

Outstanding
The Washington Stand
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 10, 2025 • 38min
Religious Freedom: Persecution is Real (Ep. 209)
1 in 9 Christians around the world experience persecution in some form. Host Casey Harper is joined by former U.S. representative and current Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Vicky Hartzler, and Family Research Council’s Arielle Del Turco as they highlight the growing threat and violence towards Christians worldwide. Chair Hartzler shares the work she is doing, how the U.S. federal government can aid those who are persecuted, and highlights heartbreaking stories of Christians who have lost their lives for the sake of the gospel. Persecution is real. How can you aid your brothers and sisters who are experiencing it?

Sep 3, 2025 • 38min
Who was Dr. James Dobson? A Personal Tribute (Ep. 208)
Dr. James Dobson lived a life dedicated to furthering the Kingdom and encouraging godly families. While millions knew him as an evangelical figure, a smaller group of people got to see who Dr. Dobson was when the world wasn't looking. Dave Salkeld worked closely with Dr. Dobson for 19 years as an editor and recording engineer. Dave joins host Casey Harper to share personal stories that reflect the genuine and honorable character of Dr. Dobson highlighting his commitment to excellence and his family.

Aug 27, 2025 • 32min
When Did Moms Become a ‘Hate Group?' (Ep. 207)
Using “mom” and “hate group” in the same sentence may sound unusual to you – but that is exactly what the Massachusetts State Police have done. Massachusetts police training materials classified Mom’s for Liberty as a “hate group” and placed them in their training manual right next to Antifa, a group who is known for actually inciting violence. Host Casey Harper is joined by Tina Descovich, co-founder of Mom’s for Liberty as she reacts to the label and discusses what Moms for Liberty is actually up to.ResourcesThe Hate Charade: Tyler O'Neil and Chris Gacek on the SPLC (Ep.194)

Aug 20, 2025 • 42min
Four Cases To Watch: Religious Liberty Under Attack (Ep. 206)
Lawyer and Senior Council at First Liberty, Jordan Lorence, joins host Casey Harper to discuss the ever-growing list of religious liberty and freedom of speech cases the U.S. courts are seeing. Jordan unpacks four big U.S. Supreme Court Cases that we can expect to see in the next round of rulings and offers advice on how to best handle first amendment cases.

Aug 13, 2025 • 51min
When Pastors Step Into Politics (Ep. 205)
Colorado pastor Chase Davis joins The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges and host Casey Harper to talk pastoral duty and political engagement. When Colorado passed House Bill 251312—undermining parental rights and advancing a liberal agenda—Pastor Davis knew he couldn’t stay silent. He shares his journey into the political fight, the role of the fear of the Lord, and how pastors can wisely address politics from the pulpit and with their congregations. See also:State-Enforced Fatherlessness in Colorado. . . And Your State May Be Next [Chase Davis, Christ Over All

Aug 6, 2025 • 39min
The War Over Title IX (Ep. 204)
The Department of Education's Julie Hartman joins host Casey Harper to discuss the Trump administration’s push to restore Title IX protections for women. They cover schools ignoring these rules, the role of federal enforcement, parental rights, and the growing clash between education policy and woke ideology.

Jul 30, 2025 • 32min
Canceled By Your Bank For Your Beliefs? Debanking with David Bahnsen (Ep. 203)
Economist, believer, and author multi-million dollar money manager, David Bahnsen, joins host Casey Harper to unpack the growing trend of debanking—where conservatives and religious Americans face account closures from major financial institutions. Drawing from high-profile cases like Sam Brownback’s, Bahnsen explains how pressure from government “reputational risk” lists and rogue actors inside corporations threaten financial liberty. He emphasizes the importance of transparency over regulation, arguing that market forces and public accountability are the best solutions. The conversation also turns to economic hopelessness among young men and how a return to Biblical principles—faith, hard work, marriage, and responsibility—can restore both personal purpose and national prosperity.Resourceswww.bahnsen.com

Jul 23, 2025 • 42min
The Leftist Takeover of Schools, Paid for by Taxpayers (Ep. 202)
Education is under attack. Host Casey Harper is joined by Kendall Tietz, an investigative reporter for Defending Education to discuss the ideological takeover of America’s schools. Together, they expose how federal funds meant for disadvantaged students are being redirected to controversial programs promoting race and gender-based ideologies, equitable grading, and political indoctrination—often without parental consent.ResourcesDefending Education

Jul 16, 2025 • 45min
Inside the Transgender Industry: Its Profits Over Protection (Ep. 201)
Transgender ideology has quietly taken root in key institutions meant to nurture and protect children - schools and hospitals. Host Casey Harper is joined by Alleigh Marre of the American Parents Coalition and Joshua Arnold of The Washington Stand to discuss the disturbing financial incentives driving the movement, the life-altering consequences of transitioning minors, and the FBI’s recent investigation into several hospitals.

Jul 9, 2025 • 53min
The Crisis of Justice and Safety in America (Ep. 200)
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.