025 - Real America’s Voice | Wave AI Podcast Notes

Back to Real America’s Voice

THE ROAD FORWARD - OCTOBER 12TH, 2025

Real America’s Voice

Sun Oct 12 2025

Summary

Real America’s Voice – THE ROAD FORWARD – October 12, 2025

Host: Dr. Tim Clinton
Featured Guests: Ralph Reed, Michele Bachmann, Dr. Shauna Anderson, Heidi St. John
Theme: “A Word of Hope and Encouragement in Challenging Times – Faith, Culture, and America’s Future”

Episode Overview

This episode of “The Road Forward” delivers a faith-centered analysis of major political and cultural developments shaping contemporary America. Host Dr. Tim Clinton brings together prominent conservative voices to discuss the anniversary of the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, the American faith revival and its societal implications, ongoing government shutdown debates, the battle for religious freedoms, and confronting challenges in education and culture. The conversation blends policy, spirituality, and personal encouragement, urging listeners to hold fast to hope and shared values in uncertain times.

1. Remembering the October 7, 2023 Attack on Israel

Guest: Ralph Reed
Timestamps: [03:11] – [12:23]

Dr. Clinton opens by reflecting on the two-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, highlighting ongoing needs for the return of hostages and a stance against violence and terror.
The conversation stresses the program's deep support for Israel, with references to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s remarks and an emotional recounting of the attack’s brutality:
- “Infants, children and elderly people were brutally and horrifically murdered by Hamas terrorists. 251 men and women were abducted into the terror tunnels of the Gaza Strip.” — Dr. Tim Clinton [03:11]
Ralph Reed, founder of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, recounts his personal visits to the affected sites in Israel, using vivid descriptions to emphasize the moral stakes:
- “I have visited those kibbutzes…I have walked through the streets and into the houses in Kafar Esa…where people were not only murdered and raped and decapitated and hacked to death, but were burned alive in their safe rooms.” — Ralph Reed [10:43]
- He expresses strong support for Israeli security and the need to remove Hamas’ governing authority in Gaza:
  “If there’s a way to get all the hostages dead or alive out, and make sure that Hamas has no authority in Gaza ever again and is disarmed, I’m for that.” — Ralph Reed [11:38]
Both Clinton and Reed call for prayer and continued advocacy for a just and lasting peace, not a “surrender to Hamas."

2. Government Shutdown and Policy Disputes

Guest: Ralph Reed
Timestamps: [06:26] – [09:42]

Discussion frames the ongoing government shutdown as a result of sharp partisan divides, particularly focused on healthcare (Obamacare) policy.
- Reed recalls previous shutdowns as political maneuvers: “A lot of this…has been policy disputes. And shutting down the government was a way to kind of increase the pain on the other side…hoping to get policy concessions…That was the case for us in 2013. It didn’t work then. It’s not going to work now.” — Ralph Reed [07:03]
Reed critiques the current healthcare system as unaffordable and calls for a principled stand against expanding government-run healthcare: “We should not cave on a program that does not work, that is not affordable. We need to create a more humane and caring and affordable alternative.” — Ralph Reed [09:20]
Clinton notes the shutdown’s broad impacts, citing polling and national travel issues.

3. The Faith Surge and American Revival

Guest: Michele Bachmann
Timestamps: [17:22] – [23:38]

Clinton and Bachmann discuss the passing of Christian leaders (notably Dr. James Dobson), reflecting on his legacy and faith-driven leadership.
Bachmann shares personal stories illustrating Dobson’s commitment to family and ministry, stressing the importance of the local church: “Other than Dr. Billy Graham, no one had more influence on the generation than Dr. James Dobson…He stood for all the right things.” — Michele Bachmann [18:22]
The episode highlights a documented “faith surge” in America:
- “America is in revival. Church attendance is up 15% across America, and the bulk of that increase is young people…and of the young people, the bulk is young males. So we’re seeing a new happening in America.” — Michele Bachmann [21:37-21:57]
Bachmann distinguishes between “revival” (spiritual awakening at an individual level) and a true “Great Awakening” (societal transformation through discipleship and obedience).
Both urge churches and believers to “disciple” new believers for sustained cultural change.

4. Israel, Disinformation, and Influence on Campuses

Guest: Michele Bachmann
Timestamps: [23:38] – [26:29]

Bachmann details the spread of anti-Israel sentiment, attributing much to foreign influence, especially from Qatar: “Qatar…have been spending a lot of money on propaganda all over the world, but specifically in the U.S…They’ve put their money where their mouth is. They believe in terrorism. They believe in killing Jews. They believe in wiping Israel off the map and destroying the Jewish state. $200 billion.” — Michele Bachmann [24:23]
She warns of shifting attitudes among young Christian conservatives and points to the creation of the “Israel Institute” at Regent University to counteract misinformation and teach “truth and facts.”

5. Religious Liberty and Therapy: The Supreme Court Case

Guest: Dr. Shauna Anderson
Timestamps: [29:56] – [38:44]

Dr. Clinton and Dr. Anderson discuss a landmark counseling case argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. The issue centers on freedom of speech for therapists counseling minors about same-sex attraction and gender identity.
- Anderson highlights the principle of "viewpoint discrimination": “You can be in counseling…for affirmation…but not if you want to actually explore change in those areas. If you no longer want to have same sex attraction or actually seek to have your gender correspond with your body.” — Dr. Shauna Anderson [32:28]
- She clarifies that the crux of the legal battle is not about “conversion therapy” but about the ability for therapists to engage in “talk therapy” consistent with clients’ religious convictions and self-determination.
Dr. Anderson argues such government restrictions on licensed counselors violate religious liberty and professional practice standards: “The liberal left activists have hijacked our field and they’re really trying to impose their way of doing things…it really violates our freedom to be able to do the work that we’ve been trained to do, that our faith encourages…It’s not the government’s position to tell us how to do our work.” — Dr. Shauna Anderson [37:36]

6. Cultural Shift, Education, and Political Realignment

Guest: Heidi St. John
Timestamps: [43:35] – [52:53]

Clinton and St. John revisit the “faith surge,” focusing on increased church attendance—especially among young men—following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and rising dissatisfaction with "woke" institutions and figures. “We need Jesus. We need the Lord in our lives. And I think we’re seeing that…People are going back to church…revival that’s happening even on the streets of Portland is real.” — Heidi St. John [44:21]
St. John comments on crime, open borders, and urban decay, particularly in Portland and other Democratic-led cities, expressing hope that a political and practical shift is coming: “Normal people don’t want that. And Trump is reading the room. This is why you see…hardened Democrats going, okay, thanks. Nevermind, we didn’t like the crime.” — Heidi St. John [47:09]
The importance of battling “confusion” and destructive ideologies is emphasized: “The enemy is the author of confusion…When you can’t understand why Governor Newsom in California doesn’t want his state to succeed, he would rather see it fail than admit that his state is in crisis…God is not the author of confusion, he is the author of peace.” — Heidi St. John [49:14]
St. John warns of the urgent crisis in American education, tracing radical cultural and political trends to activist professors and teachers: “They are in our grade schools, our high schools, and our universities. And so we need to pay attention…If we don’t address the crisis in education…it is a five-alarm fire.” — Heidi St. John [51:14]

7. Hope, Encouragement, and a Call to Action

Host Closing Thoughts
Timestamps: [52:59] – [End]

Dr. Clinton concludes with a message of spiritual encouragement and practical hope, quoting Ephesians 6:10-12 and urging listeners to rely on faith during challenging times.
He addresses mental health and suicide prevention, encouraging those struggling to seek professional and pastoral help, and offers information on Christian counseling networks and training for aspiring mental health coaches. “I’ve learned as a professional counselor that it’s normal to have concerns, maybe some fear or worry…If you or someone you love is struggling, I hope you’ll…reach out for help.” — Dr. Tim Clinton [approximately 57:15]

Notable Quotes & Moments

“Faith is back in America. A faith surge, really. And everyone is talking about God right now. What a wonderful thing.”
— Dr. Tim Clinton [03:11]
“America is in revival…statistically in a revival… Church attendance is up 15% across America. The bulk of that increase is young people.”
— Michele Bachmann [21:37]
“We need to continue to pray into this continued revival…that God would turn this current revival…into a real awakening in our country that will change the nation.”
— Michele Bachmann [22:44]
“God is not the author of confusion, he is the author of peace…As God’s people, I think we can step back and look at this and go, oh hey, we know who’s behind this. And it is the enemy. It is the spirit of this age.”
— Heidi St. John [49:14]

Key Takeaways

Faith and culture are intertwined in America’s current moment; a “revival” is posited as swelling in the aftermath of national tragedy and social unrest.
Support for Israel remains a core conservative value, with criticism of foreign influence and disinformation campaigns targeting young Americans.
Political division, particularly over healthcare and government shutdowns, is framed as symptomatic of deeper issues regarding truth, values, and leadership.
The fight for religious liberty in counseling and mental health is a present and urgent concern, with significant ramifications for freedom of speech and faith-based practice.
Transformation of America’s future is seen as contingent on addressing the educational “crisis”—counteracting ideological indoctrination is positioned as the next great battleground.

Additional Resources & Further Engagement

For encouragement and updates:
- Follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)
Christian counseling resources:
- aacc.net
- ChristianCareConnect.com
Training:
- LightUniversity.com Mental Health Coach program
Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
- Dial 988

This summary encapsulates the episode’s major conversations, insights, and moments of inspiration and challenge, emphasizing the recurring themes of cultural struggle, faith-fueled hope, and the call for renewal through spiritual revival and principled civic engagement.

Loading summary...

Transcript

iHeart Advertising Announcer (0:00)

This is an iHeart podcast.

Propane Energy Advertiser (0:04)

The US electric grid is approaching a breaking point. As demand soars from data centers and home energy use, our aging infrastructure can't keep up. And the Department of Energy warns that without action, blackouts could surge 100 fold by 2030. The good news? One solution is already here. Propane. It's American made, stored on site and always ready, powering homes and businesses with cleaner, reliable energy that doesn't depend on the grid or the weather. Learn more@propain.com youm know what your customers.

Ben Ferguson (0:35)

Are doing right this second? The exact same thing. You are listening to me. Which, let's be honest, is kind of flattering. But my point Is ads on iHeartRadio actually get heard in the car, at the gym, on the couch while people are walking their dogs.

Dr. Tim Clinton (0:50)

Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy? You're a good boy.

Ben Ferguson (0:53)

That's right, dude.

Dr. Shauna Anderson (0:53)

You're a good.

Ben Ferguson (0:54)

So why not make the next ad about you? Get started today. Call 844-844-IHEART or go to iheartadvertising.com that's 844-844, iheart or iheart advertising.com I'm Ben Ferguson.

Senator Ted Cruz (1:05)

And I'm Ted Cruz. Three times a week we do our podcast, Verdict with Ted Cruz.

Ben Ferguson (1:10)

Nationwide, we have millions of listeners.

Senator Ted Cruz (1:13)

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we break down the news and bring you behind the scenes inside the White House, inside the Senate, inside the United States Supreme Court.

Ben Ferguson (1:21)

And we cover the stories that you're not getting anywhere else.

Senator Ted Cruz (1:25)

We arm you with the facts to be able to know and advocate for the truth with your friends and family.

Ben Ferguson (1:31)

So download Verdict with Ted Cruz now. Wherever you get your podcasts.

Leon Neyfak (1:34)

What I told people I was making a podcast about Benghazi. Nine times out of ten, they called me a masochist, rolled their eyes, or.

Dr. Tim Clinton (3:11)

This week we were reminded of the horrific and evil attack on Israel two years ago, October 7, 2023 and the need for resolve, including bringing home the rest of the hostages. We stand with Israel and we shall never forget that there is no place in our world for violence and terror like we witnessed there. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, said, we paid a very painful price. Infants, children and elderly people were brutally and horrifically murdered by Hamas terrorists. 251 men and women were abducted into the terror tunnels of the Gaza Strip. Well, faith is back in America. A faith surge, really. And everyone is talking about God right now. What a wonderful thing. In the aftermath of the horrific assassination of TPUSA leader Charlie Kirk, TP USA events are continuing. Virginia Tech, Utah State University packing the places out this week they were at Montana State University. It's quite moving, really. And church attendance is on the rise. People are asking, will faith shape America's next chapter? I think so. Hey, when you look at social media and what's happening in Chicago, Portland and other cities, though Americans continue to be concerned and fearful about potential acts of violence and terrorism in their communities. And again, rightfully so, people are also wondering too, what about this government shutdown and when is it going to end? The Schumer shutdown is looking pretty bad for the Dems every day. New poll Americans want Democrats to end the shutdown 70% oppose the government shutdown. 65% say Democrats should accept the Republican clean nonpartisan resolution. 55% say Democrats are just trying to please their base. As a result, we're seeing nationwide flight disruptions and the FAA is warning of staff shortages. Hey, in times like these, our hope, our strength, it always comes from the Lord. Here's a great verse to hold onto this week. Ephesians 6, 10, 12 finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggles not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. I want to pray and ask God to guide us. Our program today. God be with us. I pray a special blessing over this broadcast. Use it for your glory. Thank you for your faithfulness, God, even in the midst of these dark times, you are with us. And it's to that end I pray in Jesus name. Amen. Let's get started. For more encouragement and to stay connected, follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram and X. We love being a part of your life. Joining us now is conservative political activist Ralph Reed. He's the founder and chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition. He's offered several bestselling books. His columns have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Review, many more. Ralph, welcome back. Thank you for joining me.

Ben Ferguson (7:06)

You know, going all the way back to the famous or infamous 95, 96 shutdown, which, frankly, Tim, probably cost us the White House in 1996. The most recent ones were 2013, when we shut it down because we were trying to defund Obamacare, then 2018, and now this one when they're trying to get more funding for Obamacare. So a lot of this, to be clear, has been policy disputes. And shutting down the government was a way to kind of increase the pain on the other side in the hopes of getting policy concessions that you otherwise wouldn't get because you're in the minority. That was the case for us in 2013. We didn't have the votes to repeal Obamacare, but we were trying to do it by shutting the government down. Tim, it didn't work then. It's not going to work now. And let's be clear about what's going on here. We warned everybody in 2009 and 10 when Obamacare was passed that his promise that if you wanted to keep your doctor, you could, that it would be affordable, that premiums were not going to go up was all a lie. And that's exactly what's happened. So when Biden won in 2020, the first thing they did to try and shore Obamacare up because the premiums aren't affordable on the exchanges. Tim, this is government run health care with lots of mandates. It's very expensive. We warned them not to do that, but because of their friends in the unions, they tried to create these Cadillac plans, you know, for their constituency, and the result is they're unaffordable. So when Biden got in to try and save it, they created these additional, they call them tax credits. They're really just subsidies to insurance companies so that people can afford their premiums. And I think we should not cave on this. We should not cave on a program that does not work, that is not affordable. We need to create a more humane and caring and affordable alternative. You know, preventative care policies get people in high risk pools with people with previous conditions. We don't want anybody to be denied healthcare, but there's a better way. And this is a huge opportunity for us. But we cannot cave on the issue of massive taxpayer subsidies on top of massive taxpayer spending on a broken system.

Michele Bachmann (18:22)

Well, he, as you know, he loved you, Tim. Dr. Dobson loved you and appreciated you so much. And he would he really defined our generation. I'm so grateful to have him. I was a very young mother, a young woman, even before our children were born. When I first started listening to him, he changed the trajectory of my family, of our children's lives, and he did that. That was replicated in family after family. And I think for his generation, my opinion is that other than Dr. Billy Graham, no one had more influence on the generation than Dr. James Dobson. He was a profound influence for the Lord, for life, for public policy, for the gospel being transmitted, for discipleship. He stood for all the right things. And I thank God for the salt and light that was his life. And you knew up until the very end of his life, Tim, as did I, and he was still engaged and active. God put into him the spirit of a lion that he just, he was never going to stop. He was high intellect and high biblical faith, but so much fun, so down to earth, probably one of the most humble people you'd ever meet. And he is what you saw, what you heard on the radio, that is who he was. Very loving, wonderful man. And he got great tributes from his two children, his adult children, Danae and Ryan, they said that our father was always there for us. In fact, Danae said he installed a private phone in his office so that my mom, his wife Shirley, and my brother and I, we could call him anytime. And literally, we call him during a board meeting or whenever it was for any reason. And he would take the call because he wanted his children to know that they were always first, as he wanted Shirley to know that. And Ryan said the same thing. Boy, if my children will say that of me at the end of my life, I will die a happy woman. So I'm just so proud of Dr. Dobson, his ministry, what he accomplished. And both you and I know, Tim, that the Lord said to this wonderful, beautiful man, well done, good and faithful servant, indeed.

Dr. Tim Clinton (52:59)

You know, I realize there are a lot of choices when it comes to who you choose for your cell phone service and there are a lot of new ones popping up all the time. But here's the truth. There's only one that boldly stands in the gap for every American that believes that freedom is worth fighting for. And that's Patriot Mobile. Here's the best part. You can use the promo code Road Forward for a free month of service right now. You know, for more than 12 years Patriot Mobile has been on the front lines fighting for our God given rights and freedoms while at the same time providing exceptional nationwide cell phone service with access to all three of the main networks. Don't just take my word for it. Ask the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have made the switch and they're now supporting causes they believe in simply by joining Patriot Mobile. I sure have. Switching, by the way, is easier than ever. Activate in minutes from the comfort of your own home. Keep your number, keep your phone or even upgrade. Patriot Mobile's all US based support team. They're standing by right now to take care of you. You can call the number 972patriot 972patriot right now or go to patriot patriotmobile.com road forward. Use the promo code Road Forward for a free month of Service. That's right patriotmobile.com Road forward. Or call 972 Patriot and make the switch today. In closing, these are unprecedented times, difficult times. But I know this. God's in control and I believe he's at work. I hope you'll press in close to him in his heart. Know that God loves you. He wants to be in your life. Our hope, our strength comes from the Lord. Here again is a strong encouraging verse to hold on to this week. Ephesians 6, verses 10 through 12. Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power, put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. I hope you know that no matter where you're at or what you're going through, you can look to God for wisdom and direction in your everyday life. Let me also say this. I've learned as a professional counselor that it's normal to have concerns, maybe some fear or worry, especially when life isn't the way it's supposed to be. And I've also learned too, that if you aren't careful, it can begin to consume you, control you. It's easy to lose perspective for some. They feel like they've lost hope. It can get so dark that some would feel like life would be better off without them. I say this every week. You don't have to live like that. Simply taking a step, reaching out for help. It's often the gateway to a new day or a new you. And if you or someone you love is struggling, I hope you'll do that. Reach out for help. There are wonderful counselors and pastors who care, who can help you find the hope and the answers that you're looking for. And there are a lot of wonderful resources now. I'd love to connect you with some of those. You can find out more information on those@aacc.net our website aacc.net if you're looking for a Christian mental health provider, try to our new website called ChristianCareConnect.com ChristianCareConnect.com if you don't have a personal relationship with God in Christ, you know what? You can have one right now by asking him to come into your life. Ask him to forgive you of your sin and to come into your life as Lord and Savior. Simply praying a prayer from your heart to God's heart like this. You can pray it with me. Lord Jesus, I need you. I know I'm a sinner. I believe that you died for my sins and I want to turn from them and invite you to come into my heart and into my life. I want to trust you. I want to follow you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for loving me, for giving your life for me. Thank you for the gift of grace, forgiveness, the gift of eternal life. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen. You know what the Bible says in John 3:16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life. And in Romans 10:9 it says if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, the Bible says this, you will be saved. Best thing you can do if you prayed that prayer from your heart to God's heart is commit to serving God for the rest of your life. He'll give you the strength to do it. I believe that. Hey, if you're struggling with hopelessness right now, you feel like you can't go on. Hope you'll pick up the phone right now. Call the suicide hotline. Number is simple, it's just simply dial 988-988. That's the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Hey, before we go, maybe God has gifted you with a heart to help other people. Hope you'll consider being a part of our Mental Health Coach First Responder Training program. You can enroll right now and beyond your way to becoming a board certified Mental health coach. Over 70,000 people have now enrolled. Everything you need to know about this program is at lightuniversity.com mentalhealthcoach lightuniversity.com mental health coach it's a 42 hour training program featuring some of the world's leading mental health and ministry experts, all on video. You can study 24 7, 365 the best news that kind of program usually costs around $2,400, but there might be a scholarship up there for someone just like you. Lightuniversity.com Mental Health Coach I'm Dr. Tim Clinton. As always, thanks for watching. See you next week right here on Sunday. The Road Forward on Real America's Voice.