Outstanding

Outstanding

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.

Episodes

April 30, 2025 54 mins

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 ...

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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 f...

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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 Christian...

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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!

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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 s...

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March 26, 2025 57 mins

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 ef...

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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 sh...

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March 12, 2025 46 mins

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.


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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 Ze...

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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 mo...

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The Washington Stand’s Joshua Arnold and FRC Action’s Matt Carpenter explore recent government funding cuts, focusing on USAID and concerns over misuse of funds. Along with host Joseph Backholm, they discuss DOGE’s (Department of Governmental Efficiency) oversight, whether their actions are constitutional, and Elon Musk’s role in the shake-up. The hosts offer a Christian perspective on balancing empathy for ...

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Daniel Darling, author, pastor, and Christian leader, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the shifting anti-evangelical movement in America and the impact of Trump’s elections on faith and politics. They explore Trump’s surprising gains across demographics, his appeal to the working class, and the debate over whether political involvement is driving people away from the church. Darling emphasizes the need to prevent politics from divi...

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Christian apologist Neil Shenvi, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss the dangers of critical theory and its clash with biblical Christianity. He explains the influence of movements like BLM and the definition of “wokeness”. Shenvi exposes how critical theory threatens unity within the church and stresses the need for unity in Christ over divisions of gender, ethnicity, and race.

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Former Muslim, author, and national security expert, Hedieh Mirahmadi Falco, joins Joseph Backholm to share her faith journey from Islam to Christianity. She discusses the redemptive power and grace of Jesus, delves into the complexities of radicalization, and emphasizes the importance of preserving America’s Christian values while respecting the religious liberties of others.

Resources

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Dr. Jim Garlow, founder and CEO of Well Versed, joins Joseph Backholm to explore the biblical foundation of marriage. They unpack Genesis 1 and 2 and address the cultural decline in marriage and birth rates. He examines the spiritual and societal war on marriage, the church’s shift away from its importance, and the disconnect between wanting marriage and being married. Tune in for insights on covenant marriage and how to pray for y...

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Jim Campbell who serves as chief legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom joins Joseph Backholm to dissect the recent Supreme Court Case Free Speech Coalition vs. Paxton. They discuss details of the case, limitations on speech, and which way the Supreme Court may rule. They also examine the TikTok ban, whether it is Constitutional, and the potential threats the app could pose to our national security.

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Former Canadian politician, Stockwell Day, joins Joseph Backholm to shed some light on what is happening with our neighbors to the north. From potential trade wars to a shift in power, Canadians are not only braving the cold this winter but also a constantly changing political and economic climate.


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Gordon Chang, a China expert, joins Joseph Backholm to discuss China’s growing global influence, US-China relations, and concerns over its role in the Panama Canal. They discuss potential economic and security threats, including tech risks like TikTok and DeepSeek, and examine China’s involvement in global conflicts. They also unpack the question of how the Trump administration will handle Chinese influence both on American soil an...

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Dr. John Wilsey, professor of church history and philosophy at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, joins Joseph Backholm to give an analysis of America right now compared to its history. Together they dive into the concept of “Christian Nationalism”, the root of the term, and what it truly means. They also discuss the controversial topic of immigration, answering the question, “Is it selfish and unbiblical to want to put Ame...

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Joseph Backholm is joined by Eric Teetsel, executive vice president at the Center for Renewing America, to unpack President Trump’s recent executive orders. Spanning from border security to anti-woke policies, Trump wasted no time in rolling back many Biden-era decisions. The two talk about the Remain in Mexico policy, the One Flag policy, and the designation of drug cartels as terrorists. A lot has changed in the first few days of...

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