Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol

California Family Council
  • 3.7 (3)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

California Family Council's weekly show giving you the latest news on Life, Family, and Liberty, live from Sacramento!

  1. 4D AGO

    97: Governor Newsom Responds to Save Girls’ Sports Movement

    In Episode 97 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down the latest controversy surrounding girls’ sports in California after another male athlete dominated multiple girls’ track and field events at CIF prelims. Sophia shares behind-the-scenes details from a powerful press conference where brave female athletes spoke out for fairness, safety, and equal opportunity, even as Governor Newsom’s office accused critics of “bullying.” Sophia and Greg discuss why teenage girls should not be left alone to defend their own rights, the growing national attention on the Save Girls’ Sports movement, and why parents, pastors, and leaders must finally speak up. They also unpack AB 2017, a California bill that would expand religious holiday observances in public schools, and what it reveals about the state’s approach to religion and education. Plus: practical ways listeners can take action, support female athletes, and stay involved in what’s happening at the Capitol! Watch the press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMhaGFBkvv0 Sign the Petition urging CIF to follow Title IX: https://www.xxonly.org/petition/ AB 2017 Article: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/05/california-wants-to-give-public-schools-permission-to-celebrate-the-end-of-ramadan/

    29 min

  2. MAY 1

    96: Chaos at the Capitol: Hate Speech Bill Without a Definition & Abortion Bill Hits Headlines

    In this episode of Coffee Culture & The Capitol, the team breaks down a chaotic and high-stakes week in California politics—from testimony at the State Capitol to national media coverage. They unpack AB 1973, a controversial bill expanding who can perform second and third trimester abortions, raising serious concerns about medical safety and standards of care. The conversation then turns to AB 1578, a so-called “anti-hate” training bill that sparked intense debate after lawmakers struggled to define what “hate speech” actually means. With powerful testimony, sharp questioning from legislators, and a moment that left the room silent, the episode highlights the growing tension between free speech, faith, and public policy. After their testimony gained attention from major media outlets like the New York Post, the hosts reflect on how local advocacy can shape national conversations—and why staying informed and engaged has never been more important. Links: New York Post Article: https://nypost.com/2026/04/28/us-news/california-dems-plot-to-let-nurses-perform-late-term-abortions/ Action center AB 1973 https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/160547/ AB 1973 Hearing https://youtu.be/6uBTmrAN2uc Action Center AB 1578 https://californiafamily.quorum.us/campaign/161032/ AB 1578 Hearing https://youtu.be/ce4dovJo60M National Day of Prayer https://www.californiafamily.org/2026-national-day-of-prayer/ America Reads the Bible https://youtu.be/5UKbmaHFcpc California family Website https://www.californiafamily.org/

    38 min

  3. APR 17

    95: Opt Out & Speak Up: The Battle for Parents, Kids, and Truth in California

    In Episode 95 of Coffee, Culture & the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt unpack two major developments impacting families, faith, and freedom in California. First, they highlight a powerful new webinar designed for parents and teachers, featuring legal experts from organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom, Pacific Justice Institute, and National Center for Law and Policy. The discussion centers on recent Supreme Court decisions—especially Mahmoud v. Taylor—that expand parental rights in education. Listeners will learn how families can exercise opt-out rights from controversial curriculum and how teachers can navigate growing pressure in the classroom. Then, the episode turns to a heated California Senate hearing on SB 934, introduced by Scott Wiener. Sophia and Greg break down the bill’s implications, including concerns about free speech, counseling practices, and potential legal risks for professionals. Featuring clips and commentary from the committee hearing, they explore the broader cultural and legal tensions shaping policy in California—and what’s at stake moving forward. Links: Watch the webinar here: https://youtu.be/WMB8wgnJ3lE?si=CM6XylMbi3b2oJUh Parental rights resource: https://californiafamily.org/parental-rights-resources.html Watch ADF Chiles V salazar explanation here: https://youtu.be/wT_P24m5jGE?si=5r3aEXzEorQi9ToH Watch Full SB 934 hearing here: https://youtu.be/IvrR7TIeGo8?si=HPLWvostxiSPCXB9

    33 min

  4. APR 10

    94: The Fight for Women’s Spaces & Against Abortion on Campus: Breaking Down AB 2563 & AB 2540

    In this episode, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down a fast-paced and impactful week at the California State Capitol, where key legislation took center stage and critical voices were heard. From a press conference addressing concerns over gender-related policies affecting minors to multiple high-stakes bill hearings, the team shares what it’s like to be on the frontlines of a busy legislative session. The episode highlights two major bills, including AB 2563, which raises serious concerns about the redefinition of sex in California law and its potential consequences for women’s rights, privacy, and free speech. Policy Engagement Coordinator Leandra Wells joins the conversation to share her powerful firsthand testimony opposing AB 2540. Drawing from her own experience as a college student facing an unexpected pregnancy, Leandra offers a compelling perspective on the challenges women face—and the importance of real support systems like pregnancy resource centers. Her story sparks meaningful discussion among the hosts and even drew strong reactions from legislators during the hearing. The episode also explores broader cultural narratives surrounding abortion, the lack of resources for women who choose to carry their pregnancies to term, and the importance of sharing personal stories to challenge prevailing assumptions. With behind-the-scenes insights, heartfelt testimony, and a call for greater public engagement, this episode captures what it means to advocate for life, truth, and compassionate support in the public square. Links: Alternatives Pregnancy Resource: https://alternativespc.org/ Full hearing of AB 2540 https://youtu.be/6nJvh0IstDE?si=F9FnNQ4IZHFoDHD0 Full hearing of AB 2563 https://youtu.be/ouBfBeSAAx8?si=JGDdCrNu55qKX60C

    33 min

  5. MAR 30

    93: Silence or Truth? Sophia and Greg Call Christians to Speak Out as Church Protections Fail

    Episode 93 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, highlights both cultural and legislative challenges facing Christians in California. Sophia reflects on speaking at a women’s conference, emphasizing that young girls are increasingly exposed to issues like gender ideology at early ages and encouraging parents to engage in honest conversations with their children. Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt stress the importance of boldly speaking biblical truth, even when it is unpopular, rather than offering a “watered-down” version of the Gospel. The episode also covers the failure of SB 1070, introduced by Shannon Grove, which sought to strengthen protections for churches against disruptive protests; despite arguments that it was necessary to protect religious freedom, the bill was voted down in committee, reflecting ongoing political divisions over public safety and First Amendment rights. Links: Full Sophia Lorey speech at women conference Full SB 1070 hearing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6J88vX6xc https://www.foxnews.com/us/anarchistic-mob-blockaded-california-synagogue-using-israel-hamas-war-excuse-violence-expert https://www.christianpost.com/news/anti-israel-agitators-disrupt-christian-jewish-worship-services.html National church report https://downloads.frc.org/EF/EF25H55.pdf

    26 min

  6. MAR 20

    92: Girls’ Sports, Common Sense, and the Rise of “Hate Speech”

    In this episode of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt begin by celebrating the continued growth of the California March for Life. They describe strong turnout from across the state and even internationally as a sign that the pro-life movement in California is gaining momentum, especially among families and younger generations. The tone at the start is hopeful and encouraging. A major focus of the episode is AB 1998, a bill aimed at protecting women’s private spaces. The hosts reflect on a recent press conference where women shared emotional and personal testimonies about feeling unsafe in locker rooms and restrooms. Rather than discussing the bill in abstract terms, the episode emphasizes these firsthand experiences to illustrate what the hosts view as the real-world consequences of current California policies. DISCLAIMER there may be some inappropriate content for minors. Both Sophia and Greg express frustration that what they consider “common sense” protections are even being debated—and more so, that the bill has not been granted a committee hearing. The discussion becomes more intense as they question why more leaders, particularly men, pastors, and public officials, are not speaking out more forcefully on the issue. The episode then shifts to another piece of legislation, AB 1803, which would require workplace “anti-hate” training. Greg recounts his testimony against the bill and raises concerns about the lack of a clear definition of “hate.” The hosts argue that this ambiguity could lead to pressure on individuals particularly Christians to conform their beliefs on topics like gender and sexuality. They frame this as part of a broader cultural trend toward compelled speech and ideological enforcement.

    36 min

  7. MAR 13

    91: Everything you need to know about March For life and Lobbying details

    In this episode of Coffee Culture in the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt break down what to expect at the upcoming California March for Life on March 16 and highlight two life-affirming bills attendees will be encouraged to support when they visit legislators at the State Capitol. The conversation focuses on AB 1628 and AB 2073, two proposals aimed at strengthening California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law. The hosts explain how AB 1628 would extend the surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days, giving mothers in crisis more time to safely surrender a child without facing abandonment charges. They also discuss AB 2073, which would allow hospitals and fire stations to install Safe Haven baby boxes—secure, climate-controlled incubators that allow anonymous surrender and have already helped save infants across the country. Sophia also reviews several sweeping abortion laws signed in California after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, explaining how recent legislation expanded abortion access, lowered medical requirements, and allocated taxpayer funding for out-of-state abortion travel. Later in the episode, Greg dives into a growing controversy in California schools over PRISM training, a required program that instructs educators on gender identity policies and how to address “misgendering” and “deadnaming.” The hosts discuss the tension between these policies and recent rulings from the Supreme Court of the United States affirming parental rights and limiting schools’ ability to socially transition students without parental knowledge. Throughout the episode, Sophia and Greg encourage listeners to stay informed, engage with public policy, and take part in the March for Life by rallying, marching, and meeting with legislators to advocate for policies that protect life and uphold biblical values.

    21 min

  8. MAR 2

    90: Race-Based Policies Return? The Capitol Showdown

    In Episode 90 of Coffee Culture & the Capitol, Sophia and Greg break down a dramatic week at the California State Capitol — including a heated Assembly floor vote on ACA 7, a constitutional amendment that would partially roll back California’s ban on race-based preferences. What does ACA 7 actually do? How is an ACA different from an AB or SB? And why did this vote stall for minutes on the Assembly floor before narrowly passing? Sophia and Greg unpack the political maneuvering, the constitutional stakes, and what this means as the proposal heads to the Senate. Then, they shift to a positive development: AB 1835, a bill that would place a 90-day limit on the governor’s emergency powers. After California’s three-year COVID state of emergency, is it time for stronger legislative accountability? The conversation revisits lockdowns, church restrictions, and why constitutional checks and balances matter. Plus, with the California March for Life just weeks away, Sophia shares exciting updates and stories from students who are traveling across the state to stand for life on March 16th. Grab your coffee (or Hint water 😉) and join the conversation as we break down the policies shaping California — and how you can stay informed and involved.

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

California Family Council's weekly show giving you the latest news on Life, Family, and Liberty, live from Sacramento!

Information

  • Creator
    California Family Council
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 California Family Council
  • Show Website
    Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol

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