AACS Today
Religion & Spirituality
About
AACS Today is the official podcast from the American Association of Christian Schools. In each episode, we'll tackle the tough topics and questions facing Christian school leaders and teachers in the twenty-first century.
Episodes
- Offensive Christianity?
In AACS Today, Pastor Chase Davis discusses his book 'Offensive Christianity,' exploring how masculine traits like ambition and assertiveness are viewed negatively in modern society. He addresses the suppression of male instincts in school…
- Developing God-Given Talents: Reflections on the National Fine Arts Competition
AACS Today covers the National Fine Arts Competition, highlighting new categories like animation and classical guitar. The episode details the revised Cup of Excellence scoring and recognizes top student achievements across five divisions,…
- Embodying the Truth with Billy Hutchinson
Billy Hutchinson explains the difference between teaching Bible stories and fostering a biblical worldview that impacts all aspects of student life. He proposes a campus culture framework and discusses leadership styles that promote human…
- What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and Family with Tim Goeglein
Tim Goeglein joins AACS Today to discuss his book "What Really Matters," emphasizing the need to return to foundational values like faith, family, and marriage to counter secularism. The conversation addresses fatherlessness, male loneline…
- Wanted: Men of Purpose – Navigating the Manosphere and Reclaiming True Masculinity
Jamison and Dr. Matthew Mehan discuss the challenges facing young men, the detrimental aspects of the manosphere, and advocate for a return to virtuous masculinity inspired by Christ and fatherhood, with practical advice for educators.
- Finding Identity in Christ on Capitol Hill: A Conversation with Luke Ball
Luke Ball, an alumnus of the AACS YLDC and political strategist, shares his experiences on Capitol Hill, discussing the spiritual challenges of Washington D.C. and the importance of grounding one's identity in Christ rather than a career.
- The Making of the American Mind with Dr. Matthew Spalding
Dr. Matthew Spalding joins Jamison to discuss his book, "The Making of the American Mind," which offers a commentary on the Declaration of Independence. They explore its philosophical and theological roots, the concept of reflective patrio…
- 50 Years of ODACS: Protecting Christian Schools in Virginia
AACS Today features Dan Zacharias discussing ODACS's 50-year mission supporting Christian schools in Virginia. The episode covers the legislative fight against HB 359, regulatory wins, and the upcoming Education Freedom Tax Credit, emphasi…
- Do No Harm? Accountability and the Future of Christian Higher Ed
AACS Today features Hannah DeBruler discussing the "Do No Harm" test, a federal accountability measure affecting higher education funding. The episode analyzes the threat this utilitarian standard poses to Christian institutions and vocati…
- Sparks Fly at the Fifth Religious Liberty Commission Meeting
AACS Today recaps the fifth Religious Liberty Commission meeting, detailing discussions on antisemitism, debanking, and First Amendment rights. The episode notes the controversy surrounding Commissioner Carrie Prejean Boller, her removal,…
- In Accord: LEAD Conference Recap and the AACS SGO
AACS Today recaps the LEAD conference, detailing its collaborative format for coordinating a unified agenda for conservative Christian schools. Discussions covered state-level trends, accreditation, legislative advocacy, the Education Free…
- The Education Freedom Tax Credit: A Historic New Provision for School Choice
AACS Today covers the upcoming Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), a federal tax provision launching January 1, 2027. It provides a tax credit up to $1,700 for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), aiming to support educ…
- Club America: Continuing a Legacy of Faith and Freedom
On AACS Today, Matt and Jamison speak with Austin Erickson about the growth of Club America, Turning Point USA's high school initiative, following the late Charlie Kirk's assassination. Erickson details the organization's expansion and its…
- Breaking News: Introducing the Youth Legislative Development Conference
The Youth Legislative Training Conference has been renamed the Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC). This Washington, D.C.-based program, inspired by a focus on human reason, provides high school students with opportunities for…
- Bodies Play Sports, Identities Don't: Biological Reality at the Supreme Court
This episode discusses Supreme Court cases concerning whether student athletes should compete based on biological sex or gender identity, examining legal frameworks like Title IX and the 14th Amendment through a biblical lens. It highlight…
- New Year, Same Government
In "New Year, Same Government," AACS Today examines the 119th Congress dynamics for 2026, including efforts to dissolve the Department of Education and expand school choice. They also cover Minnesota childcare fraud, deregulation, and sign…
- Update on the Federal School Choice Program
AACS Today covers the federal school choice program, a $25 billion annual initiative funded by private donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations. The discussion includes the regulatory process, the governor opt-in requirement, and th…
- Chloe's Story: From Gender Deception to Redemption
Chloe Cole shares her story of medical gender transition as a minor, detailing the procedures and their effects. She advocates against transitioning minors, discusses challenges for parents, and highlights her legislative efforts, includin…
- Next Steps in the DOE Closure
AACS Today covers the announced steps for closing the Department of Education, detailing program transfers to agencies like the State Department and Department of Labor. The episode highlights concerns regarding the move of elementary and…
- The Ministry of Politics with Texas State Senator Phil King
Texas State Senator Phil King joins AACS Today to discuss key legislative issues such as the Ten Commandments bill, redistricting efforts, and the new school choice bill. The episode emphasizes the importance of Christian involvement in po…
- Playing Footsies with Fuentes
This AACS Today episode analyzes a public dispute among conservatives, framing it as a fight for the soul of conservatism. It discusses figures like Matt Walsh and Tucker Carlson, and draws parallels to biblical parables of the wheat and t…
- The Carrot or the Stick?
AACS Today discusses President Trump's approach to higher education reform, detailing the "carrot or the stick" strategy involving civil rights investigations and endowment taxation versus the Compact for Excellence. The Compact offers res…
- Supreme Cases
The AACS Today episode "Supreme Cases" examines pivotal Supreme Court challenges impacting state laws that affect licensed counselors. It covers a halted public rally, concerns about "assassin's veto" impacting conservative speech, and leg…
- The Third Religious Liberty Commission Hearing
This episode of AACS Today covers President Trump's diplomatic achievements in the Middle East and the third Religious Liberty Commission hearing. The discussion highlights the administration's support for religious liberty, particularly c…
- The Government Shutdown
The 100th episode of AACS Today features Jamison and Matt discussing the effects of the government shutdown on AACS schools and education.
- The Second Religious Liberty Commission Hearing
Jamison Coppola and Olivia Summers attended the second Religious Liberty Commission hearing at the Museum of the Bible on September 8. They discuss the meeting's focus and the commission's future plans.
- Remembering Charlie Kirk, Recapping NLC
This episode features Jamison and Matt reflecting on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and looking ahead. They also review the National Legislative Conference, highlighting positive developments.
- Calling Forth with Diane Bales, a Herzog Teacher of the Year
Diane Bales, recipient of the 2025 Herzog Teacher of the Year award, joins AACS Today to discuss her teaching methods for first graders, including encouraging them to undertake difficult tasks. She also recounts the origins of her commitme…
- The Federal School Choice Program Explained
Jamison and Matt offer an overview of the federal school choice program within the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3). The episode covers its availability in different states, the amount of funding available, and AACS's role in the program's dev…
- Excellence and Accessiblity: Special Education in the Christian School
Sara Bookout, Director of the Hope Allen Center for Exceptional Children, explains how Christian schools can serve students with special needs with both excellence and accessibility. She highlights that Christian education should be excell…
- Hudson and Hayden Recap Internship 2025
AACS interns Hudson and Hayden discuss their summer internship experience in the Washington office with interviewers Jamison and Matt. They reflect on their personal growth and the knowledge gained during their eight weeks.
- Making an Impact with Paul Smith
Jamison speaks with Paul Smith, founder and executive director of Citizen Impact, about bridging the gap between churches and public policy, and how citizens can influence Peach State politics and government.
- YTLC 2025 Recap
The AACS Today episode 'YTLC 2025 Recap' features Olivia and Matt discussing the 2025 Youth Legislative Training Conference. The recap highlights student activities including a mock senate, a day on Capitol Hill, meetings with congressiona…
- President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission Meets
Olivia Summers attended the first meeting of President Trump
- Interview with Jessica Valente, a 2025 Herzog Foundation Teacher of the Year
Jessica Valente, selected as a 2025 Herzog Foundation Teacher of the Year, shares her dedication to teaching students with special needs at Tabernacle Christian School and provides guidance on implementing new programs.
- Meet the 2025 Summer Interns!
Jamison and Matt interview AACS 2025 Summer Interns Hudson and Hayden on their second day at the AACS Washington office.
- Religious Liberty in Congress and the Courts
Jamison and Matt analyze the inclusion of religious liberty language in the Big Beautiful Bill Act's ECCA portion, its potential problems, and its connection to Supreme Court precedents.
- Religious Liberty and School Choice in the Big Beautiful Bill
Jamison and Matt examine the significance of religious liberty in the United States, particularly concerning federal school choice legislation. An important update is mentioned in the program notes.
- Back to the Basics, Part 2
In "Back to the Basics, Part 2" of AACS Today, Jamison and Matt explore the philosophy and principles of school choice. They detail different types of school choice programs, including vouchers, ESAs, and tax credit scholarships available…
- Back to the Basics, Part 1
Jamison and Matt trace the history of American public education from its earliest beginnings through the mid-1900s. The discussion covers key legislation, court decisions, and philosophical shifts that shaped education and led to the moder…
- School Choice is Coming to Texas
An education savings account (ESA) bill has passed the Texas House and is on its way to the governor. The episode features an interview with Matt discussing the bill's details and implications for other states.
- 2025 Nationals Recap
Jamison and Matt recap the AACS National Competition from April 8-10 at Bob Jones University. The event included over 1,800 students representing 187 schools from 34 states.
- President Trump and Higher Education
Hannah DeBruler discusses the impact of President Trump on postsecondary education, including withheld federal funds, the potential dismantling of the Department of Education, and the effects of DEI executive orders on colleges.
- President Trump's Exeuctive Order to Close the DOE
Jamison and Matt discuss President Trump's executive order signed on March 20 to close the Department of Education and return authority to the states, covering the rationale and the ensuing pushback.
- On the Path to the First 100 Days
Jamison and Matt discuss the status of the Department of Education, rulings by judges concerning Trump's policies, and reconciliation during the initial 100 days of his second term.
- Protecting Women's Sports and Spaces with Maggie McKneely
Jamison interviews Maggie McKneely, Legislative Strategist with Concerned Women for America, about the participation of men in women
- Making Insurance Accessible Again with Chris Reed
Jamison speaks with Chris Reed, Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel for the Nonprofits Insurance Alliance. The NIA aims to offer stable, fairly priced property and liability insurance to nonprofits and is advocating for legislation to a…
- Is the D.O.E. D.O.A.?
On the AACS Today podcast, Jamison and Matt are joined by AACS Policy Analyst Maureen Van Den Berg to discuss the possibility of dismantling the Department of Education and whether it is considered dead on arrival.
- There's a New Sheriff in Town
In this episode of AACS Today, hosts Jamison and Matt discuss the re-election of President Trump, reviewing his executive orders and describing him as an "energetic executive" navigating the bureaucracy.
- Are there Peach Trees in Georgia?
Jamison and Matt report on the annual LEAD Conference held in Peachtree City, Georgia. They share significant insights from leadership sessions, including those led by Dr. Kelvin Cochran and Greg Baylor.