In this episode of the Nuclear Option Podcast, Pastor Chris and Aziza Butler delve into the intricate relationship between family dynamics and societal structures. They kick off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of family as a public good, especially in the context of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The discussion starts with a thought-provoking analysis of an article from the Institute of Family Studies, which posits that a household income of $100,000 is now considered the new poverty line. Pastor Chris and Aziza explore the implications of this shift, particularly the necessity for dual-income households and the societal pressures that accompany it. They advocate for policies that support single-income families, highlighting the benefits of having a parent at home to nurture children and strengthen community ties. The episode also features a segment on innovative family activities, introducing a new product called Bible Bricks, which combines play with biblical education. They discuss the educational benefits of hands-on learning. Finally, regarding the promise of family life, they discuss the importance of intergenerational family gatherings. They share personal anecdotes about their own family experiences, emphasizing the value of storytelling and connection across generations. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reminder of the significance of family in shaping society and the need for supportive policies that empower families to thrive.

Links

"Can Your Family Survive on One Income? Public Policy Should Do More to Help" - https://ifstudies.org/blog/can-your-family-survive-on-one-income-public-policy-should-do-more-to-help-

Bible Bricks - https://biblebricks.com/

Intergenerational Gatherings - https://elderhealthathome.com/how-to-host-a-great-intergenerational-family-gathering/

Chapters

00:00 Politics - Pro-family Economic Policy

10:15 Practice - Bible Bricks, Hands-On Learning

19:27 Promise - Intergenerational Family Gatherings

Keywords

family dynamics, public good, single-income households, Bible Bricks, intergenerational gatherings, family education, societal structures, parenting, community ties, midterm elections

In this bonus episode of the Nuclear Option Podcast, Pastor Chris and Aziza discuss the so-called 'Trump Account,' a savings program aimed at providing financial support for children born after January 1, 2025. The hosts express their views on the potential benefits of this program, emphasizing its role in promoting financial security for families and the importance of universal access to such initiatives. They also touch on the implications of this program for inflation and the broader economic landscape, arguing that investing in families can be a positive step forward.

Transitioning to the practice of family, Aziza highlights the benefits of family game nights, emphasizing how board games can foster communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among family members. The couple shares personal anecdotes about their own family game nights, illustrating how these activities can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

They conclude by discussing the promise of family, particularly the value of sibling relationships in navigating marriage and interpersonal conflicts.

The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to support one another and recognize the importance of strong family units in society.

Chapters

00:00 Politics - Investing in Family Values

09:39 Practice - Family Game Nights

18:13 Promise - Siblings Train us for Healthy Families

About the Hosts
Chris Butler is a pastor, organizer, and leader hailing from the Southside of Chicago. He and his amazing wife, Aziza lead Chicago Ambassador Church and have six wonderful children. Having worked across the spectrum of organizations and types of engagement, Chris often lends insight and leadership on organization building and civic engagement to elected officials, organization leaders, community organizers, and other leaders in the faith community. Pastor Chris co-authored “Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaigns Guide To Faithful Civic Engagement” with Justin Giboney and Micheal Wear.

Aziza Butler is the founder of WeSchool Academy in Chicago, IL, developed to equip homeschooling families on the city’s South Side. Aziza presents urban homeschooling as a viable option to all families, especially of color, while developing strong Parent Educators. Since 2017, she has pioneered the “City As Campus” approach to learning through the WeSchool (a flexible-schedule learning community) which continues to grow.

Chris and Aziza are senior leaders at Ambassador Church in the Chicagoland Area. Married 18 years, they live in a southside neighborhood of Chicago and never have a dull moment as they raise their six children: Azaria, Corban, Azadi, Christopher Anthony, Azeem, and Cole.

Podcast Website: https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Community & Calls to Action

Rate and review us! This is the most impactful way to support the show.

Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

Keywords

Nuclear Option Podcast, family politics, Trump Account, family savings, family game night, sibling relationships, family bonding, parenting tips, financial security, family communication, siblings

Did you know there's a difference between a vacation & a family trip? Join Pastor Chris & Aziza Butler as they discuss new legislation mandating mental health screenings of children, managing a family trip, and how to engage family in education.

Connect with us:

https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Transcript

[0:06 - 0:13]Hosts: Welcome to Episode 2 of The Nuclear Option Podcast, where we explore the politics, practice, and promise of the nuclear family.

[0:16 - 1:57]Aziza and Chris Butler: Personal greetings. We discuss praying together as a family and the podcast's goal to center families in cultural and political conversations. We remind families of their power and importance. The podcast is inclusive for all, including single-person households, as everyone is connected to a family.

[2:38 - 3:45]Hosts: We reiterate the need to prioritize and empower families to address cultural problems. Family is a societal solution without despising non-traditional structures.

[3:48 - 11:55] - The PoliticsHosts: Discussion on politics impacting families, focusing on Illinois Governor Pritzker's signing of Senate Bill 1560, mandating mental health screenings for students from grade 3 through 12 starting in 2027, with a parental opt-out option. Concerns about children's impressionability, potential counterproductive effects, and the importance of family involvement in mental health rather than isolating children from parents.

[11:43 - 14:37] - The PracticeHosts: Transition to family practice, sharing a recent trip to Branson, Missouri. Highlight the difference between a vacation and a family trip, experiences like missing a play due to scheduling, traveling with seven children (including an adult), and logistics like driving and packing.

[14:41 - 21:10] Hosts: Reflections on making family trips work, changing expectations over time. Invite listener input on vacation tips via email (thenuclearoption@weschoolfoundation.org) or social media. Mention 18 years of marriage, six kids, youngest not yet two, and ongoing learning.

[21:13 - 31:19] - The PromiseHosts: Promise of family, focusing on Northwest Education Association (NWEA) research report "Family Engagement is a Strategy for COVID Recovery in Public Schools." Five key insights: engagement benefits all, focuses on holistic wellness, treats families as equal partners, includes frequent communication, shaped by policies. Benefits for students socially, academically, emotionally into adulthood. Improves school culture, even for less engaged families. Homeschooling as high engagement form. Encourage parental involvement; check the report.Hosts: Thanks to listeners and farewell.

In this episode of the Nuclear Option Podcast, Chris and Aziza Butler discuss the significance of the nuclear family in today's society. They explore the implications of government policies like SNAP benefits, the importance of physical affection through hugging, and present research that highlights the correlation between family structure and economic mobility. The conversation emphasizes the role of families as a public good and the positive ripple effects they have on communities and future generations.

Episode Outline

1. The Politics - SNAP Benefits

2. The Practice - Long Hugs

3. • An article in Psychology Today cites health benefits of hugging

   • An article in Today’s Parent specifically talks about the benefits of longer hugs (20 seconds) in the family context.

4. The Promise - The Impact of Nuclear Family on Economic Growth

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Pastor Chris & Aziza Butler

• About the Host:

Chris Butler is a pastor, organizer, and leader hailing from the Southside of Chicago. He and his amazing wife, Aziza lead Chicago Ambassador Church and have six wonderful children. Having worked across the spectrum of organizations and types of engagement, Chris often lends insight and leadership on organization building and civic engagement to elected officials, organization leaders, community organizers, and other leaders in the faith community. Pastor Chris co-authored “Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaigns Guide To Faithful Civic Engagement” with Justin Giboney and Micheal Wear.

Aziza Butler is the founder of WeSchool Academy in Chicago, IL, developed to equip homeschooling families on the city’s South Side. Aziza presents urban homeschooling as a viable option to all families, especially of color, while developing strong Parent Educators. Since 2017, she has pioneered the “City As Campus” approach to learning through the WeSchool (a flexible-schedule learning community) which continues to grow.

Chris and Aziza are senior leaders at Ambassador Church in the Chicagoland Area. Married 18 years, they live in a southside neighborhood of Chicago and never have a dull moment as they raise their six children: Azaria, Corban, Azadi, Christopher Anthony, Azeem, and Cole.

• Podcast Website: https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Community & Calls to Action

• Primary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. [Include link]

Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

Episode 8 Show Notes

This week we explore the significant impact of housing affordability on family planning, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. It highlights how economic factors, such as the high cost of housing, deter young couples from having children, despite their desire for family life. The discussion emphasizes the need for affordable housing as a crucial element of a pro-family stance.

Takeaways

• Housing affordability is a major factor in family planning decisions.

• Many millennials and Gen Z are choosing not to have children due to high costs.

• Affordable family housing should be a priority for pro-family advocates.

• Economic pressures are reshaping family structures and decisions.

• The narrative around family planning must include housing issues.

• Pro-family policies must address housing affordability to be effective.

• The rising cost of living directly impacts fertility rates.

• Support for affordable housing is essential for family growth.

• Young couples desire families but face financial barriers.

• A true pro-family stance includes advocating for affordable housing.

Chapters

[00:00] The Power of Family in Today's World

[00:38] The Importance of Apologizing to Children

Host & Show Info

• Host Name: Pastor Chris & Aziza Butler

• About the Host:

Chris Butler is a pastor, organizer, and leader hailing from the Southside of Chicago. He and his amazing wife, Aziza lead Chicago Ambassador Church and have six wonderful children. Having worked across the spectrum of organizations and types of engagement, Chris often lends insight and leadership on organization building and civic engagement to elected officials, organization leaders, community organizers, and other leaders in the faith community. Pastor Chris co-authored “Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaigns Guide To Faithful Civic Engagement” with Justin Giboney and Micheal Wear.

Aziza Butler is the founder of WeSchool Academy in Chicago, IL, developed to equip homeschooling families on the city’s South Side. Aziza presents urban homeschooling as a viable option to all families, especially of color, while developing strong Parent Educators. Since 2017, she has pioneered the “City As Campus” approach to learning through the WeSchool (a flexible-schedule learning community) which continues to grow.

Chris and Aziza are senior leaders at Ambassador Church in the Chicagoland Area. Married 18 years, they live in a southside neighborhood of Chicago and never have a dull moment as they raise their six children: Azaria, Corban, Azadi, Christopher Anthony, Azeem, and Cole.

• Podcast Website: https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Community & Calls to Action

• Primary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show.

• Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

Pastor Chris & Aziza Butler open up about their fight for homeschooling freedom in IL, "Butler Cafe" and their six kids, and the benefits of close relationships with cousins.

Connect with us: https://www.weschoolfoundation.org/nuclear_option

Episode Transcript

[0:06-0:23]Welcome to The Nuclear Option Podcast. We're exploring the politics, practice, and promise of the nuclear family. Family is both a private institution and a public good.

[0:25-1:09]Hosts Aziza and Chris Butler here. This is our inaugural episode. We're starting this podcast even with our busy life raising six children, because we believe in centering the family.

[1:14-4:27]Families face challenges like policy attacks and societal discouragement of building families. Our podcast aims to encourage family-building as a public good and challenge the school-first society assumptions.

[4:38-6:26]We support the nuclear family but are inclusive of various structures. Family is key to solving societal issues.

[6:28-15:06] - The PoliticsIn Illinois, House Bill 2827 proposed a registry for homeschool families, infringing on educational freedom. We testified publicly, mobilized the community, and fought against it through activism.

[15:08-21:52] - The PracticeWe share our "Butler Cafe" practice: mornings with devotions, specialty drinks, fostering quiet time and faith. It works for all ages, from toddlers to teens.

[22:04-33:42] - The PromiseDiscussing the promise of family, referencing The Atlantic's "The Great Cousin Decline" article. Fewer children mean fewer cousins, who provide diverse perspectives and support in crises. We emphasize maintaining family relationships, including "play cousins."