Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol

In Episode 90 of Coffee Culture & the Capitol, Sophia and Greg break down a dramatic week at the California State Capitol — including a heated Assembly floor vote on ACA 7, a constitutional amendment that would partially roll back California’s ban on race-based preferences.What does ACA 7 actually do? How is an ACA different from an AB or SB? And why did this vote stall for minutes on the Assembly floor before narrowly passing? Sophia and Greg unpack the political maneuvering, the constitutional stakes, and what this means as the proposal heads to the Senate.Then, they shift to a positive development: AB 1835, a bill that would place a 90-day limit on the governor’s emergency powers. After California’s three-year COVID state of emergency, is it time for stronger legislative accountability? The conversation revisits lockdowns, church restrictions, and why constitutional checks and balances matter.Plus, with the California March for Life just weeks away, Sophia shares exciting updates and stories from students who are traveling across the state to stand for life on March 16th.Grab your coffee (or Hint water 😉) and join the conversation as we break down the policies shaping California — and how you can stay informed and involved.

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

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/resourceshttps://static1.squarespace.com/static/63ebbd468a9d2d129d622b91/t/679a48f2661ac31c3ae92ff0/1738164468208/Fillable_Student_Gender_Support_Plan_2023.pdfhttps://www.californiafamily.org/2026/02/ca-state-lawmakers-push-90-million-abortion-bailout-for-planned-parenthood/

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.

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.

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.

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 CaliforniaWhether 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

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.

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.

In Episode 81 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, hosts Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt dive deep into two of the most alarming new laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom — AB 727 and AB 495 — and how these so-called “compassionate” measures actually endanger children and undermine parental rights across California.Governor Newsom’s AB 727 mandates that all student ID cards in grades 7–12 and colleges display the contact information for The Trevor Project, an organization whose “TrevorSpace” online chatrooms have been flagged by law enforcement as unsafe for minors. Investigations have shown that TrevorSpace allows adults to pose as teens, lacks age verification, and hosts unmonitored chat rooms filled with explicit or harmful content. Despite warnings from police, school officials, and child safety advocates, the Governor ignored the risks — putting thousands of vulnerable kids just one click away from potential predators.Sophia and Greg unpack what’s really going on behind the compassionate language and rainbow branding — and why true compassion must be rooted in truth and protection, not ideology. They share the voices of whistleblowers like Brenda Lebsack, Kevin Brown, and Sheriff Chad Bianco, who have exposed how this so-called “safe space” is actually a dangerous hunting ground for those who exploit children’s confusion and pain.But that’s not all. The discussion turns to AB 495, another deeply concerning bill that allows any adult — without parental consent, verification, or notification — to act as a child’s guardian, enrolling them in school or making medical decisions on their behalf. The bill’s vague “Caregiver Authorization Affidavit” creates an open door for abuse, trafficking, and government overreach — effectively stripping parents of their constitutional rights.CFC President Jonathan Keller calls AB 495 a “betrayal of families,” while legal experts warn it’s a “child predator’s dream bill.” Together, Sophia and Greg break down how these laws represent a broader cultural and spiritual crisis — one where California’s leaders are replacing parental authority and biblical truth with dangerous ideology and deception.Tune in to hear the truth the mainstream media won’t tell you — and learn how parents, pastors, and community leaders can stand up to protect the next generation.Scripture reminder: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10👉 Subscribe, share, and join the movement to protect life, family, and liberty in California.

CFC’s Greg Burt speaks with Elizabeth Woning, Ken Williams, and Isaac Beck from the CHANGED Movement minutes after leaving the U.S. Supreme Court in Chiles v. Salazar—a pivotal case about counseling freedom and whether states can ban licensed talk therapy that helps minors pursue a biblically faithful view of sexuality and identity.From the gallery, our guests describe even-handed questioning from the Justices, sharp pushback on viewpoint discrimination, and concern that Colorado’s law steers every struggling teen only toward an LGBTQ outcome. They also unpack weaknesses in the “harm” studies often cited to justify bans—lumping abusive practices with voluntary talk therapy and relying on biased self-reporting—while highlighting the need for genuine research and real options for families of faith.Highlights:    •    What today’s arguments revealed about free speech, medical regulation, and viewpoint neutrality    •    Why minors who want help aligning feelings with faith deserve access to voluntary counseling    •    The difference between past abusive practices and ordinary talk therapy    •    How churches can be equipped to walk with people compassionately and truthfully    •    CHANGED Movement’s free “Navigating LGBTQ” training resource for Christians and pastors (see: ChangedMovement.com)Pray with us for a ruling that protects speech, conscience, and the right of families to seek help consistent with their faith.Chapters:0:00 Intro & who is CHANGED2:05 Inside the courtroom: first impressions7:10 Is this speech or medicine?12:45 The “harm” studies—what’s missing17:20 What this could mean for CA families & churches22:00 Free training resource for churches

In this episode of Coffee Culture and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Jere tackle the sobering reality of what it means to stand for truth in a broken and hostile world.They reflect on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, honoring his courage and unwavering faith. Sophia shares her own testimony of facing harassment and persecution for speaking biblical truth, reminding listeners that following Jesus often comes with a cost—but always leads to eternal reward.The conversation then shifts to current battles at California’s Capitol: AB 495, which now sits on Governor Newsom’s desk, and a groundbreaking lawsuit filed by three Jurupa Valley High School athletes defending fairness and safety in girls’ sports.This episode is a powerful call for Christians to fear God over man, to live with boldness, and to stand firm in God’s Word no matter the opposition.👉 Topics covered:The legacy of Charlie KirkChristian persecution todaySophia’s personal testimonyAB 495 updateFederal lawsuit defending women’s sports and Title IX

In Episode 78, Greg and Sophia shine a spotlight on two powerful stories unfolding in California.First, Sophia reports from Temecula’s James L. Day Middle School, where girls — joined by supportive classmates and parents — walked out to protest a district policy that forces them to share locker rooms with boys. Students carried signs, wore white bows, and stood together for privacy and dignity, rejecting the idea that they need a “mental health” or “religious” exemption just to have female-only spaces.Then, the discussion turns to the State Capitol for an urgent update on AB 495, where legislators have doubled down on stripping parents of their rights. Instead of strengthening safeguards, the bill’s author and co-authors amended the proposal to make it even easier for non-parents to make critical decisions for children — cutting families further out of the picture.These two stories reveal the same troubling theme: government and institutions overstepping their bounds at the expense of parents and children. Greg and Sophia bring clarity, faith, and a call to action for families ready to stand firm.Learn more at CaliforniaFamily.org

📌 Greg Burt & Sophia Lorey break down the most pressing family issues in California and beyond.In this episode, we:Discuss AB 495, a dangerous bill that undermines parental rights, with insights from Jonathan Keller and attorney Matt Sharp of ADF.Share highlights from Jonathan Keller’s powerful Capitol rally speech against AB 495.Uncover the dark truth behind California’s surrogacy industry, where children are treated as commodities.Reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. James Dobson, a faithful champion of biblical family values.👉 Tune in to hear why parents, pastors, and communities must stay vigilant in defending children, families, and God’s design.

In this episode of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt tackle three critical topics shaping California’s future.They begin by unpacking Snopes’ recent coverage of AB 495, which dismissed concerns about custody and child protection as “false.” Sophia and Greg break down the bill’s text, address the so-called fact-check head-on, and explain why the truth matters—especially when it comes to safeguarding children.Next, they turn to a practical action step for parents: public school opt-out forms. Highlighting resources from Pacific Justice Institute (https://pacificjustice.org/resources/for-parents/public-school-opt-out-forms/), Informed Parents of California (https://www.ip-ca.org/), Advocates for Faith & Freedom https://faith-freedom.com/parental-opt-out/, and the National Center for Law & Policy (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RGR2YtZiM6wp5yhZJsxdybOaEz_mwm4R/view?usp=drive_link), they explain how moms and dads can legally and effectively opt their kids out of inappropriate curriculum, uphold their family’s values, and protect parental rights in the public school system.Finally, the conversation shifts to SB 403—Senator Catherine Blakespear’s bill to remove the 2031 “sunset clause” from California’s assisted suicide law, making it permanent. Sophia and Greg reveal how this so-called technical change is actually a strategic move toward expanding state-sanctioned death, eroding safeguards, and endangering the most vulnerable.From fact-checking the fact-checkers, to equipping parents, to defending the sanctity of life, Sophia and Greg deliver a bold, truth-filled conversation you won’t hear anywhere else. final

In Episode 75 of Coffee, Culture & the Capitol, Greg Burt interviews Nicole Pearson, attorney and founder of FACTS, LAW, TRUTH, JUSTICE, to expose the alarming realities of California’s Assembly Bill 495 — the so-called Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025.Greg and Nicole walk through step by step how AB 495 will update the California Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit to allow almost anyone to: Enroll or unenroll a child from schoolConsent to nearly all forms of medical, dental, and mental health treatment — including at school or in private facilitiesOverride a parent’s decision if they claim it “jeopardizes” the child’s health or safetyAll without requiring:A parent or guardian’s signature or consentBackground checks, identification verification, or home visitsCourt oversight or Child Protective Services involvementNicole details how this bill circumvents existing child safety protocols, strips parents of constitutionally protected rights without due process, and creates opportunities for predators and abusers to gain legal authority over vulnerable children.If passed, AB 495 could leave parents in the dark while strangers make life-altering decisions for their kids. This is a must-hear conversation for anyone concerned about parental rights, child protection, and the dangers of legislative overreach.

This week on Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, Sophia Lorey and Greg Burt dive deep into two of California’s most controversial—and underreported—child welfare stories.First, they unpack the shocking silence surrounding Kaiser Permanente’s decision to pause all "gender-affirming" surgeries on minors. While mainstream media all but ignored the stories of detransitioners like Chloe Cole and Layla Jane, Sophia and Greg bring their powerful voices to the forefront. Why are so many journalists refusing to ask the hard questions? Why is the suffering of teens treated as inconvenient noise? This is more than a policy pause—it’s a medical scandal, and the media’s unwillingness to engage in fair reporting is part of the cover-up.Then, the duo pivots to Assembly Bill 495, a bill cloaked in compassion but laced with danger. Critics warn it opens legal backdoors for child traffickers and erodes parental rights by redefining guardianship with alarming looseness. How does a “one-page affidavit” suddenly give unrelated adults sweeping authority over children—including the power to authorize irreversible medical treatments?Together, Sophia and Greg expose how California’s policies—and its press—are failing the state’s most vulnerable: our children.📢 Don’t miss this episode—because the stories being suppressed are the ones that most need to be heard.

In Episode 73 of Coffee, Culture, and the Capitol, Greg Burt and Sophia Lorey team up to break down a turbulent week at the Capitol where parental rights, school choice, and biological truth are under legislative attack.Join Greg and Sophia as they expose the dangers behind four controversial bills moving through the legislature:🎒 AB 84 – Killing School Choice in CaliforniaGreg and Sophia dissect Assembly Bill 84, revealing how it threatens to:Slash funding for over 222,000 non-classroom-based charter students.Ban new homeschool-friendly charters in smaller districts.Strip away vendor educational opportunities for students statewide.Hear direct testimony from education leaders Mary Cox who warn lawmakers that AB 84 would devastate vulnerable and rural students.⚖️ AB 1084 – Erasing Parental Rights in Gender DecisionsGreg Burt shares his own testimony against Assembly Bill 1084, a bill that would:Provide a way for minors to legally change their name and sex without parental consent.Treat biological sex as irrelevant under California law.Override parents who disagree with the state’s gender ideology.Greg challenges legislators: “Are parental rights only valid if parents agree with the state?”🚨 SB 497 – Sanctuary State for Child TransitionsGreg and Sophia discuss the chilling testimony of Beth Bourne, a mother who stopped her daughter’s gender transition and exposes the dangers of Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 497—a bill that:Blocks out-of-state investigations into child gender transitions in California.Shields doctors performing irreversible procedures from accountability.💻 AB 727 – The Danger of Trevor Space in SchoolsThey close with insights from Brenda Lebsack’s testimony against AB 727, warning legislators about online grooming risks in Trevor Project’s platform being promoted in California schools.🎧 Don’t miss this urgent conversation with Greg Burt and Sophia Lorey as they challenge Sacramento’s war on parents, students, and truth itself.👉 Call to Action:Stand with California Family Council. Contact your lawmakers and demand a NO vote on AB 84, AB 1084, SB 497, and AB 727.

A Christian Vision for Adoption: Hope, Life & Legislative Action, Interview with Terri MarcroftIn this powerful episode, California Family Council Vice President Greg Burt sits down with Terri Marcroft, founder of Unplanned Good, to explore why adoption remains one of the most overlooked and misunderstood options for women facing unplanned pregnancies.Terri shares her personal adoption story, her journey to founding Unplanned Good, and her mission to transform public perception and public policy surrounding adoption. From deep cultural misconceptions to legislative barriers, she exposes the truth behind why adoption is rarely offered as a real choice — and how we can change that.🚨 Today, Terri is helping introduce pro-adoption legislation across multiple states — including Idaho, Texas, California, and New Hampshire — and leading the Third Option Coalition, a movement to redirect federal funds from abortion providers toward adoption awareness and birth mother care.💬 Whether you're pro-life, pro-family, a policymaker, or a person of faith wanting to make an impact, this conversation will educate, inspire, and empower you.📌 Learn more at: https://unplannedgood.org🧡 Take action: Share this episode, support adoption in your community, and spread the message that life has a third option.

Episode 71: “CIF Chaos, Psilocybin Pushback & A Presidential Callout”In this explosive episode, Sophia and Greg pull back the curtain on a whirlwind week in California politics, sports, and spiritual warfare.➡️ Track Meet Turmoil: Sophia shares the full story behind her shocking ejection from the CIF State Championship Track Meet — a firsthand account you won’t hear anywhere else. What happened, why it matters, and how this is part of a much bigger battle over girls' sports in California.➡️ Sanity Prevails in Sacramento: A major win for common sense and federal law — the California Senate halts the controversial psilocybin decriminalization bill. We unpack the implications and how this victory affects the national conversation on drug policy.➡️ Trump Sounds Off: President Donald Trump calls out Governor Newsom and CIF over the trans—identified athlete controversy. We react to his fiery Truth Social post and the broader political reverberations across the country.➡️ Flashback to 2018: Plus, we play powerful clips from a historic press conference featuring testimonies by Ken Williams and Elizabeth Woning, as they stood for truth and freedom back when few dared to. Join us in Sacramento next week.This is an episode full of bold truth, emotional testimony, and clear calls to action for every listener passionate about faith, freedom, and protecting the next generation.