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Outstanding

Outstanding

Author: The Washington Stand

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Critical conversations on the news of the day and the issues that shape us.

Outstanding is a podcast of The Washington Stand, Family Research Council's outlet for news and commentary from a biblical worldview. We examine outstanding news and issues from TWS with an aim to take every thought captive for the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Join us as we examine the headlines through the lens of Scripture, and explore how Christians should respond.
234 Episodes
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On today's news brief: The federal government remains partially shutdown, member nations for the Gaza Board of Peace have committed $5 billion for humanitarian and security efforts in Gaza, there has been little progress in a nuclear deal with Iran, an 18-year-old man ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday before police arrested him, and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva ended abruptly today after only two hours.
Host Casey Harper is joined by journalist Yoe Suarez and The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to discuss the economic and political state of Cuba. Growing up in Havana, Yoe knows firsthand what the socialist regime is capable of. The three unpack Venezuela’s impact on Cuba, what life is like on the island, and where the country is headed. Only time will tell what will happen to Cuba.
The medical community is finally realizing that transgender surgeries are harming America’s children. Recently, both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association released statements recommending gender-affirming surgeries be delayed until adulthood, but what does this mean for the issue as a whole? Is change happening? Host Casey Harper is joined by American Parents Coalition’s Alleigh Marre, and The Washington Stand’s Joshua Arnold to discuss the new research and mentality shift we are seeing in the medical world.
The Virginia policy landscape is under attack. After a full sweep by Democrats during Virginia’s recent elections, they have wasted no time in proposing a list of radical amendments to the state’s constitution. To analyze these changes, host Casey Harper is joined by president of The Family Foundation of Virginia, Victoria Cobb, and The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges. No stone has been left unturned in the quest to radicalize public policy in Virginia. The three discuss the proposed changes to laws concerning: abortion, gun control, taxes, private schools, and gambling.
How would you respond if someone came into your office on a mission to kill you? Would it even cross your mind to share the gospel? Host Casey Harper is joined by Virginia Prodan author and international human rights attorney as she shares her story of persecution and saving her assassin. Living in communist Romania, Virginia felt called to share the gospel with her clients, even when it meant putting herself in danger. She tells her story and encourages believers to allow the Lord to use you in ways you may never expect.
How do we define what is? Host Casey Harper is joined by author and pastor, David Schrock, and The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to unpack how Christians can begin to define the world the way God originally created it. Where do we start to understand what we know? The three discuss what has diluted Truth, the impact of post modernism on understanding what is true, and the definition of humanity.ResourcesThe Business of Is-Ness: How to Live in the World God Made by David SchrockChrist Over All
The Hyde Amendment is crucial—it protects taxpayers from being forced to fund abortion and upholds the dignity of human life. So why is President Trump asking Congress to be “flexible” when it comes to Hyde? To discuss this, host Casey Harper is joined by Chuck Donovan, a pro-life expert who has been in the fight for over 20 years. Having served in the Reagan administration, Chuck details how the Hyde Amendment came to be, what it entails, and the dangers of removing it. The two also unpack the recent actions of the Trump administration and what is causing the sudden shift away from protecting life.
As we begin to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it is important to reflect on the rich history and Christian foundation that this country was built on. Host Casey Harper is joined by president of Plymouth Rock Foundation, Dr. Paul Jehle, to analyze the impact the Mayflower Compact had on shaping American culture and government. The two address who the pilgrims were, what they believed, and how their mentality and way of living influences the American government we see today.ResourcesPlymouth Rock Foundation
It has almost been one whole year of Trump admin 2.0. How did President Trump do? Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council Action’s Matt Carpenter and The Washington Stand’s Mark Tapscott to unpack the actions and impacts of the second Trump administration. The three dive into what’s changed concerning the: immigration issue, Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, foreign policy, and abortion.
As American culture drifts away from its founding ideals, the simplicity and beauty of the Christmas story may be the answer. Host Casey Harper is joined by author and cultural commentator Os Guinness for a reflection on the modern-day Christmas story and American culture. Living in a cut flower civilization, the two discuss America’s identity crisis, what the Christmas story offers to a modern world, and how this time of year is actually the foundation of equality and freedom.
Is gambling doing anyone any good? Host Casey Harper is joined by Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, and The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to confront the roots and impacts of predatory gambling. Few actions by state governments harm Americans more. What does gambling truly offer? Only loss. The three break down what Scripture says about gambling, why corruption around it is so widespread, and whether there’s a real solution to this growing problem.
In a world being quickly influenced by Artificial Intelligence, how can Christians navigate this new reality? Host Casey Harper is joined by pastor and Dominion AI cofounder Erik Reed, along with The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to unpack how AI can be used in a way that glorifies the Lord. While AI provides knowledge and information, it will never replace the wisdom that actual humans can provide. The three contemplate the future of AI and the impact it will have on the workforce.
Can AI truly be Christian? Host Casey Harper is joined by pastor and Dominion AI cofounder Erik Reed, along with The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges, to explore the foundations and future of faith-driven artificial intelligence. Even if you are not a personal user of AI chat bots, the software is everywhere. Erik shares the story behind Dominion AI, how it differs from secular platforms, and the growing evidence revealing the risks of relying on AI for companionship alone.
“Socialism works until the money runs out.” Host Casey Harper is joined by Cuban writer and author Yoe Suarez and The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to break down the core principles of socialism and its impact on society. Speaking from experience, Yoe shares what life under Cuban socialism looked like, how socialist ideology views the church and how money is not always the solution for societal problems.
Every member of the Senate has a tool that allows them to single handedly bring the government to a screeching halt. Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council’s Quena Gonzalez and The Washington Stand’s Suzanne Bowdey to discuss an interesting political tool and tactic: the filibuster. Created in the early years of American government to remove the ability to end debate, the filibuster has been used by both Republicans and Democrats throughout the years. The three discuss what it is, how does it maintain balance in the Senate, and if it were removed what are the unintended consequences for a short term gain, but long term consequences.
What do regular churchgoers actually believe? Host Casey Harper sits down with Family Research Council’s David Closson and The Washington Stand’s Sarah Holliday to unpack a new survey from FRC’s Center for Biblical Worldview, conducted with researcher George Barna. The study explores how adult churchgoers view today’s key social issues and their personal worldviews.
Host Casey Harper sits down with U.S. Congressman Michael Guest to unpack the government shutdown and how President Trump managed to do the impossible at the southern border. Rep. Guest shares how his personal faith shapes his work in Congress and guides his decision-making. The two also dive into the ongoing government shutdown - what’s behind it, what needs to be resolved - and discuss how Republicans and the Trump administration have worked together to strengthen border security and prioritize the interests of the American people.
OK boomer, if you think dating was tricky in your day when it was just dinner and a movie —ask Gen Z how it’s going now that it’s DMs and a Bible verse in the bio. Host Casey Harper is joined by Family Research Council’s Gen Z experts, Sarah Holliday and Rachael Woods, to discuss dating, political trends, faith, and singleness from a Gen Z perspective. What are Gen Z women looking for in men? Why are some turning more liberal? How can one manage the desire for marriage and steward the gift of singleness well? No matter which generation you're from, if you want to better understand Gen Z, listen in!
Why since the overturning of Roe v. Wade have abortions increased, not decreased? Joining host Casey Harper is Dr. Christina Francis and Family Research Council’s Mary Szoch to discuss this concerning trend. With power back to the states, many assumed the number of abortions would decrease. What they failed to recognize was one small, yet powerful influence: the abortion pill. Dr. Francis and Mary unpack the impact and dangers women face when taking the pill and why it should be taken off the market immediately.
Freedom is under attack across the pond. Host Casey Harper sits down with Peter Mcilvenna, co-founder of the free speech alliance Heart of Oak, who shares firsthand insight into the dwindling personal liberties faced by UK citizens. In Britain today, people are being arrested simply because someone found their words or posts “offensive.” Together, they explore what kinds of speech can get you arrested, whether similar trends are emerging in the U.S., and how mass immigration has influenced this growing crisis.
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