Spotlight

Aynaz “Anni” Cyrus is an Iranian-American investigative author and national security voice focused on the ideological and psychological strategies of Islamism and political Islam in the West. Her work examines how movements, institutions, and state actors deploy religious doctrine, narrative warfare, and moral inversion to influence Western policy, culture, and security. In this episode she talks with Jenna Smith of IFI about the war in her homeland, Iran, the threat of radicalized muslim sleeper cells, and her latest work: “The Architecture of Jihad” which you can purchase now on Amazon!… Continue Reading

Katy Faust is founder of Them Before Us, a foundation with one goal in mind: to protect the right of a child to their mother and father. She joins Dave Smith and Alyssa Sonnenburg on Spotlight for this episode regarding her new campaign, titled Greater Than. This is an episode you do not want to miss. For decades, science shows children do better when raised by their married mom and dad — a safe, low-conflict home that nurtures development and trust.… Continue Reading

“Every baby made in the image of God irritates the devil” This podcast features Elaine Demoulos and Angela from Alliance Family Services discussing their pro-life work, the importance of holistic care, and how community support can make a difference in saving lives. … Continue Reading

In this special edition of IFI, we turn the Spotlight on our longtime host, Monte Larrick. Monte Larrick was Illinois Family Institute’s Media Director for over a decade, informing our constituents on Illinois topics with clear, concise and unique angles. He shares some untold stories of his longtime career covering politics for Moody radio.… Continue Reading

When we have laws in the U.S. that promote a biblical worldview, we vote for them. . . the policies are an overflow of what the Bible says, whether they pass or not – the truth is still the truth. ~ Dr. Greg Gifford Alyssa Sonnenburg and Jenna Smith host today’s episode with a special guest on what should the Christian response be to SB 4832, which would define “transgenderism” as a mental illness under Illinois’ Health Code.… Continue Reading

We don’t want doctors and administrators profiting off of the destruction of a young child. ~ State Senator Andrew Chesney Spotlight host David Smith talks to two Illinois General Assembly members on legislation they have introduced to protect children against being mutilated by hospitals or prevented from receiving mental health treatment. State Representative Bill Hauter, M.D. — the only medical doctor serving in the Illinois General Assembly — has introduced HB 4482 to prohibit gender-transition medical procedures on children.… Continue Reading

Women are currently being told by the law that it is okay to kill their babies. That is unjust. We want to inform peoples’ conscience with a just law. God is very clear: you shall not murder. That applies to all human beings. ~ Pastor Johnson Michael Johnson is pastor of Grace Redeemer Church in Winfield, IL. Caesar LeFlore is pastor of Spirit of Liberty Church of God in Markham, IL.… Continue Reading

If the church remains silent, you do not have a polity, a people, a citizentry that is informed by the word of God. . .the church must speak the truth in love, not with arrogance, going back to the gospel of Christ saying there is a God in heaven who will forgive you, who will gladly reconcile you to Himself. In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith talks with two Illinois pastors about SB 3572, a bill that will abolish abortion in the Land of Lincoln.… Continue Reading

State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Aledo) has informed us that he will be introducing legislation in Springfield to abolish abortion in Illinois. Not limit it, not cap it, abolish it. In this episode, David E. Smith hosts Alyssa Sonnenburg and Jenna Smith to discuss the reality of abortion in the state of Illinois and how likely it will be to push through a bill to criminalize abortion in a Democrat super-majority General Assembly. Not only did the Land of Lincoln kill the most amount of babies in 2024, but medical practitioners whose medical license have been revoked in other states can become abortionists in IL, the death of a woman does not to be reported to a coroner if it occurs during an abortion procedure, minors can undergo invasive abortion surgery without the knowledge or consent of their parents, and much worse.… Continue Reading

Riley Gaines Barker is a 12x all-American collegiate swimmer, praised by President Trump for leading the fight for fairness, safetey & the protection of women in women’s sports. Riley’s life was drastically changed when the NCAA a biological male to compete against her and was allowed to dress and undress in her locker rooms. Riley refused to stay quiet about it, and remained firm throughout the hate, vitriol and consequences. Now she is a celebrated hero for protecting girls and fighting for the right to have womens’ sports remain only for women.… Continue Reading

Dr. Erwin Lutzer, pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago, took questions from the audience at an IFI Forum in 2019, and his answers still hold value for Christians troubled by the state of the culture over 6 years later. Get Dr. Lutzer’s book “The Church in Babylon” here!    … Continue Reading

This is a two-for-one episode! In the first segment, we hear from JennyBeth Martin from the Only Citzens Vote Coalition on why only Americans should participate in American elections. In the second segment, we hear from Larry Elder on the importance of the film Uncle Tom II… Continue Reading

Remarks from Dr. Frank Turek is the episode for today’s Spotlight. Dr. Turek is the author of “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” and is host of the podcast of the same title. He is president of CrossExamined, an apologetics ministry, and he spoke at IFI’s 2017 worldview conference on why Christians need to be involved in politics. To attend IFI’s upcoming worldview conference, register by clicking here!… Continue Reading

In this episode, we are highlighting a presentation given at IFI’s 2025 annual Worldview Conference, which was held at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove. Scott Phelps, head of the Abstinence and Marriage Partnership organization, shares the Success Sequence program with the audience in the first half of the program, and in the second, demonstrates how the sex education programs in government schools codify the sexual revolution to the detriment of America.   Attend IFI’s 2026 Worldview Conference by registering here!… Continue Reading

The school systems aren’t failing, they are performing exactly as they were designed to perform and they were never intended to produce not only Christian children [with] Biblical worldviews, but they also aren’t there to teach them how to be logical or how to be learners. The Rev. Caesar LeFlore wears many hats. He is the pastor of the Spirit of Liberty Church of God in Markham, serves on the boards of Illinois Family Institute (IFI) and the Good Soil, Good Seed Scholarship Foundation, and he is the state director of IFI’s Public School Exit project.… Continue Reading

It is so important that when you hear that people can’t come back out of this lifestyle that you actually see a witness that says you can. And if you come to a relationship with Jesus Christ, you will find Christ and you will be redeemed and you will be restored ~ Walt Heyer This episode features remarks given by Walt Heyer at IFI’s 2019 worldview conference. Walt Heyer is a one time coporate executive who underwent gender reassignment surgery at the age of 42, and lived the next 8 years of his life living as a woman.… Continue Reading

The Spotlight is shone on David Smith in this episode, the executive director for Illinois Family Institute. IFI’s annual Faith, Family & Freedom banquet just took place on November 7, 2025, and in his address to 700 attendees, Smith outlined how IFI is helping Christians fight spiritual battles in the lions den of Illinois.    … Continue Reading

In March of this year, IFI hosted our annual worldview conference at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove. The theme was restoring a Biblical perspective on marriage and family. This episode of Spotlight features one of our keynote speakers from our worldview conference. Scott Phelps heads up the Abstinence and Marriage Partnership organization, and during his presentation, pointed out that the best way to resotre a culture of marriage and family is to reach a new generation of American youth on the clear, objective benefits of marriage & family.… Continue Reading

Pastor Caesar LeFlore hosts today’s episode, directing the spotlight on pastor Courtney Lewis of Cornerstone Baptist church.… Continue Reading

We’re featuring biblical perspectives on immigration in this episode of Spotlight. Dr. Shando Valdez presented this lecture during a Christian Emergency League townhall meeting at New Hope Community Church in Palatine, IL. Among other comments, Valdez points out the realities surrounding immigration in the U.S. Dr. Valdez is a political consultant, clergy organizer, and senior pastor at New Jerusalem Baptist church in Chicago.… Continue Reading

A special episode of Spotlight today! Pastor Caesar LeFlore hosts Cynthia Morales with Pro-Life Champions to discuss a new video that challenges the pro-abortion narrative that pregnancy care centers are “fake clinics.” She also points out how these centers have evolved over the years.… Continue Reading

Illinois Family Institute recently hosted a forum at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, and this episode of Spotlight features remarks from Jedd Davis at aformentioned event. Jedd Davis is the IL 75th State District Representative, has a civil engineering degree, and served as board president for Yorkville’s Parkview Christian Academy. In this commentary, Davis shares insider stories from his time serving in the Ilinois legislature and what is coming up in the Lame Duck Session, and the troubling concerns he has with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.… Continue Reading

IFI lobbyist David Curtin provides insights on the legislature’s fall Veto session . How will state lawmakers may respond to the murder of Charlie Kirk. He also comments on mental health screening in government schools, home education, and efforts to reduce energy costs in Illinois.… Continue Reading

This episode features highlights from an interview with Dr. Voddie Baucham, which took place during the 2023 Black Conservative Summit in Tinley Park. Dr. Baucham passed away at the age of 56 just this past September, and will be greatly missed by the staff of Illinois Family Institute. He leaves behind a wife and 9 children. Dr. Baucham, an American pastor and renowned author, was dean of the school of divinity at African Christian University in Zambia for 9 years.… Continue Reading

Today’s episode is a presentation given by Dr. Frank Turek during Illinois Family Institute’s 2017 Worldview Conference at the Village Church of Barrington. Dr. Turek is an author of 7 books, the host of the podcast “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist,” & Founder & President of CrossExamined, an Apologetics-based ministry. Dr. Turek was a close friend and mentor of Charlie Kirk, and was with him the day he was assassinated during a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University.… Continue Reading

This episode features a presentation by Anni Cyrus on Islam in America Today. This lecture was given at Christian Emergency League Townhall meeting hosted by New Hope Community church in Palatine. Anni Cyrus is a human rights activist who fled from Iran as a teenager. Her site, Live Up to Freedom, is the source for the truth about Islam. This episode is a Christian’s guide to understanding what muslims believe about the world, about Jesus Christ, and about their goal of taking over the top 18 cities in America.… Continue Reading

Monte Larrick is joined by Darren Bailey, a former state representative, senator, and gubernatorial candidate. Bailey, a long-time farmer from Southern Illinois, recently participated in an Only Citizens Vote protest in Orland Park. He joined the demonstration to advocate for the position that only U.S. citizens should be allowed to vote in Illinois. During this episode of Spotlight, Bailey discusses how Illinois is more than ready for a conservative governor: We must make Illinois livable, and I know a lot of people who have moved out of the state who have come back because of their family.… Continue Reading

This is part two of our two part series with Dr. Brad Wilcox from Illinois Family Institute’s 2025 worldview conference. Dr. Wilcox serves as director of the National Marriage Project & professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. He’s the author of several books including “Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Form Strong Families, & Save Civilization.” In Part One of this Two Part series, Dr. Wilcox discusses the closing of the American heart.… Continue Reading

Today we’re highlighting remarks from Dr. Brad Wilcox during the Illinois Family Institute’s 2025 Marriage & Family worldview conference, hosted by Belmont Bible Church in Downer’s Grove. Dr. Wilcox serves as director of the National Marriage Project & professor of sociology at the University of Virginia. He’s the author of several books including “Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Form Strong Families, & Save Civilization.” In Part One of this Two Part series, Dr.… Continue Reading

It’s the gay. . .movement that lies to the American public. They will accept if your child identifies as bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, gender queer, polyamory — but they won’t accept if a gay kid decides, ‘hey, I’m gonna leave this lifestyle.’ Peter LaBarbara is President of the Center for Morality & Americans for Truth, a national group dedicated to exposing the homosexual, bisexual, transgender activist agendas. Labarbara discusses with Monte how Trump’s Administration has affected their cause.… Continue Reading

Anni Cyrus is a human rights activist and survivor of the Islamic regime in Iran living under Sharia. She was forced into a marriage by her father at the age of 13 & beaten & imprisoned several times before escaping to Turkey. Cyrus found her way to the United States and now, as a fully fledged American citizen, Anni is exposing the threat of Sharia through her organization, Live Up To Freedom. She is an advocate for truth, liberty, the U.S.… Continue Reading

In this two for one podcast, you’ll hear remarks from Evangela Pringles, director of Pregnancy Aid Illinois during a 40 Days for Life Celebration, and from pastor Caesar LeFlore during the 2020 Rally for Jesus held on the campus of Cavlary Church in Orland Park. These two leaders touch on why advocating for life is so important, and how you can gain real peace to anchor you throughout any storm in life.… Continue Reading

Life activists are hoping President Trump’s signature on the Federal budget bill will lead to the downfall of Planned Parenthood. The Republican led spending blueprint denies access to Medicaid funding to organizations that commit abortions. While the legislation doesn’t mention Planned Parenthood by name, the abortion mill is facing deep cuts for at least a year in its $800 million in annual taxpayer provided subsidies. Eric Schiedler, the Executive Director for Pro Life Action League is applauding the legislative effort.… Continue Reading

Recorded live from the 2025 Illinois Christian Homeschool Convention (ICHE), Monte Larrick converses with Abraham Hamilton III. Hamilton is a husband, Bible teacher, a national radio host & TV host, a lawyer & homeschool father who was a keynote speaker for ICHE’s 2025 Conference, themed “This We Believe.” Hamilton encourages listeners to prioritize homeschooling, because: “For far too long, people have failed to recognize that mind cultivation is essential to disciple making. So if we would export and cede the authority to cultivate our childrens’ hearts and minds to people whose positions really are hostile to Scripture, then we could very well be ceding our children to a context against what we ultimately want to see, which is that 3 John 4:4 phenomenon.… Continue Reading

When we abandon the most basic of truths–man & woman–what do we have to stand on? Today we’re featuring a Spotlight interview conducted in 2023 with conservative icon and activist, Riley Gaines Barker. Riley is a 12x all-American collegiate swimmer, praised by President Trump for leading the fight for fairness, safetey & the protection of women in women’s sports. Riley will be our keyenote speaker at our annual Faith, Family & Freedom banquet on November 7th of this year.… Continue Reading

“If Americans are going to reject abortion, they need to know what happens in an abortion. Who are the victims of abortion? What impact does it have on those mothers and fathers who choose abortion and on society as a whole.” – Anne Scheidler Standing on the side of a busy highway, Monte Larrick talks with Anne Scheidler, vice president of the pro-life action league during the organization’s Face the Truth tour. Volunteers have been lining Chicago streets with signs and photos calling attention to abortion and its victims: unborn babies and their mothers.… Continue Reading

Illinois is the abortion capitol of the Midwest. Women from states that have safegaurds to protect babies are choosing the land of Lincoln for surgical abortions or, increasingly, aboriton drugs. Donna Williams is trying to counter that. As the executive director for PASS network for Life, she leads the pregnancy based care center in Tinley Park to protect and promote life.… Continue Reading

Recording from the annual Illinois Christian Home Educator’s (ICHE) Convention at Olivet Nazarine University in Bourbonais, Monte Larrick conducts his annual interview with ICHE’s executive director, Kirk Smith.  … Continue Reading

Organizers contend that the Spring 40 Days for Life campaign drew record participation this year! 40 Days for Life is a local-based ministry aimed to end abortion through prayer, fasting, and community outreach and peaceful, all day vigils outside of abortion mills. Steve Karlen serves as the campaign director for 40 Days, where he trains and assists campaign leaders, co-hosts 40 Days for Life podcast and is the author of the book, “This is When we Begin to Fight.… Continue Reading

The End of Life Options act has been introduced to the Illinois General Assembly. It will allow doctors to perscribe death-inducing drugs to adult patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. If it becomes law, it can very easily be expanded. Today’s episode highlights remarks made by Alex Schadenberg during the 2023 Speakout IL conference. Schadenberg is an author and the executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. In his role he hopes to shed light on not only euthanasia, but also on the status of other pro suicide actions.… Continue Reading

Monte & David welcome Dan Marquardt of We Love Police, a 501c3 that highlights the untold good of our police officers. You will find out how to best support your police department right where you are in your community.… Continue Reading

This week, Monte is joined by Illinois Family Institute’s David Smith to talk with Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois. They are an uncancelable force putting the spotlight on Illinois school districts to erase DEI initiatives and protect children from mental health screenings, graphic sex education and title IX violations.… Continue Reading

Today’s spotlight is on Dr. Mark Zumhagen and his presentation at Illinois Family Institute’s forum on Assisted Suicide, which was hosted by Lake County Right to Life. Dr. Zumhagen is an IFI board member and a family medicine physician with 4 decades of practice under his belt. In 2009, he co-founded Fearfully & Wonderfully Made in Orland Park, where he currently practices. In this episode, Dr. Zumhagen discusses how pro suicide legislation has its roots in Darwinism, reminding us that life is a precious gift.… Continue Reading

It’s May madness time in the Illinois General Assembly, and on Spotlight today, we’re asking IFI lobbyist David Curtin what to expect our legislature to churn out this month. May madness is a term coined by Curtin to describe the chaos that ensues in Springfield before the lawmakers adjurn for the summer. Anything could happen.… Continue Reading