

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

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.

Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Christian Roots of America's Founding: Fact or Fiction? (Ep. 199)
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?

Jun 27, 2025 • 47min
Journey from Iranian Muslim to Persecuted Christian (Ep. 198)
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

Jun 25, 2025 • 46min
Is Pride Losing Steam? (Ep. 197)
"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.

Jun 18, 2025 • 50min
Post-Roe Reality: Fighting for Life in the Age of Abortion Pills (Ep. 196)
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

Jun 11, 2025 • 45min
The Tech Exit: Is AI and Social Media Rewiring Childhood? Clare Morell, Arielle Del Turco (Ep. 195)
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

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Hate Charade: Tyler O'Neil and Chris Gacek on the SPLC (Ep.194)
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.