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. 1D AGO

    89: Legislators Join the Fight for Girls’ Sports + Planned Parenthood Blocks School Transparency

    Grab your coffee and join the conversation with Coffee Culture & the Capitol. In Episode 89, Sophia shares what happened at a press conference and CIF meeting where seven female athletes, parents, and leaders spoke out against policies allowing biological males to compete in girls’ sports and use girls’ locker rooms. Hear highlights from speeches by Assembly members Kate Sanchez and David Tangipa, who stood boldly for fairness, privacy, and Title IX protections and the surprising response from Asm. Josh Lowenthal. Then the conversation shifts back to the Capitol, where Planned Parenthood helped kill a common-sense transparency bill that would simply have notified parents when outside groups teach sex ed in schools. Greg breaks down what happened to AB 281 by James Gallagher and what it reveals about Planned Parenthood’s political influence. Finally, don’t miss details on how you can get involved at the upcoming California March for Life and why showing up matters now more than ever. Links: March for Life: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026-ca-march-for-life/ Inside CIF Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOCSZc7R7E 2026 CIF Press Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIt1LLTqoY0 CFC Story link: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/02/gallagher-fought-for-transparency-planned-parenthood-shut-it-down/ PPAC Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2Y59sLJ86MTYQIJG-j5FrbTgEDznozh/view PP Classroom Ed link https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-los-angeles/local-education-training/classroom-education

    36 min

  2. FEB 6

    88 One Federal Victory: for Parental Rights, One Statewide Loss: $90 Million Bailout for Abortion

    In this episode, Sophia and Greg unpack two major battles unfolding between California and the federal government. First, they will break down what they call California’s latest “abortion bailout.” After federal funding cuts led to Planned Parenthood clinic closures nationwide, California lawmakers introduced AB 106 and SB 106 allocating an additional $90 million in one-time taxpayer funds to abortion providers. Sophia and Greg explain how this follows last year’s $140 million budget allocation, why state leaders frame it as “reproductive health care,” and what it signals about California’s direction post-Roe. They also invite listeners to take action at the California March for Life on March 16, and reveal a special speaker announcement, exclusive to podcast listeners. Then, they will shift to what they describe as a major federal win on parental rights. The U.S. Department of Education found California in violation of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) for allowing “secret gender transition” plans in schools without parental notification. The ruling challenges AB 1955 and warns that continued noncompliance could risk loss of federal education funding. Sophia and Greg discuss what this means for parents, school districts, and the ongoing fight over student privacy and gender identity policies. Links: https://www.californiafamily.org/2026-ca-march-for-life/ https://www.instagram.com/californiafamilycouncil/ https://www.genderspectrum.org/resources https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63ebbd468a9d2d129d622b91/t/679a48f2661ac31c3ae92ff0/1738164468208/Fillable_Student_Gender_Support_Plan_2023.pdf https://www.californiafamily.org/2026/02/ca-state-lawmakers-push-90-million-abortion-bailout-for-planned-parenthood/

    19 min

  3. JAN 30

    87: Vague CA ‘Anti-Hate’ Bill Could Put Biblical Beliefs in the Crosshairs

    Welcome back to Coffee Culture & the Capitol with Sophia and Greg! In this episode, we dive headfirst into California’s legislative session and break down a newly introduced bill that has major implications for free speech, religious liberty, and biblical values. Sophia and Greg unpack AB 578, a vague “anti-hate” training mandate introduced by Assembly Member Corey Jackson, and explain why Christians should be paying close attention. While opposing hate is something everyone agrees on, the real concern lies in how lawmakers define “hate”—and how biblical beliefs on sex, gender, and marriage are increasingly being labeled as harmful or discriminatory. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from the California Capitol, including Sophia’s experience testifying in defense of girls’ sports and how those beliefs were shockingly compared to Nazi-era ideology. The episode also explores how similar laws and cultural pressures abroad have led to Christians being investigated or prosecuted simply for quoting Scripture. Throughout the conversation, Sophia and Greg address: Why AB 578 could chill free speech and religious expression How “anti-hate” training is being used as ideological enforcement The growing pattern of labeling Christian beliefs as dangerous or violent Why standing for biblical truth is not hateful—but rooted in love and truth The episode wraps up with practical ways you can stay informed, take action, and engage with what’s happening at the California Capitol—without feeling overwhelmed.

    28 min

  4. JAN 9

    86: Parental Rights, Protecting Girls’ Sports, and Truth in a Confused Culture

    In the first episode of 2026, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt return to Coffee Culture and the Capitol with major updates from Washington, D.C. and California. They break down a landmark federal ruling in the Maribel A. case affirming parents’ constitutional right to be informed when their child expresses gender incongruence at school—and what the Ninth Circuit’s temporary stay means moving forward. Sophia and Greg also recap critical meetings in D.C., discuss the federal government’s renewed acknowledgment of biological reality, and preview the upcoming Supreme Court cases that will determine whether states can protect girls’ sports from male competitors. Sophia shares her perspective as a former athlete and her role in an upcoming press conference alongside state attorneys general. The episode also honors the life and legacy of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, reflecting on his faith, character, and unwavering commitment to truth. From parental rights to protecting children and standing firm in a culture of confusion, this episode sets the tone for the battles ahead in 2026.

    26 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    85: When Misgendering Becomes a Crime: California’s New Frontier

    In the final episode of 2025, Sophia and Greg tackle two of California’s pressing cultural battles: the state’s revived pronoun mandates and the growing legal attacks on life-affirming pregnancy centers. They revisit SB 219, a law that compels nursing home staff to use preferred pronouns under threat of penalties, and walk through Greg’s 2017 testimony warning lawmakers about the dangers of forced speech. With the California Supreme Court now upholding the pronoun provision as “regulating conduct,” Sophia and Greg explain why this ruling marks a serious escalation in the state’s campaign to redefine gender and silence dissenting voices—especially people of faith. They challenge Christians to stand firm in truth, refusing to compromise on God’s design even as cultural pressure intensifies. Sophia and Greg then shift to the national fight surrounding pregnancy resource centers, highlighting a recent Supreme Court case responding to state-led efforts to harass and intimidate pro-life organizations by demanding donor lists, internal communications, and private records. Drawing parallels to similar hostility in California, they expose how government officials and abortion activists attempt to undermine centers that offer free, compassionate, medically licensed care to women and families. As they close out the year, Sophia and Greg urge listeners to stay engaged, sign up for CFC’s weekly newsletter, and prepare for a pivotal 2026 legislative session—one that will shape the future of life, liberty, and truth in California.

    26 min

  6. 12/03/2025

    84: Operation Pray: Bringing Light to California’s High Schools with Guest Judi Kenney

    In Episode 84 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, CFC Vice President Greg Burt sits down with Judi Kenney, founder and director of Operation Pray, a fast-growing ministry that stations volunteers on public sidewalks outside high schools to offer prayer, encouragement, and hope to students as they leave campus. Judi shares the remarkable story of how Operation Pray began with a dream—literally—and how God confirmed that calling through a series of providential moments. What started with three high schools has now expanded to over 35 campuses across California and beyond, with thousands of students prayed for and hundreds making decisions for Christ. Greg and Judi dive into: How Operation Pray works and why public sidewalks open the door for powerful outreachThe emotional and spiritual needs of Gen Z, including the rise in anxiety and isolationIncredible testimonies, like groups of young men finding freedom from addiction and students praying over volunteers in returnPartnerships with Christian clubs, teachers, youth pastors, and local churchesThe vision to place a prayer team at every public high school in California Whether you're a parent, pastor, teacher, or someone longing to see revival among the next generation, this episode will encourage and challenge you. Learn how simple, consistent presence—and a sign that says “Need Prayer?”—is sparking transformation in communities. 👉 Get involved or learn more at OperationPray.com

    17 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    83: Schools Exposed: The Battles Shifting Parental Rights in California

    In Episode 83 of Coffee, Culture & the Capitol, Sophia and Greg unpack two major developments shaking California’s education system. First, they break down the huge parental-rights victory in Encinitas, where a school district dropped its appeal after forcing a fifth grader to teach a kindergartener gender ideology using My Shadow Is Pink. The court’s ruling now requires schools to give parents advance notice and opt-outs before introducing gender-identity content — a major win for families who stood firm despite retaliation and bullying. Sophia and Greg also dive into the fallout after the California Department of Education abruptly pulled its statewide PRISM teacher-training program offline. Whistleblowers exposed that the program still contained directives telling teachers to hide students’ gender identities from parents, contradicting what state officials told a federal judge. With sanctions now looming, the scandal raises serious questions about transparency, trust, and the state’s ongoing push for parental-exclusion policies. Grab your coffee — this episode exposes the truth behind the headlines and highlights why momentum is finally shifting toward protecting parental rights in California.

    22 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    82: Flipped Off for Telling the Truth: The War on Girls’ Sports in California

    In this week’s episode, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt expose how California’s universities are using so-called “harassment prevention” training to force students to affirm radical gender ideology—or risk losing their education. The University of California’s SHAPE program, created under AB 2608, now defines “harassment” so broadly that simply disagreeing with transgender ideology can get students accused of creating a “hostile environment.” Sophia and Greg break down how this ideological compliance test is being enforced statewide and why it marks the death of academic freedom in California. Then, they turn to the volleyball court—where the Protect Girls’ Sports crowd packed the gym as male athlete competed against girls in a CIF playoff game. From the cheers in the stands to the shocking hostility from the other side, this episode captures the heart of a growing movement defending women’s sports and biological truth. Finally, Sophia and Greg explain why Californians must vote NO on Prop 50—to stop the state’s attempt to further cement gender ideology into law.

    38 min
See All (88)

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
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 California Family Council
  • Show Website
    Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol