Podcast
Them Before Us Podcast
Hosted by Them Before Us · EN
Join host Jennifer Friesen, Training Director at Them Before Us, along with the TBU team, as they cover politics, current events, and policy updates affecting children's rights. Featuring top experts in politics, bioethics, law, reproductive technology, research, and culture, this podcast equips listeners to defend children's rights in debates on legislation, family, and technology. With thought-provoking discussions and expert insights, the TBU Podcast is your go-to resource for advocating a child-centric approach in today's world.
55episodes
Episodes
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Them Before Us Podcast #098 | Patriotism isn't Political with Katie Broussard
Feb 2100:24:35Summary readyWhat are we teaching our children about America, and what are we neglecting?Jenn is joined by Katie Broussard, founder of The Littlest Statesmen and author of The Great George Washington, the first book in a seven-part series that introduces young children to the lives and characters of America’s Founders. A simple question from her three-year-old daughter about the Fourth of July led Katie to recognize how few resources exist to teach young children about the nation’s history, ideals, and sacrifices. That realization became a calling.In this conversation, Katie explains why the early years matter in shaping a child’s understanding of country, responsibility, and gratitude. She shares why stories of figures like George Washington and Betsy Ross belong alongside the fairy tales children already know. The discussion also examines why expressing appreciation for America’s founding principles has become divisive and what that shift means for families.Find more from her at https://www.thelittleststatesmen.comMake sure you're following Them Before Us across all of our social media platforms, subscribe on thembeforeus.substack.com and consider joining our TBU Ambassador program!
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Them Before Us Podcast #097 | #GreaterThan Launches and a NY Photographer Wins against Bullying
Jan 3000:59:18Summary readyKaty and Jenn talk about the #GreaterThan launch, a coalition of most major Christian and conservative groups and thought leaders, to retake marriage and restore it to the institution that best protects children in society. Learn more at greaterthancampaign.comThen Jenn has a conversation with Emilee Carpenter, an NY photographer who took the state to court over her objections to using her creative voice in violation of her conscience regarding marriage. Learn more about her and see her work at https://www.emileecarpenter.com/
SummaryThem Before Us Bonus | Is Katy Faust Anti-Adoption?
Jan 1500:10:17Summary readyKaty's recent post promoting the #LiveAction Young Leader summit, where she is speaking this year, garnered some comments from someone claiming Katy is anti-adoption. Katy goes on the record with her controversial take on adoption and answers the question once and for all, where she stands on the topic.
SummaryThem Before Us Podcast #096 | Talking Toxic Mom Groups & Cash for Babies?
Jan 1300:33:23Summary readyHow can governments incentivize couples to have more babies? What do you do when your fun mom group turns exclusive and "toxic"? And, in case you missed it, a "Here for the Comments" conversation about all the hate Katy got on her post about overturning Obergefell.
SummaryThem Before Us Podcast #095 | Defending Pro-Life Speech at the U.S. Supreme Court
Nov 2800:26:20Summary readyIn this episode, Jenn talks with Aimee Huber of First Choice Women’s Resource Centers and ADF attorney Gabriella McIntyre about how the New Jersey Attorney General has used his power to target a pro-life ministry that has never had a single complaint. First Choice has spent decades walking with women in their most vulnerable moments by offering real support, real resources, and real hope at no cost. Now the state is demanding years of private records, including donor names and addresses, while partnering with Planned Parenthood to undermine the work of those who actually help moms choose life.We look at what this kind of government intimidation means for women, for children, and for every nonprofit that depends on donor privacy and freedom from retaliation. And we talk about why ADF is taking this case to the Supreme Court to protect the rights of groups who refuse to bend to political pressure.Learn more at adflegal.org and join us in praying for Aimee and her team as they stand firm for the most vulnerable.https://adflegal.org/campaign/first-choice-womens-resource-centers-v-platkin/?sourcecode=11037542_r200
SummaryThem Before Us Podcast #094 | How to Defend Young Minds
Nov 2100:34:05Summary readyThe industry that promotes illicit sexual behavior targets children because it wants life-long customers. The reality is that it’s not a matter of if your kids will see pornography but when. This should not scare parents. It’s a chance to get prepared and to help your children be ready when the moment comes.Kristen A. Jenson is the founder of Defend Young Minds® and the #1 bestselling author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures.Good Pictures, Bad Pictures and Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr. are read-aloud books that teach young children how to reject pornography. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and are supported by the Guidebook for Counseling Kids, which helps child therapists and educators. Kristen and her team have also created many resources for families, including the Brain Defense Digital Safety curriculum, downloadable guides, and timely articles that help parents raise confident, resilient, and screen-smart kids.Website: https://www.defendyoungminds.com/Facebook: DefendYMInstagram: @DefendYoungMindsX: @DefendYMLinkedIn: @DefendYoungMinds
SummaryThem Before Us #093 | A Journey from Orphanage to Advocacy | Promoting Healthy Citizens in Indiana
Oct 700:29:45Summary readyIn this episode, Jenn is joined by Birjan Crispin, the Deputy Director of the Good Citizen Project with the Indiana Family Institute, where they talk about his story of adoption and the best ways for Christians to be good citizens, promoting what is best for human flourishing.Learn more at https://www.goodcitizen.us/ and follow Birjan at https://www.instagram.com/birjancrispin98/-------------------------Bio: Born in Ruse, Bulgaria and adopted at the age of two, Birjan brings a powerful and personal narrative to the world of public policy, leadership, and faith. Raised in Wheaton, Illinois, and a graduate of Hope College with degrees in Business (Finance) and Political Science, Birjan’s story-rooted in resilience and redemption-connects deeply with audiences across the country. With formative experience in the Indiana House of Representatives as a legislative aide and Indiana Family Institute as a policy analyst, along with his experience as a graduate of The Heritage Foundation’s Leadership Academy, The Leadership Institute’s Young Leaders Program, Indiana Family Institute’s Hoosier Leadership Series Class of 2024 and his current service as Deputy Director of The Good Citizen Project, Birjan brings a passionate perspective on issues of culture, theology & policy today. Birjan and his wife, Brooke, live in Anderson, Indiana, where they are active members of Grace Baptist Church. Beyond policy and politics, Birjan is a classical violinist and avid golfer, bringing a creative and thoughtful presence to every stage.
SummaryThem Before Us #092 | How Can We Save Families Before Tragedy | Upstream Collaborative
Oct 300:27:29Summary readyIn this episode, we sit down with Phil and Melody to talk about Family Preservation Ministries and their upcoming UNSHAKABLE 2026 Conference. Their mission is clear: to protect, preserve, and strengthen families through the local church—helping people before they reach crisis or end up in the foster care and adoption system. Grounded in the Gospel, this ministry is church-driven, professionally supported, financially healthy, and deeply collaborative. Through coaching, advocacy, and networking, they empower ministries to proclaim the Gospel, equip churches, steward resources wisely, and model generosity—all while making collaboration simple and effective.Learn more about this organization and their upcoming event at https://upstreamcollab.org/Bios:Melody Marshall is the Co-Executive Director of My Village Ministries, a local initiative focused on family preservation, and the Co-Executive Director of Upstream Collaborative, a nationwide network of family preservation ministries. After receiving a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science, Melody has pursued work that aligns with God’s calling to serve vulnerable families.Melody’s professional journey has spanned various roles, from house parent for at-risk teens to paraprofessional for children with special needs. Her experiences have shaped her unwavering dedication to the marginalized, the orphan, and the widow. Guided by a deep faith, Melody has seen God’s hand at work in her life, leading her to a clear calling to mobilize the Church to preserve socially isolated families in crisis, helping them build sustainable support systems and pathways to healing.Phil Krause is happily married to his wife, Erin, of 16 years and a father of 4 lively kids, living in Columbus, Ohio. He has almost 20 years of experience serving vulnerable families/children, including being a foster, adoptive, and host parent. He is currently the Co-Executive Director of My Village Ministries out of central Ohio, where they seek to accomplish family preservation through biblical hospitality. He also serves as the Co-Executive Director of Upstream Collaborative, which is a national collaborative that seeks to further equip family preservation ministries to protect, preserve, and strengthen families through the local church. Additionally, Phil has served as an elder for 4 years at Awaken Church in Columbus, Ohio.
SummaryThem Before Us #091 | Conceived by IVF & Sharing Pro-Life Views on Campus
Sep 1900:22:06Summary readyYou'll enjoy this conversation with Maddie! Check out her bio below and go follow her on Tiktok! "My name is Maddie, and I am a 22-year-old recent college graduate. I consider myself to be a Pro-Life activist. I was raised in a Christian-Conservative home, so my worldview has been wholly shaped bythe authority of Scripture. God has placed the desire in my heart to advocate against abortion and for all humans, preborn and born alike, tohave equal protection under the law. I refuse to be silent on the injustice being committed against the Imago Dei.In His sovereign plan, God has given me a unique perspective on the sanctity of life as it relates to IVF. My brother and I were both conceived through the process of IVF. When I became informed on the ethical horrors of IVF, I wrestled with what that meant about my own existence and how I could reconcile that with my Pro-Life convictions."Check out more:-- https://grtl.org/i-am-an-ivf-survivor-why-being-pro-ivf-is-not-pro-life/-- https://www.tiktok.com/@that.conservative.girl
SummaryThem Before Us #091 | “Truth Rising: Our Civilizational Moment” | John Stonestreet
Sep 400:33:59Summary readyColson Center’s John Stonestreet joins the Them Before Us podcast to discuss the new documentary Truth Rising. The film explores the rise of Western Civilization, the profound impact it has had on human history, why it’s now at risk, and what we can do to preserve it. TBU’s Katy Faust is also featured in the film. Truth Rising premieres September 5—don’t miss it!------------------John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after speaker and author on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He has co-authored five books including A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things. Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations (Anglican Church of North America). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
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