The Family Matters Podcast

Loneliness has become one of the defining challenges of our time. Rates of isolation, depression, and singleness continue to rise, leaving many people searching for genuine relationships and lasting community. In this episode of Family Matters , we're joined by Steve Scansen with Communio , an organization that equips churches to build stronger relationships, healthier families, and deeper com...

What does it take to become the kind of man others can depend on? In this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, we're joined by Landen Conner : a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, founder of Operation 22 , future medical student at Wake Forest School of Medicine, competitive bodybuilder, and passionate advocate for helping young men live with purpose. Landen shares the ex...

On this episode of Family Matters, we sit down with Robin Sertell, Chair of Montanans for Life and a survivor of not one, but three saline abortion attempts, alongside Representative Randyn Gregg, sponsor of Montana’s Baby Box Bill passed during the 2025 legislative session. Together, they share the deeply personal and unexpected story behind the legislation, how the idea came to Montana, and what...

In this episode of Family Matters, we sit down with Alex Newman to discuss the ideas shaping modern education and the institutions influencing the next generation. From the purpose of education to the growing role of international organizations, culture, and public policy, this conversation explores how educational philosophies are formed, how they impact families and communities, and why these qu...

Lindsey Vroegindewey and her team built what became the largest homeschool conference in Montana. Many are asking how it grew to this scale. On this episode of the Montana Family Matters Podcast, Lindsey breaks down the vision, strategy, and practical steps that turned an idea into something Montana had never seen before.

Part 2: Becoming a Lawyer in Today’s Woke Culture — “You’re Not Allowed to Say That” | Trevor Funseth After technical difficulties cut short our first conversation with Trevor Funseth, he joined us again to share much of what was lost from that original discussion. In this episode, Trevor opens up about becoming a lawyer at the height of woke culture, navigating law school and public discourse in...

When Samuel Green was just seven years old, he first learned what abortion was. From that moment on, God placed a burden on his heart to help end it. That calling shaped the course of his entire life. Today, Samuel serves as the founder and president of Reason for Life , a ministry dedicated to educating Christians on the sanctity of human life and equipping them to defend the unborn with truth, c...

In this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, Derek sits down with Michael Farris, former CEO of ADF, founder of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, and Chancellor of Patrick Henry College, to discuss the growing fight for homeschool freedom in America. Whether you homeschool, attend public school, private school, or are simply concerned about the future of the next generation, this convers...

We had the honor of sitting down with bestselling author Chuck Black, known for his powerful allegorical series including Kingdom’s Edge. His stories have shaped how many families and young readers understand faith, courage, and truth through the lens of knights, kingdoms, and spiritual battle. In this episode of the Family Matters Podcast, Chuck shares the deeper meaning behind his writing, the i...

Heidi St. John, best selling author, speaker, and founder of MomStrong International , joined us on the Family Matters Podcast during the Montana Homeschool Convention. A longtime homeschool advocate and mother of seven, Heidi has spent decades equipping parents to take an active role in their children’s education and stand firm in their values. We had a thoughtful conversation about the state of...

In this episode, we sit down with local elections official, Angie Paulsen, to talk through what the SAVE Act really does, how elections actually work at the county level, and what voters should know moving forward.

In this episode, Kristen Nuemann shares her family’s powerful story of escaping life under communism including what they experienced from the pressures of everyday life to the life-changing decision to leave it all behind. Kristen’s story is a reminder of what’s at stake.🎙️ Listen in and hear what life under communism was really like and what it took to escape it.

Wait until you hear what Senator Usher had to say about Montana. From MAHA and Montana-raised agriculture to judicial reform and the role of our courts, this conversation goes deeper than you’d expect. Senator Usher shares his perspective on where Montana is headed, what’s shaping that direction, and how his faith, family, and commitment to freedom guide his work.

Trevor Funseth, candidate for House District 21 out of Great Falls, joins us for a thoughtful conversation on some of the biggest issues facing Montana today. As a young attorney and strong advocate for free markets and limited government, Trevor brings a clear perspective on where things are falling short and what needs to change. We cover everything from judicial reform and the role of the court...

Trevor Walter, a fourth-generation Montanan and business owner from Sheridan, joins the Family Matters Podcast to share what it was like growing up in one of Montana’s oldest family-owned stores—where they sold everything, including dynamite well into his childhood. Drawing from his experience running a family business and growing up in rural Montana, Trevor talks about what he’s seeing on the gro...

In January 2026, Montana state auditor, James Brown, along with federal agencies uncovered a massive, multi-million dollar fraud scheme targeting Native American populations in Montana, with fraudulent claims estimated to reach $50 million to $54.7 million. The scheme involved fraudulent Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance claims, coerced transport of individuals across state lines for non-existen...

Zack Wirth lifelong Montana and the owner of the Rocking Z Guest Ranch near Wolf Creek. He stepped into politics after seeing decisions being made that he believed threatened not just his livelihood, but the future of rural Montana families and communities. In this episode, we sit down with Zack to talk about what pushed him to run, what he’s seen inside the legislature, and in what ways he sees M...

Most 18-year-olds are just starting to think about their future. Katie Fruit is already stepping up to shape Montana’s. Katie shares thoughtful insight on education and judicial reform, along with the heartbreaking story that deepened her faith in God.

Are Montana's elections secure? Join us for a conversation with election administrator and former Montana deputy secretary of state, Angie Paulsen.

Derek and Patrick discuss topics including: - An update on MFF's challenge to Montana's abortion amendment.- Whether or not AI is really that advanced. - The future of the Montana Family Foundation and what we are woking on next. - Some of the best advice they have ever received.

Representative Amy Regier chaired one of Montana’s most contentious legislative committees last session, where some of the state’s most debated policies are heard, challenged, and decided. In this conversation, Rep. Regier shares her perspective on public service, the responsibility of leadership, the ongoing cultural debates shaping Montana, and what it takes to remain grounded while navigating d...

👉 Join us for a powerful conversation with Lowell Hochhalter, Founder and President of LifeGuard Group, who is on the front lines rescuing victims of human trafficking and helping survivors find a path forward.

Kristan Hawkins, founder and president of Students for Life, joins the Family Matters Podcast for an honest conversation about where the pro-life movement stands today, and the next major battle ahead: the abortion pill.

A conversation Scott Klusendorf, the president of the Life Training Institute and author of The Case for Life.

Patrick Webb has an honest conversation with with Montana's Senate President, Matt Regier.