The Napa Legal Podcast

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain a novel legal victory that will protect children from "transgender" surgeries, compelled speech in public schools, and a new lawsuit against abortion pill distribution.In this episode, we discuss:1:11 A New York jury verdict awarding $2 million to Varian Fox, a 22-year old woman who received a double mastectomy at the behest of her psychologist to treat her mental illness despite clear underlying trauma. Fox has since "detransitioned" and sued her former psychologist and plastic surgeon for malpractice.12:38 A recent ruling that upheld a compelled speech requirement in Montgomery County Public Schools. The Country forces all teacher to refer to students by any pronouns the children request, despite the First Amendment's guarantees of free speech and religious exercise.22:56 A novel lawsuit from a father in Texas against an abortion pill provider that facilitated the death of his two unborn children. This case is the latest in the fight between pro-life and pro-abortion states over whether or not practitioners can mail mifepristone across state lines.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor our latest episode discussing free speech in public schools: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/doj-asks-court-to-delay-lawsuit-against-mailing-abortion-pills-the-first-amendment-and-moreTopics: Transgender ideology, Westchester county, first amendment, Pickering Connick test, Smith, neutral and generally applicable, religious discrimination, mail-order abortions.The Napa Legal Podcast, February 10, 2026.#firstamendment #freespeech #abortionpill #prolife

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain a lawsuit over mail-order abortions, free speech in public schools, and the public display of statues depicting two Catholic saints.In this episode, we discuss:1:20 The Department of Justice's latest intervention in a lawsuit over whether or not doctors can mail abortion pills without any in-person visits. 9:41 A new petition to the Supreme Court from a high school Students for Life Chapter that was censored and shut down after posting event flyers.20:23 A case before the Massachusetts Supreme Court over the city's attempt to install statues of Saints Michael and Florian to inspire first responders.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor our episode discussing free speech in public schools: https: //www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/latest-scotus-oral-arguments-free-speech-win-in-schools-kim-davis-case-endsTopics: Mifepristone, misoprostol, Liz Murrill, Louisiana v. FDA, Department of Justice, Free Speech, First Amendment, Tinker, Hazelwood, Establishment Clause, John Adams, Church and State.The Napa Legal Podcast, February 3, 2026.#firstamendment #prolifemovement #legalnews

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain new legal and policy updates involving New York's abortion mandate, the Church Autonomy Doctrine and COVID restrictions, and Illinois' abortion referral requirements.In this episode, we discuss:1:23 New York's recent settlement with a group of Catholic nuns, Dioceses, and other churches over the state's requirement for religious organizations to pay for abortions in Albany v. Harris after a decade of litigation.11:57 A cert petition from a church that was fined over $1 million for violating restrictions imposed during COVID-19 asking the Supreme Court to expand the Church Autonomy Doctrine and overturn Smith.22:59 A letter from HHS explaining how Illinois' abortion referral requirement for all doctors violates federal law.For more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor our recent episode featuring Andrea Picciotti-Bayer, visit us here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/religion-in-american-society-law-culture-and-freedom-with-guest-andrea-picciotti-bayerFor our episode with Fr. Tad Pacholczyk, visit us here: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/podcast-episodes/religious-freedom-in-healthcare-with-fr-tad-pacholczykTopics: Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission, Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, abortion mandate, Free Exercise, Establishment of Religion, Establishment Clause, freedom of religion, religious liberty, ministerial exception, Tandon v. Newsom, abortion referral requirement, medical conscience rights.The Napa Legal Podcast, January 27 2026.#firstamendment #prolifemovement #legalnews

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement explain new legal and policy updates involving public schools that treat students as the opposite sex while lying to parents, women’s sports at the U.S. Supreme Court, and pro-life legislation.In this episode, we discuss:1:43 An emergency appeal in a lawsuit against California's parental exclusion policy that instructs school staff to lie to parents about their interactions with students who struggle with gender dysphoria17:27 Recent oral arguments in a set of cases before the US Supreme Court over state laws that ban men from competing in women's sports31:37 Two pro-life laws currently working through the New Hampshire Legislature that protect parental and medical conscience rightsFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgFor more of the Napa Legal podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTopics: Public schools, free exercise, First Amendment, Bonta v. Mirabelli, Little v. Hecox, West Virginia v. BPJ, pro-life.The Napa Legal Podcast, January 19 2026.#parentalrights #prolifemovement #legalnews

In this episode of the Napa Legal Podcast, we’re joined by Andrea Picciotti-Bayer to examine religious liberty, the First Amendment, and the role of faith-based nonprofits in American society today. We discuss why religious individuals and organizations must be free from government coercion to carry out their missions, and how protecting religious liberty benefits civil society and the most vulnerable among us.Key Moments:0:50 Introduction and Andrea's work and background with the Conscience Project7:10 The inclusion of religion in public life and freedom from government coercion today12:08 Inclusion by exclusion: when poor policy hurts the most vulnerable15:40 The importance of stories and using faith to motivate heroism19:26 Originalism, the First Amendment, and the Founders' vision of religious liberty in education26:25 Responding to critics of protecting religious liberty31:05 What to watch for in the coming yearsCases Discussed- Trinity Lutheran v. Columbia- Carson v. Makin- Fulton v. City of Philadelphia- Kennedy v. Bremerton- Lemon v. Kurtzman- Dier v. LandryKey Quotation from Andrea: "Faith is not an intruder in public life; it’s a part of our civic DNA." For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit us at our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgThe Napa Legal Podcast, January 15, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the following updates:1:35 The 9th Circuit's novel expansion of the Church Autonomy Doctrine to provide greater protection for religious organizations when making hiring decisions;19:18 A case currently pending before the Supreme Court that could clarify when/how individuals whose First Amendment rights have been violated by the government can go to court;29:32 The Wyoming Supreme Court's recent ruling against the state's abortion bans and how it fails both the state's and natural laws.For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastFor more about Napa Legal and our work, visit out site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/Topics:- Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses- Freedom of Religion- Section 1983- Abortion and abortion pill bans- Is Abortion Healthcare?The Napa Legal Podcast, January 12, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the follow updates:1:38 The latest ruling against Planned Parenthood's attempt to force Congress to provide the nation's largest abortion provider with taxpayer dollars;12:31 The reinstatement of the Department of Veterans' Affairs near-total abortion ban;21:41 Religious discrimination in federal rural development projects.Topics CoveredPlanned ParenthoodBig Beautiful BillMedicaid FundingThe Fiction of Medically Necessary AbortionsRural Development ProjectsThe Economic and Civic Impact of Small Town ChurchesTo learn more about our work, visit our website at: https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site at:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, January 6, 2026

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits! In this episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the origins, mission, and identity of Napa Legal, and explain why the government must protect the free exercise of religion and the freedom of individuals and institutions to seek and worship God.Drawing from Catholic social teaching, natural law, and American history, they examine:- Humanity’s telos and human nature- The Catholic understanding of religious liberty- The history of nonprofits and freely made civil associations in America- How Napa Legal supports religious organizations and faith-based nonprofits through legal educationThis episode connects theology, philosophy, and law, explaining how religious liberty sustains a free society and why protecting faith-based nonprofits is essential to American civic life.To learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/For more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcast Key Topics: natural law, teleology, human nature, Dignitas Humanae, Pope Saint Paul the Sixth (PVI), freedom of association, free exercise of religion, Alexis de Tocqueville, religious liberty litigation, corporate governance, legal education, legal compliance, regulatory requirements, 501(c)(3) status, religious organizations, American law and history.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 23, 2025.

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special guest episode, Frank DeVito sits down with Chris Motz, the Senior Counsel at First Liberty and former Marine infantry officer and current part time judge advocate in the Air Force reserve component.They discuss religious liberty in the US military, especially in the light of recent contract cancellations for support staff of Catholic chaplains. Chris and Frank explain the history of the chaplaincy, current practices and opportunities for religious servicemembers, the need for greater support for Catholic chaplains and soldiers, and more!To watch more of the Napa Legal Podcast, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastTo learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our site here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgRead Chris' piece on Army cuts for chaplains here:https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5628554-catholic-chaplains-face-army-cuts/Topics: US Military, free exercise, Fr. Emil Kapaun, Fr. Vincent Capodanno, Father O’Callahan.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 18, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the following updates:1:40 A recent victory in court for a group of pro-life sidewalk counsellors in Florida who were prevented from carrying out their ministry;15:25 A Minnesota court's recent decision that protected the rights of a Catholic school to hire according to its faith;28:20 Criticism that the US Army has faced for cutting back key support roles for religious servicemembers and their families.Topics: First Amendment, abortion clinics, buffer zone laws, Florida Preborn Resuce, ministerial exception, Church Autonomy Doctrine, Army chaplains, religious freedom, American constitutional rights.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 16, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special guest episode, Frank DeVito is joined by Jason Bedrick, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy.They discuss the Phoenix Declaration, a set of principles and truths designed for school boards and education systems in America. The principles can revolutionize a broken school system in the United States to better serve our nation's youth and foster virtue and academic excellence from a young age while ensuring that the rights of parents are respected.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 11, 2025Topics: Moral objectivity, the pitfalls of relativism, academic excellence, public schools, parental choice and responsibility, cultural transmission, school choice policy, education and religious liberty.Read the rest of the Phoenix Declaration here:https://www.heritage.org/phoenix-declaration

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss two key Supreme Court cases that could reshape when someone whose rights have been violated can get into federal court. Both cases were recently argued before the US Supreme Court in its December sitting with rulings coming in 2026.1:55 First Choice v. Platkin - A faith-based pregnancy resource center was the subject of the New Jersey attorney general's mounting hostility. After the AG issued a subpoena demanding identifying personal information about its donors, First Choice is seeking to protect its constitutional rights in federal court.18:50 Olivier v. City of Brandon, Mississippi - Gabriel Olivier is an evangelical Christian who violated a city ordinance by preaching in public outside of the city's "free speech zone." After being convicted and fined, he filed a lawsuit to protect his rights in the future. Will his lawsuit be allowed to proceed?Topics Covered: Section 1983 Lawsuit, Bill of Rights, Constitutional freedoms, religious liberty, religious freedom, SCOTUS, December sitting, Freedom of Speech, Free Exercise of Religion, First Liberty, ADF, new cases, oral arguments.To learn more about Napa Legal and our work, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.orgExplore more of the Napa Legal podcast here on our website:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/the-napa-legal-podcastThe Napa Legal Podcast, December 8, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. This week Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the following updates:1:29 A federal rule that punishes doctors and insurance providers who refuse to perform or cover operations that violate their faith is being challenged in an appellate court;14:39 A new report from HHS detailing the medical concerns surrounding sex-rejecting drugs and procedures;29:21 A lawsuit brought by Texas' attorney general that could promote the religious liberty of job-seekers.Tags: Health and Human Services, gender ideology, transgenderism, ADF, religious freedom, First Amendment, freedom of religion, legal podcast, Kex Paxton.The Napa Legal Podcast, December 3, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode we cover the following updates: 1:16 President Trump recently signed an executive order to help Christian families foster children;19:49 Florida became the first state to adopt the Phoenix Declaration (a set of core values to guide an educational system);28:17 The Charlotte Lozier Institute's recently published a report on the impact of pregnancy resource centers across America.Tags: Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, religious discrimination, first amendment, foster care, public school reform, abortion, PRCs, Susan B. Anthony.The Napa Legal Podcast, November 24, 2025.

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week’s episode, we discuss the following updates: 1:41: the Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments and will determine if RLUIPA enables a Rastafarian inmate to sue prison officials who forcibly shaved his head14:30 the Sixth Circuit’s recent ruling against compelled speech policy in public schools that punished students for “misgendering” their classmates25:02 the Court’s recent denial of Kim Davis’ appeal for cert. Tags: Landor, religious liberty, RFRA, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, inmates' rights, free speech, Obergefell v. HodgesThe Napa Legal Podcast, November 17, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, we cover the following updates:1:25 Texans vote to enshrine parental rights in the state constitution;10:50 Christian homeschoolers ask Ninth Circuit to prevent unlawful religious discrimination;22:10 Illinois nears becoming the next state to legalize assisted suicide.Listen to our discussion on medical conscience rights with Fr. Tad Pacholczyk here: https://youtu.be/liOSO5eNqqMListen to our discussion with Nathan Berkeley on physician assisted suicide here: https://youtu.be/YVm7jcYraNQTags: Religious freedom, Texas Proposition 15, First Amendment, free exercise, bioethics, medical conscience rights.The Napa Legal Podcast, November 10, 2025.

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious freedom from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special episode, join Napa Legal Vice Chairman John Peiffer, Napa Legal President Mark Rohlena, Napa Legal Senior Counsel and Director of Content Frank DeVito, and Fr. Anthony Pillari as they discuss the findings of the 2025 Faith and Freedom Index.

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious freedom from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special episode, Frank DeVito discusses the Good Counselor Project with 2025 fellows Daniel Hart, Athanasius Sirilla, and Bradon Smith. Learn more about Napa Legal's GCP Fellowship, an annual formation program centered around the study of the great books.Applications for the 2026 cohort of the Napa Legal Good Counselor Project are now open! For more information and to apply, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/good-counselor/the-good-counselor-fellowshipExplore more of the Napa Legal Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwszS7Ql6_y51WlMS0kPL-Kcn8CajmaRWVisit Napa Legal's website here:www.napalegalinstitute.orgRead Napa Legal's blog here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/publications/and-gods-firstTags: Religious freedom, attorney formation, Aristotle, Dante, Euclid, St. Thomas More, St. Thomas Aquinas, Catholic education.The Napa Legal Podcast, October 15, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious freedom from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this special episode, Frank DeVito discusses the Good Counselor Project with 2025 fellows Darren Geist and Brandon Sipple. Learn more about Napa Legal's GCP Fellowship, an annual formation program centered around the study of the great books.Applications for the 2026 cohort of the Napa Legal Good Counselor Project are now open! For more information and to apply, visit our website here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/good-counselor/the-good-counselor-fellowshipExplore more of the Napa Legal Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwszS7Ql6_y51WlMS0kPL-Kcn8CajmaRWVisit Napa Legal's website here:www.napalegalinstitute.orgRead Napa Legal's blog here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/publications/and-gods-firstTags: Religious freedom, attorney formation, Aristotle, Dante, Euclid, St. Thomas More, St. Thomas Aquinas, Catholic education.The Napa Legal Podcast, October 15, 2025

Welcome to the Napa Legal Podcast, where we discuss religious liberty from the perspective of faith-based nonprofits. In this week's episode, Frank DeVito and Joseph Clement discuss the following updates:0:57 Whether or not Colorado's ban on affirming a child's God-given sex in counselling violates the First Amendment;17:02 the National Right to Life Committee's recent involvement in a lawsuit against Idaho's ban on abortion trafficking;26:29 A Michigan-based program that provides funding for expectant mothers and families with new babies.Explore more of the Napa Legal Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwszS7Ql6_y51WlMS0kPL-Kcn8CajmaRWVisit Napa Legal's website here:www.napalegalinstitute.orgRead Napa Legal's blog here:https://www.napalegalinstitute.org/publications/and-gods-firstTags: Kaley v. Chiles, oral arguments, SCOTUS OT 25, Free Speech Clause, subpoenas, First Choice v. Platkin, religious liberty, nonprofit law, legal podcast, pro-life movement, abortion, constitutional amendments.The Napa Legal Podcast, October 16, 2025