What Are We Talking About?

428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis

These are my thoughts on current events happening around us. I am a conservative Christian, that doesn't mean everything I say will offend you, but I believe what I believe. I am a traditionally conservative person, Faith, Family, Country. If you listen and disagree, reach out, let's have a conversation. If you listen and agree, I like you already:) Some episodes will be serious, some will be faith centered, some will be silly, all are opinions, take it or leave it. Either way I hope you enjoy and I look forward to your feedback. Host: Ben Lewis Website: 428 Podcasts

  1. 1d ago

    24. Tom Franiak - Missouri State Rep Candidate | What Are We Talking About? | Ben Lewis

    Can a Republican incumbent be successfully challenged—and what issues are driving voters in Missouri's 138th District? In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, I sit down with Tom Franiak, Republican candidate for Missouri State House District 138, to discuss why he's challenging incumbent Rep. Burt Whaley and what he believes is at stake in this election. We discuss: Why Tom decided to run against an incumbent from his own party His concerns surrounding Amendment 3 and HJR 73 The importance of protecting life and parental rights Open enrollment, rural schools, and education policy Missouri Amendment 4 and the future of citizen-led constitutional amendments Missouri Amendment 5 and the effort to gradually eliminate the state income tax How his experience as a business owner shapes his approach to governing What he believes the biggest challenges are facing Christian and Stone Counties Whether you agree or disagree, the goal of this conversation is simple: give voters the opportunity to hear directly from a candidate so they can make an informed decision before heading to the polls. What Are We Talking About? is a Christian conservative podcast where we examine politics, culture, sports, and faith through the lens of biblical principles, truth, and common sense. 👍 If you enjoy conversations like this: Subscribe for more candidate interviews and political discussions. Like this video to help others find it. Leave a comment with your thoughts or questions. Share this episode with someone who wants to stay informed before Election Day. Subscribe for more episodes every week. 428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠ Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠⁠ Record Date: 07.30.2026 #MissouriPolitics #MissouriHouse #TomFraniak #District138 #ChristianCountyMO #StoneCountyMO #MissouriElections #MissouriAmendments #Amendment4 #Amendment5 #ProLife #ConservativePodcast #ChristianConservative #WhatAreWeTalkingAbout #BenLewis

  2. 4d ago

    23. Jamie Ray Gragg - Missouri State Representative | Amendments 4 and 5 | What Are We Talking About? | Ben Lewis

    Every election season brings headlines, social media debates, and competing narratives—but what do the proposed amendments actually mean for Missouri voters? In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, Ben Lewis sits down with Missouri State Representative Jamie Ray Gragg for an in-depth conversation about his reelection campaign, his Christian worldview, and two of the most discussed issues on Missouri's August ballot: Amendment 4 and Amendment 5. Representative Gragg shares how his journey from ministry and small business ownership led him into public service, why he believes strengthening the family is the foundation of good government, and why he sees these ballot measures as critical to Missouri's future. Topics discussed include: • Why Jamie Ray Gragg is seeking another term in the Missouri House• How his Christian faith influences his approach to legislation• The importance of protecting and strengthening the family unit• What Amendment 4 would change regarding Missouri's initiative petition process• Why supporters believe every region of Missouri should have an equal voice in constitutional amendments• Concerns about out-of-state influence on citizen-led ballot initiatives• What Amendment 5 proposes regarding Missouri's state income tax• How a potential transition away from state income tax would work• Common misconceptions surrounding Amendment 5• Questions about government spending, Medicaid, education, and taxpayer protections• Why becoming an informed voter matters before heading to the polls Whether you agree with Representative Gragg's positions or not, this conversation is designed to help you hear directly from someone serving in Jefferson City so you can better understand the issues before casting your vote. If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about politics, culture, faith, and current events from a Christian conservative perspective, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to stay informed. 428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠ Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts⁠ Record Date: 07.27.2026 #MissouriPolitics #Missouri #Amendment4 #Amendment5 #MissouriElection #Election2026 #ChristianConservative #FaithAndPolitics #Conservative #ChristianWorldview #PublicPolicy #Constitution #InitiativePetition #StateGovernment #JeffCity #JamieRayGragg #BenLewis #428Ministries #WhatAreWeTalkingAbout #BiblicalTruth #FamilyValues #VoteInformed #CurrentEvents #PoliticalPodcast #ChristianPodcast

  3. Jul 24

    22. Why Does the WNBA Hate Making Money? | What Are We Talking About? | Ben Lewis

    The WNBA has more attention than ever before—but is it making the most of the moment? In this episode, Ben discusses the growing popularity of the WNBA, the impact of Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, and why star power matters when it comes to building a successful sports league. The conversation explores marketing, media coverage, player personalities, business strategy, and why some athletes seem to generate far more public interest than others.The discussion also shifts to the ongoing debate surrounding biological males competing in women's sports. Ben shares his perspective as a father, explains why he believes protecting girls' athletics matters, and discusses why this issue has become one of the defining cultural conversations of our time.Whether you agree or disagree, this episode examines how culture, sports, business, and personal convictions continue to intersect in today's headlines. **Topics Covered:** * The business growth of the WNBA * Caitlin Clark's impact on professional basketball * Sophie Cunningham's rising popularity * Marketing star athletes in professional sports * Women's sports and public interest * Biological males competing in women's athletics * Parenting and protecting girls' sports * Sports culture and media narratives * Current events and cultural commentary If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about faith, culture, and current events from a biblical worldview, be sure to subscribe, like this video, and share it with someone who would enjoy the discussion. 428 Podcasts | Ben Lewis⁠⁠⁠ Watch on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@428Podcasts Record Date: 07.23.2026 #WNBA #CaitlinClark #SophieCunningham #WomensSports #IndianaFever #SportsNews #SportsCommentary #Basketball #WNBANews #WNBATalk #WomenInSports #CultureWars #CurrentEvents #ChristianPerspective #BiblicalWorldview #FaithAndCulture #428Ministries #BenLewis #Podcast #YouTubePodcast #SportsDebate #ProtectWomensSports #TitleIX #FamilyValues #CulturalCommentary

  4. Jun 8

    21. The Value of Life | What Are We Talking About? | Ben Lewis

    First, we discuss the viral story surrounding YouTuber Jesse Ridgeway and his wife Ashley, who publicly shared their decision to terminate a pregnancy after receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. What does this reveal about how our culture defines human value? From a Christian worldview, does disability diminish dignity, or does every life carry worth because it bears the image of God? Next, we break down Missouri Senator Josh Hawley's newly passed anti-child trafficking legislation. With over 104 million suspected child exploitation images and videos reported in a single year and only a handful of federal forensic analysts dedicated to identifying victims, this issue is bigger than politics. Why should every American care, and what does Scripture teach about protecting the vulnerable? Finally, we take a look at reality TV personality Spencer Pratt's surprising mayoral campaign and the broader conversation surrounding election integrity, voter participation, and civic responsibility. Topics Covered:• The Down syndrome abortion controversy• Human dignity and the image of God• Josh Hawley's anti-child trafficking legislation• The growing child exploitation crisis in America• Biblical responsibility to protect children• Spencer Pratt's political campaign• Election participation and civic engagement Scripture References:• Psalm 139:13-16• John 9:1-3• Matthew 18:5-6• Romans 13:1-4 Whether you agree or disagree, this episode challenges listeners to think deeply about life, truth, justice, and what it means to apply a biblical worldview to today's headlines. My family and I have also started an online ministry with monthly messages, please check it out, our passion is to reach the lost:) www.428ministries.com www.youtube.com/@428ministries Subscribe, share, and join the conversation. Host: Ben Lewis Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠428 Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: benlewis.upnext@gmail.com Record Date: 06/08/2026

  5. Feb 21

    20. Bryce Burtless - Wolf + Willow Direct Care | What Are We Talking About? | Ben Lewis

    This is a BIG one. For the first time on the show, we’re sitting down with our very first guest — and this conversation could genuinely impact families all across Branson and Southwest Missouri. I’m joined by Bryce Burtless — husband, dad, former college athlete, and soon-to-be Nurse Practitioner — who’s launching a brand-new Direct Primary Care clinic in Hollister, right outside Branson. Here’s the headline:What if you could get unlimited access to your primary care provider…Without fighting insurance…Without waiting weeks for a callback…And without 5-minute rushed appointments? That’s exactly what Bryce and his partner are building with Willow Direct Care. In this episode, we talk about: ​ Why the traditional insurance-based healthcare system is broken​ What “RVUs” are — and how they quietly shape your doctor’s time​ Why many providers feel pressured to rush patients​ How Direct Primary Care flips the model• What it actually costs (real numbers)​ Why this could save families thousands per year• How faith shapes the way Bryce approaches patient care​ What it looks like to launch a business while raising a young family We also get personal — from Bryce’s high school baseball accident that led him into healthcare… to what success looks like 10 years from now… to why being a Raiders fan might be his biggest obstacle yet. 😅 If you care about:✔️ Healthcare freedom✔️ Small business innovation✔️ Faith-driven leadership✔️ Or just understanding how the system really works You do NOT want to miss this conversation. This isn’t just about a clinic — it’s about rethinking how we care for people. 🎧 Listen now. 📲 Share with someone in Branson who needs to hear this. 👍 Subscribe for more conversations that matter. Host: Ben Lewis Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠428 Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: benlewis.upnext@gmail.com Record Date: 02/21/2026

  6. Feb 6

    18. Why Are Certain Crimes "Justified"? | What Are We Talking About? | Ben Lewis

    In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, host Ben Lewis breaks down the thin line between activism and anarchy through a Christian conservative lens. We’re diving deep into the headlines that are dominating our screens—from high-stakes jewelry heists in London to the destruction of property during political protests in the U.S. Is stealing a diamond watch different from looting a sneaker shop if you claim it’s for "justice"? Or are they both symptoms of the same spiritual decay? The London Heist vs. Political Riots: Comparing the "unadulterated greed" of jewelry thieves to the "righteous destruction" of political looters. The Eighth Commandment & Property Rights: Why the sanctity of property isn't just a legal rule, but a biblical pillar of stewardship and community security. The National Front Door: A common-sense look at the U.S. border crisis. We explore why wanting a better life doesn’t grant a "sin pass" to bypass the law, using the analogy of a family entering your private home without an invitation. Toxic Empathy: How to balance true Christian compassion for the "sojourner" with the necessity of the rule of law. Moral Relativism: The danger of making ourselves our own gods by deciding which laws we choose to follow based on our political grievances. Ben challenges us to look past the "progressive justifications" and return to the timeless standards of Scripture and the Rule of Law. If we normalize crime in the name of social justice, are we just turning our nation into the very places people are trying to escape? Support our Sponsor:Check out Cowboy Revolution Apparel. Veteran-owned and built for the concrete jungle or the ranch. From heavyweight fleece hoodies to premium structured hats, carry the grit of the West with you every day. Join the Conversation:Do you agree that there is no such thing as a justified crime? Or is there a middle ground we’re missing? Listen in, share this episode, and let’s get into it. Host: Ben Lewis Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠428 Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: benlewis.upnext@gmail.com Record Date: 02/06/2026

  7. Feb 5

    17. You're a Christian...Dealing with Conflict and Boundaries | What Are We Talking About? | Ben Lewis

    Family conflict can drain your spirit, test your faith, and leave you wondering: Is it unchristian to step back? In this episode of What Are We Talking About?, Ben Lewis dives into the overlooked biblical wisdom behind boundaries, distance, and self-protection. This is not about revenge or giving up on people. It’s about choosing peace over perpetual warfare. Using scripture from Proverbs, Romans, 2 Timothy, and the teachings of Jesus, Ben explores when forgiveness is required — but access is not — and how to protect your spiritual and emotional health from destructive relationships. If you’ve ever been told to “just accept it” or had your faith used against you to tolerate toxic behavior, this episode offers clarity, courage, and practical guidance. You’ll learn: • What the Bible really says about avoiding conflict • How to set topic, time, and emotional boundaries • When “bad company corrupts good morals” applies to family • The meaning of shaking the dust off your feet • Why forgiveness doesn’t equal unlimited access This conversation is for anyone navigating toxic family dynamics, strained friendships, or faith-based guilt around protecting their peace. Forgive freely. Love wisely. Guard your spirit. Subscribe and share with someone who needs this message. Host: Ben Lewis Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠428 Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: benlewis.upnext@gmail.com Record Date: 02/05/2026

About

These are my thoughts on current events happening around us. I am a conservative Christian, that doesn't mean everything I say will offend you, but I believe what I believe. I am a traditionally conservative person, Faith, Family, Country. If you listen and disagree, reach out, let's have a conversation. If you listen and agree, I like you already:) Some episodes will be serious, some will be faith centered, some will be silly, all are opinions, take it or leave it. Either way I hope you enjoy and I look forward to your feedback. Host: Ben Lewis Website: 428 Podcasts