In this special recap episode, TFL's Capitol Team breaks down the top 3 wins from the legislative session—plus how a dangerous bill was defeated. We’re also pulling back the curtain on the big issues heading into 2026.

If you care about Iowa, families, or freedom—this is the one to hear.

The FAMiLY Leader's top #prolife priority this session has passed! PLUS: Praise and #prayer resound at the Iowa Capitol, and more ...

Legislators introduced an explosive new bill this week that defines sex as male and female — not "gender identity." 

The FAMiLY Leader’s Capitol insiders Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn join the podcast to discuss the significance of the bill, plus: 

• The role YOU can play in restoring common sense on sex and gender
• A special election that could turn the tide in Iowa
• Good news on 3 of TFL's legislative priorities

The FAMiLY Leader’s Capitol insiders Ryan Benn and Josiah Oleson join the podcast after standing in gap for you, testifying before legislators on issues like:

• Doctors' rights to serve patients according to their conscience
• "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" at Iowa universities
• PLUS: A key, special election coming up in Iowa

The FAMiLY Leader’s Capitol insiders Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn join the podcast after an explosive week under the Golden Dome that included dueling rallies, protests, and arrests.

Today's topics:

• Protesters prompt Iowa police action
• Trump's continued stand on sex and gender
• Protecting the medical right of conscience
• A funeral for a sitting legislator

The FAMiLY Leader's Capitol insiders Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn join the podcast after testifying on 20+ bills in the first two weeks of the Iowa legislative session, including:

• Life
• Protecting children online
• Pronouns in schools
• Homeschooling
• Paid parental leave

The halls of the Capitol have grown quiet. The gavel has sounded. It took until 4:30 in the morning on a Saturday, but the 2024 Iowa legislative session has adjourned.

So which bills passed? Which fell short? And how did The FAMiLY Leader do on the bills that matter most to family and biblical values?

Veteran lobbyists Chuck Hurley and Danny Carroll join the podcast to break it down, including announcing the "final score" in baseball terms!

Iowa first passed its Heartbeat Law - protecting children in the womb from the moment their heartbeats can be detected - back in 2018. But to this day, that law still has not gone into effect.

Why can't Iowa find a way to protect preborn children?

Well, just last week, a major abortion case was heard before the justices of the Iowa State Supreme Court, signaling a breakthrough may be coming soon.

The FAMiLY Leader's Drew Zahn and former State Supreme Court Clerk Ryan Benn break down where Iowa's abortion law currently stands, why it's "stuck," and why YOUR prayers are urgently needed for a key decision that might just change everything.

TFL's Director of Policy Ryan Benn joins the podcast today to talk about an exclusive event with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a HUGE win for religious liberty, two MORE pro-life wins for women and babies, and an urgent prayer request for one of the biggest Iowa Supreme Court cases of our lifetimes.

Listen today for one of the most significant and good news podcasts of the year!

Shocking truth: Tens of thousands of children suffer slavery and even death each and every year in Iowa - but the good news is, there's something YOU can do about it!

In today's episode, TFL's Capitol Connection urges you to contact your legislator about a bill that has already been demonstrated to protect thousands of children - as young as 8 or 10 years old - from being snared and enslaved by the pornography industry. And in a rare, double alert, we're asking you to contact your legislator about a separate bill that could save thousands more from the death in the abortion industry!

ALSO in today's episode: TFL's Greg Baker breaks down how TFL is having an impact around the country, even in states considered to be "deep blue":

By the time the November election rolls around, months and years of work have been poured into the people and the names you see on the ballot. Sometimes, the real work of winning an election happens long before the first votes are even cast!

In this special episode, The FAMiLY Leader's Capitol Connection peels back the curtain to show how TFL impacts elections long before most voters are even paying attention!

Allow us to introduce you to new TFL team member Josiah Oleson, a key player impacting elections in the state of Iowa and beyond.

The Iowa Legislature's "Second Funnel" deadline has come and gone, the day when we learn which bills are dead for the year and which survive to possibly be debated and signed into law.

And this year, a last-minute push saw the pro-life "Baby Olivia" bill survive by the skin of its teeth!

In fact, 13 TFL priorities have also survived the deadline, including other pro-life measures designed to help mothers in need and protect children online. Capitol insider Chuck Hurley joins the podcast to break down what still has a chance to be passed this year.

As time draws short this legislative session, The FAMiLY Leader's Capitol Team discusses the top 5 bills we want to see pass before the gavel drops - including a pro-life game changer and new protections to safeguard kids from online porn.

"If we're ever going to address the physical issues facing our communities, we have to address the spiritual realm." - Greg Baker, director of The FAMiLY Leader's Church Ambassador Network

Greg Baker joins Drew and Chuck this week for a special, in-depth look at the gospel-centric ministry of The FAMiLY Leader in government.

Discover how TFL is breaking down walls and building strategic partnerships to bless people in our communities struggling with poverty, addiction, broken families, and more!

The FAMiLY Leader's Chuck Hurley has been fighting for this day for 13 years - and today, he's "raising the roof" to celebrate!

Join Chuck and Drew and discover why James Madison is celebrating in his grave today over the restoration of our "first liberty," a fundamental right that was undermined over 30 years ago, but now is being restored to the citizens of Iowa.

A top pro-life priority has hit a roadblock this session, and The FAMiLY Leader is inviting YOU to join us in prayer to see this bill passed!

While only about 15% of all Americans support the extreme position of legal, elective abortion through all 9 months of pregnancy ... in a recent state referendum, over 80% of young Ohioans voted in favor of killing preborn children right up to their birthday!

How can the young generation be so extreme on killing children? It's simple: They aren't being told the truth.

In Iowa, TFL is looking to change that ... but the "Baby Olivia" bill is being met with resistance.

Learn more about "Baby Olivia," religious liberty, protecting children online, and catch some good news from around the country in this week's episode!

Today's jam-packed episode includes three big topics:

1. An eye-witness account of the loud, profane, and potentially illegal protests that descended upon the Iowa Capitol over gender issues.

2. A breakdown of which bills have survived the 'first funnel' winnowing process and which have fallen by the wayside.

3. The work TFL's Church Ambassador Network is doing to give legislators on-the-ground understanding of issues impacting rural Iowans and the pastors who are providing tangible solutions.

Buckle up for a fast and fascinating episode!

It's "First Funnel" week at the Iowa Capitol, where thousands of proposed bills go to die every year.

TFL's Drew Zahn and Gandalf the Grey - or, Chuck Hurley, as he's known to friends and family - explain why this looming deadline is so large and what key bills and priorities will survive to be considered this legislative session.

Tune in for more on religious liberty, right of conscience for doctors and nurses, gender and identity issues, and more. Which bills shall live, which shall die, and what does this all have to do with Lord of the Rings?

TFL's Ryan Benn joins the podcast this week to discuss an ugly scene at the Iowa Capitol, as he tried to enter a subcommittee meeting to testify at the request of a legislator ... only to be blocked at the door by an angry mob!

PLUS: TFL Church Ambassador Network Deputy Director Denise Bubeck shares how pastors are making a difference in the policy arena, as they serve as legislator's eyes and ears in the real world, bringing real-life experience to the table to counter some of the fables brought by "the parade of horrors" in policy debates.

The attention of the news world left Iowa after the Caucuses ended, but in truth, perhaps the most significant week in the state is what comes next, as the Iowa Legislature discusses, debates, and listens to lobbyists on the local bills that are going to impact Iowans the most!

And in this critical week, The FAMiLY Leader was there.

TFL's Drew Zahn and Chuck Hurley explain the flurry of bills where TFL was called on to testify for biblical values in an environment that is anything but godly.

PLUS: For pastors who are considering partnering with TFL's Church Ambassador Network, just what does it look like to come to the Capitol for the first time? TFL's Noah Meyers gives you just the facts, so you know what you're getting into!

You've likely heard this nonsense before: "Pro-lifers only care about the baby until it's born!"

Well, first of all, she's not an "it" - she's a baby. And second, TFL demonstrates in the FIRST week of this year's legislative session that pro-lifers are among the hardest workers at caring for babies AND mothers!

PLUS: TFL brings you a NEW tool for keeping track of the legislation you care about most - AND the Church Ambassador Network's Léo Lazarini explains how pastors are making the Capitol into "an open door for ministry."

ALL-NEW FORMAT! - The FAMiLY Leader's Capitol Connection adds new segment, new guest, and new focus.

In this episode, TFL's Capitol veteran, Chuck Hurley, gives insider analysis on Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State Address and the legislative priorities it spells out for the coming session of the Iowa Legislature.

And introducing ... TFL's Greg Baker of the Church Ambassador Network joins us, as the Capitol Connection podcast adds a new focus on not just the policy work, but also the spiritual work that is having a major impact on the Capitol and on our communities.

Listen now, and discover there's more to the ministry at the Capitol than meets the eye!

Iowa stands unique in its first-in-the-nation place in picking the president, as candidates travel the state for months, giving everyday people the chance the meet and greet some of the nation's most powerful.

And TFL's Chuck Hurley stand unique among even Iowans, having been behind the scenes with these candidates for more than two decades.

In this episode, TFL's Ryan Benn puts Chuck Hurley on the hot seat, asking for the anecdotes - both poignant and hilarious - that Chuck has gathered over the years, working to help pick the president in one of the country's most influential states.

Iowa's pro-life movement is taking ground, though not in the way everyone might expect.

In this special episode, TFL spotlights the history of saving babies in Iowa and the new, cultural front that will determine the pro-life movement's future.

In a more fun-filled episode of TFL's Capitol Connection, TFL's Chuck Hurley leads a discussion of the biggest pieces of legislation that passed this session, as well as a few anecdotes that you won't hear anywhere else!

Listen in, as the team looks back at 2023 and looks ahead to what's coming the rest of this year ...

On May 4, literally during the National Day of Prayer event at the Iowa Capitol, the 2023 Iowa Legislative Session officially came to a close.

TFL's Capitol Team members Chuck Hurley, Danny Carroll, and Ryan Benn break down some of the session's biggest moments, including some "seismic" shifts for the better in how Iowa does education!

Also, click here to watch the National Day of Prayer at the Iowa Capitol Rotunda: https://thefamilyleader.com/video-national-day-of-prayer-at-iowa-capitol/

This week's episode welcomes Executive Director of the Iowa Catholic Conference Tom Chapman to the podcast. Chapman has 17 years of experience at the Iowa Capitol and has been a cornerstone of Iowa's unique and revolutionary alliance on pro-life issues, The Coalition of Pro-Life Leaders.

Chapman joins TFL's Chuck Hurley, Ryan Benn, and Rebekah Oleson to discuss the current battle for life in Iowa and how The Coalition of Pro-Life Leaders is changing the way the battle is fought ... and won.

A huge, legal victory for Iowa parents this week!

In this podcast, The FAMiLY Leader's Chief Legal Counsel Chuck Hurley explains why encoding parental rights in education as a "fundamental right" is such a big deal, and TFL's Capitol Team breaks down how passing the Governor's sweeping education bill impacts sexually explicit materials in Iowa schools, K-6 indoctrination in sexual orientation and gender identity, and more.

This was a monumental week in the battle to protect innocent life in the womb in Iowa, as the Iowa Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case seeking to reinstate Iowa's Heartbeat Law and potentially save thousands of babies every year.

The FAMiLY Leader was there - in the courtroom, as well as providing legal briefings to the court beforehand - and now brings YOU the latest on this significant moment for our state!

P.S. - TFL's Danny Carroll mentioned you can watch the oral arguments yourself, available through the Iowa Supreme Court YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NvW74QAl2s

While the Iowa Legislature debates parental rights at the Capitol, the Iowa Supreme Court this week takes up a matter of life and death - a matter of thousands of babies' lives each year.

The FAMiLY Leader brings a pair of attorneys with experience at the Iowa Supreme Court to update you on both of these issues: Gov. Kim Reynolds' Parental Rights in Education bill and Iowa's Heartbeat Law at the Iowa Supreme Court.

In a week marred by tragedy in Tennessee and elevated anger over transgender issues, The FAMiLY Leader's Chuck, Danny, Ryan, and Rebekah speak some truth-in-love into the tempest.

The arguments you're hearing about transgender surgeries and suicides have been deliberately skewed to influence compassionate people. This week's broadcast reveals the REAL story behind the statistics and why the truly loving response is different from what the media is pushing.

At the heart of the anger, debate, and name-calling over Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' Parental Rights in Education bill is a simple question that is dividing the Iowa Legislature - do parents have the right to direct their children's education, or must children be instructed for the "good of the collective"?

An Iowa school board member* claims the collective must come first. An Iowa senator disagrees.

In this week's podcast, The FAMiLY Leader analyzes the senator's stand for parents and celebrates his victory, not just for parents, but for students as well.

*https://www.foxnews.com/media/iowa-school-board-member-gets-ripped-saying-public-ed-teach-kids-parents-want

Iowa parents and Iowa businesses can breathe a little easier thanks to a pair of legislative victories this week.

TFL's whole Capitol Team - Chuck, Danny, Ryan, and Rebekah - join the podcast this week to break down passing of a "bathroom bill" that will ensure schools can protect the privacy and safety of girls' showers and restrooms AND measures behind the scenes to prevent left-wing lenders from punishing conservative Iowans and their businesses with "woke scores."

The headlines have been more than disturbing: children sterilized and operated upon in the name of "gender transition," teenage boys lounging in the girls' locker rooms, graphic sex acts in school library books ...

Republicans in the Iowa Legislature have said, "Enough!"

This week's Capitol Connection covers the rapid progress of four significant bills designed to protect children from oversexualization and even permanent harm at school and beyond.

The Iowa Legislature's "second funnel" has arrived, narrowing which bills live - and die - this session. And The FAMiLY Leader is excited to report a banner year for #ProLife and pro-family legislation!

Join TFL's Drew Zahn and Ryan Benn for more on the good news:

TFL's Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn are joined this week by University of Iowa sophomore Kyle Clare, who blew the whistle at the Iowa Capitol this week on political indoctrination at Iowa's taxpayer-funded universities. Learn why your millions spent on "DEI" programming is really more about programming students into a progressive worldview.

PLUS: In the Capitol's "funnel week," some bills have died for the year, while others survived. We update you on which is which and invite you to THANK 20 brave legislators who fought to recognize that human life begins at conception! Use this link to stand with and encourage these pro-life champions: https://advocacy.charityengine.net/Default.aspx?isid=1319

A new brief has been filed in the Heartbeat Law case before the Iowa Supreme Court. As a former Supreme Court clerk, TFL's Ryan Benn gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what that means.

Religious liberty and the LGBTQ agenda in schools were also debated this week.

PLUS: Do you know your "woke score"? TFL's Danny Carroll explains how lawmakers are working to stop companies from tracking and penalizing you for not being politically correct!

Read more about the Heartbeat brief here: https://thefamilyleader.com/heartbeat-update-62-legislators-join-tfl-supreme-court-brief-to-save-babies/

Lots of bills get debated each week, but one issue is dominating the discussion at the Iowa Capitol: Activists in schools openly undermining parental authority, keeping parents in the dark, teaching kids about sexual orientation and gender identity.

Should parents or schools teach children about sex? When schools are advocating children can best decide if they're a boy or a girl ... parents are losing trust and demanding our legislators do something about it.

Links from this week's episode:

- Activists in schools: https://www.foxnews.com/media/nonbinary-teacher-good-laughs-hiding-kids-gender-changes-parents-claims-adim-supports

- Linn-Mar policy: https://thefamilyleader.com/iowa-school-votes-to-transition-students-hide-it-from-parents/

- Author Abigail Shrier's presentation at Hillsdale: https://youtu.be/DWbxIFC0Q2o

A busy week at the Iowa Capitol began with Gov. Kim Reynolds and Attorney General joining the 2023 Iowa Prayer Rally for Life, while legislators worked to protect all innocent lives beginning at conception. The fireworks, however, sparked over gender identity and indoctrination in schools, as Iowa parents get more involved in the legislative process! Join The FAMiLY Leader's full Elections & Policy Team for a behind-the-scenes look at the issues impacting your family from the Iowa Capitol.

This week’s TFL’s Capitol Connection podcast features special guests, as Moms for Liberty Co-Founder Tina Descovich and Iowa’s Warren County Moms for Liberty Chair Samantha Fett join TFL's Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn to talk about empowering parents in their children's education!

The FAMiLY Leader Capitol Team welcomes the wise and wise-cracking Danny Carroll to the podcast, as they discuss what Iowa's ground-breaking, school-choice law means for Iowa parents and then give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the "changing spiritual temperature" at the Iowa Capitol!

You heard it here first! Major breaking news on protecting life in Iowa, as the Iowa Supreme Court agrees to expedite its hearing (and thus ruling) on Iowa's Heartbeat law, which would protect unborn children from the moment their heartbeats can be detected.

PLUS: Parental choice in education and the proposed ESA program in Iowa is moving quickly. TFL's Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn give you the latest.

Beginning with Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State Address, the 2023 Iowa Legislative Session began with fireworks, as the Governor called to help moms in need through funding the MOMS Act and called for Iowa to finally join the parental choice in education revolution!

TFL's Chuck Hurley introduces a pair of new, young "rock stars" at the Iowa Capitol to begin today's discussion ...

Bob, Chuck, and Daniel discuss what the reversal of Roe v Wade means for Iowans, including a couple dangerous myths.

Bob responds to the historic news that the US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade, returning the power to the people to protect unborn life!

Iowa's "second funnel" deadline, which determines which bills live and die this session, is week away!

The FAMiLY Leader's Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn update the status on key bills protecting doctors, children, life, and more.

After big wins in six key Iowa primary races, Bob and Josiah discuss how The Family Leader made a difference! Learn what this means for the Iowa legislature.

Tuesday, June 7 are the Iowa Primary Elections! Learn who The Family Leader has endorsed here: https://www.thefamilyleader.com/endorsements/

A little after midnight on Wednesday, the Iowa legislature adjourned passed their last bill and adjourned for the year. A bunch of good bills passed and a bunch more didn't, find out more!

And remember to vote in the primaries on June 7!

Hear more from our Capitol team by subscribing to legislative updates!

Next week will likely be the last week of the 2022 legislative session, which means important bills have to pass or die for the year. School choice and education transparency is in danger of failing this year, they need your support!

And remember to vote in the June 7 primaries!

To contact your legislators to support Pro-Life and School Choice bills, please click here!

Hear more from our Capitol team by subscribing to legislative updates!