Today, we are sitting down with General Bird to confront a growing concern facing millions of Americans:

Is Big Tech working behind the scenes to silence certain voices?

In his new book, What Really Matters, Tim Goeglein makes a compelling case that the strength of our nation has always been tied to our shared belief in God-given rights.

This week on First Liberty Live!, we sit down with Tim to discuss why faith was so central to America’s founding, how those principles are being challenged today, and what it will take to preserve them for the next generation.

This victory is a win for every American’s right to have their day in court when their First Amendment rights have been violated.

Today, First Liberty’s Kelly Shackelford and Nate Kellum are breaking down the Court’s decision. They will explain what it means not only for Gabe but also for any American who has been denied their day in court.

Hospital officials also attacked her even though she had explained that she couldn’t refer patients for these procedures because they conflicted with her Christian faith.

Watch Valerie’s testimony from Monday’s Religious Liberty Commission meeting.

That’s exactly what happened after the landmark Groff v. DeJoy decision. The Court made it clear that employers can’t brush aside religious accommodations simply because they’re inconvenient.

Listen to First Liberty’s Cliff Martin explain further how the Groff decision is protecting millions of employees nationwide.

When his district's curriculum called for teachers to read books featuring same-sex married couples to their students, Eric sought an accommodation.

But the school's principal summoned Eric to her office, where he was told to forfeit his religious beliefs and teach the material—or face termination.

We sat down with Eric to hear his story in his own words.

For a better understanding, First Liberty’s Jeremy Dys explains the new guidance policy and how this change impacts teachers, coaches, school administrators and students.

Our rights come from God, not government.

That idea changed the world. And it’s what we’re honoring in this once-in-a-generation campaign: 250 Years of Faith and Freedom.

This historic initiative from First Liberty Institute will celebrate America’s First Freedom—Religious Liberty—from now until July 4, 2026.

And you’re part of it.

Watch First Liberty’s Kelly Shackelford discuss the importance of America’s 250th, the role religious liberty plays in keeping us free and why First Liberty is focused on securing our First Freedom for generations to come.

Check out our new website: https://freedom.firstliberty.org/ 

Find out how that's possible in a remarkably well-produced documentary called Off School Property that will hit theaters all over America. It’s one of those one-night-only showings that you won’t want to miss.

Check out the film here: https://lifewise.org/offschoolproperty/

Watch LifeWise Founder Joel Penton and First Liberty attorney Holly Randall discuss the making of the documentary and what they hope comes from it. They’ll also share the trailer and tell you how you can get tickets.

Watch Gabe Olivier share his story and then stay tuned as First Liberty attorney Nate Kellum discusses the upcoming oral argument at the Supreme Court.

Together, we can work to overturn the bad precedents at the Supreme Court. None of them are out of reach.

First Liberty's Kelly Shackelford and Jeff Mateer join in a roundtable discussion to unpack these precedents and why it's time for them to go.

Commission members heard testimony from First Liberty attorney Keisha Russell and clients Coach Joe Kennedy and Connecticut schoolteacher Marisol Arroyo-Castro.

Watch this video update from Washington D.C. to get all the details and critical take-aways from this meeting.

Thanks to God’s favor and your generous support, losing isn’t something we do.

David Hacker, First Liberty’s Vice President of Legal Services, to fills you in on 6 recent wins and explain why each one is important.

The commissioners, including First Liberty President and CEO Kelly Shackelford, also heard from First Liberty clients who shared their stories.

First Liberty's precedent-setting Supreme Court wins for Coach Kennedy, Gerald Groff, school choice and the Bladensburg Peace Cross are a testimony to the importance of appointing originalist judges.

Watch this conversation with Ilya Shapiro, one of America’s top constitutional scholars, as he discusses the current state of the judiciary and the opportunities that lay ahead to make new appointments during the Trump administration’s second term.

Also hear an important message from Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti about a critical victory at the Supreme Court protecting children from gender transitioning surgeries, treatments and procedures.

That’s why we have asked the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to fix this issue.

Specifically, we asked the court to honor Lacey and Marli’s right to have their day in court and have the merits of their case argued before a jury of their peers.

Watch a short preview of today’s proceedings with First Liberty’s David Hacker and then we’ll send you into the 9th Circuit courtroom for all of the action.

We went to Arkansas to talk to state lawmakers and others about this new law.

Gabriel, a strong believer in sharing his faith with others, routinely stood on a public sidewalk hoping to have peaceful conversations with others. But his city adopted an unconstitutional ordinance that prohibits religious speech on that public sidewalk.

Watch First Liberty volunteer attorney Allyson Ho, who will be arguing this case before the justices, discuss the Heck decision, why the justices took this case and what she does to prepare for oral argument at the Supreme Court.

We were there to pay our respects to the fallen 49 World War I service members, their mothers, The American Legion and all of those who fought to keep it standing.

Watch highlights from the ceremony and a special interview with First Liberty’s Roger Byron on the importance of this Cross.

We need your help to position First Liberty for a strong rest of 2025.

Join the fight for faith today and maximize your impact with our $500,000 Challenge Grant when you give by midnight on June 30th.

Yes, I'll maximize my impact now >>

When Pastor Ronnie and a small group from his church attended a festival in a city park that was open to the public, they found themselves banished far away from the festival to a free speech zone.

Watch Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. (Jerry) Boykin share his thoughts on D-Day and why it’s important to memorialize the sacrifices made by our service members.

Watch Patriot Mobile’s Leigh Wambsganss and First Liberty’s Nate Kellum explain why this is happening now and the importance of this moment.

Just a year ago, a school in Encinitas, CA used its “Buddy Activity Program” to force its fifth-grade students to deliver a message affirming gender ideology to their younger kindergarten buddies.

When a family asked the school to notify them and provide opt-out opportunities, the school denied their request.

Watch First Liberty attorney Kayla Toney explain what the decision means for the case moving forward.

Our President and CEO, Kelly Shackelford, has been appointed to serve on the Commission.

To give you a better understanding of the Commission, Kelly sat down with Stuart Shepard to discuss the appointment and to let you know what you can expect from those serving at the President’s request.

The Ventura Mayor interrupted her, demanding she stop by saying, “We [the City of Ventura] don’t do prayer.”

Watch Tarin Swain and First Liberty attorney Erin Smith discuss this case and learn what we we’re doing to protect Tarin’s right to pray.

To silence Gabriel, the City of Brandon passed an unconstitutional ordinance that Iimits his ability and the ability of others from communicating their religious beliefs to others in a city park.

Read more about this bill in our latest Insider article >>

In the 2025 movie The American Miracle: Our Nation is No Accident, it takes us on a journey through some of the most significant events in America’s birth and rise to prosperity and power.

To learn more about this upcoming film, watch this interview with the COO and Executive Producer of Heroic Films, Ralf Augstroze.

Check out Real Life Network >>

They will be conferencing on both cases Friday morning.

Will the Supreme Court justices say “Yes?”

Watch First Liberty attorneys Stephanie Taub and Jeremy Dys breakdown these cases and explain why the justices should take them.

Marisol Arroyo-Castro's only "offense"? Refusing to hide a small crucifix at her desk.

After three decades of dedicated service teaching Connecticut's children, school officials gave Marisol an impossible choice: hide her crucifix from view or face discipline. When she couldn't bring herself to hide this expression of her faith, they suspended her without pay.

Watch this interview with First Liberty attorney Becky Dummermuth to get the latest updates on this critically important case.

Join the challenge >>

Citing a quotation from any text – sacred or secular – is completely protected by the free speech clause of the First Amendment of the Constitution.

But the Peoria Unified School District in Arizona has been preventing School Board Member Heather Rooks from exercising that right since 2023.

Watch this interview with First Liberty attorney David Hacker to learn what happened at Friday's hearing and what comes next for Heather.

We urged the First Circuit to reverse a lower court ruling that upheld a Maine law preventing religious schools from participating in the state’s school choice program.

First Liberty’s Jeremy Dys joins us on First Liberty Live! to give an update on what happened inside the court room and why this case is important for the future of religious freedom.

President and CEO Kelly Shackelford joins us to talk about all the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead and why we should have more hope for the future of religious freedom than ever before.

When the parents requested notice and opt-outs from similar teaching in the future, the school district denied their requests.

First Liberty is fighting back to protect the students' right to religious freedom.

The Rock Church in Castle Rock, Colorado recently got great news after filing a federal lawsuit against hostile city officials.

A federal judge will allow the church, in the midst of their lawsuit, to continue its RV ministry that gives people in need temporary shelter.

This is a crucial first victory in their case. But the legal battle in Castle Rock isn’t over.

City officials are criminalizing compassion and trying to stop the church from giving the homeless a place to stay in a pinch, claiming the ministry violates zoning ordinances. Watch Pastor Mike Polhemus as he explains why The Rock Church is feeling called to serve the suddenly homeless and how they continue to work to fulfill their mission.

To answer your questions and offer a free resource for all churches and pastors, First Liberty attorney Jeremy Dys dives into this crucial topic. You won’t want to miss it!

Download our FREE election resources here >>

But Maine legislators have made it impossible for families to use the funds for a religious education.

To learn more about our recent appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals, watch this interview with Senior Counsel David Hacker. He dives into the case details and why this defense of the Carson v. Makin precedent is so critical.

When he was fired for living out his faith, Joe and his wife Denise knew this battle for religious freedom and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight. You can show your support for Coach Joe and religious freedom by going to the movies on opening weekend. 

Buy Tickets Now >>

In this episode, First Liberty attorney Hiram Sasser explains the poll results and how they will impact the future of the Supreme Court.

Join over 500,000 patriots and say NO to the Supreme Court Coup >>

This legislation would not only delegitimize the highest court in the nation, it would completely undermine the Constitution.

To help you understand what this legislation will mean for the future of our country, watch this crucial message from First Liberty President and CEO Kelly Shackelford.

Say NO tot the Supreme Court Coup >>

Listen to volunteer attorney Allyson Ho and professor Josh Blackman give expert analysis on the most pressing issues regarding our First Freedom now.

Don’t be fooled. President Biden’s court “reform” scheme is nothing more than a desperate attack to end the legitimacy of the Supreme Court.

To discern the specifics of Biden’s attempted Supreme Court Coup, First Liberty Live! is bringing you expert analysis of this dangerous plan from our Chief Legal Officer Jeff Mateer.

Say NO to the Supreme Court Coup >>

As one of our nation’s foremost experts on the Constitution and the separation of powers, he explains how this important document would have been interpreted at our founding and why an independent judiciary is so important.

Learn more about the Supreme Court Coup >>

One person of faith who boldly shares her perspective despite the noise online is Allie Beth Stuckey. As a wife, mom and host of the podcast Relatable, she understands the importance of viewing current issues through a Biblical worldview.

Listen to her share about leading the way in faith in the digital age on this episode.

As we approach their hearing on the settlement of their lawsuit on July 24th, today’s First Liberty Live! episode with attorney Danielle Runyan will give you a case update.

For a better understanding of the history and tradition test, Tim Barton, president of Wallbuilders and an expert in American history, breaks down how our nation’s past will determine how religious expression plays out in the public square today.

To break down the legal arguments behind this new law, First Liberty Live! talks to attorney Matt Krause—an independent legal and policy advisor to First Liberty. Matt recently testified at the Ohio legislature in support of a similar bill to the one Louisiana just passed.

And they don’t like these victories one bit.

Because we win, the attorneys and staff at First Liberty along with our brave clients draw a lot of attention… both positive and negative.

You see, anti-faith Leftists in the media choose to mischaracterize and misrepresent our work and the people of faith we help.

That’s why I’ve asked First Liberty’s Chief Legal Office to clear up the misconceptions generated by recent articles like Slate Magazine’s “The Religious Right Isn’t Hiding What It’s Doing in the Courts.”

We call it, the Future of Faith and Freedom or F3. F3 is dedicated to helping these up-and-coming generations learn how they can move the needle for faith in an impactful and meaningful way.

Listen to F3 Leaders Nathan Shackelford and Shaun Frederickson explain this growing movement and how it will shape our nation for generations to come.

Learn more about this exciting initiative >>

We had some major wins come through by God’s grace, as well as some disappointing setbacks.

To give you the full rundown on all of the last week’s decisions, Chief Legal Officer Jeff Mateer will explain what happened and what the outcomes in these cases mean for you and our clients.

This weekend is a time to remember and pray for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Attorney and US Air Force member Danielle Runyan will join us on First Liberty Live! to talk about the cases we are fighting right now for military service members.

Just days before the event, however, the Sonesta Nashville Airport hotel breached the contract and canceled the Summit.

Lead First Liberty attorney Hiram Sasser joins Live this afternoon for a question and answer session with host Stuart Shepard.

Add Your Name to Say No to Fear >>

In this episode he will explain the critical role that people of faith play in civic engagement. And that goes far beyond the election day on November 5th.

Check out our Election 2024 resources >>

LifeWise is currently being attacked by both the Freedom from Religion Foundation and the leftist media.

The notoriously anti-faith Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) recently sent a letter to 600 school districts in Ohio “warning” school officials about the mission of LifeWise Academy.

Listen to LifeWise Academy Founder and CEO Joel Penton explain how this program is making a positive impact in communities across the country and what First Liberty is doing to make sure that it’s protected from attacks.

In New Hampshire, the Town of Weare has used zoning laws to prevent Grace New England Church from meeting on Pastor Howard Kaloogian’s property.

In response to the town’s hostility, First Liberty filed a federal lawsuit to protect Pastor Howard’s and Grace New England Church’s right to meet and to worship.

Listen to attorney Jeremy Dys break down the shocking details of this case and what we are doing to stop this unconstitutional demand from the town.

Despite having approved and promoted other clubs like the Creekside Choir, Global Reading Challenge, Green Team, Safety Patrol and Pride Club, the principal told Laura that her only option for a prayer group was to pay for space like outside groups.

Hear from Laura first-hand and learn how this fight has impacted her faith as well as her vision for the prayer club that’s being denied.

Joining First Liberty Live! today is Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys to discuss the unbelievable facts of this case and what we are doing to put a stop to this discrimination.

Learn more about this case >>

Dr. Stephen Presley, a Senior Fellow at First Liberty’s Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy, gives a helpful perspective on approaching today’s culture shift in his new book, Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World Like the Early Church.

On today’s episode of First Liberty Live!, you'll hear from Dr. Presley about the importance of this perspective as we look back at the great religious leaders who were determined to impact the culture.

Gunna stood up for her faith and was fired for it.

On today’s episode of First Liberty Live!, you will get to hear Gunna’s story firsthand. Learn how she is bravely standing up for her rights and how she’s fighting back against this unlawful termination.

The Founder and President of Christians Engaged, Bunni Pounds, joins First Liberty Live! to talk about how you can navigate this huge election year.

Bunni worked as a political consultant and campaign manager, spent time on Capitol Hill, and even ran for office herself.

While many people say that faith has no place in politics, Bunni disagrees wholeheartedly. And on this episode, she unpacks how we can use our faith as an empowering motive in our vote.

Among the most significant reasons why they sought refuge in the United States were religious freedom and educational opportunities for their children.

But when these parents asked to opt their elementary school children out of LGBTQ books in English class, they were met with hostility.

The school district claimed that its curriculum sought “to be inclusive and reflect the diversity” of their students. But apparently its version of “diversity and inclusion” didn’t apply to religious parents.

Thankfully, these parents took a stand against this religious discrimination and won! They are now free to opt their children OUT of this woke content that goes against their religious beliefs.

Hodan Hassan, one of the brave moms, joins First Liberty Live! to discuss the fight with the school district and how the families took back their First Amendment rights.

Then, the college fired him. In his termination letter, the school said they received “numerous complaints” about his “offensive” and “unacceptable religious preaching” in the classroom.

But Dr. Varkey fought back against this wrongful termination and won! Now, he is going back in the fall to continue doing what he loves: teaching science.

In celebration of this major victory, Dr. Varkey joins First Liberty Live! to talk about this fight and why it was a critical win for truth and freedom.

They challenged a New York law that prohibited firearms at places of worship. The hypocrisy of this law was that it allowed most secular establishments, like Home Depot or a local diner, to decide for if patrons can defend themselves. But houses of worship couldn’t.

Pastor Micheal discusses how he not only protected his flock but defended American freedoms by standing strong against New York’s unconstitutional law.

To celebrate this important victory, property owner Dr. Don Wesson joins First Liberty Live! to share about the vision and future of the church now that they are free to worship at last!

When the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office issued a vaccine mandate, Assistant DA Rachel Spivack requested a religious accommodation. Her Orthodox Jewish faith prohibits her from receiving any vaccines.

The DA’s office denied Rachel’s request and fired her for failing to comply with their mandate. But 11 other staff members were allowed to continue working without being vaccinated.

Attorney Lea Patterson lays out the outrageous details of Rachel’s case and explains how we’re defending her.

The Kleins, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, are seeking justice after the government effectively forced them to close their business for running it according to their faith.

We’re asking the Oregon Court to right their wrong and recognize Aaron and Melissa’s constitutional rights.

But because of faithful supporters like you, we have some good news to report.

This week on First Liberty Live! we are diving into several recent victories for our Jewish clients that you may not know about.

FLI attorney Ryan Gardner joins Stuart Shepard to discuss our recent wins and how we have the opportunity for an even greater victory for the Jewish people ahead of us.

The city of Bryan, Ohio says he’s breaking the law because he opened Dad’s Place Church 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve his community, including anyone looking for a place to come in out of the cold.

The organization behind the ad, WallBuilders, seeks to educate people about America’s forgotten history and heroes. The ad this organization created shows our founding father George Washington with the question “Christian?” written across the front. Because of this, it was canceled.

First Liberty’s Jeremy Dys shares the details about Washington D.C.’s outrageous censorship. He explains how this is a seemingly blatant violation of free speech and what we’re doing to stop it.

In 2024, we’ll be facing off against multibillion dollar corporations, an out-of-control government, and anti-faith groups that will stop at nothing to silence your faith.

But we know to fear not. God has been preparing us for such a time as this.

This week on First Liberty Live! Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO and Chief Counsel, discusses the upcoming year. He’ll unpack all the opportunities and challenges it will provide and why we should have more hope for the future of religious freedom than ever before.

If you want to know how you can be praying and supporting First Liberty, this episode is an essential holiday watch.

Don’t miss our last episode of the year!

This year alone, we’ve won for houses of worship, synagogues, health care workers and all employees of faith.

Today, our Chief Legal Officer Jeff Mateer joins First Liberty Live! to recap this historic year by discussing the cases that have impacted religious freedom the most.

From our Supreme Court win that redefined religious accommodations in the workplace to our recent victory at the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals that impacted all New York houses of worship, Jeff will provide his unique insight into the meaning behind these wins.

Check out today’s episode to learn why 2023 was a pivotal year for religious freedom.

Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO and Chief Counsel, joins today’s show to discuss some of our biggest cases from years past that directly involve Christmas and the holidays. You’ll hear about a student banned from handing out candy canes, kids prevented from singing Christmas carols and more.

Plus, you’ll hear about how you can live out your faith this holiday season.

From his time in the Marines through his journey to find the path that God created for him, Joe shares candidly about what he learned about faith along the way.

You won’t want to miss this timely update from the coach that took a stand for faith by taking a knee in prayer.

And when the VA informed Stephanie twice that there was not an accommodation process, Stephanie took a courageous stand for faith.

Today on First Liberty Live!, FLI Senior Counsel Danielle Runyan shares the story of how this one woman’s stand for faith forced the VA to create a nationwide accommodation process for all its practitioners with religious objections to performing abortions and abortion-related services.

You won’t want to miss this David vs. Goliath story as we truly see how God used Stephanie’s faith to provide relief for all religious employees at the VA.

First Liberty’s mission is to defend religious liberty for all Americans, and with your help, we do that through what we call our Practice Groups.

Our practice groups are defined by the 5 areas we fight for faith which are the Marketplace, the Military, Education, the Public Arena, and Religious Institutions.

You won’t want to miss this episode as each of our leads take turns delivering messages about their specific practice areas and share the thanks they feel your for your faithful support.

And today at First Liberty, we love the protections that RFRA is still providing for people of faith.

For RFRA’s anniversary, Kelly Shackelford joins us on this week’s Live! to talk about the impact of this law on religious freedom.

Kelly will share how this significant piece of legislation became law, discuss historic rulings that have come from it and update you on how RFRA continues to protect religious freedom today.

Today, we’re hosting a very special episode of First Liberty Live! with our very own veteran and Marine Reservist Mike Berry.

In his civilian capacity, Mike shares his perspective on how the military’s hostility towards faith is negatively impacting its ability to recruit and retain service members.

And as bonus, Mike will give us some timely case updates on The Navy SEALs, VA Nurse Stephanie Carter and Space Force Reservist Jace Yarbrough.

This night of worship for college students at Auburn University brought thousands of students together. Some even got baptized at the event. But, it caused a negative outcry after football coach Hugh Freeze assisted in the baptism of one of his players during the revival event.

First Liberty Live! host Stuart Shepard asks Tonya about the event and how other colleges are trying to exercise their religious liberty by organizing similar revivals. You won’t want to miss this episode!

The state is blocking families from using state homeschool funds because these families choose to use a faith-based curriculum.

That’s wrong. It’s also unconstitutional. 

First Liberty’s Justin Butterfield joins us to explain how our Supreme Court victory in Carson v. Makin impacts this fight. He’ll unpack how the government can’t exclude families in state funding programs when it comes to religious education.

Get the latest update on our federal lawsuit to stop California’s blatant discrimination. You don’t want to miss it!