Speak Up! Virginia

The Family Foundation
  • 5.0 (43)
  • Politics
  • Weekly

Equipping you to speak up on the life, family, and freedom issues that matter most to you.

  1. 6d ago

    Sen. Lucas Indicted, Spanberger’s Educational Freedom Test & Keynote Speaker Lawrence Jones | Ep 296

    Follow the money. Powerful Virginia Senator Louise Lucas — a longtime advocate for legalized pot shops in neighborhoods — has been arrested by the federal government. Prosecutors allege she was running a multi-million-dollar marijuana enterprise of her own, facing federal racketeering, drug trafficking, and money laundering charges. In this episode of Speak Up Virginia, host Candi Cushman and Dr. Todd Gathje (Vice President of Government Relations at The Family Foundation) break down the indictment, Lucas’s influence in the Senate, and what it could mean for marijuana legalization in Virginia.  Also in this episode: • Will Governor Spanberger put families over politics and fully opt Virginia into the new federal tax credit scholarship program? This could unlock hundreds of millions of dollars to help students in both public and private schools — without costing the state budget a dime. • Exclusive premiere: Fox & Friends co-host Lawrence Jones delivers his keynote from The Family Foundation Gala. His message: Virginia’s comeback is closer than you think. He talks education, parental rights, standing for life, and why Virginians shouldn’t give up. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro 2:15 – Sen. Louise Lucas Arrested on Federal Charges 12:40 – The Indictment, “Lucas Enterprises,” and Conflict of Interest 22:10 – Will Pot Shops Still Open? What Happens Next? 28:45 – Governor Spanberger & the Federal Education Tax Credit 38:20 – Exclusive: Lawrence Jones Keynote – Virginia’s Comeback 1:02:15 – Closing Thoughts.  Speak Up Virginia is a production of The Family Foundation of Virginia. We equip you to speak up on the life, family, and freedom issues that matter most.  Learn more and get involved: https://www.familyfoundation.org Subscribe for more episodes #LouiseLucas #Virginia #FamilyFoundation #SchoolChoice #LawrenceJones #VirginiaPolitics

    Sen. Lucas Indicted, Spanberger’s Educational Freedom Test & Keynote Speaker Lawrence Jones | Ep 296

  2. Oct 21

    EXCLUSIVE: Victoria Cobb’s Gala Speech+Dem Door Knockers: Criminals “Encouraged to Apply”?! | Ep. 295

    Our children and grandchildren don’t get to choose the Virginia they’re inheriting. In this episode of Speak at Virginia, we feature the full, much-anticipated speech from Family Foundation President Victoria Cobb at this year’s annual gala—where she challenges us not to hand our kids “Nineveh and call it home.”We also break down two timely stories: A Democrat door-knocking job posting (for Progressive Turnout Project) that explicitly encourages people with criminal records to apply. Governor Spanberger’s anger after the Trump administration halted federal Medicaid dollars used for sex-rejecting procedures on minors. From the Family Foundation, host Candi Cushman and the team discuss the stakes of the November 3rd ballot amendments, the power of everyday action, and why staying and fighting for Virginia matters. Want to get involved? There are still opportunities to knock doors, phone bank, text, or support the effort. Email grace@familyfoundation.org and she’ll help connect you based on your location and availability. More resources:Visit https://www.familyfoundation.org/ for voter guides, myth-vs-fact graphics, Spanish-language materials, social media downloadables, and updates on the amendments. Like, subscribe, and share if this episode encourages you to stay in the fight for the Commonwealth our kids will inherit.

    EXCLUSIVE: Victoria Cobb’s Gala Speech+Dem Door Knockers: Criminals “Encouraged to Apply”?! | Ep. 295

  3. Oct 7

    When the State Redefines What God Has Defined: A Special Message from Pastor Gary Hamrick

    The state thinks it can redefine what God has defined. Pastor Gary Hamrick of Cornerstone Chapel says the church cannot sit this one out—and he is right. On this episode of Speak Up Virginia, host Candi Cushman and Victoria Cobb talk with churches across the Commonwealth that are finally addressing the two constitutional amendments on Virginia’s November ballot. Question 1 would strip protection for human life in the womb and lock in weaker safety rules. Question 2 would replace God-designed marriage with an ideology the state has no authority to redefine. Early voting is already open. Pastor Hamrick makes the case that this is not the church getting political. It is the church staying biblical after the state stepped into the theological lane—defining marriage, sex, and when life begins. He walks through why “separation of church and state” was meant to keep government out of the church, why Christian apathy cedes ground, and why a righteous remnant is the restraining force against evil. In this episode: Historic church engagement, including One Voice Sunday and the Diocese of Arlington The Stand for Life and Marriage Tour Why pastors have the freedom to speak on these ballot questions What Virginia’s constitution currently says about marriage—and what these amendments would change Practical next steps: vote, talk to neighbors, and ask your pastor to address it Election Day is November 3. Early voting is open now. Vote NO on Questions 1 and 2. Resources and shareable graphics: https://www.familyfoundation.org/ Question 1 explainer: https://www.familyfoundation.org/stopunlimitedabortion Speak Up Virginia is a production of The Family Foundation. We are stronger when we speak together. Share this episode with your pastor and your church.

    When the State Redefines What God Has Defined: A Special Message from Pastor Gary Hamrick

  4. Sep 23

    Exposed: Spanberger's Hidden Agenda on Girls' Sports +Lt. Gov. Backs El-Sayed | Episode 293

    SPEAK UP! VIRGINIA — EPISODE 293 In this episode of Speak Up! Virginia, Candi Cushman and Victoria Cobb discuss recent developments involving the Virginia Board of Health and a rulemaking process concerning girls’ sports, locker rooms, and changing areas. The episode examines the Board of Health’s previous 14–0 vote to begin the rulemaking process, public comments submitted by Virginians, the subsequent withdrawal of the rulemaking, and questions raised publicly about the legal reasoning behind that decision. Candi and Victoria also discuss recent comments from Gov. Abigail Spanberger, developments involving the Virginia Board of Health, and testimony from parents and female athletes who participated in the public process. The episode also includes a discussion about early voting and the 2026 Family Foundation Action voter guides, which provide information about candidates and their positions on several issues. RESOURCES 📋 2026 Voter Guides Family Foundation Action — Voter Guides https://www.familyfoundationaction.org/voter-guides 🏛️ Virginia Governor — Constituent Services Contact the Governor's Office https://constituentservices.solutions.virginia.gov/email 📞 Governor's Office: 804-786-2211  WATCH & SHARE Watch the full episode and share it with others who want to follow the latest developments in Virginia public policy and the Board of Health. Speak Up! Virginia Hosted by Candi Cushman The Family Foundation of Virginia

    Exposed: Spanberger's Hidden Agenda on Girls' Sports +Lt. Gov. Backs El-Sayed | Episode 293

  5. Sep 16

    AI, Big Tech & Our Kids: Battle to Put Parents in Control | Ep. 292

    This week, Candi and Todd tackle tough AI questions: what parents should know about the impact of social media and LLMs. Plus, learn more about new court cases strengthening protections for our kids. For more information, visit: FamilyFoundation.org

    AI, Big Tech & Our Kids: Battle to Put Parents in Control | Ep. 292

  6. Sep 9

    THE MIDTERMS: Will Virginia Determine the Fate of the Country? | Ep. 291

    This week, Candi sits down with Bruce Schlesman, Executive Director of The Family Foundation Action to get the full scoop on the impact of the upcoming mid-term elections. Together, they break down national trends and why Virginia is at the center of it all. For more information or to support the work of The Family Foundation Action, the 501(c)(4) sister organization to The Family Foundation, visit: https://www.familyfoundationaction.org/

    THE MIDTERMS: Will Virginia Determine the Fate of the Country? | Ep. 291

  7. Sep 2

    The Clancy Case & The Question We Can't Ignore: Special Talk From Bishop E.W. Jackson | Ep. 290

    This week, Candi and Victoria bring you a poignant message from Bishop E.W. Jackson. In a time of confusion, it's our job as believers to bring light, truth, and clarity to our world. For more information on One Voice Sunday, visit: https://www.familyfoundation.org/onevoice For more resources and an upcoming schedulee on church events, visit: https://www.stand4lifeandmarriage.org/ Or as always, check out our resources at: https://www.familyfoundation.org/ & https://www.foundingfreedomslaw.org/

    The Clancy Case & The Question We Can't Ignore: Special Talk From Bishop E.W. Jackson | Ep. 290

  8. Aug 26

    The Cost of Courage: Sophie Cunningham & the Nurse Who Refused to Abort | Ep. 289

    What happens when you simply refuse to go along with what you know is wrong? In this episode of Speak Up! Virginia, Candi Cushman and Victoria Cobb look at two courageous women who found themselves at the center of national controversy after standing their ground. 🏀 Sophie Cunningham has faced intense backlash after speaking openly about protecting girls and women in sports. From booing and protests to controversy surrounding fans who supported her, Sophie has refused to back down — and has also been increasingly open about her Christian faith. 👶 McKenna West, a nurse and surrogate mother, refused to terminate a pregnancy after doctors discovered that the baby she was carrying had a serious but treatable heart condition. Instead, she traveled to Texas, where Baby Gabriel was born and received life-saving treatment. These two stories may seem very different, but they raise the same fundamental question: What happens when you have the courage to stand for truth, even when the culture tells you to stay silent? Candi and Victoria discuss: • The controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham and women's sports • Why Title IX exists and what is at stake for female athletes • The pressure Christians can face to self-censor • The WNBA's struggle to define who is eligible to play in a women's league • The surprising challenge from former NBA players over the league's eligibility rules • McKenna West's decision to refuse an abortion and protect Baby Gabriel • The growing commercialization of surrogacy and the questions it raises about the value of human life • What these stories reveal about courage, truth, faith, and standing up for what is right 📖 Learn more and find resources from The Family Foundation: familyfoundation.org If this conversation encouraged you, share this episode with your friends, family, church, and community. 🎙️ Speak Up! Virginia is a podcast from The Family Foundation of Virginia, hosted by Candi Cushman with President Victoria Cobb. We are stronger when we speak together.

    The Cost of Courage: Sophie Cunningham & the Nurse Who Refused to Abort | Ep. 289
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About

Equipping you to speak up on the life, family, and freedom issues that matter most to you.

Information

  • Creator
    The Family Foundation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    289
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Speak Up! Virginia

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