Outstanding
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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.
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.
201 Episodes
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Former cop Jason Johnson and Washington Stand’s Sam McCarthy join host Casey Harper to expose the growing crisis in America’s justice system — where public officials often seem to side with criminals over victims. Is it now a good time to be a criminal? Jason and Sam break down why cities are feeling increasingly unsafe, the failures of modern prosecutors, and how the Trump administration is handling the riots.
Is the Declaration of Independence still relevant today? Does it contain language that lays the groundwork for a Christian society? Does slavery disqualify the founders?Dr. Matthew Spalding joins host Casey Harper to unpack the Declaration, exploring how its true meaning has been lost in modern misinterpretations. They also tackle the age-old question: Was this country, and its founding documents, truly built on a Christian worldview that was meant to persist?
Marziyeh Amirizadeh’s story is one of courageous faith and a powerful testament to God’s providence. Growing up as a Muslim in Iran, Marzi knew the grave risks of becoming a Christian. She witnessed the Iranian regime’s brutal persecution of believers and would come to experience it herself. Charged with apostasy - leaving Islam - Marzi was imprisoned, tortured, and sentenced to death by hanging. She joins Casey Harper and Family Research Council’s Arielle Del Turco to share her remarkable journey, offer a window into life in Iran, and weigh in on the current conflict.ResourcesNew Persia
"Pride Month" was so scaled back this year - the rainbow showed up in pastel. It seems big corporations realize going woke can hurt the bottom line. But what’s really behind the silencing of this once-colorful cacophony of the leftist agenda? Executive Director of the National Center’s Free Enterprise Project, Stefan Padfield, and The Washington Stand’s Suzanne Bowdey join Casey Harper to unpack this year’s seemingly toned-down "Pride Month" and whether this is a trend we’ll continue to see.
The fight for life is far from over. Family Research Council’s Mary Szoch joins host Casey Harper to discuss what the life issue landscape looks like since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. While a lot of good has come from that decision, abortions have actually been on the rise over the last few years, driven largely by the widespread use of chemical abortion pills like mifepristone. Harper and Szoch unpack the health risks of mifepristone, Planned Parenthood’s latest report, and clarify that pro-life laws protect, not endanger, women.ResourcesFast Facts: Planned Parenthood Annual Reports
Technology is reshaping childhood in deeply concerning ways, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence and social media. Clare Morell, author of The Tech Exit, and Family Research Council’s Arielle Del Turco explore how screen addiction, AI chatbots, and unregulated tech are damaging young minds, fueling loneliness, and eroding both emotional and spiritual well-being. Together, they emphasize the need for stronger regulations and share practical advice and policy solutions for parents and lawmakers to better protect the next generation.ResourcesThe Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones by Clare MorellFRC's Comment on the Development of an Artificial Intelligence Action Plan
The Southern Poverty Law Center has been in the business of big hate for decades. Even after inspiring a 2012 domestic terror attack by an attempted mass-shooter who used their "hate map," the SPLC doubled down. The organization is once again targeting conservatives for their views. Daily Signal's Tyler O'Neil and Family Research Council's Chris Gacek explain the history and corruption of SPLC, their devolution to the far left, and impact of its hate map.
It is not about gender – but identity. Family Research Council’s Jennifer Bauwens and Walt Heyer speak on their new book and resource that helps explain and offers advice on how Christians can navigate the growing transgender movement. In their new book, Embracing God’s Design, Jennifer and Walt dive deep into what is pushing the transgender movement, what role trauma plays, and how the church can respond in love, but also with truth when addressing this issue.ResourcesEp. 28: What Causes Transgenderism?Ep. 104: The Long Term Effects of Pride with Walt Heyer
Just like words, art is used to communicate beauty, feelings, and truth. Family Research Council’s Hannah Tu and veteran designer Jeff Dionise discuss the power and purpose of art as a form of human creativity and expression. They share how they integrate faith and design and how creativity flows from a rightly ordered faith. They also explore its role in communication and the church, and how AI is impacting the world of art.
Journalists Mark Tapscott and Casey Harper join The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to discuss the state of journalism—past, present, and future. They explore media bias, declining public trust, the shift from traditional reporting, and historical and modern media missteps. They also reflect on how their Christian faith shapes their work and how believers can wisely consume media in a digital age.ResourcesThe Center Square
As Donald Trump launches into his second term, the first 100 days have been nothing short of a political whirlwind. FRC Action's Matt Carpenter and Family Research Council's Quena Gonzalez unpack the first 100 days of the Trump administration 2.0. They reflect on the fast-moving first few weeks, the importance of Congress making reforms permanent, and key wins for social issues important to Christians. He has done a lot in a short amount of time, but there is still more to do! Check out FRC Action's Trump Commitment Tracker for updates on this administration's agenda.ResourcesTrump Committment Tracker
Stephen Soukup, director of The Political Forum Institute, joins Jared Birdges and Suzanne Bowdey from The Washington Stand to discuss the state of DEI, ESG, and wokeism in business and government. Are these initiatives truly dead, or just rebranded? They explore the role of consumer boycotts, government actions, and why the average person should care. Soukup also offers tips on identifying these evolving efforts and the economic factors influencing them.
In a world where everything feels temporary, this Resurrection Week conversation centers on the one thing that never changes—the cross of Christ. The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges is joined by Dr. Stephen Wellum and Pastor David Schrock to discuss the lasting significance of the cross and resurrection in a fleeting world. They explore why the cross is central to God’s plan, the importance of Jesus’ dual nature, and how Christians can develop a deeper theology of Christ. A timely reflection on the hope and permanence found in Jesus.ResourcesChrist Over All
In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Eithan Haim, who first joined us in March 2024 after blowing the whistle on Texas Children’s Hospital’s secretive transgender program for minors, shares his whirlwind legal journey fighting the Biden DOJ, what made him decide to blow the whistle, and what he has learned over the course of this year. Listen today to be encouraged by one man’s courageous stand for truth!
Should faith and politics mix? Joseph Backholm sits down with Caleb Morrell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the unique role of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in shaping evangelicalism in the nation’s capital. Caleb shares his journey with the church, uncovering its rich 150-year history, from its founding to its enduring biblical foundation despite cultural shifts. They discuss the church’s impact in political spaces, the significance of strong leadership, and how it has remained a guiding light through changing times.ResourcesA Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced by Caleb Morrell
As Charlie Kirk put it, let’s hope voters do not have the memory of a goldfish when it comes to Gavin Newsom’s political history. President of California Family Council, Jonathan Keller, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss California Governor Gavin Newsom’s “political rebrand”. Recently, Newsom walked back his support for transgender athletes in women’s sports. Was this a strategic shift or political maneuver? They also discuss his efforts to engage conservatives on his new podcast, his potential 2028 run, and whether this signals a Democratic course correction. Can Newsom successfully rebrand, and will voters buy it? Tune in for the debate!
Executive Director of the Philos Project, Luke Moon, joins Joseph Backholm to unpack the latest developments in Syria. With HTS overthrowing the Assad regime after 54 years, they explore whether the new rule is any better - or just as bad. Luke breaks down the roots of the civil war, the role of the Alawites, and why Christians are being targeted. We also examine HTS’s origins, the broader Sunni-Shia conflict, and how this power shift in Syria might be influencing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Tune in for a deep dive into the complexities of Syria’s ongoing turmoil.
As Generation Z grows older and enters the workforce, theworld is learning more about what they value and believe. Family Research Council interns Alanna Casey and Zach Gohl join host Joseph Backholm to share their experience being Gen Z and the shift they are seeing when it comes to lifestyles and worldviews among their peers.
When President Donald Trump was elected, he promised to clean up the foreign affairs mess left by his predecessor - specifically the Russian-Ukrainian war. Professor at Regent University, Dr. A.J. Nolte, joins Joseph Backholm to explore America’s stance on Ukraine, the Biden administration’s role, and whether the U.S. should engage with Putin. Why is Trump the only president who seems willing to talk to Russia? What mistakes has Zelensky made, and is Ukraine’s corruption a barrier to peace? They break down the challenges of a deal, military risks, and the future of power in the region.
Family Research Council’s David Closson joins Joseph Backholm to discuss his new book Life After Roe, examining the impact of Roe v. Wade’s overturn in 2022. While 22,000 lives were saved, abortion reached an all-time high in the years following the overturn. They explore the role of pro-life laws, the church’s response, and the emerging debate on IVF. As culture shifts, how do we stay committed to biblical truth and protect the most vulnerable?
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