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The Nuclear Option

The Nuclear Option

By: WeSchool Educational Foundation
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 In a culture where families are made increasingly invisible, join Chicago Pastor Chris Butler & his wife, Homeschool Organizer Aziza Butler, as they celebrate the greatness of the nuclear family and highlight how families make the world a better place.WeSchool Educational Foundation Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The Standard: Academics, Date Nights & Framed Photos

    The Standard: Academics, Date Nights & Framed Photos
    Oct 9 2025
    While date nights & framed family photos strengthen families, the defeatist movement across the country to lower academic standards in the name of equity weakens them. Pastor Chris & Aziza discuss why strong academic standards and family rhythms are key to raising strong children and call for states like IL to call for more from our educators and give parents a chance to meet the moment.Episode Outline[00:00] Introduction to the Nuclear Option Podcast[01:27] Politics - Lowered Academic StandardsIllinois lowers standards making more students seem “proficient”Vallas: Illinois returning to soft bigotry of low expectationsIllinois wants to lower the bar for passing state tests, saying the standard is unfair to students[09:53] Practice - Date NightsThe Importance of Date Nights in Marriage[18:20] Promise - Framed Photos“Printed Photo Impact Report”“Photography Builds Self-Esteem”“The science of memories: how family photos boost happiness and child development”“Photographic enhancement of children's self-esteem” (Not specifically about family photos, but about printed photos of children related to their own self-esteem)“The Importance of Photographs for Our Children” (One of the top links in the search; the sources listed at the bottom of the page are not hyperlinked and I was unable to find them online)Related Episodes & Additional ResourcesThe Pilot – Learn more about Aziza’s fight for homeschooling freedom in ILFor More Information on IL’s new academic standards:Illinois lowers standards making more students seem “proficient”For More Information on the Importance of framed photos:“The science of memories: how family photos boost happiness and child development”Host & Show InfoHost Name: Pastor Chris & Aziza ButlerAbout 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 ActionRate & Review on Spotify & 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.
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    22 mins
  • Mental Health Screenings & Family Trips

    Mental Health Screenings & Family Trips
    Oct 4 2025

    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.
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    31 mins
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